Mangrove,Avicennia marina, Establishment and Growth under the Arid Climate of Kuwait

The State of Kuwait is making concerted efforts to enhance greenery along its coastline. This study was conducted during 1999–2002 for identifying key soil factors associated with successful establishment and rapid growth in Avicennia marina. Based on the review of available data, repeated visits to potential sites, on-site assessment and laboratory characterization of soils, five sites (Shuwaikh, Sulaibikhat I, Sulaibikhat II, Doha, and Sabiya) were selected for establishing pilot plantations. Acclimatized seedlings were used to establish these plantations. Periodic data indicated wide variations both in seedling survival and growth both among sites and at different locations within each site. The highest seedling survival (71.0 to 81.2%) was observed in the Doha site and ranged from 16.1 to 78.0% in other sites. In general, seedlings planted along the tidal line showed the survivability and produced greater number of branches than those planted farther away from the tidal line. Postplanting on-site and laboratory analyses of soil samples showed that the highest seedling survival was associated with the presence of silty loam or fine-textured sand fractions in the upper 5 cm layer, medium to coarse textured sand material between 5 and 30 cm and an anaerobic silty loam or clayey layer below 30 cm depth. In contrast, greater proportion of gravel or clay fractions in the upper 30 cm layers increased seedling mortality and affected plant growth. Other factors such as low soil moisture, poor drainage conditions, high soil salinity and high sodicity also increased seedling mortality in some areas.