PHOTOSYNTHETIC PARAMETERS OF MAIZE AND SOYBEAN IN MONOCULTURE AND BINARY CROPPING SYSTEMS
Abstract
The formation of field crop productivity is determined by the efficiency of the assimilation apparatus, in particular by the leaf area, photosynthetic potential (PP), and net photosynthetic productivity (NPP). Under modern cultivation technologies, binary cropping systems are of particular importance, as the interaction between components can lead to a synergistic increase in the photosynthetic activity of the agrocenoses. The aim of the study was to determine the specific features of the formation of photosynthetic parameters of maize and soybean in monoculture and binary crops depending on the level of mineral nutrition under the conditions of the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine.
Methods. The research was conducted during 2021–2025 on typical low-humus chernozem soil. The dynamics of leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetic potential, and net photosynthetic productivity were studied under the following fertilization systems: no fertilizers, N₆₀P₄₅K₄₅, and N₉₀P₆₀K₆₀.
Results. It was established that in maize monoculture, the maximum leaf area ranged from 38.3 to 45.5 thousand m²/ha (LAI 3,83–4,55), whereas in binary crops the total leaf area increased to 65,6–68,1 thousand m²/ha, exceeding monoculture by 44,2–49,8%. The total photosynthetic potential of binary crops reached 4,00–4,32 million m²·days/ha, exceeding maize monoculture by 42,9–54,3% and soybean monoculture by 2,1–2,2 times. The maximum total NPP in binary crops was 8,63–10,78 g/m² per day, which is 43,6–117,7% higher than in maize monoculture. The increase in NPP of maize in binary crops was 10,8–27,3%, and soybean 10,9–26,1%, indicating a synergistic interaction between components.
Conclusions. The obtained results confirm that binary cropping of maize with soybean provides a significant increase in photosynthetic potential and efficiency of PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) utilization, which forms the physiological basis for increased productivity of agrocenoses.
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