Measurement and estimation of specific leaf area, leaf dry mass and leaf area index of Rhizophora mucronata Lam. in Sirik mangrove forests

The objective of this study was to measure and determine the allometric equation of leaf dry mass, specific leaf area and leaf area index of Rhizophora mucronata species located in Sirik city, Hormozgan province, Iran. In this study, in addition to the actual determination of the leaves, the specific leaf area and the leaf area index of Rhizophora mucronata trees were calculated using vegetative characteristics. Then, the correlation between different components, and their allometric equations were calculated. Determining the leaf area index was performed directly by collecting 88 leaves from 22 trees and weighing them and the mean leaf area, the canopy area ​​ and leaf dry mass were calculated through collecting one-eighth of the tree canopy and determining the fresh and dry weight. Correlation and model determination were determined using stepwise regression (P≤0.01). According to the results, the mean dry mass, specific leaf area and leaf area index were 3.33 kg/tree, 39.74 cm-2/g per tree and 0.76, respectively. The leaf area index, with two factors of leaf area and tree height, (correlation coefficient=0.82) explained 65% of the variations in the dependent variable. In determining the specific leaf area, only leaf area factor was introduced as the most effective factor in the equation and explained 56% of the variations. Results showed that tree factors, canopy area, leaf area and height can have key role in tree ecological indices (leaf dry mass, LAI and SLA) estimation and also in evaluation of mangrove stand changes and health.