The importance of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions in determining crop growth and advantages of peanut/maize intercropping

Intercropping of maize (Zea mays L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge aboveground belowground interspecific interactions between field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate effects on plant growth grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen (N) phosphorus (P) levels. The method root separation employed differentiate from interactions. We observed that global interaction effect shoot biomass decreased with coexistence period, contributed more advantages terms yield. There positive crop system, except had negative during late period. advantage came mainly increased (means 95%) due competition light (61%–72% vs. 28%–39% fertilizer treatments). peanut, but positively affected supply N, P, or N + P intercropped contribution interaction. Our study suggests comes facilitation their can be enhanced by P. These findings are important managing optimizing benefits using this system.