Impact of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Enzyme Activity in Croplands

Abstract

Reduced agricultural productivity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss are all significantly influenced by invasive alien plant species (IAPS). They negatively impact crop performance while favoring their own growth by altering the physicochemical characteristics of the soil, microbial communities, enzyme activity, and nutrient cycling. Invasive plants have a major impact on soil enzymes including β-glucosidase, urease, phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and catalase, which are important markers of soil health and alter the cycle of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara, Ageratum conyzoides, Prosopis juliflora, and Chromolaena odorata are among the invasive species that have spread throughout I This review highlights the implications for sustainable agriculture, soil restoration, and biodiversity conservation by summarizing recent research on the effects of invasive alien plants on soil enzyme activity and nutrient dynamics in croplands.