Tamarix and Soil Ecology

This chapter examines the relationship between Tamarix and soil ecology. More specifically, it investigates how Tamarix's ability to translocate chemical compounds from deep soil layers and deposit them on the soil surface affects soil chemistry, the soil microbial community, and, ultimately, native-plant species composition. It considers compounds excreted and produced by Tamarix, the resulting abiotic soil changes, and the consequences for below-ground communities, and how these compounding changes affect native plant communities. It reviews evidence showing that the effects of Tamarix on mycorrhizae may impose a "degraded mutualism" for native species, which significantly slows the reestablishment of these plants following Tamarix removal. The chapter discusses the implications of Tamarix's impact on soil ecology for restoring riparian habitats.