The Effect of Construction on the Slope Vegetation of Paddy Levees

Abstract

I investigated the slope vegetation of the paddy levees in Awaji Island, Hyogo prefecture in order to clarify the effect of construction on the slope vegetation. The investigated paddy levees were divided into three based on the condition of construction; the traditional levees, restored levees and consolidated levees. Species diversity was the highest in traditional levees, middle in restored levees and the lowest in consolidated levees. In species composition, the traditional levees and restored levees were similar, but that of consolidated levees was different from other types. There were many species of short-distance dispersal type in restored levees, but not in consolidated levees. The original surface soil is used in restored levees, but not consolidated levees. There are species sources near restored levees, but not consolidated levees. This study clarifies that the differences of such construction method are bringing about differences between the vegetation of restored levees and that of consolidated levees.