Browsing by Author "Bacaro, Giovanni"

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10 Invasive Plant Impacts on Soil Macrofauna through Allelopathy and Environmental Modification
(MJRD, 2026) Ojija, Fredrick; Bacaro, Giovanni; Ogwu, Matthew Chidozie
Soil macrofauna taxonomic groups such as annelids (earthworms), arthropods (insects and crustaceans) and molluscs (gastropods/snails) play an essential role in soil ecosystems (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Zulu et al., 2022; Mamabolo et al., 2024). These organisms help convert organic matter into forms that can be utilized by plants, ultimately supporting soil fer¬tility (Sofo et al., 2020; Mamabolo et al., 2024). They influence soil structure, organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil aeration and ecosystem functioning (van Hengstum et al., 2014; Ibrahima et al., 2017). Thus, their presence and diversity are integral to maintain¬ing soil fertility and productivity, making them important bioindicators for assessing soil health (Rousseau et al., 2013; Sofo et al., 2020). Soil macrofauna physically and biologically alter the soil structure, enhancing the permeability of the soil and improving water infiltration (Zhou et al., 2022). Besides, they contribute to the creation of microhabitats for other organisms, promoting biodiversity conservation (Huerta and van der Wal, 2012). For instance, earthworms, through their burrowing and feeding activities, not only recycle nutrients but also create channels in the soil that facilitate the movement of water and air (Ibrahima et al., 2017; Yang et al., 2024). Soil macrofauna – ants, termites and beetles – are involved in the breakdown of organic matter, including plant litter and animal remains, thereby playing a role in nutrient cycling (Jouquet et al., 2011; Ibrahima et al., 2017; Mamabolo et al., 2024). The presence and activity of these macrofauna can also influence the abun¬dance and diversity of soil microorganisms, further enhancing nutrient cycling (Zhou et al., 2022). Research conducted by Liu et al. (2020) and Singh et al. (2019) reveals
Review of Invasive Plant Functional Traits and Management Using Remote Sensing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
(MDPI, 2024-04-28) Ojija, Fredrick; Petruzzellis, Francesco; Bacaro, Giovanni
Biodiversity and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are considerably impacted by invasive alien plants (IAPs). Increasing plant invasions in SSA threaten agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and other socioeconomic activities, which in turn put the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in peril. In order to effectively combat IAPs, understanding their functional traits (morphological, physiological, and phenological traits) and integrating them into remote sensing (RS) is vital. While functional traits influence IAPs’ fitness to invade and establish in a new geographical range, RS aids in studying them remotely, delineating and mapping them, and predicting their potential invasions. The information on this study topic was gathered by reviewing various existing studies published between 2000 and 2024. Based on this review, it was deduced that the majority of IAPs are fast-growing (or acquisitive), with a shorter leaf lifespan, bigger leaves, and higher plant height, ultimately resulting in a higher resource acquisition ability. We established further that in SSA, there are limited studies on IAP functional traits and their integration in RS. Many studies conducted in the region focus mostly on IAP distribution. Evidence from prior studies revealed that functional trait remote sensing (FTRS)-based research not only improves detection and mapping but also predicts whether a certain alien plant can become invasive or expand its distribution range. Thus, using the FTRS approach could help IAP management in SSA, ultimately achieving the SDGs. Our review discusses IAP implications in SSA (e.g., Angola, Tanzania, Benin, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, etc.) and for the achievement of SDGs; functional traits and their impact on alien invasions; and the importance of incorporating functional traits into RS