Date of Graduation
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
William Bryan
Abstract
In early spring, areas of soil directly under baylage, spread for winter consumption by steers, is void of vegetation even after reseeding. This study was conducted to determine if: 1) residual baylage leachate is allelopathic to orchardgrass and red clover, 2) soil microorganisms have an effect on the toxicity of the leachate, and 3) toxicity decreases over time. Petri dishes, as well as potted soil/sand mixtures, were used to test for allelopathy. Leachate reduced seed germination and seedling length as compared to distilled water. There is evidence that soil microorganisms did not affect leachate toxicity. Toxicity of leachate to both orchardgrass and red clover seedlings was greatest on the day of leachate saturation but did not appear to be detoxified in four weeks time, especially for red clover. Bare patches appear to be the result of residual baylage allelopathy.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Sheena R., "The effects of residual baylage leachate on the germination and growth of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)." (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 11068.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11068