EcoBirch soil data

In this research the aim is to better understand how birch restoration, using chronosequences, affects soil processes. For that, we chose 10 study areas in Iceland where we selected three successional stages: non-forested sites (N), young woodlands (Y), and old woodlands (O). We focus on examining the interactions between carbon, soil, pH, soil colloids (determined by oxalate and pyrophosphate extractions), and dust deposition. The study areas were categorized into seven dust categories depending on the dust intensity they receive. We found that soil pH decreases and carbon and metal-organic complexes (MOCs) increases with increasing birch age, whereas allophanic materials do not change. MOCs are associated with carbon accumulation. Dust deposition has a significant effect on soil properties, such as decreasing carbon and colloid contents and increasing soil pH. The higher soil pH appears to decrease the allophanic Al/Si ratio. This study documents the success of woodland restoration for carbon accumulation and the important role of dust in regulating soil processes and properties of Andisols.