Establishment of riparian buffers is an effective method for reducing nutrient input to streams. However, the underlying

biogeochemical processes are not fully understood. The objective of this 4-yr study was to examine the effects of riparian zone restoration on soil N cycling mechanisms in a mountain pasture previously degraded by cattle. Soil inorganic N pools,

fluxes, and transformation mechanisms were compared across the following experimental treatments: (i) a restored area with vegetation regrowth; (ii) a degraded riparian area with simulated effects of continued grazing by compaction, vegetation removal, and nutrient addition (+N); and (iii) a degraded riparian area with simulated compaction and vegetation removal only (-N). Soil solution NO₃ ^– concentrations and fluxes of inorganic N in overland fl ow were >90% lower in the restored treatment relative to the degraded (+N) treatment. Soil solution NO₃ ^– concentrations decreased more rapidly in the restored treatment relative to the degraded (-N) following cattle (Bos taurus) exclusion. Mineralization and nitrifi cation rates in the restored treatment were similar to the degraded (-N) treatment and, on average, 75% lower than in the degraded (+N) treatment. Nitrogen trace gas fl uxes indicated that restoration increased the relative importance of denitrification, relative to nitrification, as a pathway by which N is diverted from the receiving stream to the atmosphere. Changes in soil nutrient cycling mechanisms following restoration of the degraded riparian zone were primarily driven by cessation of N inputs. Th e recovery rate, however, was influenced by the rate of vegetation regrowth.

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