Soil Chemistry Modification by Guinea Grass in Semi-Arid Soils: A Litter Mediated Positive Feedback

Author

Vanessa Elizabeth Thomas, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Pushpa Soti

Second Advisor

Dr. Mirayda Torres-Avila

Third Advisor

Dr. Kristine Lowe

Abstract

Nutrients are a key component of healthy soils. Their composition plays an important role in plant growth through nutrient cycling and directly influences the functioning of plant communities in both agricultural and natural ecosystems. Shifts in macronutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen may be initiated by invasive growth as a driver for competition with native plants. The goal of this study is to explore the plant soil feedback in an exotic invasive plant, Guinea grass (Pancium maximum), an invasive bunch grass originally from Africa, across different habitat types in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV). To determine a positive plant soil feedback in Guinea grass, this research analyzed the physical and chemical aspects of the collected soils.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Vanessa Elizabeth Thomas. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/soil-chemistry-modification-guinea-grass-semi/docview/2595498287/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Vanessa Elizabeth, "Soil Chemistry Modification by Guinea Grass in Semi-Arid Soils: A Litter Mediated Positive Feedback" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 981.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/981