C-mitigation in estuarine areas and managed floodplains (De Vlaamse Waterweg nv)

An initial estimate of the total carbon stock in the soils of managed floodplains showed that there is a high carbon stock in these soils, higher than what is measured under croplands and even under forest. This shows that floodplains store large amounts of carbon (C). This stock is perpetuated and possibly even increased by using the areas as a managed floodplain, depositing carbon-rich sediment.

In order to calculate the C stock in areas of De Vlaamse Waterweg, new sampling is needed. In particular, we want to get a better view on the C-stock in deeper soil layers and determine the bulk density. The latter is an important variable to convert the percentage of carbon in the soil to a stock (t C/ha). New sampling is also needed to estimate the C stock in estuarine areas as few samples have been taken here so far.