Reduction in soil CO(2) efflux through alteration of hydrothermal factor in milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.)-rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) intercropping system

INTRODUCTION: Intercropping has a potential to reduce the CO(2) emission from farmlands. Limited information is available on the underlying reasons. METHODS: This study investigated the effect of milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) (MV), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) monoculture (RS) and intercropping (Intercrop) on soil CO(2) emissions, moisture and temperature in a bucket experiment during 210 days from October 2015 to May 2016 on Chongqing, China. RESULTS: The results showed that soil CO(2) efflux of MV, RS and Intercrop was 1.44, 1.55 and 2.08 μmol·m(-2)·s(-1) during seedling and stem elongation stages and 3.08, 1.59 and 1.95 μmol·m(-2)·s(-1) during flowering and podding stages. At seeding and stem elongation stages Intercrop had 1.4 times higher soil CO(2) efflux than the mean of MV and RS. In contrast, MVhad 1.6 times higher soil CO(2) efflux than Intercrop thereafter, which shows it was inhibited if milk vetch presents as Intercrop only. Decreased sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature in 1.4 times and lower soil moisture by Intercrop were found compared to MV. Intercrop decreased soil moisture, especially at the seedling and stem elongation stages, compared to the monoculture. The fluctuation on soil respiration in RS and Intercrop was slight with changes in soil moisture. CONCLUSION: Thus, milk vetch-rapeseed system has a potential to decrease CO(2) emission from farmland, however soil moisture should be regulated properly.