Root Exudate-Mediated Interactions Among Maize, Sorghum, and Soybean During Germination and Early Development

Designing sustainable cropping systems requires incorporating ecological principles, particularly those that improve system-level function through species diversity. Intercropping, growing two or more species in close proximity, offers a promising strategy to enhance productivity and reduce input reliance. We tested whether root exudates from maize, sorghum, and soybean influence conspecific and heterospecific germination and seedling growth. Using hydroponically collected exudates, we found species-specific effects: maize exudates reduced germination across species, soybean showed selective inhibition with broad growth promotion, and sorghum was largely unresponsive. These early exudate-mediated interactions may shape compatibility among intercrop species and inform the design of ecologically grounded cropping systems.