1. Introduction
Intercropping, the mixed growth of two or more crops, is
practiced in >28 million hectares of areas sown annually in
China [1] and is common in other parts of the world, such as
India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa [2]. In general,
multiple-cropping systems in China, including intercropping
and related practices, have contributed to increased crop
productivity due to a more effective utilization of resources
compared to monoculture crops [3]. Facilitative root interactions
in mixed cropping systems are of importance, since they enable
nutritional improvement of crops grown in nutrient-poor soils
and low-input agroecosystems [4]. Adapting such cropping
systems through more efficient use of soil nutrients and a
lower reliance on chemical fertilizers, is a promising strategy
for the development of sustainable crop production while
maintaining future food security.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), is an important food legume
capable of symbiotic N2 fixation. Peanut seeds contain a rich
source of edible protein and represent the major oilseed crop in
China, accounting for 30% of the total production. However, iron
(Fe) deficiency frequently limits both crop yields and the quality
of monocropped peanuts grown in the calcareous soils of
Northern China. Peanut/maize intercropping is a successful
1. Introduction
Intercropping, the mixed growth of two or more crops, is
practiced in >28 million hectares of areas sown annually in
China [1] and is common in other parts of the world, such as
India, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa [2]. In general,
multiple-cropping systems in China, including intercropping
and related practices, have contributed to increased crop
productivity due to a more effective utilization of resources
compared to monoculture crops [3]. Facilitative root interactions
in mixed cropping systems are of importance, since they enable
nutritional improvement of crops grown in nutrient-poor soils
and low-input agroecosystems [4]. Adapting such cropping
systems through more efficient use of soil nutrients and a
lower reliance on chemical fertilizers, is a promising strategy
for the development of sustainable crop production while
maintaining future food security.
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea), is an important food legume
capable of symbiotic N2 fixation. Peanut seeds contain a rich
source of edible protein and represent the major oilseed crop in
China, accounting for 30% of the total production. However, iron
(Fe) deficiency frequently limits both crop yields and the quality
of monocropped peanuts grown in the calcareous soils of
Northern China. Peanut/maize intercropping is a successful
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