Articles Open Access CC BY 4.0

Comparing Mangrove Diversity and Soil Composition Along The Coast of Barangay Pamosaingan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Authors

  • Jhondel P. Baranggan Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines
  • Aldwin Y. Sarmen Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines
  • Manny P. Eviota Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines
  • Archie D. Cawaling Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines
Article Integrity Crossmark: Check for updates
Article Metrics
399 Article Views 233 PDF Downloads 0 Crossref Citations

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems provide critical ecological services and are highly sensitive to environmental variables, particularly soil characteristics. This study explores the relationship between soil composition and mangrove species diversity along the coast of Barangay Pamosaingan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. A stratified random sampling design was applied, establishing twenty 10 m × 10 m quadrats across three ecological zones based on tidal influence. Mangrove species within each quadrat were identified and recorded, while soil samples were collected at a 30 cm depth for granulometric analysis using a series of standard sieves. Species diversity was assessed using Simpson’s Diversity Index, and relationships between soil texture and diversity were evaluated through Pearson correlation analysis. The study identified eight mangrove species from four families, with Rhizophora apiculata emerging as the dominant species across the majority of quadrats. Sieve analysis revealed that fine sand constituted the majority of the substrate, with 77% of soil particles passing through the No. 10 sieve. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.964) was found between fine sand content and species diversity. These findings suggest that fine-grained sediments offer favorable conditions for mangrove growth and species richness. The results provide a basis for targeted conservation strategies, particularly in regions with similar coastal soil characteristics, and underscore the ecological relevance of substrate type in sustaining mangrove biodiversity.

