Dynamics of phosphorus fractions in the rhizosphere of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.) grown in monocropping and intercropping systems

The main objective of the present study was to investigate phosphorus (P) dynamics in the rhizosphere of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in monocropping and intercropping systems with nitrate supply. Wheat and common bean were grown either alone or in association in a cropping device with a thin (1 mm) soil layer sandwiched between large root mats. Wheat intercropped with common bean exhibited a 33% increase in shoot biomass and a 22% increased root biomass, without significantly affecting common bean growth. After 12 days of culture, rhizosphere pH decreased by 1.66 and 1.13 units in monocropping system of common bean and intercropping system, respectively. Wheat increased intercropped common bean proton release by 36% compared with monocropped beans. Common bean and wheat exhibited different behaviors in rhizosphere P dynamics. Monocropped wheat decreased Resin-P, NaHCO3-P and NaOH-P in its rhizosphere by 24, 96 and 10%, respectively. However, NaHCO3-P and NaOH-P were increased by 61 and 10% in the rhizosphere of intercropping. Almost all values about P fraction in intercropping system were between those in monocropped common bean and monocropped wheat. Through taping different P fraction, different plants species possibly can alleviate competition for phosphorus in intercropping system.