View source for Riparian zone

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Short description|Interface between land and a river or stream}}
{{Redirect|Riparian|the legal doctrine|riparian water rights}}
{{Distinguish|Ripuarian language}}
[[File:Example of a riparian area.png|thumb|upright=1.5|A riparian area is the transition from the aquatic area to the upland area. Vegetation is expected to change from species adapted to wetter sites near the channel to species adapted to drier sites in the upland, with a mixture of species occurring in between. In this example, an assessment of riparian function would consider the riparian areas, mixed riparian/upland areas, and aquatic area in the reach. Not all riparian areas have all of these features.<ref>Dickard, M., M. Gonzalez, W. Elmore, S. Leonard, D. Smith, S. Smith, J. Staats, P. Summers, D. Weixelman, S. Wyman (2015). [https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/TR_1737-15.pdf "Riparian area management: Proper functioning condition assessment for lotic areas"]. Technical Reference 1737-15. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Denver, CO.</ref>]]
{{See also|Riparian forest}}

A '''riparian zone''' or '''riparian area''' is the interface between land and a [[river]] or [[stream]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Riparian Areas Environmental Uniqueness, Functions, and Values|url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/technical/?cid=nrcs143_014199#what|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200611200856/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/technical/?cid=nrcs143_014199#what|archive-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> In some regions, the terms '''riparian woodland''', '''[[riparian forest]]''', '''[[riparian buffer]] zone''', '''riparian corridor''', and '''riparian strip''' are used to characterize a riparian zone. The word ''riparian'' is derived from [[Latin]] ''[[wiktionary:ripa|ripa]]'', meaning "[[bank (geography)|river bank]]".<ref name="Read Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management at NAP.edu">{{Cite book |url=https://www.nap.edu/read/10327/chapter/4 |title=Read "Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management" at NAP.edu |date=2002 |doi=10.17226/10327 |isbn=978-0-309-08295-2 |language=en}}</ref>

'''Riparian''' is also the proper nomenclature for one of the terrestrial [[biome]]s of the [[Earth]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-17 |title=Riparian Zone: Definition and Characteristics |url=https://biologydictionary.net/riparian-zone/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Biology Dictionary |language=en-US}}</ref> Plant habitats and communities along the river margins and banks are called riparian vegetation, characterized by [[aquatic plant|hydrophilic plants]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.nap.edu/read/10327/chapter/3 |title=Read "Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management" at NAP.edu |date=2002 |doi=10.17226/10327 |isbn=978-0-309-08295-2 |language=en}}</ref> Riparian zones are important in [[ecology]], [[environmental resource management]], and [[civil engineering]]<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Burdon |first1=Francis J. |last2=Ramberg |first2=Ellinor |last3=Sargac |first3=Jasmina |last4=Forio |first4=Marie Anne Eurie |last5=de Saeyer |first5=Nancy |last6=Mutinova |first6=Petra Thea |last7=Moe |first7=Therese Fosholt |last8=Pavelescu |first8=Mihaela Oprina |last9=Dinu |first9=Valentin |last10=Cazacu |first10=Constantin |last11=Witing |first11=Felix |last12=Kupilas |first12=Benjamin |last13=Grandin |first13=Ulf |last14=Volk |first14=Martin |last15=Rîşnoveanu |first15=Geta |date=April 2020 |title=Assessing the Benefits of Forested Riparian Zones: A Qualitative Index of Riparian Integrity Is Positively Associated with Ecological Status in European Streams |journal=Water |language=en |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=1178 |doi=10.3390/w12041178 |issn=2073-4441 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2020Water..12.1178B |hdl=1854/LU-8662065 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> because of their role in [[soil conservation]], their habitat [[biodiversity]], and the influence they have on [[terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] and [[semiaquatic]] [[fauna]] as well as [[aquatic ecosystem]]s, including [[grassland]]s, [[woodland]]s, [[wetland]]s, and even non-vegetative areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=IUFRO: 8.01.05 - Riparian and coastal ecosystems / 8.01.00 - Forest ecosystem functions / 8.00.00 - Forest Environment |url=https://www.iufro.org/science/divisions/division-8/80000/80100/80105/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.iufro.org}}</ref>

