Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) modifies microenvironment to promote nonnative plant communities.

摘要: Scotch broom [Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link] is a globally important nitrogen (N)-fixing invasive plant species that has potential to alter soil water dynamics, chemistry, and communities. We evaluated the effects of on moisture, temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), vegetation communities over 4 years at site recently harvested for timber. Treatments (either present via planting or absent) background absent herbicide treatments) were applied 4 m2 plots. Background was associated with greatest decrease content (SWC) among treatments. During driest year, showed some evidence increased early-and late-season usage, and, briefly, high usage relative On percent cover basis, had substantially greater negative influence SWC than did vegetation. Surprisingly, not consistently increases in total N, but there increasing N when present. broom-only plots concentrations magnesium (Mg2+) calcium (Ca2+) other uniquely demand potassium (K+) Average temperature slightly greater, surface PAR lower, broom-absent diversity richness time, while broom-present remained unchanged. presence an increase nonnative sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum L.). generated positive feedbacks resource conditions favored its dominance establishment grass.