Abstract:

We aimed to examine the effect of interspecific root interactions on root nodul-ation of faba bean (Vicia faba ‘Lincan 5’) when intercropped with maize (Zea mays ‘Nongda 108’), wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Long 17’), and barley (Horde-um vulgare ‘Ganpi 3’). We changed the intensity of root interactions artificially through different barrier treatments (plastic, nylon mesh, and no barrier). Th-en, we chose three cereals (barley, wheat and maize) with varying ability to compete for nitrogen in soil, intercropped with faba bean. Results showed that firstly nodulation of faba bean was increased when crop roots were able to in-teract completely without a barrier, suggesting positive effects on root nodul-ation between faba bean and cereals. Secondly, the intercropp-ed maize/faba bean with complete root interactions showed a significant in-crease (about 67.5% and 70.1%) in nodule weight and number compared with plastic barrier treatment, respectively. Although the N-min of maize/faba bean was more th-an that of the wheat/faba bean and barley/faba bean, the nodul-ation was increased significantly in the maize/faba bean system. Therefore, this paper highlights that there is another mechanism behind increased nodul-ation in maize/faba bean intercropping.