LITTER DECOMPOSITION RATE OF Rhizophora apiculata LEAVES IN THE BANYUASIN RIVER ESTUARY, SOUTH SUMATRA

Abstract

Litter decomposition is the process of decomposition of organic materials that will become small. Mangrove litter plays a role as nutrition source in coastal waters. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of decomposition of litter between mangrove species and between research stations in the Banyuasin River Estuary, South Sumatra. Analysis of decomposition rate of mangrove litter by using litter bags. The study was conducted at four stations which were differentiated based on salinity parameters. The study was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019. The decomposition rate of R. apiculata leaf litter was 0.0968 dry weight/day) with the remaining weight of the final litter leaves was 1.43 g. Station four has the highest percentage decomposition rate (19.4 %).

Keywords: Decomposition rate, mangrove, litter.