Restoration Of Ecosystem Services Research Articles

Restoring forest ecosystem services through trait-based ecology

Restoration is moving towards a more mechanistic approach that emphasizes restoration of ecosystem services. Trait-based approaches provide links between species identity and ecosystem functions and have been suggested as a promising way to formally integrate ecosystem services in the design of restoration programs. While practitioners have been routinely using informal knowledge on plant traits in their practices, these approaches are underutilized as operationalization remains challenging. The goal of this paper is to provide guidance for applied scientists and restoration practitioners looking to apply a trait-based approach to restore forest ecosystems. We present a five-step framework: 1) selection of services to be restored, 2) trait selection, 3) data acquisition, 4) analytical planning, and 5) empirical testing and monitoring. We use three Canadian case studies to illustrate the applicability of our framework and the variety of ways trait-based approaches can inform restoration practices: 1) restoration of urban woodlots after an insect outbreak, 2) restoration of a smelter damaged landscape surrounding an urban area, and 3) reclamation of remote upland forests after oil and gas related disturbances. We describe the major mechanisms and traits that determine vegetation effects on ecosystem services of importance in each case study. We then discuss data availability, methodological constraints, comparability issues, analytical methods, and the importance of empirical testing and monitoring to ensure realistic prediction of service restoration. By outlining issues and offering practical information, we aim to contribute to a more robust use of traits in ecological restoration.

Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Dynamics under Different Legume-based Agroforestry Systems in Semi-arid Conditions of Haryana

Background: In order to support livelihoods, enhance food security, restore ecosystem services, and reduce pressure on forests, soil fertility can be improved by utilizing alternative land-use systems, such as agroforestry. Methods: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different agroforestry systems on soil chemical properties and nutrient availability (macro and micro) during different seasons in Hisar, Haryana. Different systems include Poplar (Populus deltoides), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Melia (Melia composita), Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo) based agroforestry system (Cowpea-Wheat) and sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat (as control). Soil samples were collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm of soil depth during five seasons i.e., winter, spring, summer, rainy and autumn. Result: Soil EC, SOC and available macronutrients and micronutrients were significantly affected by the depth of sampling, systems and seasons while soil pH was not significantly affected by seasons. Lower soil pH and EC was observed from agroforestry systems as compared to sole cropping. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of N, P, K and S was significantly higher under tree based systems as compared to control. Maximum DTPA extractable Mn, Zn and Cu was observed under poplar based system while highest DTPA extractable Fe was observed under Melia based system during both the years. Significantly higher SOC and nutrient availability was observed during autumn, rainy and spring seasons as compared to winter and summer seasons, while reverse trend was observed for soil pH and EC among the seasons. Soil Organic Carbon, availability of macro and micronutrients decreased with increase in soil depth. Overall, the soil chemical properties and nutrient status of soil were comparatively better under tree based systems than sole cropping of Cowpea-Wheat.

Lay of the (wet)land: manager practices and challenges in wetland revegetation

Despite providing essential ecosystem services, wetlands are one of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Revegetation of wetlands is a critical aspect of restoring ecosystem services, yet little is known about common practices, the challenges managers face, or what resources they require to improve revegetation outcomes. We assessed current revegetation practices, obstacles, and potential solutions by surveying wetland managers in the Intermountain West of the United States, a vast, ecologically diverse region containing hundreds of millions of hectares of public lands. Survey results indicate that managers revegetate wetlands for erosion control, invasion resistance, enhanced wildlife habitat, and improved water quality despite small budgets and limited personnel. Drought, invasive species, and the timing and availability of water are the biggest ecological challenges that managers face and point to the need to prioritize wetland revegetation research to improve revegetation practices in a changing climate with dwindling water resources. Additionally, access to genetically‐ and species‐diverse native plant materials is a concern for many managers. To address these challenges, managers need additional financial and human resources, accessible information relating to revegetation methods, and greater collaboration with research institutions and native plant vendors. Our findings underscore the need for funding entities to prioritize money for wetland revegetation efforts, a natural resource management area that has been neglected relative to many other ecosystems. The results of this study provide insight into challenges and potential solutions for wetland revegetation in regions of the world, such as the western United States, where increasing water scarcity threatens wetlands and their restoration.

