Production of Corn and Soybean under Mineral and Biological N Fertilization in Sole and Intercropping Cultures

Production of Corn and Soybean under Mineral and Biological N Fertilization in Sole and Intercropping Cultures | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Production of Corn and Soybean under Mineral and Biological N Fertilization in Sole and Intercropping Cultures Abd El-Alim Abdel-Rhman Metwally, Neama Abd El-Salheen Saleh, and 1 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8418778/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 Intercropping is a viable method to achieve a high land equivalent ratio (LER) and increase production in a given area under sustainable agricultural practices like bio-nitrogen (N) fertilization. A 2-year field study was conducted at the Agricultural Experiments and Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, from 2023 to 2024 to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems. The study included two cropping systems (2:2 intercropping and sole cropping of corn and soybean), N-fertilization treatments (N-0 for corn and soybean, 238 kg N/ha for corn, and 142.8 kg N/ha for soybean, biological N-fertilization was used for soybean seeds by inoculating with Bradyrhizobium japonicum , and biological N-fertilization was used for corn grains by inoculating with specialized inoculants). Three replicates of each treatment were used in a split-plot design. Corn grain yield and shelling percentage increased when soybeans and corn were intercropped, but soybean productivity decreased. Corn yields and shelling percentages improved with intercropping. Biological N-fertilization treatments resulted in higher grain yields. Intercropping with biological N-fertilization increased LER by utilizing soybeans to fix atmospheric N and provide natural N to corn. Agg of soybean was positive for N-0 or biological N fertilization, indicating that soybean is dominated component under mineral N-fertilization. Intercropping soybeans with corn generated higher net benefits, ranging from 133.29 to 1302.65 USD per hectare. cropping systems soybean corn biological N fertilization competitive relationships economic return Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Introduction The Egyptian government is striving to enhance agricultural production through horizontal and vertical integration to address food shortages. Challenges such as limited cultivated areas due to water scarcity and high costs of mineral N based fertilizers may hinder these efforts. Soybean ( Glycine max L.) faces competition from crops like corn (Zea mays L), with soybean seeds used to produce products like tofu and soy milk, while corn is used for starch, sweeteners, and corn oil [1, 2]. Soybeans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, while corn provides protein, fats, starch, and minerals [3, 4]. However, the area under soybean cultivation in the Nile Valley and Delta has decreased to approximately 63400 hectares in 2023, with an average yield of 2.95 ton per hectare. In contrast, the area under corn cultivation was 930014 hectares in 2023, with an average yield of 7.61 ton grains per hectare [5]. Expanding soybean cultivated area beyond the Nile Valley and Delta of Egypt is crucial. Overuse of mineral N-fertilizer on crops like corn can harm soil and water quality, leading to nutrient runoff and soil degradation [6 – 8]. In intercropping legumes with corn, fertilizer application may disrupt beneficial interactions like N fixation by legumes, making sole cropping more efficient in high-input situations [9]. Intercropping legumes with corn can reduce productivity with excessive mineral N-fertilizer use, as it promotes corn growth and competition with intercropped plants [10]. Intercropping soybeans with corn in Egypt has shown increased yields and profitability, benefiting both economically and environmentally [11 – 18]. Enhancing the rhizosphere in corn-soybean cropping systems can improve plant N uptake and nutrient sharing through root interactions [19 – 22]. Moreover, Zheng et al. [23] found an increase in soil bacteria and beneficial microorganisms in soybean-corn intercropping compared to sole corn. This study was conducted to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems Materials and methods Study area A 2-year field study was conducted at the Agricultural Experiments and Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, from 2023 to 2024 to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems. The study included two cropping systems (2:2 intercropping and sole cropping of corn and soybean), N-fertilization treatments (N-0 for corn and soybean, 238 kg N/ha for corn, and 142.8 kg N/ha for soybean, biological N-fertilization was used for soybean seeds by inoculating with Bradyrhizobium japonicum , and biological N-fertilization was used for corn grains by inoculating with specialized inoculants containing beneficial microorganisms). Experimental design and agricultural techniques The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. Cropping systems, including sole cropping and 2:2 intercropping, were randomly assigned to the main plots, while the N-fertilization treatments were allocated to sub-plots. The total plot area measured 16.2 m², consisting of 6 ridges that are each 0.7 m wide and 4.0 m long. Soil samples were collected from various locations, particularly from the top 0-30 cm layer of the arable soil. The analysis indicated that the experimental soil is clay loamy, with coarse sand percentages of 3.12% in the first season and 3.19% in the second season, fine sand percentages of 29.76% in the first season and 30.28% in the second season, silt percentages of 30.05% in the first season and 30.55% in the second season, and clay percentages of 37.07% in the first season and 35.98% in the second season. The pH measured 7.87 in the first season and 8.02 in the second season. The nutrient levels measured in milligrams per kilogram were N (24.44 in the first season and 25.68 in the second season), phosphorus (9.24 in the first season and 9.09 in the second season), and potassium (222 in the first season and 204 in the second season). Soybean was sown on May 18 and May 14 in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively. Corn was sown a week later. Corn cultivar S.C. 132 and soybean cultivar Giza 111 were used. The soybean cultivar was gratefully donated by the Food Legumes Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, and the corn cultivar was kindly given by the Maize Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. The corn cultivar S.C. 132 is well renowned for its high production potential and environmental adaptability. On the other hand, due to its resistance to common pests and diseases, the soybean cultivar Giza 111 is a valuable resource for agricultural production and research. These samples weren't taken in the wild. Through breeding procedures in the Maize Research Department, local inbred lines were hybridized to produce the genetically homogeneous and advantageous corn cultivar S.C. 132. Because of its exceptional yield and ability to adapt to various growing conditions, this cultivar has been particularly bred. However, the Food Legumes Research Department's Crawford x Celeste hybridization resulted in the soybean cultivar Giza 111, which is resistant to common pests and diseases. As evidenced by its consistent performance in field testing, Giza 111 is a preferred choice among farmers because of its yield and adaptability. As a result, no permission was required to collect these samples. Plant material was collected in accordance with international guidelines for plant experiments. This ensures that ethical standards were upheld and the research was conducted properly. By following these global guidelines, researchers would ensure the reliability and validity of their findings. At the time of soil preparation, phosphorus fertilizer (15.5% P 2 O 5 ) was applied at the rate of 357 kg/ha for corn plants. The intercropping system consisted of two corn plants per hill at 30 cm between plants in sole culture, while soybean was drill seeded in two rows per ridge and thinned to two plants at 20 cm between plants for both pure stand intercrops (Fig. 1). Furrow irrigation was practiced in the region. The first irrigation was practiced 21 days after planting, followed by intervals of two weeks. Manual weeding was performed before the first and second watering, and pesticide sprays were applied as needed. Studied traits: A. Plant growth traits of soybean at 85 days after sowing (DAS) From each plot, ten plants were chosen at random to measure plant fresh and dry weights (g), leaf fresh and dry weights (g), as well as root length (cm). B. Seed yield traits 1. Soybean crop: Ten randomly chosen plants were harvested at maturity from each plot to calculate the number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant (g), and 100-seed weight (g). Seed yield was calculated using the experimental plot and reported in tons per hectare (ton/ha). 2. Corn crop: To calculate the grain yield per plant (g), 100-kernel weight (g), and shelling percentage (%), ten randomly chosen plants were harvested at maturity from each plot. The experimental plot was used to calculate the grain yield, which was expressed in tons per hectare. Grain yield per hectare expressed in tons per hectare (ton/ha) and adjusted to 15.5% grain moisture. C. Relationships of competition: 1. LER In accordance with Mead and Willey [24], LER was calculated as follows: LER = (Y ab /Y aa ) + (Y ba /Y bb ), where Y aa is yield of sole corn, Y bb is yield of sole soybean, Y ab is yield of intercropped corn and Y ba is yield of intercropped soybean. 