Data and Codes: Restoring ecosystem services in mature salt marshes through topsoil removal Version 3

This repository provides the complete dataset and analysis workflow underpinning the manuscript “Restoring ecosystem services in mature salt marshes through topsoil removal” (Grandjean et al. submitted). The study evaluates topsoil removal as a rejuvenation measure in a mature salt marsh (Zuidgors, Western Scheldt, The Netherlands) and quantifies biotic and abiotic responses over four years following intervention (2021–2024), including sediment accretion, soil properties and consolidation, tidal inundation and flow dynamics, vegetation succession, and model-based assessment of wave attenuation under normative storm conditions.

All materials are organised by figure and corresponding research component, with figure-specific raw data, processed datasets, and scripts provided in separate, clearly labelled folders. This structure enables full reproducibility of all reported results and visualisations (Figures 1–6 and Appendix Figure 1), including statistical outputs (e.g., Mann–Kendall trend tests, correlation analyses, PERMANOVA). The data and methods for Figure 7 and Appendix Table 2 are available upon request to the authors from Deltares (Jasper Dijkstra, Joana van Nieuwkoop, Madelief Doeleman).