Impacts of Kentucky bluegrass Invasion (Poa pratensis L.) on Ecological Processes in the Northern Great Plains

Abstract

On the Ground
For every complex problem there is an answer that is
clear, simple, and wrong—H. L. Mencken
• Ecological impacts of Kentucky bluegrass invasion
have gone unrecognized by land managers and
researchers alike.
• Current management practices have contributed to
increases in Kentucky bluegrass abundance.
• Invaded areas have altered the ecological processes
of net primary productivity, hydrology, nutrient
cycling, and species composition.
• Increased understanding of ecological processes
and feedback mechanisms of invaded areas will
allow managers to develop appropriate adaptive
management strategies.

Keywords: invasion, Kentucky bluegrass, northern
Great Plains, ecological impacts, invasion.