Phytotoxicity of vulpia residues: IV. Dynamics of allelochemicals during decomposition of vulpia residues and their corresponding phytotoxicity.

The behavior and dynamics of 20 identified allelochemicals in vulpia residues were both collectively and individually monitored, and their kinetic phytotoxicity was assessed. The total content of the identified allelochemicals in decaying vulpia residues increased from 0.31 to 1.24 mg/g dry residue over a 21-day decomposition period, while the total phenolic content increased from 1.86 to 2.16 mg/g dry residue. This corresponded to a phytotoxicity increase from 42% to 82% of radical inhibition. Allelochemicals changed in composition and quantity over the duration of the residue decomposition. Addition of soil to the residues reduced the total allelochemical contents extracted and altered the dynamic pattern. In the same period, the total content of allelochemicals declined from 0.061 to 0.046 mg/g residue + soil, with the total phenolics reduced from 0.20 to 0.11 mg/g residue + soil, corresponding to a radical length increase from 53% to 109% of control. Only 14 of the identified allelochemicals were detected in the mix of soil and residues, in contrast to 20 present in the residues alone. The implications of these findings are discussed.