Complex riparian zones can help resist Invasive Alien Plant Species colonisation
Recent study advocates for the need of management practices to maintain and establish complex riparian zones that are resistant to IAS colonisation
The study Complex Undisturbed Riparian Zones are Resistant to Colonisation by Invasive Alien Plant Species (Zelnik et al. 2020) investigated the influence of various environmental factors on the presence and abundance of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAS) within riparian zones along Slovenian rivers. Seven rivers were surveyed, assessing their spatial and human-influenced characteristics, and correlating them with IAS presence. Results highlighted positive correlations between IAS presence and factors like distance from the river source, current velocity, and water depth. Conversely, negative correlations were found with altitude, the naturalness of land use, width and completeness of riparian zones, vegetation height and structure, and riverbed conditions.
The study identified 27 IAS, with annuals being the most prevalent (48%), followed by herbaceous perennials (37%) and woody species (15%). Echinocystis lobata was the most abundant IAS, found in 179 out of 414 river reaches analyzed. Vines like E. lobata affected native riparian vegetation and were influenced by natural river gradients in altitude and distance from the source. Reaches without IAS significantly differed in riparian zone width, vegetation height, and structure, adjacent land use, and distance from the source.
IAS presence in riparian zones was linked to riparian and aquatic community impacts. To combat this, the study advocates for maintaining and establishing complex riparian zones resistant to IAS colonization. Preserving undisturbed riparian zones is crucial, as their degradation facilitates IAS spread, impacting native species, and altering ecological conditions. Complex riparian zones were found to prevent IAS establishment, emphasizing the need for their conservation to safeguard riverine ecosystems.
You can access the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/12/2/345.