The Impact of the Rural Land-Use on the Ecological Integrity of the Intermittent Streams of the Mediterranean 2000 Natura Network

The main objective was to understand the impact of the neighbouring land-use and of water pollution on the integrity of the riparian vegetation in intermittent Mediterranean streams of the 2000 Natura network in a rural area. The ecological integrity of the riparian vegetation of intermittent streams in the Mediterranean was negatively associated with the aquatic NH4 + concentration, which might a consequence of direct and indirect effects. There was a significant increase in frequency of exotic shrub species with increasing PO4 3− concentration in stream waters and high NO3 − concentrations in stream waters did not affected the QBR index or its components. Despite occupying a large area, pastures were not a source of eutrophication elements to the stream waters. Agricultural practices close to streams i.e. < 200 m, should be avoided. When the latter is not possible a well established native vegetation buffers should surround such areas.