Study

Assessing the influence of artificially constructed channels in the growth of afforested black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) within an arid coastal region

  • Published source details Flores-Verdugo F., Zebadua-Penagos F. & Flores-de-Santiago F. (2015) Assessing the influence of artificially constructed channels in the growth of afforested black mangrove (Avicennia germinans) within an arid coastal region. Journal of Environmental Management, 160, 113-120.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Add cover other than mulch before/after planting trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands

Action Link
Marsh and Swamp Conservation

Directly plant trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands

Action Link
Marsh and Swamp Conservation
  1. Add cover other than mulch before/after planting trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands

    A controlled study on a saltflat in western Mexico (Flores-Verdugo et al. 2015) reported that planted black mangrove Avicennia germinans seedlings grew faster when shaded than when exposed. Statistical significance was not assessed. Over six months, the height of seedlings planted in a partially-shaded area increased by 0.20 mm/day (from 7.1 cm when planted to 11.0 cm after six months. Meanwhile, the height of seedlings planted in unshaded areas increased by only 0.03–0.09 mm/day (from 6.5–7.2 cm when planted to 7.8–8.5 cm after six months). Methods: In August–September (year not reported), 600 nursery-reared black mangrove seedlings were planted alongside four excavated tidal channels on a bare saltflat. Seedlings were 50–100 cm apart. The 150 seedlings alongside one channel were shaded with black mesh, which blocked 50% of incoming light. The height of surviving seedlings was recorded for approximately six months.

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

  2. Directly plant trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands

    A replicated study on a saltflat in western Mexico (Flores-Verdugo et al. 2015) reported that only 3–50% of planted black mangrove Avicennia germinans seedlings survived over six months, but reported that the average height of seedlings increased over this period. Seedlings were planted alongside excavated tidal channels. After six months, only 3–5% of seedlings survived when planted 1 m away from the channels. However, 40–50% of seedlings survived when planted ≤50 cm from the channels. Surviving seedlings were 7.8–11.0 cm tall on average, compared to 6.5–7.2 cm for all planted seedlings. Methods: In August–September (year not reported), 600 nursery-reared black mangrove seedlings were planted alongside four excavated channels on a bare saltflat. The channels were designed to increase tidal flushing and mitigate hypersaline conditions. Fifty seedlings were planted along the edge of each channel, 50 seedlings were planted 50 cm away and 30 seedlings were planted 100 cm away. Within rows, seedlings were 50–100 cm apart. Seedlings along one channel were shaded with black mesh (see Action: Add cover other than mulch before/after planting). Seedling survival and height were recorded for approximately six months.

    (Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)

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