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Mangrove species zonation and soil redox state, sulphide concentration and salinity in Gazi Bay (Kenya), a preliminary study
Matthijs, S.; Tack, J.; Van Speybroeck, D.; Koedam, N. (1999). Mangrove species zonation and soil redox state, sulphide concentration and salinity in Gazi Bay (Kenya), a preliminary study. Mangroves and Salt Marshes 3(4): 243-249
In: Mangroves and Salt Marshes. Springer Science+Business Media: Amsterdam; Dordrecht; Hingham, MA. ISSN 1386-3509; e-ISSN 1572-977X, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Chemistry > Geochemistry
    Chemistry > Geochemistry > Sediment chemistry
    Cycles > Chemical cycles > Geochemical cycle > Biogeochemical cycle > Nutrient cycles
    Disciplines > Chemistry > Soil science > Soil chemistry
    Distribution > Ecological distribution
    Ecological zonation
    Properties > Chemical properties > Redox potential
    Properties > Chemical properties > Salinity
    Soil chemistry
    Soil chemistry
    Substrata
    Sulfides
    Sulfides
    Sulphides > Sulfides
    Vegetation
    Vegetation
    Vegetation
    Water bodies > Inland waters > Wetlands > Swamps > Mangrove swamps
    Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. [WoRMS]; Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Robinson [WoRMS]; Rhizophora mucronata Poir. [WoRMS]
    ISW, Kenya, Gazi Bay [Marine Regions]
    Marine/Coastal

Authors  Top 
  • Matthijs, S.
  • Tack, J., more
  • Van Speybroeck, D., more
  • Koedam, N., more

Abstract
    The relationship between soil redox state, sulphide concentration, salinity and spatial patterns of mangrove species distribution was investigated in the mangrove forest of Gazi Bay (Kenya). Field measurements were conducted to examine the relationship between species distribution along a band transect of 280 m and soil redox potential (Eh) and sulphide patterns, as well as the indirectly related (through flooding regimes) soil salinity. Of the three major species Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal and Rhizophora mucronata present along the transect, only the distribution of the latter correlated with the measured soil variables, R. mucronata being absent from the less-reduced zone with high salinity. Bruguiera gymnorhiza and Heritiera littoralis occur in minor populations, they are restricted to the saline, sulphide-poor and less-reduced substrates. From the results it is concluded that soil redox potential (Eh), sulphide concentration and salinity may contribute to structure mangroves through the distribution of dominant species, however in combination with other environmental conditions and processes of vegetation dynamics.

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