Abstract
Scotch broom [Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link] is a globally important nitrogen (N)-fixing invasive plant species that has potential to alter soil water dynamics, soil chemistry, and plant communities. We evaluated the effects of Scotch broom on soil moisture, soil chemistry, soil temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and vegetation communities over 4 years at a site recently harvested for timber. Treatments of Scotch broom (either present via planting or absent) and background vegetation (either present or absent via herbicide treatments) were applied to 4 m 2 plots. Background vegetation was associated with the greatest decrease of soil water content (SWC) among treatments. During the driest year, Scotch broom showed some evidence of increased early-and late-season soil water usage, and, briefly, a high usage relative to background vegetation plots. On a percent cover basis, Scotch broom had a substantially greater negative influence on SWC than did background vegetation. Surprisingly, Scotch broom was not consistently associated with increases in total soil N, but there was evidence of increasing soil water N when Scotch broom was present. Scotch broom-only plots had greater concentrations of soil water magnesium (Mg 2+ ) and calcium (Ca 2+ ) than other treatments. On a percent cover basis, Scotch broom had a uniquely high demand for potassium (K + ) relative to the background vegetation. Average soil temperature was slightly greater, and soil surface PAR lower, with Scotch broom present. Scotch broom-absent plots increased in species diversity and richness over time, while Scotch broom-present plots remained unchanged. Scotch broom presence was associated with an increase in cover of nonnative sweet vernalgrass (Anthoxanthum odoratum L.). Scotch broom generated positive feedbacks with resource conditions that favored its dominance and the establishment of nonnative grass.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1055-1073 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Biological Invasions |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 15 2019 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Acknowledgements Financial support for this research was provided by the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (Grants.gov number: GRANT 11325729). We wish to thank Green Diamond Resource Company for use of their land and logistical support. We would like to thank James Dollins for all of his efforts on this project.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Copyright:
Copyright 2019 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Extended growing season
- Pacific Northwest
- Soil properties
- Soil water