Can Solidago gigantea Impede the Establishment of a Riparian Forest Along a Restored River Section?

Abstract

Riparian softwood forests support numerous ecological functions and high biodiversity. In the context of the LIFE+ Traisen project, a non-regulated new riverbed for the lower Traisen River (“New Traisen”) was created within an artificially lowered floodplain corridor. Using vegetation monitoring from 2014 to 2021, we determined (i) the role of Solidago gigantea in the establishment of softwood forests, (ii) the habitat parameters (such as flooding height, fine substrate layer thickness, and vegetation cover) that impact the establishment and growth of woody plants, and (iii) the successional phase at which woody plants become established, as well as the potential creation of new germination habitats. During early succession, the softwood species, as light-tolerant pioneer species, colonized the open sites together with S. gigantea and subsequently established a floodplain softwood forest. Unexpectedly, we observed negative forest development only when the S. gigantea cover exceeded 90%. Neither the habitat parameters nor S. gigantea cover significantly impacted tree occurrence. However, we highlight the need for optimum habitat parameters for softwood forest development in early succession phases, ideally before S. gigantea forms dense, monospecific stands. Tailored monitoring strategies are needed to guide the succession of such semi-aquatic habitats toward the development of the desired habitat type.