Intercropping Some Soybean Genotypes with Corn for Producing Soybean Seeds, Quality and Land Equivalent Ratios

Background and Objective: Due to the increasing feed costs that have significantly impacted the Egyptian diet by raising the prices of meat products, Egypt needs to boost its production of corn and soybeans. The main objective of the present study was to determine the best-intercropped soybean genotype to enhance productivity, quality and profitability, as well as predict the feeding efficiency for livestock, tilapia and chickens. Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Twenty different genotypes of soybeans were selected, including US cultivars (Woodworth, Bellatti L263, Columbus, Clark, Crawford, MD 77-5675, Union, DR-101, Forrest, Hill, Holladay and Toano), Chinese genotypes (C7, C14 and C34), Egyptian varieties (Giza 22, Giza 35 and Giza 111) and Korean genotypes (PI 398408 and PI 399035). The experiment was set up in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots were randomly assigned to solid and intercropping cropping systems, while the subplots were randomized to soybean genotypes. Results: Intercropped soybean leaves received lower light intensity compared to solid planting. Soybean genotypes showed varying responses to intercropping, with some genotypes performing better in terms of plant height, number of branches, seed yield and seed quality under intercropping. Giza 111 and C34 had higher seed yields per plant and per ha than the others under intercropping and solid plantings. Meanwhile, soybean genotypes Woodworth and Dr-101 had higher seed yield per plant and seed index, as well as seed yield per ha than the others under intercropping and solid plantings. Higher seed protein and oleic contents have been recorded in Woodworth, Forrest, Bellatti L263 and Dr-101, meanwhile, Crawford and Giza 111 had higher seed oil content. Meanwhile, Columbus and Hill had higher seed fiber content. Conclusion: Clark, Dr-101, Hill, Holladay, Giza 111 and Woodworth were identified as suitable for the feed industry and demonstrated higher land equivalent ratios (LERs) and economic returns when intercropped with corn. Intercropping Clark, Dr-101, Hill, Holladay, Giza 111 or Woodworth with corn can enhance productivity and profitability for Egyptian farmers.