Litter production in two mangrove forests along the coast of Ghana

Abstract

Litter production is an important component of mangrove primary productivity and has been widely used as a measure of productivity. During the past years, studies have been carried out on aspects of mangrove ecology and biodiversity in Ghana. These lay the foundations for surveys in ecological processes including productivity. This study was aimed at evaluating the production of litter within the mangrove forests at the Kakum and Pra estuaries. Four 0.25 ha study plots were demarcated in each mangrove forest, within which litter production and mangrove structural parameters were measured. Records on meteorological parameterss surrounding the study areas were obtained from Tutiempo Network. It was observed that annual litter production rate varied significantly (t = 2.91, P < 0.05) between the two mangrove forests - Kakum mangrove forest recorded 9.60 t ha−1 y−1 while Pra mangrove forest recorded 10.72 t ha−1 y−1. Litter production also varied significantly within the sampling months and study plots (P < 0.05). Leaf litter accounted for 61.26–99.45% of litterfall in both forests. Mean DBH and height of mangrove trees per study plot ranged from 3.05 cm to 3.39 cm and 3.20 m to3.92 m respectively for the Kakum mangrove forest, while that of the Pra mangrove forests ranged between 3.12 cm and 4.06 cm, and 3.58m and 4.44 m respectively. It was observed that the meteorological and structural parameters explained very little of the litter variability within the two mangrove forests. Hence, other factors such as growth cycles, senescence and age might have influenced mangrove litter production more than those measured in this study. This calls for more studies into litter production in mangrove ecosystems in Ghana, to ascertain the various factors that contribute to litter production. This will help emphasise the importance of mangrove litter productivity and the need to restore and conserve our mangrove ecosystems.