How to alleviate degradation of mangroves?
This work has experimentally proved that hyper salinity, a major cause for degradation of coastal mangrove habitats, can be alleviated by flushing of hyper saline soil with tidal water and/or with rainwater. Over a period of three years after digging the creeks to flush hyper saline soil with tidal water, an appreciable reduction in soil salinity and a moderate increase in colonization of mangroves are observed. Soil analysis showed a significant reduction in salinity after 2 months of storage of rainwater with a significant and concomitant increase of heterotrophic bacterial counts and nutrients. This study raises the possibility of converting degrading mangrove habitats to luxuriant ones through man-made efforts.
Kathiresan
K
K
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Parangipettai-608 502, India. cdl_aucasmb@sancharnet.in
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000032:analysis; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D005618:Fresh Water; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007194:India; D043982:Rhizophoraceae / Q000254:growth & development*; D012623:Seawater; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000032:analysis*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D013634:Tannins / Q000378:metabolism
D000596:Amino Acids; D002241:Carbohydrates; D012987:Soil; D013634:Tannins; D012965:Sodium Chloride