Helophyte Zonation in Two Regulated Estuarine Areas in the Netherlands: Vegetation Analysis and Relationships with Hydrological Factors

Coops, H.; Geilen, N.; Velde, G. van der

doi:10.2307/1353053

Cited by 20 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…Sensitive species may still be present after winter drawdown is started to be implemented in a lake, though with very low abundance (Nilsson & Keddy, 1988;. Due to this fact, abundance data may seem a better indicator for hydrological change than presence/absence data, also indicated in earlier studies (Nilsson & Keddy, 1988;Coops et al, 1996;Hellsten, 2001). However, though typically preferable, abundance data may lead to underestimates of taxa with low abundance (Magurran & McGill, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

A water level drawdown index for aquatic macrophytes in Nordic lakes

2012

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A large number of northern lakes is regulated to enhance hydropower production or for flood defence purposes. Hydromorphological pressures are important factors causing lowered ecological status. Water level fluctuation triggers erosion on the shoreline and, depending on fluctuation range, also affects species composition or disappearance of sensitive aquatic macrophytes. The suggested water level drawdown index (WI c) for Nordic lakes was developed using macrophyte data from 73 lakes with varying water level fluctuation in Finland, Norway and Sweden. The index is based on the ratio between sensitive and tolerant macrophyte species. The sensitive and tolerant species are identified based on a percentile approach, analysing species presence or absence along the winter drawdown range. The index correlates well with winter drawdown in Finnish and Norwegian lakes, with strongest correlations with winter drawdown in storage lakes (lakes regulated for hydroelectric power and with a considerable winter drawdown). The WI c-index is applicable in low alkalinity, oligotrophic and ice-covered lakes, and is suggested to be a useful tool to identify and designate heavily modified water bodies in Nordic lakes according to the European Water Framework Directive.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

A water level drawdown index for aquatic macrophytes in Nordic lakes

2012

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“…Vegetation of estuarine marshes shows distinct plant distribution patterns along the salinity gradient with halophytic species in salt marshes and non salt tolerant wetland species in tidal freshwater marshes (Odum 1988;Latham et al 1994;Crain et al 2004). Similarly, distinct vegetation zonations have been observed along elevation gradients in salt marshes (Bertness 1991;Bakker et al 1993), brackish marshes (Kötter 1961;Hackney et al 1996) and tidal freshwater marshes (Kötter 1961;Coops and van der Velde 1999). This zonation has been attributed to both abiotic and biotic factors (Bertness and Ellison 1987;Crain et al 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Patterns of wetland plant diversity along estuarine stress gradients of the Elbe (Germany) and Connecticut (USA) Rivers

Engels

Jensen

2009

Plant Ecology & Diversity

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Background: Estuaries are characterised by salinity gradients and regular flooding events. These environmental factors form stress gradients, along which species composition changes. Aims: Analyse and compare patterns of plant species diversity along the estuarine salinity and flooding gradients of the Elbe and Connecticut Rivers. Methods: Vegetation was sampled at three elevations (low, mid, high) in five sites of each marsh type (fresh, brackish, salt) in both estuaries. Patterns of species density (SD) and evenness (E) along the gradients were analysed and compared between the two estuaries with three-factor ANOVAs. Results: The regional species pool was 33% higher for the Connecticut than for the Elbe. SD of fresh marshes (19 ± 2.2) was more than twice in the Connecticut than in the Elbe. We found an overall increase in SD from low to high elevation and from salt to freshwater marshes in both estuaries. However, SD and E were strongly depressed at intermediate elevations in the Elbe fresh and brackish marshes. Conclusions: Although diversity patterns in the two estuaries show overall similarities, patterns of SD and E differ, when particular elevational zones and marsh types are compared. We hypothesise this to be due to evolutionary and historical influences on the regional species pools, shaping the impact of local biotic and abiotic processes.

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“…The magnitude and location of sedimentation and erosion directly influence biodiversity while, conversely, the vegetation type has a significant effect on hydrogeomorphological characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity and sedimentation (Hupp, 1992;Coops et al, 1996bCoops et al, , 1999Henry et al, 1996;Steiger & Gurnell, 2003). High connectivity seems to be a prerequisite for some aquatic species such as as Nymphoides peltata through the prevention of calcium deficiency (Smits et al, 1992).…”

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confidence: 99%

Biogeochemical Constraints on the Ecological Rehabilitation of Wetland Vegetation in River Floodplains

et al. 2006

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The European policy for river management during peak discharge periods is currently changing from exclusion strategies (reinforcement of dykes) to allowing a more natural situation by creating more floodplain space to reduce water levels during peak discharges. In addition, water retention and water storage areas have been created. The new measures are generally being combined with nature development strategies. Up till now, however, ecological targets of broadscale floodplain wetland restoration including sedge marshes, species-rich floodplain forests and carrs, riparian mesotrophic grasslands and other biodiverse riverine ecosystems, have hardly developed in these areas. Most studies on the conditions needed for sustainable ecological development of floodplains have focused on hydrological and geomorphological rather than biogeochemical issues (including nutrient availability and limitation). There are, however, large differences in the composition of river water and groundwater and in sediment quality between rivers in densely populated areas and those in more pristine areas, which serve as a reference. It is very likely that these factors, in combination with heavily altered hydrological regimes and the narrow areas confined between the dykes on both sides of the rivers, impose major constraints on sustainable ecological development of riverine areas. Another issue is that existing wetlands are generally considered to be very appropriate for water retention and conservation, although recent research has shown that this may pose a serious threat to their biodiversity. The present paper reviews the biogeochemical constraints on the combination of floodplain rehabilitation, water conservation and the conservation and development of wetlands. It is concluded that biogeochemical problems (mainly related to eutrophication) predominantly arise in less dynamic parts of the river system, to which the flood-pulse concept applies less. Sound knowledge of the biogeochemical processes involved will contribute to greater efficiency and a better prediction of the opportunities for restoration and development of riverine wetlands. This information can be directly applied in nature management, water management, policy-making and consultancy. Changing concepts, changing riversDuring peak discharge periods, regulated river systems in densely populated areas such as the Netherlands have to cope with excessive volumes of water in a narrow area confined by dykes. In the past, the only strategy was to avoid flooding by raising and reinforcing dykes (levees). Since this

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Helophyte Zonation in Two Regulated Estuarine Areas in the Netherlands: Vegetation Analysis and Relationships with Hydrological Factors

Cited by 20 publications

References 18 publications

A water level drawdown index for aquatic macrophytes in Nordic lakes

A water level drawdown index for aquatic macrophytes in Nordic lakes

Patterns of wetland plant diversity along estuarine stress gradients of the Elbe (Germany) and Connecticut (USA) Rivers

Biogeochemical Constraints on the Ecological Rehabilitation of Wetland Vegetation in River Floodplains

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