Interspecific variations in leaf litter decomposition and nutrient release from tropical mangroves.

Efficient nutrient cycling through decomposition of leaf litter often regulates the high productivity and subsequent carbon sequestration of mangrove ecosystems along the land-ocean boundary. To understand the characteristics and the potentials of mangrove leaf litter in supplying organic carbon and nutrients to the coastal waters, four major mangrove species (A. officinalis, R.

Distribution and dynamics of particulate organic matter in Indian mangroves during dry period.

The distribution and possible sources of particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN) in seven mangroves ecosystems along the east and west coast of India were examined, to understand their contribution to coastal biogeochemistry. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration in mangrove waters were about ~ 1.6-fold higher in west coast (Gulf of Kachchh (GOK), Mandovi-Zuari (MA-ZU) and Karwar-Kumta (KR-KU)], whereas the mean POC content in SPM along east coast [Sundarbans (SUN), Bhitarkanika (BHK), Coringa (COR) and Pichavaram-Muthupet (PI-MU)] was nearly two times higher than the west coast (1.

Assessment of bioavailable nitrogen and phosphorus content in the sediments of Indian mangroves.

Efficient nutrient cycling and adequate sediment bioavailable nutrient supply are considered to be the two most important factors regulating the high productivity and subsequent carbon sequestration by mangrove ecosystems. We assessed spatial variability and the possible regulating factors of sediment bioavailable nutrients (nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)) and surface water-dissolved nutrients (N, P and silicate (Si)) in the five ecologically important mangrove ecosystems along the east and west coast of India during dry season. Higher bioavailable nitrogen concentrations in the sediments were recorded in Coringa mangroves (36.