Abstract:

In this study, the effects of slope aspect (North-South) on topsoil and forest floor properties were investigated in the Anatolian Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) forest in the semi-arid ecosystem. The physical and chemical properties of the soils taken on the basis of horizon from the top soil (0-15 cm) and the soil pits dug in each sampling area at 60 points in the 50x50 m grid system in the two determined sampling areas (400 m2) were examined. In addition, forest floor samples taken with metal frames measuring 25×25x10 cm were examined. Soil organic matter was determined as 8.02%, bulk density 0.86 g cm-3, pH 6.69, in the northern aspect top soils, the same properties were determined as soil organic matter 4.14%, bulk density 0.90 g cm-3, pH 7.31, respectively. It was determined that the top soils of the North and South aspects were statistically significantly different in terms of sand, clay, organic matter, bulk density, lime and soil reaction properties (p< 0.005). It was determined that the average amount of forest floor in the North aspect was 171.71 tons ha-1, and 70.38 tons ha-1 in the South aspect. It was determined that the effect of aspect on the chemical properties of forest floor was not statistically significant. But, in terms of the amount of forest floor, the effect of aspect was found to be statistically significant.

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