EFFECTS OF TREE SPECIES, TREE CROWN TYPE AND SEASONS ON SOIL ACIDITY

• Main Authors: Temel Sarıyıldız, Mehmet Küçük
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi 2004-11-01
• Series: Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi
• Online Access: http://ofd.artvin.edu.tr/issue/2254/29706

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of tree species, crown type, seasons and distance from the stem on soil pH. The soil samples (depth of 0-15 and >15 cm) were collected from under pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), spruce (Picea orientalis L.) and alder (Alnus glutinosa L.) trees in November 2002, March and June 2003 at distance of 30, 90, 180 and 270 cm from the stem. Highest pH was found under alder trees, whereas lowest pH was found under pine trees. There was a decrease in soil pH from Autumn to Summer for all species. In Autumn and Spring, pine and spruce showed an increase in soil pH from the stem to the distance of 180 cm. After that they showed a decrease, whereas in Summer, they didn’t show any changes with the distances. Alder, however, didn’t show any significant changes between the distances in any season. It was found that the differences in soil pH between species, seasons and the distances from the stem were significantly affected by the changes in pH of organic layer. In conclusion, the results in the present study indicate that tree species, seasons and the distance from the stem are all important factors influencing soil pH, and should be considered together in future studies.