Spatially explicit modelling of woody plant encroachment: A review of models published from 2013 through 2022

Abstract

Grasslands cover approximately one-third-of the earth's land area, and many have been degraded by woody plant encroachment. A variety of spatially explicit simulation models have been developed to investigate different aspects of woody plant encroachment. In this study, we review the spatially explicit models of woody plant encroachment published from 2013 through 2022. We characterize the models regarding their nomenclature, focal geographical area, spatial and temporal scales, purpose, origin, and key processes. We then summarize our findings and provide some observations regarding the importance of spatially explicit models for representing the key factors and processes influencing woody plant encroachment.