Research Article

Leaf Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry of Three Mangrove Species during Early Establishment after Spartina alterniflora Removal

Dian Xu 1 2, Ta-Jen Chu 1 2 * , Yuan-Yue Li 1 2 *
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1 Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China2 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources and Eco-Environment, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(3), September 2026, 1-7, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.03.0001
Submitted: 16 May 2026, Published: 30 August 2026
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ABSTRACT

To evaluate the establishment adaptability of mangrove plants during the early restoration stage after Spartina alterniflora removal, this study investigated three mangrove species—Kandelia obovata, Aegiceras corniculatum, and Avicennia marina—planted in the Linluandu coastal wetland of Quanzhou Bay following the mechanical removal of S. alterniflora. Mature leaves were collected in winter, spring, summer, and autumn of 2024. Leaf total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) contents were determined, and the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of C/N, C/P, and N/P were analyzed. The results showed that both season and species had significant effects on leaf TC, TN, and TP contents, as well as their stoichiometric ratios. In K. obovata, TC, TN, and TP contents all reached their maximum values in autumn. In A. corniculatum, TC content was highest in summer, whereas TN and TP contents peaked in autumn. A. marina had the highest seasonal mean TN and TP contents among the three species, at 24.91 g/kg and 2.35 g/kg, respectively, indicating a stronger capacity for nitrogen and phosphorus acquisition. The C/N and C/P ratios followed the order K. obovata > A. corniculatum > A. marina, suggesting relatively higher nutrient-use efficiency in K. obovata. The seasonal mean leaf N/P ratios of all three mangrove species were below 14, indicating that plant growth during the early restoration stage was generally limited by nitrogen. Overall, A. marina showed the best performance in nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation and nutrient acquisition, and is therefore more suitable as the preferred pioneer species during the early restoration stage after S. alterniflora removal. K. obovata may serve as a supplementary species in nutrient-poor habitats.
Keywords: Spartina alterniflora, Mangrove restoration, Mangrove plants, Ecological stoichiometry, Nitrogen limitation

CITATION (APA)

Xu, D., Chu, T.-J., & Li, Y.-Y. (2026). Leaf Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry of Three Mangrove Species during Early Establishment after Spartina alterniflora Removal. International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(3), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.03.0001

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