ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF LITTER LEACHATE ON SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX) SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH UNDER DIFFERENT LIGHT INTENSITIES

Soybean (Glycine max) is a protein-rich crop that also fixes nitrogen and improves soil quality.In China, soybean is cultivated on a large area, however, productivity is not enough to meet local needs.The litter produced from soybean is incinerated which is a major cause of air pollution.Therefore, this study investigates the effects of shading and litter leachate (from Salix and Zea mays) on germination and growth traits of soybean.The study was comprised of different concentration of leachate of willow and corn stalk litter; control (water), C1: 10 g/L, C2: 20 g/L and C3: 40 g/L and no shading (Li0: shading 0%), mild shading (Li1: shading 84.19%), moderate shading (Li2: 88.75%), and severe shading (Li3: 98.62%).The results indicated that increasing concentration of leachate produced from willow and corn stalk significantly inhibited the seed germination, germination and vitality index, root and shoot growth, and root and shoot water contents.Furthering increasing shading intensity also significantly decreased seed germination, germination and vitality index, root and shoot growth, and root and shoot water contents, chlorophyll synthesis and plant height.In conclusion, the leachate from the willow and corn stalk litter and increasing shading intensity significantly reduced the growth and germination of soybean.