Zhang Xiaoling, Wang Qingjun, Fei Junxiang, Zhang Shihong, Zhang Qian, Ma Bin, Xu Shixiao
Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ningbo Research Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315000, China.
Ningbo Research Institute of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315000, China.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2025 Aug 13;221:118551. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118551.
Spartina alterniflora is a prevalent invasive species in the estuarine coastal wetlands of China. Effective control and management of S. alterniflora are crucial for preserving and enhancing the biodiversity and ecosystem functions of these wetlands. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the ecological impacts of control measures for S. alterniflora. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of imazapyr in removing S. alterniflora in salt marsh wetlands and to evaluate its ecological safety concerning the soil environment. The results showed that the herbicidal effect of imazapyr was significant one month after application, but imazapyr has a long soil residual activity, with trace residues still present one month after application at higher concentrations (dilution factor: 11.00). Thirty days after imazapyr application, most soil nutrients and bacterial diversity remained stable, but the fungal shannon index significantly increased. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased notably, while the abundance of Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and other phylum-level bacteria was inhibited by imazapyr. The fungal community structure, however, was not significantly impacted. Additionally, the spraying of imazapyr reduced the robustness of the microbial ecological network, making it more vulnerable. Interestingly, imazapyr application improved the soil health index in one month. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic changes in soil nutrients, microbial communities, and the overall soil health index following imazapyr application, thereby deepening our understanding of the soil environment after disturbance.
