Phenology and litterfall dynamics structuring Ecosystem productivity in a tropical mangrove stand on South West coast of India

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science 2016-11, Vol.8, p.400-407
• Main Authors: V., Rani, S., Sreelekshmi, C.M., Preethy, S., BijoyNandan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Basal area; Litterfall; Mangroves; Net primary productivity; Phenology; Temporal trend
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2016.02.008

This study shows results on litterfall dynamics contributing to Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and phenology in three major mixed mangrove habitats in Cochin estuarine system, south-west coast of India. Eleven true mangrove species and three mangrove associates formed the plant biomass where Avicennia officinalis was abundant in Site 1, Excoecaria agallocha in Site 2 and Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata were abundant in Site 3. Total tree density varied from 11760 stems ha−1 in Vypin Island (Site 2); 11440 stems ha−1 in Mangalavanam Bird sanctuary (Site 3) and 7680 stems ha−1, Aroor (Site1). The average stands basal area of the three mangrove habitats were 75.54, 54.85 and 103.26 m2  ha−1. The mean annual litterfall production in Cochin mangroves was 16.57±6.58 t ha−1  y−1 in which leaves (53.90%) contributed more followed by flowers, propagules (28.66%) and twigs (17.44%). The spatial variability in litterfall recorded highest in lower latitudinal mangrove habitat, Site.1 followed by Site 2 and Site 3 (2413.36 ± 873.72, 1295.65 ± 401.09, 1263.28±255.28 g DW m−2y−1). Site differences in litter production were statistically significant (one-way ANOVA p