Assessment of soil respiration process in a mangrove swamp of Panama's Bay

Studies reveal that mangroves have the ability to store underground carbon more than a tropical forest, and this function is classified as the second most important to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, part of the carbon fixed returns to the atmosphere, and this is done through soil respiration. The present study seeks to quantify the total soil efflux (a subrogate of total soil respiration) that includes both autotrophic and heterotrophic soil efflux, emitted by a Panama’s mangrove swamp, as well as to investigate what drivers are important. Firstly, 3 plots were established with predominant mangroves species, such as salty mangrove tree (Avicennia bicolor Standl.) and black mangrove tree (Avicennia germinans L.). Secondly, a forest inventory was carried out in one ha, resulting in 371 trees ha(−1), where the salty mangrove tree prevailed with 219 individuals in front of the black mangrove tree, with 152 trees. In addition, tree level measurements were performed such as diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter and distance between trees. Third, using a Licor 6400XT infrared gas analyzer system and a meteorological tower, soil CO(2) fluxes and air and soil temperature were measured respectively. Results showed a total of 33.61 t of CO(2) ha(−1) emitted by the soil of the mangrove in 3.5 months.