Intercropped Maize Research Articles

Fallow fields and hedgerows mediate enhanced arthropod predation and reduced herbivory on small scale intercropped maize farms – δ13C and δ15N stable isotope evidence

Fallow fields and hedgerows enhance agricultural landscape heterogeneity and boost predatory arthropod diversity, though there is little direct quantitative evidence of their value in mediating pest suppression. Here, stable isotope analyses were used to quantify the influence of fallow field presence, fallow size proportion of farms, hedgerow volume and hedgerow type, on arthropod pest consumption by six predatory taxa. Levels of herbivory by four arthropod taxa on three vegetation groups: maize, beans and non-crops – were also considered. This was achieved through mixing model analysis with δ13C and δ15N stable isotope to identify and estimate food-source proportions incorporated into tissues of arthropod consumers collected from ten maize farms intercropped with beans in western Kenya. Fallow fields’ presence supported predation on Lepidopteran herbivores by attracting predatory bugs and wasps, and mediated lower herbivory levels. Fallow size proportion corresponded to higher taxa-level predation by ants and spiders on phytophagous beetles, and overall increase in bean herbivory, but predicted no difference in maize or non-crop herbivory. Higher hedgerow volumes did not affect overall predation pressure, but supported increased bean herbivory by Lepidoptera, and lower maize consumption by Orthoptera. Exotic hedgerows supported highest wasp predation on Lepidoptera while spiders consumed significantly more Orthoptera and phytophagous beetle pests on indigenous-hedgerow farms. Similarly, exotic hedgerows corresponded to enhanced Lepidoptera bean herbivory while trophic linkage of maize and non-crops to pests overall, were stronger with indigenous hedgerows. Thus, in addition to thicker hedgerows, predatory spillover impacts of wasps, bugs and beetles can be enhanced with fallow presence and exotic hedgerows, and that of spiders and ants, with larger fallows. Overall, the choice, combination and application of farm habitat structural features to maximize predatory arthropods’ contributions to pest biocontrol requires knowledge of focal crops, dominant pest groups and their most important predators. The findings demonstrate that fallow fields and hedgerows are significant in supporting the biological component of integrated crop pest management.

Competition-recovery and overyielding of maize in intercropping depend on species temporal complementarity and nitrogen supply

Competition-recovery and overyielding of maize in intercropping depend on species temporal complementarity and nitrogen supply

Green manure and maize intercropping with reduced chemical N enhances productivity and carbon mitigation of farmland in arid areas

Keeping high productivity and low soil carbon emission (CE) while reducing chemical fertilizer is a significant challenge for crop production in developing modern agriculture. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of intercropping green manure with reduced N on maize productivity and carbon mitigation in northwestern China. The field experiment used a split-plot design with three replicates. Three cropping patterns were maize-common vetch intercropping (M/V), maize-rape intercropping (M/R), and sole maize (M). Two N fertilizer rates formed the subplots: the conventional N rate was reduced by 25% (N1: 270 kg ha−1) and the conventional N rate (N2: 360 kg ha−1). The compensation effect (TCE, %) was used to quantify the degree of recovery of intercropping green manure on maize grain yield (GY) under N reduction. It was shown by the results that the negative effect of N reduction on maize GY was compensated by intercropping green manure. Maize-common vetch intercropping integrated with N reduction (M/VN1) had a more substantial compensation effect (TCE) with the planting years lengthening, and TCE was 1.0%, 0.9%, 4.1%, and 4.9% in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. The CE of the cropping system was decreased by intercropping green manure compared to sole maize. The CE in the intercropping system was further decreased by N reduction, and the CE of M/RN1 and M/VN1 was decreased by 27.7% and 32.1%, respectively, compared to MN2 (i.e., the control). Finally, the CE of the intercropping system was decreased by M/VN1 by 6.5% compared to M/RN1 in 2019–2021. We used the ratio of net primary productivity to carbon emission (NPP/CE) to determine soil C sequestration (CS) potential. Intercropping green manure with N reduction in enhancing soil CS mainly occurred in the late growth period of maize. Over the four years of study, the ratios of NPP/CE for M/RN1 and M/VN1 were 23.3% and 32.9%, respectively, greater than that of MN2; also, it of M/VN1 was increased by 8.9% compared to M/RN1 in 2019–2021. M/VN1 had great potential for enhancing soil CS. Thus, adding green manure as an intercropping component in the maize cropping system while reducing chemical N fertilizer is a promising system to enhance maize productivity and carbon mitigation in the farmlands of arid areas.