Riparian zones may be natural or engineered for soil stabilization or [[Land rehabilitation|restoration]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Riparian Ecosystem - an overview {{!}} ScienceDirect Topics |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/riparian-ecosystem |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref> These zones are important natural [[biofilter]]s, protecting aquatic environments from excessive [[sediment]]ation, polluted [[surface runoff]], and [[erosion]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gregory |first1=Stanley V. |last2=Swanson |first2=Frederick J. |last3=McKee |first3=W. Arthur |last4=Cummins |first4=Kenneth W. |date=1991 |title=An Ecosystem Perspective of Riparian Zones |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1311607 |journal=BioScience |volume=41 |issue=8 |pages=540–551 |doi=10.2307/1311607 |issn=0006-3568 |jstor=1311607|url-access=subscription }}</ref> They supply shelter and food for many [[aquatic animal]]s and shade that limits stream temperature change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian zone - NatureSpots App - Let's explore Nature together |url=https://www.naturespots.net/habitats/freshwater/12769-riparian-zone |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.naturespots.net |language=en-GB}}</ref> When riparian zones are damaged by [[construction]], [[agriculture]] or [[silviculture]], biological restoration can take place, usually by human intervention in [[erosion control]] and revegetation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian Zone - an overview {{!}} ScienceDirect Topics |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/riparian-zone |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref> If the area adjacent to a [[watercourse]] has standing water or saturated soil for as long as a season, it is normally termed a [[wetland]] because of its [[hydric soil]] characteristics. Because of their prominent role in supporting a [[biodiversity|diversity of species]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Ecology of Interfaces—Riparian Zones |url=http://www.nativefishlab.net/library/textpdf/19487.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123141108/http://www.nativefishlab.net/library/textpdf/19487.pdf |archive-date=2018-11-23 |access-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> riparian zones are often the subject of national protection in a [[biodiversity action plan]]. These are also known as a "plant or vegetation waste buffer".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian zone - NatureSpots App - Let's explore Nature together |url=https://www.naturespots.net/habitats/freshwater/12769-riparian-zone |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.naturespots.net |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Research shows that riparian zones are instrumental in [[water quality]] improvement for both surface runoff and water flowing into streams through subsurface or [[groundwater]] flow.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dosskey |first1=Michael G. |last2=Vidon |first2=Philippe |last3=Gurwick |first3=Noel P. |last4=Allan |first4=Craig J. |last5=Duval |first5=Tim P. |last6=Lowrance |first6=Richard |date=April 2010 |title=The Role of Riparian Vegetation in Protecting and Improving Chemical Water Quality in Streams 1: The Role of Riparian Vegetation in Protecting and Improving Chemical Water Quality in Streams |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00419.x |journal=JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association |language=en |volume=46 |issue=2 |pages=261–277 |doi=10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00419.x |s2cid=1485368|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Tomer |first1=Mark D. |last2=Dosskey |first2=Michael G. |last3=Burkart |first3=Michael R. |last4=James |first4=David E. |last5=Helmers |first5=Matthew J. |last6=Eisenhauer |first6=Dean E. |date=2005 |title=Placement of riparian forest buffers to improve water quality |url=https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/21369 |journal=In: Brooks, K.N. And Ffolliot, P.F. (Eds) Moving Agroforestry into the Mainstream. Proc. 9th N. Am. Agroforest. Conf. Rochester, MN. 12–15 June 2005 |language=en}}</ref> Riparian zones can play a role in lowering nitrate contamination in surface runoff, such as manure and other [[fertilizer]]s from [[Field (agriculture)|agricultural fields]], that would otherwise damage [[ecosystem]]s and human health.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Pedraza |first1=Sara |last2=Clerici |first2=Nicola |last3=Zuluaga Gaviria |first3=Jennifer D. |last4=Sanchez |first4=Adriana |date=January 2021 |title=Global Research on Riparian Zones in the XXI Century: A Bibliometric Analysis |journal=Water |language=en |volume=13 |issue=13 |pages=1836 |doi=10.3390/w13131836 |issn=2073-4441 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2021Water..13.1836P }}</ref> Particularly, the attenuation of [[nitrate]] or [[denitrification]] of the nitrates from [[fertilizer]] in this buffer zone is important.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Chukwuka |first1=Azubuike Victor |title=Riparian-Buffer Loss and Pesticide Incidence in Freshwater Matrices of Ikpoba River (Nigeria): Policy Recommendations for the Protection of Tropical River Basins |date=2021-04-21 |url=https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/75214 |work=River Basin Management - Sustainability Issues and Planning Strategies |access-date=2023-05-21 |publisher=IntechOpen |language=en |isbn=978-1-83968-131-8 |last2=Ogbeide |first2=Ozekeke}}</ref> The use of wetland riparian zones shows a particularly high rate of removal of nitrate entering a stream and thus has a place in agricultural management.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lowrance |first1=Richard |last2=Todd |first2=Robert |last3=Fail |first3=Joseph |last4=Hendrickson |first4=Ole |last5=Leonard |first5=Ralph |last6=Asmussen |first6=Loris |date=1984 |title=Riparian Forests as Nutrient Filters in Agricultural Watersheds |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1309729 |journal=BioScience |volume=34 |issue=6 |pages=374–377 |doi=10.2307/1309729 |issn=0006-3568 |jstor=1309729|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Also in terms of carbon transport from terrestrial ecosystems to aquatic ecosystems, riparian groundwater can play an important role.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Ledesma |first1=José L. J. |last2=Grabs |first2=Thomas |last3=Bishop |first3=Kevin H. |last4=Schiff |first4=Sherry L. |last5=Köhler |first5=Stephan J. |date=August 2015 |title=Potential for long-term transfer of dissolved organic carbon from riparian zones to streams in boreal catchments |url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-259485 |journal=Global Change Biology |volume=21 |issue=8 |pages=2963–2979 |bibcode=2015GCBio..21.2963L |doi=10.1111/gcb.12872 |pmid=25611952 |doi-access=free}}</ref> As such, a distinction can be made between parts of the riparian zone that connect large parts of the landscape to streams, and riparian areas with more local groundwater contributions.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Leach |first1=J. A. |last2=Lidberg |first2=W. |last3=Kuglerová |first3=L. |last4=Peralta-Tapia |first4=A. |last5=Ågren |first5=A. |last6=Laudon |first6=H. |date=July 2017 |title=Evaluating topography-based predictions of shallow lateral groundwater discharge zones for a boreal lake-stream system |journal=Water Resources Research |volume=53 |issue=7 |pages=5420–5437 |bibcode=2017WRR....53.5420L |doi=10.1002/2016WR019804 |s2cid=134913198}}</ref>

== Characteristics ==

=== Key features of a typical riparian forest include ===

==== 1. Location and Hydrological Context ====
   - Riparian forests are primarily situated alongside rivers or streams, with varying degrees of proximity to the water's edge.

   - These ecosystems are intimately connected with dynamic water flow and soil processes, influencing their characteristics.

==== 2.Diverse Ecosystem Components ====
   - Riparian forests feature a diverse combination of elements, including:

   - Mesic terrestrial vegetation (vegetation adapted to moist conditions).

   - Dependent animal life, relying on the riparian environment for habitat and resources.

