ALLELOPATHIC EFFECT OF INTERCROP MULCH ON CORN

Abstract

The study was conducted in 2024–2025 at the Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy Experimental Station. Allelopathic properties were studied in cover crops grown since 2018 in a stationary field experiment with intercropped cover crops. A two-factor laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the allelopathic effect of cover crop mulch on corn germination and subsequent growth. Factor A – intermediate plants of the Poaceae and Fabaceae families: field pea (Vicia faba L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium westerwoldicum L.), common oat (Avena sativa L.), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.). Factor B - extract concentration: distilled water (control), 1:10 concentration aqueous extract; 1:50 concentration aqueous extract; 1:250 concentration aqueous extract. The extracts of peas, ryegrass, and rye had the greatest allelopathic effect on seed germination. Pea extract had the greatest effect on the root length to seedling height ratio. The highest biomass was produced by corn grown in 1:250 pea extract and 1:10 and 1:250 clover extracts.