Estimated stocks of organic carbon in mangrove roots and sediments in Hinchinbrook Channel,Australia

Aboveground and belowground root biomasses (Babove and Broot) were measured for young, isolated Rhizophorastylosa on Iriomote Island, Japan. The relationship between these two parameters was significant and given as the equation, Broot(g dry weight) = 0.394 × Babove(g dry weight) – 485 (r = 0.986). Multiple regression analyses also revealed good correlation between diameter and biomass of prop roots (Dprop and Bprop) and between prop root and root biomasses. Consequently, root biomass could be estimated from the measurements of diameter and biomass of prop roots using the multiple regression equation, Broot(g dry weight) = 80.0 ×Dprop(cm) + 0.86 ×Bprop (g dry weight) – 251. The relationship between DBH (diameter at breast height) and prop root biomass was also adequately described using an allometric equation.In Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia, redox potential (measured as Eh) and organic carbon stocks in the top 5cm of mangrove sediments were measured along a 600m transect from the frequently inundated, Rhizophora dominated zone on the creek edge, towards higher grounds, where Ceriops spp. became increasingly dominant. Eh values were about –60mV near the creek edge and increased to 260mV on higher grounds. Organic carbon stocks showed an opposite trend to Eh, with the values decreasing from about 360tCha–1 to 160tCha–1. At 18 sites, representing six different habitats, organic carbon stocks were also measured along with the DBH of mangrove trees. DBH was converted into aboveground biomass and then into root biomass using the equations obtained in the study on Iriomote Island. The average organic carbon stocks in the top 50 cm of sediments, aboveground biomass and root biomass were 296tCha–1, 123 tCha–1 and 52 tCha–1, respectively, and accounted for 64%, 25% and 11% of the total organic carbon stock.     

Water circulation, groundwater outflow and nutrient dynamics in Mida creek, Kenya

The relationship between physical hydrodynamic processes and nutrients dynamics was investigated in Mida creek, a groundwater influenced mangrovefringed creek in Kenya between March 1996 and May 1997. The research involved spot and timeseries measurement of nitrate–nitrite, ammonia, silicates, phosphates, salinity, temperature, sealevel as well as tidal currents at seven stations located in the front, middle and backwater zones of the creek. Groundwater level as well as total dissolved solids' concentration, salinity, temperature and nutrients' concentration were also measured once every month in shallow wells (watertable<5m) located in the upper region of the creek. Results of the study show that nutrient concentrations vary with the tide and that, though there is no river drainage, they are of the same magnitude as in mangrove creeks with substantial river runoff. The peak concentrations of NH ₄ ⁺ –N (5.45M), NO ₂ –NO ₃ (5.63M), PO ₄ ^3– –P (0.58M) and SiO ₃ ^2– –Si (81.36M) in the creek occurred during flood tide, 2–3h before high waters. The (NO ₂ ^– + NO ₃ ^– )–N concentrations declined rapidly during ebb tide, reaching the minimum levels during low water. Contribution of groundwater seepage to the net nutrients flux (particularly on nitrite–nitrates) is largest in dry seasons. The study shows that groundwater outflow sustains the mangroves during periods of severe salinity stress and nutrients deficiency in dry seasons. This is essentially by limiting salinity increase and by boosting nutrient supply in dry seasons.     

Lateral fluxes of organic carbon in a mangrove forest partly contaminated with sewage wastes

Lateral fluxes of macrodetritus, particulate matter and dissolved organic carbon were determined. Samples were collected monthly at the mangrove forest–inshore water boundary and within the forest. Floating macrodetritus (mainly mangrove leaves) was collected by a net (2mm mesh size). Dissolved and particulate matter were separated by filtration (0.45m filter) and centrifugation. Dissolved and particulate carbon were determined by a total organic carbon analyser (SHIMADZU model TOC5000). There was a significant export of mangrove litter to the adjacent marine environment during spring tides. Rates of import and export of particulate matter in the forest were not statistically different. Translocation of material within the forest was clearly demonstrated. A relatively high export of macrodetritus was recorded at the marine fringe (mainly colonised by Sonneratia alba). There was low export of litter in the terrestrial fringe zone, a monospecific stand occupied by Avicennia marina (Forsk) Vierh. Net organic carbon export from the entire forest was 79×10⁶g C y^–1, dissolved organic carbon accounted for about 78% of the total export.     

