Temporal and spatial patterns of riparian vegetation in the Colastiné Basin (Argentina) and riparian ecological quality estimation as tools for water management

Abstract

Information on the riverbanks can improve our ability to monitor water quality and generateadequate management strategies. This research seeks insights into the riverbanks of eightColastiné River Basin (Argentina) streams, which have been influenced by intensive agriculturalland use for decades. We aim to (a) describe the temporal and spatial distribution patterns ofriparian vegetation, (b) assess their current riparian quality through riverbank quality indices, and(c) estimate whether the riparian quality is linked to the water quality. Results of the NormalizedDifference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed an increasing trend in the vegetation cover withseasonal periodicities during the last 22 years in only 2 streams. Overall, 41% of plant speciesregistered were exotic although native species dominated in most streams. The overall riverbankquality, based on the mean values of four riverbank quality indexes, was regular-to-bad. Theoverall water quality of the streams was low and significantly correlated to the Riparian QualityIndex, suggesting a link between both compartments. More studies are needed to determine themain variables that establish this connection. Further effort is also needed to generate appropriateindices for this region, as no current ones are still developed.