Three Invasive Tree Species Change Soil Chemistry in Guam Forests

摘要: Research Highlights: Established stands of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv., and Vitex parviflora Juss. modified soils in Guam’s limestone forests, reducing storage pools carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus. Background Objectives: Invasive plants may engineer negative changes ecosystem properties. This study was conducted to determine soil chemistry following infestations three problematic tree species on Guam. Materials Methods: Minerals, metals, mineralization dynamics were measured invaded sites paired with biodiverse native cover. Results: Most properties significantly changed by long-term the invasive species. The within exhibited total available phosphorus that less than sites. In contrast, carbon/nitrogen ratio increased for every species-site combination. other chemical idiosyncratic among Conclusions: Mitigation restoration activities include removal these trees from project require many years below-ground ecosystems return their state. These decrease ability Guam sequester recalcitrant forms