Abstract
The effects of experimental sediment accretion on the survival and growth ofRhizophora apiculataseedlings planted on an expanding mud flat in Pak Phanang Bay (south-east Thailand) were assessed. Seedling mortality rates increased linearly (R2=0·87,F=75·9,P<0·0001) with increasing sediment accretion, at a rate of 3% per cm of sediment deposited, and implied a 96% increase in mortality at the highest sediment accretion applied (32cm). Similarly, seedling growth declined linearly with increasing sediment accretion (r=−0·95,P<0·01) with the seedlings receiving 32cm of sediment showing no significant growth. These results clearly show thatRhizophora apiculataseedlings will not be efficient colonizers of coastal areas exposed to sudden events of high (>4cm) sediment accretion and, therefore, afforestation programmes based on this species are unlikely to be successful in such areas.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
