The Experts below are selected from a list of 11571 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
A. Evette - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Seeding dynamics from a local seed mixture on a bioengineered Riverbank protection structure
Environmental Management, 2019Co-Authors: M. Weissgerber, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, F. Jacob, G. Huyghe, A. EvetteAbstract:Restoration of Riverbanks through soil bioengineering techniques allows managers to combine Riverbank stability and riparian ecosystem functioning. This restoration often involves the sowing of a seed mixture, which helps develop herbaceous vegetation. This development and sufficient vegetation cover are essential for protection against erosion and for hosting biodiversity, two of the main goals of Riverbank bioengineering. Restoration aims at recreating ecosystems closer to an undisturbed state; choosing seed mixtures of local provenance is therefore encouraged. In this study, we investigated the local seed mixture sown on bioengineered Riverbanks and the conditions influencing the first steps of plant development, so as to delineate the setting favoring restoration. We focused on the composition of the seed mixture and germination capacity as well as the effect of sowing density and soil quality on vegetation cover and diversity. We tested four sowing densities: 5,10, 15, and 30 g.m
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Soil bioengineering techniques enhance riparian habitat quality and multi-taxonomic diversity in the foothills of the Alps and Jura Mountains
Ecological Engineering, 2019Co-Authors: P Janssen, P Cavaillé, F. Bray, A. EvetteAbstract:Riparian zones have disproportional ecological importance relative to their size. For decades, the functionality of riparian zones has been altered, with detrimental consequences on biodiversity. Recently, riparian zone restoration has become a major issue. When channel mobility cannot be restored and when erosion control is of primary concern, soil bioengineering techniques are often viewed as a compromise solution. We studied 37 Riverbanks, from civil engineering to soil bioengineering, plus natural willow stands, in the foothills of the Alps and Jura Mountains. Using a principal component analysis, we first studied whether terrestrial and aquatic habitat variables varied among Riverbank stabilization structures and bank stabilization age and built a synthetic index of riparian habitat quality reflecting the multivariate similarity of Riverbank sites. Then, using a modelling approach, we tested whether multi-taxonomic diversity responded to changes in habitat quality and to broadscale environmental variables (i.e., climate, hydrology and land cover). Soil bioengineering techniques, especially willow fascines and to lower extend vegetated crib wall, enhanced riparian habitat quality by allowing for a greater richness and density of pioneer tree species but also for a larger cover of high quality aquatic micro-habitats. This increase in riparian habitat quality induced an increase in both terrestrial and aquatic species diversity, highlighting the added-value of soil bioengineering techniques to restore riparian biodiversity. This may confirm that stabilization structures made of willow fascines are better suited than stabilization structures made of artificial substrata to support riparian species. Also, beyond the positive effect of soil bioengineering techniques for riparian biodiversity, we found that climatic, hydrological and land cover variables strongly influenced diversity patterns. Thus, multi-taxonomic diversity decreased along larger rivers and in landscapes dominated by urban areas. This may indicate that the full added value of soil bioengineering techniques for biodiversity will only become apparent if more attention is paid to mitigating the negative impact of human activities in the vicinity of riparian zones and if larger scale environmental parameters are taken into account as early as possible in restoration project. Therefore, we strongly recommend that Riverbank restoration projects, based on the active introduction of native pioneer tree species, should be planned at the catchment scale.
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Innovation and Challenges for Soil bioengineering in a Changing World
2018Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Janssen, A Recking, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S LebloisAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old nature based solutions and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of mimicking nature to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a nature based solution for assuming both erosion control and main ecological functions of Riverbanks, and are thus promising in the achievement of these complex human goals in a context of global change.
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Innovation and challenges for soil bioengineering in a changing world
2017Co-Authors: A. EvetteAbstract:Riverbanks are very old techniques that are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a tool for ecological restoration, and are promising in the achievement of complex human goals on Riverbanks in a context of global change.
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Soil bioengineering: trade-off between erosion control and other ecological functions of the Riverbanks
2016Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S Leblois, N. Daumergue, G. Favier, A ReckingAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a tool for ecological restoration, and are promising in the achievement of complex human goals on Riverbanks in a context of global change.
