Temporal Differentiation of Crop Growth as One of the Drivers of Intercropping Yield Advantage.

ABSTRACT: Intercropping studies usually focus on yield advantage and interspecific interactions but few quantify temporal niche differentiation and its relationship with intercropping yield advantage. A field experiment conducted in northwest China in 2013 and 2014 examined four intercropping systems (oilseed rape/maize, oilseed rape/soybean, potato/maize, and soybean/potato) and the corresponding monocultures. Total dry matter data collected every 20 d after maize emergence were fitted to logistic models to investigate the temporal dynamics of crop growth and interspecific interactions. All four intercropping systems showed significant yield advantages. Temporal niche complementarity between intercropped species was due to differences in sowing and harvesting dates or the time taken to reach maximu

SUBMITTER: Dong N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5814522 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature