Table 4 Main consequences resulting from HP affecting plant performance (Baladrón et al. 2023; adapted from Bejarano et al. 2018)
From: Functional traits: the pathways to riverine plant resistance in times of hydropeaking
Hydrological alterations | Changes triggered in the river environment | Consequences for vegetation |
|---|---|---|
Flooding | Rapid light attenuation | Reduced biomass production, difficulties to regenerate plant organs (e.g., leaves and absorbing roots) |
Flooding | Slow gas difussion | Photosynthesis and respiration impairment, inhibition of root formation and branching, limited growth of existing roots and mycorrhizae |
Flooding | Anoxia | Cell acidification, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, low ATP production (oxidative phosphorylation disruption), depletion of plant carbohydrate reserves, impairment of plant functions (e.g., stomatal opening, photosynthesis, water and mineral uptake, hormonal balance) |
Flooding | Accumulation of toxic compounds | Impaired physiological and plant biochemical reactions, breakdown of cell membranes |
Water drawdown | Soil moisture deficits and water shortage | Reduced growth and vigor, wilting, inhibition of seed germination |
Water fluctuations | Increase in drag and lift mechanical forces | Physical injury, biomass loss, breakage and uprooting of plants, limited seed germination |
Water fluctuations | Erosion during up-ramping and peak flow stages | Loss of riparian substrate, plant uprooting, biomass loss due to impact of river substrate materials (sand, gravel, pebbles) |
Water fluctuations | Sediment deposition during receding discharge | Plants coated in silt or buried, soil surface clogging, limited seedling establishment and survival |