Simulated effects of floodplain restoration on plant community types

Aims Channelization and artificial embankments have altered the natural flood regime of many rivers, impacting hydrological characteristics floodplain ecosystems their biological communities. This study was undertaken on a meadow to assess spatial patterns plant communities in relation soil physical chemical conditions, impacts restoration that involved embankment-removal. Location River Glaven, Hunworth, Norfolk, UK. Methods Fine-scale chemistry sampling conducted prior embankment removal, climatological conditions were monitored after removal. Hydrological/hydraulic modelling simulated groundwater levels for 10-year period changes aeration stresses community composition following Results Hydrology identified as primary driver composition. Soil fertility also important. Unique continuous measurements vadose dissolved oxygen concentrations using optodes indicated strong coupling between water table depth root zone concentrations. Reinstatement overbank flows did not substantially affect stress across most because pre-existing wet conditions. However, along river-floodplain ecotone, increased from normally associated with dry grassland those characteristic fen (p < 0.05). Conclusions restored may be suitable more diverse assemblages. Benefits flooding species richness transport propagules may, however, over-ridden without accompanying level management during growing season, or hay removal balance additional supply nutrients river floodwater sediment. Our results show hydrological/hydraulic combined quantitative measures water-requirements can provide practical adaptive tools estimate response changing regimes.