Estimation of Litterfall Production of Sonneratia alba and Its Contribution to Carbon Accumulation in Mangrove Sediments in Kailolo Village, Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystem degradation threatens its ecological functions, including its role in the carbon cycle. This study is essential to estimate the litterfall production of Sonneratia alba and its contribution to carbon accumulation in sediments. The findings can support conservation efforts and the sustainable management of mangroves in Kailolo, Maluku. This study aims to estimate the litterfall production of Sonneratia alba and its contribution to carbon accumulation in mangrove sediments in Kailolo Village, Maluku, Indonesia. The research methods included measuring the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and collecting litterfall using litter traps measuring 70 × 100 cm², placed beneath the canopy of trees with varying DBH. The collected litterfall was oven-dried at 150°C for four hours to determine dry weight, followed by biomass production and carbon estimation using the species' carbon fraction (0.471). The results showed that total litterfall production ranged from 2.26 to 18.83 g/m²/day, primarily consisting of leaves, twigs, and fruits. The highest litterfall production was recorded for trees with a DBH of 27.07 cm (18.83 g/m²/day), while the lowest was observed at a DBH of 17.20 cm (2.26 g/m²/day). Carbon accumulation analysis indicated that carbon input into sediments ranged from 1.06 to 8.87 gC/m²/day, with leaves contributing the most. This study confirms that Sonneratia alba plays a significant role in carbon sequestration within mangrove ecosystems due to its high litterfall production. Therefore, the conservation and sustainable management of mangroves, particularly this species, are essential for climate change mitigation and coastal ecosystem sustainability.