Sediment accretion and variability of sedimentological characteristics of a tropical estuarine mangrove: Kemaman, Terengganu, Malaysia

This paper reports on a study of accretion rate and sedimentological variability in a estuarine mangrove swamp. One hundred and sixteen stations were monitored for 2 years. In addition, surface sediment samples were collected at 52 stations during the months of May, June and July (1994) to represent the nonmonsoon sediments and November, December (1994) and January (1995) to represent the monsoon sediments. Results show that the accretion rate for the first year was 1.46±0.13cm/yr and 0.66±0.04cm/yr for the second year thus making the average accretion for the 2 years period to be 1.06cm/yr. The average accretion rate for the monsoon season (0.26 ± 0.04cm/month) was found to be significantly higher than the nonmonsoon season (0.12 ± 0.03cm/month). Nevertheless, the same is not true for the surface sediment characteristics. The sedimentological characteristics between the monsoon and the nonmonsoon sediments were not significantly different.     

Field and model studies of the fate of particulate carbon in mangrove‐fringed Hinchinbrook Channel,Australia

A field and model study was undertaken in 1996/1997 of the dynamics of water, fine sediment and particulate carbon in the northern region of the mangrovefringed Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia. The currents were primarily tidal and modulated by the wind. Biological detritus acted as a coagulant for the fine cohesive sediment in suspension in the mangrovefringed, muddy coastal waters. Plankton and bacteria were the major aggregating agents at neap tides, and mangrove detritus at spring tides. The microaggregates were typically several hundreds of micrometer in diameter and enhanced the settling rate. The fate of fine sediment and particulate carbon was controlled by the dynamics of the coastal boundary layer, a turbid shallow coastal water zone along the mangrovefringed coast. A tidallymodulated, turbidity maximum zone was found in this layer. Wind stirring increased the turbidity by a factor of five.The channel behaves as a sink trapping fine sediment and particulate carbon. However, the sink was leaky because the dynamics of the coastal boundary layer generated a net outflow of fine sediment out of the channel along the western coast. The biologically enhanced settling of cohesive sediment limited the offshore extent of the muddy suspension to within a few hundreds of meters from the coast.At spring flood tides, some of this particulate carbon was advected into the mangrove forest where it would remain trapped. On a yearly basis about six times as much particulate carbon was exported out of Hinchinbrook Channel through the coastal boundary layer than was trapped in the fringing mangroves.     

Dependence of dispersion on vegetation density in a tidal creek‐mangrove swamp system

The dependence of dispersion in a tidal creek on the vegetation density in a fringing mangrove swamp is discussed through a numerical model. A secondary circulation prevails everywhere in the tidal creekmangrove swamp system and is generated by the overflow into the swamp at every high tide. As a result, dissolved and suspended matter moving with the circulation is trapped in the swamp for a fraction of the tidal cycle; it flows out of the swamp at ebb tide and disperses in the creek. The relation between the dispersion coefficient and the mangrove vegetation density is shown to be nonlinear. Dispersion is large both for bare and high vegetation densities and minimum for intermediate vegetation density. The ecological and management applications may be profound as our study suggests that such systems may be unstable and cannot naturally recover from excessive anthropogenic disturbances.     

Severe hail damage to mangroves at Port Curtis, Australia

A hailstorm in October 1994 was found to have moderately or severely impacted on 5.3% of the mangrove forests in Port Curtis. All mangrove species showed evidence of hail damage, including the three most common species (Rhizophora stylosa, Ceriops tagal and Avicennia marina). Physical effects of hail damage included stripping of leaves from plants, holes punched through leaves, bruising to bark, divots removed from bark, branch and plant death. Speciesspecific differences in vulnerability to the effects of hail were observed with C.tagal experiencing relatively higher mortality rates than the other two common mangrove species. A delayed pattern of mortality was observed in two species _ C.tagal and A.marina. Alterations to mangrove community structure included: (1) reductions in stem density, stem diameter and basal area, (2) reductions in canopy cover (based on a photographic index of foliage projective cover) and (3) changes in relative abundance of species in mangrove zones. Recovery was observed in some stands but others had not recovered to prehail levels of canopy cover two years after the hailstorm. Recovery had occurred by regeneration of fresh leaves but no recruitment of young plants had been observed during the study. The forests in the impact area were dominated by either Ceriops tagal or Rhizophora stylosa with Avicennia marinaas a subdominant in places. C.tagal dominated forests within the impact area were relatively more severely affected (41.8% in the severe category) than R.stylosa dominated communities (only 17.4% in the severe category). This indicated that C.tagal dominated forests were more vulnerable to the effects of hail damage than R.stylosa dominated forests. In addition, hailimpacted C.tagal dominated forests represented a relatively high percentage of the area of C.tagal dominated forests in Port Curtis (44.3%). This percentage was much higher than hailimpacted R.stylosa dominated forests in Port Curtis (2.7%). These two factors – relatively severe impact on C.tagal communities and a relatively higher percentage affected within the Port Curtis area – illustrate that hailstorms, as a form of natural disturbance, are an important influence on the forest ecology of mangrove ecosystems in this region.     

