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Salinity is one of the main limiting factors driving the expansion of Spartina alterniflora by affecting plant functioning. Comparative studies of plant leaves, under 0 (T0), 5 (T5), 10 (T10), and 20 g/kg (T20) soil salinity, were carried out. Results showed that soil salinity significantly affected most leaf traits of S. alterniflora. Total and live leaf numbers first increased and then decreased with increasing soil salinity. Leaf morphology in T5 were substantially larger than another three treatments, and the ratio of leaf length to width considerably decreased with increasing soil salinity. As the soil salinity increased, leaf dry mass and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) displayed a pattern similar to total leaf number. Leaf mass traits indicated that while a more efficient nutrient conservation strategy was adopted in T10, S. alterniflora rapidly produced biomass in T0. Strong correlations were observed between leaf morphological and mass traits except for some parts of LDMC. The confidence ellipses of leaf traits indicated significant differences in leaf traits of the four treatments. We believe that insights into the aforementioned aspects can contribute to a better understanding of the responses of leaf traits of S. alterniflora and provide valuable information about its adaptation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater from agricultural source carries excess nitrogen and phosphorous into wetlands and causes eutrophication in waterbody. Enrichment of nitrogen and phosphorous affects the natural nutrient removal and plant growth in wetlands. We conducted a greenhouse experience to explore the effects of excess N and P on the growth of Carex schmidtii, so as to provide evidence for wetland phytoremediation. The results showed that high concentration of N had negative effects on the plant height and growth rate of C. schmidtii. Excess N and P significantly reduced the leaf morphology and mass per plant or leaf but increased the length and the ratio of withered leaf. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content and lid peroxidation indicated that high concentrations of N and P exerted much injury to the blades of C. schmidtii. These results help in understanding the responses of C. schmidtii to agricultural wastewater and suggest the limited capacity of C. schmidtii tussock for the phytoremediation of agricultural wastewater in wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]