Download (PDF 377 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/38080.pdf
Abstract
The spatial distribution of most invasive plants is poorly documented and studied. This project examined and compared the spatial distribution of a successful invasive plant, Japanese honeysuckle (
Lonicera japonica), in two similar-sized but ecologically distinct watersheds in western Kentucky (Ledbetter Creek) and western Tennessee (Panther Creek). The occurrence data of Japanese honeysuckle and seven environmental variables were collected and measured from 533 random plots at the two watersheds. A spatial logistic regression model was developed to identify the factors that contribute most to the spread of this invasive plant. Our results showed that the spatial distribution of this invasive plant was different at the two watersheds. The Ledbetter Creek watershed, which had heavier anthropogenic disturbances, had a much more frequent occurrence of Japanese honeysuckle than did the forested Panther Creek Watershed. The spatial regression model indicated that elevation was significantly correlated with the spatial distribution of Japanese honeysuckle at the Ledbetter Creek Watershed. In contrast, distance from the main road, soil moisture, light intensity, and plant species richness of each plot were all signifi cant factors in relation to the spatial distribution of invasive species at the Panther Creek Watershed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Liu, Dongjiao; Jiang, Hao; Zhang, Robin; He, Kate S. 2011. Predicting the spatial distribution of
Lonicera japonica, based on species occurrence data from two watersheds in Western Kentucky and Tennessee. In: Fei, Songlin; Lhotka, John M.; Stringer, Jeffrey W.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Miller, Gary W., eds. Proceedings, 17th central hardwood forest conference; 2010 April 5-7; Lexington, KY; Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-78. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 418-424.
