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In Nitrate-Rich Soil, Fallopia x bohemica Modifies Functioning of N Cycle Compared to Native Monocultures

Authors :
Amélie A. M. Cantarel
Soraya Rouifed
Laurent Simon
Julien Bourg
Jonathan Gervaix
Leslie Blazère
Sophie Poussineau
Charline Creuzé des Châtelliers
Florence Piola
Source :
Diversity, Vol 12, Iss 4, p 156 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2020.

Abstract

The effects of invasive species at the ecosystem level remain an important component required to assess their impacts. Here, we conducted an experimental study with labeled nitrogen in two types of soil (low and high nitrate conditions), investigating the effects of (1) the presence of Fallopia x bohemica on the traits of three native species (Humulus lupulus, Sambucus ebulus, and Urtica dioica) and (2) interspecific competition (monoculture of the invasive species, monoculture of the native species, and a mixture of invasive/native species) on nitrification, denitrification, and related microbial communities (i.e., functional gene abundances). We found that the species with the higher nitrate assimilation rate (U. dioica) was affected differently by the invasive species, with no effect or even an increase in aboveground biomass and number of leaves. F. x bohemica also decreased denitrification, but only in the soil with high nitrate concentrations. The impacts of the invasive species on nitrification and soil microorganisms depended on the native species and the soil type, suggesting that competition for nitrogen between plants and between plants and microorganisms is highly dependent on species traits and environmental conditions. This research highlights that studies looking at the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems should consider the plant–soil–microorganism complex as a whole.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14242818
Volume :
12
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Diversity
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2dac7534419a46ffb7968cd1e2f2fdcf
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/d12040156