Production of litter and detritus related to the density of mangrove

Abstract

Research about the production of leaf litter and detritus related to the density of mangrove trees has been done. The aims of this research are to know and analyze the amount of litter and detritus produced to the density of mangrove trees. The production and collection of leaf litter were carried out in five stations. Production of detritus and decomposition rate were calculated by measuring its dry weight. The density and level of mangrove trees were determined using transect quadratic method. The relationship between the leaf litter and detritus production ratio related to mangrove density were then analyzed. Results showed that mangrove trees with the density of 766.67 ind ha−1 ccould produce the amount of litter and detritus to about 28597.33 gha−1day−1and 1099.35 gha−1day−1 while mangrove trees with the density of 1300 ind ha−1 could produce the amount of litter and detritus to about 35093.33 g/ha/day and 1216.68 gha−1day−1 respectively. Data analysis showed that the increment of mangrove density is linearly related to the production increment of litter and detritus.