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 ...