Попередня оцінка втрат для рибного господарства Харківської області внаслідок воєнних дій

Purpose. Based on the author’s materials, to carry out a preliminary assessment of ecological and economic losses caused to the fisheries complex of the Kharkiv region as a result of military actions. Methodology. Field studies on water bodies of the Kharkiv Region, which were affected by military actions, were conducted. Public data of the State Agency of Land Reclamation and Fisheries of Ukraine in the Kharkiv Region (2021–2023) were used. The following research methods were used during the assessment of the ecological consequences and economic losses caused to the aquatic biological resources of water bodies of the Kharkiv region: analytical – collection of information from official sources of enterprises and institutions carrying out economic activities, control and monitoring of water bodies; geoinformation – assessment of the actual hydrological regime of water bodies; identification of the spatial location, measurement of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of water areas formed after the reservoirs drying-up; hydrobiological – determination of fish species and other hydrobiont composition; statistical – for qualitative and quantitative assessment of commercial ichthyofauna and the economic damage inflicted to the fishery; forecast –assessment of the potential transformation of the species biodiversity of the ecosystem in time under different conditions of further development of the water sector of Ukraine. Findings. The impact of military actions on the conditions of existence of aquatic biological resources in the Oskil and Pechenegi reservoirs, on the functioning of special commercial fish farms, the production of aquaculture products, and the development of industrial and recreational fishing in the region has been preliminarily assessed. The calculation of economic losses for aquatic bioresources of water bodies of the Kharkiv region was carried out. Originality. For the first time, a preliminary assessment of losses for the fisheries industry (including commercial, recreational fishing, aquaculture) of the Kharkiv region due to military actions was carried out. Practical value. The obtained results have important and multifaceted practical value, in particular they can be used for: assessment of environmental damage caused to Ukraine as a result of military actions; rational management of water and fisheries management due to restoration of water ecosystems exposed to military impact; development of recommendations on restoration of ecosystem services; spread of social awareness about the post-war environmental challenges of the future; making decisions about investments in natural resources and the use of ecosystem services.

Watershed rehabilitation with forest gardens in Moneragala District, Sri Lanka

Forests in mountainous watersheds sustain water flows, providing a valuable lifeline in times of no rain. The clearance and destruction of forests, for plantations and modern chena cultivation, degrades watersheds, resulting in the loss of these ecosystem services, impoverishing people and diminishing watershed sustainability. The Neo Synthesis Research Centre (NSRC) has been involved in rehabilitating Sri Lankan watersheds for over 30 years, which has included implementing forest gardens (FGs) in Maragalakanda. The article describes the rehabilitation of one farmer's land (referred to as Rani), which resulted in increased household livelihood security, reversed forest loss, and sustained watershed health. The rehabilitation efforts followed a successional process, using regenerative agriculture, analog forestry, and conservation forestry. The landscape design divided Rani’s landholding into several land uses. In addition to the forest gardens which were modelled on the adjacent forest, there were paddy fields, chena and cash crop areas, and a buffer zone between the disturbed natural forest and the landholding. Comprised of 175 different species, the forest gardens provide various regulatory ecosystem services, and over half provide food, medicine, timber, firewood, ornamentals and biopesticides, which are either used for household consumption or sold to generate income. Monitoring and evaluation revealed positive impacts on biodiversity, soil fertility, and food and income security. By 2013, Rani's landholding had become a biodiversity corridor, attracting more birds and increasing her total income to USD 32 241, mainly thanks to her forest gardens. As a result, Rani achieved financial stability, enabling her to invest in and educate all five of her children, eliminating any need to clear forests for livelihood. Despite an average FG profit of USD 24 413, challenges of increased rainfall variability, animal pests, and rising costs of purchases stress her newfound livelihood. Nonetheless, watershed rehabilitation with forest gardens succeeded in reversing forest loss, restoring ecosystem services, and increasing livelihood security. To ensure more households benefit as Rani’s did, policymakers and planners must consider population growth and allocate new lands for expanding watershed populations while implementing laws to prevent forest destruction.

