Decomposition Rate of Mangrove Litter in Kuala Indragiri Coastal

Abstract

This study was conducted in the mangrove forest located in the Kuala Indragiri coastal areas (Riau province–Indonesia) from January to February 2015. Mangrove litter leaf is organic substance that affects the fertility of mangrove ecosystem, and support the life of organisms within that forest. The mangrove represent as nursery ground, feeding ground, and spawning ground for various fish type, prawn and other marine organisms. This forest is also produce detritus that can be used as main foods source in marine ecosystem. The objectives of this research is to understand the decomposition rate of mangrove litter in the Kuala Indragiri mangrove forest. Data were analyzed by calculating the mean dry weight of the litter and decomposition rate was counted using an exponential rank function or absolute decomposition percentage of litter leaf per day. The highest rate of litter decomposition was found in station V 44.902% with a residence time 15, 930 days. The mean coefficient of litter decomposition rate was 0.058 with residence time 19, 571 days.