Work

Decomposition and elemental release of leaf litter in Kandelia obovata mangrove forests under different sea level rise scenarios

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Leaf litter decomposition is an important source of carbon and nutrients to mangrove soil and fauna, and adjacent costal ecosystems. Mangrove forests are extremely sensitive to sea level rise which may affect leaf litter decomposition. Seasonal decomposition and elemental release (i.e., carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous) of leaf litter were investigated at three Kandelia obovata mangrove sites with different tidal elevations, such as RSL (rising sea level) 0 cm, RSL 40 cm and RSL 80 cm, simulating the sea level rise scenarios by 0 cm, 40 cm and 80 cm, respectively. Half-time (T50) of leaf litter decomposition was 31.4 d in spring, 17.3 d in summer, 15.1 d in autumn and 35.1 d in winter. Mean decomposition rate and dry weight loss rate of leaf litter at site RSL 0 cm were obviously higher than values at sites RSL 80 cm and RSL 40 cm, with annual mean T50 values of 21.4 d, 30.7 d and 30.3 d at sites RSL0 cm, RSL 40 cm and RSL 80 cm, respectively. Elemental releases of leaf litter were very similar to dry weight loss rate and site RSL 0 cm had significantly higher elemental releases. These indicated that sea level rise will decrease decomposition and elemental release of mangrove leaf litter.

Source: Journal of Sea Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.seares.2023.102392

Authors: Jiahui Chen, Jinhong Qian, Min Gao, Guangcheng Chen, Jun Liu, Yong Ye

Institutions: Xiamen University, Ministry of Natural Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography

Language: English

Topic: Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,250