This study examined the effects of Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (bugweed) invasion on soil properties and vegetation diversity and cover on three paired invaded and uninvaded sites in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province of South Africa. Soils were analysed for pH, total P, C, N and exchangeable cations of Na, K, Ca and Mg. In addition, soil moisture content, penetration resistance levels and soil water repellency were measured over three months. Vegetation diversity and cover were surveyed in plots measuring 10 × 10 m in both invaded and uninvaded sites. Results showed that soil pH, nutrient concentrations of total P, N, C, cations of K, Ca and Mg, soil penetration resistance levels and water repellency were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the invaded than uninvaded sites. Soil moisture were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the uninvaded than invaded sites. Vegetation diversity and cover were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in the invaded than uninvaded sites. Results indicate that bugweed invasion alters some soil properties and negatively impact native species diversity and cover. These results provide the first evidence in South Africa that bugweed invasion contributes to soil changes and vegetation displacement, therefore, the need to manage it through clearing.

中文翻译：

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南非茄草（Swealum mauritianum Scopoli）入侵对Vhembe生物圈保护区土壤和植被的影响

这项研究研究了茄子茄（Solaum mauritianum Scopoli）入侵对土壤特性和植被多样性的影响，并覆盖了南非林波波省Vhembe生物圈保护区中三个成对入侵和未入侵的地点。分析土壤的pH值，总P，C，N以及Na，K，Ca和Mg的可交换阳离子。另外，在三个月内测量了土壤含水量，抗渗透性水平和土壤防水性。在入侵和未入侵的地方，在10×10 m的样地中调查了植被的多样性和覆盖度。结果表明，土壤的pH值，总磷，氮，碳，钾，钙和镁的养分浓度，土壤的抗渗透性和拒水性均显着（P <0.01）高于未入侵的网站。 未入侵地区的土壤水分明显高于入侵地区（P <0.001）。 入侵地区的植被多样性和覆盖度明显低于未入侵地区（P <0.01）。结果表明，杂草入侵会改变土壤的某些性质，并对本地物种的多样性和覆盖率产生负面影响。这些结果为南非提供了第一个证据，证明杂草的入侵会导致土壤变化和植被移位，因此需要通过清理对其进行管理。