Effect of riparian land use on environmental conditions and riparian vegetation in the east African highland streams

摘要: Abstract Agricultural land use is expanding and at an accelerated rate. In Ethiopia, most of this expansion has occurred in highland areas involve deforestation natural riparian vegetation. However, the impacts on water quality streams are poorly understood, especially with regard to influence patterns streams. study, we investigated effects modifications condition examined whether preservation vegetation would help mitigate negative intensive agriculture practices. Our results show significant differences different use. Several parameters commonly used indicate quality, such as concentrations orthophosphate, turbidity, suspended solids were significantly higher agricultural than forest stream. The surrounding was associated overall better condition, floristic lower total solids, dissolved oxygen. We conclude, that increases cover improved relative other non-vegetated areas. Therefore, strongly recommend tropical surrounded by agriculture. More studies best management practices dominated can greatly improve our capacity prevent degradation Africa.