Mechanical response of Avicennia marina roots to changes in stand density and soil depth in coastal areas

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

2 School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

10.22059/jfwp.2025.399605.1361

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical properties of mangrove roots, including tensile force and tensile strength, under two different stand densities (dense and semi-dense) and at three soil depths. Root samples were collected using the soil core method at depths of 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm. Mechanical tests were conducted with a universal testing machine on roots of various diameters, and the relationships among diameter, tensile force, and tensile strength were analyzed using a power function model. The results revealed that tensile force increased with root diameter following a positive power function, while tensile strength decreased according to a negative power function. Based on ANCOVA results, stand density significantly affected both mechanical parameters (tensile force: p = 0.003; tensile strength: p = 0.018). Roots from dense stands exhibited higher values of tensile force and tensile strength. In contrast, soil depth did not exert a significant influence on these traits, which may be attributed to uniform environmental stresses or structural adaptations of Avicennia marina roots in surface soil layers. Overall, the findings suggest that increasing mangrove forest density—independent of root number—enhances the mechanical resistance of the root system and improves soil stabilization capacity in coastal habitats. The outcomes of this research can serve as a scientific basis for designing and implementing eco-engineering projects aimed at shoreline protection in southern Iran.

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Main Subjects

References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 78, Issue 3
November 2025
Pages 223-234

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