Impacts of Mangrove Density on Surface Sediment Accretion, Belowground Biomass and Biogeochemistry in Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka

摘要: Understanding the effects of seedling density on sediment accretion, biogeochemistry and belowground biomass in mangrove systems can help explain ecological functioning inform appropriate planting densities during restoration or climate change mitigation programs. The objectives this study were to examine: 1) impacts surface texture, biogeochemistry, 2) origins carbon (C) supplied mangroves Palakuda, Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka. Rhizophora mucronata propagules planted at 6.96, 3.26, 1.93 0.95 seedlings m−2 along with an unplanted control (0 m−2). highest generally had higher accretion rates, finer sediments, biomass, greatest number fine roots concentrations C nitrogen (N) (and lowest C/N ratio). Sediment (over 1370 days), N differed significantly between densities. Fine greater compared medium coarse across all plantation Sulphur stable isotopes did not vary different treatments. Isotope signatures suggest (to a depth 1 cm) is derived predominantly from trees, but seagrass adjacent site.