Dynamics of root length and distribution and shoot biomass of maize as affected by intercropping with different companion crops and phosphorus application rates.

Highlights: [•] A ‘competition–recovery–overyielding’ process was found in dynamics of root length growth and distribution of intercropped maize. [•] The stronger the associated crop roots, the more depressed the intercropped maize root development and shoot biomass. [•] Root lengths in 0–1.0m at jointing and in 0–0.3m of soil profiles at grain-filling were response to P fertilization. [•] Dynamics of root length growth and distribution correlated well with corresponding shoot biomass accumulation of maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]