2.2 Site setting and sampling
Typical SF, PB and CSF patches in wetland conservation areas were
selected as sites. The dominant species in the SF plant community areSphagnum palustre , Carex nemostachys ,Oenanthe linearis , Neanotis hirsuta and Isachne
globosa . The dominant species in the PB plant community arePolytrichum commune , Pteridium revolutum , Gaultheria
hookeri , Smilax china , and Cyanotis vaga . The CSF was a
pure artificial forest with an average density of 1283.33
trees/hm2, an average diameter at breast height of
10.44 cm, an average tree height of 8.68 m, and an average canopy
density of 85%. There were sparse shrubs and herbs under the forest.
Three 1 m×1 m plots were randomly set near the centre of the SF and PB
patches. In each plot, 0-10 cm soil was collected by using the random
3-point sampling method to form a mixed repeat soil sample. Three 20
m×30 m plots were set in CSF, one plot was set in the high and flat area
with the terrain similar to that of SF, one plot was set in the
low-lying area with the terrain similar to that of PB, and one plot was
set in the transition zone between the two. Each plot was kept at least
10m away from the vegetation boundary between swamp forest and moss
peatlands to avoid edge effects. The random 3-point sampling method was
used to collect 0-10 cm soil to form a mixed repeat soil sample.
Therefore, three repeated soil samples were collected for each of the
three types of sites. Plant roots, litter and debris were removed
immediately and stored under appropriate conditions. Each repeat soil
sample was divided into 2 parts: one fresh soil sample was stored at 4°C
for soil physicochemical property analysis, and the other was stored at
-80°C for DNA analysis. Samples for the determination of soil bulk
density and water content were collected simultaneously with the
sampling.