Effects of Invasive, Non-Indigenous Plant Species on Ecosystem Processes: Lessons from Florida

Abstract

Individual plant species that modify ecosystem properties have traditionally been thought to be uncommon in natural systems. I hypothesize that many invasive nonindigenous species do alter these properties at several scales. The non-indigenous plant species in Florida considered the most invasive by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council are examined for this capability through review of the available literature. Out of 31 species total, 12-20 (39-64%) potentially alter the ecosystem properties of geomorphology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and disturbance. When population-level properties that indicate superior competitive ability of the invading species are examined, 13-24 (42-77%) of the species are included, with the majority of species showing traits capable of modifying natural systems at both ecosystem and community/population scales. This review suggests that ecosystem alteration may be relatively common among invasive non-indigenous species. However, much of the current information is anecdotal. Empirical studies directly examining the effects of species on ecosystem and smaller-scale processes are necessary, and highly invasive species may be particularly appropriate for such research. Further, as non-indigenous species homogenize the global flora, they may also homogenize the local flora by increasing the representation of ruderal species. Where ecosystem processes have been altered, site restoration likely will require both control of the invader(s) and recovery of processes.

Plant Colonizers Shape Early N-dynamics in Gopher-mounds

“…Similarly, a decline in the N supplied to microbial communities occurs in response to the invader Bromus tectorum (Evans et al, 2001). Other studies have also suggested that invasive plants may modify ecosystem properties, modulating the availability of resources to other species (DÕAntonio and Vitousek, 1992;Gordon, 1998;Mack et al, 2000;Vitousek et al, 1996).…”

Forest ecohydrological research in the 21st century: what are the critical needs?

“…It is likely that the frequency and impact of non-natives will increase significantly over the next several decades (Ellison et al, 2005;Lodge et al, 2006). Non-native species have the 150 J. M. VOSE et al potential to significantly alter ecohydrological function (Gordon, 1998) and reduce the capacity of forested watersheds to provide clean and abundant water, as well as support diverse, healthy aquatic ecosystems, and native faunas. Although some information exists on the direct impacts of aquatic non-native species on aquatic ecosystem structure and function, we know considerably less about the impacts of non-native species on water quantity and quality (Hooper et al, 2005).…”

Dinámica de Phragmites australis y Schoenoplectus americanus en respuesta a la adición de fósforo y nitrógeno en humedales experimentales

“…Sin embargo, indistintamente de la causa que lleva a que una planta se convierta en invasora, pueden llegar a alterar las interacciones entre especies y las condiciones ambientales (Vitousek et al, 1987;D'Antonio y Vitousek, 1992;Gordon, 1998), dando como resultado cambios en la composición de las comunidades y pérdidas en la biodiversidad.…”