   - Local microclimate influenced by the presence of water bodies.

==== 3. Distinct Vegetation Structure ====
   - The vegetation in riparian forests exhibits a multi-layered structure.

   - Moisture-dependent trees are the dominant feature, giving these forests a unique appearance, especially in savanna regions.

   - These moisture-dependent trees define the landscape, accompanied by a variety of mesic [[Understory|understorey]], shrub, and ground cover species.

==== 4. Floristic Composition ====
   - Riparian forests often host plant species that have high moisture requirements.

   - The flora typically includes species native to the region, adapted to the moist conditions provided by proximity to water bodies.

In summary, riparian forests are characterized by their location along waterways, their intricate interplay with water and soil dynamics, a diverse array of vegetation layers, and a plant composition favoring moisture-dependent species.[[File:Riparian strip.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|A well-preserved natural riparian strip on a tributary to [[Lake Erie]]]]

== Roles and functions ==
[[File:Pisuerga2.JPG|thumb|right|Thick riparian vegetation along the [[Pisuerga|Pisuerga River]] in [[Spain]]]]
Riparian zones dissipate stream energy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Importance of Streamside Plants & Trees {{!}} Shore Stewards {{!}} Washington State University |url=https://shorestewards.cw.wsu.edu/faq/the-importance-of-streamside-plants-trees/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Shore Stewards |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[meander]]ing curves of a river, combined with vegetation and root systems, slow the flow of water, which reduces soil erosion and flood damage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Christos |date=2017-01-23 |title=What are Riparian Areas and Why are They Important? |url=https://tucanada.org/2017/01/23/what-are-riparian-areas-and-why-are-they-important/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Trout Unlimited Canada |language=en-US}}</ref> Sediment is trapped, reducing suspended solids to create less [[turbidity|turbid]] water, replenish soils, and build stream banks.<ref name="Riparian Mitigation – Mitico">{{Cite web |title=Riparian Mitigation – Mitico |url=https://miticomo.com/mitigation/riparian-mitigation/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |language=en-US}}</ref> Pollutants are filtered from surface runoff, enhancing water quality via biofiltration.<ref name="Read Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management at NAP.edu" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-18 |title=The Riparian Zone |url=https://slco.org/watershed/streams-101/the-riparian-zone/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=slco.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Swanson |first1=S. |last2=Kozlowski |first2=D. |last3=Hall |first3=R. |last4=Heggem |first4=D. |last5=Lin |first5=J. |date=2017-03-01 |title=Riparian proper functioning condition assessment to improve watershed management for water quality |url=https://www.jswconline.org/content/72/2/168 |journal=Journal of Soil and Water Conservation |language=en |volume=72 |issue=2 |pages=168–182 |doi=10.2489/jswc.72.2.168 |issn=0022-4561 |pmc=6145829 |pmid=30245529}}</ref>

The riparian zones also provide [[wildlife]] [[habitat]], increased biodiversity, and [[wildlife corridor]]s,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian Habitat {{!}} Wildlife Heritage Foundation |url=https://www.wildlifeheritage.org/riparian-habitats-life-blood-for-the-overall-ecosystem/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.wildlifeheritage.org}}</ref> enabling aquatic and riparian organisms to move along river systems avoiding isolated communities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kjartanson |first=Meghan |title=Riparian zones |url=https://forestryandland.gov.scot/blog/riparian-zones |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Forestry and Land Scotland |language=en-GB}}</ref> Riparian vegetation can also provide [[Fodder|forage]] for wildlife and livestock.<ref name="Riparian Mitigation – Mitico" />

Riparian zones are also important for the fish that live within rivers, such as brook and charr.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.nap.edu/read/10327/chapter/2 |title=Read "Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management" at NAP.edu |date=2002 |doi=10.17226/10327 |isbn=978-0-309-08295-2 |language=en}}</ref> Impacts on riparian zones can affect fish, and restoration is not always sufficient to recover fish populations.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Sievers |first1=Michael |last2=Hale |first2=Robin |last3=Morrongiello |first3=John R. |title=Do trout respond to riparian change? A meta-analysis with implications for restoration and management |journal=Freshwater Biology |date=March 2017 |volume=62 |issue=3 |pages=445–457 |doi=10.1111/fwb.12888|doi-access=free |bibcode=2017FrBio..62..445S |hdl=10072/409161 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Sabo |first1=John L. |last2=Sponseller |first2=Ryan |last3=Dixon |first3=Mark |last4=Gade |first4=Kris |last5=Harms |first5=Tamara |last6=Heffernan |first6=Jim |last7=Jani |first7=Andrea |last8=Katz |first8=Gabrielle |last9=Soykan |first9=Candan |last10=Watts |first10=James |last11=Welter |first11=Jill |date=2005 |title=Riparian Zones Increase Regional Species Richness by Harboring Different, Not More, Species |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3450987 |journal=Ecology |volume=86 |issue=1 |pages=56–62 |doi=10.1890/04-0668 |jstor=3450987 |bibcode=2005Ecol...86...56S |hdl=10161/8362 |issn=0012-9658|hdl-access=free }}</ref>

