Correlation of soil and mangrove diversity in selected sites of Alabel and Maasim, Sarangani Province, Philippines

The diversity attributes of each sampling plots in Sarangani Province indicates the mangrove’s ecosystem condition. This study aims to determine the soil particle size and correlate it with the biodiversity attributes in two sampling sites of Sarangani Province, Philippines. Sampling plots (10 m x 10 m) were established into coastal, middleward and landward. Different mangrove species were identified, counted and the data were used to compute the biodiversity attributes. Mangrove’s biodiversity indices were determined using species richness, abundance, dominance, evenness and Shannon’s diversity. Soil samples were collected at each sampling site and the particle size analyzed. The data on soil particle size and Shannon’s diversity were correlated to establish biotic and abiotic relationships. The results show that twelve mangrove species were identified having Sonneratia alba as the most abundant species. The sampling site in Alabel has higher diversity attributes compared to Maasim. Gravel has the most abundant soil particle type in the two sites. The observed mangrove species in relation to soil particle size was also known. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) the correlation of soil types to Shannon diversity was analyzed. The results show that there is a positive and negative correlation to each soil type and sampling sites.