Preliminary manifestation of the Yangtze River Protection Strategy in improving the carbon sink function of estuary wetlands

In 2016, the Yangtze River Protection Strategy was proposed and a series of measures were applied to restore the health and function of the Yangtze River ecosystem. However, the impact of these measures on the carbon (C) sink capacity of the Yangtze River estuary wetlands has not been exhaustively studied. In this work, the effects of these measures on the C sink capacity of Yangtze River estuary wetlands were examined through the long-term monitoring of C fluxes, soil respiration, plant growth and water quality. The C flux of the Yangtze River estuary wetlands has become increasingly negative after the implementation of these measures, mainly owing to reduction in soil CO2 emission. The decrease in the chemical fertilizer release and returning farmland to wetland had led to the improvement of water quality in the estuary area, which further reduced soil heterotrophic microbial activity, and ultimately decreasing soil CO2 emissions of estuary wetlands. [Display omitted] •The implementation of the Yangtze River protection strategy has improved water quality•Improved estuary water quality reduces soil respiration and CO2 emission of tidal wetland•The Yangtze River protection contributes to the achievement of China’s double carbon goal