Mangrove DetritalDecomposition

ONG, J.E.

<mangroves@yahoo.com>

DETRITUS

Dead Organic Matter

• Particulate

• Dissolved

DETRTUS

• Leaf litter

• Root litter

• Dead wood

FATE OF PRODUCTION

Microbes0 - 1

Burial

Burial Export

Crab Faeces0.05-0.2

Higher Consumers

Crab Biomass0.1-0.3

Macrofeeders0.5-2.5

Export2-4

LEAF LITTER5 t /ha/yr

Biomass Partitioning & Growth

1.5

48

56

5

(GPP=65)

(NPP=17)

5

Unit: t C ha -1 y-1

?

DETRITIVORES

• Macro Detritivores[e.g. Crabs, amphipods]

• Micro Detritivores[e.g. Bacteria, fungi]

METHODS

• String (macro- & micro-)

• Mesh bag (micro-)

• Mesh cage (micro-)

REFERENCES

• Japar Sidek Bujang, Ong, J.E. & Gong, W.K. (2001). Microbial succession of mangrove Rhizophora apiculata Bl leaf litter. Journal of the Microscopy Society of Malaysia 4: 6-10.

• Plant Biomass and Nutrient Flux in a Managed Mangrove Forest. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 31: 519-530.