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Abstract
Many of our forest ecosystems are at risk due to the invasion of exotic invasive plant species. Invasive plant species pose numerous threats to ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity, deteriorating ecosystem processes, and degrading ecosystem services. Literature on Kentucky's most invasive exotic plant species was examined to understand their potential impacts on natural and semi-natural systems. This review suggests that many of the targeted species possess the ability to alter ecosystem processes and functions. However, the impacts on these services are still emerging, are often vague, and lack empirical data. Thus, further research on species-level impacts and the mechanisms facilitating the impacts of exotic plants on ecosystem services is sorely needed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Devine, Kevin; Fei, Songlin. 2011. A review of impacts by invasive exotic plants on forest ecosystem services. 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: 425-435.
