@ Mohammad, the mean root-shoot ratio of Sonneratia apetala is considered as 1.14. The attached file may provide you belowground biomass carbon calculation.

Thank you very much Sir. But I can't open the file. Could you please provide me the URL of the file.

Regards with,

Mohammad Ismail.

The root-shoot ratio of Sonneratia apetala refers to the proportion of the plant's biomass that is allocated to its roots compared to its shoots. In simpler terms, it tells you how much "weight" the plant invests in underground structures (roots) versus aboveground structures (shoots).

Here's a breakdown:

• Root System: This includes all the roots of the plant, from the main taproot to the finer feeder roots. They are responsible for anchoring the plant, absorbing water and nutrients, and storing carbohydrates.
• Shoot System: This includes all the aboveground parts of the plant, such as stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are responsible for photosynthesis, gas exchange, and reproduction.

The root-shoot ratio is an important indicator of resource allocation strategy in plants. Sonneratia apetala, being a mangrove species, typically has a higher root-shoot ratio compared to terrestrial plants. This means it invests more resources in its root system for several reasons:

• Anchoring in soft, unstable sediments: Mangroves grow in mudflats and intertidal zones with soft soil. The extensive root system helps anchor the tree and resist strong winds and waves.
• Salt tolerance: Mangroves need to extract water and nutrients from salty water. The larger root system provides a greater surface area for absorption and helps filter out excess salt.
• Oxygen uptake: Many mangrove species, including Sonneratia apetala, have aerial roots called pneumatophores that rise above the water. These roots allow the plant to absorb oxygen from the air, essential for survival in anoxic mudflats.

The specific root-shoot ratio of Sonneratia apetala can vary depending on various factors such as:

• Age and size of the tree: Younger trees tend to have higher ratios as they prioritize root development for establishment.
• Environmental conditions: Salinity, water availability, and nutrient levels can influence resource allocation.
• Competition: If competing with other plants, S. apetala might invest more in roots to access deeper resources.

I hope this explanation helps!

@Mohammad, I clicked the file and it is opening to my computer. Please try to do it again.