Soil organisms: the invisible dimension in the invasion by exotic plant species

Soil organisms: the invisible dimension in the invasion by exotic plant species - The structure and dynamics of plant communities are strongly determined by the interactions established between the different plant species of the community and the soils in which they grow. Not only soil physical and chemical parameters play a key role in determining plant establishment and survival, but soil biota has a crucial effect on the performance of different plant species. Soil biota is responsible for fundamental ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. In addition, the rhizosphere contains a large number of mutualistic and parasitic organisms that have a strong impact on the survival and growth of the associated plant species. Although information is still scarce, the studies available up to date show that invasive plants introduce dramatic changes in the biological, chemical and physical properties of the invaded soils, which will have important consequences for ecosystem functioning. An emergent pattern is that invasive exotic plants establish positive feedbacks with the invaded soils that strengthen the invasion and limit the resistance and resilience of the invaded ecosystem.