2025
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PublicationArticle Understanding competition between two invasive woody plants of India under an altered rainfall regime(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghProsopis juliflora and Leucaena leucocephala are notable examples of invasive woody plants that can spread throughout similar habitats in India. However, little is known about how these two species may interact with one another if future rainfall pattern shifts, which is particularly concerning. Recognizing the pivotal role of eco-physiological parameters in deciphering the dynamics of interspecific competition, a study was devised to elucidate the interplay between L. leucocephala and P. juliflora under simulated rainfall conditions. At Botanical Garden, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India, three fixed rainout shelter plots were established, each receiving distinct precipitation levels: low rainfall (LR), normal rainfall (NR), and high rainfall (HR). Within each plot, three replicate subplots were dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala (L), pure stands of P. juliflora (P), and mixed stands of the two species (LP). The findings of the study underscore significant variations in soil Inorganic N, N-mineralization, based on precipitation levels, with maximum values observed in HR plot and L. Similarly, biomass, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate exhibited significant variability in response to precipitation treatment, reaching their highest values in HR plot and L. Conversely, root length, root-shoot ratio, and water use efficiency peaked in LR plot and P, presenting a contrasting trend. This study suggests that L. leucocephala may facilitate the growth of P. juliflora by improving the soil's nitrogen availability and, consequently, the eco-physiological characteristics of the plant in mixed plant stands. Furthermore, L. leucocephala is providing P. juliflora with favourable conditions for robust growth under water stress—a scenario indicative of Facilitative approach. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024.PublicationArticle Rainfall fluctuation causes the invasive plant Prosopis juliflora to adapt ecophysiologically and change phenotypically(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Prakash Rajak; Talat Afreen; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghUnderstanding the impact of rainfall variability on the ecophysiology of invasive plants in tropical grasslands is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Climate change alters rainfall patterns, which, in turn, may influence the functional traits and physiological responses of plants. Recent studies have explored how fluctuating precipitation affects plant growth and broader ecological dynamics. In this study, we examined these effects on Prosopis juliflora under three different rainfall treatments using rainout shelters: low rainfall (LR, 500 mm, 50% less than ambient), normal rainfall (NR, 1000 mm, representing average ambient rainfall), and high rainfall (HR, 1400 mm, 40% more than ambient). Each shelter was divided into three replicate plots (2 m x 2 m) in a randomized block design. P. juliflora seedlings (20 seedlings per subplot) were transplanted into each subplot within a 4m2 area, with a 0.5 m distance between each plant, and data were collected one year after plot establishment (2020). The physiological parameters measured included leaf traits, growth metrics such as biomass, height, diameter, photosynthetic rate, leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf carbon (LC), the leaf carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and the root-to-shoot ratio. These parameters showed significant positive responses to changes in precipitation i.e. increase with the increase in rainfall. However, water use efficiency (WUE), leaf nitrogen (LN), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and root length (RL) showed negative responses i.e. decrease with the increase in rainfall and were highest in the LR plots. Our findings suggest that the ecophysiology and functional traits of P. juliflora are strongly influenced by rainfall variability. The species exhibits considerable phenotypic plasticity, thriving in both drought and elevated precipitation conditions. This adaptability has important implications for its invasive potential and the overall functioning of ecosystems under shifting climatic conditions. