Which method helps wetlands in storing carbon effectively?

Wetlands are recognized for their critical role in carbon storage, and the accumulation of plant biomass is a key factor in this process. As plants grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter, which contributes to the overall biomass of the wetlands. This plant material not only includes the vegetation above ground but also includes roots and other organic matter below the surface.

When the plants die, their biomass can either decompose or be preserved in waterlogged conditions typical of wetlands, where decomposition is slowed due to anaerobic conditions. This preservation contributes to long-term carbon storage as the organic material gets buried and sequestered in the soil, preventing the carbon from re-entering the atmosphere.

Other factors, such as the diversity of animal life and the decomposition of organic matter, can contribute to the ecological balance within the wetland but do not directly enhance the carbon storage capacity as effectively as the accumulation of plant biomass does. Excessive water runoff is detrimental; it can lead to nutrient loss and erosion, which further hampers the ability of wetlands to sequester carbon effectively. Thus, the accumulation of plant biomass is crucial for sustaining and enhancing wetland carbon storage capabilities.