Invasive Species and Carbon Cycling (Sonoran Desert, Mexico). Focal invasive:  Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)

Within the context of the above experiment, I am collaborating with Dra. Angelina Martinez-Yrízar of the UNAM (link) to assess differences in rates of leaf tissue decomposition (recalcitrance) of Buffelgrass and two common native species, (Encelia farinosa (Brittle bush) and Bouteloua aristidoides (Needle grama)).  Our preliminary results suggest that Buffelgrass is substantially slower to decompose and, as such, may slow nutrient cycling in this resource-poor desert environment.