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Effect of Invasive Japanese Stiltgrass on Biodiversity of Ground-Level Plant Species

AJAS · 2025 Plant Sciences (inferred)

Hillary Xie · New Jersey Academy of Science

Overview

Japanese Stiltgrass negatively impacts biodiversity of ground-level plant species in surrounding areas due to its smothering growth and potentially negative effects on soil composition. With this project, we aimed to determine how Japanese Stiltgrass has altered the local ecosystem by examining plant-life and soil nutrient levels in both stiltgrass-infested and stiltgrass-free areas. We collected soil and plant tissue samples from both control and stiltgrass-infested plots at the Tenafly Nature Center and Palisades Interstate Park. Our infested plots hosted lower biodiversity in terms of species richness and relative abundance. We concluded that Japanese Stiltgrass reduced biodiversity drastically and dominated the areas that it occupied by amassing in dense patches, leaving little room for competitor species. Our soil tests have indicated that Stiltgrass growth raises phosphorus levels but does not have a major effect on soil composition otherwise. Stiltgrass lessens the diversity of native flora by outcompeting less resilient species, destabilizing the ecosystem and disrupting normal ecological function.

Competition history

  • AJAS 2025 Category not listed

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Source: AAAS Annual Meeting (Confex) / American Junior Academy of Science

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