Analysis of land-use change system using the species competition concept

This study aims to analyze land-use change system by the species competition concept among land-use types using network trophic dynamics (NTD). An multiple-feedback system (MFS) analogized from NTD was adopted to formulate the model whose dependent variable was the rate of the land-use change. The systems’ similarity, connectivity and diversity were introduced to test commonality of the systems among different regions. The evolution step among land-use types was tested using relative evolution levels defined by a standardized land-use change rate. The Chubu and Kinki regions in Japan were classified into three areas by their characteristics. Fourteen land-use types were analyzed to evaluate stability, connectivity, diversity and evolution level between the regions. The results showed high degrees of commonality of the land-use change systems and the evolution level in each area. This study showed that there are transition steps of land-use types and their probabilities of occurrence can be estimated, showing also that the land-use change system can be analyzed by the species competition concept of ecology.