Effect of the cereal-legume intercropping on Phosphatases and Phytase activity under alkaline soil.

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Amira Souid, wissem hamdi, Amal Attallah, Mohamed Farissi, boulbaba l'taif, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intercropping systems cereals (Durum/hard Wheat)-legume (Cicer arietinum) on phosphorus (P) acquisition, pH soil variation, and the variation in enzymatic activity, through root-induced processes in semi-arid soil of South Tunisia. Split plot experiments with triplicate repetitions were carried out in southern Tunisia during two years of field (2020–2021 and 2021–2022). These comprise mono-crop chickpea (CK) and mono-crop durum wheat/ wheat durum (DW/WD), durum wheat intercropping (DW-C), and chickpea intercropping (CK-C). At the complete vegetation stage of durum wheat and chickpea, three soil samples were carried in layer surface for each experimental plot. For the analyses of soil, the P total, Olsen-P, phytase, acid phosphatases, and pH were carried out in the experiment. The obtained findings show a significant amelioration in P total contents in DW-C by 28% and 26% to DW, and 94% and 93% than BS during the two years of field experiment (2020–2021 and 2021–2022) respectively. Furthermore, the Study reported an increase of Olsen-P in the rhizosphere of DW-C by around 5%, 42% than DW, and 36%, 65% to bulk soil (BS) during the two-year experiment. Likewise, these results revealed an increase in A-Phase rates in the DW-C rhizosphere during the two agricultural seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2021), of approximately 26%, 8% than DW and 33%, 67% than BS respectively. As well as the phytase activity indicated an increase in the DW-C rhizosphere by 67% and 69% than in BS and only by 8% and 7% than in DW for the two seasons (2020–2021 and 2021–2021). Indeed, the rhizosphere acidification of rhizosphere was found very much high in CK-C (0.63 pH units and 0.55 units lower than in the BS). Intercropping durum wheat chickpea phosphorus A-Phases phytase pH Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Introduction Phosphorus (P) plays a vital role in cells as well as in structural and energetic elements, which is involved in many biological processes, such as is used commonly for growth, production of energy, reaction with redox, fixation of symbiotic nitrogen, and metabolism of carbohydrates (George et al., 2012 ; Lazali et al., 2020 ). The result has shown that the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and components of phospholipids controls stability and cell membrane properties (George et al., 2012 ; Lazali et al., 2020 ). It is involved in many other processes of key physiology and biology during growth and plant development. However, P-deficiency in soils around the world often limits plant growth and represents a significant obstacle to increasing agricultural production to meet global food demand (Duchene et al., 2017 ); which contributes to the excessive use of mineral fertilizers to improve soil and crop quality, but this intensive pratique of fertilizers especially the phosphate fertilization leads to many environmental and socio-economic problems such as pollution of aquatic ecosystems, and consumption of the main resource used for the synthesis of phosphatic fertilizers and considered to be the main responsible of the eutrophication of coastal ecosystems (Jia et al., 2020 ). Confronted with soil degradation and pollution, researchers need selection strategies to exploit resources of soil for the management of agroecosystems to optimize the nutrient acquisition of crops (Zhang et al., 2021 ). Regarding cultivation techniques, it is important to highlight the key elements for the development of plant yields, such currently require stricter management, which is based on the strategy of adapting inputs to meet the needs of the crop during its various stages of development. One of the proposed solutions is the introduction of a specific diversity within agroecosystems through the development of intercropping crops (Lalati et al., 2014; Zhang et al., 2021 ). For millennia, Asians, Americans, and Africans former attracted attention by intercropping to produce premium yields at the lowest inputs and its land-sparing potential (Li et al., 2020 a, b). Intercropping systems are widely used around the world, including maize-wheat (Mupangwa et al., 2021 ), bean fava maize (Xu et al., 2018 ), wheat-pea, and maize-soybean (Fu et al., 2019 ). Under unfavorable conditions, growing legumes and durum wheat have advantages for P uptake (Cheng et al., 2014 ; Gong et al., 2020 ). Additionally, legume is gaining attention for their impact on the sustainability of agriculture and their nutritional and health benefits. Also, it has been found in tropical and Mediterranean regions, that there is a low availability of phosphorus in the soil which is an important nutritional factor for limiting the production of legumes (Latati et al., 2014 ; Lazuli et al., 2020). Therefore, intercropping can potentially increase crop production and reduce consumption simultaneously (Rezaei-Chiyaned et al., 2021). Better use of resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients; can help to reduce the need for supplemental irrigation and fertilization which can be expensive and damaging to the environment and nation (Ibrahim et al., 2019 ; Christie et al., 2020 ), thus can help to reduce soil erosion increase the yield of crops because of the beneficial effect of crop diversity (Rezaei-Chiyaned et al., 2021). Intercropping of cereals and legumes has been reported to conserve soil and water in some landscapes and provide stable yields (Melkamu, 2023). Smallholder farmers often grow cereal-legume intercrops due to legumes' ability to adapt to disintegrating soils and influence soil health (Begam et al., 2020 ). Legumes can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere in the soil which increases fertility and reduces the soil nutrients for replenishment (Meena et al., 2015b ). Pulses are soil-improving crops with significant soil health benefits that must become an important part of agricultural systems (Dhakal et al., 2016 ). The soils of semi-arid and arid regions are usually low in P and pose agronomic problems and environmental. Hence, the objectives of the current study were i) to evaluate the impacts of intercropping legume (chickpea)-cereal (durum wheat) on the P availability ii) investigate the variation in enzymatic activity du sol (A-Phase et Phytase) that contribute to P availability iii) and evaluate the potential role of durum wheat–chickpea intercropping in increase biomass, yield and pH variation as compared to sole crops in a low P soil under arid ecosystems of southern Tunisia. Methods and Equipment Experimental Site Description The experiment was conducted over two years (2020–2021 to 2021–2022) in the semi-arid soil of Mednine, South Tunisia (altitude 17m latitude 33°29'56.7'N longitude 10°38'41.50'E), where the climate is arid with an average temperature of 20.3°C. In April, total precipitation reaches a maximum of 4.4 mm. When the sown of crops is done, it reaches the experimental site of soil which is assessed by the top layer of conventional sampling (0–30). The soil is made up of around 79% sand, 5% loam and 11% clay. At 25°C, the soil has an alkaline pH and an electrical conductivity of 1.74mS/cm at 25°, indicating that it is unsalted. According to the Baize classification (1988), organic matter is relatively low (0.8%) and the total limestone concentration in the soil is relatively high (18.7%) with a low active limestone content (2.4%). A Cropping system and Plot filed design Simeto durum/hard wheat (Turgidum Triticum durum), Amdoun1 chickpea (Arietinum cicer.), and their intercropping method were included in the study. The test is performed in full field with three repetitions of a complete random block experimental device. The plot is divided into 9 micro-plots each micro-plot shows one growing modality (thus, 3 micro-plots (3 repetitions) per modality): the three cultivation methods are; (i) pure durum wheat (DW), (ii) pure chickpeas (CK), and (iii) chickpeas-durum wheat (DW-C and CK-C). Each micro-plot is 3 m by 1.5 m. The spacing between two micro-plots is 1 m horizontally and 1 m vertically. To lessen the edge effect, a 1 m border is left all around the plot vertically. Plant and soil samples: Soil and plant samples were taken at the chickpea and durum wheat flowering stage. It is therefore appropriate to assess the dynamics of nutrients in the soil during these times since they are marked by considerable biological activity of the soil and maximum nutrient absorption. During the flowering period, which is 90 to 100 days following sowing, samples of the rhizosphere of the soil as well as plant biomasses (aerial and root portion) were obtained for various soil and plant tests. To determine the physical characteristics, the soil was dried free-ranging, ground, and sieved to a thickness of 2 mm. Properties are determined by using a standard protocol like Robinson's method of particle size by pipette. Thus, a pH meter will be used to determine the pH hydrogenated potential. Using a conductivity meter determines the electrical connection of the CE. Bernard's altimeter is used to calculate the total limestone using the geometrical method. The Walkley and Black method is used to calculate organic carbon levels. The following formula is used to create biological matter: MO (%) = C% *1.72. using the Kjedhal method, the total nitrogen was calculated. Total phosphorus is determined by nitric acid digestion and assailable phosphorus is evaluated by the Olsen method. The flame photometer was used to measure the amounts of Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil. Plant biomass was cleaned before being 48 hours of 60°C drying. Biomass components (aerial and root) were then weighed and set aside for total phosphorus and nitrogen. Statistical analyses Analyses of one-way variance (ANOVA) is a 0.05 probability factor conducted on the P total of the cropping system, Olsen-P, phytase, and pH in the rhizosphere; as well as the concentration of root and soot found in phosphorus. A multiple probability of 0.05 has shown the large gap differences in