Effects of the invasion of Chromolaena odorata on soil organic carbon fractions in the soils of a tropical savanna

• 1、Department of Ecology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642
• 2、Department of Urban Construction Engineering, Guangzhou City Polytechnic, Guangzhou 510405

Abstract：Chromolaena odorata is one of the most dangerous invasive plants around the world. It has invaded and established widely in southern China and therefore been listed in the Directory of Invasive species in China (The first version). However, studies remain lacking on the ecological effects of the C. odorata invasion on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. This study was conducted to explore the potential effects of C. odorata invasion on SOC fractions in a tropical savanna located at the reserve of Dongfang Datian in Hainan province. Results showed that the invasion of C. odorata did not significantly change soil pH, but significantly affected soil moisture and bulk density. Under all of the invaded and control plots, SOC content and fractions significantly declined as soil depth increases. The invasion of C. odorata significantly increased SOC and dissolved organic carbon but reduced water-soluable organic carbon, and produced neutral effects on microbial biomass carbon, particulate organic carbon and easily-oxidizable organic carbon. Our results suggest that in spite of the negative effects of invasive plants reported in previous studies, C. odorate may help improve soil feitility and C sequestration in the tropical savanna.

Keywords： Ecology biological invasion C cycling environmental stress global change