Rotational strip intercropping of maize and peanut enhances productivity by improving crop photosynthetic production and optimizing soil nutrients and bacterial communities

Rotational strip intercropping of maize and peanut enhances productivity by improving crop photosynthetic production and optimizing soil nutrients and bacterial communities

Alfalfa and maize intercropping enhances soil nematode structure and food web complexity in low-nitrogen soils

Soil nematodes play key roles in soil ecosystem processes and functions. Although agricultural practices such as intercropping and nitrogen (N) fertilization are known to have a strong influence on soil nematodes, less is known about the responses of the soil nematode community to the combined effects of intercropping and N fertilization. This study was conducted to test whether the intercropping of maize and alfalfa can enhance the nematode community and quantified the effects of intercropping and N fertilization on nematode abundance, diversity, and metabolic footprints compared with soils under monoculture systems. An experiment involving maize and alfalfa was conducted in a 2 × 3 factorial completely randomized block design with four replications. The factors consisted of two N levels, namely, no N fertilization and N fertilization (225 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and three cropping modes: monoculture maize, monoculture alfalfa and maize intercropped with alfalfa. The results showed that, compared with the monoculture systems, intercropping increased total nematode and omnivore–predator abundances but reduced herbivore abundance. The total nematode biomass and metabolic footprint of omnivores and predators significantly increased in the intercropping treatments, regardless of N fertilization. The soil food web in the intercropping system without N fertilization was mature, structured, and enriched, as indicated by high maturity, structure and enrichment index values. However, all these effects decreased in the monoculture treatments, particularly after N fertilization. These results indicated that, compared with the monoculture systems, maize/alfalfa intercropping in low-N soil can improve the structural complexity of the soil food web. The observed complexity was attributed to the high soil moisture content, soil organic carbon and total N under the intercropping and low-N conditions. Therefore, this study provides a promising way to improve soil health and ecosystem stability, revealing that alfalfa intercropping in low-N soils can improve resource flow in the soil food web through the increase in total nematode biomass and the metabolic footprints of nematodes.

Unravelling sustainable intensification in oil-palm agroforestry on the Adja plateau, Benin

Pathways for mediating the competing land-use claims of landowners and tenants in oil palm agroforestry systems in Benin’s Adja plateau do not consider the diversity of land-management practices. Therefore, we analysed how soil properties and maize yields in those systems are affected by two contrasting categories of land-management practices and fertilisation options. We used a synchronic approach to split these practices and options into two successive steps. In Step 1, referred to as cropped fields, tenants continuously intercrop maize among scattered oil palms. In Step 2, referred to as fallows, the land is densely planted with oil palm, without intercropping. Twelve farmers’ fields were selected for this study. Eight represent cropping fields, and four are 15-year-old oil-palm fallows. Cropped field fertilisation treatments consisted of farmyard manure (at 15 and 30 t ha−1) and mineral fertiliser (150 kg ha−1 of N14P18K18S6B1 + 50 kg ha−1 of urea). We found no significant differences between the N contents and C:N ratios of the two types of fields. However, the numbers and masses of earthworm casts were higher in cropped fields treated with farmyard manure than with mineral fertiliser. Farmyard manure (15 and 30 t ha−1 rates) also produced significantly higher maize yields (respectively, 2.5 and 3.2 t ha−1) than the mineral fertiliser alone (1.9 t of maize per ha). We conclude by discussing N, K and P storage in soil, and recommended use of farmyard manure as an agroforestry practice that will benefit landowners and tenants alike on the Adja plateau.