which the values were determined by Tukey’s multiple test. The analysis of statistics was carried out by the usage of XLSTAT. Results Availability of rhizosphere in P There is a change in P total in every season of flowering. However, combined crops of chickpeas and wheat durum have found a greater content for P. About 94% has shown to rise to BS while 28% rise shown in the initial season of DW. The total rise in P total for chickpeas was observed to be greater for CK-C. The only there is one difference that has been found is that there is a difference of 3% for CK. In the next season, it has been observed to increase by 26% in DW-C compared to DW while a 1% drop has been observed at about 93% than to BS. In addition, only a 0.05 difference was significantly noticed because only a 4% difference has been recorded to DW. Combining crops (Wheat durum and chickpeas) has been compared with monoculture and soil in bulk has profoundly appeared to have higher concentration for Olsen-P, which has been increased and has shown greater DW and DW-C, merely found a difference of 36% and for DW-C found 65% which is opposed to BS. If chickpeas merge win merge in a huge quantity of soil, along with the quantity of Olsen-P added, it can be observed the difference is 16% and 4% for CK-C whereas, For CK, the result will appear like 49% and higher percentage about 64% for BS, which found to be a significant difference of 0.05. Ranges in enzymatic activities In each season, the content of A-phase chickpeas and durum wheat in the rhizosphere crossed from various experiments. Indications in data were found to be a significant difference of 0.05 which has posed an impact on A-phase content. DW-C was observed to grow in the initial season by 33% and 26% which is considered a higher line for BS and DW. It can observed that the A-Phase is merely about 37% higher than in the CK-C while 6% was seen as higher in CK. These results have found that the DW-C increase after the first season of agriculture was 22% higher for DW and 34% higher than BS during the year 2021–2022. Moreover, the result finding has found that chickpeas crops (CK-C) have resulted in medium growth of 6% in comparison to BS and about 38% to the rhizosphere of CK. The coming crop of Chickpeas and durum wheat has profound upper levels for A-Phtyase to elevate the activity in the rhizosphere of 0.05. The increase in bulk soil and monoculture activity of rhizosphere was found to be high for DW-C which is about 67% and for BS 69%, and for DW, it only rose by 8%, and for BS only 7% rise during both seasons for agriculture processes. Hence, the significant difference for P is less than 0.05, because the percentage of DW-C is only increased by 67% and 69% for BS, and for the case of DW, it is only for 8% and 7%. Merging in bulk soil has also found a higher percentage about 65% for CK-C and 66% than in BS. Variation in pH The results of rhizosphere chickpeas in intercropping and solitary cropping have significantly shown lower results for pH. Acidification of the rhizosphere is found to be a core factor for the initial seasoning growth for CK-C has found a low pH value, which is 0.63, and can be said that it is lower compared to BS. The pH value in the soil is decreased for CK to BS, roughly about 0.56 units. In contrast, the results have shown the contrast result in the next season after the first season it has about a pH value of 0.55 units but is still lower than the BS for CK-C. the value is likely to drop again by roughly 0.57 units during the 2021–2022. Plant biomass and P content During the stage of flowering, the content of the P plant while intercropping to root and shoot poses a serious cause which creates an effect on durum wheat and chickpeas. In the comparison of CK-C with pure chickpea (CK), the root and shoot for biomass rose by 17% and 26%. Whereas, biomass root and shoot rose by 26% and 37% for DW-C. While in the next trial after the 1st trial season, found high DW compared to that of pure chickpea (CK), together the biomass root and shoot found to be rise by 4% and 11% for CK-C. Moreover, the Concentration of phosphorus in the part of root and shoot appeared to be higher for the durum wheat in the content of P which is found in the combined crop of durum wheat and for the chickpea. In the initial growth period, it increases by 13% in the portion of root and shoot of DW-C and is 3% higher than DW. It has also been found that chickpea accounts for 23% of adsorption about 6% of adsorption for CK in the content of root and shoot. When comparing the DW, adsorption of P in the parts of the root and shoot in DW-C grow in the secondary trial season accounts for 16% and 5%. In addition, adsorption rates were observed to be low compared to 24% and 4% for CK-C in the parts of the root and shoot as a significant difference was found at 0.05. Discussion Increased availability of P in the rhizosphere In many experiments, the P level of concentration has consistently seen be increase. It has been reported from past research studies that P-intercropped legumes are available and cereals crops of the rhizosphere (Latati et al., 2016 ). This study also reported the availability of P (Olsen-P) in the content of legumes and intercropped cereal crops. Moreover, the study also suggested that phosphorus deficiency can promote the availability of root induction process in soil alkaline. Acidification in the rhizosphere legumes exerts the nodules of phosphatase carboxylate through the indirect activity of microbial (Latati et al., 2014 ). The acidity of the legumes used for rising purposes can be accessible to the cereal crop of the rhizosphere in the intercropped phosphorus. Existing acidity in the phosphorus deficiency leads to a rise in the availability of P in the content of soil and can lead to a rise in the number of common beans in the process of legumes (Latati et al., 2014 ). It might be interlinked with the rhizosphere of cowpeas in an acidic situation. A rise in the content of P is linked with the biomass plant for the durum wheat to be intercropped. Moreover, phosphorus availability has found that there might be a positive correlation between the chickpeas. The study also reported that growth improvement improves the nutrients in the P content as well (Latati et al., 2014 ). Research finding also shows that P mineralization can promote the chickpeas and the minerals being absorbed by the maize intercropping, which is the cause of phosphate activity that does not find any facilitation for the chickpeas to grow (Latati et al., 2016 ). The variation in enzymatic activity An important role played by the acid phosphatase in the content of P for remobilization transport and production (Lazali et al., 2020 ). The content of P can be found as an organic complex such as phosphonates, protein, lipids, inositol, and sugar in addition to inorganic ones. Biomass cellular in the content of the soil is decomposing. A few enzymes such as Phytases and Phosphatases breakdown aid in the chemical compound (Pandey et al., 2017 ). Acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases are classified as non-specific by nature in real (Lazali et al., 2021). Acid phosphatases (ATPase) are found commonly in every organism as they are primarily responsible for organophosphate mineralization. ATPase activities elevated and suggested that the enzymatic physiological key role to control the activities for nitrogen which are interlinked to stat p nodal, and hence it provides new insights into how legumes regulate the fixation of N2 (Lazali et al., 2018 ). It may be crucial for ATPase to uptake and then take it to the recycling process of phosphorus in plants, as it helps to maintain the homeostasis of phosphorus in the nodules of roots. Faba soybean in the soil and accumulation of dry matter increased the long-term application of molybdenum uptake in the rhizosphere and the non-rhizosphere. Enzymatic activity of ATPase and microbial phosphorus biomass and gene transcript express to keep secrets to overcome the bioavailability of phosphorus (Rana et al., 2020). According to a report, ATPase is found to be the formation of a special family of A-phases that hydrolyze the phytic acid, which makes the main forms of P reserves in plants (Lazali et al., 2020 ). So, there could be a huge number of soil to be produced by these enzymes in the soil such as plants, bacteria, and, fungi (Lazali et al., 2017). It catalyzes the reaction based on the mechanism, similarities, and amino acids along with the four families of A-phytases, such as purple acid phosphatase (PAP), helical phytase (HPP), cysteine phytase (CPhy), histidine acid phosphate (HAP) to hydrolyzed (Lazali et al., 2020 ). Rhizosphere pH The pH level of rhizosphere soil can be altered by legumes, hence increasing the availability of cereals nutrients. The soil becomes acidic when beans are grown under acidic pressure conditions due to the release of protons from the root plants accumulate organic anions return to the soil and decompose (Yan et al., 1996 , Melkamu, 2023). When beans are grown in phosphorus-deficient regions some plants such as feba beans can form melic and citric acids to acidify their rhizosphere thereby greatly reducing the pH of the growing medium (Weidenhamer et Callaway., 2010; Melkamu., 2023). Legumes form more nitrogen from the air as diatomic nitrogen than from the soil as NO3 which lowers soil pH. One of the most common plant responses to N2-dependent P is that many plants have formed several duplicate mechanisms that merely deal with the insufficiency of P as reduced soil availability (Hinsinger et al. 2003 ; Lazali et al., 2021). Beans of the rhizosphere have demonstrated the proton extrusion H + which is linked to the dimensions of acidifying higher roots (Alkama, Ounane, and Drevon., 2012; Lazali et al., 2021). An increase in acidification of the rhizosphere can grow under a sustained low supply of phosphorus of vulgaris (Kouas et al., 2009 ; Lazali et al., 2021). Because of the P shortage, nodular plants are more likely to assimilate extra cations than anions in the following situations. (Tang et al., 2009 ) The rhizosphere's H + net outflow was significantly increased. As a result, phosphorus deprivation affects the balance of cations and anion absorption, which in turn affects the release