Dynamic microbial diversity and fermentation quality of the mixed silage of corn and soybean grown in strip intercropping system

•Larger number of LAB were detected in intercropping corn and soybean fresh materials.•Corn and soybean mixed silage increased the abundance of Lactobacillus.•Corn and soybean mixed silage reduced ammonia-N content.•Weissella controlled pathogens and improved aerobic stability in silage.•Low relative abundance bacteria cooperatively affect the fermentation quality. This study assessed the fermentation quality and microbial community of corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max Merr.) (CS) mixed silage in strip intercropping system. CS mixed silage increased lactic acid content and decreased ammonia-N content compared to 100% soybean (S) silage, while it decreased ammonia-N content compared to 100% corn (C) silage. The largest number of epiphytic lactic acid bacteria was detected in CS fresh materials. During ensiling, Weissella and Lactobacillus dominated silage, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in mixed silage was higher than that in S silage with the same S variety. After aerobic exposure (AE), synergistic effect existed in low relative abundance bacteria correlating with ammonia-N content and pH at ensiling 60 days and AE 7 days. In conclusion, CS mixed silage modified microbial community and improved fermentation quality.