André Evette - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Higher structural connectivity and resistance against invasions of soil bioengineering over hard-engineering for Riverbank stabilisation
Wetlands Ecology and Management, 2020Co-Authors: François-marie Martin, Philippe Janssen, Laurent Bergès, Blandine Dupont, André EvetteAbstract:Riparian corridors play an important role for the maintenance of regional biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Riparian forests are even the only semi-natural vegetation strips remaining in many agricultural or urbanised landscapes. In such landscapes, the spatial continuity of riparian vegetation is frequently broken by the construction of stabilisation structures engineered for erosion control. Here, we examined the effects of different Riverbank stabilisation structures—fascines (soil bioengineering), ripraps (hard engineering), and mixed-technique (lower-bank ripraps with upper-bank plantings)—on the structural connectivity of their respective Riverbanks. We first revisited previously studied stabilisation structures to extend their vegetation sampling to their adjacent Riverbanks. Then, for each type of stabilisation structure, we compared community composition, richness and abundance of native and invasive alien species (IAS), and cover of vegetation strata (herbaceous, shrub and tree) between stabilised embankments and their upstream and downstream banks. Results indicated that, although the composition of fascine banks differed from that of their adjacent Riverbanks, they fitted nicely in the structural continuity of their riparian surroundings. Differences were likely explained by the proportion of fast-growing woody species (e.g. willows) planted in fascines, which also induced strong reductions in IAS richness and abundances; i.e. propagule “sinks”. Conversely, ripraps broke the structural continuity of Riverbanks and were heavily dominated by IAS while mixed-technique banks displayed intermediate characteristics. Consequently, we argued that fascines may be the Riverbank stabilisation structures displaying highest ecological benefits in terms of habitat quality and connectivity and should be preferred over the other investigated engineering techniques.
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Seeding Dynamics from a Local Seed Mixture on a Bioengineered Riverbank Protection Structure
Environmental Management, 2019Co-Authors: M. Weissgerber, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, F. Jacob, G. Huyghe, André EvetteAbstract:Restoration of Riverbanks through soil bioengineering techniques allows managers to combine Riverbank stability and riparian ecosystem functioning. This restoration often involves the sowing of a seed mixture, which helps develop herbaceous vegetation. This development and sufficient vegetation cover are essential for protection against erosion and for hosting biodiversity, two of the main goals of Riverbank bioengineering. Restoration aims at recreating ecosystems closer to an undisturbed state; choosing seed mixtures of local provenance is therefore encouraged. In this study, we investigated the local seed mixture sown on bioengineered Riverbanks and the conditions influencing the first steps of plant development, so as to delineate the setting favoring restoration. We focused on the composition of the seed mixture and germination capacity as well as the effect of sowing density and soil quality on vegetation cover and diversity. We tested four sowing densities: 5, 10, 15, and 30 g.m^−1. The seed mixture presented considerable diversity and germination rates were heterogeneous. Sowing density had a positive impact on vegetation cover and diversity, and high cover up to 100% was rapidly reached. Soil quality did not affect vegetation diversity but had a significant effect on vegetation cover, with the nutrient content, notably nitrogen, most probably involved.
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Influence of Riverbank stabilization techniques on taxonomic and functional macrobenthic communities
Hydrobiologia, 2017Co-Authors: Paul Cavaillé, Bernard Dumont, Kris Van Looy, Mathieu Floury, Eric Tabacchi, André EvetteAbstract:Riverbank erosion is linked to increasing risks in piedmont areas due to urbanization and hydromorphological alterations of rivers. Changes in riparian vegetation and in sediment dynamics modify aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. In this context, Riverbank stabilization is a major issue in the conservation of stream ecosystem functioning. In this study, we aimed at assessing the impacts of Riverbank stabilization techniques on the taxonomic and functional properties of benthic macroinvertebrate communities living in alpine mountain streams. For this purpose, the effects of four Riverbank stabilization techniques (riprap, mixed, cribwall, and fascine) on the taxonomic richness and biological traits involved in the main ecological processes were tested and compared with natural bank conditions. Overall, the macroinvertebrate richness was lower in stabilized banks than in natural conditions, and communities welcomed on natural banks were significantly different from those found on managed banks. The biological trait composition such as “maximum potential size,” “life cycle duration,” “reproduction,” “feeding habits,” and “trophic status” differed significantly among Riverbanks, especially between natural banks and the riprap, mixed, and cribwall trio. In a context of macroinvertebrate biodiversity and functional restoration, we can advocate the fascine technique as the most suitable technique tested.
