Abstract:
This study evaluates the availability of basic nutritional elements for the mangrove trees growing
on the shores of the Red Sea in the island of Farasan in Saudi Arabia. Human behavior and its
role in the protection of this environment were also evaluated. Soil samples were collected from
the rhizosphere area of the mangrove trees while the botanical samples (branches and leaves)
were collected from five locations in Farasan Island. Results revealed that there is some demise
in concentration of phosphorus element in soil which reflected in its concentration in the
different parts of the plant. Statistical analysis showed that nutritional content of mangrove plant
independent on the availability of nutrients in the soil. A correlation study indicated that sodium
plays a great part in the absorption of nutritional elements and in their accumulation within the
fibers of the plant. The more the percentage of sodium in the soil is, the less its ability to absorb
the nutritional elements necessary to the growth of the plant. Although a study of human
behavior proved that more than half (65.5%) of them heard about mangrove tree, there are
detrimental practices to the environment. This study highlights the need for mangrove
conservation. |
