In this study, field experiments were carried out in Tongan bay, Xiamen, China. Kandelia candel seedlings were planted at various topographic sites in an intertidal zone of Tongan bay. The experimental plots were on a slop and showed a maximal elevation difference of 1.6 m. Seven experimental plots were set up in forest areas of intertidal zones. The plots were naturally submerged with 20-30‰saline water twice a day. Salinity, pH and the concentration of several ions in the soil were similar in all ...