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functional and taxonomic plant diversity for Riverbank protection works bioengineering techniques close to natural banks and beyond hard engineering
Journal of Environmental Management, 2015Co-Authors: Paul Cavaillé, Eric Tabacchi, Leon Ducasse, Vincent Breton, Fanny Dommanget, André EvetteAbstract:Erosion control is a major issue in the Prealps region since piedmont is subject to both intense flood hazards and anthropic pressure. Riverbank protections may have major impacts on local ecosystem functioning and ecological corridor continuity. This study aimed to estimate the effects of the types of Riverbank protection technique (from pure riprap to pure bioengineering) on the taxonomic and ecological composition of plant communities in comparison with unmanaged Riverbanks as the referential system. Thirty-eight embankments were sampled in the foothills of the French and Swiss Alps. Four distinct Riverbank techniques were analyzed and natural young willow stands were chosen as the referential system. At each site, vegetation was sampled along three transects from the waterline to the top of the Riverbank. Plant communities were characterized using biological group composition (growth forms and life history, life strategies and distribution in space and time) and functional diversity indices (MFAD, FDc and wFDc). We identified 177 distinct plant species on 38 sites. Higher species richness levels were observed on bioengineered banks (from an average of 12 species recorded on ripraps to 27 species recorded on bioengineered banks) strongly dominated by Salicaceae species, especially for fascine and cribwall banks. Functional analyses of plant communities highlighted significant differences among bank types (p-value: 0.001) for all selected biological groups. Competitive - ruderal strategy, rooting shoots, stems or leaves that lie down or break off, and unisexual - dioecious, as well as pioneer plants and low shrubs (<4 m tall) distinguished bioengineered bank types. Functional diversity indices confirmed these differences among bank types (MFAD: p-value: 0.002; FDc: p-value: 0.003; wFDc: p-value: 0.005). Riprap always showed the lowest levels on functional diversity indices, fascine and cribwall banks were at the medium level and finally mixed and natural banks the highest level. These results confirm the low ecological potential of purely hard engineering techniques and highlight the similarity of bioengineered techniques and unmanaged Riverbanks.
P Cavaillé - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Soil bioengineering techniques enhance riparian habitat quality and multi-taxonomic diversity in the foothills of the Alps and Jura Mountains
Ecological Engineering, 2019Co-Authors: P Janssen, P Cavaillé, F. Bray, A. EvetteAbstract:Riparian zones have disproportional ecological importance relative to their size. For decades, the functionality of riparian zones has been altered, with detrimental consequences on biodiversity. Recently, riparian zone restoration has become a major issue. When channel mobility cannot be restored and when erosion control is of primary concern, soil bioengineering techniques are often viewed as a compromise solution. We studied 37 Riverbanks, from civil engineering to soil bioengineering, plus natural willow stands, in the foothills of the Alps and Jura Mountains. Using a principal component analysis, we first studied whether terrestrial and aquatic habitat variables varied among Riverbank stabilization structures and bank stabilization age and built a synthetic index of riparian habitat quality reflecting the multivariate similarity of Riverbank sites. Then, using a modelling approach, we tested whether multi-taxonomic diversity responded to changes in habitat quality and to broadscale environmental variables (i.e., climate, hydrology and land cover). Soil bioengineering techniques, especially willow fascines and to lower extend vegetated crib wall, enhanced riparian habitat quality by allowing for a greater richness and density of pioneer tree species but also for a larger cover of high quality aquatic micro-habitats. This increase in riparian habitat quality induced an increase in both terrestrial and aquatic species diversity, highlighting the added-value of soil bioengineering techniques to restore riparian biodiversity. This may confirm that stabilization structures made of willow fascines are better suited than stabilization structures made of artificial substrata to support riparian species. Also, beyond the positive effect of soil bioengineering techniques for riparian biodiversity, we found that climatic, hydrological and land cover variables strongly influenced diversity patterns. Thus, multi-taxonomic diversity decreased along larger rivers and in landscapes dominated by urban areas. This may indicate that the full added value of soil bioengineering techniques for biodiversity will only become apparent if more attention is paid to mitigating the negative impact of human activities in the vicinity of riparian zones and if larger scale environmental parameters are taken into account as early as possible in restoration project. Therefore, we strongly recommend that Riverbank restoration projects, based on the active introduction of native pioneer tree species, should be planned at the catchment scale.
