Decomposition rate and litterfall dynamics of a mangrove forest in Mempawah Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Sustainability of the nutrient cycle in mangrove forests is one of the key factors in maintaining the ecosystem, in addition to protecting and replanting mangrove stands. This study aims to estimate land productivity related to the rate of decomposition and litter production in the mangrove forest area of Mempawah Regency, Indonesia. Monitoring litter production and decomposition were conducted during ten weeks, with a two-week interval between measurements, in two study sites, using litter traps and litterbags. The results show that litter production in the two locations ranged from 67.21 to 79.82 g m-2 month-1. The decomposition rate ranged from 1.94 to 9.50 g day-1. The highest decomposition rate was found in the first two weeks, and the lowest was found in the last observation. We found a positive correlation between rainfall and air temperature to litter production, but it was not significant. Rainfall and air temperature have a negative correlation with decomposition rate, but it was not significant.