Abstract

Foliar litters from 5 commonly planted intercorpped trees were collected and decayed within soil of local farm. These soil samples containing different amount of decomposed litters were then used as culture medium for a germination and seedlings growth testing of soybean. The allelopathic effects of intercropped trees on soybean were assessed. The results indicated that Eucommia ulmoides, Paulownia fortune and Acer truncatum litters showed promotional effects at relative low concentration (75-150 g litters decomposed in 6.5 kg soil, that is 75-150 g/pot), but inhibitory effects at high concentration (300 g/pot), thus these trees should be planted with soybean with a low intercrop proportion. Populus Canadensis litters showed promotional effects at low and high concentration (75 or 300 g/pot), but inhibitory effects at moderate concentration (150 g/pot) and this tree should be planted with a moderate intercrop proportion. Zanthoxylum bungeanum litters exhibited promoting effects at all concentrations, thus this tree was recommened to be planted with soybean with any tested intercrop proportion.

Keywords:

Allelopathy, foliar litter, soybean,

References

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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The authors have no competing interests.