When it comes to fighting climate change, we often hear about forests and prairies as
vital carbon sinks. But if you really want to maximize carbon sequestration, there's an
ecosystem that outperforms them all: wetlands.
Emerging research, including a study published in Nature Communications,
underscores the unparalleled ability of wetlands to capture and store carbon for
millennia. According to the study, wetlands in the United States store approximately
11.52 petagrams of carbon (PgC), with the majority residing in deep soil layers. Freshwater inland wetlands hold nearly ten times more carbon than tidal saltwater
wetlands, making them a critical component of our climate mitigation strategy.
Why Wetlands Are Carbon Storage Champions
Wetlands—marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens—act as nature’s most efficient carbon
vaults. Unlike prairies, which store carbon primarily in their root systems, wetlands not
only sequester carbon in their plant biomass but also in their waterlogged soils. These
anoxic (low-oxygen) conditions slow down decomposition, allowing carbon to
accumulate over centuries rather than being rapidly released back into the atmosphere.
The Nature Communications study highlights that wetlands can store up to 40 times
more carbon per hectare than forests and prairies. This is because:
- Organic matter builds up in the saturated soil instead of breaking down.
- Peat-forming wetlands continuously accumulate carbon-rich plant material.
- They act as buffers, preventing excess CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
- Deep wetland soils hold vast carbon reserves, reducing atmospheric carbon for
centuries.
The Role of Native Wetland Plants in Carbon Sequestration
Just as native prairie plants contribute to soil health and resilience, native wetland
plants play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Their deep-rooted systems stabilize
soil, reduce erosion, and enhance the water-holding capacity of wetlands.
Here are some key native wetland plants that thrive in restoration projects and natural spaces:
1. Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
A pollinator favorite that flourishes in moist soils.
Provides critical habitat for monarch butterflies while supporting wetland
biodiversity.
Helps stabilize wetland soils, preventing carbon release.
2. Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
A stunning addition to wetland edges, thriving in shallow waters.
Helps filter water pollutants while storing carbon in its fibrous root system.
3. Softstem Bulrush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani)
Essential for erosion control and water filtration.
Its dense root mass captures sediment and organic carbon, locking it away for
centuries.
4. Broadleaf Cattail (Typha latifolia)
Known for its ability to absorb excess nutrients and stabilize shorelines.
Stores carbon in both its rhizomes and the organic material it accumulates.
5. Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
A woody shrub that thrives in wetland margins, providing habitat for birds and
pollinators.
Acts as a long-term carbon sink with its woody biomass.
6. Emergent Wetland Seed Mix
Specifically designed to contain balanced amounts of species that will thrive in
the emergent zone as well as saturated soils.
Includes 27 species including 4 native grasses, 11 sedge and rush species, and
12 native flowers.
Restoring Wetlands: A Natural Climate Solution
The importance of wetland restoration cannot be overstated. While prairie restoration is
valuable, wetlands offer a higher return on investment when it comes to carbon
sequestration. The Nature Communications study suggests that the vast carbon
reserves in wetland soils are highly vulnerable to disturbance, reinforcing the urgency to
protect and restore these ecosystems.
Organizations, municipalities, and landowners looking to make a measurable impact on climate mitigation should prioritize wetland
conservation and restoration efforts.
How to Get Started:
- Identify areas on your property with seasonal or permanent water presence.
- Choose native wetland plants suited to your region and soil conditions.
- Work with experts like Natural Communities to source high-quality native
species for a thriving wetland ecosystem.
The Future of Carbon Sequestration Lies in Wetlands
While prairies play an essential role in soil health and biodiversity, wetlands are the true
carbon sequestration superstars. By protecting and restoring wetlands with native
plants, we can enhance their ability to store carbon, improve water quality, and support
wildlife.
Looking to incorporate native wetland plants into your next restoration project? Natural
Communities offers a diverse selection of species tailored to your landscape’s needs.
Check out this presentation we gave on integrated pest management with a focus on
wetland and streams: Integrated Pest Management for Wetlands and Streams