Interpretation of Soil Properties in Kuan-Tu Wetlands, Taiwan

Abstract

This work investigated soil samples collected from the Kuan-Tu wetlands, Taiwan. Factor analysis was performed to explain the impact of various environmental factors on this coastal wetland located in suburban Taipei. The results indicated that the latent factors were heavy metals, salinity, and organic matters. Factor scores were computed and cluster analysis was implemented using the factor scores to classify the Kuan-Tu wetlands into four regions by plant types—short marshes, rice paddy fields, tall marshes, and drier area. Multivariate analysis of the spatial patterns of the soil quality and vegetation types in the habitat showed that the properties of soil determine the types of vegetation and accumulation of contaminants in the soil. Sediment from tall marsh areas accumulated more Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Fe, except Mn, than sediment from short marsh areas. The most important aspects of managing the Kuan-Tu wetland for migrant birds in the winter were controlling plant succession, maintaining the tillage of rice paddies to ensure stable food supply, and reducing the effects of contaminants. The methodology and results concerning the Kuan-Tu wetlands may be applicable to other wetlands to interpret the relationship between soil properties and plant classification.