Soil stabilization linked to plant diversity and environmental context in coastal wetlands

• Published in: Journal of vegetation science Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 259 - 268
• Main Authors: Ford, Hilary, Garbutt, Angus, Ladd, Cai, Malarkey, Jonathan, Skov, Martin W, Collins, Beverly
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sweden Opulus Press 01.03.2016; Blackwell Publishing Ltd; John Wiley and Sons Inc
• Subjects: Biodiversity-ecosystem-function; biogeography; biomass; carbon sinks; clay; Ecosystem service; ecosystem services; ecosystems; Erodibility; Erosion stabilization; flood control; Grassland; grasslands; plant communities; Plant species richness; Resilience; Root biomass; roots; Salt marsh; salt marshes; sand; Soil erosion; soil stabilization; soil types; species diversity; United Kingdom; water erosion; United Kingdom; ANE, British Isles, England, Morecambe Bay; ANE, British Isles, England, Essex; Grassland; Root biomass; Salt marsh; Soil erosion; Biodiversity–ecosystem–function; Plant species richness; Ecosystem service; Erodibility; Erosion stabilization; Resilience

BACKGROUND: Plants play a pivotal role in soil stabilization, with above‐ground vegetation and roots combining to physically protect soil against erosion. It is possible that diverse plant communities boost root biomass, with knock‐on positive effects for soil stability, but these relationships are...