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Zhang X, Liu W, Lu J, Tanveer M, Qi Z, Fu C, Xie H, Zhuang L, Hu Z. Current research hotspots and frontier trends on carbon budget of coastal wetlands: A bibliometric analysis. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:3104-3121. [PMID: 38877633 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2024.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Coastal wetlands are the main distribution of blue carbon in coastal zones and well known for their high carbon sequestration capacity. Investigating the variation of carbon budget is crucial for understanding the functionality of coastal wetlands and effectively addressing climate change. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 4,509 articles was conducted to reveal research progress, hot issues, and emerging trends in the coastal wetland carbon budget field. The number of publications and citations in this field increased exponentially from 1991 to 2022. The leading subject category was Environmental Sciences with 1,844 articles (40.9%). At present, studies have been focused on blue carbon, the effects of climate change and man-made disturbances on carbon cycle, and the restoration of coastal wetlands. Based on the hotspots and trends in this field, the future researches should include (1) exploring the functional mechanisms of various factors affecting carbon cycle and establishing a methodological system for the estimation of blue carbon in coastal wetlands; (2) researching restoration techniques of coastal wetland and constructing wetland restoration evaluation index system; and (3) formulating enforceable carbon trading policy and strengthening international cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Wenhao Liu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Jiaxing Lu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Muhammad Tanveer
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhen Qi
- Shandong Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community of Green Industry and Environmental Security, Jinan 250199, China; Shandong Huankeyuan Environmental Engineering Co. Ltd, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Chengkai Fu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Huijun Xie
- Environmental Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Linlan Zhuang
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhen Hu
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China E-mail:
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Carneiro I, Carrasco AR, Didderen K, Sousa AI. Evaluating the success of vegetation restoration in rewilded salt marshes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171699. [PMID: 38508250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Floodbank realignment is a common practice aimed at restoring salt marsh vegetation on previously embanked land. However, experiences indicate that it may take several years before salt marsh vegetation becomes fully established. Various challenges arising from ecogeomorphic feedback mechanisms could pose significant setbacks to vegetation recolonization. The widespread adoption of transplantation techniques for the restoration and rehabilitation of rewilded landscapes has indeed proven to be a valuable tool for accelerating plant development. In the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon (South of Portugal), a pilot plan was implemented, and two salt marsh pioneer species, Spartina maritima (syn. Sporobolus maritimus) and Sarcocornia perennis (syn. Salicornia perennis), were transplanted from a natural salt marsh to a rewilded marsh. Biodegradable 3D porous structures were installed to mimic transplant clumping, aid sedimentation, and enhance the plant's initial adjustment. Ecological, sediment, and hydrodynamic data were collected during the 12-month pilot restoration plan. The environmental profiles of the donor and restoration sites were compared to substantiate the success of the transplants in the rewilded salt marsh. Results show that although plant shoot density decreased after the transplanting, Spartina maritima acclimated well to the new environmental conditions of the restoration site, showing signs of growth and cover increase, whilst Sarcocornia perennis was not able to acclimatize and survive in the restoration site. The failure behind the Sarcocornia perennis acclimation might be related to the bed properties and topographic properties of the restoration site in the rewilded marsh. Major findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how salt marsh pioneering vegetation successfully colonizes disturbed habitats, facilitated using 3D-biodegradable structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Carneiro
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA), Aquatic Research Network (ARNET), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
| | - A Rita Carrasco
- Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CIMA), Aquatic Research Network (ARNET), University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Karin Didderen
- Waardenburg Ecology, BESE, Varkensmarkt, 9, 4101 CK, Culemborg, the Netherlands.
