The biogeomorphological life cycle of poplars during the fluvial biogeomorphological succession: a special focus on Populus nigra L.

Abstract

Riverine ecosystems are recurrently rejuvenated during destructive flood events and vegetation succession starts again. Poplars (i.e. species from Populus genera) respond to hydrogeomorphological constraints, but, in turn, also influence these processes. Thus, poplar development on bare mineral substrates is not exclusively a one‐way vegetative process. Reciprocal interactions and adjustments between poplar species and sediment dynamics during their life cycle lead to the emergence of biogeomorphological entities within the fluvial corridor, such as vegetated islands, benches and floodplains. Based on a review of geomorphological, biological and ecological literature, we have identified and described the co‐constructing processes between riparian poplars and their fluvial environment. We have explored the possibility that the modification of the hydrogeomorphological environment exerted, in particular, by the European black poplar (Populus nigra L.), increases its fitness and thus results in positive niche construction. We focus on the fundamental phases of dispersal, recruitment and establishment until sexual maturity of P. nigra by describing the hierarchy of interactions and the pattern of feedbacks between biotic and abiotic components. We explicitly relate the biological life cycle of P. nigra to the fluvial biogeomorphic succession model by referring to the ‘biogeomorphological life cycle’ of P. nigra. Finally, we propose new research perspectives based on this theoretical framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fluvial islands: First stage of development from nonmigrating (forced) bars and woody-vegetation interactions

“…This paper focuses on the first stage of development of an island from a mid-channel, nonmigrating bar of the River Loire colonized by the black poplar (Populus nigra, L). This tree species has been recognized to modify its physical environment and the riparian community structure, function, resistance, and resilience (see review by Corenblit et al, 2014). Detailed surveys conducted over six years on channel bed topography, scour-and-fill processes, sediment grain size evolution, and physical features of in-channel woody vegetation are presented.…”

“…In terms of chronology of floodplain development, this study covers stages 1 (active river bed), 2 (stabilizing bar), and 3 (incipient floodplain) as proposed by Reinfelds and Nanson (1993). In terms of fluvial biogeomorphological succession (Corenblit et al, 2014), it corresponds to the pioneer and biogeomorphological stages.…”

“…Fluvial vegetated islands are key components of fluvial systems as they influence the planform (Tal and Paola, 2007;Gibling and Davies, 2012;Gibling et al, 2014;Ielpi et al, 2014) and the biodiversity of these hydrosystems (Corenblit et al, 2014). Processes involved in their creation participate to the morphological evolution of multiplechannel rivers as well as sediment archiving.…”

Seawater and Freshwater Circulations through Coastal Forested Wetlands on a Caribbean Island

“…In addition, seasonal changes in the water table depend not only on freshwater inputs and tidal rhythm, but also on the loss of freshwater through evapotranspiration processes which increase landwards. Thus, the vegetation of coastal tropical wetlands, which mostly consists of tidal forests, interacts with hydrologic processes [12,13].…”

Effect of seed storage temperature on fine root development and mycorrhizal colonization of young Populus nigra seedlings

“…The life cycle of riparian black poplar is adapted to hydrogeomorphological conditions (Corenblit et al 2014). These morphological, physiological, and biochemical adaptations ensure growth in a disturbed, unstable, and fluctuating environment (Lytle 2001).…”