Soil Properties, Processes, Ecological Services and Management Practices of Mediterranean Riparian Systems

Pasquale Napoletano (), Noureddine Guezgouz, Lorenza Parato, Rosa Maisto, Imen Benradia, Sarra Benredjem, Teresa Rosaria Verde and Anna De Marco ()
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Pasquale Napoletano: Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, 50144 Florence, Italy
Noureddine Guezgouz: Department of Biology, University of Mohamed Cherif Messaadia, Souk-Ahras 41100, Algeria
Lorenza Parato: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Rosa Maisto: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Imen Benradia: Department of Biology, University of Mohamed Cherif Messaadia, Souk-Ahras 41100, Algeria
Sarra Benredjem: Department of Biology, University of Mohamed Cherif Messaadia, Souk-Ahras 41100, Algeria
Teresa Rosaria Verde: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Anna De Marco: Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-23

Abstract: Riparian zones, located at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic systems, are among the most dynamic and ecologically valuable landscapes. These transitional areas play a pivotal role in maintaining environmental health by supporting biodiversity, regulating hydrological processes, filtering pollutants, and stabilizing streambanks. At the core of these functions lie the unique characteristics of riparian soils, which result from complex interactions between water dynamics, sedimentation, vegetation, and microbial activity. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the origin, structure, and functioning of riparian soils, with particular attention being paid to their physical, chemical, and biological properties and how these properties are shaped by periodic flooding and vegetation patterns. Special emphasis is placed on Mediterranean riparian environments, where marked seasonality, alternating wet–dry cycles, and increasing climate variability enhance both the importance and fragility of riparian systems. A bibliographic study, covering 25 years (2000–2025), was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science. The results highlight that riparian areas are key for carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and ecosystem connectivity in water-limited regions, yet they are increasingly threatened by land use change, water abstraction, pollution, and biological invasions. Climate change exacerbates these pressures, altering hydrological regimes and reducing soil resilience. Conservation requires integrated strategies that maintain hydrological connectivity, promote native vegetation, and limit anthropogenic impacts. Preserving riparian soils is therefore fundamental to sustain ecosystem services, improve water quality, and enhance landscape resilience in vulnerable Mediterranean contexts.

Keywords: carbon sequestration; conservation practices; ecosystem functioning; land degradation; nitrogen cycling; nutrient retention; pedogenesis; vegetation-soil interactions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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