Complementarity in root architecture for nutrient uptake in ancient maize/bean and maize/bean/squash polycultures

摘要

Background and AimsDuring their domestication, maize, bean and squash evolved in polycultures grown by small-scale farmers in the Americas. Polycultures often overyield on low-fertility soils, which are a primary production constraint in low-input agriculture. We hypothesized that root architectural differences among these crops causes niche complementarity and thereby greater nutrient acquisition than corresponding monocultures.