Structural variability and its relation to edaphic attributes of mangroves in the south‐west coast of India

Abstract

We estimated the tree structural variables (density, frequency and basal area) of true mangroves and soil variables like particle size distribution, carbon, available nitrogen and phosphorus, sulphur, nutrient cations (K, Na, Ca, Mg) of Cochin mangroves and examined the relationship between vegetation and environment. The study sites were classified as seaward fringe, riverine and interior. Of the thirteen true mangrove species present, Avicennia officinalis, Sonneratia caseolaris and Excoecaria agallocha showed higher Importance Value Index. The mean stem density varied from 80 to 25,000 no./ha and basal area from 0.1 to 39.68 m2/ha. Seaward mangroves showed maximum stand basal area and biomass production while riverine exhibited maximum density. Maturity Index value of Cochin mangroves revealed a very low degree of structural maturity. Interior mangroves were characterized by silty soil with higher nutrient concentrations. Principal component analysis of soil data revealed that the major factors influencing mangrove vegetation were soil texture, nutrients, salinity and oxidation–reduction potential. The stem density and basal area of different species correlated highly with soil nutrients and texture (p < .001) while salinity showed negative correlations with vegetation characteristics. The data generated in the study would be fundamental in site‐specific management and conservation efforts of these degrading mangroves.

Mangrove Ecosystem Biodiversity in Malacca Strait and Its Economic Values to Local Community: A Case Study in Riau Coastline

“…Stations I, II, and IV have relatively high soil salinity, while station III's counterpart is very high. According to a previous study, soil salinity has a positive correlation with several mangrove vegetation biomass (i.e., tree size and flowering) [23], and the other [5,24]. Furthermore, at station III, the dominant plant species on the coast was the Avicennia marina, while at station I, the dominant composition on the coast was Rhizophora mucronata (White Mangroves).…”

“…The soil variables have a pairwise correlation with the structural variables for linking the mangrove vegetation with the environment [24]. The soil salinity is likely to be reduced with the increasing distance from the coastline to the upland [5].…”