They provide native [[landscape]] irrigation by extending seasonal or perennial flows of water.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chapter 8 : Riparian Zone {{!}} Friends of Reservoirs |url=https://www.friendsofreservoirs.com/science/best-management-practices-manual/chapter-8-riparian-zone/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.friendsofreservoirs.com}}</ref> Nutrients from terrestrial vegetation (e.g. [[plant litter]] and insect drop) are transferred to aquatic [[Food web|food webs]], and are a vital source of energy in aquatic food webs.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Pusey |first1=Bradley J. |last2=Arthington |first2=Angela H. |date=2003 |title=Importance of the riparian zone to the conservation and management of freshwater fish: a review |url=https://www.publish.csiro.au/mf/mf02041 |journal=Marine and Freshwater Research |language=en |volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=1–16 |doi=10.1071/mf02041 |bibcode=2003MFRes..54....1P |hdl=10072/6041 |issn=1448-6059|hdl-access=free }}</ref> The vegetation surrounding the stream helps to shade the water, mitigating [[thermal pollution|water temperature changes]]. Thinning of riparian zones has been observed to cause increased maximum temperatures, higher fluctuations in temperature, and elevated temperatures being observed more frequently and for longer periods of time.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Roon |first1=David A. |last2=Dunham |first2=Jason B. |last3=Groom |first3=Jeremiah D. |date=2021-02-16 |title=Shade, light, and stream temperature responses to riparian thinning in second-growth redwood forests of northern California |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=16 |issue=2 |pages=e0246822 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0246822 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=7886199 |pmid=33592001 |bibcode=2021PLoSO..1646822R |doi-access=free }}</ref> Extreme changes in water temperature can have lethal effects on fish and other organisms in the area.<ref name=":0" /> The vegetation also contributes wood debris to streams, which is important to maintaining [[geomorphology]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Vidon |first1=Philippe G. F. |last2=Hill |first2=Alan R. |date=2004-06-15 |title=Landscape controls on the hydrology of stream riparian zones |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022169404000150 |journal=Journal of Hydrology |language=en |volume=292 |issue=1 |pages=210–228 |doi=10.1016/j.jhydrol.2004.01.005 |bibcode=2004JHyd..292..210V |issn=0022-1694|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Riparian zones also act as important buffers against nutrient loss in the wake of natural disasters, such as [[Tropical cyclone|hurricanes]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Establishment and restoration of riparian buffers — English |url=https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/metadata/adaptation-options/establishment-and-restoration-of-riparian-buffer-s |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian Buffers for Field Crops, Hay, and Pastures |url=https://extension.psu.edu/riparian-buffers-for-field-crops-hay-and-pastures |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=extension.psu.edu |language=en}}</ref> Many of the characteristics of riparian zones that reduce the inputs of nitrogen from agricultural runoff also retain the necessary nitrogen in the ecosystem after hurricanes threaten to dilute and wash away critical nutrients.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McDowell |first=William H. |date=2001-12-01 |title=Hurricanes, people, and riparian zones: controls on nutrient losses from forested Caribbean watersheds |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037811270100514X |journal=Forest Ecology and Management |series=New Directions in Tropical Forest Research |language=en |volume=154 |issue=3 |pages=443–451 |doi=10.1016/S0378-1127(01)00514-X |bibcode=2001ForEM.154..443M |issn=0378-1127|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian Buffers - an overview {{!}} ScienceDirect Topics |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/riparian-buffers |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Wu |first1=Shaoteng |last2=Bashir |first2=Muhammad Amjad |last3=Raza |first3=Qurat-Ul-Ain |last4=Rehim |first4=Abdur |last5=Geng |first5=Yucong |last6=Cao |first6=Lei |date=2023 |title=Application of riparian buffer zone in agricultural non-point source pollution control—A review |journal=Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems |volume=7 |doi=10.3389/fsufs.2023.985870 |issn=2571-581X |doi-access=free |bibcode=2023FrSFS...785870W }}</ref>

From a social aspect, riparian zones contribute to nearby property values through amenity and views, and they improve enjoyment for footpaths and bikeways through supporting [[Greenway (landscape)#Foreshoreway|foreshoreway]] networks. Space is created for riparian sports such as fishing, swimming, and launching for vessels and paddle craft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Importance of Riparian Buffers |url=https://dep.wv.gov/WWE/getinvolved/sos/Pages/RiparianMagic.aspx |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=dep.wv.gov |language=en}}</ref>

The riparian zone acts as a sacrificial erosion buffer to absorb impacts of factors including [[climate change]], increased runoff from [[urbanization]], and increased [[Wake (physics)|boat wake]] without damaging structures located behind a setback zone.<ref>{{Citation |last=Ma |first=Maohua |title=Riparian Buffer Zone for Wetlands |date=2016 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6172-8_53-7 |work=The Wetland Book: I: Structure and Function, Management and Methods |pages=1–9 |editor-last=Finlayson |editor-first=C. Max |access-date=2023-05-22 |place=Dordrecht |publisher=Springer Netherlands |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-94-007-6172-8_53-7 |isbn=978-94-007-6172-8 |editor2-last=Everard |editor2-first=Mark |editor3-last=Irvine |editor3-first=Kenneth |editor4-last=McInnes |editor4-first=Robert J.|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Riparian vegetation {{!}} environmentdata.org |url=http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/vocabpref:21475 |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.environmentdata.org}}</ref>

"Riparian zones play a crucial role in preserving the vitality of streams and rivers, especially when faced with challenges stemming from catchment land use, including agricultural and urban development. These changes in land utilization can exert adverse impacts on the health of streams and rivers and, consequently, contribute to a decline in their reproductive rates."

