Allelopathic effect of 3-methyl-phenol on maize under different nitrogen doses

Germination and soil column experiments were conducted to investigate the allelopathic effect of 3-methyl-phenol on the growth characteristics of maize. The results show weak effect of 3-methyl-phenol on maize seedling root, but a rather strong effect on aboveground organs, especially seedling height. Significant interaction between nitrogen and 3-methyl-phonel is presented on their effects on bioproductivity, and root weight of maize, with a negative but significant correlation between nitrogen supply and alleopathic effect of 3-methyl-phenol allelopathic on maize bio-productivity at maturity stage. 3-methy-phonel at a concentration of 3.00×10^-4 mol·kg^-1 has a negative effect on maize productivity with a nitrogen dose of 300 mg·kg^-1, but the reverse occurs as nitrogen dose decreases to 150 mg·kg^-1. 3-methyl-phenol increases root weight of maize, and nitrogen application enhances the incresasing effects by 3-methyl-phonel. Therefore, it is very important to determine appropriate fertilizer application rate for allelochemical ecosystems.