Kamara, M. and Kamruzzaman, M., 2021. Effects of thinning on aboveground net primary productivity in overcrowded mangrove Kandelia obovata stands. Journal of Coastal Research, 37(1), 75–81. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

Litter plays a significant role in nutrient cycling in mangrove forest. Natural or artificial thinning processes can have various impacts on litter production, thereby varying nutrient fluxes. The effects of various thinning intensities on litterfall dynamics were evaluated over a 4-year study period in overcrowded Kandelia obovata stands. To quantify litterfall, two litter traps were placed in each plot (a total of six litter traps in each transect) composed of one naturally thinned control plot and two artificially thinned plots where 30% and 15% of stems were removed at the beginning of the experiment. Annual litterfall production showed a decreasing trend with increasing thinning intensity. Results showed that there was no significant difference in aboveground biomass production among the different plots at the last year of the study period. Thinning can be an important tool for silvicultural practices and forest productivity in terms of litterfall and aboveground biomass.