Abstract
Abstract: Mangroves are tropical species established along topographic gradients in coastal areas, where variations in salinity and flooding periods influence the composition and characteristics of primary productivity. In this paper the structural attributes and litter production of mangroves of the Mecoacan lagoon, Gulf of Mexico were evaluated. In six monitoring sites the floristic composition, diameter at breast height (DBH), height, density mature mangrove trees, juveniles, recruits and seedlings, extraction and mortality were determined. Besides, basal area, importance value index (IVI), coverage and Holdridge complexity index, were calculated. Productivity litter of different mangrove species was quantified by trapping capture, while the physico-chemical parameters in surface, interstitial and groundwater were determined by installing piezometers. The study sites in Mecoacan lagoon were classified into two physiographic types: fringe (Boca, Aspoquero, Arrastradero and Pajaral) and basin (Cerros and Mojarrero). 2 854 mature mangrove trees were measured, where 93% belonged to living trees, 4.4% of extracted trees, and 2.6% dead trees standing. The average density was 2 870 mature mangrove trees ha-1. The highest basal area was found in Pajaral (41.7 m-2 h-1). Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn presented IVI values higher everywhere, for its high relative density. An average cover of 17.5 m2 was registered. The highest rate in complexity was registered in Cerros (27.5). The species showed zonation with salinity levels of interstitial water; A. germinans located in areas of high salinity (hypersalines) while Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn and Rhizophora mangle L. in areas of lower salinity. Litter production was 5.15 t ha-1 yr-1, it showed a positive correlation with rainfall and high negative correlation with salinity levels and ORP interstitial and groundwater. Results indicate that variability in the composition and structure of mangrove the Mecoacan, is locally determined by the ability to adapt to environmental conditions (salinity, redox potential) and interspecific relationships of the species present.
Highlights
Uno de los indicadores mas utilizado para evaluar la productividad del manglar es la cantidad de hojarasca producida por unidad de área y tiempo (Kristensen, Bouillon, Dittmar, & Marchand, 2008), ya sea integrada al suelo o exportada por las mareas a las aguas costeras adyacentes (Alongi, 2009)
This study evaluated the structural attributes and production of leaf litter of mangrove species in Mecoacán Lagoon
The results indicated that variability in the composition, structure, and production of leaf litter in Laguna Mecoacán is locally determined by the species capacity to adapt to environmental conditions (rainfall, salinity, redox potential)
Summary
Área de estudio: La Laguna Mecoacán tiene una extensión de 96 454.39 ha (Barba, Rangel & Ramos, 2006) y se ubica en la llanura costera de la cuenca del río Grijalva (18°16’18°20’ N & 93°04’ - 93°14’ W) en el suroccidente del Golfo de México. Fenología reproductiva del bosque de manglar: Para identificar si el mangle registró un mayor desprendimiento de estructuras reproductivas de dispersión durante la temporada de lluvias, se utilizó un análisis de correlación de Pearson (r) y regresión lineal (r2), para evaluar la relación entre flores y frutos con la precipitación mensual. La especie L. racemosa registró diferencias significativas (kw = 18.3 p = 0.003 n = 30), solo se presentó en tres sitios (Boca, Cerros y Mojarrero) con baja densidad promedio La especie R. mangle presentó diferencias significativas (kw = 23.3 p = 0.001 n = 50), se encuentra ausente en Mojarrero y con alta densidad en Pajaral (1 350 árboles.ha-1) (Fig. 2). El mayor Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI) lo registró la especie A. germinans para todos los sitios (Cuadro 2).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.