The occurrence and spread of invasive woody species are a truly global phenomenon, but tropical regions seem to be particularly vulnerable due to high rates of soil degradation in combination with climate change, and limited resources for containment. There is increasing awareness that complete eradication programs are often not effective. The existence of many “controversial species,” i.e., species with both negative and positive impacts, renders decision-making processes for management exceedingly complex. By providing a very extensive overview of the current state of knowledge on impacts and containment strategies of invasive woody species, we aim to help underpin such decisions. We discuss both negative impacts and potential benefits of invasive woody species, focusing on the two most important ones, namely animal fodder production and the positive impacts on soil functioning and soil quality. Invasive woody species can positively impact livestock production (1) indirectly by improving pasture quality because of improved soil quality and functioning, and (2) directly by supplying a high-quality protein component for animal fodder. Invasive woody species increase soil carbon sequestration and nitrogen and phosphorus availability depending on the density of the invader, its capacity to fix nitrogen, the quantity and quality of its litter, and the direct interactions between its roots and the soil microbial community. The balance between potential benefits and risks depends to a large extent on the interaction with the local environment (climate, soil, vegetation, and animals) and the socioeconomic context of each region. When an invasion process starts because there is no local predator, then management can target eradication or very strict containment. If the invasion is the result of strong disturbance of the ecosystem, then intensive but well-thought management of the invasive species would be the choice to be made, as this may help to restore the ecosystem.

入侵木本物种的出现和传播是一个真正的全球现象，但热带地区似乎特别脆弱，因为土壤退化率高，加上气候变化，而且遏制资源有限。人们越来越意识到完全根除计划往往是无效的。许多“有争议的物种”的存在，即具有消极和积极影响的物种，使管理决策过程极其复杂。通过对入侵木本物种的影响和遏制策略的当前知识状况进行非常广泛的概述，我们旨在帮助支持此类决策。我们讨论了入侵木本物种的负面影响和潜在好处，重点关注两个最重要的问题，即动物饲料生产和对土壤功能和土壤质量的积极影响。入侵木本物种可以对畜牧业生产产生积极影响：(1) 间接地通过改善土壤质量和功能改善草场质量，以及 (2) 直接地通过为动物饲料提供高质量的蛋白质成分。根据入侵者的密度、其固氮能力、其凋落物的数量和质量，以及其根系与土壤微生物群落之间的直接相互作用，入侵木本物种会增加土壤固碳和氮磷可用性。潜在利益和风险之间的平衡在很大程度上取决于与当地环境（气候、土壤、植被和动物）的相互作用以及每个地区的社会经济背景。当由于没有本地捕食者而开始入侵过程时，管理人员可以将根除或非常严格的遏制作为目标。如果入侵是生态系统受到强烈干扰的结果，那么应该选择对入侵物种进行密集但经过深思熟虑的管理，因为这可能有助于恢复生态系统。