Zhao, Y. and Fang, Y., 2017. Ecological functions of different shrublands in the Chenier coastal wetlands, China. In: Zhi, Y. and Guido Aldana, P.A. (eds.), Sustainability of Water Resources and the Development of Coastal Environments: Select Proceedings from the 2016 International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE2016). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 80, pp. 24–29. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The particle diameter proportioning and contents of total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) in the 0~30 cm soil layer around Tamarix chinensis and Ziziphus jujuba shrublands in the Chenier beach of Bohai Bay in China were investigated. Significant enrichment of seashell debris (d≥2 mm) were found in T. chinensis shrublands seaside as well as particles (d≤0.075 mm) of Z. jujuba inland (p<0.05). With increasing of soil nutrients from shore to inland, the “fertile islands” effect gradually weakened. Changes of nutrient content beneath T. chinensis seaside and shellridge indicated the enrichment phenomenon; however, fewer herbaceous species showed a weaker breeding effect. Although insignificant “fertile islands” effect in inland Z. jujuba, more plant species were observed. In short, T. chinensis shrublands on the shore in Chenier wetland played a role in silt promotion and bank protection, while the Z. jujuba shrublands inland acted well in promoting the growth of herbaceous plants.