2. Agg Agg was calculated according to Willey [25] using the formula: A ab = [Y ab / (Y aa x Z ab )] – [Y ba / (Y bb x Z ba )] ; A ba = [Y ba / (Y bb x Z ba )] – [Y ab / (Y aa x Z ab )], Where, Y aa = yield of sole corn; Y bb = yield of sole soybean; Y ab = yield of intercropped corn; Y ba = yield of intercropped soybean; Z ab = The respective proportion of intercropped corn; Z ba = The respective proportion of intercropped soybean. D. Financial return The farmer's gain (USD) was calculated by comparing total yields and financial costs of sole plantings and intercropping [11]. Net returns were calculated by subtracting fixed costs for corn in the intercropping system and variable costs for both crops. Crop values were converted from Egyptian pounds to US dollars using market prices of 248 USD per ton for corn and 400 USD per ton for soybeans. Statistical analysis The study utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mixed models to analyze the effects of planting dates and soybean varieties on the measured variables [26]. ANOVA was performed using Mstat Software (version 8.0.1, URL link: Mstat version 8.0.1 for Windows-14.8 M), while mixed models allowed for random effects. The least significant differences (L.S.D.) test was used for mean comparisons [27]. Results A. Growth and development traits of soybeans 85 DAS 1. Cropping systems impact on soybean growth and development traits At 85 DAS, cropping systems had a significant impact on all soybean growth and development traits studied (Table 1). Intercropping soybeans with corn resulted in decreased all studied traits compared to sole soybean. 2. Effect of N-fertilization treatments on soybean traits N-fertilization treatments significantly influenced plant fresh and dry weights, and leaf fresh dry weights, with biological N-fertilization showing superior results compared to mineral N-fertilizer and no fertilization treatments (Table 1). 3. Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization on soybean growth and development traits The interaction between cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments did not significantly affect soybean traits (Table 1). B. Seed yield and yield components 1. Cropping systems Cropping systems significantly influenced the number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, and seed yield per hectare, while the 100-seed weight remained unchanged (Table 2). Intercropping decrease the number of pods per plant by 12.57% compared to growing soybeans alone. Additionally, intercropping soybeans with corn caused a 16.12% decline in seed yield per plant compared to sole soybeans. Specifically, seed yield per hectare decreased by 53.39% in intercropped soybeans and corn compared to sole soybean. 2. N-fertilization treatments N-fertilization treatments had a significant impact on the number of pods and seed yield per plant, while 100-seed weight and seed yield per hectare remained unchanged (Table 2). Using biological N-fertilization led to an 11.11% and 9.37% rise in the number of pods per plant compared to other treatments, respectively. Moreover, seed yield per plant increased by 9.47% and 4.00% with biological N-fertilization compared to mineral N-fertilizer and no fertilization treatments, respectively. 3. Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization on seed yield traits The interaction between cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments did not significantly affect any of the studied soybean traits (Table 2). The influence of cropping systems on soybeans was not changed by the N-fertilizer treatments. C. Corn crop 1. Cropping systems The cropping systems significantly affected all the corn traits studied (Table 3). Grain yields per plant and per hectare, and shelling percentage increased when soybeans and corn were intercropped by 7.54%, 4.22%, and 1.38%, respectively, compared to growing corn alone. However, intercropping soybean with corn led to a lower 100-kernel weight by 10.57% compared to sole corn. 2. N-fertilization treatments The N-fertilization treatments significantly influenced all the studied corn traits (Table 3). Substituting mineral N- fertilization for biological fertilization treatment resulted in a 15.26% increase in grain yield per plant, a 12.24% increase in 100-kernel weight, a 15.18% increase in grain yield per hectare, and a 6.90% increase in shelling. Substituting mineral N- fertilization for the unfertilized treatment led to a 61.67% increase in grain yield per plant, a 77.41% increase in 100-kernel weight, a 62.22% increase in grain yield per hectare, and a 30.04% increase in shelling. 3. Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization on grain yield traits Grain yield per plant was significantly affected by the combination of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments, except 100-kernel weight, grain yield per hectare, and shelling percentage (Table 3). Sole corn treated with mineral N-fertilization produced more grain per plant compared to intercropped corn plants treated with mineral N-fertilization or biological N-fertilization, with no significant differences observed. D. Competitive relationships Intercropping soybeans with corn led to LER compared to growing each crop separately (Fig. 2). The 2:2 intercropping system typically showed the highest LER, ranging from 1.17 when soybeans were intercropped with corn without fertilization to 1.30 when intercropped with corn under mineral N-fertilization or biological N-fertilization. Intercropping soybeans with corn that received mineral N had a similar LER to those fertilized with biological N. According to dominance analysis, the data in Figure 3 show that corn was the dominant intercrop component (positive sign) in mineral N-fertilization, while it was the dominated component (negative sign) in N-0 or biological N-fertilization. Agg ranged from 0.09 when soybeans were intercropped with corn with mineral N-fertilization to 0.33 when intercropped with corn under N-0. E. Economic return The economic returns varied among treatments. They ranged from 766.32 USD per hectare for sole corn without fertilization to 1912.40 USD per hectare for intercropping soybean with corn using mineral N-fertilizer per hectare (Table 4). Net returns also differed, from 133.29 USD per hectare for sole corn without fertilization to 1302.65 USD per hectare for intercropping soybean with corn using biological N-fertilization per hectare. In general, intercropping soybean with corn using biological N-fertilization achieved higher total and net returns by 25.10% and 70.35%, respectively, compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer. Discussion The decrease in all soybean growth and development traits is due to the shading effect of corn plants [28], which limits sunlight and nutrient access for soybeans, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and overall growth [29]. The development of soybean plants was hindered by the intercropping system's competition for resources. Biological N-fertilization enhances plant growth and development by improving nutrient absorption and supporting biomass accumulation [30]. The soil's natural N-fixing processes may have been enough, reducing the need for extra N-fertilization, no matter the cropping system. The decrease in number of pods per plant likely occurred due to poor nutrient absorption and movement within the plants during intercropping. The decrease in seed yield per plant is probably due to limited transfer of dry matter from the leaves to the seeds, which affected both the quantity and weight of the pods produced by each plant. These findings match earlier studies by Metwally et al. [16] that reported a decrease in seed yield per hectare when intercropping soybeans with corn compared to sole soybeans. The decrease in seed yield per hectare probably results from reduced light interception by the intercropped soybean canopies, which impacts their yield potential (Fig. 4). Metwally et al. [31, 16, 32] showed higher seed yields per area in sole soybean than in intercropping systems. The improvements in corn yield traits result from the positive effects of biological N-fertilization on plant growth and development, which improved nutrient uptake and utilization and positively reflected pod formation and seed production. The use of biological N-fertilization can boost biological N fixation, growth hormone production, and antibiotic levels in plants, improving root system development in soybean [33]. Biochar and biofertilizer cut down N input and raised soybean yield in the corn-soybean relay strip intercropping system [34]. Biological N-fertilization offers a sustainable and effective option to traditional mineral fertilizers for improving crop yield (Fig. 5). The influence of cropping systems on soybeans was not changed by the N-fertilizer treatments. Investing in soil health can boost productivity without needing more mineral N-fertilizer applications [35]. Based on these findings, any performance differences between intercropping and sole culture during soybean growth may have been lessened by the balanced nutrient availability from the N-fertilized treatments. The complementary relationship between soybean and corn enhanced light exposure for the corn plants and aided in nutrient uptake, ultimately leading to better overall crop performance. The intercropping practice likely formed a more favorable microclimate for corn growth, contributing to the differences in yield and shelling percentage [14, 15]. While intercropping may offer benefits for certain aspects of crop performance, it can also have trade-offs such as reduced kernel weight. The improvements in corn yield traits were attributed to the higher nutrient availability from mineral N- fertilization, enhancing corn growth and productivity. N-fertilization affects the time needed to reach the maximum grain-filling rate [36]. The biological