Comparison of Soil Properties Between Pure and Mixed Uludag Fir (Abies nordmanniana ssp. bornmülleriana Mattf.) Stands in Ilgaz Mountain National Park

Abstract

In this research some physical and chemical properties of the soils were analyzed under pure Uludað Fir (Abies nordmanniana ssp. bornmulleriana Mattf.), which is an endemic species of Turkey, and Uludað Fir-Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L) mixed stands in Ilgaz Mountain National Park in Turkey. Field studies were conducted on 12 sample areas (6 pure Uludað Fir, 6 Uludað Fir-Scots Pine mixed stands). A total of 24 soil samples from the depth of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm were gathered from pure Uludað Fir and Uludað FirScots Pine mixed stands. According to the results of the research organic matter content, quantity of clay and moisture content at critical moisture tensions in the soils under the Uludað Fir have found to be higher than the soils of Uludað Fir-Scots Pine mixed stands. Soil reaction (pH) of the soils of both of the two forest constitutes has showed a medium acidic and slight acidic character and values of bulk density were lower in 0-15 cm soil depth than those of 15-30 cm.