Non-additive effects on litter decomposition were found in the litter mixtures from three mangrove species. Nutrients in water, the initial trait dissimilarity and CWM of litter mixtures varied with species composition.

3.1 Decomposition rate (k) and mass remaining

Non-additive effect on litter decomposition was detected in the litter mixtures from mangrove species, but not in the mixture of A. corniculatum vs. S. alterniflora (Fig. 1a, b). The observed mass remaining of the mixture of A. corniculatum vs. K obovatawas substantially higher than the expected value, whereas the observed mass remaining of the mixture of A. corniculatum vs. A. marina was lower than the expected one (p < 0.05), only the mixture of A. corniculatum vs. S. alterniflora  did not show significant difference between the observed and the expected values (p > 0.05; Fig. 1b).