Carbon stocks and productivity of mangrove forests in Tanzania

Mangroves offer a number of ecosystem goods and services, including carbon (C) storage. As a carbon pool, mangroves could be a source of CO₂ emissions as a result of human activities such as deforestation and forest degradation. Conversely, mangroves may act as a CO₂ sink through biomass accumulation. This study aimed to determine carbon stocks, harvest removals and productivity of mangrove forests of mainland Tanzania. Nine species were recorded in mainland Tanzania, among them Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (31%) and Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B.Rob. (20%) were dominant. The aboveground, dead wood, belowground and total carbon were 33.5 ± 5.8 Mg C ha^?1, 1.2 ± 1.1 (2% of total carbon), 30.0 ± 4.5 Mg C ha^?1 (46% of total carbon) and 64.7 ± 8.4 Mg C ha^?1 at 95% confidence level, respectively. Carbon harvest removals accounted for loss of about 4% of standing total carbon stocks annually. Results on the productivity of mangrove forests (using data from permanent sample plots monitored for four years [1995-1998]) showed an overall carbon increment of 5.6 Mg C ha^?1 y^?1 (aboveground carbon), 4.1 C ha^?1 y^?1 (belowground carbon) and 9.7 C ha^?1 y^?1 (total carbon) at 23%, 32% and 27% levels of uncertainty, respectively. Both natural death and tree cutting/harvest removals resulted in significant decline of annual carbon productivity. Findings from this study demonstrate that mangroves store large quantities of carbon and are more productive than other dominant forest formations in southern Africa. Both their deforestation and forest degradation, therefore, is likely to contribute to large quantities of emission and loss of carbon sink functionality. Therefore, mangroves need to be managed sustainably.     

Distribution and stem growth patterns of mangrove species along the Nakara River in Iriomote Island, Southwestern Japan

We examined variations in stand structure and tree growth of a mangrove forest along two gradients: from the river mouth to upper stream and from the riverside to inland, along the Nakara River, Iriomote Island, Japan. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk. occurred throughout the intertidal area, though Rhizophora stylosa Griff. and Kandelia candel (L) Druce did not occur upstream. Basal area and maximum tree height of B. gymnorrhiza decreased downstream. The growth rate in stem diameter of B. gymnorrhiza decreased downstream in relation with the soil salinity. The basal area and the maximum tree height of B. gymnorrhiza increased with the distance from the riverside. R. stylosa increased in stem diameter and growth rate toward the riverside.     

Trends in allometric models and aboveground biomass of family Rhizophoraceae mangroves in the Coral Triangle ecoregion,Southeast Sulawesi,Indonesia

This study aims to establish allometric models and estimate aboveground biomass (AGB) of mangroves Rhizophoraceae in the Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Allometric models of the AGB of mangroves Rhizophora apiculata, R. mucronata, and Ceriops tagal were established using independent variables consisting stem diameter at 30 cm from the ground (D₃₀), diameter at breast height (DBH), D₃₀²H and DBH²H. The AGB of mangroves was estimated by applying allometric model and tree census. The results showed that the best fitting allometric models of AGB for R. apiculata is based on variable DBH, while DBH²H is the best variable for R. mucronata trees. Conversely, the D₃₀ is the best variable for estimating AGB of C. tagal trees. Thus, there is some variation of independent variables on allometric models for the estimation of AGB for Rhizophoraceae mangroves. The AGB (ton ha^?1) of R. apiculata, R. mucronata, and C. tagal was estimated respective 651.60, 232.11 and 154.56 in the protected area, and respective 137.59, 189.35 and 39.06 ton ha^?1 in the unprotected area. Higher AGB of mangroves growing in the protected area indicated the suitable condition and undisturbed by human activities. The conservation of mangroves is necessary for the sustainability of mangroves and coastal ecosystems in the Coral Triangle ecoregion.     

