Maize/faba bean intercropping with rhizobia inoculation enhances productivity and recovery of fertilizer P in a reclaimed desert soil

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.

► Fababean/maize intercrop inoculated with rhizobia is grown in reclaimed desert soil. ► Overyielding and greater land equivalent ratios are found in the intercropping. ► Nodulation and P recovery are improved by the intercropping inoculated with rhizobia. ► This is a sustainable and productive system for reclaimed desert soils.