Abstract

Mangroves form one of the most productive terrestrial ecosystems which occupy a large fraction of the tropical and subtropical coastlines and are considered to be potential sources of organic matter due to the high rate of nutrient turnover. But presently mangroves are exposed to adverse effects of climate change. Coastal tidal inundation and nutrients influx primarily affects soil organic carbon dynamics. Moreover, soil labile carbon pools, available nitrogen and phosphorous and their relative ratios influence soil biological and microbial activities and govern the greenhouse gas production. Further, the rates of carbon storage/loss in coastal wetland are stimulated by tidal fluxes of sediments and nutrients. Even the increased greenhouse gas fluxes are able to offset the potential of carbon sequestration. It is, therefore, essential to determine whether the system acts as net carbon source/sink.

Keywords:Coastal wetlands; Mangrove ecosystem; Carbon sequestration; Climate change; Greenhouse gas