| Mangrove is one of the most productive ecosystems, which can sequestrate soil organic carbon
continuously and has a profound influence on the global carbon balance and biogeochemical cycle. In the north areas
of Hainan Island, typical mangrove wetlands (Dongzhai Harbor, Bamen Bay and Xinying Harbor) were selected for soil
sampling. A total of 105 soil samples were collected from 15 sites. The samples were analyzed for soil organic carbon
(SOC) content, particle size and pH, exploration was done of SOC distribution and its controls. Results showed that the
SOC content in 0-40 cm mangrove wetlands was between 0.88 g/kg and 134.00 g/kg, with an average value of 25.18
(±10.34) g/kg. The SOC content was in the order of inside of forest (41.69±0.71 g/kg) > forest edge (21.24±0.43
g/kg) > light beach (13.88±0.32 g/kg). It varied with soil depth, the peak of SOC content appeared in 10-20 cm
(32.11±3.45g/kg). As to spatial distribution, a decreasing order of Bamen Bay Wenchang (36.61±4.46 g/kg) >
Dongzhai Harbor Haikou (25.57±3.14 g/kg) > Xinying Bay Lingao (13.36±1.71 g/kg) was observed. The correlation
analysis showed that SOC content was significantly correlated with clay and silt, and was negatively correlated with sand.
and pH |