of H + at the root-soil interface to balance the positive charge and control the cytoplasmic pH level of root cells. The rise in rhizosphere acidity suggested that the tuberculum root's acidification had a role in Medicago Truncatula's response to phosphate deficit. Particularly in soil, this feature can modify the interaction of rhizospheres and more often it promotes the uptake of Pi at the interface of soil and root. Soils that contain phosphorus and calcium include calcareous, natural soils, along with acidic soils of phosphorus fertilizers (Zhang et al., 2014 ). There are certain plant species like chickpeas, white lupine, soybeans, and lentils that release the substances of phosphorus-mobilizing as organic acid. For exemple oxalate, citrate, malate, phosphatases, and protons (Lopez-Arredondo et al., 2014 ; Lazali et al., 2021). Legumes are found to have a higher capacity to let out carboxylate than any other species of plant due to their bushy roots (Lambeth et al., 2013). Other species of chickpeas with phosphorus deficiency also increase organic anion efflux from roots (Wouterlood et al., 2004 ), brood beans, alfalfa, as well peas (Maltais-Landry, 2015 ; Wang et al., 2020 ). Plant biomass and P content The increased availability of P in the rhizosphere may be the cause of the rise in plant biomass. Intercropping with leguminous crops has reportedly resulted in higher grain yields: Cowpeas or broad beans for maize (Dahmardeh et al., 2010 ) and wheat durum (Latati et al., 2014 ). Process of intercropping cereals with beans crops adding the phosphorus while food supplement. To compare the chickpeas that are grown in isolation creates competition between chickpeas and wheat to intercrops which pose a significant negative impact on the growth of chickpeas. Moreover, the competition of nutrients between the selective crops might be noticed by the depth of root difference the extension of root lateral, and the density of root (Khanal et al., 2021 ). A study has reported the uptake of phosphorus wheat found to be higher when it was in conjunction with the chickpeas than when it was grown in isolation in that specialty (Latati et al., 2016 ), as it has reported that comparable outcomes have been observed in the grown in isolation for maize mixed and crops of bean. Organic phosphorus can be hydrolyzed by secreting phosphorus because the wheat content rises in the phosphorus, which has been turned to enhance the uptake of phosphorus for wheat. The consistent results are found to be higher compared to the uptake of phosphates in the consumption of wheat which has been grown below the circumstance conditions of the field at the isolated places compared to the case of chickpeas where the uptake of Phosphorus. When planting in mixed conditions, bean plants in mixed corn conditions have increased their phosphorus content in the wheat. This might occur because of the chickpea’s capacity to hydrolyze the phosphorus organically by secreting the phosphorus, thus promoting the absorption of phosphorus in the quantity of wheat (Latati et al., 2016 ). Conclusion The study concludes the overall process of intercropping, which improves the fertility of soil management and all the physical characteristics of chemicals in the soil. Durum wheat and Chickpeas cultivated on the lower side of P soils in such circumstances for two seasons of agriculture as to address the core subject for the separate and inter-collective crop. Outcomes tests have revealed that there are substantial variations in the biomass plant and the uptake of P plants. In addition, the quantity of A-phase and Phytase were found das higher for chickpea and the durum wheat in comparison to the classification of monoculture. These findings demonstrate the availability of P in the durum wheat which is solely based on PH value. More often, it can be seen that durum wheat for intercropping rhizosphere becomes more alkaline while the intercropping for chickpeas rhizosphere is observed as a more acidic formation. Lastly, the current study concludes that to support the advantages of intercrops from yielding grains for P nutrition for both legumes and cereal crops and then increasing agroecosystem sustainability. 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Rezaei-Chiyaneh E, Mahdavikia H, Subramanian S, Alipour H, Siddique K, Smith D (2021) Co-inoculation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi: Effect on seed yield, physiological variables, and fixed oil and essential oil productivity of ajowan (Carum copticum L.) under water deficit. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr 21, 3159–3179. Richardson A E, Lynch JP, Ryan P R, Delhaize E, Smith FA, Smith SE, Harvey P R, Ryan M H, Veneklaas E J, Lambers H, Oberson A, Culvenor R A, Simpson R J (2011) Plant and microbial strategies to improve the phosphorus efficiency of agriculture. Plant and Soil 349:121-156. Tang C, Drevon JJ, Jaillard B, Souche G, Hinsinger P (2004) Proton efflux of two genotypes of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by N nutrition and P deficiency. Plant Soil 260:59–68 Tang C, Han Z, Qiao Y F, Zheng S J (2009) Phosphorus deficiency does not enhance proton release by roots of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Murr.]. Environmental and Experimental Botany 67 (1):228–34. doi:10.1016/j. envexpbot.2009.04.004. Tang XY, Placella SA, Daydé F, Bernard L, Robin A, Journet EP, Justes E, Hinsinger P (2016) Phosphorus availability and microbial community in the rhizosphere of intercropped cereal and legume along a P-fertilizer gradient. Plant Soil 407: 119–134 Turner BL, Cade-Menun BJ, Westermann DT (2003) Organic phosphorus composition and potential bioavaila­bility in semi-arid arable soils of the western United States. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 67: 1168-1179. Wang X, Gao Y, Zhang H, Shao Z, Sun B, Gao Q (2020) Enhancement of rhizosphere citric acid and decrease of NO3−/NH4+ ratio by root interactions facilitate N fixation and transfer. Plant and Soil 447 (1–2):169–82. doi:10.1007/ s11104-018-03918-6. Weidenhamer JD, Callaway RM (2010) Direct and indi­rect effects of invasive plants on soil chemistry and ecosystem function. Journal of chemical ecology, 36(1): 59-69. Wouterlood M, Cawthray G R, Turner S, Lambers H, Veneklaas E J (2004) Rhizosphere carboxylate concentrations of chickpea are affected by genotype and soil type. Plant and Soil 261 (1/2):1–10. doi:10.1023/B: PLSO.0000035568.28893.f6. Xu Y, Lei B, Tang Y (2018) Effects of wheat-faba bean intercropping on soil microbial community structure in the rhizosphere. Agric. Sci, 09, 1389–1400. Yan F, Schubert S, Mengel K (1996) Soil pH changes during legume growth and application of plant material. Biol­ogy and Fertility of Soils, 23(3): 236-242. Yu Y, Stomph TJ,Makowski D, van derWerfW(2015) Temporal niche differentiation increases the land equivalent ratio of annual intercrops: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Res 184: 133–144 Zhang C, Yu Y, Shen J. Van der Werf W, ZhangF (2021) Intercropping legumes and cereals increases phosphorus use efficiency; a meta-analysis. Plant Soil, 460:89-104 Zhang D, Song H, Cheng D, Hao H, Wang G, Kan H, Yu D (2014) The acid phosphatase-encoding gene GmACP1 contributes to soybean tolerance to low-phosphorus stress. PLOS Genetics 10 (1):e1004061. doi:10.1371/ journal.pgen.1004061. Zhang F, Li L (2003) Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency. Plant Soil 248:305–312. Table Table 1: Physico-chemical results after soil characterization Parametres Results pH 7.577 CE (mS/cm) 1.74 Total nitrogen (mg/g) 0.040 P total (mg P/kg) 0.661 Olsen-P (mg P/kg) A-Phase (µmol PNP/g) Phytase (mgP /kg) 0.895 11.41 2.22 Potassium (ppm) Sodium (ppm) 83.143 71.183 Total limestone (%) 18.741 Active limestone (%) 2.460 Carbon (%) 0.471 Organic material (%) 0.8 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3627440","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":251203493,"identity":"2db56241-ba83-4ec6-94d4-4ec8a8fd832b","order_by":0,"name":"Amira Souid","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gabes University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Amira","middleName":"","lastName":"Souid","suffix":""},{"id":251203495,"identity":"fab87025-1bb2-47ec-a24e-0464914e9b53","order_by":1,"name":"wissem hamdi","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA40lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYDACZjB5AIgTGx9AGIwPiNbSbABhMBsQYxdIZQKbBFFaDI6zP/7wMeeOnG57cls1T80dOX4GZrYPeLUc5jGTnLntmbHZmYdtt3mOPTOWbGBmnoFPi9lhHjZm3m2HE7fdSARqYTucuOEA/2G8DjM7zP74899th+tBWop5/oG0MDMT0MJgIM247XCCGVALM28bEVrsQX7p3XbYcNuZh82Sc/sOG0s2E9Ai2X/88Yef2w7Lmx1Pf/jhzbfDcvzszfi1oAAmHhBJggZgSvlBiupRMApGwSgYMQAA9ghSJqkY27sAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"Gabes University","correspondingAuthor":true,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"wissem","middleName":"","lastName":"hamdi","suffix":""},{"id":251203498,"identity":"9da7d17f-95d4-42f7-87ca-4c0e98f12ffe","order_by":2,"name":"Amal Attallah","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gabes University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Amal","middleName":"","lastName":"Attallah","suffix":""},{"id":251203500,"identity":"33c9fb5e-b608-4579-8b79-83780dbf4385","order_by":3,"name":"Mohamed Farissi","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Sultan Moulay Sliman University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohamed","middleName":"","lastName":"Farissi","suffix":""},{"id":251203503,"identity":"5a5c45fa-8953-4c25-b002-21968bd1b2ca","order_by":4,"name":"boulbaba l'taif","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"King Khalid University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"boulbaba","middleName":"","lastName":"l'taif","suffix":""},{"id":251203504,"identity":"dd11a882-4abd-494f-94b1-93d12c61f0a5","order_by":5,"name":"Mohamed Faouazi Zagrarni","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gabes University","correspondingAuthor":false,"submittingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Mohamed","middleName":"Faouazi","lastName":"Zagrarni","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2023-11-17 