EXPLORING ALLELOPATHIC INTERACTIONS IN AGROECOSYSTEMS: ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS AND CROP DESIGN

Abstract

Biochemical interaction, the interaction of plants (also known as allelopathy), exerts a large effect on agroecosystem functions. It influences the way plants compete against others, the growth of weed as well as the movement of soil micro-beings.  This study was also aimed at studying carefully the allelopathic potential of some of the donor crops and the manner they impact the environment in controlled as well as in field conditions.  We conducted a mixed-methods experiment in order to check on the influence of aqueous extracts of Sorghum bicolour, Helianthus annuus, and Secale cereale on the germination of wheat, lettuce and chickpea.  It was seen that in sensitive species, significantly less (with more than 50 percent) germination time (mean germination time (MGT)) and the length of radicle occurred.  The effects of allelochemicals on the soil microbes Click to see the test results showed that colony-forming units (CFUs), rate of nitrogen mineralisation and pH conductivity level were altered. It implies that there were functional alterations in the structure of the microbial community.  Rotational crop field tests indicated that allelopathic donors altered the distribution of biomass as well as the root to shoot ratio and reduced average weeds by 38%.  The addition of the biophysical data by semi-structured interviews with 25 local farmers reflected the usefulness and limited use of allelopathic crops in traditional farming.  Through quantitative and qualitative data developed together, we were in a position to evaluate allelopathy completely as an ecological and agricultural instrument.  These findings indicate that well-strategized crop rotations which utilize allelopathic effects could reduce chemical requirements and also enhance soil health as well as make farming system more sustainability oriented.  The research provides practical knowledge regarding the development of crops, taking into consideration allelopathy, which has an impact on ecological agriculture and biodiversity conservation.