Elevation Changes in Restored Marshes at Poplar Island, Chesapeake Bay, MD: I. Trends and Drivers of Spatial Variability

AbstractTidal marshes provide numerous ecosystem services, but are threatened by recent increases in global sea level rise (SLR). Marsh restoration and creation are important strategies for mitigating marsh loss, restoring ecosystem services, increasing coastal community resilience, and providing much needed habitat for threatened species. Dredged material resulting from navigation channel maintenance can provide a substrate for these restoration projects. Few studies, however, have addressed the sustainability of these marshes. The Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island, where fine-grained, nutrient-rich dredged material from upper Chesapeake Bay is being used to create > 302 ha of tidal marshes, provides a case study. The low supply of inorganic sediment is counteracted by abundant nutrients, stimulating high rates of organic matter production and elevation change. Using > 10 years of data from 39 surface elevation tables, we found that the mean low marsh rate of elevation change (7.7 ± 3.21 mm year−1) was double the mean high marsh rate (3.6 ± 0.47 mm year−1) and exceeded the natural reference marsh (3.0 ± 2.28 mm year−1) and relative SLR (5.7 mm year−1). By stimulating organic matter production, the high nutrient substrate appears to offset the low inorganic sediment inputs in mid-Chesapeake Bay. Spatial variability was correlated with initial elevation, but was also influenced by local factors that may affect sediment redistribution within the marshes.

Could agroforestry restore ecosystem services in arid lands? An analysis through the weight of the evidence approach

Could agroforestry restore ecosystem services in arid lands? An analysis through the weight of the evidence approach

Evaluating the impact of simulated land use changes under multiple scenarios on ecosystem services in Ji'an, China

Ecosystem services (ES) play a crucial role in the sustainable development of human society. It is essential to clarify the impact of land use changes on ES to facilitate sound land spatial planning. This study focuses on the Ji'an area of Jiangxi Province as the research subject. The Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model is employed under the 'Production-life-ecological space' (PLES) policy scenario to simulate land use changes in the Ji'an area from 2020 to 2040. A comprehensive evaluation index for ecosystem services (CES) is constructed based on existing policies and ecological conditions in Ji'an City. It is then integrated into the FLUS-InVEST framework to simulate various development scenarios in the future. The results reveal that under the living space priority (LSP) scenario, construction land exhibits the highest growth rate, reaching 59.8%. Under the ecological space priority (ESP) scenario, the forest area is projected to increase by 0.54%. Only under the Productive Space Priority (PSP) scenario will cultivated land experience an increase, at a rate of 3.69%. Notably, CES remains relatively stable only in the ESP scenario, while declining in all other scenarios (ranging from 1.19% to 1.83%). Based on the simulation calculations, a Comprehensive Development (CD) plan for Ji'an is proposed, aiming to optimize the coordination among production, living, and ecological spaces and facilitate the restoration of ecosystem services. Compared to the 'business as usual' (BAU) scenario, the CES value of the CD scenario is expected to increase by 0.61%. In summary, this paper presents an exploratory study that combines the FLUS-InVEST framework with the unique development scenario of the Ji'an region in an innovative way. The proposed planning and recommendations for future sustainable development contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of socio-economic activities on the ecological environment.

Planning and Evaluating Nature-Based Solutions for Watershed Investment Programs with a SMART Perspective Using a Distributed Modeling Tool

Watershed Investment Programs (WIPs) face many challenges in implementing strategies aimed at restoring and preserving ecosystem services using Nature-based Solutions (NbS). A key challenge lies in defining SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) objectives, which involve addressing questions such as which NbS interventions to apply, where, and in what amounts. Effectively achieving WIPs’ objectives requires strategic implementation of NbS. In response to this challenge, we present SIGA-CALv1.0, a daily time-step and distributed modeling conceptual framework that enables the design and evaluation of the impact of NbS portfolios on water quantity and quality. To validate our framework, we applied it to the Arma river basin in Colombia. Our findings indicate that NbS can lead to substantial benefits, including reductions of up to 47% in sediment, 62% in nitrogen, 8% in phosphorus, and 15% in pathogen indicators (total coliforms). The proposed methodological framework offers decision-makers robust technical support for defining strategic NbS implementation plans, guided by SMART objectives. This approach strengthens the effectiveness of ecosystem services restoration and conservation strategies in watersheds, enabling more efficient resource allocation and improved environmental outcomes.

Green growth: The impact of urban forest construction on economic growth in China

This paper examines whether and how China's National Forest City (NFC) policy affects economic growth through ecosystem services restoration. Although extensive research has examined the impact of pollutant-oriented environmental regulation, the understanding of how ecosystem services restoration policies affect economic growth remains limited. Using a Chinese county panel from 1999 to 2019, we found that the NFC significantly promotes economic growth. The NFC improves environmental conditions by providing ecosystem services to increase green vegetation, purify air quality, and mitigate heat island effects. The environmental improvement-induced total factor productivity and human capital enhancement are the mechanisms through which the NFC promotes economic growth, which is enhanced with improvements in the urban ecosystem. Furthermore, the economic impact of NFC is heterogeneous in industry departments and regions. The urban ecosystem services restoration policy is a practical approach to achieving simultaneous economic growth and ecological protection.

