Agricultural practices alter function and structure of macroinvertebrate communities in Patagonian piedmont streams
- Horak, Cristina Natalia
- Assef, Yanina Andrea
- Grech, Marta Gladys
- Miserendino, Maria Laura
DOIAbstract
The intensification of agricultural practices is impacting on Piedmont streams in Patagonia and concern exists regarding the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated changes in water quality, habitat and riparian condition, and macroinvertebrate community attributes at three small streams during high- and low-water periods. The upper reaches of streams consisted of well-conserved riparian forest where agricultural impact was minimal, while different production systems affected lower stream-reaches. Significant changes in water quality were indicated by increases in nutrient levels, conductivity, total suspended solids, and bacteria (E. coli) at spatial scale. These were mostly associated with livestock, pasture, and horticul...
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