Sampling riparian vegetation and morphology with cross sectional transects: first results from three North-eastern Italian rivers

This study investigated woody vegetation and geomorphology in three gravel-bed rivers (North-East Italy) affected by different intensities of human pressure. To characterize the links between riparian vegetation and morphological settings, the analysis were carried on at least one braided and one wandering sub-reach along each river. A total of 710 plots (4×4 m) along eighteen cross-sections (266-1000 m long) of the floodplain extent were surveyed. Morphological characteristics, stand and species composition has been analysed. Preliminary results suggest that the composition and characteristics of the riparian vegetation of the three fluvial ecosystems and the gradients between the geomorphic units in morphological variables have been strongly affected by the human pressure. There are relevant differences in the species composition of riparian woody communities, the elevation, and the geomorphic persistence of floodplains, islands and bars between the rivers. This will have implications on the forest management and conservation planning of riparian habitats.