Abstract:

【Objective】 The objective of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of the agronomic traits and nodulation of faba bean intercropped with maize as affected by intercropping and N application rates, therefore to provide a scientific basis for the N nutrient management with maximizing grain yield and nutrient efficiency of legume/cereal intercropping system in Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province. 【Method】 The N gradient experiment and micro-plot root barrier experiment were conducted using split-plot design and row root barrier technique at Baiyun Experimental Station of Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences during 2006-2007, so as to study the effects of interspecific interactions and N application rates on the agronomic traits and nodulation of intercropped faba bean. 【Result】 N application rates had no significant effect on the above-ground growth and the parameters of yield traits of faba bean. However, the nodulation of faba bean was significantly inhibited by N fertilization and the inhibitory effect was increased with N fertilization rate increasing and faba bean growing. Interspecific facilitation on the nodulation of faba bean was increased with co-growth of both crops. Intercropping significantly enhanced the nodulation size of faba bean and alleviated “Nmin inhibitory effect” on nodulation, which the value was 14.4%. The nodulation size of faba bean with interspecific root interactions increased by 10.2%, compared to that without interspecific root interactions. 【Conclusion】 The interspecific root interactions between faba bean and maize significantly enhanced the nodulation and alleviated “the Nmin inhibitory effect”, and significantly increased the yield of intercropped faba bean.

Key words: faba bean/maize intercrop, faba bean, growth parameters, nodulation, N application rates