Below-ground root yield and distribution in natural and replanted mangrove forests at Gazi bay, Kenya

Estimation of total biomass in woody ecosystems is important because of its relevance to nutrient turnover and the potential to store carbon. Most work on mangrove biomass, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean Region, has concentrated on the above-ground component; comparatively little is known on below-ground biomass. The current study was conducted at Gazi bay on the southern coast of Kenya. The objective was to determine the below-ground biomass of three species of mangrove, Rhizophora mucronata Lamarck, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh and Sonneratia alba J. Smith, in natural and replanted stands. The effects of distance from the tree base and of soil depth on root biomass and size distributions were also studied using coring. Live below-ground biomass (mean ± S.E.) ranged from 7.5 ± 0.4 t/ha to 35.8 ± 1.1 t/ha, 48.4 ± 0.7 t/ha to 75.5 ± 2.0 t/ha and 39.1 ± 0.7 t/ha to 43.7 ± 1.7 t/ha for R. mucronata, S. alba and A. marina, respectively, depending on the age of the stand. Including dead roots produced total biomass values of 34.9 ± 1.8–111.5 ± 5.6 t/ha, 78.9 ± 3.3–121.5 ± 7.3 t/ha and 49.4 ± 1.1–84.7 ± 5.4 t/ha for R. mucronata, S. alba and A. marina. These values imply carbon contents of live roots ranging between 3.8 ± 0.2 C t/ha and 17.9 ± 0.6 C t/ha, 24.2 ± 0.4 C t/ha and 37.7 ± 1.0 C t/ha and 19.5 ± 0.4 C t/ha and 21.9 ± 0.9 C t/ha for R. mucronata, S. alba and A. marina stands, respectively, and 17.4 ± 0.9 C t/ha and 55.7 ± 2.8 C t/ha, 39.4 ± 1.7 C t/ha and 60.7 ± 3.6 C t/ha and 24.7 ± 0.6 C t/ha and 42.4 ± 2.9 C t/ha for R. mucronata, S. alba and A. marina stands, respectively if dead roots are included. Stand densities were 4650 ± 177 stems/ha, 3800 ± 212 stems/ha and 3567 ± 398 stems/ha for R. mucronata 6-year old, 12-year-old and natural stands respectively. Mean stem diameter, and basal area were highest in the 12-year-old plantation while below-ground root biomass increased with age. Stand density for S. alba, was highest in the 12-year-old plantation (7900 ± 141 stems/ha) while the 9-year-old stand had trees with the largest diameter (7.7 ± 0.9 cm). Below-ground biomass was highest in the 12-year old (75.5 ± 2.0 t/ha) and lowest in the natural stand (48.4 ± 0.7 t/ha). Stand density for A. marina was highest in the 12-year-old plantation (4300 ± 919 stems/ha) while mean stem diameter (7.9 ± 0.7 cm) and basal area (16.2 ± 2.1 m²/ha) were highest in the natural stand. Below-ground biomass in the 12-year-old (43.7 ± 1.7 t/ha) and natural stands (39.1 ± 0.7 t/ha) was similar. Root densities decreased with soil depth and with distance from the base of trees for all species and stands. Fine roots (diameter <5 mm) constituted between 24% and 45% of the total stand live root biomass. The information generated is important in establishing the total biomass and thus the potential amount of carbon sequestered by mangroves in the study area.     

Restoration of the mangrove vegetation in the Mahanadi delta,Orissa, India

In India, mangroves occupy 6740 km² of which the Mahanadi delta andBhitarkanika mangrove forests of Orissa cover 191.44 km², most of whichhas been severely overexploited. World wide concern to conserve mangrovesnecessitated propagation of mangroves to re-establish them on barren andswampy land along tidal creeks around Paradeep port of Orissa. Avicenniaofficinalis, Aegiceras corniculatum, Bruguiera parviflora, B. sexangula,Ceriops decandra, Excoecaria agallocha, Heritiera fomes, Kandelia candel,Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia apetala were vegetatively propagated andplanted over 10 ha of degraded salt-marshy wetlands of Mahanadi delta inpure and mixed stands depending on the intensity and the frequency of tidalinundation at the experimental site. Survival was significantly higher(80%) in S. apetala followed by A. officinalis, R. mucronata, K.candel and H. fomes (70–75%). S. apetala recorded the maximumgrowth in height (3.0 m after 2 years) whereas C. decandra showed theminimum growth (0.5 m). Growth performance was better with plants in mixedstands than the plantation with single species. This gives us hope topropagate and re-establish mangroves for conservation in scientificallymanaged plantations in a physiologically arid environment.     