Assessing the oil degradation potential of endogenous micro‐organisms in tropical marine wetlands

As part of a larger study on the bioremediation of oil spills in tropical mangrove habitats, we conducted a series of flask experiments to test for the presence of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms in representative wetland habitats. Also tested was the biodegradation of selected oils (Gippsland Crude, Arabian Light Crude and Bunker C), that are transported along the Australian coast. We also tested for potential inhibition of biodegradation by natural organics in the mangrove pore waters and evaluated the ability of an oxygen release compound (ORC) to stimulate biodegradative processes. Evaporation was a significant factor in removing the light alkane and aromatic hydrocarbons from air and nitrogen sparged flasks. Evaporation removed 27% of the Gippsland, 37%of the Arabian, and 10% of the Bunker oils. Oxygen was necessary to support biodegradation as expected. The microorganisms were capable of biodegrading the nonvolatile saturate fraction of each oil. Degradation removed another 14 of the Gippsland, 30 of the Arabian, and 22 of the Bunker C oils. Normalisation of the individual aromatic hydrocarbon classes to internal triterpane biomarkers indicated some degradation of aromatics in the Arabian Light and Bunker C oils. Although alkane degradation rates were comparable in the three oils, the Gippsland oil had a higher wax content and after 14 days incubation, still contained as much as 25 of the alkanes present in the original oil. Thus, degradation of its aromatic fraction may have been delayed. Based on these results we estimate that Arabian Light Crude oil would have a shorter residence time than the other oils in mangrove sediment. It has a higher content of light hydrocarbons, which are readily removed by both physical and microbial processes. The Bunker C would be expected to have the longest residence time in mangrove sediment, because it contains a larger percentage of higher molecular weight, unresolved components. Comparison of the efficiency of inoculates from three tropical intertidal habitats (Avicennia and Rhizophora mangroves, plus salt marsh sediments) indicated the presence of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms in all three habitats. There was no known history of oil contamination in the soil source area. There was no inhibition of degradation due to addition of mangrove pore waters. The ORC did not facilitate degradation in closed laboratory experiments. These results were used to formulate a bioremediation strategy to treat oiled sediments in mangrove forests in Queensland Australia, which was based on forced aeration and nutrient addition.Evaporation was a significant factor in removing the light alkane and aromatic hydrocarbons from air and nitrogen sparged flasks. Evaporation removed 27% of the Gippsland, 37% of the Arabian, and 10% of the Bunker oils. Oxygen was necessary to support biodegradation as expected. The micro-organisms were capable of biodegrading the non-volatile saturate fraction of each oil. Degradation removed another 14% of the Gippsland, 30% of the Arabian, and 22% of the Bunker C oils. Normalisation of the individual aromatic hydrocarbon classes to internal triterpane biomarkers indicated some degradation of aromatics in the Arabian Light and Bunker C oils. Although alkane degradation rates were comparable in the three oils, the Gippsland oil had a higher wax content and after 14 days incubation, still contained as much as 25% of the alkanes present in the original oil. Thus, degradation of its aromatic fraction may have been delayed. Based on these results we estimate that Arabian Light Crude oil would have a shorter residence time than the other oils in mangrove sediment. It has a higher content of light hydrocarbons, which are readily removed by both physical and microbial processes. The Bunker C would be expected to have the longest residence time in mangrove sediment, because it contains a larger percentage of higher molecular weight, unresolved components. Comparison of the efficiency of inoculates from three tropical intertidal habitats (Avicennia and Rhizophora mangroves, plus salt marsh sediments) indicated the presence of hydrocarbon degrading micro-organisms in all three habitats. There was no known history of oil contamination in the soil source area. There was no inhibition of degradation due to addition of mangrove pore waters. The ORC did not facilitate degradation in closed laboratory experiments.These results were used to formulate a bioremediation strategy to treat oiled sediments in mangrove forests in Queensland Australia, which was based on forced aeration and nutrient addition.     

