Browsing by Author "Savaci G."

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Ability of green cover from sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and dog rose (Rosa canina L.) to control erosion and improve soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks in terraces of Northwest Turkey
(2020-04-01) Sariyildiz T.; Savaci G.
The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of green cover and afforestation on soil properties, erosion susceptibility, as well as soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) contents and stock capacities. Mineral soil samples from two soil depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm) were obtained from a bare soil plot (BSP), a young forest plot (7-year-old juvenile cover; YFP), a mature forest plot (MFP) used as a reference control, a young forest plot with sainfoin green cover (YFP + S), and a young forest plot with dog rose green cover (YFP + R). The soil samples were analyzed for pH, water holding capacity (WHC), soil texture, dispersion ratio, bulk density, SOC, STN, and soil extractable P and K. Soil bulk density, soil volume, and the SOC and STN were used to calculate the mean SOC and STN stocks. Results showed that afforestation and green cover significantly influenced the chemical and physical properties of the soil, reduced its dispersion ratio, and increased its SOC and STN stock capacities (P < 0.05). The mean SOC stock was highest for MFP (39.7 t C ha−1), followed by YFP + R (37.1 t C ha−1), YFP + S (35.7 t C ha−1), YFP (22.1 t C ha−1), and BSP (10.9 t C ha−1). However, the mean STN stock was highest for YFP + S (2.40 t N ha−1), followed by MFP (2.25 t N ha−1), YFP + R (2.08 t N ha−1), YFP (1.88 t N ha−1), and BSP (0.55 t N ha−1). These results indicate that with proper care and management, natural or artificial leguminous and shrub species can provide year-round soil protection and minimize soil erosion in black pine plantation terraces. Growing these species could enhance soil productivity by increasing soil organic matter, improving the soil structure, and increasing the water holding capacity and nutrient retention of the soil.
EFFECTS OF LOGGING RESIDUES AND SKID ROADS ON LITTER DECOMPOSITION RATE AND NUTRIENT RELEASE OF BLACK PINE (Pinus nigra Arnold) AND SCOTS PINE (Pinus sylvestris L.)
(2022-01-01) Enez K.; Savaci G.; Sariyildiz T.
Needle litter decomposition rate and nutrient releases of pure stands of black pine and Scots pine under the three different micro-ecologic sites (skidding road, the logging residues and mineral topsoil) and the control site (non-harvesting site) were studied. The needle litters of Black pine and Scots pine were initially analysed for total carbon and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Mn, and Fe). The litter decomposition experiment using the litterbags method was carried out in the field for 18 months. The Scots pine needle litters decayed faster than the black pine litters. Both the Scots pine and Black pine needle litters showed higher mean mass losses under the mineral topsoil and the logging residues than under the skid road and the control site.
Effects of stand age on litter quality, decomposition rate and nutrient release of Kazdagi fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani)
(2020-01-01) Savaci G.; Sariyildiz T.
The influence of stand age on litter quality, decomposition rate and nutrient release was examined in pure stands of Kazdagi fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani [Steven] Spach) differing in age (Fir38, Fir60, Fir90 and Fir100 years). The needle litters were collected and analysed for initial total carbon, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, S, Mg, Mn and Fe). Initial litter quality parameters varied significantly among the four stand age classes. The Fir60 and Fir100 stands had higher total C than the Fir38 and Fir90 stands, while the Fir38 and Fir100 stands had higher N than the Fir60 and Fir90 stands. Mean cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations were highest in the Fir90 stand, while mean lignin concentration was highest in the Fir38 stand. Fir90 stand showed the highest ratios of C/N and Lignin/N. In general, the older fir stands showed higher Ca, Mg and K concentrations and lower P and S concentrations than the younger stands. The litter, however, showed higher a Mn concentration under the Fir60. Mean Fe concentration was highest under the Fir38 stand and lowest under the Fir60 stand. Litter decomposition was studied in the field using the litterbag technique. The litterbags were placed on the soil under each stand age class and sampled every 6 months for 2 years. The interaction of stand age and time on the mass loss was significant (p<0.01). The repeated measures ANOVA showed that the main effect of time on the mass loss was also significant (p<0.001). Needle litters under Fir100 and Fir60 stands decomposed faster than the needle litters under Fir90 and Fir38 stands. The calculated times required for 50% mass loss were higher under Fir38 (1.35 y) and Fir90 (1.27 y) stands than under Fir100 (1.05 y) and Fir60 (1.06 y) stands. The litters in Fir38 and Fir90 stands need approximately 4 years for 95% mass loss compared to the litters in Fir60 and Fir100 stands, which need 3 years. In general, Ca, Mg and S concentrations increased over time, whereas K and Mn decreased. These results illustrate that stand age is a key factor to be considered when studying litter decomposition dynamics.
Effects of tree species, stand age and land-use change on soil carbon and nitrogen stock rates in northwestern Turkey
(2016-02-01) Sariyildiz T.; Savaci G.; Kravkaz I.S.
