Riparian vegetation diversity and morphoedaphic attributes in pampean streams
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25260/EA.17.27.1.0.308Abstract
Riparian areas are temporally and spatially heterogeneous ecosystems which favor high species’ diversity; however, they may be affected by the intensification of certain anthropogenic perturbations. With the aim of generating basic information to assess the effects of possible disturbances, riparian vegetation is characterized in terms of growth form, and three of its aspects are analyzed: diversity at three scales (bank, reach, and watershed), relationship with topographic and soil variables, and changes associated with livestock presence. In this study, 130 taxa were identified; among them, Cynodon dactylon and Eleocharis spp. exhibited frequencies close to 100% and the highest coverage level. Of all the species, 51% were perennials, 27% macrophytes and amphibious plants, 18% annual plants and 3% trees. The proportion of exotic species is not lower than that of pampean grasslands, but macrophytes and amphibious plants are almost all natives. Beta diversity, calculated as the ratio between reach and stream-banks, was 1.37, and for watershed/reachs, 1.89; thus, beta diversity contributes significantly to regional biodiversity. In a principal component analysis, bank slopes explained the greater proportion of variability among sites. Nevertheless, diversity was correlated to the soil-variables axis. The Río de la Plata watershed was the most diverse, and was differentiated from the other watersheds in a discriminant analysis, primarily on the basis of soil-bulk density. We suggest that the functioning of riparian areas be considered at the watershed scale for the design of research projects and management strategies.
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