Woody debris in north Iberian streams: influence of geomorphology, vegetation, and management |
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Authors: | Diez J R Elosegi A Pozo J |
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Institution: | (1) Lab. Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of the Basque Country, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain, ES |
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Abstract: | The effect of stream geomorphology, maturity, and management of riparian forests on abundance, role, and mobility of wood
was evaluated in 20 contrasting reaches in the Agüera stream catchment (northern Iberian Peninsula). During 1 year the volume
of woody debris exceeding 1 cm in diameter was measured in all reaches. All large woody debris (φ > 5 cm) pieces were tagged,
their positions mapped, and their subsequent changes noted. Volume of woody debris was in general low and ranged from 40 to
22,000 cm3 m−2; the abundance of debris dams ranged from 0 to 5.5 per 100 m of channel. Wood was especially rare and unstable in downstream
reaches, or under harvested forests (both natural or plantations). Results stress that woody debris in north Iberian streams
has been severely reduced by forestry and log removal. Because of the important influence of woody debris on structure and
function of stream systems, this reduction has likely impacted stream communities. Therefore, efforts to restore north Iberian
streams should include in-channel and riparian management practices that promote greater abundance and stability of large
woody debris whenever possible. |
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Keywords: | : Woody debris Streams Geomorphology Vegetation Management |
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