THE EFFECTS OF CLEAR FELLING MANGROVES ON SEDIMENT ANAEROBIOSIS

Abstract

Four (15 x 15 m) plots were established within a natural stand of Rhizophora stylosa at Chunda Bay near Cape Ferguson, Australia. Two of the plots were clear felled and changes in redox potentials (Eh) and sulphide concentrations within sediments following clear felling were investigated. Clear felling reduced the redox potential but increased the concentrations of sulphide of mangrove sediments. Clear felled plots showed a clear trend in which redox potentials decreased steadily over time and depth. The concentrations of sulphide increased steadily from 31.8 to 62.Sµg g¹ wet soil over the eight month period in clear felled plots, whereas a small fluctuation from 21 to 33.5µg g¹ wet soil was observed in control plots.