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.PublicationArticle The soil response in experimental Leucaena leucocephala plots under manipulated rainfall regimes(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghLeucaena leucocephala, a prominent invasive woody plant in India, is constantly recognised for its capacity to invade in various ecosystems. The chances of invasion by L. leucocephala are increasing due to rainfall variability, to which the plant has already adapted. However, the understanding of L. leucocephala, particularly its response to soil attributes and alterations in nutrient cycling processes under varying rainfall conditions, is currently inadequate. In response to the perceived threat of rainfall shift and invasion impacting native plant species through soil modification, the study was designed to investigate the interplay between L. leucocephala invasion and simulated rainfall conditions. The experimental setup included three rainout shelter plots receiving different precipitation levels (low, normal, and high) and subplots within each plot dedicated to pure stands of L. leucocephala. The study findings reveal significant variations in soil inorganic nitrogen and N-mineralization based on precipitation levels and seasons, with the highest values observed in the high rainfall plot and during the rainy season. In contrast, microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) peaked in the low rainfall plot and during the summer season, indicating a contrasting trend. The implications of the study suggest that, in addition to variable rainfall, L. leucocephala may play a significant role in altering nutrient cycling, particularly nitrogen cycling. The plant enhances soil properties related to nitrogen availability, creating opportunities for multiple invasions and potentially leading to a chance of “Invasion Meltdown,” with a significant threat to native biodiversity. Overall, the research is emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics to formulate effective management strategies for preserving native ecosystems. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2025.PublicationErratum Correction to: The soil response in experimental Leucaena leucocephala plots under manipulated rainfall regimes (Tropical Ecology, (2025), 66, 1, (91-103), 10.1007/s42965-025-00373-0)(Springer, 2025) Ashish Kumar Mishra; Prakash Rajak; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghIn this article, wrong Table 3 appeared; the table should have appeared as shown below. Soil total inorganic nitrogen (TIN, is µg g−1) and N-mineralisation (N-MIN, is µg g−1 month−1) under different precipitation treatments (OC, LR, NR, HR) and seasons. Values are mean ± SE. (pooled seasonal data of 2021–22) Soil properties Seasons OC LR NR HR TIN Summer 7.64 ± 0.05Ab 6.46 ± 0.10Aa 7.55 ± 0.11Ab 9.16 ± 0.08Ac Rainy 11.59 ± 0.19Cab 10.49 ± 0.16Ca 11.49 ± 0.19Cb 12.88 ± 0.21Cc Winter 8.92 ± 0.04Bb 7.62 ± 0.11Ba 9.45 ± 0.14Bb 10.92 ± 0.07Bc N MIN Summer 6.25 ± 0.05Ab 4.62 ± 0.04Aa 5.30 ± 0.05Ab 6.95 ± 0.17Ac Rainy 12.11 ± 0.28Cb 9.79 ± 0.13Ca 12.24 ± 0.32Cb 14.24 ± 0.52Cc Winter 7.50 ± 0.08Bb 5.84 ± 0.04Ba 6.59 ± 0.03Bb 8.96 ± 0.05Bc Different combinations of letters are significantly different from each other (P < 0.05). The uppercase letters represent seasons and lower case letters represent precipitation treatments The original article has been corrected. © International Society for Tropical Ecology 2025.PublicationArticle The impact of rainfall variability on selected soil properties and ecophysiological traits in Prosopis juliflora invaded plots(Nature Research, 2025) Prakash Rajak; Talat Afreen; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Hema N. SinghProsopis juliflora is a major invasive species in tropical and subtropical regions. This study explores the link between precipitation, soil moisture, and plant growth, focusing on the invasive P. juliflora in a simulated altered rainfall regime. The study was conducted simultaneously by using three rainout shelters, Normal Rainfall (NR, 1000 mm) (ii) High Rainfall (HR, 1400 mm) (iii) Low Rainfall (LR, 500 mm). Each rainout shelter was divided into three subplots measuring 2 × 2 m to establish P. juliflora by transplanting 20 seedlings per 4 m2. After 1 years of establishments, plant growth, ecophysiological attributes and soil properties were recorded as per standard protocols. Increased rainfall led to higher soil moisture and promoted P. juliflora growth, biomass, and photosynthetic activity. Conversely, decreased rainfall triggered drought stress, impacting gas exchange and reducing growth. Statistical analysis showed significant (p < 0.05), SM, soil inorganic-N, N-mineralization, growth measurements, photosynthesis rate (Aarea), transpiration rate (E), height (H), diameter (D), root: shoot ratio, and biomass (AGB + BGB) exhibited the highest values in the HR plots during the rainy season and the lowest values in the LR plots during the summer season, following the trend HR > NR > LR. When different rainfall conditions were regressed against P. juliflora biomass, significantly positive linear relationships were observed. The findings suggest that P. juliflora adapts to changing rainfall regimes by allocating resources strategically. While it thrives under high precipitation, it exhibits surprising drought tolerance, potentially colonizing drier regions. Declining monsoon rainfall and increased precipitation intensity may boost P. juliflora’s invasiveness. © The Author(s) 2025.