Improving Mangrove Restoration Efficacy Through Husk-Assisted Stability and

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for coastal resilience, serving as natural barriers against erosion, nurseries for marine life, carbon sinks, and biodiversity hotspots. However, they are rapidly declining due to natural and human-induced pressures. Two major threats are tidal erosion, which dislodges young propagules before roots can anchor, and crab predation. To address these challenges, this study explores the combined use of Cocos nucifera (husk waste) and Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi as a low-cost, sustainable restoration method. Coconut husks were chosen for their lignin and cellulose content, offering physical stability, moisture retention, and gradual nutrient release. AM fungi were used to enhance nutrient uptake and plant resilience. Four environmental treatments were tested over four months, and results showed that the combination of coconut husk with fungi achieved the highest growth performance, increasing root amount by 103.6% compared to the control and increasing leaf length by 30.1-38.1% compared to the other treatments in the first month. Additionally, it showed a 27.6-50.5% increase in root amount compared to the other environmental groups and a 19.1-40.5% increase in leaf length in the fourth month. This indicates that combining agricultural waste and symbiotic fungi can significantly improve mangrove propagule survival.