Cryptostegia Madagascariensis Alters the Litterfall and Nutrient Cycling of Litter Inputs in An Invaded Tropical Cambisol From North-Eastern Brazil

Abstract

The invasive Cryptostegia madagascariensis occupies riparian areas covered by tropical Cambisols throughout the North-eastern Brazil however litter is known regarding its ability to impact litter inputs, and ecosystem processes. This study aimed to characterize the effects of the invader on the litter deposition, soil physical-chemical properties, litter nutrient content, and the litter decay rate in a Tropical Cambisol. Comparisons of native and invaded environments showed that C. madagascariensis alters the quantity of litter deposition during both dry and rainy seasons. In contrast to native species, C. madagascariensis litterfall displayed litter seasonal variation (rainy vs. dry season), however invaded sites had higher litter biomass compared to native sites. C. madagascariensis litter was enriched in soil organic matter, N, P, and K contents as compared to the native litter. Compared to native environments, invaded ones had significantly decreased soil temperature and soil water content. Results suggest that C. madagascariensis enhances litter and N, P, and K availability in ways that have potential to impact soil ecosystem in the Tropical Cambisols from Caatinga ecoregion, Brazil.