Plant-Soil Moisture Positive Feedback Maintaining Alternative Stable States in the Alpine Marsh Ecosystem.
Ecol Lett
; 27(9): e14508, 2024 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39354903
ABSTRACT
A self-reinforcing positive feedback is regarded as a critical process for maintaining alternative stable states (ASS); however, identification of ASS and quantification of positive feedbacks remain elusive in natural ecosystems. Here, we used large-scale field surveys to search for ASS and a positive feedback mechanism under a wide range of habitats on the Tibetan Plateau. Using multiple methods, we proved that three stable states exist that accompany alpine marsh degradation. Positive feedbacks between changing soil moisture and plant community composition forced the ecosystem into another stable state, and the alteration of water use efficiency (WUE) of the component species contributed to this shift. This study provides the first empirical evidence that positive feedback loops maintain ASS in the alpine marsh ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau. Our research revealed the powerful driving role of plants in transitions between states, which may support the conservation and restoration of global alpine marsh ecosystems.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Solo
/
Áreas Alagadas
País/Região como assunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ecol Lett
/
Ecol. lett
/
Ecology letters
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Reino Unido