Assessment of the pathogenicity of marine Cladosporium spp. towards mangroves

Mangroves play an important role in coastal ecosystems. In this work, Cladosporium spp were isolated from a natural mangrove environment in Zhanjiang Bay, Guangdong Province, China. Ninety‐one isolates were obtained and identified as Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. colocasiae, C. oxysporum, C. perangustum, C. sphaerospermum, C. tenuissimum and C. uredinicola. Forty‐two isolates were selected and tested for pathogenicity towards mangroves. The results showed that pathogenic isolates were found on Avicennia marina, Kandelia candel and Rhizophora stylosa with prevalence of 93.40%, 83.52% and 7.41%, respectively. This indicated that A. marina and K. candel were more vulnerable to Cladosporium ssp. than R. stylosa. Among the seven species, C. colocasiae had the strongest pathogenic effect towards A. marina and K. candel with a prevalence of 100.00%. The rest of the seven species also showed pathogenic effects on the same plants. These results provided valuable insights into the effect of various pathogens on mangroves.     

Photosynthetic gas exchange and accumulation of phytotoxins in mangrove seedlings in response to soil physico-chemical characteristics associated with waterlogging

We evaluated photosynthetic gas exchange and the accumulation of iron, manganese and sulfur in seedlings of five mangrove species (Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco, Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh., Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk., Hibiscus tiliaceus L. and Rhizophora stylosa Griff.) growing under anoxic soil conditions at low irradiance. Seedlings of the viviparous mangroves showed no significant responses to root anoxia. The presence of ferrous sulfate or manganous sulfate had a smaller effect on CO(2) assimilation, transpiration rate and stomatal behavior than the presence of sodium sulfide. Sodium sulfide inhibited photosynthetic gas exchange and caused complete stomatal closure in all species. Stomatal closure was probably the result of the damaging effect of sulfide ions on root cell membranes. Some leaf epinasty and wilting were also observed in response to the Na(2)S treatment in all species. A combination of FeSO(4), MnSO(4) and Na(2)S had a smaller effect on photosynthesis than Na(2)S alone, especially for Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa seedlings, which maintained appreciable rates of CO(2) assimilation (2.49 and 3.84 &mgr;mol m(-2) s(-1), respectively) in the presence of all three phytotoxins. Roots of phytotoxin-treated seedlings of all species accumulated significant amounts of the corresponding toxin compared with roots of the control plants. The FeSO(4) or MnSO(4) treatments had no effect on foliar concentrations of iron or manganese, whereas the Na(2)S treatment resulted in an accumulation of S in the leaves of all species. Interactions between Fe(2+) and Mn(2+) and sulfide in the culture medium appeared to reduce their uptake by the seedlings. We conclude that high concentrations of sulfides in mangrove sediments may adversely affect both growth and survival of mangrove seedlings at low irradiances.     

Seasonal changes of nutrient levels and nutrient resorption in Avicennia marina leaves in Yingluo Bay,China

Avicennia marina is a typical mangrove species of subtropical coastlines of China. However, little is known about the retention of nutrients by this species in oligotrophic, coastal environments. In this study, seasonal changes in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, N:P ratio and total phenolic concentration in A. marina leaves during senescence were studied. Avicennia marina leaves had high N and P concentrations but the seasonal pattern of N concentration was different from that of P concentration. The A. marina forest was N-limited as the N:P ratio of mature leaves was less than 14. Nitrogen resorption efficiency was higher than P resorption efficiency, and the concentrations of N and P in senescent leaves indicated that N resorption was mostly complete whereas P resorption was incomplete. Avicennia marina leaves contained low tannin concentrations, particularly condensed tannins, as the leaf extracts did not react with acid butanol. Total phenolic concentrations were not correlated with N concentrations in mature and senescent leaves of A. marina. These findings suggest that the high N resorption efficiency and low nutrient losses play an important role in nutrient conservation strategies for A. marina forests, whereas low tannin concentations have limited effects on nutrient cycling.     

