University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Influence of riparian forest buffers on macroinvertebrate and fish community structure in Illinois agricultural streams

Effert, Eden, L.; Wahl, David H.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/77740

Description

Title
Influence of riparian forest buffers on macroinvertebrate and fish community structure in Illinois agricultural streams
Author(s)
  • Effert, Eden, L.
  • Wahl, David H.
Issue Date
2010-07-28
Keyword(s)
  • Macroinvertebrate populations
  •  fish communities
  •  riparian forests
Abstract
This study examines nine agricultural headwater streams in lllinois with a gradient of riparian forest (range from 16-92%) to determine the effect of riparian forest and agricultural land use on stream community structure. Sampling was conducted seasonally to investigate temporal patterns in community structure related to land use, in-stream habitat, and water quality parameters. Over two years of sampling have been completed and results suggest macroinvertebrate and fish community structure are sensitive to agricultural influences at both the riparian zone and watershed scale. Macroinvertebrate and fish abundances were highest in streams with the lowest percent riparian forest and highest percent watershed agriculture. In contrast, streams with the highest percent riparian forest had the highest biotic integrity and most complex trophic structure. Results of this study provide information on the influence of riparian forest on stream ecosystems and have implications for managing and restoring riparian areas in Illinois agricultural watersheds.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Series/Report Name or Number
Technical Report INHS 2010 (30)
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/77740
Copyright and License Information
This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.