Effect of the anthraquinones emodin and physcion on availability of selected soil inorganic ions

The effects of emodin and physcion, two anthraquinones involved in Polygonum sachalinense allelopathy, were studied in soils amended with 5, 10 and 15 mg 100 g(-1) soil of each compound, and with their mixtures. Recovery of each compound and its effects on availability of soil Mn++, Na+, K+, Mg++, Ca++ and PO43- were monitored. Total phenolic content of each soil was determined to study the role of degraded phenolics. Soil amended with 5 mg of emodin and physcion gave maximum recovery of the two anthraquinones. Soil amended with different amounts of two anthraquinones and their mixture had significant lower values for pH compared to control. In general, both anthraquinones affect availability of soil inorganic ions. Compared to unamended control soil, a significant decrease in Mn++ availability, and an increase in Na+ and K+ availability when emodin and physcion were added to the soil was observed. A correlation among soil inorganic ions, relative recovery of two compounds, and total phenolic content of amended soils was observed. Results indicate that emodin and physcion influence the availability of soil inorganic ions. The significance of the effect of allelopathic compounds on soil inorganic ions is discussed.