Mathematical modelling of residue allelopathy: the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors

The mechanistic model of residue allelopathy that was constructed before only simulates allelopathic phenomena caused by decaying plant residues and does not include factors controlling expression of such phenomena. As both intrinsic and extrinsic factors are affecting the potential of residue allelopathy, the model has been developed further to include these factors. The concept of a constant for residue-allelopathic potential, functions for effects of temperature, water, and their combination on allelochemical concentrations were added to the model. As a result, the improved residue model is able to examine the responses to these phenomena under a wide variety of conditions. Several sets of published experimental data were compared with prediction from the model, and a good agreement has been achieved. Its significance in helping better understanding of residue allelopathy is discussed.