Nutrient resorption efficiency of Heritiera fomes Buch. Ham and Excoecaria agallocha L

Abstract Nutrient resorption is a nutrient conservation approach for plants growing in nutrient-poor habitats. The nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) resorbed from leaves of Heritiera fomes and Excoecaria agallocha in the Sundarbans, Bangladesh were examined. Mature green leaves and yellowish senescent leaves of the dominant individual of each species were picked from the selected trees during the prominent seasons. Soil samples were collected from the same sites and occasions. Comparatively (p < 0.05), a higher concentration of N (12.64 ± 1.05 mg/g), P (0.42 ± 0.18 mg/g) and K (10.79 ± 0.14) was observed in green mature leaves of H. fomes during the monsoon season. Similar (p > 0.05) concentration (8.33 ± 1.07 to 9.76 ± 1.40 mg/g) of N was detected for the green mature leaves of E. agallocha throughout the seasons. In contrast, higher concentrations of P and K were observed in the monsoon season. The highest nitrogen resorption efficiencies for H. fomes and E. agallocha were 76.94% and 63.33%, respectively during the pre-monsoon season followed by post-monsoon season. Heritiera fomes was more efficient in N and K resorption, while E. agallocha was more efficient in P resorption. The nutrient resorption efficiency of H. fomes and E. agallocha indicated the adaptation mechanism towards harsh environments, especially nutrient-poor conditions.