Development of reclaimed desert soils using intercropping systems and inoculation with rhizobia is a
potentially important strategy for utilizing phosphorus-deficient soils and extending the arable land area.
Two years of field experiments with different rates of P fertilizer (0 and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 in 2008 and
0, 60, and 120 kg P2O5 ha−1 in 2009) were carried out to study the influence of fertilizer P application
on the productivity and phosphorus utilization of a Rhizobium-inoculated maize (Zea mays L.)/faba bean
(Vicia faba L.) intercropping system in the reclaimed desert soil. Average grain yields of intercropped faba
bean and maize increased by 30–197% and 0–31%, respectively (and increased more with zero fertilizer
P application) compared with sole crops. Intercropped faba bean showed higher root nodulation and P
accumulation but little response to P application regardless of cropping system. The apparent P recovery
of the intercropping system was 297.0% greater (P < 0.001) than that of sole cropping systems (weighted
means) and was highest at the intermediate P application rate on average. Moderate fertilizer P application
enhanced productivity and nodulation of the intercropping system in a reclaimed desert soil and
P deficiency was ameliorated to some extent. The results indicate that Rhizobium-inoculated maize/faba
bean intercropping may be an efficient cropping system for reclaimed desert soils