N-fertilization treatment may have had limitations in nutrient release or availability compared to mineral N-fertilizer, leading to differences in corn traits. Biological N-fertilization relies on biological processes such as microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, which can be slow and affected by environmental conditions. Mineral N-fertilizers, on the other hand, which provide an immediate and predictable release of nutrients. This slower, inconsistent nutrient supply can result in lower plant productivity in the short term, although biofertilizers can offer other soil health benefits [37]. The enhancements in corn yield traits were due to the improved nutrient uptake facilitated by mineral N-fertilization, resulting in better corn plant development and yield. The biological N-fertilization treatment may have struggled to provide nutrients promptly, affecting corn plant growth and productivity. Corn receiving biological N fertilization likely had greater access to resources and nutrients, resulting in higher growth and productivity. Another factor that might have contributed to the higher grain yield per plant in the sole culture was the absence of competition from soybeans. With respect to intercropped corn, it utilized adjacent soybean N fixation through root exudates, resulting in increased N availability that was counterbalanced in sole corn. Intercropping can save fertilizer by concentrating production on a smaller area with a similar amount of fertilizer N input per unit of land. These findings reveal that intercropped corn, which received significantly less N-fertilization than sole corn, produced the same output [38]. This indicates that having other crops in an intercropping system may not always improve the productivity of corn plants when mineral N-fertilizer is used. These fertilizer savings can attribute to the high relative corn yield and the lower N input in the intercrop compared to the input in sole corn. Meanwhile, the lowest yield per plant was found in an unfertilized sole corn. These results suggest that the selection of the cropping system and N-fertilization can have a substantial impact on productivity. Notably, intercropping soybeans with corn without fertilization increased system productivity by 17% compared to a sole corn with recommended mineral N-fertilization. The benefit of intercropping, in terms of LER, tended to decrease as water and N supply increased [39]. This occurred because soybean roots fix atmospheric N, providing a natural N source for corn plants. Leguminous crops have potential benefits in intercropping systems to raise overall productivity and lower reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The mutually beneficial relationship between soybeans and corn in this study shows the importance of sustainable farming practices for optimizing crop yields. Increasing N input affected the LER similarly but significantly reduced the yield of intercropped soybeans [38]. This point to the fact that soybeans can fix atmospheric N and offer a natural N source for corn, yielding comparable productivity no matter what type of N fertilizer is used. Intercropping soybeans with corn can be a sustainable and effective way to maximize crop yields without heavily depending on synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, incorporating soybeans in intercropping systems can improve soil health and reduce the environmental impact of farming. By fixing N in the soil, soybeans help boost soil fertility, cutting the need for extra fertilizers. This sustainable farming method not only benefits crop productivity but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability. Corn had a greater competitive edge over soybeans when mineral N-fertilization was present. These results underscore the strong influence of N availability on competitive interactions between corn and soybean in intercropping. With biological N-fertilization or N-0, corn and soybeans showed more balanced competition, with soybeans performing better against corn compared to mineral N-fertilization. This underscores the importance of the type of fertilization used in shaping the competitive dynamics within intercropping systems involving corn and soybeans. Intercropping soybean with corn and applying biological N-fertilization can greatly increase economic returns compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer. It is important to keep these findings in mind when deciding on fertilizer use and crop management to maximize profits in agriculture. These results suggest that using biological N-fertilization in intercropping systems can significantly boost both total and net returns when compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable choice for improving crop productivity and profits. Conclusion Intercropping soybean with corn allowed for N fixation by soybeans through root exudates. This led to greater N availability compared to sole corn. This effect balanced with the recommended N availability in sole corn. Intercropping soybeans with corn reduced the weights and root lengths of soybeans, but it increased corn grain yield and shelling percentage. Intercropping soybeans with corn improved the LER and profitability while soybean was dominant intercrop component, resulting in higher net returns. Biological N-fertilization resulted in up to 1302.65 USD per hectare. Abbreviations Nitrogen N LER Land equivalent ratio Agg Aggressivity Declarations Acknowledgements We acknowledge the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt for providing the financial facilities to carry out this experiment. Author contributions AM Methodology, and writing the original draft. NS and EA: Statistical analysis, seed yield data collection, review and editing. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript. Data availability Availability of data and materials All data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper and its Supplementary Information. Funding Declaration The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics, Consent to Participate, and Consent to Publish declarations Not applicable A clinical trial Not applicable References Güzeler N, Yıldırım Ç. 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Field Crops Res. 2020;246:107661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2019.107661 . Temesgen A, Fukai S, Rodriguez D. As the level of crop productivity increases: Is there a role for intercropping in smallholder agriculture. Field Crops Res. 2015;180:155–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2015.06.003 . Tables Table 1 Effect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on growth and development of soybean, combined data across the two seasons Treatments Plant fresh weight (g) Plant dry weight (g) Leaves fresh weight (g) Leaves dry weight (g) Root length (cm) 2 : 2 intercropping system N-0 74.00 56.00 43.00 22.00 28.30 Mineral N-fertilization 106.00 70.00 36.00 19.00 24.00 Biological N-fertilization 100.00 65.00 39.00 22.00 27.30 Mean 93.00 64.00 39.00 21.00 26.50 Sole soybean N-0 328.00 106.00 58.00 35.00 32.60 Mineral N-fertilization 329.00 117.00 63.00 55.00 38.00 Biological N-fertilization 353.00 123.00 71.00 56.00 34.60 Mean 337.00 115.00 64.00 49.00 35.10 Average of N-fertilization treatment N-0 201.00 81.00 50.50 28.50 30.50 Mineral N-fertilization 217.50 93.50 49.50 37.00 31.00 Biological N-fertilization 226.50 94.00 55.00 39.00 31.00 L.S.D. 5% Cropping system L.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment L.S.D. 5% Interaction ** 12.0 N.S. ** 8.1 N.S. ** N.S. N.S. ** 7.2 N.S. ** N.S. N.S. Table 2 Effect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on seed yield and yield components of soybean (average of the two seasons) Treatments Number of pods/plant Seed yield (g/plant) 100-seed weight (g) Seed yield (ton/ha) 2 : 2 intercropping system N-0 29.00 18.00 18.20 1.66 Mineral N-fertilization 31.00 17.00 18.10 1.34 Biological N-fertilization 32.00 19.50 18.20 1.56 Mean 30.60 18.20 18.10 1.51 Sole soybean N-0 35.00 22.00 19.10 3.02 Mineral N-fertilization 32.00 21.00 18.10 3.29 Biological N-fertilization 38.00 22.00 18.40 3.43 Mean 35.00 21.70 18.50 3.24 Average of N-fertilization treatment N-0 32.00 20.00 18.60 2.34 Mineral N-fertilization 31.50 19.00 18.20 2.32 Biological N-fertilization 35.00 20.80 18.30 2.50 L.S.D. 5% Cropping system L.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment L.S.D. 5% Interaction ** 3.0 N.S. ** 1.1 N.S. N.S. N.S. N.S. ** N.S. N.S. Table 3 Effect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on grain yield and yield components of corn (average of the two seasons) Treatments Grain yield (g/plant) 100-kernel weight (g) Grain yield (ton/ha) Shelling (%) 2 : 2 intercropping system N-0 108.00 33.00 4.11 62.80 Mineral N-fertilization 146.00 48.00 5.55 80.80 Biological N-fertilization 135.00 46.00 5.14 75.60 Mean 129.70 42.30 4.93 73.10 Sole corn N-0 78.80 29.00 3.09 61.00 Mineral N-fertilization 156.00 61.00 6.12 80.20 Biological N-fertilization 127.00 52.00 4.99 75.00 Mean 120.60 47.30 4.73 72.10 Average of N-fertilization treatment N-0 93.40 31.00 3.60 61.90 Mineral N-fertilization 151.00 55.00 5.84 80.50 Biological N-fertilization 131.00 49.00 5.07 75.30 L.S.D. 5% Cropping system L.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment L.S.D. 5% Interaction ** 14.0 22.0 ** 4.5 N.S. ** 0.99 N.S. ** 15.0 N.S. Table 4 Economic return of intercropping soybean with corn and sole cultures under N-fertilization treatments (average of the two seasons) Treatments USD/ha Corn Soybean Total Costs Net 2 : 2 intercropping system N-0 1019.28 664.00 1683.28 593.69 1089.59 Mineral N-fertilization 1376.40 536.00 1912.40 758.57 1153.83 Biological N-fertilization 1274.72 624.00 1898.72 596.07 1302.65 Mean 1223.46 608.00 1831.46 649.44 1182.02 Sole corn N-0 766.32 --- 766.32 633.03 133.29 Mineral N-fertilization 1517.76 --- 1517.76 753.07 764.69 Biological N-fertilization 1237.52 --- 1237.52 634.22 603.30 Mean 1173.86 --- 1173.86 673.44 500.42 - Recommended sole corn: 6.12 ton/ha - Recommended sole soybean: 3.29 ton/ha - Egyptian prices of corn and soybean were 248 and 400 USD per ton, respectively. