Comparison of Topsoil Organic Carbon Stocks on Slopes under Soil-Protecting Forests in Relation to the Adjacent Agricultural Slopes

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major processes degrading the natural environment but also agricultural production areas. Soil erosion may lead to soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, especially from sloping agricultural terrain units. The use of phytomelioration in environmental management, particularly long-term, permanent forest vegetation, is widely recognized as a possible measure for soil erosion protection and mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration. The aim of this study was to compare of the topsoil organic carbon stocks on the slopes under soil-protecting forests in relation to the adjacent agricultural slopes. The research was conducted in the young glacial landscape of North-Central Poland. The study indicated the significant role of forest management on the increase of soil organic matter content and SOC stock. The results show that land use and slope gradients are important factors controlling soil organic carbon pools in topsoil in young glacial areas. This topic is extremely important particularly as the effects of climate change become more and more visible, and society faces new challenges in preventing these changes.

Recultivation of soils contaminated with radionuclides by phytomelioration

“…The choice of the time of re-treatment is due to the period of active vital activity of plant growth and maturation, which allows for the process of intensive accumulation of radionuclides by them [5]. The use of aqueous solutions of ammonium nitrate and microorganisms in the proposed method will intensify the transition of radionuclides into soluble forms for assimilation by the root system of plants, obtaining maximum biomass of plants accumulating radionuclides, and significantly reducing the growing season [6].…”

Plant-Based Solutions for Non-Productive Sites Useful in the Management of Dry Land

“…The amount of groundwater resources depends on the geological structure of the considered area and the degree of infiltration [ 49 , 50 ]. In order to increase groundwater and groundwater retention, it is necessary to limit surface runoff by applying appropriate anti-erosion measures (e.g., the creation of compact turf using grasses and some dicotyledonous herbaceous species, afforestation), and increasing soil permeability by using appropriate anti-erosion and phytomeliorative treatments [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Fourthly, surface water retention is considered the best form of water storage in natural (and artificial) reservoirs [ 55 , 56 ], as it significantly improves the water balance, leaving the landscape unchanged.…”