Invasive plant impacts on grassland ecosystems: A meta-analysis and its implications for the food-water-energy security

¹ Natural Resources and Environmental Management Science Study Program, Graduate School IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
² School of Business, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
³ Research Center for Biota System, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Grassland ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting food, water, and energy security, yet they are highly vulnerable to the invasion of non-native plant species. Grassland ecosystems are vital for maintaining security in food, water, and energy sectors, yet they remain highly susceptible to non-native plant invasions. Although the consequences of these invasions for these security domains are not yet fully established, this research utilizes a meta-analysis of 478 effect sizes derived from 52 field investigations across 19 countries to assess their influence on grassland functions. The study employed log response ratios (lnRR) to estimate effect sizes, with data analyzed using random-effects modeling and metaregression. The results revealed that plant invasions had the most substantial positive impacts on litter-fuel chemistry (lnRR 0.33) and the nitrogen cycle (lnRR 0.23). These results indicate increased fuel accumulation and nitrogen turnover. However, these changes may influence fire dynamics, nutrient retention, and soil-water interactions under specific ecological contexts. Within the context of the food-water-energy nexus, increases in biomass and nitrogen due to invasions may be interpreted as enhanced productivity, although underlying ecosystem stability may be affected. These findings suggest potential implications for ecosystem stability and, consequently, food, water, and energy security in grassland ecosystems.