Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Soil drainage reduces the negative impact of excessive soil moisture contents by improving the N dynamics in coastal forests

Yahya Kooch, Fateme Heidari, Jan Frouz, Katayoun Haghverdi, Rosa Francaviglia

The Science of The Total Environment · 2025

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Summary

This 2025 field study investigates how drainage management in coastal forest soils can ameliorate the negative effects of waterlogging on nitrogen cycling. As suggested by the title, the research indicates that improving soil water conditions through drainage enhances nitrogen availability and dynamics, with potential implications for forest productivity and soil function in moisture-prone environments. The work contributes to understanding hydrological and biogeochemical interactions in forest ecosystems under challenging moisture regimes.

UK applicability

The findings may be relevant to UK coastal and lowland forests, which often experience high water tables and waterlogging; however, applicability depends on climate zone, soil type, and whether the coastal forest system studied matches UK woodland conditions. UK forestry and land management could benefit from the drainage recommendations if similar soil moisture problems are identified on coastal or poorly drained sites.

Key measures

Soil moisture content, nitrogen dynamics (ammonium and nitrate concentrations or transformations), drainage treatment effectiveness

Outcomes reported

The study examined how soil drainage interventions affect nitrogen cycling and availability in coastal forest soils experiencing excessive moisture. Measurements likely included soil moisture content, nitrogen form concentrations (ammonium, nitrate), and related biogeochemical processes.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil fertility & nutrient management
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Agroforestry
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180471
Catalogue ID
SNmohi6k29-t3cn6r

Topic tags

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