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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06:21:08","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":38415,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLER of intercropping soybean with corn under N-fertilization treatments (average of the two seasons)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8418778/v1/f082835a6da7b87df4f9cb0b.png"},{"id":99495838,"identity":"61f272d7-cc79-4f44-8dc0-0ef687593f48","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-05 06:21:09","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":33114,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAgg of intercropping soybean with corn under N-fertilization treatments (average of the two seasons)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8418778/v1/0208f68e36458fbd51271aff.png"},{"id":99790312,"identity":"bc5c02e7-dcf3-4c19-888b-a9b2b6095c81","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-08 12:57:44","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":40380,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of N-fertilizer treatments on seed yield of soybean per hectare (ton) under intercropping and sole cropping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8418778/v1/4ddcb0965c87e3210cdf122c.png"},{"id":99495824,"identity":"105719a0-4cee-4f69-bf77-3e4497ebfa31","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-05 06:21:08","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":41295,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect of N-fertilizer treatments on grain yield of corn per hectare (ton) under intercropping and sole cropping\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8418778/v1/97dc03d0a4912ca424914461.png"},{"id":101478660,"identity":"92d6de2f-2d63-42e9-945d-bd6b08015b11","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-01-30 07:40:28","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1749319,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-8418778/v1/1ad18f6f-e991-485f-aa7d-bef4624d61c0.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Production of Corn and Soybean under Mineral and Biological N Fertilization in Sole and Intercropping Cultures","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Egyptian government is\u0026nbsp;striving to enhance\u0026nbsp;agricultural production\u0026nbsp;through\u0026nbsp;horizontal and vertical integration to address food shortages. Challenges such as limited cultivated areas due to water scarcity and high\u0026nbsp;costs of mineral\u0026nbsp;N\u0026nbsp;based fertilizers may hinder these efforts. Soybean (\u003cem\u003eGlycine max\u003c/em\u003e L.) faces competition from crops like corn \u003cem\u003e(Zea mays\u003c/em\u003e L), with soybean seeds used to produce products like tofu and soy milk, while corn is used for starch, sweeteners, and corn oil [1, 2]. Soybeans are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, while corn provides protein, fats, starch, and minerals [3, 4]. However, the area under soybean cultivation in the Nile Valley and Delta has decreased to approximately 63400 hectares in 2023, with an average yield of 2.95 ton per hectare. In contrast, the area under corn cultivation was 930014 hectares in 2023, with an average yield of 7.61 ton grains per hectare [5]. Expanding soybean cultivated area beyond the Nile Valley and Delta of Egypt is crucial. Overuse of mineral N-fertilizer on crops like corn can harm soil and water quality, leading to nutrient runoff and soil degradation [6 \u0026ndash; 8]. In intercropping legumes with corn, fertilizer application may disrupt beneficial interactions like N fixation by legumes, making sole cropping more efficient in high-input situations [9]. Intercropping legumes with corn can reduce productivity with excessive mineral N-fertilizer use, as it promotes corn growth and competition with intercropped plants [10]. Intercropping soybeans with corn in Egypt has shown increased yields and profitability, benefiting both economically and environmentally [11 \u0026ndash; 18]. Enhancing the rhizosphere in corn-soybean cropping systems can improve plant N uptake and nutrient sharing through root interactions [19 \u0026ndash; 22]. Moreover, Zheng et al. [23] found an increase in soil bacteria and beneficial microorganisms in soybean-corn intercropping compared to sole corn. This study was conducted to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy area\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 2-year field study was conducted at the Agricultural Experiments and Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, from 2023 to 2024 to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems. The study included two cropping systems (2:2 intercropping and sole cropping of corn and soybean), N-fertilization treatments (N-0 for corn and soybean, 238 kg N/ha for corn, and 142.8 kg N/ha for soybean, biological N-fertilization was used for soybean seeds by inoculating with \u003cem\u003eBradyrhizobium japonicum\u003c/em\u003e, and biological N-fertilization was used for corn grains by inoculating with specialized inoculants containing beneficial microorganisms).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperimental design and agricultural techniques \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. Cropping systems, including sole cropping and 2:2 intercropping, were randomly assigned to the main plots, while the N-fertilization treatments were allocated to sub-plots. The total plot area measured 16.2 m\u0026sup2;, consisting of 6 ridges that are each 0.7 m wide and 4.0 m long. Soil samples were collected from various locations, particularly from the top 0-30 cm layer of the arable soil. The analysis indicated that the experimental soil is clay loamy, with coarse sand percentages of 3.12% in the first season and 3.19% in the second season, fine sand percentages of 29.76% in the first season and 30.28% in the second season, silt percentages of 30.05% in the first season and 30.55% in the second season, and clay percentages of 37.07% in the first season and 35.98% in the second season. The pH measured 7.87 in the first season and 8.02 in the second season. The nutrient levels measured in milligrams per kilogram were N (24.44 in the first season and 25.68 in the second season), phosphorus (9.24 in the first season and 9.09 in the second season), and potassium (222 in the first season and 204 in the second season). Soybean was sown on May 18 and May 14 in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively. Corn was sown a week later. Corn cultivar S.C. 132 and soybean cultivar Giza 111 were used. The soybean cultivar was gratefully donated by the Food Legumes Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt, and the corn cultivar was kindly given by the Maize Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt. The corn cultivar S.C. 132 is well renowned for its high production potential and environmental adaptability. On the other hand, due to its resistance to common pests and diseases, the soybean cultivar Giza 111 is a valuable resource for agricultural production and research. These samples weren\u0026apos;t taken in the wild. Through breeding procedures in the Maize Research Department, local inbred lines were hybridized to produce the genetically homogeneous and advantageous corn cultivar S.C. 132. Because of its exceptional yield and ability to adapt to various growing conditions, this cultivar has been particularly bred. However, the Food Legumes Research Department\u0026apos;s Crawford x Celeste hybridization resulted in the soybean cultivar Giza 111, which is resistant to common pests and diseases. As evidenced by its consistent performance in field testing, Giza 111 is a preferred choice among farmers because of its yield and adaptability. As a result, no permission was required to collect these samples. Plant material was collected in accordance with international guidelines for plant experiments. This ensures that ethical standards were upheld and the research was conducted properly. By following these global guidelines, researchers would ensure the reliability and validity of their findings.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the time of soil preparation, phosphorus fertilizer (15.5%\u0026nbsp;P\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003eO\u003csub\u003e5\u003c/sub\u003e) was applied at the\u0026nbsp;\u0026ensp;rate of 357 kg/ha\u0026nbsp;for corn plants. The intercropping system consisted of two\u0026nbsp;corn plants\u0026nbsp;per hill\u0026nbsp;at 30 cm between plants in sole culture,\u0026nbsp;while soybean was drill seeded in two rows per\u0026nbsp;ridge and thinned to two plants at 20 cm between plants for both pure stand intercrops\u0026nbsp;(Fig. 1). Furrow irrigation\u0026nbsp;was\u0026nbsp;practiced\u0026nbsp;in the region. The first irrigation was\u0026nbsp;practiced 21 days after planting, followed by intervals of two weeks. Manual\u0026nbsp;weeding was performed before the first and second watering, and\u0026nbsp;pesticide sprays were\u0026nbsp;applied as needed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudied\u0026nbsp;traits:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA. Plant\u0026nbsp;growth\u0026nbsp;traits of\u0026nbsp;soybean at 85 days\u0026nbsp;after\u0026nbsp;sowing\u0026nbsp;(DAS)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom each plot, ten plants were chosen at random to measure plant fresh and dry weights (g), leaf fresh and dry weights (g), as well as root length (cm).