19:59:13","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":46880984,"identity":"d83e27d8-3edf-48b9-b058-3c8bbab55679","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:37:17","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":18242,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eExperimental design\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/3674321eddc06fffdf15df3a.jpg"},{"id":46879376,"identity":"8c56aba0-03f3-4571-afb3-1aaf98a9bb6c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:29:18","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":36854,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhosphorus concentration in the rhizosphere of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C), and the bulk soil (BS) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b, c, d and e) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/06b954f062d04a4de418ec0c.jpg"},{"id":46879370,"identity":"6f2b899a-e56c-4516-8f16-d352d65a4817","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:29:17","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":29677,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eInorganic phosphorus concentration in Olsen extracts in the rhizosphere of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C), and the bulk soil (BS) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b, c and d) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/39644859a260ee01b0e5e381.jpg"},{"id":46879372,"identity":"e19f56f5-417a-4daf-b8f2-22ce6cc04c21","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:29:17","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":40077,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhosphatases (A Phases) activity in the rhizosphere of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C), and the bulk soil (BS) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b, c and d) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/61a2b0b0577e451425e53dbc.jpg"},{"id":46879373,"identity":"75f3e7a9-576b-49df-a8f0-af8a1601ea95","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:29:18","extension":"jpg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":39025,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ePhytase activity in the rhizosphere of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C), and the bulk soil (BS) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b, and c) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"5.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/f583478dcf288fc8714766ea.jpg"},{"id":46880983,"identity":"53f4e816-7918-42ce-b9a6-016812a78fe3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:37:17","extension":"jpg","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":35756,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eValues of pH in the rhizosphere of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C), and the bulk soil (BS) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b and c) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"6.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/80176f3e748fb38f7bdc7acb.jpg"},{"id":46879368,"identity":"002d61a1-6643-40a7-869f-69c07660c5fa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:29:17","extension":"jpg","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":38412,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDry weight of shoot and root parts of durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"7.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/a9aa947e73b6c8f7ed1f321d.jpg"},{"id":46880985,"identity":"976a7221-d973-46ca-b82a-fa9b03029f28","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2023-11-21 21:37:18","extension":"jpg","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":48262,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003ephosphorus concentration in shoot and root and P uptake by whole plants durum wheat monoculture (DW), chickpea monoculture (Ck), the durum wheat and chickpea intercropping (DW-C and Cka-C) for the two years of cultivation (2020-2021 and 2021-2022). The different letters (a, b,c and d) indicate the significant differences among barrier treatments (\u003cem\u003eP\u0026lt;0.05\u003c/em\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"8.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/905ca064af0fd1faf643d6fb.jpg"},{"id":62257880,"identity":"7e19e832-ba52-4211-9a26-edd49b4887b3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-08-12 07:50:34","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":701913,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3627440/v1/de351d72-055a-4abb-84c0-cba7a4991e2f.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Effect of the cereal-legume intercropping on Phosphatases and Phytase activity under alkaline soil.","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003ePhosphorus (P) plays a vital role in cells as well as in structural and energetic elements, which is involved in many biological processes, such as is used commonly for growth, production of energy, reaction with redox, fixation of symbiotic nitrogen, and metabolism of carbohydrates (George et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The result has shown that the synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and components of phospholipids controls stability and cell membrane properties (George et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2012\u003c/span\u003e; Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). It is involved in many other processes of key physiology and biology during growth and plant development. However, P-deficiency in soils around the world often limits plant growth and represents a significant obstacle to increasing agricultural production to meet global food demand (Duchene et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e); which contributes to the excessive use of mineral fertilizers to improve soil and crop quality, but this intensive pratique of fertilizers especially the phosphate fertilization leads to many environmental and socio-economic problems such as pollution of aquatic ecosystems, and consumption of the main resource used for the synthesis of phosphatic fertilizers and considered to be the main responsible of the eutrophication of coastal ecosystems (Jia et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Confronted with soil degradation and pollution, researchers need selection strategies to exploit resources of soil for the management of agroecosystems to optimize the nutrient acquisition of crops (Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). Regarding cultivation techniques, it is important to highlight the key elements for the development of plant yields, such currently require stricter management, which is based on the strategy of adapting inputs to meet the needs of the crop during its various stages of development. One of the proposed solutions is the introduction of a specific diversity within agroecosystems through the development of intercropping crops (Lalati et al., 2014; Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR62\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). For millennia, Asians, Americans, and Africans former attracted attention by intercropping to produce premium yields at the lowest inputs and its land-sparing potential (Li et al., 2020 a, b). Intercropping systems are widely used around the world, including maize-wheat (Mupangwa et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), bean fava maize (Xu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e), wheat-pea, and maize-soybean (Fu et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e). Under unfavorable conditions, growing legumes and durum wheat have advantages for P uptake (Cheng et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Gong et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Additionally, legume is gaining attention for their impact on the sustainability of agriculture and their nutritional and health benefits. Also, it has been found in tropical and Mediterranean regions, that there is a low availability of phosphorus in the soil which is an important nutritional factor for limiting the production of legumes (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Lazuli et al., 2020). Therefore, intercropping can potentially increase crop production and reduce consumption simultaneously (Rezaei-Chiyaned et al., 2021). Better use of resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients; can help to reduce the need for supplemental irrigation and fertilization which can be expensive and damaging to the environment and nation (Ibrahim et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e; Christie et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), thus can help to reduce soil erosion increase the yield of crops because of the beneficial effect of crop diversity (Rezaei-Chiyaned et al., 2021). Intercropping of cereals and legumes has been reported to conserve soil and water in some landscapes and provide stable yields (Melkamu, 2023). Smallholder farmers often grow cereal-legume intercrops due to legumes' ability to adapt to disintegrating soils and influence soil health (Begam et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). Legumes can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere in the soil which increases fertility and reduces the soil nutrients for replenishment (Meena et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015b\u003c/span\u003e). Pulses are soil-improving crops with significant soil health benefits that must become an important part of agricultural systems (Dhakal et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). The soils of semi-arid and arid regions are usually low in P and pose agronomic problems and environmental. Hence, the objectives of the current study were i) to evaluate the impacts of intercropping legume (chickpea)-cereal (durum wheat) on the P availability ii) investigate the variation in enzymatic activity du sol (A-Phase et Phytase) that contribute to P availability iii) and evaluate the potential role of durum wheat\u0026ndash;chickpea intercropping in increase biomass, yield and pH variation as compared to sole crops in a low P soil under arid ecosystems of southern Tunisia.