Litter Productýon and Physico-Chemical Conditions in Mangrove, Avicennia Marina (Forsk.) Vierh., Swamps at Karachi Back Waters and Bakran Creek

In the present work data on litter production and some physico-chemical parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH and temperature, is presented and discussed. Study area exhibits monospecific conditions and Avicenia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. is the sole representative species. Litter production fluctuates with seasons. 74% of the total production is contributed through the leaf-fall. Remaining 26% is comprised of twigs, fruits and flowers. Total amount of production is 3.71 ± 0.36 t. ha-1. Pattern of variation is dissolved oxygen content was similar at the two sites studied except for the magnitude of values which were consistently low at the back waters. Salinity was high as that sea water indicating low influx of fresh waters. PH was generally alkaline and temperature varies with seasons.