Changes of P, Ca, Al and Fe contents in fringe marshes along a pedogenic chronosequence in the Pearl River estuary, South China

Soil and plant samples were collected in four fringe marsh zones (i.e., A, B, C and D zones) along a pedogenic chronosequence in the Pearl River estuary in the Spring of 2009. Samples were subjected to a total digestion technique and analyzed for P, Ca, Al and Fe in order to study the changes of nutrient contents, storages in soils and their bioavailabilities to wetland plants (e.g. Cyperus malaccensis) in four zones. Results showed that soil Ca increased with depth along soil profiles, while P, Al and Fe generally kept constant in soil profiles in four zones. Al and Fe contents in the top 10 cm soils showed significant decreases from D to A zone, while a significant increase in Ca contents (P<0.05). Significant increases along pedogenic chronosequence for P, Al and Fe at 30-40 cm soil horizons were also observed. Ca was mainly accumulated in plant aboveground parts; Al and Fe were accumulated in the belowground parts; while P was homogenously distributed among the tissues of C. malaccensis. C. malaccensis in D zone had lower Bio-concentration factors (BCFs) of P in the shoots and Al and Fe in the roots, and higher values of Ca in the shoots than those in older zones (P<0.05). Compared to Al and Fe, both Ca and P had relatively higher translocation capacities for C. malaccensis, while only lower TFs for P and higher values for Al and Fe in D zone were observed than those in A and B zones (P<0.05). Except for Al with no significant changes, the total BCFs for P and Fe showed an increasing trend with soil ages, while a decreasing trend for Ca. The total bio-storage factors (TBSFs) of P and Ca declined with the pedogenic time, whereas an increase for Fe. The results of this study can contribute to the wetland conservation and management in the Pearl River estuarine region.