Forty years of ecological engineering with Spartina plantations in China

Abstract This is a short review of our works in the last 40 years in China. It is the product of two audacious events in the 1960s: the introduction of Spartina anglica and the measure of ecological engineering that is possible through skillfully using Spartina plantations. For scientists and engineers seeking countermeasures to solve problems of disasters derived from sea level rise, overpopulation, pollution, etc. our experimental results will be of interest. In basic studies of Spartina species, in addition to improved methods of counting chromosome numbers, DNA purification and proline analysis, there are ultrastructure of mitochondria, morphology and anatomy of pollen grains, hybridization between S. anglica and rice, ecological, physiological and recent cytogenetical studies. In ecological engineering studies, both Spartina anglica and Spartina alterniflora play more important roles. Four advantages of ecological engineering over coastal engineering have been recognized: multiple uses, rapid success, good performance and low cost. Among uses are tideland reclamation, coastal stabilization, partial control of siltation, countermeasure against disasters of sea level rise, soil amelioration, pollution control, animal fodder, green manure, fish feed, primary producer of detritus food webs, food additive, etc. Recent works in Tianjin, Fujian and Guangdong are encouraging. Discussions of some important issues are made.