Diversity, Structure and Dynamics of a Mangrove Forest: a Case Study

The intertidal vegetation along tropical and subtropical coast is defined as mangrove vegetation. India has a long coast line measuring 7516 km. The ecology of mangrove forest is relatively less studied. Mangrove systems are known to be one of the most productive systems in the world. The study aimed to estimate the carbon sequestration potential of a relatively protected sacred grove along the western coast of India, in Kagekanu, Kumta, Karnataka. One hectare permanent plot was established, with all woody stems > 1 cm dbh (diameter at breast height), which were marked and identified. Repeated measurements were made to register the growth and other parameters. Allometric equation was used to estimate the biomass, out of which 50% was considered as carbon content. A total of 1100 stems > 1 cm dbh, belonging to 4 species, were enumerated. There was an overall decline of 13.9% stems during the study period. Mean mortality rate was found to be 5.83 ± 1.85% and there was no recruitment. The biomass increased from 155.53 tons/ha to 164.28 tons/ha. There was a net gain of 4.38 tons. Avicinnia officinalis was found to contribute significantly to carbon sequestration.