Plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove ecosystems: establishing links between empirical and modelling studies

Abstract

Key message Plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove ecosystems are important for ecosystem resilience and can be investigated by establishing links between empirical and modelling studies. Abstract Plant–soil feedbacks are important as they provide valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics and ecosystems stability and resilience against multiple stressors and disturbances, including global climate change. In mangroves, plant–soil feedbacks are important for ecosystem resilience in the face of sea level rise, carbon sequestration, and to support successful ecosystem restoration. Despite the recognition of the importance of plant–soil feedbacks in mangroves, there is limited empirical data available. We reviewed empirical studies from mangrove ecosystems and evaluate numerical models addressing plant–soil feedbacks. The empirical evidence suggests that plant–soil feedbacks strongly influence ecological processes (e.g. seedling recruitment and soil elevation change) and forest structure in mangrove ecosystems. Numerical models, which successfully describe plant–soil feedbacks in mangrove and other ecosystems, can be used in future empirical studies to test mechanistic understanding and project outcomes of environmental change. Moreover, the combination of both, modelling and empirical approaches, can improve mechanistic understanding of plant–soil feedbacks and thereby ecosystem dynamics in mangrove ecosystems. This combination will help to support sustainable coastal management and conservation.

Coupling near‐surface geomorphology with mangrove community diversity at the estuarine scale: A case study at Dongzhaigang Bay, China

“…Mangrove wetlands are natural laboratories for studying geomorphological to biological feedbacks (Huxham et al ., 2010; Wimmler et al ., 2021). Mangrove species zonation in coastal regions is particularly striking and commonly includes monospecific bands of mangrove vegetation from shore (lower in elevation) to inland regions (higher in elevation; Snedaker, 1982; McKee, 1993).…”

“…Therefore, geomorphological processes could be better integrated into studies designed to help us understand the intersection with biodiversity (Hazen & Roedder, 2001; Antonelli et al ., 2018). Experimental evidence of geomorphology–mangrove structural feedbacks is gradually building within the literature (Anthony, 2004; McKee et al ., 2007; Anthony et al ., 2008; Huxham et al ., 2010; Lang'at et al ., 2014; Brunier et al ., 2019; Rogers et al ., 2019; Wimmler et al ., 2021).…”