Interaction between Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Invasive Alien Plants

Youli Zhang,Xinhong Wang,Jian Li,Zhanrui Leng,Chongling Yan,Yueming Wu,Guirong Wu,Hui Jia,Guangqian Ren

doi:10.3390/su14020746

Abstract

Plant invasion is significantly affected by environmental factors in the recipient habitats and affects the stability and sustainable development of society. The invasiveness of alien plants may be increased by anthropogenic-mediated disturbances, such as fluctuations in nutrients caused by excessive emissions of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). To improve our understanding of the interactions between N and P fluctuations and invasive alien plants, the current report focuses on the biogeochemical behavior of N and P among invasive alien plants, native plants, and the soil within the plant–soil ecosystem. Our research, together with a synthesis of the literature, shows that fluctuations in N and P resources provide more opportunities and competitiveness for plant invasion. At the same time, the biogeochemical cycles of N and P are promoted because of their efficient and increased utilization and rate of release by invasive alien plants. However, there is no consensus on whether the N and P compositions of invasive species are different from those of the natives in their habitat. Quantitative studies that compare N and P contents in plant, litter, and soil between native plant communities and invaded communities on a global scale are an indispensable area of research focus for the future.

Highlights

We suggest that linking abiotic factors, P enrichment may exacerbate plant invasion
This study synthesizes the available knowledge and information on the interaction processes and mechanisms between invasive alien plants and N and P in order to provide a better understanding of ecosystem functioning
Concentrations of Olsen P and total N were 21%, and 19% higher, respectively, in the invaded soils than in their native competitor soils [6]. These results indicate that in the soil, biological processes mediated by invasive alien plants, rather than the geochemical processes are the critical factors that cause differences in soil characteristics

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. It significantly plant, has impact by on other impact on 32no. Resource availability in the habitat is a critical factor determining commu‐ It It determines the ability alien of plants invade nity susceptibility to plant alien invasion. We suggest that linking abiotic factors, such such as N and P concentration, is critical to identify how and why alien species success‐. This study synthesizes the available knowledge and information on the interaction processes and mechanisms between invasive alien plants and N and P in order to provide a better understanding of ecosystem functioning. This review establishes interaction mechanisms between invasive alien plants and nutrients (mainly N and P) in the context of ecosystem functioning

Influence of Invasive Alien Plants on N and P Pool in Soil and Plants

Mechanisms of N and P Promote Alien Plant Invasion

Strategies to Control Alien Plant Invasion

Findings

Conclusions and Prospects