Background: urban forest in coastal cities encounters multiple disturbances of frequent typhoon events caused by global change, under which ecological remediation can help to improve urban environment. We measured and analyzed the growth and ecosystem services of four newly-planted tree species in Zhuhai after Typhoon Hato (2017), aiming to evaluate the efficiency of the ecological remediation. Methods: National Meteorological Information Center of China supplied climate variables. From June 2018 to December 2019, we measured soil physical and chemical properties, above- and below-ground development regarding stem, tree height, and root growth of all the selected tree species. Results: Sl (Sterculia lanceolata Cav.), Ir (Ilex rotunda Thunb), Ss (Schima superba Gardn. et Champ.) could be more wind-resistant from the above-ground morphological perspective. For the below-ground process, Sl was the only tree species with continuous development, while Ir, Ss, and Es (Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir.) decreased. Furthermore, Sl, Ir, and Ss maintained their investment in deep roots when Es had apparent deep root biomass reduction. The edaphic condition showed notable improvement in chemical properties rather than physical properties, especially for AN (available nitrogen), AK (available potassium), and SOM (soil organic matter). Conclusions: The ecological remediation in Zhuhai after Typhoon Hato (2017) was efficient, and in the future, tree species like Sl with advantages in root development and morphological profile were preferentially recommender for plantation in typhoon-affected areas.
Keywords: Ecological remediation; Root development; Soil properties; Tree growth; Urban trees.
© 2021 The Author(s). Published by BRI.