High Capacity of Nutrient Accumulation by Invasive Solidago canadensis in a Coastal Grassland

Abstract

Background Solidago canadensis is a notorious invasive species from North America that is spreading across East China. It is invading some coastal grasslands and replacing native grass species. The effects of the S. canadensis invasion on soil nutrient cycling in the grasslands remain unclear. This study examined the effects of the invasion of S. canadensis on macronutrient accumulation in species aboveground part and soil. Methods Aboveground biomass, macronutrient (N, P, and K) pools in biomass, litter mass and decomposition rates, soil macronutrient availability and soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity that were related to nutrient transformation were compared between plots invaded by S. canadensis and uninvaded plots dominated by three different native grass species: Phacelurus latifolius , Phragmites australis , and Imperata cylindrica . Results S. canadensis had higher aboveground biomass, higher leaf N, P, and K concentrations, and consequently, a larger macronutrient pool size in the standing biomass. S. canadensis also produced more litter with higher N, P, and K concentrations and faster decomposition rates. The S. canadensis invasion did not change the total N, P, and K concentration in the topsoil (0–10 cm), but the invasion did increase their availability. The S. canadensis invasion did not increase the total soil organic matter (TSOM) content but did increase the soil microbial biomass and the activities of urease, alkaline phosphatase, invertase, amylase, and glucosidase in the topsoil. Conclusion The invasion of S. canadensis accelerates the macronutrient cycling rate via increases in aboveground productivity and nutrient accumulation in standing biomass, faster nutrient release from litter and higher soil microbial activity. An enhanced nutrient cycling rate may further enhance its invasiveness through a positive feedback on soil processes.

Survey of the Solidago canadensis L. Morphological Traits and Essential Oil Production: Aboveground Biomass Growth and Abundance of the Invasive Goldenrod Appears to Be Reciprocally Enhanced within the Invaded Stands

“…Besides, taller goldenrods also induce more intensive shadowing to the native species, which supports competitive suppression [34], and leads to higher goldenrods success. However the taller and heavier goldenrods produce more biomass and litter, with higher N, P, and K contents [35]. Consequently, its faster decomposition rate leads to higher pool and availability of nutrients, which positively affects growth advantages of the Canadian goldenrod itself [17,36,37].…”

Drivers of Solidago species invasion in Central Europe—Case study in the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains and their foreground

“…Invasive goldenrods are highly competitive for nutrients, water, and space, and they release allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of other plants (Gusev, 2015; Ledger et al., 2015; Werner et al., 1980; Zhang & Wan, 2017). Due to prolific vegetative propagation, they form dense stands and decrease the biodiversity of plants (Chmura et al., 2016; Ye et al., 2019; Zhang & Wan, 2017); arthropods (de Groot et al., 2007), including pollinators (e.g., wild bees, hoverflies, and butterflies) (Lenda et al., 2020; Moroń et al., 2009, 2021) and ants (Kajzer‐Bonk et al., 2016; Lenda et al., 2013); and birds (Skórka et al., 2010).…”

“…Goldenrod species from North America represent successful invaders in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand (Gusev, 2015; Szymura & Szymura, 2013; Ye et al., 2019; Zhang & Wan, 2017). In Central Europe, two invasive Solidago species occur, S .…”

Drivers of Solidago species invasion in Central Europe---Case study in the landscape of the Carpathian Mountains and their foreground

“…Invasive goldenrods are highly competitive for nutrients, water, and space, and they release allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of other plants (Gusev, 2015;Ledger et al, 2015;Werner et al, 1980;Zhang & Wan, 2017). Due to prolific vegetative propagation, they form dense stands and decrease the biodiversity of plants (Chmura et al, 2016;Ye et al, 2019;Zhang & Wan, 2017); arthropods (de Groot, Kleijn, & Jogan, 2007), including pollinators (e.g. wild bees, hoverflies and butterflies) (Moroń et al, 2009;Moroń, Marjańska, Skórka, Lenda, & Woyciechowski, 2021;Lenda et al, 2020) and ants (Kajzer-Bonk, Szpi lyk, & Woyciechowski, 2016;Lenda, Witek, Skórka, Moroń, & Woyciechowski, 2013); and birds (Skórka et al, 2010).…”

“…Goldenrod species from North America represent successful invaders in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand (Gusev, 2015;Szymura & Szymura, 2013;Ye, Yan, Wu, & Yu, 2019;Zhang & Wan, 2017). In Central Europe, two invasive Solidago species occur, S. giganteaAiton (giant goldenrod) and S. canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod).…”