ABSTRACT
Fire is an important tool in the management of forest ecosystems. Although both prescribed and wildland fires are common in Turkey, few studies have addressed the influence of such disturbances on soil properties and root biomass dynamics. In this study, soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-year-old corsican pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in Kastamonu, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July, 2003. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using soda-lime method over a two- year period. Fine (0-2 mm diameter) and small root (2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using sequential coring method. Mean daily soil respiration ranged from 0.65 to 2.19 g C m-2 d-1 among all sites. Soil respiration rates were significantly higher in burned sites than in controls. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine root biomass was significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 4940 kg ha-1 for burned and 5450 kg ha-1 for control sites. Soil pH was significantly higher in burned sites than in control sites in 15-35 cm soil depth. Soil organic matter content did not differ significantly between control and burned sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of forest stands in the study area.
ABSTRACT
The Değirmendere and Galyan (Değirmendere tributary) Rivers that discharge their water into the Black Sea are important watersheds in the northeastern part of Turkey. Water quality parameters were sampled from 1997 through 2001 for each year at five sites (three for Galyan, two for Degirmendere) along 29 and 42 km gradients, respectively covering all seasons. Surface water was collected from the sites and analyzed for temperature, total alkaline (MAAL), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), total hardness (TH), phenolphthalein alkalinities (PAL) and organic matter (PV). Seasonal changes of water quality were analyzed statistically for both Rivers and evaluated according to the TS 266, EU and WHO standards. The analysis of variance results showed that Ca, Mg, MAL, NO3, pH, TDS and TH parameters of the Değirmendere River and Ca, DO, EC, MAL, NO3, pH and TH parameters of the Galyan River showed seasonal differences (p<0.05). The maximum values of the water pollution parameters for the two Rivers were below the threshold values throughout the study period. When both Rivers were compared, the mean values of the pollution parameters of the Degirmendere River were higher than those of the Galyan River and very close the limits. The results indicate that both Rivers can be used for the production of potable water during all seasons but only with an advanced treatment in the Değirmendere and a moderate treatment in the Galyan River, and for indirect and non-contact recreational activities.