Analysis on adoption of sugarcane production technologies of UAS Dharwad by the farmers of North Karnataka

The present study on adoption of sugarcane production technologies of UAS Dharwad by the farmers of North Karnataka was undertaken during 2021-22. The ex-post facto research design was employed for the study. Among sample of 160 sugarcane growers, 20 sugarcane growers were randomly selected from each village of selected two villages from talukas viz., Athani and Gokak from Belagavi district and Jamakhandi and Mudhol from Bagalkot district. Data was collected by personal interview method using structured schedule. The major findings of the study were, 38.12 per cent of sugarcane growers observed in medium category of adoption followed by high (33.75 %) and low (28.12 %) category of adoption. With respect to adoption of individual production technologies cent per cent of growers adopted soil type, earthing up (after 110 days of planting), hand weeding and harvesting of sugarcane 10-14 months after planting. Majority of growers adopted recommended varieties, 120 cm row spacing, quantity of FYM, quality of setts, quantity of setts, flood irrigation, intercropping of maize, de trashing, spraying of post emergent herbicides, harvesting of sugarcane within two months of emergence of flower and manual harvesting.

Knowledge of sugarcane production technologies of UAS Dharwad by the farmers of North Karnataka

The present study on knowledge of sugarcane production technologies of UAS Dharwad by the farmers of North Karnataka was undertaken during 2021-22. The ex-post facto research design was employed for the study. Among sample of 160 sugarcane growers, 20 sugarcane growers were randomly selected from each village of selected two villages from talukas viz., Athani and Gokak from Belagavi district and Jamakhandi and Mudhol from Bagalkot district. Data was collected by personal interview method using structured schedule. The study revealed that, 40.64 per cent of sugarcane growers belonged to medium category of knowledge followed by high (32.50 %) and low (26.86 %) category. With respect knowledge of individual production technologies cent per cent of growers had knowledge of suitable soil type, varieties, planting time (June-September, January- February), spacing of 120cm, methods of irrigation (drip and flood), quantity of FYM, intercropping of maize, after cultivation practices (earthingup, de trashing and propping), spraying of post emergent herbicides, hand weeding (after 45-60 days and after 90 days of planting) and knowledge of harvesting measures.

Residual effect of maize (Zea mays) + blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping on growth, factor productivity and resource-use efficiency of succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum) under integrated crop management

A 2-year field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the ICAR– Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study residual effect of the preceding blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) intercropped maize (Zea mays L.) on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, factory productivity, resource-use efficiency, and yields. The treatments consisting of 9 integrated crop management (ICM) variants allotted to mainplots and 2 cropping systems (maize–wheat; maize+blackgram–wheat) in subplots, were replicated thrice in a split-plot design. Different combinations of tillage, crop-establishment patterns, integrated nutrient, weed, pest, and disease management were used to create the integrated crop management (ICM) treatments. The conservation agriculture (CA) embedded ICM, viz. ICM7 , Zero-till + Permanent raised beds + maize crop-residue retention at 3 t/ha + 100% RDF + Glypho-PP fb Sulf+Met at PoE + 4 irrigations of 45 mm each + Need-based IDM/ IPM recorded significantly higher growth (99.9 cm), dry-matter accumulation (1127 g/m2), growth indices (crop growth rate 18.1 g/m2 /day), production (37.5 kg/ha/day)-, monetary (627.8 INR/ha/day)-efficiencies, irrigation water productivity (2.57 kg/m3) and wheat grain yield (5.57 t/ha). While conventional tillage (CT)-based treatments recorded significantly higher partial factor productivity (57.2, 265.8, 206.6 kg grain/kg of applied N, P and K respectively). The succeeding wheat crop benefited significantly from the residual effect of preceding blackgram intercropping in terms of growth, resource-use efficiency (irrigation water productivity, 2.07 kg/m3) and productivity (5.16 t/ha). The factor productivity, resource-use efficiency, grain yield of wheat under CA-based ICM can be enhanced by preceding blackgram + maize intercropping.