| | - Ana I Sousa
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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3
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Zhao Z, Zhang L, Yuan L, Bouma TJ. Seed settling and trapping during submerged secondary dispersal: Implications for saltmarsh recruitment and restoration. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119301. [PMID: 37837761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Given the decline of global salt marshes, there is a pressing need to pinpoint the key processes that limit and facilitate seed-based pioneer recruitment. Secondary seed dispersal, in the form of short-distance submerged movement, is a prerequisite for initiating pioneer establishment in adjacent tidal flats but has not been fully appreciated and understood. In this study, using a settling tube and race-track flume, seeds of four global occurring saltmarsh species were studied in terms of their settlement speed and trapping opportunity to understand how seed traits and physical settings affect submerged dispersal behavior and thus seed-based saltmarsh recruitment. Present study led to the following novel insights: 1) Seeds have density-dependent settling speeds, which are comparable to that of fine sand, but much faster than that of very fine sand and silt. Since the latter is the type of sediment commonly found in many estuaries worldwide (such as the Scheldt), seeds will typically settle faster than local sediments. A sufficiently long hydrodynamic-calm period allows slowly settling sediment to bury settled seeds, otherwise, seeds will remain uncovered if the period is short. 2) Seed trapping ratio increased linearly with surface roughness (a proxy for local topographic complexity), but this effect becomes smaller with increasing hydrodynamic intensity. Seed drag coefficient was identified as the key biotic factor contributing to interspecies variability in trapping ratio. Overall, present results suggest that submerged seed dispersal may form a primary bottleneck for salt marsh recruitment by limiting seed availability via two mechanisms: i) reduced chance of seed burial through asynchronous settling of seeds and sediment particles; ii) reduced probability of seed trapping due to encountering smooth tidal flat surfaces. This study provide mechanistic and data basis for the targeted application of biophysical models in predicting outcomes of saltmarsh recruitment and long-term maintenance, thereby informing seed-based conservation and restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China; Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT, Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Liquan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, 202162, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT, Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB, Utrecht, the Netherlands; HZ University of Applied Sciences, Building with Nature Group, 4382 NW, Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
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Fivash GS, Temmerman S, Kleinhans MG, Heuner M, van der Heide T, Bouma TJ. Early indicators of tidal ecosystem shifts in estuaries. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1911. [PMID: 37024451 PMCID: PMC10079839 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37444-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forecasting transitions between tidal ecosystem states, such as between bare tidal flats and vegetated marshes, is crucial because it may imply the irreversible loss of valuable ecosystem services. In this study, we combine geospatial analyses of three European estuaries with a simple numerical model to demonstrate that the development of micro-topographic patterning on tidal flats is an early indicator of marsh establishment. We first show that the development of micro-topographic patterns precedes vegetation establishment, and that patterns tend to form only on tidal flats with a slope of <0.3 degrees. Numerical modelling then provides an explanation for the formation of micro-topography due to the natural concentration of draining surface water over very gentle slopes. We find this early indicator to be robust across three estuaries where anthropogenic deepening and narrowing has occurred in recent decades, which may suggest its broader applicability to other estuaries with similar morphological management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S Fivash
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Yerseke, The Netherlands.
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Community and Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Stijn Temmerman
- Ecosystem Management Research Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maarten G Kleinhans
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maike Heuner
- Department of Vegetation Studies and Landscape Management, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Community and Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Yerseke, The Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Community and Conservation Ecology Group, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Delta Academy Applied Research Centre, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Vlissingen, The Netherlands
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5
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Zhao Z, Zhang L, Yuan L, Bouma TJ. Unraveling the wheel of recruitment for salt-marsh seedlings: Resistance to and recovery after dislodgement. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157595. [PMID: 35905966 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Elucidating bottlenecks at critical life stages and quantifying associated resilience (including resistance and recovery) to physical processes are central in inform restoration and attain sustainable development of coastal biogeomorphic ecosystems. Seedling establishment is a key life stage determines saltmarsh restoration potentials. However, the resilience of these recruits, especially through recovery, remains poorly understood. Here, two contrasting globally occurring saltmarsh species, namely Salicornia europaea and Spartina anglica, were employed to generate insights in i) seedling resistance against dislodgement, and ii) seedling recovery potential after dislodgement. Regarding resistance, we found that 1) root-shoot antagonism characterizes the growth rate of seedling resistance to dislodgement through hydraulic disturbance, 2) the root length determines seedling resistance to dislodgement through sheet erosion; 3) a 5 mm sedimentary setting amplifies seedling resistance without inhibiting their morphological evolution. Regarding recovery, we found that 4) dislodged seedlings have a high probability for achieving long-distance dispersal; 5) seedling age and the inundation-free period regulate the re-establishment potential of dislodged seedlings. Overall, S. anglica showed stronger resilience than S. europaea, characterized by stronger seedling resistance against dislodgement and higher re-establishment potential. Our results on seedling resilience suggest that seedling dislodgement is not an end-of-life cycle but a new spin on the "Wheel of Recruitment", a proposed short-term cyclic behavior with alternating phases of seedling dislodgement, dispersal, and (re-)establishment. The Wheel of Recruitment concept is important for forecasting resilience and persistence of biogeomorphic systems such as salt marshes under global change and for guiding life cycle informed restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241 Shanghai, China; Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Liquan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241 Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, Institute of Eco-Chongming, Center for Blue Carbon Science and Technology, East China Normal University, 200241 Shanghai, China; Yangtze Delta Estuarine Wetland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station, 202162 Shanghai, China.
