15N labeling technology reveals enhancement of nitrogen uptake and transfer by root interaction in cotton/soybean intercropping

Abstract Background Biological nitrogen fixation in legumes and their transfer of nitrogen to non‐legumes in legume/non‐legume intercropping systems are considered to be important for the improvement of productivity. However, research on interspecific interaction and root nitrogen transfer in cotton/soybean intercropping systems has rarely been undertaken. In this study, the roots of cotton and soybean were separated with either complete root barriers (CB), using plastic film, or semi‐root barriers (SB), using nylon net. No root barrier (NB) was used as the control. Results The results showed that cotton produced more above‐ground dry matter (DM) than soybean. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of cotton was greatest with the NB treatment. The above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake of soybean was greatest with the CB treatment. At the harvest stage, the nitrogen transfer rate from soybean to cotton was 22.47% with the SB treatment and 40.41% with the NB treatment. Interspecific root interaction increased the nitrogen transfer amount, especially for the cotton roots in the 0–15 cm soil layer and for the soybean roots in the 0–30 cm soil layer. The root distribution of soybean was the key factor affecting nitrogen transfer amount, and nitrogen transfer amount was the key factor affecting nitrogen uptake of cotton in the cotton/soybean intercropping system. Conclusion These results indicated that nitrogen transfer from soybean to cotton through root interaction improved cotton above‐ground DM and nitrogen uptake. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.