The Ecology of a Saltmarsh in Sri Lanka

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Abstract
The ecology of a saltmarsh system on a small islet on the north-west coast of Sri Lanka was investigated, using association-analysis and reciprocal averaging to order the floristic and edaphic data. Six chief plant communities.sbd.thorn scrub, dry saltmarsh pasture, an Arthrocnemum consociation, Suaeda communities, damp saltmarsh pasture and depressions.sbd.were tentatively recognized, and their ecological and floristic distinctiveness and interrelationships were further elucidated by the multivariate analyses. The distribution within the saltmarsh system of some selected edaphic factors such as moisture regime, water-retaining capacity, textural properties, organicmatter content, pH, and Ca, carbonate and Cl concentrations was established. The zonation of the saltmarsh vegetation is discussed in relation to the individual and integrated effects of several ecological factors, of which topography, textural variations of the soil, and exposure to floods, tides and winds, appear to be of particular importance.