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THE HUMAN IMPACT ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE RIPARIAN VEGETATION IN THE RURAL AREA
Abstract
Riparian vegetation of water streams represents dynamic ecosystem, which meets various functions. Since it forms a buffer zone between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, it is of great importance in the ecological stability of landscape. Its importance is even higher nowadays when the effect of human activities on the environment is much stronger than in the past. The structure and quality of the vegetation comprising the riparian zone plays an important role in its ability to provide various ecosystem functions such as filtration of the sediment being transported by the surface runoff due to water erosion. This study investigated the impact of human activities on the structure and biodiversity of riparian vegetation in a rural area of the Sadowka watercourse in Poland, focusing on the effects of channelization and embankment on the riparian vegetation ecosystem functions. The canopy density at 11 selected sites along the river was estimated in 2008 as a global degree of canopy cover (GDCC). The mean GDCC in the upper part of the watercourse was 54 % and it occasionally reached up to 68%. Several rural settlements are in the middle part of the stream, what affected the GDCC ranging from 19 up to 68%. In this area also most of the regulated embarked sections of the watercourse are located. The lowest part of the river channel still shows its natural state with the mean GDCC of 66% besides the area is intensively used for agriculture. There are several sections of regulated flow, however the embankment is of mainly natural - grassy type. Human modifications to the channel, such as artificial embankments and regulation, had a negative impact on the structure and biodiversity of the riparian vegetation, with the most natural sections exhibiting the highest GDCC and biodiversity. The degree of human impact varied along the length of the watercourse. Understanding the impact of human activities on riparian vegetation is crucial for maintaining ecological stability and mitigating the effects of erosion and flooding.
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