Effect of intercropping on rhizosphere population in maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max Merill)

Abstract

Comparative studies on the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacterial and fungal populations of maize and soybean both under solecropping and intercropping were conducted. Intercropping increased the bacterial R : S ratio of maize and soybean, whereas fungal R : S ratio showed a decrease in both cases when compared to solecrop condition. Intercropping of maize with soybean increased the maize yield by 34% and decreased the soybean yield by 51% when compared with their respective yields under solecrop conditions. The dominant fungal species in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were also affected by plant species and cropping systems. © 1977.