The data were used to examine 3 different aspects of nutrient dynamics of mangrove forests in the arid coastal zone of north Western Australia: Below-ground decomposition; nutrient partitioning and storage; and nutrient use efficiency.
Samples were collected during October to November 1993 and September 1994 from mangrove forests near Dampier, at Port Hedland, in the Bay of Rest (Exmouth Gulf) and at Mangrove Bay (Cape Range National Park).
Forest characteristics recorded were: intertidal zone (low, mid and high); type (Rhizophora apiculata or Avicennia marina);
Estimates of above-ground biomass were based on calculations of stems/ha and diameter at breast height (DBH). Net primary production was estimated using light interception methods and measurements of light absorption were used to estimate leaf area index.
Below-ground biomass estimates (metric tons dry weight/ha) were made for living and dead roots. Net primary production was estimated using mol C/ha/day.
Bulk sediment and nutrient sampling: samples were taken for grain size and water content; temperature, redox potential and pH were measured; samples for solid-phase nutrients and porewater were obtained. Samples were analysed for ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, silicate, phosphate, DON and DOP. Separate samples were taken for sulphate and methane, TOC, TC and TN values .
Flux measurements of CO2 production were estimated using a core incubation method. Net rates of Mn and Fe were estimated using a different core incubation method, and rates of sulphate reduction were measured using a core injection technique. Gas (O2, CO2, methane) and solute (silicate, phosphate, DOP, DON, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate) fluxes were also measured.
Sediment respiration to forest net primary production (TCOx/NPP ratios) was calculated. Individual trees were cut and divided into component parts and analyses carried out on each component.
Nutrient use efficiency was estimated on the basis of productivity per nutrient uptake or loss using litter fall rates and rates of leaf CO2 exchange.