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB. Seed\u0026nbsp;yield traits\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Soybean\u0026nbsp;crop:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTen randomly chosen plants were harvested at maturity from each plot to calculate the number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant (g), and 100-seed weight (g). Seed yield was calculated using the experimental plot and reported in tons per hectare (ton/ha).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Corn\u0026nbsp;crop:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo calculate the grain yield per plant (g), 100-kernel weight (g), and shelling percentage (%), ten randomly chosen plants were harvested at maturity from each plot. The experimental plot was used to calculate the grain yield, which was expressed in tons per hectare. Grain yield per hectare expressed in tons per hectare (ton/ha) and adjusted to 15.5% grain moisture.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. Relationships of\u0026nbsp;competition:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. LER\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn accordance with Mead and Willey [24], LER was calculated as follows: LER = (Y\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e/Y\u003csub\u003eaa\u003c/sub\u003e) + (Y\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e/Y\u003csub\u003ebb\u003c/sub\u003e), where Y\u003csub\u003eaa\u003c/sub\u003e is yield of sole corn, Y\u003csub\u003ebb\u003c/sub\u003e is yield of sole soybean, Y\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e is yield of intercropped corn and Y\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e is yield of intercropped soybean.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Agg\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAgg was calculated according to Willey [25] using the formula: A\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e = [Y\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e / (Y\u003csub\u003eaa\u003c/sub\u003e x Z\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e)] \u0026ndash; [Y\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e / (Y\u003csub\u003ebb\u003c/sub\u003e x Z\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e)] ; A\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e = [Y\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e / (Y\u003csub\u003ebb\u003c/sub\u003e x Z\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e)] \u0026ndash; [Y\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e\u0026nbsp; / (Y\u003csub\u003eaa\u003c/sub\u003e x Z\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e)], Where, Y\u003csub\u003eaa\u003c/sub\u003e = yield of sole corn; Y\u003csub\u003ebb\u003c/sub\u003e = yield of sole soybean; Y\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e = yield of intercropped corn; Y\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e = yield of intercropped soybean; Z\u003csub\u003eab\u003c/sub\u003e = The respective proportion of intercropped corn; Z\u003csub\u003eba\u003c/sub\u003e = The respective proportion of intercropped soybean. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD. Financial\u0026nbsp;return\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe farmer\u0026apos;s gain (USD) was calculated by comparing\u0026nbsp;total yields and financial costs of sole plantings and intercropping\u0026nbsp;[11]. Net returns were calculated by subtracting\u0026nbsp;fixed costs for corn in the intercropping system and\u0026nbsp;variable costs for both crops.\u0026nbsp;Crop values were\u0026nbsp;converted from Egyptian pounds to US dollars using market prices of 248 USD per ton for corn and 400 USD per ton for soybeans.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mixed models to analyze the effects of planting dates and soybean varieties on the measured variables [26]. ANOVA was performed using Mstat Software (version 8.0.1, URL link: Mstat version 8.0.1 for Windows-14.8 M), while mixed models allowed for random effects. The least significant differences (L.S.D.) test was used for mean comparisons [27].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA. Growth and development traits of soybeans 85 DAS \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Cropping systems impact on soybean growth and development traits\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 85 DAS, cropping systems had a significant impact on all soybean growth and development traits studied (Table 1). Intercropping soybeans with corn resulted in decreased all studied traits compared to sole soybean. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Effect of N-fertilization treatments on soybean traits\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN-fertilization treatments significantly influenced plant fresh and dry weights, and leaf fresh dry weights, with biological N-fertilization showing superior results compared to mineral N-fertilizer and no fertilization treatments (Table 1). \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization\u0026nbsp;on soybean growth and development traits\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interaction between cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments did not significantly affect soybean traits (Table 1).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB. Seed yield and yield components\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Cropping systems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCropping systems significantly influenced the number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant, and seed yield per hectare, while the 100-seed weight remained unchanged (Table 2). Intercropping decrease the number of pods per plant by 12.57% compared to growing soybeans alone. Additionally, intercropping soybeans with corn caused a 16.12% decline in seed yield per plant compared to sole soybeans. Specifically, seed yield per hectare decreased by 53.39% in intercropped soybeans and corn compared to sole soybean.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. N-fertilization treatments \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eN-fertilization treatments had a significant impact on the number of pods and seed yield per plant, while 100-seed weight and seed yield per hectare remained unchanged (Table 2). Using biological N-fertilization led to an 11.11% and 9.37% rise in the number of pods per plant compared to other treatments, respectively. Moreover, seed yield per plant increased by 9.47% and 4.00% with biological N-fertilization compared to mineral N-fertilizer and no fertilization treatments, respectively.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.\u0026nbsp;Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization\u0026nbsp;on seed yield traits\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interaction between cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments did not significantly affect any of the studied soybean traits (Table 2). The influence of cropping systems on soybeans was not changed by the N-fertilizer treatments. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC. Corn crop \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Cropping systems\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cropping systems significantly affected all the corn traits studied (Table 3). Grain yields per plant and per hectare, and shelling percentage increased when soybeans and corn were intercropped by 7.54%, 4.22%, and 1.38%, respectively, compared to growing corn alone. However, intercropping soybean with corn led to a lower 100-kernel weight by 10.57% compared to sole corn.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. N-fertilization treatments\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe N-fertilization treatments significantly influenced all the studied corn traits (Table 3). Substituting mineral N- fertilization for biological fertilization treatment resulted in a 15.26% increase in grain yield per plant, a 12.24% increase in 100-kernel weight, a 15.18% increase in grain yield per hectare, and a 6.90% increase in shelling. Substituting mineral N- fertilization for the unfertilized treatment led to a 61.67% increase in grain yield per plant, a 77.41% increase in 100-kernel weight, a 62.22% increase in grain yield per hectare, and a 30.04% increase in shelling.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Interaction of cropping systems with N fertilization on grain yield traits\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain yield per plant was significantly affected by the combination of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments, except 100-kernel weight, grain yield per hectare, and shelling percentage (Table 3). Sole corn treated with mineral N-fertilization produced more grain per plant compared to intercropped corn plants treated with mineral N-fertilization or biological N-fertilization, with no significant differences observed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eD. Competitive relationships \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntercropping soybeans with corn led to LER compared to growing each crop separately (Fig. 2). The 2:2 intercropping system typically showed the highest LER, ranging from 1.17 when soybeans were intercropped with corn without fertilization to 1.30 when intercropped with corn under mineral N-fertilization or biological N-fertilization. Intercropping soybeans with corn that received mineral N had a similar LER to those fertilized with biological N. According to dominance analysis, the data in Figure 3 show that corn was the dominant intercrop component (positive sign) in mineral N-fertilization, while it was the dominated component (negative sign) in N-0 or biological N-fertilization. Agg ranged from 0.09 when soybeans were intercropped with corn with mineral N-fertilization to 0.33 when intercropped with corn under N-0.