Comparative study of the capacity of native to the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast plant species for erosion and flooding control of coastal areas

Sustainable development of coastal areas suggests applying planting and transplanting techniques based on well adapted plants with extensive root systems instead of artificial coastal stabilization and protection structures. In order to compare the capacity of plant species for erosion and flooding control, a multidisciplinary study based on GIS mapping and modelling of seven study sites over the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, as well as results from flooding simulations was conducted. In addition, three hand-planted polygons were monitored and compared to natural ones. A strong correlation between percentage participation of the native, salt-tolerant plant species in dune vegetation and dynamic of the shoreline was observed. Polygons with prevailing of species from the family Poaceae had a more stable coastline, unlike polygons with predominance of species from the Cyperaceae and Asteraceae families. The investigated species showed high tolerance to sea water immersion and high viability.