The influences of leaf characteristics on stream invertebrate communities were investigated to improve the basis for selecting plants for riparian management to enhance stream invertebrate abundance and biodiversity. Invertebrate colonisation of leaves of five native and five exotic riparian plants were compared over 4 months in field experiments in a New Zealand pasture stream and adjacent channels, and laboratory experiments...

The factors influencing in‐stream disintegration and uptake of dissolved nutrients by leaves were investigated to improve the basis for selecting plants for riparian management. Leaves from five introduced and five New Zealand native plants were studied in 12 streamside channels and a natural stream. Fallen, air‐dried leaves were tethered in packs attached to tiles in the channels and stream, and measured for mass loss, nitrog...

The effects of shade on periphyton and invertebrates were investigated by comparisons in 12 replicate channels beside a pasture stream where shade cloth reduced the photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) by 0, 60, 90, and 98%. Periphytic productivity decreased with increasing shade. Periphyton chlorophyll a was consistently low ( −2 ) under 98 and 90% shade and usually low at 60% shade, whereas blooms were common during...