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE. Economic return\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe economic returns varied among treatments. They ranged from 766.32 USD per hectare for sole corn without fertilization to 1912.40 USD per hectare for intercropping soybean with corn using mineral N-fertilizer per hectare (Table 4). Net returns also differed, from 133.29 USD per hectare for sole corn without fertilization to 1302.65 USD per hectare for intercropping soybean with corn using biological N-fertilization per hectare. In general, intercropping soybean with corn using biological N-fertilization achieved higher total and net returns by 25.10% and 70.35%, respectively, compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe decrease in all soybean growth and development traits is due to the shading effect of corn plants [28], which limits sunlight and nutrient access for soybeans, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and overall growth [29]. The development of soybean plants was hindered by the intercropping system\u0026apos;s competition for resources. Biological N-fertilization enhances plant growth and development by improving nutrient absorption and supporting biomass accumulation [30]. The soil\u0026apos;s natural N-fixing processes may have been enough, reducing the need for extra N-fertilization, no matter the cropping system. The decrease in number of pods per plant likely occurred due to poor nutrient absorption and movement within the plants during intercropping. The decrease in seed yield per plant is probably due to limited transfer of dry matter from the leaves to the seeds, which affected both the quantity and weight of the pods produced by each plant. These findings match earlier studies by Metwally et al. [16] that reported a decrease in seed yield per hectare when intercropping soybeans with corn compared to sole soybeans. The decrease in seed yield per hectare probably results from reduced light interception by the intercropped soybean canopies, which impacts their yield potential (Fig. 4). Metwally et al. [31, 16, 32] showed higher seed yields per area in sole soybean than in intercropping systems. The improvements in corn yield traits result from the positive effects of biological N-fertilization on plant growth and development, which improved nutrient uptake and utilization and positively reflected pod formation and seed production. The use of biological N-fertilization can boost biological N fixation, growth hormone production, and antibiotic levels in plants, improving root system development in soybean [33]. Biochar and biofertilizer cut down N input and raised soybean yield in the corn-soybean relay strip intercropping system [34]. Biological N-fertilization offers a sustainable and effective option to traditional mineral fertilizers for improving crop yield (Fig. 5). The influence of cropping systems on soybeans was not changed by the N-fertilizer treatments. Investing in soil health can boost productivity without needing more mineral N-fertilizer applications [35]. Based on these findings, any performance differences between intercropping and sole culture during soybean growth may have been lessened by the balanced nutrient availability from the N-fertilized treatments. The complementary relationship between soybean and corn enhanced light exposure for the corn plants and aided in nutrient uptake, ultimately leading to better overall crop performance. The intercropping practice likely formed a more favorable microclimate for corn growth, contributing to the differences in yield and shelling percentage [14, 15]. While intercropping may offer benefits for certain aspects of crop performance, it can also have trade-offs such as reduced kernel weight. The improvements in corn yield traits were attributed to the higher nutrient availability from mineral N- fertilization, enhancing corn growth and productivity. N-fertilization affects the time needed to reach the maximum grain-filling rate [36]. The biological N-fertilization treatment may have had limitations in nutrient release or availability compared to mineral N-fertilizer, leading to differences in corn traits. Biological N-fertilization relies on biological processes such as microbial activity and organic matter decomposition, which can be slow and affected by environmental conditions. Mineral N-fertilizers, on the other hand, which provide an immediate and predictable release of nutrients. This slower, inconsistent nutrient supply can result in lower plant productivity in the short term, although biofertilizers can offer other soil health benefits [37]. The enhancements in corn yield traits were due to the improved nutrient uptake facilitated by mineral N-fertilization, resulting in better corn plant development and yield. The biological N-fertilization treatment may have struggled to provide nutrients promptly, affecting corn plant growth and productivity. Corn receiving biological N fertilization likely had greater access to resources and nutrients, resulting in higher growth and productivity. Another factor that might have contributed to the higher grain yield per plant in the sole culture was the absence of competition from soybeans. With respect to intercropped corn, it utilized adjacent soybean N fixation through root exudates, resulting in increased N availability that was counterbalanced in sole corn. Intercropping can save fertilizer by concentrating production on a smaller area with a similar amount of fertilizer N input per unit of land. These findings reveal that intercropped corn, which received significantly less N-fertilization than sole corn, produced the same output [38]. This indicates that having other crops in an intercropping system may not always improve the productivity of corn plants when mineral N-fertilizer is used. These fertilizer savings can attribute to the high relative corn yield and the lower N input in the intercrop compared to the input in sole corn. Meanwhile, the lowest yield per plant was found in an unfertilized sole corn. These results suggest that the selection of the cropping system and N-fertilization can have a substantial impact on productivity. Notably, intercropping soybeans with corn without fertilization increased system productivity by 17% compared to a sole corn with recommended mineral N-fertilization. The benefit of intercropping, in terms of LER, tended to decrease as water and N supply increased [39]. This occurred because soybean roots fix atmospheric N, providing a natural N source for corn plants. Leguminous crops have potential benefits in intercropping systems to raise overall productivity and lower reliance on synthetic fertilizers. The mutually beneficial relationship between soybeans and corn in this study shows the importance of sustainable farming practices for optimizing crop yields. Increasing N input affected the LER similarly but significantly reduced the yield of intercropped soybeans [38]. This point to the fact that soybeans can fix atmospheric N and offer a natural N source for corn, yielding comparable productivity no matter what type of N fertilizer is used. Intercropping soybeans with corn can be a sustainable and effective way to maximize crop yields without heavily depending on synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, incorporating soybeans in intercropping systems can improve soil health and reduce the environmental impact of farming. By fixing N in the soil, soybeans help boost soil fertility, cutting the need for extra fertilizers. This sustainable farming method not only benefits crop productivity but also promotes long-term environmental sustainability. Corn had a greater competitive edge over soybeans when mineral N-fertilization was present. These results underscore the strong influence of N availability on competitive interactions between corn and soybean in intercropping. With biological N-fertilization or N-0, corn and soybeans showed more balanced competition, with soybeans performing better against corn compared to mineral N-fertilization. This underscores the importance of the type of fertilization used in shaping the competitive dynamics within intercropping systems involving corn and soybeans. Intercropping soybean with corn and applying biological N-fertilization can greatly increase economic returns compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer. It is important to keep these findings in mind when deciding on fertilizer use and crop management to maximize profits in agriculture. These results suggest that using biological N-fertilization in intercropping systems can significantly boost both total and net returns when compared to sole corn with mineral N-fertilizer, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable choice for improving crop productivity and profits.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIntercropping soybean with corn allowed for N fixation by soybeans through root exudates. This led to greater N availability compared to sole corn. This effect balanced with the recommended N availability in sole corn. Intercropping soybeans with corn reduced the weights and root lengths of soybeans, but it increased corn grain yield and shelling percentage. Intercropping soybeans with corn improved the LER and profitability while soybean was dominant intercrop component, resulting in higher net returns. Biological N-fertilization resulted in up to 1302.65 USD per hectare.