Root spatial distribution and belowground competition in an apple/ryegrass agroforestry system

Wei, Wenwen; Liu, Tingting; Zhang, Shuai; Shen, Lei; Wang, Xiuyuan; Li, Luhua; Zhu, Yun; Zhang, Wei

doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103869

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…In the overlapping part of the root system, that is, the interspecific interaction zone, the increase in RLD, RSAD, SRL, and RD of intercropped maize was greater than that of intercropped peanut ( Figures 2 – 5 ), indicating that maize showed greater root morphological plasticity than peanut. The strong competitiveness of maize optimizes the distribution of root morphology and enhances its ability to compete with neighboring peanuts for water and nutrients ( Christina et al., 2023 ; Wei et al., 2024 ). Moreover, this explains the decrease in the RSAD and RD of intercropped peanut.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Border row effects improved the spatial distributions of maize and peanut roots in an intercropping system, associated with improved yield

Dong,

Zhao,

Sun

et al. 2024

Front. Plant Sci.

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BackgroundBorder row effects impact the ecosystem functions of intercropping systems, with high direct interactions between neighboring row crops in light, water, and nutrients. However, previous studies have mostly focused on aboveground, whereas the effects of intercropping on the spatial distribution of the root system are poorly understood. Field experiments and planting box experiments were combined to explore the yield, dry matter accumulation, and spatial distribution of root morphological indexes, such as root length density (RLD), root surface area density (RSAD), specific root length (SRL), and root diameter (RD), of maize and peanut and interspecific interactions at different soil depths in an intercropping system.ResultsIn the field experiments, the yield of intercropped maize significantly increased by 33.45%; however, the yield of intercropped peanut significantly decreased by 13.40%. The land equivalent ratio (LER) of the maize–peanut intercropping system was greater than 1, and the advantage of intercropping was significant. Maize was highly competitive (A = 0.94, CR=1.54), and the yield advantage is mainly attributed to maize. Intercropped maize had higher RLD, RSAD, and SRL than sole maize, and intercropped peanut had lower RLD, RSAD, and SRL than sole peanut. In the interspecific interaction zone, the increase in RLD, RSAD, SRL, and RD of intercropped maize was greater than that of intercropped peanut, and maize showed greater root morphological plasticity than peanut. A random forest model determined that RSAD significantly impacted yield at 15–60 cm, while SRL had a significant impact at 30–60 cm. Structural equation modeling revealed that root morphology indicators had a greater effect on yield at 30–45 cm, with interactions between indicators being more pronounced at this depth.ConclusionThese results show that border-row effects mediate the plasticity of root morphology, which could enhance resource use and increase productivity. Therefore, selecting optimal intercropping species and developing sustainable intercropping production systems is of great significance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%