Experiment progress

Our group is busy taking measurements in the experimental tent. In this segment of our experiments, we are assessing the ability of native grassland plant species to outcompete invasive alien species. Moreover, we are testing the effect of various factors on the establishment of sown native and invasive communities, for example:

• If natives get a headstart, will that aid their establishment?
• Does sown seed density matter?
• How do plant trait similarities and degree of competitiveness between natives and invasives impact on established populations?

To be able to answer these questions, we are measuring plant height, plant biomass, leaf area, specific leaf area index and reproduction success of both native and invasive plants that germinated in our experimental pots. At the moment, taking plant height and leaf-related measurements is keeping us busy!