Soil and Plant Tissue Analysis of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Invasion Around Lake Issaqueena, SC.

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), an exotic invasive plant, is native to south-east Asia. This study was conducted to determine the soil and landscape characteristics that correlate with invasion of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) around Lake Issaqueena, SC. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used to determine the pattern of invasion. Plant and soil chemical properties were measured to determine the elemental cycling. Japanese stiltgrass was distributed on both sides of the lake in Pacolet and Madison soil map units (Fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults). It was particularly common on the east part of the lake (more moist), in low lying wet and shaded areas, along roads and trails. Plant tissue analysis revealed statistical differences in leaves, stems, and roots for majority of measured elemental concentrations, except for B. Soil analysis results showed no statistical difference between control and invaded plots for measured soil chemistry parameters. Lake watersheds maybe particularly susceptible to the invasion of Japanese stiltgrass due to lake’s microclimate, low lying wet pathways for seed distribution, and recreational use.