Globally invasive plants species are often seen as ecological snags because they often encumber the existing ecosystem structure and function. However, there is an emerging trend towards innovative uses of invasives e.g. as a source of fuel energy electrical generation, carbon sink etc. Could carbon sequestration by invasive plants be among the unexplored and unreported potential that may change the view towards invasive plants as an unnecessary and non-productive life forms?
This is a very good question!. I agree with the two comment (@ Agevi and Rashid) made so far that they also do have positive effects especially on carbon sequestration. However, in as much as they can be beneficial, they do the same role that the native species could as have well played especially in climate change mitigation process. in this regard, it is a win win situation and a mathematical dilemma. I am of the opinion that its better to control or completely ERADICATE them if possible and let the native species which in most cases are of higher diversity do the job. In that case we will not only maintain the species diversity and prevent extinctions of native species but also maintain a proper functioning ecosystem which we all need.
Invasive plants just like native plants both have processes that occur within them, that is primary productivity-the rate at which biomass (carbon stored in plants)is produced per unit area by any class of organisms. The invasives also serve as carbon pools. While we may be thinking of the negatives that the invasives have on other plants and on the ecosystem, as destructors, but their significant role in carbon sequestration could be an emerging area that needs to be explored. Because of their aggressiveness and ability to out-compete others, they could survive longer and hence store more carbon and hence mitigating effects of climate change
Yes, they certainly do. Just as you have said, most invasive species have inherent benefits in them such as source of firewood (L. camara), fruits (P. guajava) and poles for construction (S. maurituanum). However, the main challenge lies in drawing the balance between these mentioned benefits and the threats these invasive species have on biodiversity. if one invasive species is going to out-compete and replace two or more native species, then with respect to conservation, the spread of that invasive species, its associated benefits notwithstanding, should be controlled.
This is a very good question!. I agree with the two comment (@ Agevi and Rashid) made so far that they also do have positive effects especially on carbon sequestration. However, in as much as they can be beneficial, they do the same role that the native species could as have well played especially in climate change mitigation process. in this regard, it is a win win situation and a mathematical dilemma. I am of the opinion that its better to control or completely ERADICATE them if possible and let the native species which in most cases are of higher diversity do the job. In that case we will not only maintain the species diversity and prevent extinctions of native species but also maintain a proper functioning ecosystem which we all need.
Invasive plants do sequester C as with the other plants; however, C sequestration is one of the many vital and interconnected ecosystem services on which health and well-being of ecosystems are dependent. This role of invasive plants alone does not necessarily mean that native species and biodiversity should be impaired by ignoring adverse effects of invasive plants on ecosystem structure and function, given the trade-offs and interaction effects involved.
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