A preliminary evaluation of lake morphometric traits influence on the maximum growing depth of macrophytes

Azzella, Mattia M.; Bolpagni, Rossano; Oggioni, Alessandro

doi:10.4081/jlimnol.2014.932

Cited by 23 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 44 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This sampling effort can be considered adequate to evaluate differences in SAV distribution, as verified by Azzella et al. () when they investigated the best sampling method to find a significant number of species with a minimum sampling effort in deep circular lakes. The vascular plant nomenclature follows Conti et al.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…In contrast, very little is known about natural processes, as opposed to anthropogenic processes, that affect macrophyte diversity and abundance, or about environmental determinants, particularly in deep lakes and in the short term (Azzella et al. ). The literature on deep lakes has generally focused on shoreline vegetation (Keddy & Reznicek ), with very few studies on the sampling effort required to ascertain whether any change in SAV distribution is significant or not (Burns et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Bolpagni

Laini

Azzella

2016

Applied Vegetation Science

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Question What are the short‐term trends of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in deep lakes? Is it possible to measure significant changes in SAV distribution in deep lakes characterized by different trophic states and stable water physico‐chemical conditions using standard procedures over a 3‐yr period (2010–2013), as defined by the Water Framework Directive? Location We collected data from four deep lakes belonging to the Italian volcanic lake system (central Italy), which is one of the most important reserves of freshwater in Mediterranean Italy as well as one of the main hotspots of stonewort diversity in the Mediterranean area. Methods Macrophytes were sampled along five transects in each lake in 2010 and 2013. Data on aquatic plant diversity, composition and abundance were collected from each 1‐m depth intervals down to the maximum colonization depth. Simultaneously, the water quality and climate were assessed by standard procedures. Data were analysed with PCA, ANOVA, PROTEST and rank abundance curves. Results The sampling revealed a significant rearrangement of SAV. Increased species diversity in the first meters of depth (0–5 m) was due to the migration of mid‐depth species to lower depths. A reduction in the maximum growing depth of macrophytes was observed within the deepest stonewort communities (below 5 m). No significant changes emerged in water quality or climate. Conclusions Over 3 yr, SAV displayed significant changes that appear to be independent of summer nutrient conditions and climate drivers. In particular, vascular and stonewort species underwent a distinct spatial rearrangement according to specific behaviours. The present data point to the need for more rigorous analyses of the intra‐annual dynamics of macrophytes in deep lakes. An influence of the significant increase in spring precipitation (which is in keeping with local climate variability) recorded in central Italy in the last decade cannot be ruled out a priori, nor can the possibility of stochastic fluctuations be excluded. All these considerations further highlight the critical role of aquatic plants as bioindicators.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Bolpagni

Laini

Azzella

2016

Applied Vegetation Science

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Accordingly, rivers and lakes are better preserved in mountain regions than in lowlands (Prenda & Granado‐Lorencio, ). In addition to eutrophication, water temperature exerts a strict control on the distribution of macrophytes (Azzella et al ., and references therein). The human‐driven impacts are expected to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change, reducing further the macrophyte diversity in inland aquatic habitats (Harting et al ., ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth performance of Vallisneria spiralis under oligotrophic conditions supports its potential invasiveness in mid‐elevation freshwaters

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Under the influence of human-driven impacts, inland aquatic habitats of intermediate to mid-high elevations may provide new areas for the establishment of lowland macrophytes that usually act as opportunistic species. Vallisneria spiralis, an obligate lowland macrophyte with an altitudinal range not exceeding 300 m, is a typical component of the plant diversity in meso-to eutrophic water habitats. This species is an engineering species in ecosystems, being able to modify the colonised sediments promoting its self-maintenance under eutrophic conditions. Vallisneria spiralis delivers large amounts of oxygen to roots promoting the loss of nitrogen via denitrification and reducing the internal nutrient load of colonised environments. However, the establishment of the species results in rapid sediment accumulation and the progressive loss of more sensitive macrophytes. Furthermore, V. spiralis is one of the most widespread alien aquatic weeds in Europe. In this study, we evaluated the growth performance of V. spiralis under oligotrophic conditions at the upper limit of its altitudinal distribution using two different techniques: harvesting and leaf-marking. Vallisneria spiralis proved to be able to grow under oligotrophic conditions, even if at rates lower than those recorded under eutrophic conditions. Accordingly, V. spiralis represents a potential threat for oligotrophic aquatic habitats at moderate elevations. However, the high variability observed in the growth responses highlights the need of further investigation to evaluate the key factors involved in the establishment and survival of the species.

show abstract

“…When compared to a lake's pelagic zone, the lakeshore area constitutes a significant hotspot of macrophyte biodiversity (Azzella, Bolpagni, & Oggioni, ; Schmieder, ; Strayer & Findlay, ). The vast assortment of aquatic macrophytes inhabiting lakeshores is a result of key interactions between ecological and hydrogeomorphological components (Lacoul & Freedman, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Trampling related to swimming areas induces strong impacts on plant density, especially when concentrated in space and time (Liddle & Scorgie, ). These anthropogenic disturbances result in biodiversity loss, especially in the first meters of depth (Azzella et al., ; Schmieder, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prediction of macrophyte distribution: The role of natural versus anthropogenic physical disturbances

Bertrin

Boutry

Alard

et al. 2018

Applied Vegetation Science

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Questions: Do natural and anthropogenic physical disturbances equally affect the distribution of aquatic plant communities? Can hydrodynamic and geomorphological features be used to predict the establishment of macrophyte communities at the shoreline scale? Locations: Two large, shallow lakes, southwest France.Methods: Based on field observations (vegetation occurrence and anthropogenic modifications of the shore) and data generated by a geographic information system (wave exposure, wave-induced sediment re-suspension, slope and land cover), we defined sites and community groups using cluster and indicator species analyses. The groups were then analysed by means of a statistical classifier (Random Forest). These different steps in data treatment enabled us to characterize the importance of each physical factor in determining macrophyte occurrence and distribution. As a result, a predictive map to forecast aquatic plant distribution at the shoreline scale was obtained.Results: Anthropogenic disturbances were less important parameters than natural physical variables in structuring the distribution of lakeshore macrophytes. Within natural factors, wave-induced sediment re-suspension and slope had the most impact; nevertheless, the presence of swimming areas seemed to have a strong impact on aquatic habitats, being correlated with the total absence of aquatic vegetation.The predictive map obtained through the model spatially defined the position and occurrence of suitable sites for the settlement of both invasive and rare and endangered species. Conclusions: In this study, natural disturbances play a major role in structuring aquatic plant distribution over physical anthropogenic factors. The model contributes to improving knowledge on plant communities with respect to local hydrodynamic and morphological features of lakeshores. Furthermore, the model provides a predictive map as a useful tool for the management of aquatic vegetation in temperate shallow lakes. K E Y W O R D S aquatic weeds, distribution model, hydromorphological alteration, isoetids, lakeshore zone, softwater lakes, variable importance, vegetation management, wave action 396 | Applied Vegetation Science BERTRIN ET al.

show abstract

A preliminary evaluation of lake morphometric traits influence on the maximum growing depth of macrophytes

Abstract: Underwater light regime is widely considered the principal determinant of aquatic plant depth distribution.

Cited by 23 publications

References 44 publications

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Short‐term dynamics of submerged aquatic vegetation diversity and abundance in deep lakes

Growth performance of Vallisneria spiralis under oligotrophic conditions supports its potential invasiveness in mid‐elevation freshwaters

Prediction of macrophyte distribution: The role of natural versus anthropogenic physical disturbances

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About