The invasive plant Mikania micrantha affects the soil foodweb and plant-soil nutrient contents in orchards

Publication date: Available online 24 October 2019Source: Soil Biology and BiochemistryAuthor(s): Feng Sun, Qiaojing Ou, Hanxia Yu, Na Li, Changlian PengAbstractMicrobial-microfaunal interactions play important roles in nutrient release and plant nutrient acquisition. However, the extent of their effects is sensitive to plant species identity, particularly among invasive plants, and the difference in effects can change the proportional abundances of soil functional groups, and subsequently change plant-soil element contents. Although the effects of invasive plants on soil microorganisms have been a widespread focus of ecological research, interspecific interactions with fauna are rarely considered in studies of plant invasion. We explored the potential of soil nematodes to mediate microbial responses to an invasive plant (Mikania micrantha) and a native plant (Persicaria chinensis) in South China, where ecological niches are extremely sensitive to exotic species because of anthropogenic degradation of the native vegetation. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from three different habitats highly invaded by M. micrantha, and the abundance and community composition of the nematode and microbial communities were examined. A microcosm experiment was also conducted to test whether nematode feeding significantly affected specific bacteria-mediated ecological processes, such as potassium release in the soil. The results of the correlation analysis, structural equation modeling a...
Source: Soil Biology and Biochemistry - Category: Biology Source Type: research