Influence of river vegetation on sediment transport and erosion mitigation: A review

Abstract

Natural river systems are essential for conveying water, sediments, and organic material from upstream catchments to downstream reaches. One of the key processes influencing channel morphology is bedload transport, defined by the movement of coarse sediments on the channel bed. Vegetation within channels significantly modifies bedload dynamics, offering both obstructive and supportive effects on sediment transport processes. This review synthesizes current understanding of how instream vegetation governs sediment mobility and erosion control by integrating insights from hydraulic, geomorphic, and ecological perspectives. The analysis highlights how vegetation influences flow structure and shear stress distribution, and examines its role in enhancing sediment capture, deposition, and stabilization. The review also considers how vegetation shapes channel morphology and supports bar formation. In addition, it explores the feedback loops connecting vegetation, hydraulic forces, and bedload transport. Finally, key research gaps are identified, with suggested future directions to improve understanding of vegetation and bedload interactions within natural river channels.