Litterfall production, decomposition and nutrient accumulation in Sundarbans mangrove forests, Bangladesh

A study on the Sundarbans mangrove forests, Bangladesh, reveals that these ecosystems efficiently store and cycle carbon and nitrogen. The research found that annual litterfall production averages 1005.9 ± 7.0 g m−2 yr−1, with leaves being the primary contributor. During decomposition, litterfall loses 20% of its mass in the first 60 days and 50% by the end of 196 days, with no significant difference observed across different positions or sites. The study also highlights that mangroves growing along oligohaline zones show higher nutrient concentrations, indicating their ecological significance. The research analyzed litterfall production, decomposition patterns, and nutrient accumulation using field experiments to understand the role of Sundarbans in carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Kamruzzaman, Md., Basak, K., Paul, S. K., Ahmed, S., & Osawa, A. (2019). Litterfall production, decomposition and nutrient accumulation in Sundarbans mangrove forests, Bangladesh. Forest Science and Technology, 15(1), 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/21580103.2018.1557566