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Innovation and Challenges for Soil bioengineering in a Changing World
2018Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Janssen, A Recking, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S LebloisAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old nature based solutions and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of mimicking nature to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a nature based solution for assuming both erosion control and main ecological functions of Riverbanks, and are thus promising in the achievement of these complex human goals in a context of global change.
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Soil bioengineering: trade-off between erosion control and other ecological functions of the Riverbanks
2016Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S Leblois, N. Daumergue, G. Favier, A ReckingAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a tool for ecological restoration, and are promising in the achievement of complex human goals on Riverbanks in a context of global change.
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Functional and taxonomic plant diversity for Riverbank protection works: bioengineering techniques close to natural banks and beyond hard engineering
Journal of Environmental Management, 2015Co-Authors: P Cavaillé, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, Laure Ducasse, E. Tabacchi, A. EvetteAbstract:Erosion control is a major issue in the Prealps region since piedmont is subject to both intense flood hazards and anthropic pressure. Riverbank protections may have major impacts on local ecosystem functioning and ecological corridor continuity. This study aimed to estimate the effects of the types of Riverbank protection technique (from pure riprap to pure bioengineering) on the taxonomic and ecological composition of plant communities in comparison with unmanaged Riverbanks as the referential system. Thirty-eight embankments were sampled in the foothills of the French and Swiss Alps. Four distinct Riverbank techniques were analyzed and natural young willow stands were chosen as the referential system. At each site, vegetation was sampled along three transects from the waterline to the top of the Riverbank. Plant communities were characterized using biological group composition (growth forms and life history, life strategies and distribution in space and time) and functional diversity indices (MFAD, FDc and wFDc). We identified 177 distinct plant species on 38 sites. Higher species richness levels were observed on bioengineered banks (from an average of 12 species recorded on ripraps to 27 species recorded on bioengineered banks) strongly dominated by Salicaceae species, especially for fascine and cribwall banks. Functional analyses of plant communities highlighted significant differences among bank types (p-value: 0.001) for all selected biological groups. Competitive - ruderal strategy, rooting shoots, stems or leaves that lie down or break off, and unisexual - dioecious, as well as pioneer plants and low shrubs (
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Soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection: ancestral techniques facing the new challenges of sustainable management in a changing world
2013Co-Authors: A. Evette, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, N. Daumergue, S. Labonne, F. EspinasseAbstract:Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old and have been used for centuries throughout the world. Known from Antiquity, they were largely developed during the 18th and mostly 19th centuries with the production of a number of technical guides in several countries. A bit forgotten during part of the 20th century, they are currently being revived and are expanding. These techniques are designed to achieve two objectives simultaneously, which earlier could be considered as paradoxical, first to protect anthropic investment from erosion and secondly to fulfil essential ecological functions such as ecological corridors or biodiversity support. Soil bioengineering techniques are both artificial protection works and ecological restoration techniques. We conducted studies on Prealps Riverbanks in Western Europe and have shown that these techniques can simultaneously ensure a high level of mechanical erosion control and contain a high level of plant and animal biodiversity. In some cases, these techniques can even favour endangered species. Furthermore, Riverbank soil bioengineering techniques can limit the development of exotic invasive species, which are especially numerous along river stretches. In a context of climate change, they may also offer solutions to restoring riparian woodland with species or populations adapted to harsh drought. Soil bioengineering techniques are therefore promising in the achievement of complex human goals on Riverbanks in a context of global change.
Françoise Dommanget - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Seeding Dynamics from a Local Seed Mixture on a Bioengineered Riverbank Protection Structure
Environmental Management, 2019Co-Authors: M. Weissgerber, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, F. Jacob, G. Huyghe, André EvetteAbstract:Restoration of Riverbanks through soil bioengineering techniques allows managers to combine Riverbank stability and riparian ecosystem functioning. This restoration often involves the sowing of a seed mixture, which helps develop herbaceous vegetation. This development and sufficient vegetation cover are essential for protection against erosion and for hosting biodiversity, two of the main goals of Riverbank bioengineering. Restoration aims at recreating ecosystems closer to an undisturbed state; choosing seed mixtures of local provenance is therefore encouraged. In this study, we investigated the local seed mixture sown on bioengineered Riverbanks and the conditions influencing the first steps of plant development, so as to delineate the setting favoring restoration. We focused on the composition of the seed mixture and germination capacity as well as the effect of sowing density and soil quality on vegetation cover and diversity. We tested four sowing densities: 5, 10, 15, and 30 g.m^−1. The seed mixture presented considerable diversity and germination rates were heterogeneous. Sowing density had a positive impact on vegetation cover and diversity, and high cover up to 100% was rapidly reached. Soil quality did not affect vegetation diversity but had a significant effect on vegetation cover, with the nutrient content, notably nitrogen, most probably involved.
