Background and Aim: Mangrove forests are unique ecosystems situated at the interface between land and sea, playing a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainability. This study aims to educate researchers and coastal residents about the ecological benefits -conservation, environmental, and habitat- of mangrove forests. The goal is to develop suitable strategies and management practices to preserve these invaluable habitats from further degradation.
Methods: In this study, ten samples were randomly selected. The latitude and longitude of each sample were recorded using GPS, and relevant meteorological data were collected. Field operations commenced with the identification of each sample location, followed by the sampling and recording of vegetative characteristics, including tree height, trunk diameter, diameter of the thickest branch, health status, number of companion plants, and measurements of the number, average height, and color of aerial roots within each one-square-meter sample. Additionally, soil and water samples were collected from each site and sent to a laboratory for analysis of their physical and chemical properties.
Results: The total area of mangrove forests in the Khamir region is 2,046 hectares, with an average density of 1,106 trees per hectare. The average diameter of the thickest branch is 26.8 centimeters, the average trunk diameter at the base is 15.61 centimeters, the average tree height is 2.63 meters, and the average crown diameter is 3.08 centimeters. The average height of aerial roots is 10 centimeters, with an average of 234.95 aerial roots per tree. The average electrical conductivity of water was measured at 40,670 µmhos/cm, while the average pH level was 8.62.
Conclusion: Analysis of variance regarding tree height based on vigor status revealed no significant relationship between tree height, branch diameter, trunk diameter, and vigor. However, a positive correlation was observed between tree vigor and crown diameter growth. Additionally, comparisons of crown diameter, thickest branch diameter, and height based on trunk form indicated that trunk form does not influence crown diameter. The findings also highlight that sodium content and salinity among the soil's chemical and physical properties are particularly significant.
|
