Leucaena leucocephalaand adjacent native limestone forest habitats contrast in soil properties on Tinian Island.
An ex situ germplasm collection of the endangeredCycas micronesicawas established in a transition zone between biodiverse native forest and mature stands of the invasive speciesLeucaena leucocephala. Soil chemical properties were determined for the 2 tree cover types to inform management decisions. Total carbon, total nitrogen, calcium, and net ammonification were greater in native forest cover than inL. leucocephalapatches. Net nitrification and net mineralization were greater underL. leucocephalacover. Trace metals also differed between the 2 forest cover types, with chromium, cobalt, and nickel accumulating to greater concentration underL. leucocephalacover and zinc accumulating to greater concentration under native forest cover. The results indicated thatL. leucocephalacover generated substantial changes in soil chemical properties when compared with native forest tree cover, illuminating one means by which understory vegetation may be affected by changes in invasive tree cover.
Western Pacific Tropical Research Center, University of Guam, UOG Station , Mangilao, Guam, USA.
Thomas E
TE
Marler
Western Pacific Tropical Research Center, University of Guam, UOG Station , Mangilao, Guam, USA.
Nirmala
N
Dongol
Western Pacific Tropical Research Center, University of Guam, UOG Station , Mangilao, Guam, USA.
Gil N
GN
Cruz
Cycas micronesica conservation; invasive species; mineralization; nitrification; nitrogen