== Role in logging ==
The protection of riparian zones is often a consideration in [[logging]] operations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://extension.unh.edu/goodforestry/html/4-3.htm |access-date=27 August 2023 |title=Forest Management in Riparian Areas |website=extension.unh.edu}}</ref> The undisturbed soil, soil cover, and vegetation provide shade, plant litter, and woody material and reduce the delivery of [[soil erosion|soil eroded]] from the harvested area.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=Rinku |last2=Tiwari |first2=A. K. |last3=Singh |first3=G. S. |date=2021-04-01 |title=Managing riparian zones for river health improvement: an integrated approach |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-020-00436-5 |journal=Landscape and Ecological Engineering |language=en |volume=17 |issue=2 |pages=195–223 |doi=10.1007/s11355-020-00436-5 |bibcode=2021LaEcE..17..195S |s2cid=234186133 |issn=1860-188X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Factors such as soil types and [[root]] structures, [[Climate|climatic]] conditions, and vegetative cover determine the effectiveness of riparian buffering. Activities associated with logging, such as sediment input, introduction or removal of species, and the input of polluted water all degrade riparian zones.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Bren |first=L. J. |date=1993-10-01 |title=Riparian zone, stream, and floodplain issues: a review |url=https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694%2893%2990113-N |journal=Journal of Hydrology |language=en |volume=150 |issue=2 |pages=277–299 |doi=10.1016/0022-1694(93)90113-N |bibcode=1993JHyd..150..277B |issn=0022-1694|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

== Vegetation ==
[[File:Willow Creek, Trout Creek Mountains, Oregon.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Riparian zone along Trout Creek in the [[Trout Creek Mountains]], part of the Burns Bureau of Land Management District in southeastern [[Oregon]]. The creek provides critical habitat for [[trout]].]]

The assortment of riparian zone trees varies from those of wetlands and typically consists of plants that are either emergent aquatic plants, or [[herb]]s, [[tree]]s and [[shrub]]s that thrive in proximity to water.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beavers Ecosystem in Toronto |url=https://prezi.com/cpep0dh6rcxg/beavers-ecoysystem-in-toronto/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=prezi.com |language=en}}</ref>  In South Africa's [[fynbos]] biome, Riparian ecosystem are heavily invaded by alien [[Woody plant|woody plants]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ruwanza |first1=S. |last2=Gaertner |first2=M. |last3=Esler |first3=K. J. |last4=Richardson |first4=D. M. |date=2013-09-01 |title=The effectiveness of active and passive restoration on recovery of indigenous vegetation in riparian zones in the Western Cape, South Africa: A preliminary assessment |journal=South African Journal of Botany |volume=88 |pages=132–141 |doi=10.1016/j.sajb.2013.06.022 |issn=0254-6299|doi-access=free |bibcode=2013SAJB...88..132R }}</ref> Riparian plant communities along lowland streams exhibit remarkable species diversity, driven by the unique environmental gradients inherent to these ecosystems.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Garssen |first1=Annemarie G. |last2=Verhoeven |first2=Jos T. A. |last3=Soons |first3=Merel B. |date=May 2014 |title=Effects of climate-induced increases in summer drought on riparian plant species: a meta-analysis |journal=Freshwater Biology |language=en |volume=59 |issue=5 |pages=1052–1063 |doi=10.1111/fwb.12328 |issn=0046-5070 |pmc=4493900 |pmid=26180267|bibcode=2014FrBio..59.1052G }}</ref>

== Riparian zones in Africa ==
Riparian forest can be found in Benin, West Africa. In Benin, where the savanna ecosystem prevails, "riparian forests" include various types of woodlands, such as [[semi-deciduous]] forests, dry forests, open forests, and [[Savanna|woodland savannas]]. These woodlands can be found alongside rivers and streams.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |url=http://www.fao.org/home/en |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=FAOHome |language=en}}</ref> In Nigeria, you can also discover riparian zones within the Ibadan region of Oyo state. Ibadan, one of the oldest towns in Africa, covers a total area of 3,080 square kilometers and is characterized by a network of perennial water streams that create these valuable riparian zones.<ref name=":2" /> In the research conducted by Adeoye et al. (2012) on land use changes in Southwestern Nigeria, it was observed that 46.18 square kilometers of the area are occupied by water bodies. Additionally, most streams and rivers in this region are accompanied by riparian forests. Nevertheless, the study also identified a consistent reduction in the extent of these riparian forests over time, primarily attributed to a significant deforestation rate.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Borisade |first1=Tolulope Victor |last2=Odiwe |first2=Anthony Ifechukwude |last3=Akinwumiju |first3=Akinola Shola |last4=Uwalaka |first4=Nelson Obinna |last5=Orimoogunje |first5=Oluwagbenga Isaac |date=2021-09-01 |title=Assessing the impacts of land use on riparian vegetation dynamics in Osun State, Nigeria |journal=Trees, Forests and People |volume=5 |pages=100099 |doi=10.1016/j.tfp.2021.100099 |issn=2666-7193|doi-access=free |bibcode=2021TFP.....500099B }}</ref> In Nigeria, according to Momodu et al. (2011), there has been a notable decline of about 50% in the riparian forest coverage within the period of 1978 to 2000. This reduction is primarily attributed to alterations in land use and land cover. Additionally, their research indicates that if current trends continue, the riparian forests may face further depletion, potentially leading to their complete disappearance by the year 2040.<ref name=":3" /> Riparian  zones can also be found in Cape Agulhas region of South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ScienceDirect.com {{!}} Science, health and medical journals, full text articles and books. |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=www.sciencedirect.com}}</ref> Riparian areas along South African rivers have experienced significant deterioration as a result of human activities. Similar to many other developed and developing areas worldwide, the extensive building of dams in upstream river areas and the extraction of water for irrigation purposes have led to diminished water flows and changes in the riparian environment.<ref name=":4" />

== North America ==

=== Water's edge ===
'''Herbaceous Perennial''': 
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
*''[[Peltandra virginica]]'' – Arrow Arum
*''[[Sagittaria lancifolia]]'' – Arrowhead
*''[[Carex stricta]]'' – Tussock Sedge
*''[[Iris virginica]]'' – Southern Blue Flag [[Iris (plant)|Iris]]
{{Div col end}}