Factors influencing the variability of Mg, Ca and K in waters of a mangrove creek in Bragança, North Brazil

Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and physicochemical parameters were monitored for one year in a mangrove tidal creek near Bragança, North Brazil, to determine their tidally induced and seasonal variations and the main parameters controlling the concentration of these cations. On a daily basis, cation concentrations showed a strong tidal rhythm due to the mixing of estuarine and mangrove waters. Mean concentrations were highest at the end of the dry season (December 1996) and lowest (April 1997) towards the end of the rainy season. Average values over one year were: Na+ = 329± 118mM, K+ = 6.9±2.5mM, Mg++=37 ±14 mM and Ca++= 6.9±2.4mM. Dissolved oxygen concentration was higher during the dry season due to enhanced aquatic primary production, with a maximum daily average value of 8.5mg/L in July 1996, and a minimum value of 4mg/L in June 1997. Cation concentrations were transformed relating them to the respective average values in standard seawater at salinity 35. Although cation concentrations and salinity tightly correlated, this standardization showed that the concentrations of K+, Ca++ and Mg++ did not depend solely on salinity and reflected the seasonal variation in aquatic primary production. It also allowed the discrimination of their sources (marine, riverine and groundwater). Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations indicate that phytoplankton may be regulating the concentration of these cations in the water column indirectly by inducing precipitation through pH increase and directly through metabolic uptake.     

A comparison of Riley encased methodology and traditional techniques for planting red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle)

The effectiveness of encasement and traditional techniques for planting red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) in moderate to high wave energy environments was assessed. The three encasement types were the halflength PVC pipes, fulllength PVC pipes, and bamboo pipes. Plantings were conducted in August, 1997 at two locations in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida: Sebastian and Rocky Point. Furthermore, plantings were conducted in November, 1997 using fulllength encasements and conventional planting. Results indicate that seedlings planted within fulllength PVC encasements had the highest survivorship and growth because of their protection from waves and currents. Failure of seedlings within bamboo encasements seemed to be caused by insufficient light exposure. When comparing the two locations, a significantly greater growth was observed at the Sebastian location than at the Rocky Point location for the planting conducted in November, but not for those planted in August. No significant difference was observed in seedling survival when comparing those planted in August and November. However, there was a significantly greater growth in mangroves planted in August. With the exception of width of surf zone, there was no significant difference in the selected environmental parameters between the two locations.     

Nutrient dynamics in a mangrove creek (North Brazil) during the dry season

During the dry season, dissolved inorganic nutrients and organic carbon (DOC) in a mangrove tidal creek (Bragança, North Brazil) presented a clear tidal signature: silicate, phosphate, ammonium and DOC covaried with salinity, with minima at high tide and maxima at low tide. Hydrodynamical calculations explained most diel variability as dilution of nutrientrich groundwater input by estuarine water. Creek nutrients tended to lower concentrations towards the end of the dry season, probably due to changes in groundwater dynamics. Ammonium was about 44% higher in the night than during the day, while silicate, phosphate nitrate + nitrite showed differences < 5%, indicating preferential autotrophic uptake of ammonium as nitrogen source. Nitrification and/or nitrogen fixation are probably sources of nitrate + nitrite, which contributed only 12% to the dissolved inorganic nitrogen pool. Dissolved oxygen (7%) and DOC (11%) were lower during the night, suggesting the existence of a labile, algalderived DOC pool. There is a loose coupling between aquatic primary production, groundwater dynamics and tidal regime.     

Holzangriff durch Larven der AmpferblattwespeAmetastegia glabrata Fall.(Hym., Tenthredinidae)

