We are thrilled to announce the publication of a groundbreaking study titled "Impact of various flood conditions on the CO2 ecosystem exchange as a component of floodplain grassland restoration" in Ecological Engineering. Congratulations to the lead researcher Anna Lindenberger and co-authors Hans Peter Rauch, Kuno Kasak, Michael Stelzhammer, and Magdalena von der Thannen.
Why do we need to restore floodplain grasslands?
Restoring floodplain grasslands is often seen as a tool for flood protection, but this study shows they can also play a vital role in combating climate change. By acting as carbon sinks, these ecosystems capture and store carbon dioxide (CO₂), reducing its presence in the atmosphere.
The research focused on a restored floodplain grassland in Marchegg, Austria, one of the REWET Open Labs, measuring carbon flows before, during, and after a major flood event. Using advanced eddy covariance methods, the team quantified three key processes:
- Net Ecosystem Exchange (NEE): The balance of carbon absorbed and released.
- Gross Primary Productivity (GPP): How much carbon is absorbed through photosynthesis.
- Ecosystem Respiration (Reco): The carbon released back into the atmosphere.
Key Findings
The study revealed that water levels significantly influence the carbon balance. During flooding, the grassland’s ability to absorb carbon temporarily decreased, with average daily GPP dropping from 1.048 g C/m²/day before the flood to 0.470 g C/m²/day during the flood.
Despite these disruptions, the floodplain remained a strong CO₂ sink, storing 38.8 g of carbon per m² over the three-month study period. This demonstrates the resilience of restored floodplains and their potential to contribute to carbon storage over time.
A step forward for climate action and restoration
These findings provide valuable evidence supporting nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration and Soil and Water Bioengineering (SWBE). By restoring wetlands, rivers, and floodplains, we not only enhance flood protection but also promote biodiversity, water security, and carbon storage.
This research further aligns with the goals of the EU Nature Restoration Law, which emphasizes the need to restore degraded ecosystems across Europe to tackle the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Restored floodplain grasslands, like the one in Marchegg, are powerful examples of how ecological restoration can deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet. This study adds valuable data to guide future restoration projects and highlights the importance of monitoring these ecosystems to ensure their long-term success.
Read the full paper on Zenodo.