Cascading effects from plant to soil elucidate how the invasive Amorpha fruticosa L. impacts dry grasslands

• DOI: 10.1111/jvs.12879
• Publication Date: 2020-03-27T10:21:19Z
• Authors: Francesco Boscutti; Elisa Pellegrini; Valentino Casolo; Maria de Nobili; Massimo Buccheri; Giorgio Alberti
• Keywords: Soil carbon; Native plant

Abstract Questions Understanding the mechanisms underlying impacts of exotic plant invasions is a central issue in ecology. Considering invasion process, any alteration nutrient cycle fundamental importance. We hypothesized that woody N‐fixing invasive Amorpha fruticosa indirectly depleting diversity by altering ecosystem functions riverine grasslands, thus producing conspicuous shift species composition. Location Temperate lowland riparian areas northeast Italy. Methods In 12 sites, we selected uninvaded, partially invaded, and invaded grasslands (36 plots). each plot, performed vegetation relevé, measured main A. growth traits, light transmittance soil features. studied effects on grassland properties diversity, examining interactions between cycles, availability diversity. Results Increased abundance affected (i.e. increase mineralization nitrification) decrease light). The δ 15 N organic matter was strongly related to basal area, supporting hypothesis an nitrogen (N) due N‐fixer. Plant taxonomical functional decreased significantly as cover increased. more with than or carbon. Similarly, composition beta diversity) increased nitrification rates. Conclusions Our findings show how nitrogen‐fixing such may influence properties, causing cascading functions, decreasing Alteration represents key process involved this invasion, suggesting further studies should focus potential solutions mitigate supply, curb restore these grasslands.