Abstract
Changes in the sources and sinks of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in wetland soils as indicators of soil quality and climate change have received attention worldwide. Soil samples were collected in 2007 and 2012 in the coastal wetlands of the Yellow River Delta and the SOC and TN were determined to investigate a five-year change in their content and stock in these wetlands as affected by flow-sediment regulation. Our results revealed that the soils in 2007 exhibited greater electrical conductivities, SOC content and density, and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) levels in the top 10 cm soils (p < 0.05) compared with the soils in 2012. In general, the SOC and TN contents decreased with increasing soil depth. However, the highest ratios of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen (molar C/N ratios) were observed in the 30–40 cm soil layer. A significant SOC loss occurred (p < 0.05) in top 10 cm soils, but only a small change in SOC in the top 50 cm soils. Comparatively, TN levels did not show significant differences in the study period.
Highlights
Wang et al.[23] reported that freshwater restoration could elevate soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in degraded coastal wetlands
We investigated the temporal changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen in the riparian wetlands of the Yellow River Delta from 2007 to 2012
No significant changes in TN content and stock were observed in the study period
Summary
Wang et al.[23] reported that freshwater restoration could elevate SOC and TN contents in degraded coastal wetlands. In the last decade, the freshwater input from flow-sediment regulation has been shown to be an effective method for reconstructing or restoring the degraded estuarine wetlands[27]. An investigation of the accurate medium-term dynamic changes in SOC and TN stocks are still needed in these coastal wetlands to identify the effects of flow-sediment regulation of the upstream reservoir. The primary objectives of the present study were: 1) to investigate the five-year (from 2007 to 2012) changes in the SOC and TN contents and stocks in the coastal wetlands in the Yellow River Delta as affected by flow-sediment regulation, and (2) to identify the key factors influencing the soil carbon and nitrogen levels
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