Zusammenfassung Die Altlarven 2. Generation der AmpferblattwespeAmetastegia glabrata Fall. sind im Obstbau als Schädling bekannt. Die Schäden entstehen bei dem Versuch der Larven, in Früchten Puppenkammern anzulegen.Üblicherweise verpuppen sich die Larven in den trockenen Stengeln der Nährpflanzen(Polygonaceae) oder anderem trockenem oder verholzten Pflanzenmaterial.Es wird über einen gesicherten Fall berichtet, in demAmetastegia glabrata-Larven in verarbeitetem Nutzholz (Plakattafel) schädlich geworden sind. Ein weiterer Fall konnte nicht völlig geklärt werden; jedoch waren auch hier Blaltwespen-Larven in einer Wohnung in verarbeitetes Nutzholz (Türrahmen) eingedrungen.Nach dem geringen Umfang der Schäden, die nur durch die Anlage kurzer Puppenkammern in weichen Holzteilen entstehen, istAmetastegia glabrata in die Gruppe der gelegentlichen Holzzerstörer einzureihen. Allerdings kann durch diese Art völlig gesundes Holz im Freiland angegriffen werden.Holzschutzsalze vom U-Typ genügen zur Vorbeugung nicht. Vorbeugungs- und Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen werden besprochen.

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Summary Attack on wood by larvae of the dock sawfly Ametastegia glabiata Fall. (Hym., Tenthiedinidae) Normally the mature larvae of the last brood of the dock sawfly bore themselves for pupation into dry stems of plants.By the gnawing efforts in certain years of appearance in masses, however, they may attack fruit too, especially apples, and cause considerable damage by numerous gnawing spots.Besides these known injuries on fruitA. glabrata has now been stated in two cases as an occasionally dangerous animal to dry timber too.The damage caused is described by word and picture; preventive and curative measures are discussed.

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Résumé Attaque du bois par des larves de la Tenthrenidé Ametastegia glabrata Fall. (Hym., Tenthredinidae) Normalment les larves adultes de l'A. glabrata se forent dans les tiges sèches des plantes pour la mé tamorphose.Cependant aussi des fruits, surtout des pommes, sont attaqués par le ronger pendant les anées quand ces insectes paraîssent en masse. Des dommages considérables sont provoqués aux points d'attaque nombreux.A côté de ces dommages connus aux fruits l'A. glabrata a été constaté en deux cas comme causeur de dommage par occasion en bois sec de construction.Les dommages sont décrits et figurés; des methodes preventives et curatives sont discutées.

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? Ametastegia glabrata Fall. (Hym., Tenthredinidae) . , , , . Ametastegia glabrata Fall. ( ) . , .

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Mitteilung aus dem Holzschutzlaboratorium der Farbenfabriken Bayer AG., Werb Uerdingen     

Mangrove forest productivity and biomass accumulation in Hinchinbrook Channel,Australia

Data on stand structure and rates of photosynthesis were used to estimate net canopy carbon fixation and carbon accumulation as living biomass in mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia. Total annual canopy net carbon fixation was estimated to be about 29tCha–1yr–1. This equates to about 204,000tCyr–1 for all mangrove forests in Hinchinbrook Channel. Of this, only about 12% was stored as living plant biomass. Although it is not yet possible to present a robust carbon balance for mangrove trees, the remainder is presumably lost through plant respiration, litter fall, root turnover and exudation of organic compounds from roots.     

Mangrove structure,litter and macroalgal productivity in a northern‐most forest of Florida

Rhizophora mangle L. dominated 10 overwash islands within Tampa Bay forming the northernmost mangrove forests on the west coast of Florida. The mean number of trees and basal area were 5040 trees ha^-1 and 20.5m²ha^-1, respectively. Basal areas ranged from 1.1 (Avicennia germinans (L.) Stern), to 2.6m²ha^-1 (Laguncularia racemosa Gaertner), to 16.8 (R. mangle). Cockroach Bay mangroves are small (5.8–7.0m tall) versus coastal forests of south Florida and the Caribbean. Total litter production for a 12 month period was maximal in September for fringing (7.4gdwtm^-2d^-1) and interior (8.7gdwtm^-2d^-1) areas with the two zones not being significantly different. Average litter fall (3.1gdwtm^-2d^-1) was similar to more tropical Caribbean mangals. Leaves accounted for 68 of the litter and reproductive material for 6, being similar to tropical riverine and overwash marine angiosperm communities on the Mexican coast. Although mangrove forests in Tampa Bay are small in stature and experience cold damage and occasional frosts, their litter fall is similar in biomass to that of more tropical mangals. However, their reproductive output is low based on litter fall versus more tropical mangals suggesting that the northern extension is less than optimum. Macroalgal diversity was low (10 species) as compared to Caribbean mangals. Macroalgal turf (0.8gCm^-2d^-1) and epiphyte communities of A.germinans pneumatophores (2.7gCm^-2d^-1) have productivity levels that are equal to or greater than those of Caribbean mangals.     

