The Topsoil Characteristics, and Estimation of Topsoil Organic Carbon Storage at Restoration Areas in Riparian Zones of the Han River

This study was carried out to investigate and analyze the environmental characteristics of restoration areas in the riparian zones of the Han River, and to quantify the amount of topsoil organic carbon storage. As a result of investigation and analysis of 21 survey sites, the total number of species planted was found to be 17, and the mean number of species was 2.86±0.13 species per site. At least one species and a maximum of 7 species were planted at each site. The mean diameter at breast height was 9.1±0.6cm, the mean height was 6.2±0.3m and the root content in soil was 0.13±0.18 g/cm 2 . As a result of the analysis of the soil characteristics, 6 out of 21 items, such as the bulk density, solid ratio, gravel ratio, soil hardness, sand content, and pH increased as the soil layer deepened. The topsoil organic carbon storage by layer was 11.54±1.08 ton/ha at 0-10cm, 8.69±0.81 ton/ha at 10-20cm, 7.97±0.79 ton/ha at 20-30cm, and the total from 0 to 30cm was 28.21±7.31 ton/ha. The highest amount of topsoil organic carbon storage by land use in the past was 35.17±5.31 ton/ha in agricultural lands, followed by 28.16±8.31ton/ha in residential areas, 21.87±9.05 ton/ha in commercial areas, 19.23±12.48 ton/ha in industrial areas, and 17.07±11.33 ton/ha in the barren areas. The highest amount of topsoil organic carbon storage in the restored areas was 38.46±3.14 ton/ha in 2006, followed by 28.57±7.84 ton/ha in 2016, and 16.78±6.06 ton/ha in 2011. The results of this study are expected to provide a basic database and evaluation criteria for enhancing the carbon abatement effects of the restoration sites in riparian zones in the future.