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT Yerseke, the Netherlands; Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3584 CB Utrecht, the Netherlands; HZ University of Applied Sciences, Building with Nature group, 4382 NW Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
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6
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Temmink RJM, Lamers LPM, Angelini C, Bouma TJ, Fritz C, van de Koppel J, Lexmond R, Rietkerk M, Silliman BR, Joosten H, van der Heide T. Recovering wetland biogeomorphic feedbacks to restore the world's biotic carbon hotspots. Science 2022; 376:eabn1479. [PMID: 35511964 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn1479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Biogeomorphic wetlands cover 1% of Earth's surface but store 20% of ecosystem organic carbon. This disproportional share is fueled by high carbon sequestration rates and effective storage in peatlands, mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows, which greatly exceed those of oceanic and forest ecosystems. Here, we review how feedbacks between geomorphology and landscape-building vegetation underlie these qualities and how feedback disruption can switch wetlands from carbon sinks into sources. Currently, human activities are driving rapid declines in the area of major carbon-storing wetlands (1% annually). Our findings highlight the urgency to stop through conservation ongoing losses and to reestablish landscape-forming feedbacks through restoration innovations that recover the role of biogeomorphic wetlands as the world's biotic carbon hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J M Temmink
- Environmental Sciences, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 1790 AB Den Burg, Netherlands.,Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Leon P M Lamers
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands.,B-WARE Research Centre, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Christine Angelini
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, Engineering School for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, University of Florida, Post Office Box 116580, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Tjeerd J Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands.,Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, Netherlands.,Building with Nature group, HZ University of Applied Sciences, Postbus 364, 4380 AJ Vlissingen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Geosciences, Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, 3508 TC Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Fritz
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 6, Groningen, 9747 AG, Netherlands
| | - Johan van de Koppel
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 4401 NT Yerseke, Netherlands.,Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robin Lexmond
- Experimental Plant Ecology, Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Max Rietkerk
- Environmental Sciences, Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC, USA
| | - Hans Joosten
- Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, Greifswald University, Partner in the Greifswald Mire Centre, Soldmannstrasse 15, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Department of Coastal Systems, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 1790 AB Den Burg, Netherlands.,Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, Netherlands
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Zaytseva S, Shaw LB, Shi J, Kirwan ML, Lipcius RN. Pattern formation in marsh ecosystems modeled through the interaction of marsh vegetation, mussels and sediment. J Theor Biol 2022; 543:111102. [PMID: 35341780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Spatial self-organization, a common feature of multi-species communities, can provide important insights into ecosystem structure and resilience. As environmental conditions gradually worsen (e.g., resource depletion, erosion intensified by storms, drought), some ecological systems collapse to an irreversible state once a tipping point is reached. Spatial patterning may be one way for them to cope with such changes. We use a mathematical model to describe self-organization of an eroding marsh shoreline based on three-way interactions between sediment volume and two ecosystem engineers - smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora and ribbed mussels Geukensia demissa. Our model indicates that scale-dependent interactions between multiple ecosystem engineers drive the self-organization of eroding marsh edges and regulate the spatial scale of shoreline morphology. Spatial self-organization of the marsh edge increases the system's productivity, allows it to withstand erosion, and delays degradation that otherwise would occur in the absence of strong species interactions. Further, changes in wavelength and variance of the spatial patterns give insight into marsh recession. Finally, we find that the presence of mussels in the system modulates the spatial scale of the patterns, generates patterns with shorter wavelengths, and allows the system to tolerate a greater level of erosion. Although previous studies suggest that self-organization can emerge from local interactions and can result in increased ecosystem persistence and stability in various ecosystems, our findings extend these concepts to coastal salt marshes, emphasizing the importance of the ecosystem engineers, smooth cordgrass and ribbed mussels, and demonstrating the potential value of self-organization for ecosystem management and restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofya Zaytseva
- Department of Mathematics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Leah B Shaw
- Department of Mathematics, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | - Junping Shi
- Department of Mathematics, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA
| | - Matthew L Kirwan
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062, USA
| | - Romuald N Lipcius
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, 23062, USA
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8
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Temmink RJM, Angelini C, Fivash GS, Swart L, Nouta R, Teunis M, Lengkeek W, Didderen K, Lamers LPM, Bouma TJ, Heide T. Life cycle informed restoration: Engineering settlement substrate material characteristics and structural complexity for reef formation. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ralph J. M. Temmink
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department Coastal Systems Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Utrecht University Den Burg The Netherlands
| | - Christine Angelini
