Efectos de dos especies exóticas invasoras (Ailanthus altissima y Robinia pseudoacacia) sobre el ciclo de nutrientes y la biomasa fúngica de un ecosistema fluvial

Abstract

The exotic tree species, Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia, invade riparian zones of Iberian Peninsula. Exotic leaves contain different physico-chemical characteristics to native leaves, so decomposition process may be different. We designed a decomposition experiment in order to assess the impact of exotic leaf litter on stream nutrient cycle and fungi biomass. Our results suggest that Populus alba (native tree), replacement by A. altissima can accelerate the nutrient cycle and overtake the fungi colonization. In contrast, Fraxinus angustifolia (native tree), replacement by R. pseudoacacia can decelerate the nutrient cycle.