Distribution Pattern and Abundance of Herbaceous Marsh Plants Across China

In a recent study published in Science China Earth Sciences, researchers delved into the conditions and carbon storage potential of wetland patches across China. The extensive survey, conducted with the support of the National Science & Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China, investigated the plant, water, and ecological benefits of 440 wetland patches, covering a total of 18,390 survey quadrats.

The study found that the total aboveground biomass of herbaceous marsh vegetation in China is approximately 22.2 Tg C, with an average biomass density of about 227.5 g C m-2. The biomass density of herbaceous marsh varies significantly across regions, with low biomass in Northeast China and the Tibetan Plateau, but high biomass in central North China and coastal regions.

The biomass of herbaceous marsh decreases with increasing elevation in the Tibetan Plateau. In contrast, in temperate humid and semi-humid regions, the aboveground biomass of herbaceous marsh vegetation is relatively larger in warmer regions. However, 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.

The study also revealed that the average aboveground biomass density of the coastal marsh region is the largest, but the herbaceous marsh area is the smallest among the five marsh regions. This finding suggests a higher productivity of the coastal marsh ecosystem, despite its smaller area.

The research on carbon sequestration of wetland has gained significant importance due to global climate change. Wetland ecosystems account for 4-6% of the total land area but hold 12-24% of the global land carbon reserves. This study provides a scientific basis for carbon sequestration evaluation and adaptive management of marsh wetland in China.

Despite providing valuable insights into China's herbaceous marsh ecosystem, the study did not provide new information about China's ranking in terms of the area of marshes in the world, the conditions of the marshes in China, or the total area, average biomass density, or total aboveground biomass of herbaceous marsh vegetation in China.

The name of the group of researchers who conducted the survey was not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results. The study's findings can be accessed with the DOI: 10.1007/s11430-020-9778-7.