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Introduced stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) and maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) stands were sampled 60 years after plantation in Istanbul-Durusu (Terkos), Turkey. Sampling was conducted at four different developmental stages (mean diameter of trees at 1.3-m height (DBH) in stands: SDF = < 8 cm, MDF = 8–20 cm, LDF = 20–36 cm, and UDF > 36 cm), with 15 replicated sample plots for each species and developmental stage, for a total of 120 sample plots. The forest floor was sampled in 5 replications in each sample plot. The forest floor samples were divided into two layers: L + F (litter + fermentation) and H (humus), and the oven dry mass and nitrogen (N) content were determined. As a result, the masses of the total forest floor and of both layers were significantly different among the development stages with an increasing trend in maritime pine stands despite no significant difference found in the mass of the humus layer in stone pine stands. However, total forest floor accumulation significantly increased with the development stage (28–60 t/ha in stone pine and 17–64 t/ha in maritime pine). In both species, the N concentrations in the forest floor layers differed significantly among the development stages, and the N concentrations tended to increase as the development stage increased in the L + F layer, whereas a fluctuating trend was observed in the H layer. Although the N content of the humus layer of stone pine did not show a significant difference among the development stages, the N content in the total forest floor was determined to be 0.1–0.5 t/ha in maritime pine and 0.2–0.5 t/ha in stone pine. The relationship between the mean stand DBH and the N stock of the total forest floor was determined to have a higher correlation in maritime pine (R2 = 0.8) than stone pine (R2 = 0.4). In conclusion, the nitrogen concentrations and nitrogen contents of the forest floor were remarkably different in stands introduced with different tree species, indicating the accumulation of forest floor nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservational agricultural practices need to be implemented for improving agricultural productivity and protecting soils in a changing climate. Intercropping systems indicating multiple cropping within the same space may be used as an alternative production system which involves various plant species. This system reduces mineral N-fertilizer use and also improves soil physical and chemical properties. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of four different intercrops (i- barley+pea, ii- barley+vetch, iii- triticale+pea, and iv- triticale+vetch) in an olive orchard on biomass yield, and some physical and chemical soil properties in a two-year field experiment in South-East Turkey. The biomass yield, soil porosity, bulk density, penetration resistance, aggregate stability, and soil organic matter content have been determined at the end of each harvest. The highest biomass yield was recorded in triticale+pea, while the lowest yield was obtained under barley+vetch treatment. A significant positive relationship was determined between aggregate stability and biomass yield, in contrast significant negative relationship was obtained between penetration resistance and biomass yield. The results of the study clearly showed that intercrops (specifically triticale+pea) can be used to produce additional biomass for animal husbandry and improve soil quality in olive tree plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine assessment of soil quality for olive groves areas of Akçaköy, Çatalca, Efemçukuru, Görece and Yeniköy villages in Menderes district of Izmir- Turkey. The surface soil samples (0-20 cm) were taken from 19 olive groves areas of Menderes District. Soil physical and chemical quality indicators were analyzed and classified in 4 suitability classes for olive production. In olive groves areas, soil reaction (pH) gave positive correlations with clay, exch. Ca, CaCO3 contents, and significant negative correlations with sand, available Fe, Mn and Zn contents. Soil organic matter (OM) content showed significant positive correlations with EC, P, exch. Ca and a significant negative correlation with bulk density. Electrical conductivity (EC) values gave significant positive correlations with clay, OM, exch. Ca contents. Soil quality index values for the olive groves areas ranged between 0.44 and 0.77 with a mean of 0.60. The olive groves areas at Akçaköy and Çatalca villages of Menderes District were generally suitable for olive production. According to the soil quality index (SQI) values, only one of the 19 olive groves areas was found in very suitable (S1:1.00-0.75) class, the other areas were classified as 8 in suitable (S2:0.75-060), 6 in marginal suitable (S3:0.60-0.50) and 4 in non-suitable (N:<0.50) for olive growth. The most restricting soil factors for olive growth generally became low OM, low nutrient contents and high clay and sand contents than that of suggested levels. The SQI values had significant