Effects of co-occurring non-native invasive plant species on old-field succession.

摘要: Old fields are diverse forb-dominated ecosystems transitioning into woody-dominated forested ecosystems. However, the susceptibility of old to high levels plant invasion can lead co-occurrence multiple non-native invasive species at fine-scale neighborhoods, which alter native patterns and successional trajectories forest communities. Community disassembly by occurs when presence one or more invaders shifts from structured random. Disassembly imply a loss existing co-evolved interactions among species, has ramifications for community dynamics invaded Here, we quantify relationships two indicators succession in old-field communities East Tennessee: trajectories. First, examine how biotic abiotic factors shape abundance as well functional groups across fields. Second, ask whether influence associated with altered herbaceous:woody foliar cover ratios. We found that predictors were not consistent identity direction association, indicating predicting sites suite variables will be challenging. Importantly, number plants increased 1-m2 plots, shifted random, whereas remained random irrespective species. Plots containing three had significant changes The ratio was 4× lower 2× greater compared plots invaders, this shift part explained an increase woody Our data suggest alters both communities, could developing understory transition forests. recommend management during should focus on decreasing total restore prevent trajectories, including accelerated