Improved post-silking light interception increases yield and P-use efficiency of maize in maize/soybean relay strip intercropping

Abstract Belowground and aboveground interactions are important in increasing yield nutrient-use efficiency intercropping. However, how the P-use respond to shoot-root intercropping remains unknown. Maize mono- was grown under field conditions (regosol soil, initial Olsen-P 12.6?mg?kg?1) with P supply of 0 35?kg ha yr-1 (P0 P35, respectively) for 3 years. Compared monocropping, significantly increased grain (by 13.9 %) plant (45.1 %), which might be attributed light interception during post-silking period. Both sufficient (P35 treatment) delayed leaf senescence through minimizing degradation chlorophyll remobilisation as well expression ZmSee2? gene that influences longevity. Increased associated enhanced longevity duration photosynthesis, provided assimilates not only achieving potential, but also maintaining root growth. It is suggested sucrose translocated roots serves a substrate growth improves uptake satisfy nutrient demand expanding shoots. This work contributed understanding resource-use regulated by interactions.