Maize and legume intercropping can help maize plants take up more nitrogen from the soil by changing how roots grow and interact underground. In a two-year experiment, researchers found that intercropped maize and soybeans had more roots and took up more nitrogen compared to growing alone. Intercropped peanuts, however, had fewer roots and took up less nitrogen. The roots of maize and soybeans spread out more in intercropping systems, while peanut roots stayed more compact. Soybeans in intercropping systems also had more nodules for nitrogen fixation. Overall, intercropping maize with legumes like soybeans can boost nitrogen uptake by maize, reducing the need for nitrogen fertilizers and making farming more sustainable.