In August

2008

the wetlands in the Yellow River Delta

covered with different plant communities

were selected as the study objects to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics and the reserves of phosphor(P) and sulfur(S) in wetland soils. Results showed that different plant communities could affect the contents of P and S differently. Total phosphorus(TP) content had no significant variation with the succession

while total sulfur(TS) content

varying in the "S" mode

was affected obviously by the period of plant community succession. As for the characteristics of vertical distribution

TP content was not remarkable

showing that TP in soils depends on parent material. However

the vertical distribution of TS was significant(CV10%) and its distribution was based on soil organic matter. Besides

the reserves and distributions of the two elements were also affected by plant communities differently. Both the reserve and the distribution of phosphorus varied little

fluctuating around 0.32 kg/m2 (0—60 cm). The reserve of S varied significantly from 0.17 kg/m2(the last stage of succession

0—60 cm)to 0.33 kg/m2 (bare beach

0—60 cm)

fluctuating in "S" mode with the succession

while the distribution of S was not clear. Result from the research shows that the distributions of P and S in wetland soils are affected by plants and thus

right plants can be selected to apply in ecological rehabilitation of wetland. The research may provide a theoretical basis for the ecological rehabilitation of wetlands.