Trading Water for Carbon with Biological Carbon Sequestration

TLDR

Tree plantations are promoted for carbon sequestration but their broader environmental impacts are often overlooked. The study integrated field data, a synthesis of over 600 observations, and climate and economic models to assess the hydrological and soil impacts of afforestation. Afforestation reduces global stream flow by 227 mm yr⁻¹ (52 %), dries 13 % of streams for at least a year, and increases soil salinization and acidification, with climate feedbacks unlikely to mitigate these losses.

Abstract

Carbon sequestration strategies highlight tree plantations without considering their full environmental consequences. We combined field research, synthesis of more than 600 observations, and climate and economic modeling to document substantial losses in stream flow, and increased soil salinization and acidification, with afforestation. Plantations decreased stream flow by 227 millimeters per year globally (52%), with 13% of streams drying completely for at least 1 year. Regional modeling of U.S. plantation scenarios suggests that climate feedbacks are unlikely to offset such water losses and could exacerbate them. Plantations can help control groundwater recharge and upwelling but reduce stream flow and salinize and acidify some soils.