Improved soil fertility, plant nutrition and grain yield of soybean and millet following maize intercropped with forage grasses and crotalaria in the Brazilian savanna

Context Intercropping maize with tropical forages is known to provide multiple benefits for the agricultural sustainability in the Brazilian savanna. Despite that, more studies are needed to define strategies to improve soil quality and increase crop yield of subsequent crops. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of cultivating maize in monoculture or in double- and triple-intercropping with brachiaria and crotalaria on the chemical and microbiological attributes of soil, nutritional status of soybean, and the productivity of soybean and millet in succession in the cerrado of eastern Maranhão. Methods The intercropping systems implemented in 2017 were as follows: maize (Zea mays) + Urochloa ruzizienses (brachiaria); maize + Crotalaria juncea (crotalaria); maize + brachiaria + crotalaria; and monoculture maize as a control. In 2018 and 2019, soybean and millet were cultivated on the same plots. Key results The triple-intercropping promoted immediate improvement in the biological and chemical attributes of the soil, especially when compared with monoculture maize. Intercropping maize with brachiaria, with or without crotalaria, increased soybean productivity by 21% and millet by 44% in the subsequent year, compared with monoculture maize system. Intercropping maize with brachiaria, with or without crotalaria, increased the leaf concentrations of nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur of the subsequent soybean crop, suggesting improved nutrient cycling with intercropped forages. Conclusions Intercropping maize + forage, especially brachiaria, can be recommended for crop rotation and succession systems in the Brazilian savanna. Implications These results quantified the benefits of crop rotation following intercropping with maize and forage, which can be an alternative for farmers in the Brazilian savanna.

Effects of planting density and variety on productivity of maize-faba bean intercropping system

Maize (Zea mays)-faba bean (Vicia faba) intercropping is a recent practice in eastern Ethiopia and there is limited information on optimum planting density and suitable varieties of faba bean for productive intercropping with maize. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted in eastern Ethiopia during the 2018 and 2019 main cropping seasons to determine the effects of variety and density of faba bean on the yield components of the crops and the productivity of the intercropping. Treatments consisted of three farmers’ varieties (Yeferenji Baqela, Yehabesha Baqela, Batte) and one improved variety (Gachena)intercropped with maize in an additive design at three plant densities (25%, 50%, and 75% of their recommended sole crop density of 250,000 plants ha−1) and the recommended 100% plant density of sole faba bean and sole maize. A randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement of treatments replicated three times per treatment was used. Analysis of data revealed that sole maize produced a significantly higher number of ears per plant (1.70), thousand kernel weight (287.9 g), aboveground dry biomass (19.11 t ha−1) and grain yield (6.16 t ha−1) than intercropped maize. Among the intercropping systems, maize intercropped with 25% of the sole faba bean produced a significantly higher grain yield (5.56 t ha−1) than 50% and 75% plant density. Similarly, the 75% plant density of the sole faba bean intercropped with maize produced the highest grain yield (0.96 t ha−1) compared to the 25% and 50% plant densities. Faba bean planted in the sole system produced a significantly higher seed yield (2.08 t ha−1) than the intercropped faba bean with maize. Faba bean variety Gachena was found to be superior than the other varieties in number of pods per plant (10.23), aboveground dry biomass (3.73 t ha−1), grain yield (1.96 t ha−1) and harvest index (26.75%). Land equivalent ratio showed 18.4% higher yield advantage when maize was intercropped with faba bean than when it was sole-cropped. The highest gross monetary value (99318 Ethiopian Birr ha−1) and maize equivalent yield (6621.2 kg ha−1) were obtained from maize intercropped with Gachena faba bean variety with no significant differences among the plant densities. It is concluded that intercropping of maize with 75% plant density of improved Gachena variety resulted in superior performance of the system in terms of productivity and economic return.

Intercropping of maize with French bean and soybean leguminous crops

Intercropping of maize with French bean and soybean leguminous crops

Productivity and profitability of fodder-maize legume mixtures under rainfed temperate condition of Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2018 to study the effect of different fodder maize-legume mixtures on productivity and profitability. The experiment comprised of 10 treatments of fodder maize and fodder legumes with three sole treatments of maize, cowpea and soybean, four intercropped treatments of maize-cowpea and maize-soybean in ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 and three mixed cropped treatments of maize- cowpea, maize-soybean (70% and 30%) and maize, cowpea and soybean (70%, 15%, 15%). Results revealed that system productivity and benefit-cost ratio of sole fodder maize were comparable to the intercropping of fodder maize with soybean in 2:1 row ratio.