References

1
A. Agduma, K. C. Tanalgo, A. M. Millondaga, K.-F. Cao, and the Eco/Div Group, Eco/Con Lab., “Knowledge shortfalls and research priorities for Philippine mangroves in the fast-changing world,” Ocean & Coastal Management, vol. 255, p. 107211, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107211 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107211
2
F. P. J. B. Albarico, “Notes on Mangrove Civil Reservation Area, Sagay Marine Reserve, the Philippines: A baseline mangrove diversity checklist,” Aquatic Research, vol. 5, no. 4, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR22032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3153/AR22032
3
J. P. Baranggan, A. D. Cawaling, A. Y. Sarmen, M. S. Adlaon, and M. J. E. Escatron, “Sea-grass assessment and soil substrates along the coast of Barangay Union and Malinao, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines,” Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 108–119, 2023.
4
J.-P. Belliard, O. Gourgue, G. Govers, M. L. Kirwan, and S. Temmerman, “Coastal wetland adaptability to sea level rise: The neglected role of semi-diurnal vs. diurnal tides,” Limnology and Oceanography Letters, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 340–349, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10298 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10298
5
V. Bennion, J. W. Hill, and C. E. Lovelock, “Mangrove surface elevation loss after tree fall during extreme weather,” Wetlands, vol. 44, p. 113, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-024-01868-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-024-01868-7
6
M. J. I. Bersaldo, G. E. P. Dalagan, C. J. Felix, and M. L. Orbita, “Growth dynamics and survival of mangroves (Rhizophoraceae) seedlings in Guang-guang, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines,” AACL Bioflux, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 534–545, 2023.
7
L. B. Calagui, J. J. Rosal, R. A. Seronay, and S. I. M. Calagui, “Inventory of fish fauna in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, Surigao del Norte, Philippines,” Fisheries Research, vol. 251, p. 106325, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2022.106325 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2022.106325
8
G. Cuenca-Ocay, Y. N. Bualan, and E. D. Macusi, “Philippine mangroves: Species composition, characteristics, diversity, and present status,” Davao Research Journal, vol. 12, no. 2, 2023. https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v12i2.113 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59120/drj.v12i2.113
9
A. Dabalà et al., “Priority areas to protect mangroves and maximize ecosystem services,” Nature Communications, vol. 14, no. 1, Art. 41333, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41333-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41333-3
10
S. C. P. Decena, A. O. Arribado, C. Avorque, and D. Macasait Jr., “Estimation of carbon stocks of tropical mangrove forests along the Carigara Bay in Leyte, Philippines,” Annals of Tropical Research, Environmental Science, 2024. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2910104/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2910104/v1
11
Dewiyanti, D. Darmawi, Z. A. Muchlisin, T. Z. Helmi, I. Imelda, and C. N. Defira, “Physical and chemical characteristics of soil in mangrove ecosystem based on differences in habitat in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar,” IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 674, no. 1, p. 012092, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/674/1/012092 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/674/1/012092
12
D. Donato, J. B. Kauffman, D. Murdiyarso, S. Kurnianto, M. Stidham, and M. Kanninen, “Mangroves among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics,” Nature Geoscience, vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 293–297, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1123 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo1123
13
A. Feng et al., “Identification of suitable mangrove distribution areas and estimation of carbon stocks for mangrove protection and restoration action plan in China,” Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, vol. 12, no. 3, p. 445, 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12030445 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12030445
14
R. Gijsman, E. M. Horstman, D. van der Wal, D. A. Friess, A. Swales, and K. M. Wijnberg, “Nature-based engineering: A review on reducing coastal flood risk with mangroves,” Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 8, 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.702412 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.702412
15
A. B. Goloran, L. Calagui, G. Betco, and A. T. Mulgado, “Species composition, diversity, and habitat assessment of mangroves in the selected area along Butuan Bay, Agusan del Norte, Philippines,” Open Access Library Journal, vol. 7, p. e6249, 2020. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106249 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106249
16
O. Hammer, D. A. T. Harper, and P. D. Ryan, “PAST: Paleontological statistics software package for education and data analysis,” Palaeontologia Electronica, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–9, 2001.
17
A. Hu et al., “Distribution characteristics of microplastics in the soil of mangrove restoration wetland and the effects of microplastics on soil characteristics,” Ecotoxicology, vol. 31, pp. 1120–1136, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-022-02561-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-022-02561-3
18
Jumawan et al., “Diversity assessment and spatial structure of mangrove community in a rehabilitated landscape in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, Philippines,” Advances in Environmental Sciences – International Journal of the Bioflux Society, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 475–482, 2015.
19
B. Kauffman and D. C. Donato, Protocols for Measuring, Monitoring, and Reporting Structure, Biomass, and Carbon Stocks in Mangrove Forests. Working Paper 86, CIFOR, 2012. https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/003749 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/003749
20
S. Kamal, J. Warnken, M. Bakhtiyari, and H. R. Jalali, “Sediment distribution in shallow estuaries at fine scale: In situ evidence of the effects of three-dimensional structural complexity of mangrove pneumatophores,” Hydrobiologia, vol. 803, pp. 121–132, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-3178-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-017-3178-3
21
A. Kumar et al., “Mangrove forests: Distribution, species diversity, roles, threats, and conservation strategies,” in Wetlands Conservation, 2021, pp. 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119692621.ch12 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119692621.ch12
22
A. P. Lillo et al., “Composition and diversity of mangrove species in Camotes Island, Cebu, Philippines,” Journal of Marine and Island Cultures, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 158–221, 2022. https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2022.11.1.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21463/jmic.2022.11.1.11
23
M. B. Manual, N. A. S. Gabato, Q. B. Jetuya, and J. A. Alimbon, “Floristic composition, structure, and diversity of mangroves in Mabini, Davao de Oro, Philippines coastal areas,” Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, vol. 23, no. 9, 2022. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d230958 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d230958
24
A. E. Marois and W. J. Mitsch, “Coastal protection from tsunamis and cyclones provided by mangrove wetlands—A review,” International Journal of Biodiversity Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 71–83, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2014.997292 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2014.997292
25
J. Melana and R. Gonzales, “Mangroves in the Philippines: The state of the knowledge,” Journal of Coastal Development, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 35–44, 2000.
26
H. Mulya, Y. Santosa, and I. Hilwan, “Comparison of four species diversity indices in mangrove community,” Biodiversitas, vol. 22, no. 9, pp. 3648–3655, 2021. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d220906 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d220906
27
A. M. C. Natividad et al., “Correlation of soil and mangrove diversity in selected sites of Alabel and Maasim, Sarangani Province, Philippines,” Advances in Agriculture & Botanics – International Journal of the Bioflux Society, vol. 6, no. 2, 2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.aab.bioflux.com.ro
28
A. Y. T. Nguyen, D. M. Cao, and K. Schmitt, “Soil particle-size composition and coastal erosion and accretion study in Soc Trang mangrove forests,” Journal of Coastal Conservation, vol. 17, pp. 93–104, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-012-0221-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-012-0221-4
29
PhilAtlas, “Pamosaingan, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Caraga, Philippines.”
30
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, “Climatological normals: Surigao, Surigao del Norte (1991–2020),” 2023.
31
L. Pototan, N. C. Capin, A. G. D. Delima, and A. U. Novero, “Assessment of mangrove species diversity in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental, Philippines,” Biodiversitas Journal of Biological Diversity, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 144–153, 2021. https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d220120 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d220120
32
J. Primavera, R. Sadaba, J. Lebata, and J. Altamirano, Handbook of Mangroves in the Philippines: Panay. UNESCO, 2004.
33
P. M. H. Puzon, C. D. I. Econar, R. T. Sarmiento, C. M. B. Jandug, and R. L. Palaso, “Species diversity and aboveground biomass of mangrove species in the intertidal zone of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte, Philippines,” Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES), vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 129–135, 2022.
34
R. P. Rastogi, M. Phulwaria, and D. K. Gupta, Mangroves: Ecology, Biodiversity, and Management. Singapore: Springer, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2494-0 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2494-0
35
D. M. Sabri, M. N. Suratman, and N. H. Z. Shari, “Management action plans for development of mangrove forest reserves,” in Mangroves: Ecology, Biodiversity and Management. Singapore: Springer, 2021, pp. 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2494-0_20 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2494-0_20
36
T. R. Soeprobowati, S. Anggoro, S. Puryono, H. Purnaweni, R. B. Sularto, and R. Mersyah, “Species composition and distribution in the mangrove ecosystem in the city of Bengkulu, Indonesia,” Water, vol. 14, no. 21, p. 3516, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14213516 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w14213516
37
R. Sunkur, K. Kantamaneni, C. Bokhoree, U. Rathnayake, and M. Fernando, “Mangrove mapping and monitoring using remote sensing techniques towards climate change resilience,” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, Art. 6949, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57563-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57563-4
38
K. Thura, O. Serrano, J. Gu, K. Nakagawa, and Y. Ishikawa, “Mangrove restoration built soil organic carbon stocks over six decades: A chronosequence study,” Journal of Soils and Sediments, vol. 23, pp. 1193–1203, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-022-03418-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-022-03418-2

Author Biographies

Jhondel P. Baranggan

Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines

Master of Arts in Education

Aldwin Y. Sarmen

Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines

Master of Arts in Education

Manny P. Eviota

Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines

Master of Arts in Education

Archie D. Cawaling

Surigao del Norte State University, Philippinies Philippines

Master of Arts in Education

License

Download Article

Downloads

Article Tools

View Issue

Citation Impact

Crossref Cited-by

0
0 citations

Counted from citation links between Crossref-registered works.

Last checked 14 Aug 2026.