Effects of sericea lespedeza residues on cool-season grasses

Abstract

Incorporation of crop residues into the soil prior to planting has been shown to reduce the growth of subsequent crops. Information is limited on the allelopathic effect of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours) G. Don.] residues on multiple cropping and rotational systems. Experiments were conducted to determine (1) if sericea lespedeza residues affected seed germination and plant growth of rye (Secale cereale L.), ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.); (2) if cultivars of these species varied in response to phytotoxins from sericea lespedeza residues; and (3) if N fertilization nullified the effects of residues. Germination experiments were conducted by using water extracts from low- or high-tannin sericea lespedeza residues, distilled water (control), and topsoil and subsoil obtained from areas in which low- or high-tannin sericea lespedeza plants had grown for 4 years. Greenhouse experiments showed that germination, emergence, seedling growth, above-ground biomass, and N concentration of rye and tall fescue were reduced by sericea lespedeza residues. Although ryegrass germination was not affected by the residues, biomass and N concentration were reduced. Rye and tall fescue germination were not affected by soils where sericea lespedeza previously had grown, but ryegrass germination and seedling growth of all 3 species were reduced. Immobilized N was the main factor limiting plant growth. Fertilizer-N more than compensated for the negative effects of the residues on all species. Establishment of rye and tall fescue in a sericea lespedeza field is likely to require higher seeding rates than normal to compensate for reduced germination, whereas ryegrass would not be affected. Fertilizer-N may be needed to enhance growth of grasses that otherwise would be curtailed by sericea lespedeza residues.