Warming significantly inhibited the competitive advantage of native plants in interspecific competition under phosphorus deposition

AimsGlobal warming, phosphorus deposition, and biological invasion have become major environmental problems. Most studies have analyzed the main factors for the success of invasive plants under a single global change. However, the reasons for the success of invasive plants under multiple global changes still need to be explored. This study aimed to determine the impacts of global warming and phosphorus deposition on the competition between native Artemisia argyi and invasive Solidago canadensis.MethodsThe native Artemisia argyi and the invasive S. canadensis were treated with simulated warming (+2 degrees C), phosphorus deposition (4 g m(-2) yr(-1)), and combined warming and phosphorus treatments under mixed planting. After 12 weeks, plant growth, biomass, leaf physiological, and chemical traits were measured.ResultsOur results showed that (1) Warming significantly decreased the overall performance (height, root length and biomass) of native A. argyi and invasive S. canadensis (P < 0.05), which was mainly reflected in total biomass. (2) Under the competitive conditions, phosphorus deposition significantly promoted the growth of A. argyi (P < 0.05). (3) Compared to the control group, the combined treatment had an inhibitory effect on the growth S. canadensis and A. argyi, but the effect was not significant (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the inhibitory effects on the two plants (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggest warming significantly counteracts the growth promoting effect of phosphorus on native A. argyi, increasing the relative competitiveness of invasive S. canadensis under interspecific competition.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the impacts of global warming and phosphorus deposition on the competition between native Artemisia argyi and invasive Solidago canadensis. The results showed that warming negatively affected the growth of both native A. argyi and invasive S. canadensis, while phosphorus deposition promoted the growth of A. argyi. The combined treatment had an inhibitory effect on the growth of both plants.