Original Articles Open access

Consequences of riparian forest invasions by alien plants for litter decomposition in small streams and ponds

Authors

Published
23 June 2025
Section
Original Articles
DOI
10.4081/jlimnol.2025.2223

Abstract

Riparian forests play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems by regulating light, temperature, channel stability and nutrient cycling. However, these forests are highly vulnerable to invasion by alien plant species, which can alter leaf litter inputs and decomposition dynamics, thereby impacting freshwater ecosystem functions. This study explores the decomposition rates of native black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and two riparian invaders, Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), in both headwater streams and pond mesocosms in Central Europe. We conducted experiments with 169 litter bags to assess decomposition rates and test the home-field advantage hypothesis. The hypothesis assumes that native litter decomposes faster due to the evolutionary adaptation of local decomposer communities. We found that invasive S. canadensis decomposed significantly faster than native A. glutinosa in both lotic and lentic environments. On the other hand, invasive F. japonica decomposed at a comparable rate (streams) or at a slower rate (ponds) than the native species. These findings contradict the home-field advantage hypothesis, suggesting that decomposition rates are primarily driven by litter nutrient content rather than geographic origin. The rapid breakdown of S. canadensis is likely driven by the low C:P ratio of its litter. The rapid decomposition of this litter may lead to short-term nutrient boosts that are quickly lost due to microbial activity, whereas the slow decomposition of F. japonica may limit immediate nutrient availability but extend their accessibility over longer periods. Overall, the invasion of riparian zones by species with litter traits distinct from those of native species can disrupt ecosystem processes, leading to cascading effects on aquatic food webs and nutrient cycling. Understanding the effects of riparian forest invasions on organic matter processing is essential for managing biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem integrity in freshwater environments.

Keywords

Edited by

Diego Fontaneto, CNR-IRSA Water Research Institute, Verbania-Pallanza, Italy

Supporting Agencies

Slovak Research and Development Agency, European Regional Development Fund

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Author Biographies

  • Vladimíra Dekan Carreira, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen

    cE3c - Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes; CHANGE – Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal

  • Marek Svitok, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen

    Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic.
    Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia

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