Heterogeneity in soil chemistry relates to urbanization while soil homogeneity relates to plant invasion in small temperate deciduous forests
| Authors: | Tara L. E. Trammell, Richard Pouyat, Vince D'Amico |
| Year: | 2022 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-022-01409-9 |
| Source: | Landscape Ecology |
Abstract
Soil heterogeneity versus homogeneity patterns are observed within and across urban landscapes at multiple scales. To fully evaluate humanmediated influences on soil properties and processes, we need to understand spatial patterns and variation in soil characteristics within a single ecosystem patch type (e.g., forests) in and near cities.
Our research objectives were to: (1) identify soil characteristics important in driving variation in soil chemistry within urban forests, and (2) examine whether urbanization and invasion gradients were related to variation in soil chemistry within these forests.
Our results demonstrate that while urbanization and invasion can increase soil chemical concentrations, they differentially alter variation in soil chemistry within urban forests. Plant invasion and urban environmental conditions need separate consideration in future conceptual models of urban ecological theory since non-native invasive plants influence soil chemistry independent of other urban factors.