Nutrients dynamics associated with leaf litter degradation of Bruguiera parviflora (Wight & Arn.) at Kuala Selangor Mangrove forest, Malaysia

Abstract

Nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn) content at different stages of leaf litter degradation of B. parviflora were studied by the litter bag method during the dry and wet months in the mangrove forest of Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Malaysia. About 63 and 86% of dry weight were lost after 150 days during the dry and wet months, respectively. The initial content of Mg, Fe and Zn increased significantly (p<0.05) as degradation proceeded. On the other end, the initial content of P, K and Ca decreased significantly (p<0.05) after 150 days during the dry and wet months, respectively, and K lost more rapidly compared to P and Ca.