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods and Equipment","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eExperimental Site Description\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe experiment was conducted over two years (2020\u0026ndash;2021 to 2021\u0026ndash;2022) in the semi-arid soil of Mednine, South Tunisia (altitude 17m latitude 33\u0026deg;29'56.7'N longitude 10\u0026deg;38'41.50'E), where the climate is arid with an average temperature of 20.3\u0026deg;C. In April, total precipitation reaches a maximum of 4.4 mm. When the sown of crops is done, it reaches the experimental site of soil which is assessed by the top layer of conventional sampling (0\u0026ndash;30). The soil is made up of around 79% sand, 5% loam and 11% clay. At 25\u0026deg;C, the soil has an alkaline pH and an electrical conductivity of 1.74mS/cm at 25\u0026deg;, indicating that it is unsalted. According to the Baize classification (1988), organic matter is relatively low (0.8%) and the total limestone concentration in the soil is relatively high (18.7%) with a low active limestone content (2.4%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eA Cropping system and Plot filed design\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSimeto durum/hard wheat (Turgidum Triticum durum), Amdoun1 chickpea (Arietinum cicer.), and their intercropping method were included in the study. The test is performed in full field with three repetitions of a complete random block experimental device. The plot is divided into 9 micro-plots each micro-plot shows one growing modality (thus, 3 micro-plots (3 repetitions) per modality): the three cultivation methods are; (i) pure durum wheat (DW), (ii) pure chickpeas (CK), and (iii) chickpeas-durum wheat (DW-C and CK-C). Each micro-plot is 3 m by 1.5 m. The spacing between two micro-plots is 1 m horizontally and 1 m vertically. To lessen the edge effect, a 1 m border is left all around the plot vertically.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePlant and soil samples:\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSoil and plant samples were taken at the chickpea and durum wheat flowering stage. It is therefore appropriate to assess the dynamics of nutrients in the soil during these times since they are marked by considerable biological activity of the soil and maximum nutrient absorption. During the flowering period, which is 90 to 100 days following sowing, samples of the rhizosphere of the soil as well as plant biomasses (aerial and root portion) were obtained for various soil and plant tests. To determine the physical characteristics, the soil was dried free-ranging, ground, and sieved to a thickness of 2 mm. Properties are determined by using a standard protocol like Robinson's method of particle size by pipette. Thus, a pH meter will be used to determine the pH hydrogenated potential. Using a conductivity meter determines the electrical connection of the CE. Bernard's altimeter is used to calculate the total limestone using the geometrical method. The Walkley and Black method is used to calculate organic carbon levels. The following formula is used to create biological matter: MO (%)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;C% *1.72. using the Kjedhal method, the total nitrogen was calculated. Total phosphorus is determined by nitric acid digestion and assailable phosphorus is evaluated by the Olsen method. The flame photometer was used to measure the amounts of Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil. Plant biomass was cleaned before being 48 hours of 60\u0026deg;C drying. Biomass components (aerial and root) were then weighed and set aside for total phosphorus and nitrogen.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eStatistical analyses\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnalyses of one-way variance (ANOVA) is a 0.05 probability factor conducted on the P total of the cropping system, Olsen-P, phytase, and pH in the rhizosphere; as well as the concentration of root and soot found in phosphorus. A multiple probability of 0.05 has shown the large gap differences in which the values were determined by Tukey\u0026rsquo;s multiple test. The analysis of statistics was carried out by the usage of XLSTAT.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eAvailability of rhizosphere in P\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThere is a change in P total in every season of flowering. However, combined crops of chickpeas and wheat durum have found a greater content for P. About 94% has shown to rise to BS while 28% rise shown in the initial season of DW. The total rise in P total for chickpeas was observed to be greater for CK-C. The only there is one difference that has been found is that there is a difference of 3% for CK. In the next season, it has been observed to increase by 26% in DW-C compared to DW while a 1% drop has been observed at about 93% than to BS. In addition, only a 0.05 difference was significantly noticed because only a 4% difference has been recorded to DW. Combining crops (Wheat durum and chickpeas) has been compared with monoculture and soil in bulk has profoundly appeared to have higher concentration for Olsen-P, which has been increased and has shown greater DW and DW-C, merely found a difference of 36% and for DW-C found 65% which is opposed to BS. If chickpeas merge win merge in a huge quantity of soil, along with the quantity of Olsen-P added, it can be observed the difference is 16% and 4% for CK-C whereas, For CK, the result will appear like 49% and higher percentage about 64% for BS, which found to be a significant difference of 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRanges in enzymatic activities\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn each season, the content of A-phase chickpeas and durum wheat in the rhizosphere crossed from various experiments. Indications in data were found to be a significant difference of 0.05 which has posed an impact on A-phase content. DW-C was observed to grow in the initial season by 33% and 26% which is considered a higher line for BS and DW. It can observed that the A-Phase is merely about 37% higher than in the CK-C while 6% was seen as higher in CK. These results have found that the DW-C increase after the first season of agriculture was 22% higher for DW and 34% higher than BS during the year 2021\u0026ndash;2022. Moreover, the result finding has found that chickpeas crops (CK-C) have resulted in medium growth of 6% in comparison to BS and about 38% to the rhizosphere of CK. The coming crop of Chickpeas and durum wheat has profound upper levels for A-Phtyase to elevate the activity in the rhizosphere of 0.05. The increase in bulk soil and monoculture activity of rhizosphere was found to be high for DW-C which is about 67% and for BS 69%, and for DW, it only rose by 8%, and for BS only 7% rise during both seasons for agriculture processes. Hence, the significant difference for P is less than 0.05, because the percentage of DW-C is only increased by 67% and 69% for BS, and for the case of DW, it is only for 8% and 7%. Merging in bulk soil has also found a higher percentage about 65% for CK-C and 66% than in BS.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eVariation in pH\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe results of rhizosphere chickpeas in intercropping and solitary cropping have significantly shown lower results for pH. Acidification of the rhizosphere is found to be a core factor for the initial seasoning growth for CK-C has found a low pH value, which is 0.63, and can be said that it is lower compared to BS. The pH value in the soil is decreased for CK to BS, roughly about 0.56 units. In contrast, the results have shown the contrast result in the next season after the first season it has about a pH value of 0.55 units but is still lower than the BS for CK-C. the value is likely to drop again by roughly 0.57 units during the 2021\u0026ndash;2022.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePlant biomass and P content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eDuring the stage of flowering, the content of the P plant while intercropping to root and shoot poses a serious cause which creates an effect on durum wheat and chickpeas. In the comparison of CK-C with pure chickpea (CK), the root and shoot for biomass rose by 17% and 26%. Whereas, biomass root and shoot rose by 26% and 37% for DW-C. While in the next trial after the 1st trial season, found high DW compared to that of pure chickpea (CK), together the biomass root and shoot found to be rise by 4% and 11% for CK-C. Moreover, the Concentration of phosphorus in the part of root and shoot appeared to be higher for the durum wheat in the content of P which is found in the combined crop of durum wheat and for the chickpea. In the initial growth period, it increases by 13% in the portion of root and shoot of DW-C and is 3% higher than DW. It has also been found that chickpea accounts for 23% of adsorption about 6% of adsorption for CK in the content of root and shoot. When comparing the DW, adsorption of P in the parts of the root and shoot in DW-C grow in the secondary trial season accounts for 16% and 5%. In addition, adsorption rates were observed to be low compared to 24% and 4% for CK-C in the parts of the root and shoot as a significant difference was found at 0.05.