ABSTRACT

In recent decades, the role of vegetation on river morphodynamics become evident and in certain cases, riparian trees are recognized as a promising alternative for a more sustainable river management. In this study we analyse the interaction between riparian trees and sedimentation in a sandy river reach located in the central part of Chile. Introduced and native tree species that occupied the land-water interphase at near bank full conditions were identified and characterized, and their effects on river sedimentation processes during floods was analysed through sediment sampling. Riparian trees belonging to the Salix genus were the only species found at the land-water interphase. Obtained results show that the presence of vegetation significantly increases the sedimented fines, suggesting that Salix are suitable for their use as nature-based solutions for river stabilization measurements, such as the reduction of bank erosion.