Mangrove substrate is the growing media for mangrove vegetation, and is characterized by water saturation, high salinity, presence of coarse particles, and high organic matter content. Mangrove vegetation can grow in a variety of substrate textures (sand, silt, and clay) which affect the organic matter contained within them. Therefore, mangrove substrate is a determining factor in reforestation efforts. The objectives of this study was to identify substrate characteristics, measure vegetation parameters, and then determine the relationship between vegetation parameters with characteristics of mangrove substrate. The study was conducted in two locations, i.e., Pondok Bali Beach in Subang, West Java as example of a degraded mangrove ecosystem and Pulau Dua Nature Reserve in Serang, Banten as representation of a natural mangrove ecosystem that is still in relatively good condition.

The method used in collecting data was by making vegetation analysis plots using purposive sampling with plot size of 10x10 m². Vegetation data were measured directly in the field, while substrate samples were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The relationship between vegetation parameters and characteristics of mangrove substrate was tested by correlation analysis using SPSS software. Results showed that the two locations differed in term of vegetation parameters and substrate characteristics. From the vegetation aspect, Pondok Bali Beach has a higher root density compared to Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, respectively valued at 148.6 roots/m² and 83.6 roots/m². Pondok Bali Beach also has a larger canopy volume compared to Pulau Dua Nature Reserve, with a value of 8274.6 m³/ha and 4,990.3 m³/ha respectively. In terms of substrate, Pondok Bali Beach tends to have substrate texture in the form of sand and loam, while Pulau Dua Nature Reserve tends to be clay and silt; and both locations have low salinity.

Results of statistical analysis show that substrate organic matter and salinity are positively correlated with root density, respectively with R values of 0.657 and 0.416; and positively correlated with crown volume, respectively with R values of 0.650 and 0.634. In addition, pH is negatively correlated with root density and crown volume, with R values of –0.605 and –0.759 respectively. Judging from the characteristics of the substrate and vegetation parameters, it can be concluded that the characteristics of substrate (texture, organic content, pH and salinity) are related to vegetation parameters, so that changes in the characteristics of substrate will have an impact on vegetation parameters.