ORCID
- Robert Puschendorf: 0000-0002-8105-171X
Abstract
Invasive plant species pose an increasing threat to mangroves globally. This study assessed the impact of Paspalum vaginatum invasion on carbon loss and early recovery following four years of restoration in a mangrove forest with Rhizophora racemosa in Benin. Organic carbon was quantified in the total biomass, including both aboveground and belowground components, as well as in the soil to a depth of −50 cm. In addition, soil gas fluxes of CO 2, CH 4, and N 2O were measured. Three sites were evaluated: a conserved mangrove, a site degraded by P. vaginatum, and the same site post-restoration via hydrological rehabilitation and reforestation. Invasion significantly reduced carbon storage, especially in soil, due to lower biomass, incorporation of low C/N ratio organic residues, and compaction. Restoration recovered 7.8% of the total biomass carbon compared to the conserved mangrove site, although soil organic carbon did not rise significantly in the short term. However, improvements in deep soil C/N ratios (15–30 and 30–50 cm) suggest enhanced soil organic matter recalcitrance linked to R. racemosa reforestation. Soil CO 2 emissions dropped by 60% at the restored site, underscoring restoration’s potential to mitigate early carbon loss. These results highlight the need to control invasive species and suggest that restoration can generate additional social benefits.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-07-29
Publication Title
Resources
Volume
14
Issue
8
Acceptance Date
2025-07-23
Deposit Date
2025-07-29
Funding
This research is part of JCCB’s doctoral thesis, conducted at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM, Mexico), thanks to the financial support of scholarships granted by Secretaría de Ciencias, Humanidades, Tecnología e Innovación (SECIHTI) (Number Assigned to the Student: 926434) and the Universidad Autónoma de Campeche (UACAM, Mexico), in collaboration with the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM). Funding for sample collection at the restoration site in Ouidah, Benin, and for laboratory analysis at the Autonomous University of Campeche in Mexico, was provided by the FFEM, code 049/UAC/2017.
Keywords
Paspalum vaginatum, blue carbon, ecosystem services, grass invasion, greenhouse gases, mangrove restoration
Recommended Citation
Chávez Barrera, J., Gallardo Lancho, J., Puschendorf, R., & Agraz Hernández, C. (2025) 'Loss and Early Recovery of Biomass and Soil Organic Carbon in Restored Mangroves After Paspalum vaginatum Invasion in West Africa', Resources, 14(8). Available at: 10.3390/resources14080122
