Invasive plants alter soil properties and nutrient dynamics: A case study of Anthemis cotula invasion in Kashmir Himalaya

• Published in: Catena (Giessen) 2023-06, Vol.226, p.107069, Article 107069
• Main Authors: Ahmad Dar, Mushtaq, Ahmad, Mustaqeem, Singh, Rishikesh, Kumar Kohli, Ravinder, Singh, Harminder Pal, Batish, Daizy Rani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Available nutrients; Mountain ecosystems; N-availability; Nutrient pools; Organic C; P-availability; Soil water availability
• ISSN: 0341-8162; 1872-6887
• DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2023.107069

[Display omitted] •The invasion of Anthemis cotula had an effect on the soil's physicochemical properties.•The invasion of Anthemis cotula caused significant changes in soil nutrient levels.•A 30–60% increase in essential soil nutrient levels was observed in invaded areas.•Available phosphorus and bulk density were found to be higher in un-invaded plots.•A. cotula is succeeding by modulating soil nutrients and hydro-physical properties. Plant invasion is considerably affecting terrestrial ecosystems by modulating soil nutrient cycling and ecological processes. Below-ground processes are of paramount interest to understand the long-term influences as well as the management of the invaded soil ecosystems. We studied the impact of a global plant invader, Anthemis cotula L. (stinking chamomile; Asteraceae), on key soil physicochemical properties across eight sites in the Kashmir Himalaya, India. At each site, two types (invaded and un-invaded) of adjacent plots (20 × 20 m2) with or without A. cotula were chosen for soil sampling. Soil properties from both invaded and un-invaded plots were analysed. We found significant (P