Positive long‐term impacts of restoration on soils in an experimental urban forest

• DOI: 10.1002/eap.2336
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30T08:21:30Z
• Authors: Elisabeth B. Ward; Danica A. Doroski; Alexander J. Felson; Richard A. Hallett; Emily E. Oldfield; Sara E. Kuebbing; Mark A. Bradford
• Keywords: Afforestation; Tree planting; Soil carbon

Abstract As urbanization increases worldwide, investments in nature‐based solutions that aim to mitigate urban stressors and counter the impacts of global climate change are also on rise. Tree planting degraded lands—or afforestation—is one form solution has been increasingly implemented cities around world. The benefits afforestation are, however, contingent capacity soils support growth planted trees, which poses a challenge some settings where unfavorable soil conditions limit tree performance. Soil‐focused site treatments could help areas overcome impediments afforestation, yet few studies have examined long‐term (>5 yr) effects other management objectives. We analyzed compost amendments, interplanting with shrubs, species composition (six vs. two species) associated 54 experimental plots New York City, USA. compared baseline after 6 yr changes treatment from 1 yr. Site increased microbial biomass, water holding capacity, total carbon nitrogen, reduced pH bulk density relative conditions. These were most pronounced compost‐amended plots, shrub minimal. In fact, was key sustaining stocks, by 17% but declined unamended plots. Plots amended had 59% more nitrogen than 20% increase basal area trees. Improvements departed initial trends observed yr, highlighting importance longer‐term quantify restoration success. Altogether, our results show can long‐lasting these multiple land