Long-term changes in the tree and shrub layers of a British nature reserve and their relevance for woodland conservation management

Kirby, K. J.; Goldberg, Emma; Isted, R.; Perry, Suzy; Thomas, Richard

doi:10.1016/j.jnc.2016.03.004

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…SOC dynamics are linked with soil N dynamics (Kirby et al 2005;Benham et al 2012). In our study, total soil N stocks followed a similar pattern to total SOC, with higher total N stocks under young and mature secondary and ancient woodland in comparison to agricultural land (both types) when the organic layer was taken into account.…”

Section: Woodland Restoration Effects On Soil Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Woodland restoration on agricultural land: long‐term impacts on soil quality

Ashwood

Watts

Park

et al. 2019

Restoration Ecology

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Woodland restoration is underway globally to counter the negative soil quality and ecological impacts of agricultural expansion and woodland fragmentation, and restore or enhance biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. However, we lack information about the long‐term effects of woodland restoration on agricultural soils, particularly at temporal scales meaningful to woodland and soil development. This study utilized soil and earthworm sampling across a chronosequence of sites transitioning from “agricultural land” to “secondary woodland” (50–110 years) and “ancient woodland” (>400 years), with the goal of quantifying the effects of woodland restoration on agricultural land, on key soil quality parameters (soil bulk density, pH, carbon and nitrogen stocks, and earthworm abundance, biomass, species richness and diversity). Broad‐leaved woodland restoration led to significantly greater soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks compared to arable land, and young (50–60 years) secondary woodland increased earthworm species and functional diversity compared to both arable and pasture agricultural land. SOC stocks in secondary broad‐leaved woodlands (50–110 years) were comparable to those found in long‐term ancient woodlands (>400 years). Our findings show that broad‐leaved woodland restoration of agricultural land can lead to meaningful soil ecological improvement and gains in SOC within 50–110 years, and provide intel on how restoration activities may be best targeted to maximize soil quality and functions.

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Section: Woodland Restoration Effects On Soil Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Woodland restoration on agricultural land: long‐term impacts on soil quality

Ashwood

Watts

Park

et al. 2019

Restoration Ecology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…For example, Lettens et al (2005) reported an increase in soil organic carbon from 1960 to 2000 in Belgium in the upper 30 cm for grassland and forested areas. Kirby et al (2005) reported an increase in soil organic matter for forests in lowland (15.7% to 16.7%), mineral (7.8% to 12.9%) and organo-mineral (15.6% to 17.6%) soils for British woodlands between 1971 and 2001. Emmett et al (2010) also reported an increase in soil carbon concentrations in woodlands in Britain between 1978 and.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%