Wetlands and riparian buffer zones in landscape functioning

Abstract

According to the main landscape functions -productional (economic), regulatory (ecological), and social (informative) functions -the role of wetlands and riparian buffers regarding landscape functioning is analysed. An analysis of the literature and authors' earlier research results and experience has been used to highlight these functions. Special focus is devoted to the regulation of nutrient fluxes by wetlands and riparian buffer zones at landscape level. Examples from Estonia are used to illustrate the relevance of wetlands and riparian buffers in landscapes. © 2007 Springer Netherlands.