Analysis of benefit: Cost ratio in drip irrigation and fertigation in greater yam (Dioscorea alata) + maize (Zea mays) intercropping system

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Centre, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, during 2015–16 and 2016–17 to study drip irrigation and fertigation in greater yam (

Participatory On-farm evaluation and Demonstration of Maize with Haricot Bean Inter-Cropping practices in Debub Ari Woreda, South Omo Zone

Demonstration of improved maize haricot bean intercropping was conducted with aim of creating farmers’ awareness and popularizing the technology in Zomba and Pilla kebele. Totally, 20 farmers were participated on demonstration of improved maize and haricot bean intercropping practices. On each farmer’s and FTC fields sole maize, sole haricot bean and maize with haricot bean was cropped at recommended spacing on plot size of 10m x 20m area for each of the cropping plot. On-farm training was provided to 64 farmers at both kebeles’ FTCs, and field day was organized at crops maturity stage in both kebeles. Totally 129 farmers and key 16 stakeholders were participated in the event. Farmers’ preferences and crops yield data were collected. Simple descriptive statistics and cost benefit analysis were used to analyze the data. Farmers’ preference evaluation results showed that intercropping of maize with haricot bean was preferred than sole cropping of the crops due to land use efficiency, though the average yields, of sole cropping exceeded the intercropping of both crops. On average 5.99 and 1.86 tons ha-1 of sole maize and haricot bean yield were obtained respectively, whereas, an average yield of 4.89 and 1.46 tones ha-1 were obtain from intercropping of the crops respectively. The intercropping of maize and common bean enhances effective land utilization with LER of more than 58% in both Kebeles. So, the practice of intercropping was recommended for further scale up in the areas with similar agro-ecology.

Growth, productivity and economics of maize as influenced by maize-legume intercropping system ​

Maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation is catching up in India to fulfil the future demand. Odisha is a non-traditional state for maize cultivation; however, it has been intensified in the state during last one and half decades. As maize is a wide spaced crop, the inter row space allows to grow the short statured crops such as legumes. Maize - legume intercropping system is one of the most important intercropping systems followed worldwide. In this regard, a field experiment on paired row maize intercropping with legumes, namely, groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.) was carried out at Agronomy Research Farm of the Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha during rabi season of 2020. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were nine treatments with pure stands of maize, groundnut and green gram and their mixed stand which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that the plant height at harvest and number of leaves of maize at 90 days after sowing (DAS) did not differ by cropping systems, whereas sole maize resulted in significantly higher dry matter production at all the growth stages and the same treatment registered significantly more leaf are index at 60 DAS. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/plant, cob length, number of rows/cob, number of grains/row, 100 grain weight and grain weight/cob remained on par, but number of grains/cob and grain weight per plant were significantly higher with sole maize than intercropped maize. The treatment comprised of maize + groundnut (2:3) intercropping system registered the highest net returns of Rs. 83590/ha. The findings suggested that in south Odisha conditions, intercropping maize + groundnut (2:3) can be adopted for better net return and agricultural sustainability compared to sole maize cultivation.

Performance of maize and pigeonpea under different sowing dates and cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at Dharwad, Karnataka, to study the effect of sowing dates and cropping systems on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under rainfed condition. Pooled data over 2 years indicated that, maize and pigeonpea sown during the first fortnight of June revealed significantly higher grain/seed yield compared to subsequent sowing dates except sowing during the second fortnight of June (7.06 and 1.15 t/ha respectively). Among the cropping systems, sole maize and pigeonpea gave significantly higher grain/seed yield (7.48 and 1.42 t/ha respectively) than the intercropping systems. Among the intercropping systems, maize + piegonpea system in (4 : 2) row ratio recorded significantly higher maize grain-equivalent yield (9.04 t/ha) followed by maize + piegonpea in row (2 : 2) ratio (8.48 t/ha). The later treatment resulted in higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio (` 56,787/ha and 3.17, respectively) than rest of the cropping systems. Among the interaction effects, intercropping of maize + pigeonpea in 4 : 2 row ratio sown during the first fortnight of June recorded significantly higher maize-equivalent yield (10.23 t/ha), net returns (` 66,665/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.16) over other system.

