Does alien invasive species (Lantana camara L.) impact natural regeneration and soil properties

Abstract

Abstract Invasive plant species are considered one of the important threats to global biodiversity. Lantana camara L. is an alien invasive species spread across India. The spreading patterns of Lantana indicate a serious threat to native plant biodiversity and regeneration. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of Lantana invasion on natural regeneration and soil properties in two forest types (dry deciduous and moist deciduous) of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. Four levels of lantana infestation that is, highly infested, moderately infested, lantana uprooted areas and areas without lantana infestation were considered for the present study. To assess the regeneration status, five sub quadrates of 2×2 m was laid in each main quadrats of 20 m ×20m. Four soil samples were randomly collected at 0-15 cm and 15- 30 cm depths, and a composite sample was made for analysing different soil physicochemical properties. The highest density of regenerates was observed in Lantana uprooted areas (1121±108.79 stems ha-1) followed by moderately infested areas (660±108.79 stems ha-1) in dry deciduous forests. In moist deciduous forests, the highest density of regenerates was observed in non-infested areas (845±73.31 stems ha-1) followed by uprooted areas (740±73.31 stems ha-1). It was noticed that higher canopy openings had higher Lantana infestation. Maximum soil moisture content, bulk density, pH and electric conductivity were observed in highly infested areas, but the percentage of organic carbon and organic matter was highest in non-infested areas. The study shows that the higher Lantana infestation is affected by natural regeneration, and Lantana uprooting is favouring natural regeneration.