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences Engineering School for Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment University of Florida Gainesville FL USA
| | - Gregory S. Fivash
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Laura Swart
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Reinder Nouta
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | | | - Wouter Lengkeek
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Bureau Waardenburg Culemborg The Netherlands
| | | | - Leon P. M. Lamers
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
- B‐WARE Research Centre Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd J. Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta Systems Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
- Building with Nature Group HZ University of Applied Sciences Vlissingen The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Geography Faculty of Geosciences Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
- Conservation Ecology Group Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Tjisse Heide
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology Institute for Water and Wetland Research Radboud University Nijmegen The Netherlands
- Department Coastal Systems Royal Netherlands Institute of Sea Research and Utrecht University Den Burg The Netherlands
- Department of Physical Geography Faculty of Geosciences Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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9
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Fivash GS, Temmink RJM, D’Angelo M, van Dalen J, Lengkeek W, Didderen K, Ballio F, van der Heide T, Bouma TJ. Restoration of biogeomorphic systems by creating windows of opportunity to support natural establishment processes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 31:e02333. [PMID: 33768651 PMCID: PMC8365657 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In degraded landscapes, recolonization by pioneer vegetation is often halted by the presence of persistent environmental stress. When natural expansion does occur, it is commonly due to the momentary alleviation of a key environmental variable previously limiting new growth. Thus, studying the circumstances in which expansion occurs can inspire new restoration techniques, wherein vegetation establishment is provoked by emulating natural events through artificial means. Using the salt-marsh pioneer zone on tidal flats as a biogeomorphic model system, we explore how locally raised sediment bed forms, which are the result of natural (bio)geomorphic processes, enhance seedling establishment in an observational study. We then conduct a manipulative experiment designed to emulate these facilitative conditions in order to enable establishment on an uncolonized tidal flat. Here, we attempt to generate raised growth-promoting sediment bed forms using porous artificial structures. Flume experiments demonstrate how these structures produce a sheltered hydrodynamic environment in which suspended sediment and seeds preferentially settle. The application of these structures in the field led to the formation of stable, raised sediment platforms and the spontaneous recruitment of salt-marsh pioneers in the following growing season. These recruits were composed primarily of the annual pioneering Salicornia genus, with densities of up to 140 individuals/m2 within the structures, a 60-fold increase over ambient densities. Lower abundances of five other perennial species were found within structures that did not appear elsewhere in the pioneer zone. Furthermore, recruits grew to be on average three times greater in mass inside of the structures than in the neighboring ambient environment. The success of this restoration design may be attributed to the combination of three factors: (1) enhanced seed retention, (2) suppressed mortality, and (3) accelerated growth rates on the elevated surfaces generated by the artificial structures. We argue that restoration approaches similar to the one shown here, wherein the conditions for natural establishment are actively mimicked to promote vegetation development, may serve as promising tools in many biogeomorphic ecosystems, ranging from coastal to arid ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory S. Fivash
- Department of Estuarine and Delta SystemsRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchKorringaweg 7Yerseke4401 NTthe Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesCommunity and Conservation Ecology GroupUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 7Groningen9747 AGthe Netherlands
| | - Ralph J. M. Temmink
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental BiologyInstitute for Water and Wetland ResearchRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJthe Netherlands
| | - Manuel D’Angelo
- Department of Estuarine and Delta SystemsRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchKorringaweg 7Yerseke4401 NTthe Netherlands
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringPolitecnico di MilanoPiazza Leonardo da Vinci 32Milano20133Italy
| | - Jeroen van Dalen
- Department of Estuarine and Delta SystemsRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchKorringaweg 7Yerseke4401 NTthe Netherlands
| | - Wouter Lengkeek
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental BiologyInstitute for Water and Wetland ResearchRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJthe Netherlands
- Bureau WaardenburgVarkensmarkt 9Culemborg4101 CKthe Netherlands
| | - Karin Didderen
- Bureau WaardenburgVarkensmarkt 9Culemborg4101 CKthe Netherlands
| | - Francesco Ballio
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringPolitecnico di MilanoPiazza Leonardo da Vinci 32Milano20133Italy
| | - Tjisse van der Heide
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesCommunity and Conservation Ecology GroupUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 7Groningen9747 AGthe Netherlands
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental BiologyInstitute for Water and Wetland ResearchRadboud UniversityHeyendaalseweg 135Nijmegen6525 AJthe Netherlands
- Department of Coastal SystemsRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchLandsdiep 4't Horntje (Texel)1797 SZthe Netherlands
| | - Tjeerd J. Bouma
- Department of Estuarine and Delta SystemsRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea ResearchKorringaweg 7Yerseke4401 NTthe Netherlands
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesCommunity and Conservation Ecology GroupUniversity of GroningenNijenborgh 7Groningen9747 AGthe Netherlands
- Department of Physical GeographyFaculty of GeosciencesUtrecht UniversityPrincetonlaan 8aUtrecht3584 CBthe Netherlands
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