Effect of Intercropping Maize and Beans on the Maize Yields in Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro District, South Western Uganda

The study aimed at determination of the effect of intercropping maize and beans on the maize yields Isingiro Town Council, Isingiro District, South Western Uganda. The study used a randomized complete block (RCBD) experiment in which 8 treatments in 4 replicas of each to make a total of 32 sub-plots. Two rows of maize spaced at 4.5cm within rows and 90cm between rows were intercropped with two rows of velvet beans spaced at 30cm with rows and 90cm between rows. Two rows of NABE16 spaced at 4.5cm within rows and 75cm between rows were intercropped with maize a pacing of 5.5cm within rows and 75cm between rows. Rows of beans were separated from those of maize by 75cm in a 10m by 8m sub-plot. The experiment was conducted in two seasons (March to May 2020 and August to November 2021). Standard agronomical practices were followed from planting to harvesting, after which dry maize grain weight was taken and recorded. Data analysis was done using ONE WAY ANOVA in STATA version 13. Results show that the significant statistical difference in season one (p = 0.0000)** was higher than that in season two (p = 0.0211)*. The study concluded that unpredictable (too much or too little) rainfall negatively affects maize productivity. Early planting and application of organic fertilizers were recommended to improve maize productivity.

AMF Inoculum Enhances Crop Yields of Zea mays L. 'Chenghai No. 618' and Glycine max L. 'Zhonghuang No. 17' without Disturbing Native Fugal Communities in Coal Mine Dump.

For the agricultural development of dumps, increase in land use efficiency and protection of food security, to verify the safety, efficacy and sustainability of field-applied arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum, and to exclude the risk of potential biological invasion, in this study, we determined the effect of AMF inoculation and intercropping patterns (maize-soybean) on the temporal dynamics of soil parameters, native AMF communities and crop yields. AMF communities were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq. A total of 448 AMF operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to six genera and nine families were identified. AMF inoculation treatment significantly improved the yield of intercropping maize and increased the content of available phosphorus. AMF diversity was significantly influenced by cropping pattern and growth stage, but not by the inoculation treatment. Inoculation altered the AMF community composition in the early growth stage and facilitated a more complex AMF network in the early and late growth stages. These results indicate that AMF inoculation affects native AMF only in the early stage, and its impact on yield may be the consequence of cumulative effects due to the advantages of plant growth and nutrient uptake in the early stage.

Bandwidth Row Ratio Configuration Affect Interspecific Effects and Land Productivity in Maize–Soybean Intercropping System

Intercropping plays an indispensable role in sustainable agriculture. The response of bandwidth row ratio configuration to crop interspecific relationships and land productivity in the maize–soybean intercropping system (MSI) is still unclear. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with sole maize (SM) and sole soybean (SS), two different bandwidths (2.4 m (B1), 2.8 m (B2)), two different maize and soybean row ratios (2:3 (R1), and 2:4 (R2)) for MSI. The results showed that intercropping had advantages for land productivity compared with sole planting. Intercropping cropping had significant differences on crop yield under different intercropping treatments. The 2-yr average land equivalent ratio (LER, 1.59) and group yield under the intercropping patterns of B1R2 were significantly higher than other intercropping treatments (p < 0.05). With a bandwidth of 2.4 m and planting four rows of intercropped soybean, the total LER and group yield increased by 7.57% and 10.42%, respectively, compared to planting three rows of soybean. Intercropped maize was the dominant species and also had a higher nutrient aggressivity than intercropped soybean. The complementarity effect was higher than the select effect in the MSI system, and intercropping advantage was mainly derived from the complementarity effect, which was significantly correlated with intercropped maize yield. Nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient aggressivity in intercropped maize showed significant correlations with group yield and intercropped maize yield. In conclusion, bandwidth 2.4 m, row ratio 2:4 was a reasonable planting pattern because of its superior land productivity, crop nutrients uptake advantage, and harmonious interspecific relationship, which could provide a reference for MSI promotion and application research.