Ecological functions and environmental benefits of reservoir riparian zone

Abstract

Reservoir riparian zone is a special type of land use and a typical area of ecological vulnerability, which plays a key role in creation of environmental benefits, transportation of material energy and in the formation of the structure of groups, etc. Due to the special hydrologic rhythm of the reservoir, habitats of species are faced with the dual tasks of ecological degradation and high-quality water purification. In order to deal with these environmental problems, the key to the implementation and application of ecological restoration measures is to understand the regularity of vegetation succession and the management measures of adjacent forestland. The riparian zone is a hot spot of various nutrient processes and plays a disproportionate role in the development of ecological benefits. Hydrology is the key factor affecting the habitats’ formation of reservoir riparian zone. Сomprehend the geochemical process of soil in reservoir riparian zone and the transport and interception mechanism of nutrient elements can effectively reduce the damage to water body caused by non-point source pollution. In this paper, we reviewed the definition, classification and function of reservoir riparian zone, discussed the key role of vegetation in sphere of habitats’ restoration and reconstruction in reservoir riparian zone and the role of arbor forest species in the production of ecological benefits. This issue is especially relevant for China, a country with a large number of reservoirs. The purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive information on the the habitats’ characteristics and provide theoretical ideas for managing the ecological component of the environment. At present, the monitoring means of reservoir riparian zone are insufficient, and we are still concentrated in the macroscopic and mesoscale scale, while the microscopic scale needs to be further deepened. In the process of studying the riparian, we should pay enough attention to the investigation of the formation cause, geological environment and other factors, fully study the reservoir riparian zone from a unified organic and integral ecological point of view, pay attention to the rational use of high-tech means, and conduct reasonable monitoring with dynamic research means.