Sources,sinks, and export of organic carbon through a tropical,semi‐enclosed delta (Hinchinbrook Channel,Australia)

A mass balance for organic carbon in Hinchinbrook Channel was constructed to identify major sources, sinks, and the magnitude of organic matter available for export to the adjacent coastal zone. Total organic carbon input from the Herbert River and from net production of mangroves, phytoplankton, seagrasses, and benthic microalgae is 8.94 ×109M Corgyr–1 (moles organic carbon per year). Mangroves and river inputs are the largest carbon sources, accounting for 56% and 27% of the total annual input, respectively. Benthic respiration and burial in sediments are the major sinks, accounting for 46% and 41% respectively of total losses (3.09 ×109 M Corgyr–1). This mangrovedominated coastal ecosystem is net autotrophic, with 5.85×109M Corgyr–1 (65% of total Corg input) available for export to the adjacent nearshore zone. Total export of organic carbon from the region (adding carbon export from Missionary Bay mangroves on the northern end of Hinchinbrook Island) amounts to 82,800 metric tons of organic carbon per year. These results confirm earlier evidence indicating that much of the particulate sediment carbon in the adjacent coastal zone is of mangrove origin. This mass balance, although preliminary, demonstrates the importance of Hinchinbrook Channel as a source of organic matter for the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.     

Five heavy metals in propagules of ten mangrove species of China

Five heavy metals in the propagules of 10 mangrove species in China have been investigated. The results revealed that the levels of five heavy metals in most of the propagules were lower than the background levels of the soil. The levels of copper, manganese, zinc, cadmium, and lead in the propagules varied at about 2.1–7.8 g/g, 3.9–28.0 g/g, 5.7–60.0 g/g, 0.014–0.057 g/g, and 0.018–0.038 g/g, respectively. On average, the levels of five heavy metals were in the order Zn > Mn > Cu > Cd > Pb. The biological absorption coefficients were 0.02–1.30 for copper, manganese, zinc, and cadmium and about 0.0007–0.0020 for lead in propagules, showing the following order: Zn > Cd > Cu > Mn > Pb. The above results indicate that the five heavy metals have low accumulation in most of the propagules of 10 mangrove species and are at safe levels for the effective utilization of mangrove resources.     

The determination of the age and growth of SE Asian mangrove seedlings from internodal counts

The occurrence of periodic changes in the length of the internodes of the seedlings of SE Asian mangrove species (Rhizophora apiculata, Avicennia alba, and Sonneratia caseolaris) growing in the Pak Phanang estuary (Nakhon Si Thammarat, SE Thailand) was confirmed. The annual nature of these periodic changes was verified through comparisons with the observed average number of internodes produced by plants tagged for one year. The cycles in the sequence of internodal length of the seedlings had an average (± SE) period of 16.0 ± 0.78 internodes for Avicennia alba, 25.0 ± 1.2 internodes for Sonneratia caseolaris, and 8.29 ± 0.40 internodes for Rhizophora apiculata. These values are remarkably close to, and not significantly different (ttest, P > 0.05) from the average (± SE) annual number of internodes of 17.6 ± 0.8 for Avicennia alba, 28.8 ± 2.1 for Sonneratia caseolaris, and 8.03 ± 0.36 for Rhizophora apiculata produced in a year by tagged plants. In addition, the average (± SE) growth of the tagged plants was 0.39 ± 0.018cm day^-1 for Avicennia alba, 0.24 ± 0.015cm day^-1 for Sonneratia caseolaris, and 0.091 ± 0.0036cm day^-1 for Rhizophora apiculata. These estimates were very close to those (0.45 ± 0.06cm day^-1 for Avicennia alba, 0.32 ± 0.01cm day^-1 for Sonneratia caseolaris, and 0.13 ± 0.005cm day^-1 for Rhizophora apiculata) derived as the product of the mean number of internodes produced per day, calculated from the inferred number of internodes produced per year, and the mean length of the internodes of the plants. These findings indicate that the use of regular, annual changes in the length of the internodes of mangrove seedlings can be used reliably to determine their age and to estimate their growth rate.     