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eNitrogen\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eN\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eLER\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLand equivalent ratio\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003eAgg\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAggressivity\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe acknowledge the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt for providing the financial facilities to carry out this experiment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAM Methodology, and writing the original draft. NS and EA: Statistical analysis, seed yield data collection, review and editing. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability \u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data supporting the findings of this study are available within the paper and its Supplementary Information.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding Declaration\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics, Consent to Participate, and Consent to Publish declarations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA clinical trial\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eG\u0026uuml;zeler N, Yıldırım \u0026Ccedil;. 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Field Crops Res. 2015;180:155\u0026ndash;66. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.fcr.2015.06.003\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.fcr.2015.06.003\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"},{"header":"Tables","content":" \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eEffect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on growth and development of soybean, combined data across the two seasons\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"8\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eTreatments\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003ePlant fresh weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003ePlant dry weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eLeaves fresh weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eLeaves dry weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eRoot length (cm)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e2 : 2 intercropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e74.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e56.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e43.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e22.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e28.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e106.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e70.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e36.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e19.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e24.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e100.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e65.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e39.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e22.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e27.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e93.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e64.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e39.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e21.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e26.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eSole soybean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e328.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e106.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e58.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e35.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e32.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e329.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e117.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e63.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e55.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e38.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e353.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e123.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e71.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e56.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e34.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e337.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e115.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e64.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e49.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e35.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eAverage of N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e201.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e81.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e50.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e28.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e30.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e217.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e93.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e49.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e37.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e31.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e226.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e94.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e55.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e39.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e31.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Cropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Interaction\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e12.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e8.1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e7.2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cbr/\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eEffect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on seed yield and yield components of soybean (average of the two seasons)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eTreatments\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eNumber of pods/plant\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eSeed yield (g/plant)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e100-seed weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eSeed yield (ton/ha)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e2 : 2 intercropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e29.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.20\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1.66\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e31.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e17.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1.34\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e32.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e19.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.20\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1.56\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e30.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.20\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1.51\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eSole soybean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e35.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e22.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e19.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.02\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e32.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e21.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.29\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e38.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e22.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.40\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.43\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e35.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e21.70\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.24\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eAverage of N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e32.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e20.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e2.34\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e31.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e19.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.20\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e2.32\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e35.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e20.80\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e18.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e2.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Cropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Interaction\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1.1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cbr/\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eEffect of cropping systems and N-fertilization treatments on grain yield and yield components of corn (average of the two seasons)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eTreatments\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eGrain yield (g/plant)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e100-kernel weight (g)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eGrain yield (ton/ha)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eShelling (%)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e2 : 2 intercropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e108.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e33.