The influence of larch-soybean [Glycine max] intercropping on the growth characteristics of Xingan larch [Larix gmelinii] plantations in northeast China
2006
Wang, F.(Northeast Forestry Univ., Harbin (China)) | Sun, J.B. | Zu, Y.G.
The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity for soil fertility improvement and larch growth promotion in a larch-bean intercropping system involving Xingan Larch (Larix gmelinii Rupr.) and soybean (Glycine mex (L.) Merr.) in northeast China. Compared to the larch only plot, the larch-soybean intercropping had decreased soil bulk density, increased soil porosity and water content. It also significantly increased the soil organic matter, and there was found an increasing in soil nutrient content including available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. As a result of these soil improvements after soybeans were added to the larch plantations, greater height and diameter growth rates were observed in larch trees. The light saturated net photosynthetic rate of larch in a 9 year-old larch-soybean plot was 8.25 micromol/square m/s, but it was only 7.2 micromol/square m/s in 9 year-old pure larch plots. The net photosynthetic rate and accumulation rate were significantly higher in the larch-soybean plots compared with pure larch plots. It is concluded that the intercropping of soybeans has the potential to improve soil fertility and promote larch growth in northeast China.
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