MECHANISTIC INSIGHTS INTO THE ROLE OF ALLELOPATHY IN SUPPRESSING WEEDS AND ENHANCING CROP YIELDS IN MIXED CROPPING SYSTEMS

Abstract

The study investigates the role of allelopathic interactions in mixed cropping systems as a sustainable alternative to synthetic herbicides for effective weed management. Field experiments using randomized complete block design were conducted to evaluate the weed-suppressing potential and crop performance of various allelopathic crop combinations. Results showed that combinations like Wheat + Fenugreek and Barley + Lentil significantly reduced weed density and improved grain yield and biomass production. Soil analyses revealed higher levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, microbial biomass, and allelochemical concentration in these combinations. Advanced chemical profiling techniques, including HPLC and GC-MS, confirmed the presence of potent allelochemicals such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Visual representations in bar plots, line graphs, and heatmaps supported these findings, revealing temporal trends and physiological impacts of allelochemical activity. Additionally, symbiotic relationships with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting microbes further contributed to crop resilience and soil health. The results validate that allelopathic intercropping can effectively suppress weeds, enhance nutrient uptake, and increase overall crop productivity while reducing dependency on chemical herbicides. This study underscores the ecological and agronomic benefits of incorporating allelopathic principles into crop planning, providing a robust framework for sustainable agriculture.