Dissecting ecosystem services distribution and inequality of typical cities in China

Conserving and restoring ecosystem services in urban areas is an efficient measure to deal with increasing ecological challenges for cities while enhancing urban ecological resilience. However, rising inequalities threaten to improve critical environmental justice, public health and urban ecological resilience. This study proposed a non-monetary framework for accounting for urban ecosystem services and explored the inequality of ecosystem services using the Gini coefficient. Further, a regression-based decomposition method was used to identify primary socioeconomic factors that contributed to inequality. The results showed that the total ecosystem service in the urban areas presented a trend of first growing rapidly and then fluctuating steadily from 6.78 × 1022 sej in 1985 to 1.14 × 1023 sej in 2020 the percentage of existing services in the total ecosystem services was over 50%. The Gini coefficient of 1985 was more extensive than that of other years, which is 0.461. The runoff regulation service and the temperature mitigation service were the primary contributors for the inequality. Meanwhile, such income per capita, nonfarm rate and industrial production provided over 70% contribution rate to the inequality. This study assessed the inequality of urban ecosystem services and analyzed the driving factors, emphasizing the importance of reducing inequality, and providing a specific reference basis and theoretical support for decision-makers in urban planning and development strategies.

Denitrification Potential of Surface Soils of Constructed Wetlands in Newtown Creek, an Urban Superfund Site.

Denitrification, the anaerobic microbial conversion of nitrate (NO3 - ), a common water pollutant, to nitrogen (N) gases, is often high in the soil of natural wetlands. In areas where natural wetlands have been degraded or destroyed, constructed and restored wetlands have been used to restore ecosystem services like denitrification. Thus, denitrification in restored and constructed wetlands could play an important role in treating anthropogenic N sources such as combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges which can be high in NO3 - . In this study, we measured denitrification potential using an anaerobic slurry assay and made a suite of ancillary measurements (soil moisture content, microbial biomass carbon (C) and N content, potential net N mineralization and nitrification, soil inorganic N pools and soil respiration) in four constructed salt marsh wetlands, and a series of wetland habitat basins in Newtown Creek, NY, an urban superfund site. Samples were also taken from natural salt marshes located at Paerdegat Basin, Jamaica Bay, NY. Our results show that constructed Spartina alterniflora marshes in ultra-urban Newtown Creek support denitrification potential equivalent to rates of natural marshes in Jamaica Bay and reference marshes in other urban estuaries. There were significant positive correlations between microbial biomass C and N content and organic matter content and denitrification potential. Results suggest that constructed wetlandscan support wetland vegetation, soils, and microbial life and contribute to N removal under ultra-urban conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Estimating leaf area index and coverage of dominant vegetation on an extensive green roof in Syracuse, NY

Roofs with full or partial coverage of vegetation, also known as green roofs, are perceived to restore ecosystem services in urban areas. Research investigations have been carried out to evaluate green roof performance on reducing stormwater runoff, improving runoff water quality, decreasing urban heat island effects, and several other benefits. The leaf area index (LAI) or an estimate of vegetation coverage on a roof may aid in evaluating these benefits. This study evaluates the leaf area index and plant area index as well as spatial coverage of two dominant species of vegetation on a 5550 m2 extensive green roof in downtown Syracuse, NY. Stems with attached leaves within individual patches of Phedimus takesimensis and Sedum floriferum were picked to estimate leaf area index using geometric models, and a ceptometer was used to provide an approximate range of values for the plant area index (PAI). Patches were picked in the summer of 2020 when plants were flowering, but the surface area of the flowers was not included in measurements. Sizes were measured for 8522 leaves from four patches of Phedimus takesimensis and 7751 leaves from five patches of Sedum floriferum. The estimated LAI for a patch of Phedimus takesimensis is 4.97 +/- 0.52 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area, while the LAI for a patch of Sedum floriferum is 2.70 +/- 0.37 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area. Furthermore, 154 photos were taken in the fall of 2020 and late spring and summer of 2021, representing 7.1% of the roof area in several categories. Results show the following fractions of area: 0.226 (Phedimus takesimensis), 0.381 (Sedum floriferum), 0.074 (moss), 0.029 (other vegetation), and 0.290 (bare soil). Using a weighted average, the LAI of the entire area of this green roof is 4.03 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area if the other vegetation has an LAI of 0.92 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area and the moss has an LAI of 25 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area. Excluding moss from the weighted average, the LAI of the roof is 2.18 cm2 leaf area cm−2 ground area.

