Analysis of Soil and Water Characteristics of Farwa Lake for the Feasibility of Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) Cultivation in Libya

الملخص

This study evaluates the feasibility of cultivating grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) in Farwa Lake, Libya, by analyzing soil and water characteristics within this unique coastal ecosystem. The work builds upon previous research in Tajoura, where imported seedlings demonstrated over 80% survival after improved transportation and cultivation protocols. Encouraged by these results, the current study extends the investigation to natural field conditions.

A multidisciplinary approach was adopted, including soil particle size distribution and classification using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), alongside water quality assessments of salinity, electrical conductivity, and pH across multiple sites. Controlled cultivation experiments were also conducted to monitor seedling responses under local conditions.

Findings revealed that Farwa Lake soils consist of 88.3% sand and 11.7% fines, classifying them as silty sand (SM). This composition provides favorable drainage and nutrient retention, supporting mangrove root development. Water analyses showed variable salinity, in some cases exceeding seawater levels, and pH values ranging from 7.8 to 8.9, indicating a moderately alkaline environment suitable for A. marina.

The most promising observation was the early flowering of seedlings under local conditions, suggesting strong physiological and genetic adaptation mechanisms. These results confirm the potential of Farwa Lake as a viable site for mangrove cultivation, offering both ecological and socio-economic benefits, including shoreline protection, biodiversity enhancement, and contributions to climate change mitigation.