Salinity intrusion and rice farming in the mangrove-fringed Konkoure River delta,Guinea

Field and model studies were undertaken of the hydrodynamics and salinity intrusion in the mangrove-fringed, 320km² Konkoure River delta, Guinea. The mangroves directly fringing the main channel of the Konkoure River are best flushed, while those mangroves draining smaller coastal streams are least flushed. Large seasonal and spatial variations of salinity exist in the delta. Hypersalinity and slow flushing (residence time 14–30 days) occur in the dry season in some areas of the delta. These areas appear unsuitable for rice farming and may be best managed on a sustainable basis for fishery and forestry resources.