Mangrove Transplantation to the North: Carbon Sequestration Capacity—Drivers and Strategies

Mangroves play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration. To investigate the characteristics and driving factors of carbon sequestration in planted mangrove forests, we focused on planted mangrove forests in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. Through a statistical analysis of soil physicochemical properties and plant morphological characteristics, we assessed carbon stock distribution patterns and identified key influencing factors, providing scientific support for the northward expansion of mangroves. The results demonstrated significant differences in soil properties and plant morphological characteristics among different stands (p < 0.05). The mean soil carbon stock of restored planted mangroves was 78.75 Mg C/ha (mature stands: 87.84 Mg C/ha; middle-aged stands: 74.09 Mg C/ha; young stands: 74.31 Mg C/ha), while the average plant carbon stock was 12.28 Mg C/ha, indicating that soil is the primary contributor to carbon sequestration in mangroves. Compared to natural mangroves, the restored planted mangroves still exhibited a lower carbon sequestration capacity. The variations in carbon sequestration levels among the planted mangrove forests were mainly attributed to differences in tree species and age composition, hydrothermal conditions, and biomass carbon quantification methods. Key drivers of soil carbon sequestration included total phosphorus content, bulk density, and clay content. Carbon storage in restored planted mangroves depends on short-term soil carbon accumulation and long-term biomass carbon accumulation. Ultimately, we recommend optimal species selection and planting design, improved soil carbon storage mechanisms, and integrated conservation monitoring systems to enhance carbon sequestration in mangrove plantations.