Impact of Solidago gigantea invasion on nematode communities in grasslands

What is it about?

The study addresses a critical issue in nematology and ecology. Solidago gigantea is one of the most problematic invasive plant species in Europe, posing a significant threat to ecosystem stability. In this paper, we explore the impact of S. gigantea invasion on nematode communities, as suitable soil bioindicators. The study provides a comprehensive analysis conducted across three sites with varying soil and climatic conditions. The findings showed that while invasion by S. gigantea does not strongly affect nematode taxonomic diversity, it negatively impacts functional diversity. This is particularly evident in the increased abundance of microbial-feeding nematodes and altered ecological and functional indices values. Moreover, the paper introduces a crucial insight into the evaluation of the soil food web using nematode communities, demonstrating that invaded grasslands exhibit less mature and more disturbed soil ecosystems with a degraded or depleted food web. The study also sheds light on the relationship between invasion status and site characteristics, emphasizing the prominence of the invasion effect on nematode biomass in sites with cold and humid climates. In conclusion, the paper underscores the importance of considering both taxonomic and functional diversity and the specific characteristics of the invaded plant and site when assessing the impact of plant invasion on soil biota.

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