Abstract
A study on the decomposition of mangrove senescent leaf litter was conducted at Khao Kao Canal, Phang-nga Bay. The collected leaves were distributed in litter bags and immersed in seawater for 12 months. The litter decayed rapidly in the first 6 weeks as determined by weight loss. The weight decreased to 30-60% of the initial leaf weight during this period. Thereafter, the rate gradually decreased. The litter completely decomposed within 8-12 months. It was found that the decomposition rate depended on the frequency of submersion as affected by the tide. Therefore, sites close to the mouth of the estuary showed a faster rate of decompositiop than those in the forest or upstream. Additionally, benthos fauna such as crabs, polychaetes, mollusks, amphipods and sipunculids found in the litter bags also played an important role in the degradation of mangrove litter. However, seasonal weather changes appeared unlikely to enhance the rate of decomposition.
