Revegetation Strategies for Water-Level Fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region

• Main Authors: LU Zhi-jun, JIANG Ming-xi
• Format: Publication
• Language: English
• Published: Chongqing Normal University 2012
• Subjects: rehabilitation; restoration ecology; Three Gorges Reservoir; water-level fluctuation zone

After the full functioning of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), the hydrologic regime will be markedly changed and most of the pre-dam vegetation in the new Water-Level Fluctuation Zone (WLFZ) may fail to persist. How to revegetate WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region (TGRR) has become a hot topic for the scientific community and the governments. Based on review of scientific literature and the findings of our research, we here bring forward a scheme addressing strategies for revegetation of WLFZ of TGRR. Firstly, monitor vegetation dynamics based on permanent plots along the Three Gorges upstream from TGD, potentially providing suitable plants for the future revegetation plans. Secondly, examine the potential of soil seed bank for revegetation of the above-ground vegetation, and evaluate self-regeneration of the post-dam vegetation. Based on these data, select suitable plants for revegetation that integrate desirable physiological and life-history traits.Specifically, wetland vegetation could be constructed with lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and aquatic plants. For sites with gentle terrain and fairly hospitable soil conditions, vertical planting of trees, shrubs and grasses / forbs along the elevation gradient could be considered. To attain the sustainable vegetation cover, the newly artificial vegetation should be monitored for at least 5 years.