=== Inundated riparian zone ===
'''Herbaceous Perennial''':<ref name=silvics>{{cite web|title=List of trees and plants |format=xls |access-date=2010-09-29 |url=http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/SolidWaste/MasterComposters/NativePlants/Documents/treeslist.xls |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718190816/http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/SolidWaste/MasterComposters/NativePlants/Documents/treeslist.xls |archive-date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|reason=originally mislabeled as "USDA Silvics", which is a site on forestry; actually a government site giving a list of trees used in plantings?|date=September 2016}}
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Sagittaria latifolia]]'' – Duck Potato
*''[[Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani]]'' – Softstem [[Bulrush]]
*''[[Scirpus americanus]]'' – Three-square Bulrush
*''[[Eleocharis quadrangulata]]'' – Square-stem Spikerush
*''[[Eleocharis obtusa]]'' – [[Spikerush]]
{{Div col end}}

=== Western ===
In western North America and the Pacific coast, the riparian vegetation includes:

'''Riparian trees'''<ref name=cooke>{{cite book|last=Cooke|first=Sarah Spear|title=A Field Guide to the Common Wetland Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon|year=1997|publisher=Seattle Audubon Society|location=Seattle, Washington|isbn=978-0-914516-11-8}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Sequoia sempervirens]]'' – Coast Redwood
*''[[Thuja plicata]]'' – Western Redcedar
*''[[Abies grandis]]'' – Grand Fir
*''[[Picea sitchensis]]'' – Sitka Spruce
*''[[Chamaecyparis lawsoniana]]'' – Port Orford-cedar
*''[[Taxus brevifolia]]'' – Pacific Yew
*''[[Populus fremontii]]'' – Fremont Cottonwood
*''[[Populus trichocarpa]]'' – Black Cottonwood
*''[[Platanus racemosa]]'' – California Sycamore
*''[[Alnus rhombifolia]]'' – White Alder
*''[[Alnus rubra]]'' – Red Alder
*''[[Acer macrophyllum]]'' – Big-leaf Maple
*''[[Fraxinus latifolia]]'' – Oregon ash
*''[[Prunus emarginata]]'' – Bitter Cherry
*''[[Salix lasiolepis]]'' – Arroyo Willow
*''[[Salix lucida]]'' – Pacific Willow
*''[[Quercus agrifolia]]'' – Coast live oak
*''[[Quercus garryana]]'' – Garry oak
*''[[Populus tremuloides]]'' – Quaking Aspen
*''[[Umbellularia californica]]'' – California Bay Laurel
*''[[Cornus nuttallii]]'' – Pacific Dogwood
{{Div col end}}

'''Riparian shrubs'''<ref name=cooke />
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Acer circinatum]]'' – Vine Maple
*''[[Ribes|Ribes spp.]]'' – Gooseberies and Currants
*''[[Rosa pisocarpa]]'' – Swamp Rose or Cluster Rose
*''[[Symphoricarpos albus]]'' – Snowberry
*''[[Spiraea douglasii]]'' – Douglas spirea
*''[[Rubus|Rubus spp.]]'' – Blackberries, Raspberries, Thimbleberry, Salmonberry
*''[[Rhododendron occidentale]]'' – Western Azalea
*''[[Oplopanax horridus]]'' – Devil's Club
*''[[Oemleria cerasiformis]]'' – Indian Plum, Osoberry
*''[[Lonicera involucrata]]'' – Twinberry
*''[[Cornus stolonifera]]'' – Red-osier Dogwood
*''[[Salix|Salix spp.]]'' – Willows
{{Div col end}}

'''Other plants'''
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Polypodium]]'' – Polypody Ferns
*''[[Polystichum]]'' – Sword Ferns
*''[[Woodwardia]]'' – Giant Chain Ferns
*''[[Pteridium]]'' – Goldback Ferns
*''[[Dryopteris]]'' – Wood Ferns
*''[[Adiantum]]'' – Maidenhair Ferns
*''[[Carex|Carex spp.]]'' – Sedges
*''[[Juncus|Juncus spp.]]'' – Rushes
*''[[Festuca californica]]'' – California Fescue bunchgrass
*''[[Leymus condensatus]]'' – Giant Wildrye bunchgrass
*''[[Melica californica]]'' – California Melic bunchgrass
*''[[Mimulus|Mimulus spp.]]'' – Monkeyflower and varieties
*''[[Aquilegia|Aquilegia spp.]]'' – Columbine
{{Div col end}}

== Asia ==
In [[Asia]] there are different types of riparian vegetation,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Zhao |first1=Qinghe |last2=Ding |first2=Shengyan |last3=Liu |first3=Qian |last4=Wang |first4=Shuoqian |last5=Jing |first5=Yaru |last6=Lu |first6=Mengwen |date=2020-08-13 |title=Vegetation influences soil properties along riparian zones of the Beijiang River in Southern China |url=https://peerj.com/articles/9699 |journal=PeerJ |language=en |volume=8 |pages=e9699 |doi=10.7717/peerj.9699 |s2cid=221653372 |issn=2167-8359|doi-access=free }}</ref> but the interactions between hydrology and ecology are similar as occurs in other geographic areas.<ref name=mission>{{cite web | title = Riparian Vegetation Along the Middle and Lower Zones of the Chalakkudy River, Kerala, India | publisher = Kerala Research Programme Centre for Development Studies | access-date = 2009-10-02 | url = http://krpcds.org/report/amita.pdf | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090319060415/http://krpcds.org/report/amita.pdf | archive-date = 2009-03-19 }}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Carex|Carex spp.]]'' – Sedges
*''[[Juncus|Juncus spp.]]'' – Rushes
{{Div col end}}

