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ABSTRACT:

Effects of an Invasive Plant Species Celastrus orbiculatus on Soil Composition and Processes

Journal Article

Leicht-Young S; O\Donnell H; Latimer A; Silander J

2009

American Midland Naturalist

161

219-231

Celastrus orbiculatus is a non-native invasive liana that was introduced to the United States in the 1860s and has spread rapidly throughout the Northeast. Several attributes contribute to the invasiveness of C. orbiculatus including tolerance to a wide range of light levels and habitat types. We compared soil characteristics in seven sets of adjacent paired plots spanning a range of habitats and soil types with and without C. orbiculatus. The paired plots were similar other than the presence or absence of Celastrus. Plots with C. orbiculatus had significantly higher soil pH potassium calcium and magnesium levels. Furthermore nitrogen mineralization and litter decomposition rates were higher in plots with C. orbiculatus. Phosphorus levels were not significantly different between the paired plots. The results of this study contribute to the growing body of research of the effects of invasive species on ecosystem processes.

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