Aboveground biomass and carbon stock of the riparian vegetation in the Danube Delta

Intact wetlands can act as carbon sinks and mitigate increased amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere following climate change. In addition to organic soils, the riparian vegetation plays an important role in carbon storage and cycling within wetlands.

In the context of the project ‘EDAPHIC-BLOOM Danube’, the riparian vegetation in the Danube Delta was investigated. Preliminary results show differences in aboveground biomass and carbon content between softwood and hardwood riparian forests and artificial poplar plantations. The aboveground biomass in the reed beds is much lower per plot, but due to their huge extension, they are very important for carbon storage.