== Australia ==
[[File:Swamp Oak Forest.jpg|thumb|A riparian zone in [[Western Sydney]]|250px]]
Typical riparian vegetation in temperate New South Wales, [[Australia]] include:
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Acacia melanoxylon]]'' – Blackwood
*''[[Acacia pravissima]]'' – Ovens Wattle
*''[[Acacia rubida]]'' – Red Stem Wattle
*''[[Bursaria lasiophylla]]'' – Blackthorn
*''[[Callistemon citrinus]]'' – Crimson Bottlebrush
*''[[Callistemon sieberi]]'' – River Bottlebrush
*''[[Casuarina cunninghamiana]]'' – River She-Oak
*''[[Eucalyptus bridgesiana]]'' – Apple Box
*''[[Eucalyptus camaldulensis]]'' – River Red Gum
*''[[Eucalyptus melliodora]]'' – Yellow Box
*''[[Eucalyptus viminalis]]'' – Manna Gum
*''[[Kunzea ericoides]]'' – Burgan
*''[[Leptospermum obovatum]]'' – River Tea-Tree
*''[[Melaleuca ericifolia]]'' – Swamp Paperbark
{{Div col end}}

== Central Europe ==
Typical riparian zone trees in [[Central Europe]] include:
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
*''[[Acer campestre]]'' – Field Maple
*''[[Acer pseudoplatanus]]'' – Sycamore Maple
*''[[Alnus glutinosa]]'' – Black Alder
*''[[Carpinus betulus]]'' – European Hornbeam
*''[[Fraxinus excelsior]]'' – European Ash
*''[[Juglans regia]]'' – Persian Walnut
*''[[Malus sylvestris]]'' – European Wild Apple
*''[[Populus alba]]'' – White Poplar
*''[[Populus nigra]]'' – Black Poplar
*''[[Quercus robur]]'' – Pedunculate Oak
*''[[Salix alba]]'' – White Willow
*''[[Salix × fragilis|Salix fragilis]]'' – Crack Willow
*''[[Tilia cordata]]'' – Small-leaved Lime
*''[[Ulmus laevis]]'' – European White Elm
*''[[Ulmus minor]]'' – Field Elm
{{Div col end}}

