Afforestation after land abandonment as a nature-based solution in Mediterranean mid-mountain areas: Implications and research gaps

• Published in: Current opinion in environmental science & health 2023-08, Vol.34, p.100481, Article 100481
• Main Authors: Nadal-Romero, Estela, Llena, Manel, Cortijos-López, Melani, Lasanta, Teodoro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Afforestation; Erosion risk; Land abandonment; Soil organic carbon; Soil properties; Water
• ISSN: 2468-5844; 2468-5844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2023.100481

Management policies after abandonment in Mediterranean mid-mountains have encouraged the establishment of afforestations being considered as an NBS. Related to the implication on soil afforestation can (i) accelerate the recovery of some soil properties but it is necessary for long time periods, (ii) change above- and belowground litter quality and quantity producing a constant SOC accumulation, (iii) improve aggregate stability, and (iv) increase the presence of macro-aggregates and the water holding capacity of the soil. Likewise, afforestation threatens water resources: (i) reduces the number of floods; (ii) decreases annual water yield; (iii) delays peak flows but increases the duration of floods; (iv) increases interception of rainfall, and (iv) typically reduces the erosion risk and the volume of sediment, but not during the first years due to high geomorphic activity. However, there is still considerable scientific uncertainty and research on the impacts of afforestation in soil and water conservation is still needed.