Changes in vegetation and nutrient pools during riparian succession

Boggs, Keith; Weaver, T.

doi:10.1007/bf03160626

Cited by 80 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 38 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…These woodlands mostly originated in the 1940s and 1950s and therefore are now mid-way through succession. (Boggs andWeaver 1994, Friedman et al 1997). Thus, the structure, composition, and biodiversity of the woodlands after phase 2 adjustment will differ markedly from those that initially eokmized the formerly active channel of the Platte River during the middle part of this century.…”

Section: Causes Of Divergent Responsementioning

confidence: 94%

Adjustment of riparian vegetation to river regulation in the Great Plains, USA

Johnson

1998

Wetlands

129

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract:The Missouri River and the Platte River provide opposite examples of the way riparian vegetation responds and adjusts to regulation by dams and diversions. Populus-Safix woodland has expanded rapidly into Platte River channels, while it has failed to regenerate in gaps between reservoirs along the upper Missouri River. This divergent response is the result of different geomorphologics and wate~use patterns. The Platte River is a braided-type stream with a significant portion of its flow diverted for cropland irrigation. The Missouri is a meandering-type stream with low irrigation usage. I developed a graphical model that characterizes the different ways that riparian vegetation has adjusted to regulation. The model identifies two time periods: prc regulation and post-regulation adjustment, with the latter divided into phase 1 and phase 2 subperiods. In the pre-regulation period, woodland composition shifts according to weather extremes and climate change. During phase 1, braided rivers adjust by channel-narrowing and expansion of pioneer woodland (Poputus-SaIix)~ while meandering rivers cease meandering. During phase 2, after major gcomorphic adjustments are complete, both types of rivers show sharp declines in pioneer woodland. Replacement communities in the new equilibrium (post-adjustment period) will be dominated by later successional woodland or grassland species. Gcomorphic factors of importance to vegetation establishment adjust relatively quickly (decades), but the subsequent adjustment of vegetation through succession is relatively slow (century or more).

show abstract

Section: Causes Of Divergent Responsementioning

confidence: 94%

Adjustment of riparian vegetation to river regulation in the Great Plains, USA

Johnson

1998

Wetlands

129

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…By facilitating floodplain aggradation, saltcedar and cottonwood both contribute to formation of gradients of depth to ground water and inundation frequency, key variables that influence herbaceous species composition and diversity in these ecosystems (Auble et al 1994, Stromberg et al 1996. Changes in soil that occur as the pioneer tree stands age, including increased organic matter content mad abundance of fine soil particles, further increase beta-diversity within the floodplain (Johnson et al 1976, Boggs and Weaver 1994, Stevens et al 1994, Stromberg et al 1996.…”

Section: Plant Biodiversity Maintenancementioning

confidence: 97%

Functional equivalency of saltcedar (Tamarix Chinensis) and fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonth) along a free-flowing river

Stromberg

1998

Wetlands

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis) reportedly has altered ecosystem function in many riparian areas of the American Southwest. I investigated the functional role of this exotic species relative to native Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) along the free-flowing middle San Pedro River in southern Arizona. Floodplains in this river reach are co-dominated by young stands of saltcedar (<44 yrs old) and Fremont cottonwood (<67 yrs old). Mean values for 22 of 30 soil, geomorphology, and vegetation stnlcture traits did not differ significantly between saltecdar and Fremont cottonwood stands. Twenty-six of the 30 traits had similar patterns for change over time (inferred from a succession gradient). Saltcedar was functionally equivalent to Fremont cottonwood for about half of the traits construed as indicators of riparian ecosystem function. Several functions or traits that are theoretically or observably influenced by saltcedar on other rivers (e.g., sedimentation rates, electrical conductivity of soils) did not differ between the two species along the San Pedro. This suggests that the functional role of saltcedar is context-specilic and variable among rivers. Also in contrast to the working paradigm, saltcedar appeared to enhance the maintenance of floristic biodiversity. Understory herbaceous cover and species richness were significantly greater than in cottonwood stands, perhaps due to soil differences that developed between the two stand types (e.g., higher clay content in sallcedar soils). Stem densities of velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) and other woody successional species did not differ between sahcedar and cottonwood stands, However, stem densities for this group increased with stand age only for cottonwood, raising the possibility that saltcedar may disrupt successional pathways. Other notable differences included greater basal area and canopy height in cottonwood stands, and accumulation of more phosphorus in cottonwood soils than in sahcedar soils.

show abstract

“…A location on the point-bar may first be invaded by coyote willow (Salix exigua Nutt. ), then by cottonwo~l, and eventually, us the cottonwood matures, more drought-tolerant or deeper rooted riparian species, those considered to be late successional species (Boggs and Weaver 1994). Examples of these include mesquite in the Southwest, box elder (Acer negundo L.…”

Section: Temporal Gradientmentioning

confidence: 99%

Riparian ecosytems of semi-arid North America: Diversity and human impacts

1998

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Riparian ecosystems in tile semi-arid West of North America are diverse but have many simi larities. The mountainous landscape with wide range of latitude, longitude, and elevation offers diverse opportunities for streamside vegetation. All riparian ecosystems in the region are dependent on supplemental water, usually from the shallow, valley alluvial aquifer. Western riparian ecosystems provide several ecological services. They stabilize streambanks, trap sediment, improve water quality, and help control or modulate hydrologic processes. They function as habitat Ior many western animal species, serving as a small mesic island or strip within an arid landscape. They also serve as recreational sites for humans. Riparian systems are controlled by interacting hydrologic and geornorphic processes. Floods may alter river channel characteristics and the extent of riparian vegetation while enhancing recruitment of riparian species and recharging the alluvial water table. Geomorphie features, such as canyons and valleys, control the size of the riparian zone, as well as depth of the water table. Driving variables may differ from north to south, especially hydrology. For example, northern riparian zones are influenced by ice scour, while southern zones often have flash floods. Riparian systems occur along spatial and temporal gradients. Along elevational gradients, riparian vegetation may change from simple deciduous forests to mixed deciduous to coniferous and possibly alpine wetlands. Differences among channel, terrace, and upland plant communities decrease with increasing elevation as moisture stress decreases. Temporal gradients occur within a location in the riparian zone as early pioneer communities such as cottonwood/willow give way to late successional communities such as mesquite or sagebrush, often a consequence of sediment accumulation. Many similarities among western riparian ecosystems exist because several dominant genera (e.g., Populus) are common throughout the West, and many geomorphic and hydrologic processes that influence riparian establishment are similar, Western riparian ecosystems have been greatly altered by human activity. Major factors include natural resource use, urbanization, alteration of stream flows through dam construction and ground-water withdrawal, modification of biotic conditions through grazing, agriculture, and introduction of non-native species, and alteration within watersheds. Better understanding of the ecology of western riparian ecosystems will increase potential for restoration and protection of remaining areas.

show abstract

Changes in vegetation and nutrient pools during riparian succession

Cited by 80 publications

References 38 publications

Adjustment of riparian vegetation to river regulation in the Great Plains, USA

Adjustment of riparian vegetation to river regulation in the Great Plains, USA

Functional equivalency of saltcedar (Tamarix Chinensis) and fremont cottonwood (Populus fremonth) along a free-flowing river

Riparian ecosytems of semi-arid North America: Diversity and human impacts

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About