High Root Biomass and Variation in Root Functional Traits Allow Non‐Native Grass Species to Invade Tropical Open Savannahs in Brazil

• Published in: Journal of vegetation science Vol. 36; no. 4
• Main Authors: Stradic, Soizig Le, Damasceno, Gabriella, Cancian, Leonardo Farage, Donadieu, Maéva, Kollmann, Johannes, Fidelis, Alessandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.07.2025
• Subjects: absorptive roots; Absorptivity; Biological invasions; Biomass; Cerrado; Competition; Density; Ecological function; Exploitation; exploitation competition; functional dissimilarity; Grasses; Indigenous species; interference competition; Introduced species; invasive alien species; Invasive species; Nonnative species; Nutrients; Plant communities; Plant tissues; Roots; Savannahs; Soil layers; transport roots; Urochloa; Urochloa spp; Brazil

ABSTRACT Aims Root traits are critical for resource acquisition, particularly in nutrient‐limited environments such as open savannahs, and any changes in these traits can impact ecological processes. However, it is poorly understood whether invasive species outcompete natives by competitive superior...