Distribution of Stream-Edge Vegetation Along a Gradient of Current Velocity

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Abstract
(1) Natural physical disturbance plays an important role in shaping plant community structure along streams. It is difficult to integrate all types and scales of disturbance in a single measure. Current velocity at the surface in mid-stream was used as an estimate and floristic patterns in the aquatic and riparian plant communities were examined along the gradient thus obtained. The study was made along a northern Swedish stream. (2) The number of species in the water reached a peak at an intermediate current velocity, whereas that in the riparian belt showed an overall increase with current velocity. (3) In both habitats substratum changed from mainly organic to inorganic at an intermediate current velocity. The zone where substratum changed coincided with the major change between communities. Here utilization of space was at its maximum. The role of site disturbance in producing these patterns is discussed. (4) It is suggested that soil analyses alone may be useful for identifying disturbance gradients associated with both flow and wave action along a watercourse.

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