Driving mechanisms of carbon fluxes by functional traits in Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora dominated salt marshes of the Yangtze River Estuary

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-5641.2026.03.005

Abstract

Abstract:

Coastal wetlands, recognized as vital blue carbon ecosystems, exhibit carbon sequestration functions that are strongly associated with plant functional traits. This study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of functional traits on carbon sequestration in the Yangtze River Estuary using two dominant salt marsh species: Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora. We quantified key functional traits, including morphological traits, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll concentration, while simultaneously measuring ecosystem carbon fluxes (CO₂ and CH₄ emissions). Results demonstrate significant interspecific differences in functional traits: S. alterniflora exhibited superior leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll concentration, photosynthetic efficiency, and CO₂ assimilation capacity compared with P. australis. The photosynthetic capacity of P. australis was predominantly regulated by LAI, whereas that of S. alterniflora was mainly regulated by chlorophyll concentration. The CO₂ fluxes showed a strong positive correlation with leaf traits and photosynthetic parameters. In contrast, CH₄ emissions showed no association with leaf traits; however, they were influenced by morphological traits, such as aboveground biomass, plant height and plant density. These findings highlight that plant functional traits differentially mediate carbon sequestration pathways and greenhouse gas dynamics in coastal wetlands, providing critical insights for vegetation-based blue carbon management strategies.

Key words: plant functional traits, photosynthesis, chlorophyll concentration, net ecosystem exchange, CH₄ emissions

CLC Number:

Q148
Q948.1

Ming GE, Linjing REN, Ying HUANG, Xiuzhen LI. Driving mechanisms of carbon fluxes by functional traits in Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora dominated salt marshes of the Yangtze River Estuary[J]. J* E* C* N* U* N* S*, 2026, 2026(3): 56-68.

Figures/Tables 8

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	含碳量/(mg/g)	含氮量/(mg/g)	碳氮比/%
互花米草-花	38.57±0.52 ^a	1.85±0.15 ^ab	21.47±1.63 ^d
互花米草-茎	38.29±0.30 ^a	0.69±0.03 ^c	56.09±2.65 ^a
互花米草-叶	33.44±1.30 ^a	0.91±0.04 ^bc	37.05±1.32 ^b
芦苇-花	21.06±9.47 ^b	1.87±0.84 ^ab	5.64±2.53 ^e
芦苇-茎	38.03±1.95 ^a	1.46±0.21 ^abc	29.07±4.09 ^c
芦苇-叶	41.18±0.70 ^a	2.45±0.29 ^a	18.10±2.25 ^d

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