Stream restoration can increase riparian soil carbon pools

Photo Credit

USDA photo by Alexander Krichels

Field crew installing groundwater wells at stream restoration sites in the Santa Fe National Forest. 

A new study shows that commonly used stream restoration practices can increase riparian soil carbon stocks. These gains in carbon were only seen when restoration also increased soil moisture. While elevated moisture can also stimulate methane emissions, these emissions did not offset the climate benefit of increased soil carbon. 

These findings show that common restoration methods can have positive impacts on soil health and climate. While stream restoration methods are commonly being deployed, there is little work showing if they are effective. This study demonstrates that common stream restoration methods can increase soil carbon stocks, and that these increases are strongly tied to soil moisture.