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eIncreased availability of P in the rhizosphere\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn many experiments, the P level of concentration has consistently seen be increase. It has been reported from past research studies that P-intercropped legumes are available and cereals crops of the rhizosphere (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e). This study also reported the availability of P (Olsen-P) in the content of legumes and intercropped cereal crops. Moreover, the study also suggested that phosphorus deficiency can promote the availability of root induction process in soil alkaline. Acidification in the rhizosphere legumes exerts the nodules of phosphatase carboxylate through the indirect activity of microbial (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). The acidity of the legumes used for rising purposes can be accessible to the cereal crop of the rhizosphere in the intercropped phosphorus. Existing acidity in the phosphorus deficiency leads to a rise in the availability of P in the content of soil and can lead to a rise in the number of common beans in the process of legumes (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). It might be interlinked with the rhizosphere of cowpeas in an acidic situation. A rise in the content of P is linked with the biomass plant for the durum wheat to be intercropped. Moreover, phosphorus availability has found that there might be a positive correlation between the chickpeas. The study also reported that growth improvement improves the nutrients in the P content as well (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Research finding also shows that P mineralization can promote the chickpeas and the minerals being absorbed by the maize intercropping, which is the cause of phosphate activity that does not find any facilitation for the chickpeas to grow (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eThe variation in enzymatic activity\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAn important role played by the acid phosphatase in the content of P for remobilization transport and production (Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). The content of P can be found as an organic complex such as phosphonates, protein, lipids, inositol, and sugar in addition to inorganic ones. Biomass cellular in the content of the soil is decomposing. A few enzymes such as Phytases and Phosphatases breakdown aid in the chemical compound (Pandey et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2017\u003c/span\u003e). Acid phosphatases and alkaline phosphatases are classified as non-specific by nature in real (Lazali et al., 2021). Acid phosphatases (ATPase) are found commonly in every organism as they are primarily responsible for organophosphate mineralization. ATPase activities elevated and suggested that the enzymatic physiological key role to control the activities for nitrogen which are interlinked to stat p nodal, and hence it provides new insights into how legumes regulate the fixation of N2 (Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). It may be crucial for ATPase to uptake and then take it to the recycling process of phosphorus in plants, as it helps to maintain the homeostasis of phosphorus in the nodules of roots. Faba soybean in the soil and accumulation of dry matter increased the long-term application of molybdenum uptake in the rhizosphere and the non-rhizosphere. Enzymatic activity of ATPase and microbial phosphorus biomass and gene transcript express to keep secrets to overcome the bioavailability of phosphorus (Rana et al., 2020). According to a report, ATPase is found to be the formation of a special family of A-phases that hydrolyze the phytic acid, which makes the main forms of P reserves in plants (Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). So, there could be a huge number of soil to be produced by these enzymes in the soil such as plants, bacteria, and, fungi (Lazali et al., 2017). It catalyzes the reaction based on the mechanism, similarities, and amino acids along with the four families of A-phytases, such as purple acid phosphatase (PAP), helical phytase (HPP), cysteine phytase (CPhy), histidine acid phosphate (HAP) to hydrolyzed (Lazali et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eRhizosphere pH\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe pH level of rhizosphere soil can be altered by legumes, hence increasing the availability of cereals nutrients. The soil becomes acidic when beans are grown under acidic pressure conditions due to the release of protons from the root plants accumulate organic anions return to the soil and decompose (Yan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1996\u003c/span\u003e, Melkamu, 2023). When beans are grown in phosphorus-deficient regions some plants such as feba beans can form melic and citric acids to acidify their rhizosphere thereby greatly reducing the pH of the growing medium (Weidenhamer et Callaway., 2010; Melkamu., 2023). Legumes form more nitrogen from the air as diatomic nitrogen than from the soil as NO3 which lowers soil pH. One of the most common plant responses to N2-dependent P is that many plants have formed several duplicate mechanisms that merely deal with the insufficiency of P as reduced soil availability (Hinsinger et al. \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2003\u003c/span\u003e; Lazali et al., 2021). Beans of the rhizosphere have demonstrated the proton extrusion H\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;which is linked to the dimensions of acidifying higher roots (Alkama, Ounane, and Drevon., 2012; Lazali et al., 2021). An increase in acidification of the rhizosphere can grow under a sustained low supply of phosphorus of vulgaris (Kouas et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e; Lazali et al., 2021). Because of the P shortage, nodular plants are more likely to assimilate extra cations than anions in the following situations. (Tang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e) The rhizosphere's H\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;net outflow was significantly increased. As a result, phosphorus deprivation affects the balance of cations and anion absorption, which in turn affects the release of H\u003csup\u003e+\u003c/sup\u003e at the root-soil interface to balance the positive charge and control the cytoplasmic pH level of root cells. The rise in rhizosphere acidity suggested that the tuberculum root's acidification had a role in Medicago Truncatula's response to phosphate deficit. Particularly in soil, this feature can modify the interaction of rhizospheres and more often it promotes the uptake of Pi at the interface of soil and root. Soils that contain phosphorus and calcium include calcareous, natural soils, along with acidic soils of phosphorus fertilizers (Zhang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR63\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). There are certain plant species like chickpeas, white lupine, soybeans, and lentils that release the substances of phosphorus-mobilizing as organic acid. For exemple oxalate, citrate, malate, phosphatases, and protons (Lopez-Arredondo et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e; Lazali et al., 2021). Legumes are found to have a higher capacity to let out carboxylate than any other species of plant due to their bushy roots (Lambeth et al., 2013). Other species of chickpeas with phosphorus deficiency also increase organic anion efflux from roots (Wouterlood et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2004\u003c/span\u003e), brood beans, alfalfa, as well peas (Maltais-Landry, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Wang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003ePlant biomass and P content\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe increased availability of P in the rhizosphere may be the cause of the rise in plant biomass. Intercropping with leguminous crops has reportedly resulted in higher grain yields: Cowpeas or broad beans for maize (Dahmardeh et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2010\u003c/span\u003e) and wheat durum (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Process of intercropping cereals with beans crops adding the phosphorus while food supplement. To compare the chickpeas that are grown in isolation creates competition between chickpeas and wheat to intercrops which pose a significant negative impact on the growth of chickpeas. Moreover, the competition of nutrients between the selective crops might be noticed by the depth of root difference the extension of root lateral, and the density of root (Khanal et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e). A study has reported the uptake of phosphorus wheat found to be higher when it was in conjunction with the chickpeas than when it was grown in isolation in that specialty (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e), as it has reported that comparable outcomes have been observed in the grown in isolation for maize mixed and crops of bean. Organic phosphorus can be hydrolyzed by secreting phosphorus because the wheat content rises in the phosphorus, which has been turned to enhance the uptake of phosphorus for wheat. The consistent results are found to be higher compared to the uptake of phosphates in the consumption of wheat which has been grown below the circumstance conditions of the field at the isolated places compared to the case of chickpeas where the uptake of Phosphorus. When planting in mixed conditions, bean plants in mixed corn conditions have increased their phosphorus content in the wheat. This might occur because of the chickpea\u0026rsquo;s capacity to hydrolyze the phosphorus organically by secreting the phosphorus, thus promoting the absorption of phosphorus in the quantity of wheat (Latati et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study concludes the overall process of intercropping, which improves the fertility of soil management and all the physical characteristics of chemicals in the soil. Durum wheat and Chickpeas cultivated on the lower side of P soils in such circumstances for two seasons of agriculture as to address the core subject for the separate and inter-collective crop. Outcomes tests have revealed that there are substantial variations in the biomass plant and the uptake of P plants. In addition, the quantity of A-phase and Phytase were found das higher for chickpea and the durum wheat in comparison to the classification of monoculture. These findings demonstrate the availability of P in the durum wheat which is solely based on PH value. More often, it can be seen that durum wheat for intercropping rhizosphere becomes more alkaline while the intercropping for chickpeas rhizosphere is observed as a more acidic formation. Lastly, the current study concludes that to support the advantages of intercrops from yielding grains for P nutrition for both legumes and cereal crops and then increasing agroecosystem sustainability.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e- Amira Souidand Wissem Hamdi wrote the main manuscript text.-Amal Attallah participate in the collection of experimental data!