To optimize the alfalfa-maize intercropping system in the Hexi Irrigation District and identify the suitable maize cultivars， 10 maize （Zea mays L.） cultivars were used to compare their agronomic traits， yield performance， and nutritional quality under sole-cropping and intercropping conditions. Structural equation modeling and a multi-criteria decision-making model were further employed for integrated analysis. The results showed that cultivar， cropping pattern， and their interaction had highly significant effects on plant height， stem diameter， effective plant density， fresh weight per plant， and dry matter yield （P<0.01）. Under intercropping， ‘Jinzhangye 1706’ had the highest dry matter yield （27.12 t·hm^-2）. ‘Tunyu 168’ had the highest ear fresh weight （522.33 g）， and its fresh weight per plant reached 1.32 kg. ‘Ganyu 23’ had the highest number of green leaves and the highest crude protein （CP） content （10.77%）. Structural equation modeling indicated that the pathways by which agronomic traits affected dry matter yield and relative feed value （RFV） differed between planting patterns. Based on the multi-criteria decision-making results， cultivar selection for the intercropping system should comprehensively consider agronomic traits， yield and nutritional quality. Among the tested cultivars， ‘Ganyu 23’ ‘Jinzhangye 1706’ and ‘Tunyu 168’ can be selected as optimal cultivars for the alfalfa/maize intercropping system in this region.

Alfalfa  /  Intercropping  /  Maize  /  Variety screening