Plant Species Interactions in the Rhizosphere Increase Maize N and P Acquisition and Maize Yields in Intercropping

The aim of the study was to examine interspecific plant interactions that contribute to plant nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) acquisition and are likely the reason for overyielding in intercropping. We conducted a field and a rhizobox experiment with the same soil. Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown alone or intercropped with the companions faba bean (Vicia faba L.), soy (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), blue lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), or white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). We determined the isotopic N signature (delta N-15) of maize as well as soil parameters (pH, phosphatase activity, nitrate) in the field experiment. We analyzed phosphatase activities and rhizosphere pH by soil zymography and pH imaging in the rhizobox experiment. Maize N and P contents were larger in intercropping than monocropping, especially with soy and lupin in the field, indicating intercropping advantages for maize N and P acquisition. Intercropping with legumes decreased maize delta N-15 in the field, suggesting that 11-20% of maize aboveground biomass N was transferred from legumes to maize. Soil zymography revealed high phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere of lupin and faba bean. pH imaging showed a rhizosphere alkalinization by mustard, and a rhizosphere acidification by faba bean. These changes in the companions' rhizosphere likely mobilized P and were also beneficial for maize in intercropping. Taken together, our study provides evidence that the companions' ability to mobilize N and P in the rhizosphere promotes increases in maize nutrient contents and causes maize overyielding in intercropping and thus can contribute to fertilizer savings.

Automated summary

This study examines plant interactions in intercropping that contribute to the acquisition of nitrogen and phosphorus by plants, leading to higher yields. The results show that intercropping with legumes such as soy and lupin increases nitrogen and phosphorus content in maize, indicating the advantages of intercropping for nutrient acquisition. Additionally, changes in the rhizosphere, such as increased phosphatase activity by lupin and faba bean, and pH changes caused by mustard and faba bean, contribute to nutrient mobilization and promote maize growth in intercropping.