Differences in Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Typical Wetland Plant Communities on Both Banks of the Current Yellow River Estuary
摘要
The diversion of the Yellow River Estuary may alter the physical and chemical properties of the wetland soils on both banks, thereby affecting the distribution and landscape patterns of halophytic vegetation. To investigate these effects, this study examined pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nutrient elements, ions and stoichiometric ratios in soils from three typical wetland plant communities, including Suaeda salsa, Tamarix chinensis, and their T. chinensis-S. salsa mixed area, on both banks of the current Yellow River Estuary. Results revealed that the north bank had a stronger tendency toward carbon limitation during organic matter decomposition, whereas the south bank showed a more pronounced tendency toward phosphorus limitation. The C/N ratio served as a key indicator for distinguishing soil property differences between the two banks, whereas the N/P ratio was the primary factor associated with plant community differentiation. Across plant communities, EC and ionic content decreased sequentially: T. chinensis-S. salsa mixed area > T. chinensis > S. salsa. Notably, T. chinensis communities on the north bank showed higher EC (i.e., salinity), potentially inhibiting total organic carbon (TOC) accumulation. Soil nitrite (NO2−-N) content was significantly higher in S. salsa-dominated areas of the north bank, suggesting suppressed nitrification processes. Potassium ion (K+) was the most crucial factor correlated with S. salsa phenotypes, with the red-violet phenotype thriving in high K+ environments. These findings highlight the divergent soil properties between typical wetland plant communities on both banks of the Yellow River Estuary and their critical role in shaping vegetation distribution.