Solar corridors for maize and soybean intercropping to boost yield and resource efficiency
An innovative cropping system using solar corridors—an alternative crop architecture designed to maximize solar radiation capture and improve water use efficiency in maize-soybean intercropping. The approach aims to increase grain yields, reduce external inputs, and enhance sustainability compared to traditional monoculture practices.
Overview
This solution introduces solar corridors (SCs), a novel spatial arrangement of maize and soybean designed to maximize the capture of solar radiation and improve water use efficiency. Traditional commodity crop production relies on monocultures over large acreages, often at the expense of sustainability and resource efficiency. By rearranging plant positioning into twin-row maize paired with multiple soybean rows, the system aims to increase grain yields, reduce external inputs, and deliver both economic and environmental benefits. The approach addresses two core questions: how to maximize solar radiation capture for improved crop growth and water efficiency, and how to ensure stable, sustainable grain production through better sunlight and water utilization.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Twin-row maize configurations (interrow 25 cm) paired with two, four, or six rows of soybean (interrow 50 cm) to create solar corridor patterns
- Comparative testing against maize and soybean monocultures as control treatments
- Two water regimes evaluated: full restoration of crop water requirements and rainfed conditions
- Two maize hybrid types tested: a typical commercial hybrid versus a new drought-resistant hybrid
- Morpho-physiological monitoring during the growing season, including plant phenology, leaf area, and leaf gas exchange
- Harvest assessments measuring plant biomass, grain yield, and quality traits such as 1000-kernel weight, protein concentration, and oil concentration
- Calculated indicators including average radiation use efficiency and water use efficiency
Technology readiness level
The concept is currently at the field validation stage. An experimental plan has been designed to compare multiple solar corridor patterns against monoculture controls under different water regimes and hybrid types. Field activities will generate the data needed to assess effects on grain yield, radiation use efficiency, water use efficiency, and water footprint. Results from these trials will determine the agronomic viability and scalability of the solar corridor approach for maize-soybean production systems.
About University of Padova
Founded in 1222, the University of Padova is a comprehensive public research university with broad disciplinary depth and a strong international profile. Industry engages through co-located labs and shared core facilities offering testing and contract services, plus internship and thesis pathways that place students in company settings. The university is integrated with a major hospital system for clinical research and translation and collaborates with regional technology parks and the Veneto network of industrial districts. Research is supported by competitive European and national programs, including Horizon Europe and the European Research Council. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines sponsored research, IP, licensing, and startup support for corporate partners.
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