Spatiotemporal Variation of Plant Diversity Under a Unique Estuarine Wetland Gradient System in the Yellow River Delta, China

• DOI: 10.1007/s11769-020-1109-0
• Publication Date: 2020-04-27T01:02:21Z
• Authors: Jingkuan Sun; Yuan Chi; Zhanyong Fu; Tian Li; Kaikai Dong
• Keywords: Phragmites; River delta

Multiple natural and human factors in estuarine wetlands result complicated land surface characteristics with distinct spatial temporal heterogeneities, thereby contributing to the difficulty identifying spatiotemporal variations influencing of plant diversity. A unique wetland gradient system (UEWGS) consisting soil, vegetation, heat, distance, landscape, anthropogenic gradients was established based on ecological features through remote sensing field investigation methods. It resolved characteristics, covered all aspects diversity, possessed heterogeneities. The Yellow River Delta, largest northern China, selected as study area demonstrate UEWGS four seasons 2017. total 123 species were recorded considerable seasonal difference. Phragmites australis, Suaeda salsa, Tamarix chinensis dominant species, crop also played important roles. In single effect, exerted significant influences, yet only vegetation influences seasons. comprehensive distance showed gross influences. Moisture content soil net primary productivity can be considered main driving factor indicator, respectively, results validated significance revealing diversity factors, universal applicability analysis areas.