Competitive trait hierarchies of native communities and invasive propagule pressure consistently predict invasion success during grassland establishment

Abstract Invasive non-native plants challenge ecosystems restoration, and understanding the factors that determine establishment of invasive is crucial to improve restoration outcomes. However, drivers invasibility plant communities are not sufficiently clear, combined effects understood. Therefore, we investigated contribution main invasion success during early phases i.e., biotic resistance, propagule pressure, environmental fluctuations. We compared these in a series mesocosms experiments using designed grasslands as model system, Solidago gigantea species. Two grassland were according competitive trait hierarchies with different sowing patterns, reflecting variation resistance. then manipulated invader pressure applied scenarios fluctuation, flood, heat, N fertilization. biomass was considered proxy for success, while native represented success. There consistent resistance S. via three experiments. Communities dominated by species high-competition traits more resistant regardless fluctuation. Clumped seeding community reduced invasibility, whereas high density increased invasion. The fluctuation less context-dependent, thus playing secondary role when Restoration initiatives on impacted should consider restored key driver importance controlling further arrivals assembly.