Plant Gene and Trait 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 162-172 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/pgt 168 together, a two-layer structure can be formed. In this way, sunlight can be utilized more effectively and the land use efficiency is also higher (Figure 2) (Feng et al., 2025). Figure 2 Intercropping of forage mulberry and soybean (Adopted from Feng et al., 2025) Image caption: (A) Diagram of the row configuration of forage mulberry and soybean. (B) Forage mulberry starting to grow leaves during the soybean seedling stage in the field. (C) Soybean seedlings when the forage mulberry begins leaf-sprouting in the field. (D) Before the forage mulberry is mowed, soybeans and forage mulberries are nearly of equal height. (E) Before the forage mulberries are mowed, soybeans are at the R1 stage. Notes: SN indicates sole cropping of soybeans; IN indicates intercropped with forage mulberry (Adopted from Feng et al., 2025) 9.2 Light environment monitoring and management interventions To understand the utilization of sunlight, researchers measure some light indicators, such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), light saturation point, light compensation point, and the ratio of red light to far-red light (R:FR). Research has found that in this intercropping system, mulberry can utilize the strong light in the upper layer, while soybeans are more suitable for the weak light in the lower layer. The apparent quantum efficiency of soybeans is also quite high. By adjusting the row spacing, bandwidth, or pruning mulberry, the light exposure of soybeans can be improved to make them grow better (Jin et al., 2024; Wu et al., 2025). However, the light received by soybeans in different positions varies. For instance, the rows on the edge receive more light, while the rows in the inner part may appear to have insufficient light due to being blocked by mulberry. 9.3 Crop performance and system productivity outcomes Under such a planting model, soybeans also perform better. Its chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, leaf area and yield have all increased, and the number of root nodules has also increased, indicating better nutrient absorption (Feng et al., 2025). Moreover, the mulberry itself has grown better, with an increase in height, more chlorophyll, and an increase in the biomass of their roots and above-ground parts. Soybeans are also well adapted to weak light. Its leaf area index, photosynthesis and yield are basically positively correlated with the amount of light it can receive (Jin et al., 2024; Wu et al., 2025). If the row spacing and bandwidth are reasonably arranged, mulberry and soybeans can work together to increase production, making the land use efficiency higher and the output of the entire system more considerable. 10 Concluding Remarks Research has found that crops under the forest are highly sensitive to changes in light and are also prone to changes. Take Camellia oleifera and perennial leguminous plants as examples. If the light is appropriate, for instance, reaching 75% of full sunlight, it can significantly increase their leaf size, enhance photosynthesis, and accelerate nutrient absorption. Eventually, the plants will grow stronger and bear more fruits. The mulberry itself
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