Variations of selected soil properties in the grass fields invaded and uninvaded by invasive goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.)

Abstract

Although the invasion of exotic plants has been recognised as the serious cause of the biodiversity loss and natural habitats degradation and threat to the ecosystems functions, just the little attention has been paid to the potential impacts of the goldenrod invasion on the soil properties. Equally, currently obtained results are contrary and ambiguous. We tested whether the grass fields invaded and uninvaded by Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) differ in pH, soil moisture, organic carbon (Cox), humus and P, K and Mg contents and related the variations to the chosen environmental variables. We did not find significant distinctions of the studied types of habitats in the selected physico-chemical soil properties as well as the relation between the goldenrod invasion and the changes in soil properties. Nevertheless, whereas the soil reaction, soil moisture and Mg content were higher in the invaded soils, the Cox, humus and P and K contents were higher in the uninvaded ones. Doubtless, further attention need to be paid to this problem.

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, the increase of the soil reaction simultaneously with the goldenrods density was observed too. However, the direct correlation is disputable because the impact of the Solidago invasion on the soil properties is very unambiguous [32].…”

Invasive Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea) Influences Soil Microbial Activities in Forest and Grassland Ecosystems in Central Europe

“…There are many authors that describe how exotic plants and especially how Goldenrod affects physical properties. Some authors reported that invasion of S. gigantea significantly increase soil reaction [16,42], but the work of Quist et al [43] showed the opposite trend: that S. gigantea can lower the pH in a soil system they had invaded.…”

Selected Aspects of Invasive Solidago canadensis with an Emphasis on Its Allelopathic Abilities: A Review

“…Therefore, an increasing number of studies have focused on its impact on the soil properties in invaded areas. [49,70,73,74] However, the results concerning the impact of Solidago invasion on the soil properties are contrary and ambiguous. The conclusions about the impact of invasion on the soil parameters are still not absolutely clear.…”

“…The conclusions about the impact of invasion on the soil parameters are still not absolutely clear. [73] The results of some researchers suggest that S. canadensis can change the physicochemical properties of soils in invasive areas. Lu et al [75] studied the effects of different forms and levels of nitrogen (nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen) on S. canadensis and Artemisia lavandulifolia Candolle.…”