Genetic diversity ofKandelia candel andBruguiera gymnorrhiza in the Southwest Islands, Japan

The genetic diversity of the mangrove tree speciesKandelia candel andBruguiera gymnorrhiza in the Southwest Islands of Japan was investigated. These islands are located at the periphery of the distribution area of the two species, and their populations are relatively small. Allozyme analyses of 17 loci inK. candel and 13 loci inB. gynmorrhiza revealed very little genetic variation in both species. At the species level, the proportion of polymorphic loci was 4.2%, the average effective number of alleles per locus was 1.02, and the average expected heterozygosity was 0.012 inK. candel. The corresponding figures forB. gymnorrhiza were 9.0%, 1.06 and 0.035, respectively. However, the coefficients of genetic differentiation among the populations were high (G _ST=0.165 forK. candel and 0.253 forB. gymnorrhiza). The genetic variation and habitat area ofK. candel on Amami Island is greater than on the islands Okinawa and Iriomote. The genetic variation and habitat area ofB. gymnorrhiza is greater on Iriomote Island than on the islands Okinawa and Amami. The level of genetic variation in both of the species might be related to their population sizes.     

珠海淇澳岛红树林引进树种的适应性评价

以珠海市淇澳岛红树林引种园23个主要红树林引进树种(2年生)为研究对象,建立涵盖生长适应性、抗逆性、景观价值等多因子的综合评价指标体系,选用层次分析法(AHP)对引进树种进行适应性评价。根据综合评价将红树林引进树种分成4类,表现良好的有拉关木、黄槿、杨叶肖槿和木榄等7种,表现较好的有尖叶卤蕨、海漆等4种,表现一般的有尖瓣海莲、海莲和木果楝等6种,最差的有角果木、正红树和白骨壤等6种。研究认为,拉关木适宜作为低潮滩的先锋造林树种,木榄为中高潮滩的造林树种,而黄槿、杨叶肖槿和海漆可作为高潮滩及堤岸的造林树种,海滨猫尾木、银叶树、海芒果和玉蕊则在滨海城市绿化中更具推广应用价值。     

Spatially Explicit Evaluation of Local Extractive Benefits from Mangrove Plantations in Bangladesh

Mangroves worldwide provide a wide range of ecosystem services utilized directly and indirectly by local peoples. Between 1966 and 2001, Bangladesh established approximately 148,000 ha of mangrove plantations in coastal areas within the Barisal and Chittagong Divisions. Though erosion and human encroachment and conversion have removed over two-thirds of these stands, the Forest Department has continued to undertake new plantation activities.

To investigate how and to what degree people directly utilize these mangroves, I conducted 340 household surveys across eight coastal villages located in close proximity to established plantations. The predominant direct use of the mangrove plantations by local rural communities is the extraction of detritus and nonmain stem material (e.g., limbs, leaves) for combustible fuel. This study uses household foraging distances to estimate and map net value densities based on reported market prices of extracted goods. The average extractive value of mangrove plantations is Tk 2,300 ha^?1 yr^?1, ranging among the villages from 300 to Tk 27,400 ha^?1 yr^?1, with values concentrated closer to the village. Cost-benefit analyses suggest that direct use values alone have justified the establishment and management of previously planted stands. However, other indirect values must be taken into account if these areas are to merit additional plantations.     

