Riparian plant restoration in summer-dry riverbeds of southeastern Spain

Published source details Salinas M.J. & Guirado J. (2002) Riparian plant restoration in summer-dry riverbeds of southeastern Spain. Restoration Ecology, 10, 695-702.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses Action Link

Other biodiversity: Restore habitat along watercourses

A replicated site comparison in 1991–1999 along rivers in southeast Spain found lower herb and shrub cover, and lower liana frequency, in restored sites, compared to undisturbed sites. Plants: Lower shrub and herb cover was found in restored plots, compared to undisturbed plots (shrubs: 20–39% vs 79%; herbs: 0–2% vs 4–5%), but no difference was found in the cover of trees, lianas, or annuals (trees: 1.3–1.5% vs 1.5–2.3%; lianas: 0–0.05% vs 0.5%; annuals: 0.03–0.15% vs 0.09–0.12%). Tree frequency was higher in restored sites, compared to undisturbed sites, in 1991 (8% vs 4%), but not in 1993–1999 (4–7% vs 4%). Liana frequency was lower in restored sites (0–2% vs 5–7%). The frequency of shrubs, herbs, and annuals was similar in restored and undisturbed sites (shrubs: 60–71% vs 60%; herbs: 1–2% vs 2–3%; annuals: 2–5% vs 2–3%). Methods: Two riparian forest sites had two plots each: one restored, and one undisturbed (120 x 3 m each). Restored plots were planted with root cuttings and seeds (broom Retama sphaerocarpa) from undisturbed forests in December 1991, and plants were monitored and irrigated weekly (in the first summer) for a few months. Plants were surveyed on transects (October: 1993, 1995, 1999; September: 1997).