This chapter investigates the regulatory mechanisms of canopy architecture in shorter-height crops within maize-soybean intercropping (IC) systems, focusing on soybean adaptation to shade conditions imposed by taller maize plants. It examines soybean canopy responses to various light environments, especially under strip intercropping, including the effects on leaf size, epidermal cells, gene expression, and hormone levels due to shading. Additionally, the study assesses the impact of the light environment on soybean petioles and stems, emphasizing physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses to optimize light capture and enhance yield in intercropping systems. These results will provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the canopy architecture regulation and yield improvement in short-height crops within maize-soybean strip intercropping.