Production of Rhizophora Mangrove Leaf Litter in The Sungai Bersejarah Mangrove Ecosystem, Siak Regency

Abstract

The mangrove ecosystem is one of the coastal ecosystems that has important ecological roles and functions in supporting marine and fishery resources. Marine and fisheries resources are largely determined by the contribution of mangrove litter. The aims of this study was to determine the production of Rhizophora mangrove leaf litter in Sungai Bersejarah mangrove ecosystem, and to determine the value of environmental parameters related to litter. The research was conducted in January until March 2021 in Sungai Bersejarah mangrove area Kayu Ara Permai, Siak Regency. Line transect plot were used to calculate the density of Rhizophora. Rhizophora litter production was measured using the trap net method placed at three sampling site. Three litter trap nets measuring 1 m x 1 m are placed at each station. Rhizophora tree density ranges from 316 - 444 ind./ha. The production of Rhizophora mangrove leaf litter in Sungai Bersejarah mangrove ecosystem was 0.82 – 1.39 g/m2/day (3.00 – 5.09 ton/ha/year), average was 4.11 ton/ha/year. Analysis of variance test showed that there was a significant difference in Rhizophora leaf litter production between sampling points with different Rhizophora tree densities (p<0.05). Mangrove vegetation density has a moderate relationship (r=0.43) to the production of Rhizophora mangrove leaf litter. Environmental parameters indicate that the condition of the Sungai Bersejarah mangrove ecosystem is still good and can support the life of mangrove vegetation.