Direct and indirect controls on organic matter decomposition in four coastal wetland communities along a landscape salinity gradient

As sea level rises, initial direct effects of salinity will stimulate decay of labile carbon, but over time as plant communities shift from fresh to polyhaline marsh, litter decay will decline, yielding greater potential for long‐term carbon storage. These findings highlight the importance of quantifying carbon loss at multiple temporal scales, not only in coastal wetlands but also in other ecosystems where plant‐mediated responses to climate change will have significant impacts on carbon cycling. Full report here.