Effects of tree species, stand age and land-use change on soil carbon and nitrogen stock rates were investigated in the northwest of Turkey using 4 common tree species as black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) and Uludag fir (Abies nordmanniana ssp. bornmuelleriana). Three tree species (black pine, Scots pine and Oriental beech) were used to investigate the differences in soil C and N among tree species. Old and young Uludag fir stands and adjacent grassland were used to study the differences in soil C and N with stand age and land-use change. Mineral soil samples were taken from 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil depths, and analyzed for pH, soil texture, bulk density, total soil carbon and total nitrogen. The total soil carbon and total nitrogen pools were then calculated by multiplying soil volume, soil bulk density, and the total soil carbon or total nitrogen content. Results showed significant differences in soil carbon and nitrogen contents, carbon/nitrogen ratios and stock rates among the three species, and between old and young fir stands and grassland. In general, when 0-20 cm soil depth was considered, mean soil carbon stock rate was the highest under black pine (79 Mg C ha-1) followed by Scots pine (73 Mg C ha-1) and beech (67 Mg C ha-1), whereas mean soil nitrogen stock rate was the highest under beech (9.57 Mg N ha-1) followed by Scots pine (5.77 Mg N ha-1) and black pine (4.20 Mg N ha-1). Young fir stands showed lower soil carbon stock, but higher soil nitrogen stock rates compared to old fir stands and grassland. Our results demonstrated that tree species, stand tree age and land-use change can have significant effects on soil carbon and nitrogen content and stocks rates. These findings can help to enhance forest management activities, such as selection of tree species for carbon sequestration in plantation systems, design of sustainable agroforestry systems, and improvement of biogeochemical models.
Erosion risk mapping using CORINE methodology for Goz watershed in Kahramanmaras region, Turkey
(2016-05-01) Reis M.; Akay A.; Savaci G.
Soil erosion may cause serious environmental impacts on soil and water resources such as excessive sedimentation, especially on steep terrain and erodible soils in arid and semiarid areas. The sediment yield due to erosion has also economic consequences on dam watersheds by affecting economic life of dams, which are one of the most important infrastructure investments in Turkey. Thus, it is very important to determine potential erosion risk in order to develop adequate erosion prevention measures in dam watersheds. This study aimed to develop erosion risk map for Goz Watershed of Menzelet Dam in the eastern Mediterranean city of Kahramanmaras in Turkey. In the methodology, Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies were employed based on COoRdination of INformation on the Environment (CORINE) methodology. The results indicated that 54.52% of the Goz Watershed was under moderate erosion risk, while there was a high erosion risk in 45.48% of the watershed based on the potential erosion risk map. According to actual erosion risk maps, 11.97 and 88.03% of the watershed area was subject to moderate and high erosion risk, respectively. It was found that the most important factors for erosion risks in the watershed were steep slope (average of 38%) and lack of vegetation cover (only 11.67% of forest cover). Besides, the results indicated that potential and actual erosion risk mapping by CORINE method is a quite efficient and cost effective approach.
Evaluation of the soil properties and primary forest tree species in Taskopru (Kastamonu) district
(2018-01-01) Kravkaz-Kuscu I.S.; Sariyildiz T.; Cetin M.; Yigit N.; Sevik H.; Savaci G.
Turkey has different habitat conditions resulting from a wide diversity of climatic and psycho-graphical conditions. Different relationships of topography and climate have caused different geographical and ecological regions. These regional differences significantly affect the spread of plant species and determine distinct species' compositions in different regions. Consequently, Turkey has high pure and mixed natural forests with biological and economic value in terms of both tree species and stand constitutions. Tending works done in the forests has also changed the relationship of light, temperature and humidity in the forest ecosystems. As a result, soil and litter properties changed. Altitude, aspect, slope, topography and soil properties are effective factors for a habitat's productivity. This present study was aimed at determining the properties of the soil and primary tree species located in the Taşköprü district of Kastamonu Province. Taşköprü district is located in the western Black Sea region of the Black Region and is geographically in the Euro-Siberian floristic region. Soil samples were taken from 15 different points, including 5 each from three different areas representing each tree species and from soils under different forest tree species (Scotch pine, black pine, oak) in the Taşköprü region. The stand characteristics of these species, such as age, height, diameter, frequency and litter condition, were measured in the field. Texture, pH, bulk density, organic matter, electrical conductivity (EC) and maximum water holding capacity were determined from the soil samples. These were evaluated for the different forest tree species and obtained soil analysis results.
Relationship between enzyme activity (Urease-catalase) and nutrient element in soil use
(2018-01-01) Kuscu I.; Cetin M.; Yigit N.; Savaci G.; Sevik H.
