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Ecological classification of Nigerian mangroves using soil nutrient gradient analysis

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Abstract

Direct gradient analysis was used to relate the structure of mangrove communities to soil nutrient gradients. The predominant cations in the alluvial soils were magnesium and calcium, the values ranging from 8.6±0.9 to 24.6±2.0 me per 100 g. Organic carbon was high in the soils, ranging from 3.5% to 10.4%. All soil nutrients varied seasonally, in response to wet and dry periods of the climate. Correlation of species with soil nutrients indicated the nutrient status of the soils to be best defined in terms of calcium for the A stratum (species > 3 m tall), calcium/postassium for the B stratum (species 1–3 m tall) and magnesium for the C stratum (species < 1 m tall). Ecological group classification shows that Avicennia africanaand Nypa fruticansoccurred almost exclusively at the highest calcium values of 20.8 and 17.6 me per 100 g, respectively. Acrostichum aureumand Sesuvium portulacastrumare insensitive to the magnesium gradient. The analysis revealed an overlapping range of occurrences for most of the species although with varying ecological optima along the gradient.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Regional Planning, University of Uyo, P.M.B. 1017, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

    Imoh E. Ukpong

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  1. Imoh E. Ukpong
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Ukpong, I.E. Ecological classification of Nigerian mangroves using soil nutrient gradient analysis. Wetlands Ecology and Management 8, 263–272 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008452923256

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