MANAGEMENT AND POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SPARTINA ALTERNIFLORA INVASION ON TIDAL MARSH CARBON STOCKS IN SOUTHERN HANGZHOU BAY

To mitigate the adverse effects of Spartina alterniflora invasion on coastal wetlands, extensive control measures have been implemented along the Chinese coastline.This study investigates the carbon sequestration capabilities of S. alterniflora, Phragmites australis, and Scirpus mariqueter along the southern Hangzhou Bay.The findings reveal that the replacement of P. australis by S. alterniflora does not enhance the existing tidal marsh carbon stock.However, the invasion by S. alterniflora in areas dominated by S. mariqueter results in an increase in the vegetation carbon pool without significantly affecting the sediment carbon pool.The management of S. alterniflora would lead to a reduction in the vegetation carbon pool of tidal marshes.Nonetheless, as most of the removed plants are buried in the sediment, their decomposition would indirectly contribute to an increase in the sediment carbon pool.Therefore, in the short term, the management of S. alterniflora will not significantly impact the tidal marsh carbon pools in this area.To maintain the stability of the tidal marsh carbon pools on the southern coast of Hangzhou Bay following the management of S. alterniflora and to effectively prevent its future re-invasion, we recommend the prompt restoration of P. australis in the managed areas.The insights from this study provide valuable guidance for the development of restoration plans post-management of S. alterniflora and for enhancing the ecological service functions of China's coastal wetlands.