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Abstract
Handayani, I.P., M.S Coyne, C.D.
Barton, and S. Workman. 2007. Soil carbon pools and aggregation following
stream restoration in a riparian corridor: Bernheim Forest, Kentucky.
JEMREST 4:11-28
The use of differing vegetation
types for stream corridor restoration is of current interest. However,
studies relating to the role of these plants in soil development are few,
particularly with respect to carbon aggradation and soil structure. This study examined the effects of plant
species on C pool distribution and soil aggregation following riparian
restoration. Three riparian
communities (2-yr old) in a restored segment of Wilson Creek
(Nelson Co., KY) were evaluated: planted forest, planted giant cane, and
naturally seeded (bare land with mixed weeds). Unrestored pasture
(tall-fescue) and forested riparian communities were used as references. We measured aggregate distribution, total
soil C in aggregates, particulate organic C (POC), soil microbial biomass C
(MBC), and mineralizable C (Min C) in soil cores from the restored and
reference sites. Significant effects were observed between sites for all
these properties but MBC. The restored soils appeared to be deficient in C
and soil structural qualities when compared to the reference sites. Particulate organic C, C-associated with
macroaggregates (>2 mm), and the amount of macroaggregates were strongly
affected by plant species in restored soils, and confirmed hypotheses that
early changes in soil properties were reflected in labile C pools and soil
structure. Planted sites had 45% higher
POC and 64% and 23% more macroaggregates for the 0.25 – 2 mm and > 2
mm size class, respectively compared to unplanted sites. Revegetation during
stream restoration has quantifiable positive effects on soil structure and C
accumulation in a short period that can be used to assist monitoring efforts.
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