This study determined the relationship of urease and catalase enzyme activity and nutrient elements related to the use of soil. We identitified urease and catalase enzymes and calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) as nutrient elements, and total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) useful for plants, and exchangeable potassium (K) were identified in soils used for different purposes (agriculture, forest, and pasture), and the relationships between urease and catalase enzymes and these nutrient elements were revealed. Soil samples were taken from 60 points as 2 aspects x3 areas x2 depths x5 recurrences and the analyses were conducted on each sample with 3 recurrences. Duncan’s test was carried out and the results were evaluated. The strongest relationships are identified between Mg and Fe (0.854), and Mg and Mn (0.867). The results of the study indicate that the depth factor has an effect only on catalase enzyme activity and Zn, soil use has an effect only on catalase enzyme activity and urease enzyme activity and Ca and Zn among micronutrient elements, and the aspect factor has an effect on all nutrient elements other than Zn - in contrast to other factors.
Seasonal variation of morphological traits, wood formation, and soil properties differs between Quercus robur L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. saplings
(2021-01-01) Özden Keleş S.; Savaci G.
Climate seasonality is one of the important environmental variables that can drive changes in many properties of trees. However, how different tree species regulate their growth and development during changes of the growing period particularly at sapling stage is little known. This study, therefore, evaluated how morphological, anatomical, and soil properties differed in two growing season periods (March vs. September) between oak and black locust saplings across one growing season. Wood cell anatomical properties and soil characteristics were considerably influenced by seasonality. Each species showed greater wood cell anatomical characteristics in March than in September. Soil physical and chemical properties also showed great variance between March and September: soil pH, amount of Mg and Al concentrations in soil were higher in March while organic matter and total N concentration in soil showed greater values in September. Growth and development performance were also compared between two species. We found fibre cell characteristics, stem height, stem diameter and node number were to be greater in oak than in black locust for both early- and late growing periods. The results suggested that oak showed better adaptation to their local environments than black locust.
Variations in Biochemical Compounds of Fresh Leaves of Castanea sativa in Relation to Elevation and Stand Age
(2022-06-01) Savaci G.; Savaci, G
This study investigated the effects of elevation and stand age on the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes activities of Castanea sativa leaves. Leaves of C. sativa were collected at 470 m above sea level in stands ranging in age from 15- to 85-year-old and were compared for 13- to 65-year-old with leaves collected at 810 m. Chlorophyll pigments as chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) and carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes activities (ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase), on-enzymatic compounds (total soluble protein levels, proline), flavonoid, and the oxidative level (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (MDA-malondialdehyde)) of fresh leaves were analyzed using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Significant differences in the biochemical compounds of Castanea sativa leaves were found between elevation and stand age. In general, photosynthetic pigments (except for the ratio of chlorophyll a:chlorophyll b), proline, and soluble protein levels, as well as ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, had better results at higher elevations than at lower elevations, whereas flavonoids, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, as well as catalase activity, were lower at higher elevations. Results have shown that total chlorophylls, chlorophyll b, proline, at both elevations and catalase enzymes activities at only 810 m were decreased with increasing in stand age whereas chlorophyll a : chlorophyll b at both elevations and total carotenoids at only 810 m were increased with increasing. However, other chemical compounds (chlorophyll a, superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation levels) did not show a significant trend with the stand age. This study has provided valuable insight into the variation in the biochemical compounds of C. sativa leaves in relation to the elevation and stand age, and the results of this study can contribute to the determination of ideal site factors for the growth and development of chestnut trees.
Variations in Biochemical Compounds of Fresh Leaves of Castanea sativa in Relation to Elevation and Stand Age
(2022-06-01) Savaci G.
This study investigated the effects of elevation and stand age on the photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant enzymes activities of Castanea sativa leaves. Leaves of C. sativa were collected at 470 m above sea level in stands ranging in age from 15- to 85-year-old and were compared for 13- to 65-year-old with leaves collected at 810 m. Chlorophyll pigments as chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b) and carotenoids, antioxidant enzymes activities (ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase), on-enzymatic compounds (total soluble protein levels, proline), flavonoid, and the oxidative level (hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (MDA-malondialdehyde)) of fresh leaves were analyzed using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Significant differences in the biochemical compounds of Castanea sativa leaves were found between elevation and stand age. In general, photosynthetic pigments (except for the ratio of chlorophyll a:chlorophyll b), proline, and soluble protein levels, as well as ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, had better results at higher elevations than at lower elevations, whereas flavonoids, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, as well as catalase activity, were lower at higher elevations. Results have shown that total chlorophylls, chlorophyll b, proline, at both elevations and catalase enzymes activities at only 810 m were decreased with increasing in stand age whereas chlorophyll a : chlorophyll b at both elevations and total carotenoids at only 810 m were increased with increasing. However, other chemical compounds (chlorophyll a, superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation levels) did not show a significant trend with the stand age. This study has provided valuable insight into the variation in the biochemical compounds of C. sativa leaves in relation to the elevation and stand age, and the results of this study can contribute to the determination of ideal site factors for the growth and development of chestnut trees.