Imperata cylindrica, an Exotic Invasive Grass, Changes Soil Chemical Properties of Forest Ecosystems in the Southeastern United States

How and why certain nonindigenous species become successful invaders has been a central question in invasion ecology. Many hypotheses have emerged; yet there is still little consensus as to what the primary driving mechanisms are for invasion establishment, colonization, and proliferation. The ability of invasive species to alter soil chemical properties, both through nutrient acquisition and allelopathy, remains a

relatively unanswered question and could offer important insights into potential mechanisms for invasion success.