Mangrove species zonation and soil redox state,sulphide concentration and salinity in Gazi Bay (Kenya), a preliminary study |
| |
Authors: | Matthijs S Tack J van Speybroeck D Koedam N |
| |
Institution: | (1) Mangrove Management Group, Research unit Plant Physiology (Microbial Interactions), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Paardenstraat 65, B1640 Sint Genesius Rode, Belgium;(2) Mangrove Management Group, Unit Ecology and Systematics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Fund for Scientific Research – Flanders (Belgium), c/o, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium;(3) United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi (, Kenya |
| |
Abstract: | The relationship between soil redox state, sulphide concentration, salinity and spatial patterns of mangrove species distribution was investigated in the mangrove forest of Gazi Bay (Kenya). Field measurements were conducted to examine the relationship between species distribution along a band transect of 280m and soil redox potential (Eh) and sulphide patterns, as well as the indirectly related (through flooding regimes) soil salinity. Of the three major species Avicenniamarina, Ceriops tagal and Rhizophoramucronata present along the transect, only the distribution of the latter correlated with the measured soil variables, R. mucronata being absent from the lessreduced zone with high salinity. Bruguieragymnorhiza and Heritieralittoralis occur in minor populations, they are restricted to the saline, sulphidepoor and lessreduced substrates. From the results it is concluded that soil redox potential (Eh), sulphide concentration and salinity may contribute to structure mangroves through the distribution of dominant species, however in combination with other environmental conditions and processes of vegetation dynamics. |
| |
Keywords: | Avicennia marina Ceriops tagal East Africa mangal Rhizophora mucronata spatial structure |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|