positive relations with silt content of the soils while they gave negative correlations with clay and sand contents. It indicates that moderate or loamy soil textural classes are important for high olive production. The SQI values also gave a significant positive correlation with olive yields. Evaluation of soil physical and chemical properties with a SQI value is important for assessment of olive groves areas in sustainable soil management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was evaluated the application of humic acid (HA), which possess multifaceted biological action, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation to improve the morphologic performance, yield and seed quality of safflower under different water regimes in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. In a 2-year field trial, the two humic acid level (200 and 400 kg ha-1) and the two rhizobacterial strains (Bacillus megatorium M3 and Bacillus subtilis OSU142) in together with control treatments were evaluated under irrigated and rainfed conditions using randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement. Bacterial strains and humic acid levels highly increased plant growth, seed and oil yields, and seed nutrient contents under irrigated and rainfed conditions. However, the combined application of the OSU142 strain with 400 kg HA ha-1 resulted in the greatest enhancement of safflower growth and yield under irrigated conditions, and seed and oil yields increased by 101.8 and 127.6% with treatment of 400 HA + OSU14 respectively. Moreover, the integrated use of humic acids and PGPR inoculation relatively showed additive effect in the growth and yields of safflower under rainfed conditions, and increased by 186.5 with treatment of 400 HA + OSU142 and 257.1% with treatment of 400 HA + M respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different cover crops (CCs), mechanically cultivation and herbicide treatments on soil organic matter (SOM) content and some physical properties of soils were investigated in a cherry orchard with clay soil in 2013 and 2014. The present study was conducted in a cherry orchard located at the Experiment Station of Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute in Samsun province in the Northern region of Turkey. As the CCs, Trifolium repens L. (TR), Festuca rubra subsp. Rubra (FRR), Festuca arundinacea (FA), T. repens (40%)+F. rubra rubra (30%)+F. arundinacea (30%) mixture (TFF), Vicia villosa (VV) and Trifolium meneghinianum (TM) were utilized. Experiment also included plots mechanically cultivation (MC), herbicide treatment (HC) and control (C) plot without CCs. Experiment was conducted in randomized complete blocks design with four replications. The CCs were mowed in the flowering period of the plants. After 90 d following seed harvest, soil samples were collected from two depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) in each plot. The CCs treatments decreased bulk density, volumetric water content, relative saturation, penetration resistance and increased SOM, field capacity, permanent wilting point, available water capacity, total porosity, gravimetric water content, mean weight diameter, structural stability index. The differences in the SOM contents and physical soil properties of all treatments as compared to the control were not found to be significant for the 20-40 cm soil depth in both years of experiments. The CCs, especially TR and VV treatments as legume plants improved SOM and physical soil properties, but longer term studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable soil management can be concisely defined as using soil without impairing soil function. It has become crucial due to soil degradation, especially that caused by soil erosion, throughout the world. In this context, this study aimed to determine the erodibility and some soil properties to evaluate the actual state of soil resources in a watershed located in the Mediterranean highland of Turkey. A total of 180, 90 disturbed and 90 undisturbed, soil samples were collected from different land-use types, namely, forest, pasture, and agriculture. Erodibility and soil properties such as texture, soil organic matter, permeability, particle density, bulk density, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity, field capacity, permanent wilting point, and water holding capacity were determined. A soil erodibility map was also produced using ArcGIS software. According to the results, the average soil organic matter was 6.27%, 4.56%, and 2.05% in forest, pasture, and agriculture, respectively, and the differences among land-use types were significantly different. The average erodibility (USLE-K) value was 0.09 for forest, while it was 0.12 and 0.22 for pasture and agriculture, respectively. The difference between agriculture and forest and pasture was statistically significant, while no statistically significant difference was found between forest and pasture in the study area. Forest was included in the slightly erodible class, while pasture and agriculture were included in the moderately and highly