Resource utilisation in soybean/maize intercrops

Field studies were conducted in 1994 and 1995 at Mead, Nebraska, to investigate management practices that will improve solar radiation capture and use, and to explore the nitrogen economy of legume/ nonlegume intercropping systems. There were five soybean (Glycine max L. ) /maize (Zea mays ) intercrop row arrangements at two nitrogen application rates (0 and 160 kg N ha-1) and three sole crops. Percent PAR intercepted by intercrops was 4% greater in closer row arrangements of soybean and maize than in equally spaced 2 rows soybean: 2 rows maize, and increased 2 to 5% by N application. Dry matter productivity of the intercrops was more than sole crops, and up to 38 % more by close association of soybean and maize, N application, and limited moisture availability. Grain yield increase of intercrops over sole crops was not significant (P < 0.05). Soybean and maize may be planted as intercrops in alternating single rows in forage production systems to take advantage of available solar radiation and greater dry matter yields