Kumudranjan Naskar

Mangrove Litters Decomposing Fungi of Sundarbans Kumudranjan Naskar

Mangrove habitat is known to release litters which in turn is converted into organic matters. Those organic matters after mineralization or decomposition release nutrients to the mangrove ecosystem. Fungi in Mangroves do play a key role in litter decomposition and nutrient cycling like other microbes. Fungal biomass along with detritus contribute significantly to the food chain of detritus feeding organisms found in Mangrove. Among the microbes, the bacterial populations in Mangroves are manifold greater than those of the fungi. The fungi exist as symbionts with plants and animals,saprophytes on dead organic matter and often as parasites on living organisms. The litter decomposition role of the fungi ultimately contribute fertility of the environment. A comprehensive understanding of nutrient cycles within mangrove systems and their interactions with off-shore and in-shore ecosystem is highlighted in this book. This work will provide knowledge and ready reference for the students and the researchers in the field of Mangroves.