Interspecific root interactions increase maize yields in intercropping with different companion crops

Background Intercropping is assumed to increase food production while reducing fertilizer needs and environmental impacts of crop production. Aims We aimed (1) investigate the effects intercropping on yields nutrient uptake maize, (2) determine relative contributions above- belowground interspecific interactions (RCabove/below) these effects. Methods conducted a 2-year, small-scale field experiment with maize grown either in monocropping or intercropped faba bean, soy, blue lupin, white mustard as companion crop. included treatment which root were restricted due barriers soil. Maize crops analyzed for yields, additionally uptake. partial land equivalent ratios (pLER), nitrogen phosphorus (pNER, pPER), RCabove/below calculated. Results resulted similar productivity an area basis. pLER, pNER, pPER larger than 1.0 several species combinations, indicating positive effect N P Interspecific accounted 62–85% yield legume/maize intercropping, but only 22% mustard/maize intercropping. Conclusion Our results indicate that beneficial since it increases plants, also provides A substantial part can be attributed interactions.