Early growth of seven mangrove species planted at different elevations in a Thai estuary

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of elevation on survival and growth of mangrove seedlings during the establishment period. Seven typical mangrove species, Rhizophora mucronata Poir, R. apiculata Bl., Bruguiera cylindrica (L.) Bl., Ceriops tagal (Pirr.) C.B. Rob., Sonneratia alba J. Sm., Avicennia officinalis L. and Xylocarpus granatum Koenig were planted at various topographic sites in an intertidal zone of Phang Nga province, southern Thailand. These six bare areas included two that were abandoned after tin mining and four gap areas in natural habitats in June 1998. The experimental plots were on a slope and showed a maximal elevation difference of 1.8 m. The plots were naturally submerged with 2-3% saline water twice a day. Salinity, pH and the concentrations of several ions in the soil water were similar in all the plots. Survival and growth performance of seedlings were measured every 6 months. Many seedlings of B. cylindrica, C. tagal and X. granatum planted at lower elevations died with a year. R. mucronata and S. alba survived even at the lowest elevations, but showed changes in growth rate in response to topography. Thus, early growth of the seven mangrove species at different elevations differed and showed increasing tolerance to higher tidal inundations in the order: R. mucronata, S. alba, R. apiculata, A. officinalis, C. tagal, B. cylindrica and X. granatum. These findings provide guideline information for appropriate species selection in a mangrove rehabilitation program.

Modelling drivers of mangrove propagule dispersal and restoration of abandoned shrimp farms

“…Prior to seedling establishment, processes such as dispersal towards the concerning shrimp farm areas and propagule predation are likely to influence initial patterns of distribution and abundance (Cannicci et al, 2008;Dahdouh-Guebas et al, 1997, 1998McGuinness, 1994;McKee, 1995;Osborne and Smith, 1990). Once arrived in the abandoned shrimp farms, other factors like physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment (Delgado et al, 2001), predation (Cannicci et al, 2008), acid sulphate soils (Sammut and Hanafi, 2000), interspecific competition and frequency of inundation (Kitaya et al, 2002) may further affect the success of establishment, early growth and survival of seedlings and ultimately determine the success of natural regeneration.…”

Superficial distribution of aromatic compounds and geomicrobiology of sediments from Suruí Mangrove, Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil

“…These topographic characteristics play an important role in the patterns of mangrove development and maintenance. Substrate elevation and topographical variations have been recognized as important criteria in the success and patterns of mangrove seedling establishment (Anthony 2004, Ellison 1998, Kitaya et al 2002, Saenger 2003, Cohen et al 2005, Lara and Cohen 2006. Both topography and plant distribution serve as a pattern for the accumulation of organic matter (such as hydrocarbons) and inorganic (such as metals) species.…”

Local positive feedback and the persistence and recovery of fringe Avicennia marina (Forssk.) vierh. mangroves

“…Seedling mortality as function of elevation Kitaya et al (2002) measured seedling survival for seven different mangrove species on different elevations on the tidal flat. Their findings indicated that mortality rates are both strongly dependent on elevation and are species specific.…”

“…Their findings indicated that mortality rates are both strongly dependent on elevation and are species specific. Kitaya et al (2002) did not, however, measure seedling survival for A. marina. We therefore assume that the relation between mortality and elevation can be described using a Hill-like function:…”

“…The failure of mangrove restoration in these situations is often caused by high seedling mortality rates (Riley and Kent 1999). Kitaya et al (2002) measured seedling mortality on different elevations on tidal flats, and found that mortality varies strongly with elevation. Elevation correlates strongly with wave action, inundation and other related factors such as pH (Hogarth 1999).…”