Tides affect plant connectivity in coastal wetlands on a small-patch scale

摘要: Abstract Coastal wetlands are ecologically and economically important; however, they currently faced with fragmentation loss. Plants a fundamental element of previous researches have focused on wetland plant connectivity; these been conducted at the landscape but not species level. Here, given that tidal flats important areas in coastal wetlands, we investigated connectivity characteristics typical environmental factors different regions influenced by various conditions to reveal vegetation its relationship small-patch scale. We found tides negatively affect because both Tamarix chinensis Suaeda salsa highest river banks, which tides. Of two regions, influence species. T. chinensis had higher supratidal zone, whereas S. salsa intertidal zone. Besides, soil water content salinity were significantly three total nitrogen phosphorous not. Soil affected connectivity. Specifically, positively S. salsa, T. chinensis. Taken together, results indicate River banks zone beneficial for recovery growth T. chinensis, more conducive S. salsa. Based above research, this study provides insights could be applied restoration wetlands.