Enhanced carbon sequestration is an important tool in helping to combat global climate change. One way to establish long-term carbon sinks is through ecosystem restoration. Here we examine the effect of restoration on plant community productivity and soil organic matter from a longleaf pine savanna restoration experiment at the 80,125 ha Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, USA. The positive effects of restoration in helping to enhance carbon sequestration are elucidated by comparing plots planted with 30 native savanna understory species to non-planted control plots.

Results/Conclusions

Results show significantly greater productivity in restored plots compared to control plots and an overall increase in soil organic matter between 2005 and 2009.  Results indicate that reducing the constraints on species establishment through species additions is integral to enhancing carbon sequestration in degraded ecosystems.