Biological invasion is considered as one of the major threats to native ecosystems. Here, we review the impacts of invasive plants on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of ecosystem functioning. Introduction of invasive plants impact ecosystems profoundly in a multitude of ways by modifying the physical (soil temperature, soil moisture, etc.), chemical (elemental composition, litter dynamics, nutrient cycles, allelopathy, etc.) and biological components (plant community structure, soil microbial biota and fauna). Most studies have shown a negative feedback of biological invasion on the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the ecosystems. Very often, a positive feedback has been generated between the physico-chemical and biological aspects that favour invasion success. Hence, the in-depth and long-term monitoring is needed to focus on the impact of invasive plants on the species diversity, soil biogeochemistry for better understanding of plant invasion processes in ecosystems, so that proper management strategies could be developed for combating the negative impacts of plant invasion.
Background and AimsLantana camara is a highly noxious invasive weed species of global concern. However, its impacts on floristic and soil properties in tropical dry deciduous forests are elusive and fragmented. We aimed to assess the changes in the flora and soil properties following the invasion by Lantana camara in Central Indian forest ecosystems.MethodsThree study sites were selected and each site was further divided into two subsites: Lantana-invaded (LI) and uninvaded (UI). In total, 60 plots of 0.25 ha each (10 plots in each subsite) were laid randomly. Within each plot floristic structure, composition, diversity and soil SOC, STN, M%, pH and bulk density were assessed.ResultsLantana-invaded sites showed a significant decrease in density (D), basal area (BA), species richness (SR) and evenness (E) of seedlings (< 3cm diameter at breast height (DBH)), juveniles (> 3-9.9cm DBH), and herbs. In LI sites, a reduction of 57 and 25% has been observed in lower DBH class of trees (< 3cm and > 3-9.9cm). In all LI sites, a significant increase of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN) and soil moisture (M%) and a significant decrease of pH and bulk density (BD) were recorded.ConclusionsLantana may greatly impact the vegetation and soil properties and, successively, these strong changes increase its invasive potential and ability to replace native species by averting their natural regeneration potential. Therefore, a proper management strategy of this noxious weed is imperative to prevent its further expansion and future problems.
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