Abstract
Despite few studies of forest health and environmental conditions of mangrove forest in Sarawak, the data was not sufficient to facilitate baseline data and direct comparison of mangrove forest health obtained for mangrove forest in Awat-Awat, Lawas, Sarawak. The objectives of the study were to determine the total N and available P concentration in the mangrove forest soil along with the effect of the soil depth on nutrient concentration. Mangrove soil samples were taken from Lawas Division of Sarawak at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths. Selected soil chemical properties as N, P, pH and Soil Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) were determined using standard methods. As a result, means of selected chemical properties are as follow, 0-30 cm N% (0.196), P (15.59 ppm), pH in water solution (5.83), pH in 1M KCl (5.32) and CEC (27.53 cmol) while at 30-50 cm, Total N% (0.403), P (6.45 ppm), pH in water (5.59), pH in 1 M KCl (4.99) and CEC (29.57 cmol). Conclusion of this study, soil depth has given significant effects on the soil acidity, total N, available P and CEC with the difference depth. Where top soil contains less nutrient concentration than the bottom soil. The data statistical analysis has shown there are significantly different between the depths of the mangrove soil. Obtained data can be useful for further study of nutrient content and for the rehabilitation of the mangrove forest in another area.
Highlights
Mangroves forests can truly be considered as evolutionary hotspots where terrestrial species have re-adapted to marine life, and marine species have undergone the transition to terrestrial species
The study was conducted at Awat-Awat Mangrove Forest, Lawas
Lawas is located in Limbang division in North of Sarawak, Malaysia
Summary
Mangroves forests can truly be considered as evolutionary hotspots where terrestrial species have re-adapted to marine life, and marine species have undergone the transition to terrestrial species. Plant nutrition and the cycling of minerals and trace elements have received less attention in mangrove forests than in other tropical forests. Mangrove trees and forests exhibit a variety of physiological and biogeochemical mechanisms to reduce nutrient losses via tidal or atmospheric exchange while coping with a salty, waterlogged environment [2]. These mechanisms may include ion retention, translocation, and immobilization in waterlogged soils; high nutrient-use efficiency; litter retention by soil fauna; and slow rates of organic matter decomposition and root turnover. Mangroves typically have low mineral and trace element concentrations in their leaves, regardless of soil and water
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