6533b7d2fe1ef96bd125e0b9

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The impact of Carpobrotus cfr. acinaciformis (L.) L. Bolus on soil nutrients, microbial communities structure and native plant communities in Mediterranean ecosystems

Emilio BadalamentiLuciano GristinaVito Armando LaudicinaAgata NovaraSalvatore PastaTommaso La Mantia

subject

0106 biological sciencesSettore AGR/05 - Assestamento Forestale E SelvicolturaSettore AGR/13 - Chimica AgrariaSoil ScienceCarbon and nitrogen content04 agricultural and veterinary sciencesPlant Science010603 evolutionary biology01 natural sciencesMediterranean islands . Biological invasions . Carbon and nitrogen content . Biodiversity lossMediterranean islandSettore AGR/02 - Agronomia E Coltivazioni ErbaceeBiodiversity loss040103 agronomy & agriculture0401 agriculture forestry and fisheriesBiological invasion

description

Background and aims: Carpobrotus spp. are amongst the most impactful and widespread plant invaders of Mediterranean habitats. Despite the negative ecological impacts on soil and vegetation that have been documented, information is still limited about the effect by Carpobrotus on soil microbial communities. We aimed to assess the changes in the floristic, soil and microbial parameters following the invasion by Carpobrotus cfr. acinaciformis within an insular Mediterranean ecosystem. Methods: Within three study areas a paired-site approach, comparing an invaded vs. a non-invaded plot, was established. Within each plot biodiversity indexes, C and N soil content, pH and microbial biomass and structure (bacterial and fungal) were assessed. Results: Invaded plots showed a decrease of ?-species richness and diversity. The least represented plant species in invaded plots were those related to grassland habitats. In all invaded soils, a significant increase of carbon and nitrogen content and a significant decrease of pH were registered. Carpobrotus significantly increased bacterial and fungal biomass and altered soil microbial structure, particularly favoring fungal growth. Conclusions: Carpobrotus may deeply impact edaphic properties and microbial communities and, in turn, these strong modifications probably increase its invasive potential and its ability to overcome native species, by preventing their natural regeneration.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2016-05-26
10.1007/s11104-016-2924-zhttp://hdl.handle.net/10447/183920