African Journal of
Plant Science

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Plant Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0824
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJPS
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 804

Short Communication

Edaphic factors and survival of a red mangrove species (Rhizophora mangle) in two mangrove swamp soils

J. A. Onwugbuta-Enyi1, B. A. Onuegbu2 and K. Zuofa2
  1Department of Biology, Rivers State College of Education, P. M. B. 5047, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 2Department of Crop/Soil Science and Forestry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 15 June 2008
  •  Published: 30 June 2008

Abstract

 

The effects of two Niger Delta Mangrove Swamp Soils on growth and growth components of Rhizophora mangle were studied. The mud flats had higher manganese, organic carbon, lower sodium, higher phosphorus, lower pH and no sand particle compared with peaty clays. The mud flats also had very low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and these qualities affected adversely the plant height, survival, disease index and stability of the plants compared with those grown in peaty clays. Recommendations for improvement of the mud flats for mangrove swamp re-vegetation are made.

 

Key words: Red mangrove species, mangrove swamp soil, survival rate