A Review of the Long-Term Effects of Invasive Plant Species on Native Plant Community Structure and Ecosystem Functioning

Abstract

Globally, invasive plant species (IPS) are a major cause of ecological degradation and biodiversity loss. By altering vegetation structure, soil characteristics, nitrogen cycling, microbial diversity, and hydrological processes, they modify native plant groups and impair ecosystem resilience. Invasive plants inhibit native species and interfere with vital ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil fertility, pollination, and water management through resource competition, allelopathy, and habitat change. The longterm effects of invasive plant species on native vegetation and ecosystem functioning are examined in this article. It discusses the impact of climate change on invasion dynamics while highlighting the main mechanisms of invasion, such as competitive superiority, enemy release, and plant–soil feedbacks. In order to preserve biodiversity and sustain ecosystem functioning, the review highlights the significance of integrated management and ecological restoration.