Narrow-wide row planting pattern improves the light environment and seed yields of intercrop species in relay intercropping system - Fig 3

The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of relay-intercropped maize (a, c) and soybean (b, d) at tasseling, grain filling and maturity stage of maize corresponding to second trifoliate (V2), fifth trifoliate (V5) and flower initiation (R1) stage of soybean, respectively as affected by different planting pattern from 2016 to 2017. The 2M2S (40 cm + 160 cm) and 1M1S (50 cm: 50 cm). The SM and SS refer to sole cropping system of maize and soybean, respectively. The WR and NR wide rows (WR; right side) and narrow rows (NR; left side), respectively. Means are averaged over three replicates. Bars show ± standard errors, (n = 3). Within a bar, different lowercase and same letters show a significant and non-significant difference (P .05) between treatments.