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e4.11\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e62.80\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e146.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e48.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e5.55\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e80.80\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e135.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e46.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e5.14\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e75.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e129.70\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e42.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e4.93\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e73.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eSole corn\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e78.80\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e29.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.09\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e61.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e156.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e61.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e6.12\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e80.20\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e127.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e52.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e4.99\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e75.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e120.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e47.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e4.73\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e72.10\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eAverage of N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e93.40\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e31.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e3.60\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e61.90\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e151.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e55.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e5.84\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e80.50\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e131.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e49.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e5.07\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e75.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Cropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% N-fertilization treatment\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eL.S.D. 5% Interaction\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e14.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e22.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e4.5\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e0.99\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e**\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e15.0\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eN.S.\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cbr/\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eEconomic return of intercropping soybean with corn and sole cultures under N-fertilization treatments (average of the two seasons)\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eTreatments\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eUSD/ha\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eCorn\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eSoybean\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eTotal\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eCosts\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003eNet\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003e2 : 2 intercropping system\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1019.28\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e664.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1683.28\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e593.69\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1089.59\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1376.40\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e536.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1912.40\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e758.57\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1153.83\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1274.72\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e624.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1898.72\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e596.07\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1302.65\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1223.46\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e608.00\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1831.46\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e649.44\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1182.02\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eSole corn\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eN-0\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e766.32\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e---\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e766.32\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e633.03\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e133.29\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMineral N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1517.76\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e---\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1517.76\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e753.07\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e764.69\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eBiological N-fertilization\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1237.52\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e---\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1237.52\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e634.22\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e603.30\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e\u003cspan type=\"Bold\" class=\"Bold\" name=\"Emphasis\"\u003eMean\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1173.86\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e---\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e1173.86\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e673.44\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"SimplePara\"\u003e500.42\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e- Recommended sole corn: 6.12 ton/ha\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e- Recommended sole soybean: 3.29 ton/ha\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"7\"\u003e- Egyptian prices of corn and soybean were 248 and 400 USD per ton, respectively.\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cbr/\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":"cropping systems, soybean, corn, biological N fertilization, competitive relationships, economic return","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8418778/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8418778/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIntercropping is a viable method to achieve a high land equivalent ratio (LER) and increase production in a given area under sustainable agricultural practices like bio-nitrogen (N) fertilization. A 2-year field study was conducted at the Agricultural Experiments and Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, from 2023 to 2024 to compare the effects of bio-N- fertilization and chemical N application on soybean and corn plants in both sole and intercropping systems. The study included two cropping systems (2:2 intercropping and sole cropping of corn and soybean), N-fertilization treatments (N-0 for corn and soybean, 238 kg N/ha for corn, and 142.8 kg N/ha for soybean, biological N-fertilization was used for soybean seeds by inoculating with \u003cem\u003eBradyrhizobium japonicum\u003c/em\u003e, and biological N-fertilization was used for corn grains by inoculating with specialized inoculants). Three replicates of each treatment were used in a split-plot design. Corn grain yield and shelling percentage increased when soybeans and corn were intercropped, but soybean productivity decreased. Corn yields and shelling percentages improved with intercropping. Biological N-fertilization treatments resulted in higher grain yields. Intercropping with biological N-fertilization increased LER by utilizing soybeans to fix atmospheric N and provide natural N to corn. Agg of soybean was positive for N-0 or biological N fertilization, indicating that soybean is dominated component under mineral N-fertilization. Intercropping soybeans with corn generated higher net benefits, ranging from 133.29 to 1302.65 USD per hectare.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Production of Corn and Soybean under Mineral and Biological N Fertilization in Sole and Intercropping Cultures","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-01-05 06:21:03","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8418778/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":"2dd049af-61ec-41c9-a03f-ceb62bd8b88d","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 5th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-18T08:09:57+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-01-05 06:21:03","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8418778","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8418778","identity":"rs-8418778","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}