“Non-native forest species ‘extending growing season’”

via BBC News

(April 26, 2012) Non-native plant species are extending the growing season in eastern US forests by an average of four weeks, a study has suggested.

There was no difference in the start of growing during the spring, but the report found a noticeable difference between native and non-native species in the autumn.

This could have a profound impact on forest ecosystems, such as how soil nutrients are absorbed, the paper says.

The findings are published by Nature…

Full article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-17814674