Cassia Uniflora MILL.A New Entry in the Realm of Invasive Flora of India and Its Effect on Soil Properties

Invasion of Cassia uniflora Mill. in Central India covering all type of habitats is capable of causing changes in soil properties. We analyzed effect of this invader in sites like forest, wasteland and protected area with reference to soil properties. Results showed preference of C. uniflora to porous soil with pH ranging from 6.9 to 7.7 and higher EC than non-invaded soil. It can thrive well in wide range of soil organic carbon and nitrogen. Nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and free CaCO3 were abundant in its soil. It can survive in a wide range of ecological requirements with varied habitat and can alter nutrient status of soil because of its presence but they may survive in any type of soil with poor nutrients. High AMF was determined in C. uniflora. Hyphae, vesicles and arbuscules were also seen in roots of this invader. Rhizosphere soil was observed with good spore population.