| KR Bluestem (_Bothriochloa ischaemum_) is a non-indigenous, invasive, C4 grass that was introduced throughout the Midwestern and Southwestern U.S. short- to midgrass prairies with the aim of improving degraded rangelands. The aggressive nature of KR bluestem has led to dramatic alterations of natural and managed ecosystems. Comparative studies of decomposition often show that non-indigenous, invasive plant species have higher rates of nutrient cycling than indigenous species; however, KR bluestem appears to deviate from this trend. Large amounts of litter are observed in KR-dominated grasslands as compared to intact native grasslands, suggesting that the species has a relatively lower decomposition rate and may slow nutrient cycling in these systems.... |
