Tree Growth and dynamics of mangroves in SW Nigeria.-Biotropica - Data_Figshare.doc

Study Area: Western section of the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Methodology:
A total of one hundred and twenty sediment
samples were collected from twenty quadrats each from the four sites and the
control. Twenty quadrats of 20 m by 20 m were located within the creeks
surrounding each of the four major rivers linking the hinterland with the
Atlantic Ocean. These rivers include the following: Benin River, Forcados
River, Escravos River, and Ramos River. Within each quadrat, vegetation
measurements (Girth, diameter at breast height, basal area, height, crown
diameter, tree density) and sediment sampling were carried out. Sediment
sampling was carried out using a sediment core. One hundred and twenty samples from a depth of 0-30
cm, were collected from the sample and control sites. The sediment samples were
collected in well labelled bags and laboratory analysis carried out for the
following parameters: Particle size composition (Hydrometer method, Bouyoucous
1951), Soil pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic carbon (Walkey Black
combustion method),Total Nitrogen (Kjeldahl method), Phosphorus (Bray-P1
method), Exchangeable cations (Calcium, Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium) flame
photometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Exchangeable acidity,
Cation Exchangeable Capacity (Summation method), Total Nitrogen (Kjeldahl method).

Data Analysis: Multiple regression (Dependent variable- Height , Girth), Independent variable( Sediment parameters)