Enhanced Lotka-Volterra Equations: A Novel Approach to Investigate Plant Community Dynamics Under Varied Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Amidst escalating climatic uncertainties, the adaptability of plant communities to varying drought frequencies and intensities emerges as a critical research domain. This study endeavors to decode the potential ramifications of such climatic extremities on plant community dynamics. By harnessing an augmented Lotka-Volterra model, we intricately weave in climatic variables, with a pronounced emphasis on drought indices, to forecast plant community trajectories. Our explorations divulged that specific drought scenarios significantly influence community resilience, with certain species compositions optimally enhancing community robustness. Moreover, through a judicious application of a genetic algorithm, we discerned an optimal species count that maximizes community biomass. This seminal work not only deepens our understanding of plant community dynamics under climatic vicissitudes but also paves the way for informed ecological and environmental policymaking.