Changes in canopy microclimate of faba bean under intercropping at controlled nitrogen levels and their correlation with crop yield.

Multiple linear stepwise regression and path analysis showed that the decrease in canopy light transmittance during the faba bean pod-setting stage and the interception rate of photosynthetic effective radiation during pod-bulging stage, caused by excessive nitrogen application, were the main climatic and ecological factors limiting the increase in the intercropping faba bean yield in Eshan and Xundian respectively. The optimum nitrogen application rate recommended in production is 45 kg/hm , to reduce the nitrogen application rate and maximize the productivity of the wheat and faba bean system. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.