Invasion of <i>Celtis tala</i> forests by <i>Ligustrum lucidum</i> in Argentina: impact on soil properties and the arbuscular mycorrhizal community

The arrival of invasive plants can cause drastic changes to ecosystems, such as the displacement native plant communities and disruption ecological functions. &lt;i&gt;Ligustrum lucidum&lt;/i&gt; is an tree species that has been registered in numerous regions worldwide. We analysed effect expansion &lt;i&gt;L. on edaphic properties mycorrhizal fungal forests &lt;i&gt;Celtis tala&lt;/i&gt; located central-western Argentina. Sampling sites were established along a gradient invasion, which we measured forest structure soil physical-chemical factors identified using morphological techniques. analysis variance revealed severe decrease concentrations organic matter nitrogen invaded sites. Thirty-two Glomeromycota identified, belonging 6 families. abundance &lt;i&gt;Dentiscutata cerradensis&lt;/i&gt; decreased with whereas &lt;i&gt;Funneliformis mosseae&lt;/i&gt; &lt;i&gt;Septoglomus constrictum&lt;/i&gt; increased. alpha diversity arbuscular showed no differences between beta at sites, indicating tendency towards convergence reduced variability these presence exotic species.