Vegetation structure and dynamics of a floodplain wetland along a subtropical regulated river

Abstract

This paper documents vegetation changes in a floodplain area lying next to a newly constructed reservoir on the River Yamuna (near Delhi), about a kilometre downstream of an older, silted-up reservoir. The study site was a rectangular depression bounded by dykes on three sides and agricultural fields on the fourth. The composition and abundance of species in the plant community were observed over a ten year period (1986–1996) and changes in water level both at the study site and in the reservoir were followed. Site hydrology was governed by water level changes caused by reservoir operation with effect from 1990, when it was first filled to capacity and water began to seep through the dyke. The study area experienced increasing depth, duration and frequency of flooding. Species richness peaked in 1992, and the plant community developed four distinct zones closely associated with the hydrological gradient. Patchiness also increased though Typha angustata patches merged over time to form a continuous expanse. The microtopography of the study site, and hydrological and plant-induced changes were largely responsible for community changes. Dyke compaction over time resulted in cessation of seepage and the study site gradually dried up by 1998, with a consequent loss of plant species. The study concludes that the hydrological regime, rather than physical connectivity with the river, may play the dominant role in developing and maintaining plant community structure in floodplain wetlands. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.