Effects of Soybean Density and Sowing Time on the Yield and the Quality of Mixed Silage in Corn-Soybean Strip Intercropping System
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The paper is focused on the issues of the corn-soybean intercropping system. The interaction of three planting densities and three different sowing times of soybean was observed in a 2-year field experiment. Biomass quality before and after the ensiling process was also evaluated.
The presented topic is actual and relevant because the intercropping system brings many positive effects according to the utilization of mixed biomass for feeding as well as to non-production functions, especially in relation to soil.
The aim of the paper is clear and particular parts of the text are well-written. However, the following shortages should be corrected:
L16: The sentence about ensiling is redundant
L20: Information about the constant planting density (60,000 plants/ha) is missing
L20 and L27: I suggest the term „total yield“ instead of „yield“
L76 to 81: Intelligibility of both sentences is low, especially information about moisture is not clear
L83: I suggest the term „total yield“ instead of „total whole crop yield“
L90: Provide information about precipitation and temperature in 2019 and 2020
L94: Consider subtitle: Field experiment and silage preparation
L95 and L96: Provide more information about corn and soybean cultivars
L98: Provide information about plot area and harvest area
L99: Information about fertilization and plant protection (weed control) is missing
L109: Harvest date is missing in both years
L189 to 206: Explain in chapter Materials and Methods, how did you prepare mixed samples of fresh corn and soybean matter for subsequent chemical analysis
The Results are presented clearly. The Discussion is processed at a good level. The Conclusions are adequate.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
Intercropping is used in many countries. It has many advantages and is one of the elements of sustainable agriculture, as it allows for more efficient use of environmental resources. The effectiveness of intercropping depends on many factors, one of which is the proper selection of crop species and their distribution, including the density and the spacing between plant rows. In addition, one of the important elements in livestock production is the provision of an adequate amount of good-quality feed. Silage is an important feed used in the feeding of mainly ruminants. Therefore, I think that the problem raised in the research is current and interesting. After reading the manuscript, I have a few comments:
Correct the notation of the units throughout the paper, e.g. g kg-1 instead of g/kg. units should be according to the SI system.
Line [91] - Add soil type according to the international classification and quote the appropriate source.
Line [97-98] - What was the forecrop, whether it was the same species in both years of research
Line [99] – ‘Corn and soybean were cultivated by bunch planting’ - what does it mean. Please describe in more detail how corn and soybeans were sown. Please also state the size of the plots. How many rows of both species were in each plot. What about the weeds. How were they destroyed?
Figure 1 - There is no need to describe what is in the drawing (e.g. distance in rows or width between rows). It is clearly shown in the picture. Please mark on the Figure 1 the position of the rows in relation to the directions of the world
Line [134] - Why was quality only studied in 2020. The course of weather conditions in individual years may affect the development of maize and soybeans and, consequently, the share of these plants in the harvested biomass and the quality of silage.
In Table 1, it is worth adding the share of soybean in the harvested biomass.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The paper is interesting, the topic is important and current, but I have some recommendations:
To the Material and Methods must be added and described the methods for determining the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Soil type information must also be added.
At the Experimental Site a description of the climatic conditions from the experimentation years must be introduced, the humidity and the temperature directly influence the development of the plants.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
