Decomposition of mangrove roots depends on the bulk density they grew in

• Published in: Plant and soil Vol. 460; no. 1/2; pp. 177 - 187
• Main Authors: Ola, Anne, Lovelock, Catherine E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer Science + Business Media 01.03.2021; Springer International Publishing; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: belowground biomass; Biodegradation; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Bulk density; Cellulose; Decomposition; Ecology; Environmental aspects; Forest soils; Growth media; Life Sciences; Lignin; lignin content; mangrove forests; Mangrove plants; Mangrove swamps; Mangroves; Nitrogen; Organic carbon; Phosphorus; Physiological aspects; Plant growth; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Plant tissues; Regular Article; REGULAR ARTICLES; root growth; Roots (Botany); Soil density; Soil Science & Conservation; Soils; Australia; Lignin; Decomposition; Soil bulk density; Nitrogen; Carbon
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-020-04791-y

Aims Mangroves hold large organic carbon (C) stocks in their soils. These C stocks are mainly attributed to the high productivity and slow decomposition of the below-ground biomass. Rates of decomposition are strongly influenced by edaphic factors including soil bulk density (BD). Hence, this study assessed the influence of soil BD on mangrove root material and its effect on decomposition. Methods To determine the effect of the BD in which the plants were grown on decomposition rates (i.e. mass loss), four mangrove species were grown in soils of six different BD. The root material was then placed in litterbags and incubated in mangrove forest soil for three months. Additionally, the root material was analysed for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), as well as lignin and cellulose content. Results The soil BD experienced during root growth strongly affected mass loss, which decreased with increasing soil BD of the growth media. Decomposition also differed among species. Variation in mass loss was likely influenced by N levels, C:N ratios and lignin content of the root tissue. Conclusion Variation in soil BD influences the C sequestration potential of mangroves, as BD affects the decomposability of mangrove root tissues.