Optimizing row combinations of an intercrop of maize with cabbage

In order to explore the optimum row combinations of an intercrop of maize with cabbage, 11 treatments for different intercropping rows of two crops were conducted from 2010 to 2016. The intercrop made intercropped maize yield raise and intercropped cabbage yield lower compared with their respective monocultures. Intercropped maize and cabbage interacted with each other, which could be presented by the regression equations between YIR, income and LER, and the number of intercropping rows of both maize and cabbage. Although the positive effect of intercropped maize could not offset negative effect of intercropped cabbage in the same intercropping rows, the advantage of the intercrop appealed when intercropping strip of cabbage was 1–3 rows more than that of maize. Income of cabbage monoculture was higher than that of maize monoculture and the intercrop. LER of the intercrop was relatively low with a maximum of 1.08. There was possibility that LER was ≥1 when the intercropping strip of cabbage was ≥ 4 rows. M4||C7 is recommended for an optimum combination of this intercrop based on the highest average LER value, and the opportunity for farmers to plant and harvest these rows with machinery. •An intercrop of maize-cabbage makes its maize yield raise and cabbage yield lower.•Intercropped maize and cabbage interact with each other.•An intercrop model of four rows of maize versus seven rows of cabbage is recommended..