Spatial distribution and abundance of herbaceous vegetation in Chinese marshes

In a significant development, a collaborative research project has provided valuable insights into the conditions and carbon sequestration potential of China's herbaceous marsh wetlands. The nine-year study, led by biologist Esther Thomsen at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), involved over 100 researchers from 12 institutions.

The study, funded partly by the Kellner & Stoll Foundation for Climate and Environment, the University of Bremen, and its alumni association, aimed to assess the wetland resources in China. The survey investigated the conditions of plant, water, and ecological benefits of 440 wetland patches across the country.

The researchers found that the aboveground biomass density of herbaceous marsh in China ranges from 12 to 1400 g C m-2. The biomass is lowest in Northeast China and the Tibetan Plateau, but significantly higher in central North China and coastal regions. In the temperate humid and semi-humid region, the aboveground biomass is relatively larger in warmer regions.

The total area of herbaceous marsh in China is approximately 9.7 × 104 km2, making it the most widely distributed type of marsh in the country. The total aboveground biomass of herbaceous marsh vegetation in China is about 22.2 Tg C, and the average aboveground biomass density was about 227.5 g C m-2.

The study also revealed that in temperate arid and semi-arid regions and temperate humid and semi-humid regions, the aboveground biomass of herbaceous marsh vegetation decreases with the aggravation of drought. In cold regions, the low aboveground biomass density is due to poor climate and environmental conditions, resulting in short herbaceous plants with low coverage.

Wetland ecosystems account for 4-6% of the total land area but hold 12-24% of global land carbon reserves. This study provides a scientific basis for carbon sequestration evaluation and adaptive management of marsh wetland in China. Aboveground biomass of vegetation is a crucial index for estimating the carbon storage of marsh vegetation.

In the Tibetan Plateau, the biomass of herbaceous marsh decreases with increasing elevation. The area of marshes in China ranks third in the world, highlighting the importance of preserving and managing these vital ecosystems.

This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the conditions and carbon sequestration potential of China's herbaceous marsh wetlands, contributing significantly to our understanding of these crucial ecosystems and their role in carbon storage and climate change mitigation.