-Mohamed Farissi, Boulbaba L\u0026rsquo;taief and Mohamed Faouazi Zagrarni reviewed the manuscript\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAkhtar M, Yaqub M, Iqbal Z, Ashraf MY, Akhter J, Hussain F (2010) Improvement in yield and nutrient uptake by cocropping of wheat and chickpea. Pakistan Journal of Botany42(6): 4043\u0026ndash;4049.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkama N, Bolou Bi Bolou E, Vailhe H, Roger L, Ounane SM, Drevon JJ (2009) Genotypic variability in P use efficiency for symbiotic nitrogen fixation is associated with variation of proton efflux in cowpea rhizosphere. Soil Biol Biochem 41: 1814\u0026ndash;1823\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlkama N, Ounane G, Drevon JJ (2012) Is genotypic variation of H+ efflux under P deficiency linked with nodulated-root respiration of N2-fixing common-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) J Plant Physiol 169:1084\u0026ndash;1089 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegam A, Mondal R, Dutta S, Banerjee H (2020) Im\u0026shy;pact of cereal+ legume intercropping systems on productivity and soil health-a review. Inter Jour of Bio-resource and Stress Management 11(3): 274-286.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetencourt E, Duputel M, Colomb B, Desclaux D, Hinsinger P (2012) Intercropping promotes the ability of durum wheat and chickpea to increase rhizosphere phosphorus availability in a low P soil. Soil Biol Biochem 46:181\u0026ndash;190\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarpenter S, Bennett R (2011) Reconsideration of the planetary boundary for phosphorus. Envir Rese Letters 6:12.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheng LX, Tang CP, Vance PJ, White F, Zhang J, Shen J (2014) Interactions between light intensity and phosphorus nutrition affect the phosphate-mining capacity of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). J Exp Bot, 65, 2995\u0026ndash;3003.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristie KM, Smith AP, Rawnsley RP, Harrison MT, Eckard RJ (2020) Simulated seasonal responses of grazed dairy pastures to nitrogen fertilizer in SE Australia: N loss and recovery. Agric. 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Agron, 115, 126034.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHe Y, Ding N, Shi J, Wu M, Liao H, Xu J (2013) Profiling of microbial PLFAs: implications for interspecific interactions due to intercropping which increase phosphorus uptake in phosphorus limited acidic soils. Soil Biol Biochem 57:625\u0026ndash; 634\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHinsinger P, Betencourt E, Bernard L, Brauman A, Plassard C, Shen J, Tang X, Zhang F (2011) P for two sharing a scarce resource e soil phosphorus acquisition in the rhizosphere of intercropped species. Plant Physiol 156:1078\u0026ndash;1086\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHinsinger P, Plassard C, Tang C, Jaillard B (2003) Origins of root-mediated pH changes in the rhizosphere and their responses to environmental constraints: a review. Plant Soil 248:43\u0026ndash;59\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHinsinger P, Plassard C, Tang C, Jaillard B (2003) Origins of root mediated pH changes in the rhizosphere and their responses to environmental constraints: A review. Plant and Soil 248 (1/2):43\u0026ndash;59. doi:10.1023/ A:1022371130939.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIbrahim A, Harrison M T, Meinke H, Zhou M (2019) Examining the yield potential of barley near-isogenic lines using a genotype by environment by management analysis. Eur. J. Agron, 105, 41\u0026ndash;51.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJia X, Zhong Y, Liu J, Zhu G, Shangguan Z, Yan W (2020) Effects of nitrogen enrichment on soil microbial characteristics, from biomass to enzyme activities. Geoderma, 366,114256. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhanal U, Stott KJ, Armstrong R, Nuttall JG, Henry F, Christy BP, Mitchell M, Riffkin PA, Wallace AJ, McCaskill M (2021) Intercropping-evaluating the advantages to broadacre systems. Agriculture, 11, 453. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKouas S, Louche J, Debez A, Plassard C, Drevon J J and Abdelly C (2009) Effect of phosphorus deficiency on acid phosphatase and phytase activities in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Symbiosis 47 (3):141\u0026ndash;49. doi:10.1007/BF03179974.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLambers H, Clements JC, Nelson M N (2013) How a phosphorus-acquisition strategy based on carboxylate exudation powers the success and agronomic potential of lupines (Lupinus, Fabaceae). American Journal of Botany 100:263\u0026ndash;88.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatati M, Bargaz A, Belarbi B, Lazali M, Benlahrech S, Tellaha S, Kaci G, Drevon JJ, Ounane SM (2016) The intercropping common bean with maize improves the rhizobial efficiency, resource use and grain yield under low phosphorus availability. Eur J Agron 72: 80\u0026ndash;90.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatati M, Benlahrech S, Lazali M , Tellah S , Kaci G , Takouachet R, Alkama N, Hamdani FZ, Hafnaoui EA, Belarbi B, Ounane G and Ounane SM (2016)Intercropping Promotes the Ability of Legume and Cereal to Facilitate Phosphorus and Nitrogen Acquisition through Root-Induced Processes,http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/63438\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatati M, Blavet B , Alkama N, Laoufi H , Drevon JJ , G\u0026eacute;rard F, Pansu M, Ounane S M (2014) The intercropping cowpea-maize improves soil phosphorusavailability and maize yields in an alkaline soil in Plant Soil 385:181\u0026ndash;191 , DOI 10.1007/s11104-014-2214-6\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatati M, Blavet D, Alkama N, Laoufi H, Drevon JJ, G\u0026eacute;rard F, Pansu M, Ounane SM (2014) The intercropping cowpea-maize improves soil phosphorus availability and maize yields in an alkaline soil. Plant Soil 85: 181\u0026ndash;191.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatati M, Pansu M, Drevon JJ, Ounane SM (2013) Advantage of intercropping maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) on yield and nitrogen uptake in 190 Plant Soil (2014) 385:181\u0026ndash;191 Northeast Algeria. Int J Res Appl Sci 01:1\u0026ndash;7, www.knowledgejournals.com/PDF/3.pdf\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLazali M, Drevon JJ (2021) Mechanisms and Adaptation Strategies of Tolerance to Phosphorus Deficiency in Legumes, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2021.188569.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLazali M, Bargaz A (2017) Examples of belowground mechanisms enabling legumes to mitigate phosphorus deficiency. In: Sulieman S. \u0026amp; Tran L.S.P., eds. Legume nitrogen fixation in soils with low phosphorus availability. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland, 135-152.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLazali M, Brahimi S, Benadis C, Drevon JJ (2020) Strategies and adaptation mechanisms of legumes to low phosphorus availability in soils. Revue Marocaine des Sciences Agronomiques et V\u0026eacute;t\u0026eacute;rinaires \u0026bull; p-ISSN: 2028-991X.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLazali M, Brahimi S, Drevon JJ (2018) High yields in a low-P tolerant recombinant inbred line of common bean under field conditions. Rhizosphere 8: 27\u0026ndash;33.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLei X G, Weaver JD, Mullaney E, Ullah AH, Azain MJ (2013) Phytase, a new life for an \u0026ldquo;old\u0026rdquo; enzyme. Annu. Rev. Anim. Biosci., 1: 283-309.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi CJ, Hoffland E, Kuyper TW, Yu Y, Li H, Zhang C, Zhang F, van der Werf W (2020b) Yield gain, complementarity and competitive dominance in intercropping in China: A metaanalysis of drivers of yield gain using additive partitioning. Eur J Agron 113:125987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. eja.2019.125987\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi CJ, Hoffland E, Kuyper TW, Yu Y, Zhang C, Li H, Zhang F,van der Werf W (2020a) Syndromes of production in intercropping impact yield gains. Nature Plants 6:653\u0026ndash;660. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-020-0680-9\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi H, Shen J, Zhang F, Clairotte M, Drevon JJ, Le Cadre E,Hinsinger P (2008) Dynamics of phosphorus fractions in the rhizosphere of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.) grown in monocropping and intercropping systems. Plant Soil 312:139\u0026ndash;150\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLi SM, Li L, Zhang F, Tang C (2004) Acid phosphatase role in chickpea-maize intercropping. Ann Bot 94:297\u0026ndash;303\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLopez-Arredondo D L, Leyva-Gonzalez MA, Gonzalez-Morales S I, Lopez-Bucio J, and Herrera-Estrella L (2014) Phosphate nutrition: Improving low-phosphate tolerance in crops. Annual Review of Plant Biology 65 (1):95\u0026ndash;123. doi:10.1146/annurev-arplant-050213-035949.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMac Donald G K, Bennett EM, Potter PA, Ramankutty N (2011) Agronomic phosphorus imbalances across the world\u0026apos;s croplands. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 108:3086-3091.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaltais-Landry G (2015) Legumes have a greater effect on rhizosphere properties (pH, organic acids and enzyme activity) but a smaller impact on soil P compared to other cover crops. Plant and Soil 394 (1\u0026ndash;2):139\u0026ndash;54. doi:10.1007/ s11104-015-2518-1.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeena RK, Singh RK, Singh NP, Meena SK, Meena VS (2015b) Isolation of low temperature surviving plant growth\u0026ndash;promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from pea (Pisum sa\u0026shy;tivum L.) and documentation of their plant growth promoting traits. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 4(4): 806-811.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMehra P, Pandey B K, Giri J (2017) Improvement in phosphate acquisition and utilization by a secretory purple acid phosphatase (OsPAP21b) in rice. Plant Biotechnology Journal 15 (8):1054\u0026ndash;67. doi:10.1111/pbi.12699.