ABSTRACT
Two field experiments were conducted during 1990 and 1991 summer seasons to study the physiological performance and growth of maize cv. Giza-2 under intercropping with soybean cv. Crawford versus solid culture pattern. Two intercropping patterns of maize with soybean viz. 2:2 and 2:4 as well as the solid recommended plant density for maize planting [Solid I] and a comparative treatment [Solid II], where maize was planted at the same density per hill under intercropping were applied. The obtained results indicated that light intensity significantly increased in the mid and under maize canopy as compared with the solid II pattern. The content of the photosynthetic pigments increased due to intercropping as compared with the solid II treatment. Under intercropping patterns of 2:2 and 2:4 plant height, stem diameter dry weight of leaves/plant, total dry weight/plant, LAI, RGR, and NAR parameters significantly exceeded those under the solid II pattern. Significant correlation relationships between light intensity and most of the growth characters studied were reported. It could be concluded from this study that modifying the geometry of maize distribution under intercropping could benefit maize plants from the ecosystem resources