Research Applications

Understanding mechanisms behind plant invasion are vital for the management of invasive species. Increased N availability can favour fast-growing invasive plants over slower-growing native plants.

Blumenthal (2009) studied the addition of soil C on N immobilization in invasive plant stands. PRS® Probes detected an average of 73% less N in C-addition plots, indicating N immobilization with C addition. In plots with water addition, C addition reduced biomass and invasion of non-native plants.

PRS® nitrogen supply rates and invasive plant biomass as affected by N and C addition. Error bars are one standard error.