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Seeding dynamics from a local seed mixture on a bioengineered Riverbank protection structure
Environmental Management, 2019Co-Authors: M. Weissgerber, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, F. Jacob, G. Huyghe, A. EvetteAbstract:Restoration of Riverbanks through soil bioengineering techniques allows managers to combine Riverbank stability and riparian ecosystem functioning. This restoration often involves the sowing of a seed mixture, which helps develop herbaceous vegetation. This development and sufficient vegetation cover are essential for protection against erosion and for hosting biodiversity, two of the main goals of Riverbank bioengineering. Restoration aims at recreating ecosystems closer to an undisturbed state; choosing seed mixtures of local provenance is therefore encouraged. In this study, we investigated the local seed mixture sown on bioengineered Riverbanks and the conditions influencing the first steps of plant development, so as to delineate the setting favoring restoration. We focused on the composition of the seed mixture and germination capacity as well as the effect of sowing density and soil quality on vegetation cover and diversity. We tested four sowing densities: 5,10, 15, and 30 g.m
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Innovation and Challenges for Soil bioengineering in a Changing World
2018Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Janssen, A Recking, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S LebloisAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old nature based solutions and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of mimicking nature to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a nature based solution for assuming both erosion control and main ecological functions of Riverbanks, and are thus promising in the achievement of these complex human goals in a context of global change.
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Soil bioengineering: trade-off between erosion control and other ecological functions of the Riverbanks
2016Co-Authors: A. Evette, Renaud Jaunatre, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, P Cavaillé, C Lavaine, S Leblois, N. Daumergue, G. Favier, A ReckingAbstract:Riverbanks are assuming a large number of important ecological functions: biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, ecological corridors, biomass production, water purification, temperature regulation, flood control, and recreation. Besides hard engineering, soil bioengineering techniques for Riverbank protection are very old and have been used for centuries throughout the world. First thought of to fulfil the function of erosion control, soil bioengineering techniques are now also formed to assume some of the other important ecological functions of Riverbanks. Using mostly concepts and tools from restoration and functional ecology (but also from engineering and hydraulic), we conducted a set of studies and experiments (in greenhouse and on real works) that aimed at characterising and maximising the contribution of Riverbank bioengineering techniques to some of these ecological functions, including biodiversity support, resistance to invasion, resistance to drought and erosion control. We assessed the capability of several types of managed and mineral Riverbank to support both common (terrestrial plants and beetles, macrobenthic communities) and endangered biodiversity (Myricaria germanica and Typha minima). Regarding resistance to invasion, we studied the potential of bioengineering techniques to resist to the pressure of an invasive rodent (Myocastor coypu), and to outcompete Japanese knotweeds. Summer drought should increase with climate change, and is a major threat for bioengineering success; we then studied the resistance of Salicaceae and Tamaricaceae populations to harsh drought. Finally we worked to maximize erosion control function of these techniques by implementing bioengineering works in steep slope rivers (5-10%), and by assessing past shear stress resistance to flood. Our results show that soil bioengineering techniques can be definitely thought as a tool for ecological restoration, and are promising in the achievement of complex human goals on Riverbanks in a context of global change.