6种红树树种生长与叶片元素含量及化学计量特征

为探讨红树林树种生长与叶片元素含量特征,比较木榄（Bruguiera gymnorrhiza）、角果木 （Ceriops tagal）、正红树（Rhizophora apiculata）、红海榄（R. stylosa）、白骨壤（Avicennia marina）和桐 花树（Aegiceras corniculatum）6个树种成活率、生长量、叶片元素含量及化学计量。结果表明,栽植 120 d后,6种红树树种的成活率均在85%以上;苗高净生长量在2.60~10.32 cm之间,地径净生长量在 8.62~16.92 mm之间,以桐花树和正红树的生长较快。白骨壤的叶片N含量最高,角果木K含量较高,红海榄Ca含量较高;6种红树叶片N/P值均小于14,属于N制约型植物;叶片化学元素K/P、N/K、Ca/K、Ca/Mg和K/Mg的值存在一定程度的差异。PCA分析结果表明,6种红树树种均能较好地各聚为一类,每个树种对其生长量因子、叶片元素含量因子和化学计量因子响应不同。     

天然红海榄支柱根的空间连接与分形表征

以广东湛江特呈岛红树林自然保护区内的红海榄纯林、红海榄+木榄、红海榄+白骨壤、红海榄+木榄+白骨壤混交林4种群落类型为对象,运用最小距离指数、连接度指数分析红海榄支柱根的空间连接和分布规律;同时,采用分形维数与拓扑指数确定红海榄支柱根的分形特征,分析根系分支状况以及分形特征与支柱根性状之间的相关性.结果表明:红海榄同级支柱根之间的空间连接程度不高,近于随机分布格局;4种群落类型中红海榄支柱根均具有较好的分形特征,分形维数为1.468 5～1.554 5,具有较强的利用与占据生态空间的能力;红海榄支柱根拓扑结构复杂,拓扑指数为0.366 4～0.448 5,接近叉状分支模式,有利于扩展生态空间和增加植株的稳定性;根系分形维数与支柱根数量、平均连接长度等性状之间的相关关系显著.     

广东省沿海红树林现状和发展

广东沿海红树林是沿海防护林体系的重要组成部分，它的管理和造林是生态环境建设的一个内容。对沿海红树林的调查表明：广东沿海红树林现存面积14670hm^2，其中湛江市红树林占总面积的84．8％；全省主要红树林植物有26科40种（其中真红树10种，半红树11种，伴生植物19种）。红树林主要树种有：秋茄、红海榄、木榄、桐花树、无瓣海桑、白骨壤、海漆、榄李、角果木、老鼠勒等。文中对广东红树林推广造林和恢复发展作了评价，为推进红树林建设提供科学依据。     

Chemical characterization of six mangrove species in Bangladesh

Lack of data especially pertaining to the chemistry of mangrove wood species makes it difficult to prepare successful plans for their conservation and to use mangroves as a source of wood fiber. In this paper, chemical characterizations of the six main mangrove species of Bangladesh [namely Keora (Sonneratia apetala), Geoa (Excoecaria agallocha), Bine (Avicennia alba), Sundari (Heritiera fomes) Pashur (Xyloccarpous mekongests), and Kakra (Bruguiera gymnorhiza)] were investigated. The chemical results revealed that these species contain high percentages of dichloromethane followed by methanol extractives. Methanol extracts in Pashur, Sundari, and Bine were higher than 10%, which indicates high percentage of tannin material. The total lignin content in these species was higher than 25%, except for Gewa (23.6%) and Pashur (21.3%), which is higher than that of the normal range of hardwood. The pentosan content in these six species was within the range of 19.4–22.8%. The α-cellulose content in Keora and Gewa was acceptable for pulp production, but the others were lower than the normal range of hardwood. Alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation showed that all these species had a very high syringaldehyde to vanillin (2.6–5.0) ratio except Keora (1.6). Surprisingly, rhamnose is the main constituent with xylose of hemicelluloses of these six mangrove species. The ash content in these six mangrove wood species was also higher than that in normal hardwood.     

Mortality and growth of cut pieces of viviparous mangrove (Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata) seedlings in the field condition

Viviparous seedlings of the mangrove species Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata were divided into even lengths of the top, middle, and bottom parts, and these cut pieces were planted in the field. The mortality and growth were monitored for 38 months after transplantation, and compared with intact seedlings planted in the same place. Both mean diameter and stem height of R. mucronata cut pieces were largest for the bottom parts, intermediate for the middle parts, and the smallest for the top parts. Among cut pieces of R. apiculata, the pattern for diameter was the same, but the mean stem height showed no differences among treatments. For both species, the mortality was associated with the initial volume of individual cut pieces. The bottom cut pieces with large volumes showed lowest mortality. Almost all cut pieces of R. apiculata formed prop roots above ground, but only 30% of R. mucronata cut pieces formed them. In the 38-month-old plantation, the mean diameters of the various cut-piece treatments of R. apiculata and R. mucronata were, respectively, 0.78–1.37 and 0.56–0.89 times as large as those for the intact seedlings; corresponding values for mean stem heights were 0.81–0.85 and 0.50–1.00. These results suggest a possibility that cut pieces can be a useful plantation material.     

