Intercropping of Maize (Zea mays) and Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) vs. Monoculture: Plant Growth, Root Development, and Yield

In Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, we conducted an experimental study to evaluate the root morphology and crop yield for the intercropping of maize and cotton. Due to the shading effect of maize and the reduced root surface area of cotton root system, intercropped cotton yield was smaller (14.7%) than monoculture cotton yield. By contrast, intercropped maize with cotton yield was higher than monoculture maize yield. Compared with typical production of each crop separately, intercropping of maize and cotton showed several benefits: increased the land utilization rate, with a land equivalent ratio (LER) greater than 1; and increased the root length, root surface area, and light interception in maize, which contributed to an increase in maize yield.