Exploring the Impact of Grain-for-Green Program on Trade-Offs and Synergies among Ecosystem Services in West Liao River Basin, China

Natural ecosystems of the West Liao River basin (WLRB) in northeast China have been damaged by both natural and human factors from the 1990s. Since 2000, China’s Grain-for-Green Program (GFGP) has been widely adopted with the aim of improving ecosystem services. An accurate evaluation of the eco-hydrological effects for policy implementation is essential to provide references for further restoration of ecosystem services. This study quantified and characterized the ecosystem services and their trade-offs/synergies using models and statistical methods in the WLRB from 1990 to 2020. Moreover, the impact of key drivers on ecosystem services was evaluated by the difference-in-differences model. Among them, the study mainly investigated how GFGP affects ecosystem services. The results confirmed that the water yield, carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and total ecosystem service of the WLRB decreased in the pre-GFGP period (1990–2000). However, this tendency was reversed in the regions where the GFGP was implemented during the period of 2001–2020. Furthermore, a synergistic relationship was shown among carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and habitat quality. Additionally, there were tradeoffs between water yield and the other three ecosystem services, especially in mountain areas. The GFGP could restore carbon sequestration, habitat quality, and total ecosystem services by 1.3%, 2.1%, and 0.6%, respectively. Nevertheless, GFCP may enlarge the tradeoff and imbalance between water yield and habitat quality. Results highlight the need for the governance of ecosystem protection and suggest natural restoration in the mountain area for maintaining water yield and helping ecosystem restoration. Timely adjustment of the policy implementation areas is the key to improving and balancing multiple ecosystem services in the future.

Mapping and assessing ecosystem services for sustainable policy and decision-making in Eritrea

The mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services (MAES) is key to inform sustainable policy and decision-making at national and sub-national levels. Responding to the paucity of research in sub-Saharan Africa, we conduct a pilot study for Eritrea that aims to map and assess the temporal dynamics of key ecosystems and their services. We reviewed policy and legal documents, analyzed land cover changes and estimated the potential for ecosystem services supply through an expert-based matrix approach. Our results showed that from 2015 to 2019, the potential supply of the ecosystem services analyzed (e.g., crop provisioning, water supply and recreation) increased, with the exception of wood supply. Overall, our study presents policy-relevant insights as to where to conserve, develop, or restore ecosystem services supply in Eritrea. Our approach is transferable to similar data scarce contexts and can thereby support policies toward more sustainable land development for people and nature.

Accounting of public preferences and valuation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services restoration: Evidence from Northwestern China

The emphasis of current study is on the assessment of households’ willingness to pay (WTP) and preference heterogeneity for the upgradation of degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services across sub-basins of Heihe River. A sum of 1679 households were interviewed through choice experiment, and random parameter logit model is applied for welfare estimation. The estimated results signified the importance of selected terrestrial and aquatic ecological attributes. Sampled respondents of upper and middle basins placed highest WTP for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases among all other attributes and the WTP amount was 99.27 and 66.49 Yuan/Year respectively. Whereas in lower basin, improvement in landscape of farmland was highly valued, i.e., 107 Yuan/Year. In terrestrial ecosystem services the lowest WTP was recorded for Ejinaqi oasis size in all sub basins. In aquatic ecosystem services, improving water quality was the most valued attribute in all sub basins, and the corresponding WTP values are 122.81, 99.87 and 177.43 Yuan/Year in upper, middle and lower basins respectively, which ensure the significance of water quality in the entire basin. In aquatic ecosystem services the lowest WTP amount was recorded for leisure and entertainment conditions in each sub basin.

Tackling harmful subsidies in agriculture

Harmful agricultural subsidies can be replaced through sustainable alternatives including restoration of ecosystem services, repurposing subsidies, and tackling the inefficiency of food systems.