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Functional and taxonomic plant diversity for Riverbank protection works: bioengineering techniques close to natural banks and beyond hard engineering
Journal of Environmental Management, 2015Co-Authors: P Cavaillé, Françoise Dommanget, V Breton, Laure Ducasse, E. Tabacchi, A. EvetteAbstract:Erosion control is a major issue in the Prealps region since piedmont is subject to both intense flood hazards and anthropic pressure. Riverbank protections may have major impacts on local ecosystem functioning and ecological corridor continuity. This study aimed to estimate the effects of the types of Riverbank protection technique (from pure riprap to pure bioengineering) on the taxonomic and ecological composition of plant communities in comparison with unmanaged Riverbanks as the referential system. Thirty-eight embankments were sampled in the foothills of the French and Swiss Alps. Four distinct Riverbank techniques were analyzed and natural young willow stands were chosen as the referential system. At each site, vegetation was sampled along three transects from the waterline to the top of the Riverbank. Plant communities were characterized using biological group composition (growth forms and life history, life strategies and distribution in space and time) and functional diversity indices (MFAD, FDc and wFDc). We identified 177 distinct plant species on 38 sites. Higher species richness levels were observed on bioengineered banks (from an average of 12 species recorded on ripraps to 27 species recorded on bioengineered banks) strongly dominated by Salicaceae species, especially for fascine and cribwall banks. Functional analyses of plant communities highlighted significant differences among bank types (p-value: 0.001) for all selected biological groups. Competitive - ruderal strategy, rooting shoots, stems or leaves that lie down or break off, and unisexual - dioecious, as well as pioneer plants and low shrubs (
Paul Cavaillé - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Influence of Riverbank stabilization techniques on taxonomic and functional macrobenthic communities
Hydrobiologia, 2017Co-Authors: Paul Cavaillé, Bernard Dumont, Kris Van Looy, Mathieu Floury, Eric Tabacchi, André EvetteAbstract:Riverbank erosion is linked to increasing risks in piedmont areas due to urbanization and hydromorphological alterations of rivers. Changes in riparian vegetation and in sediment dynamics modify aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. In this context, Riverbank stabilization is a major issue in the conservation of stream ecosystem functioning. In this study, we aimed at assessing the impacts of Riverbank stabilization techniques on the taxonomic and functional properties of benthic macroinvertebrate communities living in alpine mountain streams. For this purpose, the effects of four Riverbank stabilization techniques (riprap, mixed, cribwall, and fascine) on the taxonomic richness and biological traits involved in the main ecological processes were tested and compared with natural bank conditions. Overall, the macroinvertebrate richness was lower in stabilized banks than in natural conditions, and communities welcomed on natural banks were significantly different from those found on managed banks. The biological trait composition such as “maximum potential size,” “life cycle duration,” “reproduction,” “feeding habits,” and “trophic status” differed significantly among Riverbanks, especially between natural banks and the riprap, mixed, and cribwall trio. In a context of macroinvertebrate biodiversity and functional restoration, we can advocate the fascine technique as the most suitable technique tested.
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functional and taxonomic plant diversity for Riverbank protection works bioengineering techniques close to natural banks and beyond hard engineering
Journal of Environmental Management, 2015Co-Authors: Paul Cavaillé, Eric Tabacchi, Leon Ducasse, Vincent Breton, Fanny Dommanget, André EvetteAbstract:Erosion control is a major issue in the Prealps region since piedmont is subject to both intense flood hazards and anthropic pressure. Riverbank protections may have major impacts on local ecosystem functioning and ecological corridor continuity. This study aimed to estimate the effects of the types of Riverbank protection technique (from pure riprap to pure bioengineering) on the taxonomic and ecological composition of plant communities in comparison with unmanaged Riverbanks as the referential system. Thirty-eight embankments were sampled in the foothills of the French and Swiss Alps. Four distinct Riverbank techniques were analyzed and natural young willow stands were chosen as the referential system. At each site, vegetation was sampled along three transects from the waterline to the top of the Riverbank. Plant communities were characterized using biological group composition (growth forms and life history, life strategies and distribution in space and time) and functional diversity indices (MFAD, FDc and wFDc). We identified 177 distinct plant species on 38 sites. Higher species richness levels were observed on bioengineered banks (from an average of 12 species recorded on ripraps to 27 species recorded on bioengineered banks) strongly dominated by Salicaceae species, especially for fascine and cribwall banks. Functional analyses of plant communities highlighted significant differences among bank types (p-value: 0.001) for all selected biological groups. Competitive - ruderal strategy, rooting shoots, stems or leaves that lie down or break off, and unisexual - dioecious, as well as pioneer plants and low shrubs (<4 m tall) distinguished bioengineered bank types. Functional diversity indices confirmed these differences among bank types (MFAD: p-value: 0.002; FDc: p-value: 0.003; wFDc: p-value: 0.005). Riprap always showed the lowest levels on functional diversity indices, fascine and cribwall banks were at the medium level and finally mixed and natural banks the highest level. These results confirm the low ecological potential of purely hard engineering techniques and highlight the similarity of bioengineered techniques and unmanaged Riverbanks.
