Basic principles and ecological consequences of changing water regimes: riparian plant communities |
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Authors: | Nilsson Christer Svedmark Magnus |
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Institution: | Landscape Ecology Group, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Ume? University, SE-901 87 Ume?, Sweden. christer.nilsson@eg.umu.se |
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Abstract: | Recent research has emphasized the importance of riparian ecosystems as centers of biodiversity and links between terrestrial
and aquatic systems. Riparian ecosystems also belong among the environments that are most disturbed by humans and are in need
of restoration to maintain biodiversity and ecological integrity. To facilitate the completion of this task, researchers have
an important function to communicate their knowledge to policy-makers and managers. This article presents some fundamental
qualities of riparian systems, articulated as three basic principles. The basic principles proposed are: (1) The flow regime
determines the successional evolution of riparian plant communities and ecological processes. (2) The riparian corridor serves
as a pathway for redistribution of organic and inorganic material that influences plant communities along rivers. (3) The
riparian system is a transition zone between land and water ecosystems and is disproportionately plant species-rich when compared
to surrounding ecosystems. Translating these principles into management directives requires more information about how much
water a river needs and when and how, i.e., flow variables described by magnitude, frequency, timing, duration, and rate of
change. It also requires information about how various groups of organisms are affected by habitat fragmentation, especially
in terms of their dispersal. Finally, it requires information about how effects of hydrologic alterations vary between different
types of riparian systems and with the location within the watershed. |
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Keywords: | : Flow regime Land– water interactions Management Plant communities Riparian corridor River |
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