Leaf size indices and structure of the peat swamp forest

Abstract

Leaf size indices of the tree species in the peatland of Agusan del Sur in Mindanao in Philippines was examined to deduce the variation of forest structure and observed forest zonation. Using raunkiaer and webb's leaf size classification, the leaf morphometrics of seven tree species consistently found on the established sampling plots were determined. The species includes <em>Ternstroemia philippinensis</em> Merr.<em>, Polyscias aherniana </em>Merr. Lowry and G.M. Plunkett<em>, Calophyllum sclerophyllum </em>Vesque<em>, Fagraea racemosa </em>Jack<em>, Ilex cymosa </em>Blume<em>, Syzygium tenuirame </em>(Miq.) Merr. and <em>Tristaniopsis micrantha </em>Merr. Peter G.Wilson and J.T.Waterh.The LSI were correlated against the variables of the peat physico-chemical properties (such as bulk density, acrotelm thickness, peat depth, total organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, pH); water (pH, ammonium, nitrate, phosphate); and leaf tissue elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Result showed a decreasing leaf size indices and a three leaf size category consisting of mesophyllous, mesophyllous-notophyllous and microphyllous were observed which corresponds to the structure of vegetation <em>i.e.</em>, from the tall-pole forest having the biggest average leaf area of 6,142.29 mm² to the pygmy forest with average leaf area of 1,670.10 mm². Such decreased leaf size indices were strongly correlated to soil nitrogen, acrotelm thickness, peat depth, phosphate in water, nitrogen and phosphorus in the plant tissue.