Plant Community Influences on Intermittent Stream Stability in the Great Plains

摘要: Abstract The composition of the greenline plant community is linked to stability riparian ecosystems. Cool season exotic grasses are invading native communities across northern Great Plains, potentially compromising streambank and increasing risk erosion within To determine how species impacts stream type erosion, thirty five reaches watersheds were sampled dominant vegetation. At each reach, a cross-section was type, vegetation, erosion. Channel types delineated using Rosgen’s classification natural rivers. Canopy cover assessed line point intercept method along 30.5 m transect in community. Plants recorded grouped by their wetland indicator status for central Plains. Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI) used assess streams calculating difference between bank height full height, average rooting depth density, angle degree, texture material. ratio (BHR) as measure floodplain connectivity. A Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling ordination performed analyze influences. Analysis data determined that most stable (E C channels), lower BEHI scores, ratios associated with high amounts litter facultative wet species. In comparison, unstable F channels early successional bare ground. Sites higher scores greenlines comprised upland saline tolerant Late found provide protection intermittent streambanks.