Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) Invasion and Eradication: Implications for Soil Nutrient Dynamics in a Longleaf Pine Sandhill Ecosystem

Abstract

AbstractWe assessed pre- and posteradication nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in longleaf pine sandhill stands severely affected by cogongrass. Across a 7-yr posteradication (glyphosate + imazapyr) “recovery chronosequence,” which included untreated cogongrass, uninvaded reference, and treated plots, we analyzed soils for total N, potentially available P (Mehlich-1 [M1]), pH, and organic matter content. We also used resin bags to assess fluxes of plant available N and P in the soil solution. Additionally, we used litterbags to monitor the decomposition and nutrient mineralization patterns of dead rhizome and foliage tissue. Our results indicate similar total N and M1-P contents in both cogongrass-invaded and uninvaded reference plots, with levels of M1-P being lower than in cogongrass plots for 5 yr after eradication. Soil organic matter did not differ between treatments. Resin bag analyses suggest that cogongrass invasion did not affect soil nitrate availability, although a pulse of NO2+ NO3occurred in the first 3 yr after eradication. No such trends were observed for ammonium. Resin-adsorbed PO4was lowest 3 yr after eradication, and pH was highest 5 yr after eradication. Our litterbag study showed that approximately 55% of foliar biomass and 23% of rhizome tissue biomass remained 18 mo after herbicide treatment. Substantial N immobilization was observed in rhizomes for the first 12 mo, with slow mineralization occurring thereafter. Rapid P mineralization occurred, with 15.4 and 20.5% of initial P remaining after 18 mo in rhizomes and foliage, respectively. Overall, our findings indicate that cogongrass invasion has little to no effect on soil nutrient cycling processes, although some significant—but ephemeral—alterations develop after eradication.