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMelkamu Dugassa (2023) The Role of Cereal legume Intercropping in Soil Fertility Management: Review. Journal of Agriculture and Aquaculture 5(1).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMupangwa W, Nyagumbo I, Liben F, Chipindu L, Craufurd P, Mkuhlani S (2021) Maize yields from rotation and intercropping systems with different legumes under conservation agriculture in contrasting agro-ecologies. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ, 306, 107.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePandey B, Mehra KP, Verma L, Bhadouria J, Giri and J (2017) OsHAD1, a Haloacid Dehalogenase-Like APase, Enhances Phosphate Accumulation. Plant Physiology 174 (4):2316\u0026ndash;32. doi:10.1104/pp.17.00571.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRaboy V (2003) Molecules of interest: myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate. Phytochemistry, 64: 1033- 1043.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRezaei-Chiyaneh E, Amirnia R, Fotohi S, Maggi F, Barin M, Razavi BS (2021) Improvement of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) yield quality through a coupled intercropping system and vermicompost application along with maintenance of soil microbial activity. Land Degrad. Dev 32, 2833\u0026ndash;2848.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRezaei-Chiyaneh E, Mahdavikia H, Subramanian S, Alipour H, Siddique K, Smith D (2021) Co-inoculation of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi: Effect on seed yield, physiological variables, and fixed oil and essential oil productivity of ajowan (Carum copticum L.) under water deficit. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr 21, 3159\u0026ndash;3179. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRichardson A E, Lynch JP, Ryan P R, Delhaize E, Smith FA, Smith SE, Harvey P R, Ryan M H, Veneklaas E J, Lambers H, Oberson A, Culvenor R A, Simpson R J (2011) Plant and microbial strategies to improve the phosphorus efficiency of agriculture. Plant and Soil 349:121-156.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTang C, Drevon JJ, Jaillard B, Souche G, Hinsinger P (2004) Proton efflux of two genotypes of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by N nutrition and P deficiency. Plant Soil 260:59\u0026ndash;68\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTang C, Han Z, Qiao Y F, Zheng S J (2009) Phosphorus deficiency does not enhance proton release by roots of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Murr.]. Environmental and Experimental Botany 67 (1):228\u0026ndash;34. doi:10.1016/j. envexpbot.2009.04.004.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTang XY, Placella SA, Dayd\u0026eacute; F, Bernard L, Robin A, Journet EP, Justes E, Hinsinger P (2016) Phosphorus availability and microbial community in the rhizosphere of intercropped cereal and legume along a P-fertilizer gradient. Plant Soil 407: 119\u0026ndash;134\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTurner BL, Cade-Menun BJ, Westermann DT (2003) Organic phosphorus composition and potential bioavaila\u0026shy;bility in semi-arid arable soils of the western United States. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 67: 1168-1179.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWang X, Gao Y, Zhang H, Shao Z, Sun B, Gao Q (2020) Enhancement of rhizosphere citric acid and decrease of NO3\u0026minus;/NH4+ ratio by root interactions facilitate N fixation and transfer. Plant and Soil 447 (1\u0026ndash;2):169\u0026ndash;82. doi:10.1007/ s11104-018-03918-6.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeidenhamer JD, Callaway RM (2010) Direct and indi\u0026shy;rect effects of invasive plants on soil chemistry and ecosystem function. Journal of chemical ecology, 36(1): 59-69.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWouterlood M, Cawthray G R, Turner S, Lambers H, Veneklaas E J (2004) Rhizosphere carboxylate concentrations of chickpea are affected by genotype and soil type. Plant and Soil 261 (1/2):1\u0026ndash;10. doi:10.1023/B: PLSO.0000035568.28893.f6.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eXu Y, Lei B, Tang Y (2018) Effects of wheat-faba bean intercropping on soil microbial community structure in the rhizosphere. Agric. Sci, 09, 1389\u0026ndash;1400. \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYan F, Schubert S, Mengel K (1996) Soil pH changes during legume growth and application of plant material. Biol\u0026shy;ogy and Fertility of Soils, 23(3): 236-242.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYu Y, Stomph TJ,Makowski D, van derWerfW(2015) Temporal niche differentiation increases the land equivalent ratio of annual intercrops: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Res 184: 133\u0026ndash;144\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhang C, Yu Y, Shen J. Van der Werf W, ZhangF (2021) Intercropping legumes and cereals increases phosphorus use efficiency; a meta-analysis. Plant Soil, 460:89-104\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhang D, Song H, Cheng D, Hao H, Wang G, Kan H, Yu D (2014) The acid phosphatase-encoding gene GmACP1 contributes to soybean tolerance to low-phosphorus stress. PLOS Genetics 10 (1):e1004061. doi:10.1371/ journal.pgen.1004061.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZhang F, Li L (2003) Using competitive and facilitative interactions in intercropping systems enhances crop productivity and nutrient-use efficiency. Plant Soil 248:305\u0026ndash;312.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Table","content":"\u003cp\u003eTable 1: Physico-chemical results after soil characterization\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParametres\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.577\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCE (mS/cm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal nitrogen \u0026nbsp;(mg/g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.040\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP total \u0026nbsp;(mg P/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.661\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOlsen-P (mg P/kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA-Phase (\u0026micro;mol PNP/g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePhytase (mgP /kg)\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.895\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.22\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePotassium (ppm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSodium (ppm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e83.143\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e71.183\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal limestone (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.741\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Active limestone \u0026nbsp;(%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.460\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCarbon (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.471\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOrganic material (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"50.539568345323744%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"49.460431654676256%\" valign=\"top\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Intercropping, durum wheat, chickpea, phosphorus, A-Phases, phytase, pH","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of intercropping systems cereals (Durum/hard Wheat)-legume (Cicer arietinum) on phosphorus (P) acquisition, pH soil variation, and the variation in enzymatic activity, through root-induced processes in semi-arid soil of South Tunisia. Split plot experiments with triplicate repetitions were carried out in southern Tunisia during two years of field (2020\u0026ndash;2021 and 2021\u0026ndash;2022). These comprise mono-crop chickpea (CK) and mono-crop durum wheat/ wheat durum (DW/WD), durum wheat intercropping (DW-C), and chickpea intercropping (CK-C). At the complete vegetation stage of durum wheat and chickpea, three soil samples were carried in layer surface for each experimental plot. For the analyses of soil, the P total, Olsen-P, phytase, acid phosphatases, and pH were carried out in the experiment. The obtained findings show a significant amelioration in P total contents in DW-C by 28% and 26% to DW, and 94% and 93% than BS during the two years of field experiment (2020\u0026ndash;2021 and 2021\u0026ndash;2022) respectively. Furthermore, the Study reported an increase of Olsen-P in the rhizosphere of DW-C by around 5%, 42% than DW, and 36%, 65% to bulk soil (BS) during the two-year experiment. Likewise, these results revealed an increase in A-Phase rates in the DW-C rhizosphere during the two agricultural seasons (2020\u0026ndash;2021 and 2021\u0026ndash;2021), of approximately 26%, 8% than DW and 33%, 67% than BS respectively. As well as the phytase activity indicated an increase in the DW-C rhizosphere by 67% and 69% than in BS and only by 8% and 7% than in DW for the two seasons (2020\u0026ndash;2021 and 2021\u0026ndash;2021). Indeed, the rhizosphere acidification of rhizosphere was found very much high in CK-C (0.63 pH units and 0.55 units lower than in the BS).\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of the cereal-legume intercropping on Phosphatases and Phytase activity under alkaline soil.","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2023-11-21 21:29:12","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3627440/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"45168dc9-65d7-4763-881f-91d84da4f7db","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 21st, 2023","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-08-12T07:42:27+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2023-11-21 21:29:12","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3627440","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3627440","identity":"rs-3627440","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"-HB7Z8yhvgn0wM9Nzuekk","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}