Objective To screen optimal planting patterns and high-yield varieties suitable for spring maize-soybean strip intercropping in Southern Xinjiang and provide a theoretical basis for local technical application.

Methods Field experiments were carried out in Zepu County, Kashgar Prefecture to investigate the differences in agronomic traits and yields of 28 maize varieties and 3 soybean under the two planting patterns of 2 rows maize+4 rows soybean (2+4) and 4 rows maize + 4 rows soybean (4+4).

Results The average theoretical maize yield under the 4+4 pattern was higher than that under the 2+4 pattern; Henong 71 produced higher yield under the 2+4 pattern, and Henong 138 had better yield performance under the 4+4 pattern. Correlation analysis indicated that varieties with excellent ear length and grain number per ear could obtain higher grain weight and final yield under the 4+4 mode. Principal component analysis showed that maize agronomic indicators could be classified into three principal components including ear-related factor, biomass-related factor and grain quality factor, and varieties with high comprehensive F values had excellent comprehensive performance and good quality.

Conclusion The 4 rows maize+4 rows soybean (4+4) pattern is recommended for spring sowing in Southern Xinjiang; MC670 and Jinli 170 are recommended as maize varieties and Henong 138 as soybean variety. Ear length and grain number per ear can be used as key indicators for variety screening.