Effects of Tree Species Intercropping on the Growth and Quality of Panax notoginseng

Purpose By establishing intercropping systems of different tree species with Panax notoginseng, the effects of forest-medicine intercropping on the growth characteristics and quality of P. notoginseng were evaluated, providing theoretical basis and technical support for the expansion of P. notoginseng ecological planting mode and its high-quality.

Methods Using P. notoginseng monoculture as the control, intercropping systems with six tree species were set as the treatment groups. The effects on accumulation biomass and uptake of nutrients in P. notoginseng were explored, and the regulatory effect of the intercropping system on the morphology of P. notoginseng roots and the accumulation of medicinal component were analyzed.

Results Compared with P. notoginseng monoculture, intercropping with Eucalyptus robusta, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Platycladus orientalis, and Schima wallichii significantly increased the yield per unit area of P. notoginseng by 69.29%, 86.04%, 114.65%, and 54.58%, respectively (P<0.05). These systems also enhanced the absorption of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) (P<0.05). Specifically, total N content per unit area significantly increased by 149.68%, 153.76%, 201.75%, and 141.10%, respectively; total P content per unit area significantly increased by 55.76%, 180.36%, 66.78%, and 81.69%, respectively; and total K content per unit area significantly increased by 89.47%, 86.27%, 123.02%, and 85.66%, respectively. Compared to monoculture, intercropping with C. lanceolata, P. orientalis, and S. wallichii significantly increased nutrient (N, P, and K) uptake rates and saponin content (P<0.05). Furthermore, intercropping with C. lanceolata and P. orientalis promoted root length, root surface area, and root volume of P. notoginseng.

Conclusion Intercropping P. notoginseng with coniferous species, such as C. lanceolata and P. orientalis, improves its growth and medicinal quality. Therefore, utilizing the understory environment of coniferous forests for ecological cultivation is a viable strategy for high-quality medicinal plant production.