PubMed · 2026-06-11
Planting native mangrove (Kandelia obovata) in Chinese coastal wetlands improves soil quality compared to leaving invasive cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) in place, but the mangroves consume so much phosphorus that long-term restoration will need targeted phosphorus supplementation to stay healthy.
Mangrove (Kandelia obovata) soils had the highest total nitrogen and available phosphorus among all vegetation types, but also the highest nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio, indicating phosphorus limitation.
Principal-component analysis ranked mangrove soils as the highest quality, followed by invasive Spartina, mixed stands, and native Carex sedge — confirming afforestation improves soil condition.
Among four mangrove restoration sites in Zhejiang Province, Yanpu Bay and Ximen Island ranked highest in soil quality and are recommended as optimal restoration targets.