Opportunities for blue carbon restoration projects in degraded agricultural land of the coastal zone in Queensland, Australia

Restoring degraded agricultural lands to their original coastal wetland cover is an approach for enhancing blue carbon storage. This approach enhances carbon sequestration in biomass and soils whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering other conservation benefits such as enhancing biodiversity, improving water quality, and protecting coastlines from sea level rise. In Queensland, Australia, tens of thousands of hectares of coastal land have been converted to agriculture since the 1900s, often through drainage. We evaluated the characteristics of degraded agricultural land to identify opportunities for blue carbon restoration projects. Degraded agricultural land was identified through visual inspection of satellite imagery. Our analysis revealed degradation was associated with historical Melaleuca-dominated wetland vegetation and current land uses other than intensive agriculture. Field sampling of a subset of paired degraded and non-degraded sites found that water content, organic carbon, and electrical conductivity were significantly higher at degraded sites. We also observed standing water, drainage structures, and dead trees at degraded sites. From our analyses, we inferred land degradation is likely caused by waterlogging, salinisation, and land management choices. Degraded land historically vegetated by Melaleuca-dominated wetlands could be targeted for blue carbon restoration projects that protect remaining soil carbon and enhance carbon storage, restore ecosystem services, and provide new income streams for landowners. Further characterisation of the distribution of degraded lands may contribute to prioritisation of sites suitable for restoration.

Plant communities regulated by water-level gradient in Caohai aquatic–terrestrial ecotones affect bacterial and fungal structures and co-occurrence networks

There is increasing awareness that vegetation dynamics play an important role in ecosystem stability and belowground microbial community diversity in wetlands. Studying plant–microbe dynamics and interactions under various conditions within lakes helps with the effective management of lake ecosystems by restoring ecosystem services. However, our knowledge about the response of microbial interactions to vegetation variation remains limited. We investigated how soil nutrients, enzyme activities, fungal and bacterial community diversity, and their network properties vary along the inundation gradient in aquatic–terrestrial ecotones of Caohai Lake in southwest China. Compared with the arid zone, the organic carbon and ammonia nitrogen contents in the severe inundation zone (SIZ) increased by 28.5% and 16.4%, respectively. Compared with the SIZ, the activities of cellobiohydrolase, β-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase and leucine aminopeptidase in the dry–wet cycling zone increased significantly, increasing by 62.1%, 60.5% and 26.1%, respectively. Moreover, long inundation significantly reduced the abundance of fungi, diversity of bacteria, and size and complexity of their community co-occurrence networks. Microbial networks were smaller (fewer edges) and less stable (higher positive to negative edge ratios) in the SIZ. Aboveground vegetation regulated by water-level gradient can directly or indirectly affect microbial community structure and further interfere with the properties of bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks. In conclusion, our findings suggested that plant communities regulated by water-level gradient play an important role in maintaining microbial diversity and co-occurrence network stability along the aquatic–terrestrial ecotone in Caohai Lake.

Soil Nutrient Dynamics under Silviculture, Silvipasture and Hortipasture as Alternate Land-Use Systems in Semi-Arid Environment

In order to support livelihoods, enhance food security, restore ecosystem services, and reduce pressure on forests, degraded land can be restored by utilising alternative land-use systems (ALUS), such as silviculture, silvipasture, and hortipasture techniques. ALUS significantly modify the dynamics of soil nutrients in both the surface and subsurface layers. Soils from the 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm layers of Leucaena leucocephala (S)-, Hardwickia binata (H)-, Emblica officinalis (A)-, and Azadiracta indica (N)-based silviculture systems, Acacia nilotica-based silvipasture systems (SPS), natural grassland (NT), and fallow land (F) were sampled in order to better understand the nutrient dynamics of ALUS. Soils under S, H, and SPS had ~203%, 195%, and 129% higher organic carbon (SOC), respectively, than fallow land in the 0–15 cm soil layer. In the subsequent soil layer, those land-use systems had ~199%, 82%, and 110% higher SOC, respectively, than fallow land. Similarly, in the deeper layer, those land uses had ~232%, 23%, and 105% higher SOC, respectively, than fallow land. SPS and NT also improved the SOC concentration significantly over fallow land. Plots under S, H, and SPS had ~198%, 190%, and 125% higher available N, respectively, than fallow land in 0–15 cm soil layer. In the 15–30 cm soil layer, those land-use systems had ~19%9, 82%, and 110% higher available N, respectively, than fallow land. These systems also improved the P and K contents in subsurface soil. Micronutrient concentrations were also improved in soils under S, H, and SPS. Hence, ALUS’ adoption in degraded areas with trees provides a chance for C storage and improves the nutrient dynamics on degraded land.