Study on simulation of exotic plant invasion based on a CA model

Models play an important role in studying invasion mechanism of exotic plants. By integrating Cellular Automata and Neutral Landscape Modeling, the model for plant invasion system was built to study the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the spatial spreading of exotic plant. The invasion processes of plant with diverse life history strategies in varied landscapes were simulated, and related factors were analyzed. The results showed that invasion rate and final area occupied were affected by species traits, e.g. fecundity, dispersal mechanism, spatial pattern of available habitats, and resistance of native community. The author implied that land managers should consider the different stages during an invasion and take suitable measures against the invasive plants, and prevention was the first priority than control after the invasion happened.