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Abstract
Handayani, I.P., M.S Coyne, C.D. Barton,
and S. Workman. 2008. Soil carbon
pools and aggregation following stream restoration in a riparian corridor: Bernheim Forest, Kentucky.
JEMREST 4:11-28.
DOI: 10.4029/2007jemrest4no103
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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