蜡彩袋蛾取食不同红树植物后纤维素酶活力的测定

通过对蜡彩袋蛾喂饲7种红树植物叶片,观察取食情况,测定对不同红树植物叶片的取食量及取食后其体内纤维素酶活力变化,探讨蜡彩袋蛾(Chalia larminati Heylaerts)对不同红树植物叶片的消化吸收能力。结果表明,取食无瓣海桑、木榄、红海榄和秋茄的幼虫体内纤维素酶含量较高,而取食白骨壤和海漆之后纤维素酶含量较低,差异显著。根据林间调查结果显示,秋茄上的蜡彩袋蛾虫口密度最高,木榄最低,而在无瓣海桑、白骨壤和海漆没有发现蜡彩袋蛾危害。     

红树林造林树种的选择——以洛阳江湿地为例

在红树林造林时,要充分考虑红树林的耐寒性、向海性和生态安全,根椐实际情况进行树种选择,同时应以混交林为宜,以减少病虫害,并考虑植物的形态、花期、花色差异进行美学搭配,提高其观赏价值。本研究以洛阳江湿地为例,根据红树林的耐寒性、耐盐性、向海性和保护区的生态安全性原则进行树种选择,认为洛阳江红树林的主要造林树种为桐花树、秋茄、白骨壤,引种树种为老鼠簕、木榄、红海榄等。     

A mangrove stand under sewage pollution stress: Red Sea

A mangrove stand of Avicennia marina located at the South Corniche of Jeddah city receives about 100 000 m³ of sewage per day. The sewage has high values of BOD, COD, nutrient concentrations, heavy metals and faecal coliform counts.The mangrove stand is very small and occupies an area of about 0.45 km². The trees are stunted with low pneumatophore density. The pneumatophore distribution is restricted to the area of substrate underneath the plant crown covers and they do not look healthy. A high proportion of them was observed to be dead and/or aberrant. These abnormal induced features were attributed to the sewage discharge in the area. The death of pneumatophores decreases the aeration area which apparently affects the respiration rate of the root system, nutrient uptake and plant growth, consequently leading to a retarded growth of the mangroves.     

Sap flow characteristics of neotropical mangroves in flooded and drained soils

Effects of flooding on water transport in mangroves have previously been investigated in a few studies, most of which were conducted on seedlings in controlled settings. In this study, we used heat-dissipation sap probes to determine if sap flow (J(s)) attenuates with radial depth into the xylem of mature trees of three south Florida mangrove species growing in Rookery Bay. This was accomplished by inserting sap probes at multiple depths and monitoring diurnal flow. For most species and diameter size class combinations tested, J(s) decreased dramatically beyond a radial depth of 2 or 4 cm, with little sap flow beyond a depth of 6 cm. Mean J(s) was reduced on average by 20% in Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. and Rhizophora mangle L. trees when soils were flooded. Species differences were highly significant, with L. racemosa having the greatest midday J(s) of about 26 g H(2)O m(-2) s(-1) at a radial depth of 2 cm compared with a mean for the other two species of about 15 g H(2)O m(-2) s(-1). Sap flow at a depth of 2 cm in mangroves was commensurate with rates reported for other forested wetland tree species. We conclude that: (1) early spring flooding of basin mangrove forests causes reductions in sap flow in mature mangrove trees; (2) the sharp attenuations in J(s) along the radial profile have implications for understanding whole-tree water use strategies by mangrove forests; and (3) regardless of flood state, individual mangrove tree water use follows leaf-level mechanisms in being conservative.