Reducing river regulation effects on riparian vegetation using flushing flow regimes

摘要: Abstract One of the most salient causes degradation freshwater systems is physical habitat changes attributed to river damming. Environmental flows reduce such but are still generally based on requirements aquatic species and disregard other biotic components ecosystem, as riparian vegetation. Nevertheless, when environmental flow methods claim consider vegetation habitats propose specific flows, their outcomes rarely predicted quantitatively prior implementation. We used a dynamic floodplain model analyze patch dynamics for different regimes in two stretches assess ensure long-term ecological maintenance vitality structure rivers with altered regimes. Furthermore, we assessed capability flushing restore manage efficiency satisfy requirements. found that encroachment mainly prevented by floods recurrence interval at least 2 years regime planning aimed complying watershed-specific. Additionally, reservoir controlled without causing severe geomorphic impacts downstream channels minor water losses dam managers.