Temporal dynamics of nutrient uptake by neighboring plant species: evidence from intercropping

The productivity of species-diverse plant assemblages strongly depends on the temporal dynamics of nutrient uptake by competing neighbouring plants. Our understanding, however, of how rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) uptake might change through time between neighbouring plant species under field conditions is still very limited.
Here, we specifically measure the temporal trajectories of N, P and K uptake by staple food plants such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) when growing either in monocultures or in intercropping systems. We ask how (i) plant species combinations, (ii) N fertilization and (iii) film mulching might affect key indexes of N, P and K uptake over time. We fit logistic models to characterize the nutrient uptake trajectories.
Maximum cumulative N, P and K uptake (kg ha−1) by wheat and barley were significantly greater in wheat–maize or barley–maize intercropping systems than in wheat or barley m...