Soil properties and apricot growth under intercropping and mulching with erect milk vetch in the loess hilly-gully region

Background and aims Soil in the loess hilly-gully region of northern Shaanxi Province, China, is infertile and rainfall is scarce and uneven. The objectives of this study were to improve soil quality, promote apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) growth, and assess whether erect milk vetch (Astragalus adsurgens Pall.) and apricot compete for soil moisture and soil nutrients under intercropping systems.