Seasonal variation of inorganic nitrogen and net mineralization in a salt marsh ecosystem

Inorganic nitrogen pools and net mineralization were estimated in three sites of a Tagus estuary salt marsh in Portugal throughout 1 year. Ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) was the major form of inorganic nitrogen found in the salt marsh soil. Extractable NH₄ ⁺ concentrations showed a marked seasonal pattern with a concentration peak during the hotter months of July/August. The great majority (>99%) of the total nitrogen in the soil was found in sedimented organic matter, not readily available for plant uptake. Net nitrogen mineralization, determined using a field incubation method, showed a peak during the months of June/July which resulted in an increase on nitrogen availability. With the exception of the lower salt marsh, estimated rates of in situ net nitrogen mineralization in the soil during summer were well related to the increase in plant aboveground biomass and plant nitrogen pools, indicating that the process is an important source of available nitrogen for plant uptake and growth. Annual net nitrogen mineralization ranged between 2.4 and 4.5gNm^–2yr^{– 1} being significantly higher for the lower salt marsh site. Rates of net nitrogen mineralization were relatively low during most of the year with a particularly active period from June to August, possibly due to an effect of temperature on soil microbial activity.     

Salt distribution in response to optical stratification porosity and relative windspeed in a coastal forest in Niigata, Japan

Wind velocity, vertical stand structure and seasalt distribution were measured at various heights inside a plantation of coastal pine forest, with thinning and unthinning, to assess whether any relationships exist between the wind profile, stand structure and seasalt distribution in the coastal pine forest. The vertical stand structure, i.e., optical stratification porosity (OSP), which is defined as vertical distribution of the proportion of sky hemisphere not obscured by tree elements inside a forest stand, was determined for each height by computer analysis of digital images taken with a hemispherical lens. The distribution of OSP in the coastal forest follows the Lambert-Beer's law with absorbency coefficient (). The relative windspeed within canopy can be described using the exponential form with the attenuation coefficient (). The sea-salt was collected using salt gauze (a surgical dressing of loosely woven cotton) both inside and outside the coastal forest, and the distribution of sea-salt within canopy was also in accordance with an exponential function. The relationships among windspeed, OSP and sea-salt indicate that the distributions of both sea-salt and windspeed within canopy were very closely correlated with the distribution of OSP. A linear relationship between OSP and sea-salt has been found. Additionally, linear regression between coefficients and has been obtained as well. Based on these relationships between OSP, wind and sea-salt in the coastal forest, the sea-salt distribution and wind profile within the canopy of the coastal forest can be predicted according to OSP. These results may therefore be useful in analyzing the effects of sea-salt on vegetation and evaluating the filter functions of coastal forests.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Feldversuche mit Schutzbehandlung gegen Rüsselkäfer (Hylobius abietis L.) in Schweden

Zusammenfassung In einer zweijährigen Versuchsserie wurde die Wirkung der Schutztauchung von Nadelholzpflanzen in DDT, Lindan WP und Lindan EC (1% a. S.) gegen Befall des Rüsselkäfers (Hylobius abietis L.) untersucht. Die Versuche wurden auf 43 Forstkulturen in ganz Schweden ausgeführt.Die Versuche bestätigten, daß der Rüsselkäfer im allgemeinen im südlichen und mitteren Schweden wesentlich stärker auftritt als in kälteren nördlichen Gebieten. In allen geographischen Regionen hatten die Insektizidbehandlungen gute Schutzwirkung während 2 Vegetationsperioden. Die Unterschiede in der Wirkung der 3 Präparate waren relativ gering. Lindan schützte die Pflanzen in beiden Vegetationsperioden mindestens ebenso gut wie DDT. Das beste Mittel war im allgemeinen Lindan WP. Nachhaltig ungü nstige Einflüsse der Präparate auf die Pflanzen wurden nicht nachgewiesen.

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Summary Field experiments with insecticides against pine weevils (Hylobius abietis L.) in Sweden.The protection of conifer plants against attacks of the pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.) by dipping in DDT, lindane WP and lindane EC (1% a. i.) was studied during two years. The experiments were carried out in 43 reforestation areas all over Sweden.The experiments confirmed that pine weevil attacks as a rule are considerably heavier in Southern and Central Sweden than in cooler, more northerly regions. In all regions the treatments with insecticides had a good protective effect during two vegetation periods. The differences in effect between the three insecticides were comparatively small. In both vegetation periods lindane gave at least as good protection as did DDT. Lindane WP was generally the best formulation. The experiments did not reveal any persistent negative effects of the treatments on the plants.

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(Hylobius abietis L.) . (Hylobius abietis L.) 43- . (1% ). , , . . - . . . - .

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Forstliche Hochschule, S 10 405 Stockholm 50/Schweden.