Abstract:
This paperemphasize the major sediment characteristics of mangrove ecosystem.
For this survey two locations such as Sarasaalai and Kapputhu were chosen. Grain-size
distribution, physicochemical parameters and organic matter content of surface soil were
analyzed. Mangrove soil were sampled in the second week each month from June 2016 to
November 2016. Triplicate samples at each sites were collected by mud sampler. The pH,
electrical conductivity and salinity of surface soil were measured by pH, electrical conductivity
and salinity probe respectively. Dried soil sample were examined for organic matter content and
grain-size distribution. In the month of September high amount of salinity and electrical
conductivity were observed which are shown asimilar trend. Higher amount of organic matter
was found in Sarasaalai mangrove region. The periodic re-suspension of sediments probably was largely responsible for the high organic matter in mangrove ecosystem. The soil is dominated by sandy sediment with mean grain-size of 0.05mm to 2mm.The present study would form a useful tool for further ecological assessment and monitoring of soil characteristics of Sarasaalai and Kapputhu mangroves.