==Repair and restoration==
Land clearing followed by floods can quickly erode a riverbank, taking valuable grasses and soils downstream, and later allowing the sun to bake the land dry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Types of erosion |url=https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/management/soil/erosion/types |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=www.qld.gov.au |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last1=Dumbrovsky |first1=Miroslav |title=Optimization of Soil Erosion and Flood Control Systems in the Process of Land Consolidation |date=2012-11-21 |url=https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/37815 |work=Research on Soil Erosion |access-date=2023-05-22 |publisher=IntechOpen |language=en |isbn=978-953-51-0839-9 |last2=Korsun |first2=Svatopluk}}</ref> Riparian zones can be restored through relocation (of human-made products), rehabilitation, and time.<ref name=":1" /> [[Natural Sequence Farming]] techniques have been used in the [[Upper Hunter Shire|Upper Hunter]] Valley of [[New South Wales]], Australia, in an attempt to restore eroded farms to optimum productivity rapidly.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Fryirs |first1=Kirstie |last2=Brierley |first2=Gary J. |date=April 2010 |title=Antecedent controls on river character and behaviour in partly confined valley settings: Upper Hunter catchment, NSW, Australia |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.11.015 |journal=Geomorphology |volume=117 |issue=1–2 |pages=106–120 |doi=10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.11.015 |bibcode=2010Geomo.117..106F |issn=0169-555X|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The Natural Sequence Farming technique involves placing obstacles in the water's pathway to lessen the energy of a flood and help the water to deposit soil and [[Seep (hydrology)|seep]] into the flood zone.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Riverbank Restoration {{!}} Helping farmers in Scotland {{!}} Farm Advisory Service |url=https://www.fas.scot/environment/water-management/water-margins-2/riverbank-restoration/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=FAS |language=en-GB}}</ref> Another technique is to quickly establish [[ecological succession]] by encouraging fast-growing plants such as "weeds" ([[pioneer species]]) to grow.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Secondary Succession |url=https://www.vedantu.com/geography/secondary-succession |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=VEDANTU |language=en}}</ref> These may spread along the watercourse and cause [[environmental degradation]], but may stabilize the soil, place carbon into the ground, and protect the land from drying. The weeds will improve the streambeds so trees and grasses can return and, ideally, replace the weeds.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Connell |first1=Joseph H. |last2=Slatyer |first2=Ralph O. |date=1977 |title=Mechanisms of Succession in Natural Communities and Their Role in Community Stability and Organization |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2460259 |journal=The American Naturalist |volume=111 |issue=982 |pages=1119–1144 |doi=10.1086/283241 |jstor=2460259 |bibcode=1977ANat..111.1119C |s2cid=3587878 |issn=0003-0147|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ecological Succession |url=http://yennieapes.weebly.com/ecological-succession.html |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Yennie Ho - Apes :*}}</ref> There are several other techniques used by government and non-government agencies to address riparian and streambed degradation, ranging from the installation of bed control structures such as log sills to the use of pin groynes or rock emplacement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ecological Weed Control |url=https://www.ecofarmingdaily.com/ecological-weed-control/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=EcoFarming Daily |date=12 March 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> Other possible approaches include control of invasive species, monitoring of herbivore activity, and cessation of human activity in a particular zone followed by natural re-vegetation.<ref name="sciencedirect.com">{{Cite journal |last1=González |first1=Eduardo |last2=Felipe-Lucia |first2=María R. |last3=Bourgeois |first3=Bérenger |last4=Boz |first4=Bruno |last5=Nilsson |first5=Christer |last6=Palmer |first6=Grant |last7=Sher |first7=Anna A. |date=2017-07-01 |title=Integrative conservation of riparian zones |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320716306887 |journal=Biological Conservation |series=Small Natural Features |language=en |volume=211 |pages=20–29 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2016.10.035 |bibcode=2017BCons.211...20G |issn=0006-3207|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Conservation efforts have also encouraged incorporating the value of [[ecosystem service]]s provided by riparian zones into management plans, as these benefits have traditionally been absent in the consideration and designing of these plans.<ref name="sciencedirect.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-06-18 |title=Permaculture Design Principle 8 – Accelerating Succession and Evolution |url=https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/permaculture/permaculture-design-principles/8-accelerating-succession-and-evolution/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=Deep Green Permaculture |language=en-US}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" heights="160px">
File:Cottonwood Creek, BLM, Oregon, 1988.jpg|alt=A rocky, brown stream bank mostly bare of vegetation, with a few aspen trees in the background|Cottonwood Creek riparian area in southeastern [[Oregon]] before restoration, 1988
File:Cottonwood Creek, BLM, Oregon, 2000.jpg|alt=The same stream bank lined with short grasses, with more aspen trees in the background|Cottonwood Creek riparian area during recovery, 2000
File:Cottonwood Creek, BLM, Oregon, 2002.jpg|alt=The same stream bank lined with higher grasses that obscure most of the water, with a thicker aspen grove behind|Cottonwood Creek riparian area after restoration, 2002
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Environment|Ecology|Earth sciences|Wetlands}}
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Accropode]]
* [[Aquatic ecosystem]]
* [[Bioswale]]
* [[Bosque]]
* [[Canebrake]]
* [[Constructed wetland]]
* [[Endorheic basin]]
* [[Flood-meadow]]
* [[Floodplain]]
* [[Freshwater swamp forest]]
* [[Gallery forest]]
* [[Green belt]]
* [[Marsh]]
* [[Outwelling]]
* [[Riparian water rights]]
* [[Riparian-zone restoration]]
* [[Riprap]]
* [[Várzea forest]]
* [[Vernal pool]]
* [[Vulnerable waters]]
* [[Water-meadow]]
* [[Wetland]]
{{Div col end}}
{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{Refbegin|40em}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Nakasone|first1= H.|last2= Kuroda|first2= H.|last3= Kato|first3= T. |last4 =Tabuchi |first4=T. |date=2003|title= Nitrogen removal from water containing high nitrate nitrogen in a paddy field (wetland)|journal=Water Science and Technology| volume=48|issue=10|pages=209–216|doi=10.2166/wst.2003.0576|pmid= 15137172|bibcode= 2003WSTec..48..209N}}
* {{cite journal|last1=Mengis|first1=M.|last2=Schif|first2=S. L.|last3=Harris|first3=M.|last4=English|first4=M. C.|last5=Aravena|first5=R.|last6=Elgood|first6=R. J.|last7=MacLean|first7=A.|title=Multiple Geochemical and Isotopic Approaches for Assessing Ground Water NO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> Elimination in a Riparian Zone|journal=Ground Water|date=1999|volume=37|issue=3|pages=448–457|doi=10.1111/j.1745-6584.1999.tb01124.x|bibcode=1999GrWat..37..448M |s2cid=131501907 }}
*Parkyn, Stephanie. (2004). ''Review of Riparian Buffer Zone Effectiveness''. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand), www.maf.govt.nz/publications.
* {{cite journal|last1=Tang|first1=C.|last2=Azuma|first2=K.|last3=Iwami|first3=Y.|last4=Ohji|first4=B.|last5=Sakura|first5=Y.|title=Nitrate behaviour in the groundwater of a headwater wetland, Chiba, Japan|journal=Hydrological Processes|date=2004|volume=18|issue=16|pages=3159–3168|doi=10.1002/hyp.5755|bibcode=2004HyPr...18.3159T|s2cid=129664003 }}
*[http://nac.unl.edu/tools/riparianbibliography.htm Riparian Bibliography, National Agroforestry Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424001523/http://nac.unl.edu/tools/riparianbibliography.htm |date=2015-04-24 }}
*[http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/index.html Conservation Buffer Design Guidelines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512105645/http://nac.unl.edu/buffers/index.html |date=2015-05-12 }}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Riparian forests}}
*[http://nac.unl.edu/practices/riparianforestbuffers.htm Riparian Forest Buffers, National Agroforestry Center] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529225708/http://nac.unl.edu/practices/riparianforestbuffers.htm |date=2016-05-29 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090319060415/http://krpcds.org/report/amita.pdf Dissertation on riparian vegetation of Chalakudy River]
*[https://archive.today/20121212224326/https://www.denix.osd.mil/denix/Public/ES-Programs/Conservation/Legacy/Riparian/riparian2.html Restoration strategies for riparian habitats, U.S. military]
*[http://www.blm.gov/or/programs/nrst/index.php# National Riparian Service Team, Bureau of Land Management]
*[http://riparianhabitatrestoration.ca/LAME/lvw.htm Riparian Habitat Restoration in the Las Vegas Wash]
*[http://www.health.state.nd.us/rrbrp/ Red River Basin Riparian Project]
*[http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/library/forst2/mf2724.pdf Riparian Forest Buffers, Kansas State University]{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{Internet Archive short film|id=org.centerforagroforestry.practices.2|name=Agroforestry Practices – Riparian Forest Buffers (2004)}}

{{River morphology}}
{{Aquatic ecosystem topics}}
{{Biomes}}
{{Wetlands}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Riparian Zone}}
[[Category:Riparian zone| ]]
[[Category:Terrestrial biomes]]
[[Category:Environmental conservation]]
[[Category:Hydrology]]
[[Category:Water streams]]
[[Category:Rivers]]
[[Category:Habitats]]
[[Category:Habitat]]
[[Category:Water and the environment]]
[[Category:Freshwater ecology]]