Effects of Alfalfa–Grass Mixed Sowing on Grass Yield and Rhizosphere Soil Characteristics

This research investigated the impact of various mixed sowing combinations on soil nutrients and grass yield within the rhizosphere across different seasons. Three varieties of leguminous forages—<i>Medicago sativa</i> ‘Gannong No. 3’ (GN3), <i>M. sativa</i> ‘Gannong No. 9’ (GN9), and <i>M. sativa</i> ‘Juneng No. 7’ (JN7)—as well as three varieties of grasses—<i>Leymus chinensis</i> ‘Longmu No. 1’ (LC), <i>Agropyron mongolicum</i> ‘Mengnong No. 1’ (AC), and <i>Bromus inermis</i> ‘Yuanye’ (BI)—were used as experimental materials for mixed sowing combinations; the monocultures of each material served as controls. We explored the seasonal effects of different legumes and grasses intercropping combinations on rhizosphere soil nutrients and grass yield in the Hexi Corridor region of China. The results indicated that the levels of soil enzyme activity, microbial biomass, and soil nutrients in the rhizosphere across the various treatments followed the following sequence: summer > spring > autumn. The soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass of various mixed sowing combinations were significantly higher than those of the monocultures within the same growing season (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Specifically, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (APA), catalase (CAT), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil microbial biomass nitrogen (SMBN), soil microbial biomass phosphorus (SMBP), soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) within the GN9+BI group were the highest among all treatments. The hay yields of GN3, GN9, and JN7 were markedly greater than those of their respective mixed sowing combinations (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and soil nutrient levels. This comprehensive evaluation indicated that the mixed sowing combinations of GN9 + BI and GN9 + LC are particularly well suited for widespread adoption in the Hexi Oasis irrigation area.