Modeling the Role of Novel Ecosystems in Runoff and Soil Protection: Native and Non-native Subtropical Montane Forests

In recent decades, anthropogenic activities have led to the emergence of novel ecosystems. These are often dominated by non-native species, altering forest composition and functions. This study examines the impacts of land cover changes on runoff and erosion within a subtropical Andean watershed. It focuses on new forests dominated by different tree species (native and non-native trees). Employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), the research integrates thirty years of meteorological, topographic, and edaphic data. It aims to model, quantify, and compare surface runoff and soil loss under two distinct land cover configurations observed in 1988 and 2017. The results indicate non-linear associations: a 10