erodible classes, respectively. The erodibility map also revealed that a major part of the study area is susceptible to erosion. The study clearly showed that sustainable soil management is a necessity, especially for agricultural lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to assess the suitability of sludge application for maize (Zea mays L.) soil ecosystems, this study aimed to evaluate soil microbial properties over three consecutive years using treated municipal sewage sludge (TSS) amendment in the Typic Xerofluvent Mediterranean soils of Turkey. Soil microbial properties and biochemical activities significantly increased with increasing TSS amounts. Microbial biomass carbon peaked following amendment with 30 Mg ha−1 a−1 of TSS, while basal soil respiration was not significantly affected by TSS doses. Moreover, soil enzyme activity increased significantly with increasing TSS amounts. A significant increase in the grain yield of 7% and 9% was found with 10 and 20 Mg TSS ha−1 a−1 applications respectively, whereas a significant decrease of 5% was found with 30 Mg TSS ha−1 a−1. Our results suggest that if the goal is to achieve plant yield in the short-term, it seems that TSS application of 20 Mg ha−1 a−1 can be recommended as organic fertilizer without causing potential risks. On the other hand, if the primary aim is to ensure the sustainability of the soil organic matter, the use of TSS as organic soil conditioner at a rate of 30 Mg ha−1 a−1 can be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a large amount of organic waste depending on the climatic conditions and product diversity in the agricultural areas of Turkey. These wastes can be used as a soil conditioner to reduce environmental problems and enrich soil organic matter by the transformation of organic wastes into organic manure with the process of composting. This study was performed to investigate the effects of composted greenhouse wastes (tomato residues) and animal manure on macro nutrient contents of soil and green pepper yield. Treatments were as follows: (1) Control, (2) mineral fertilizer, (3) 40 t ha-1 animal manure, (4) 40 t ha-1 animal manure + mineral fertilizer, (5) 40 t ha-1 tomato residuals, (6) 40 t ha-1 tomato residuals + mineral fertilizer, (7) 80 t ha-1 tomato residuals, (8) 80 t ha-1 tomato residuals + mineral fertilizer. Three replicates each of disturbed soil samples (two sampling) were collected (0-20 cm) from each treatment in two vegetation period and green pepper was used as a test plant in the study. In consequence of the research, significant increases were observed in crop yield and macro nutrient contents of soil. The highest increasing rate was analyzed in yield values as 305%. The most effective treatments on soil macro nutrient content and yield were determined as 40 t ha-1 animal manure combined with mineral fertilizer and 80 t ha-1 composted tomato residues combined with mineral fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to determine the suitable classification of soil quality for vineyard fields of Akçaköy, Çatalca, Efemçukuru, Görece and Yeniköy villages in Menderes district of Izmir-Turkey. In vineyard fields, soil pH gave a positive relation with Ca and significant negative relations with P, Fe, Mn and Zn contents. Soil organic matter (OM) content had significant positive relations with EC, P, Fe, Mn and Zn and significant negative relations with bulk density and CaCO3 content. Soil quality index values for the vineyard fields varied between 0.38 and 0.85 with a mean of 0.57. Only one of the 28 soil samples taken from different vineyard fields was found in very suitable (S1:1.00-0.75) class, 8 in suitable (S2:0.75-060), 12 in marginal suitable (S3:0.60-0.50) and 7 in nonsuitable (N:<0.50) class according to the soil quality index (SQI). Restricting soil factors for vine growth in the fields classified in S2 and S3 classes generally became low pH, low organic matter (OM), P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mg and K contents than that of suggested levels. In addition to restring factors in S2 and S3 classes, physical properties in soils classified in N class were lower than suggested levels. The SQI values showed significant positive relations with grape yield, soil OM, P, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn contents and significant negative relations with soil pH, exch. Ca and CaCO3 contents. The grape yields had also positive relations with soil OM, Fe, Mn, Zn contents and negative correlations with soil pH and CaCO3 content. Soil quality in a vineyard field should be assessed to reach successful sustainable and precision agricultural practices for high crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are natural resources that require preservation and good management due to their everchanging structure. Among the soil management applications, organic material amendments are known to be the most practical soil management methods in the improvement of the chemical and physical properties of soils. Organic matter amendments are used to preserve water in coarse-textured soils and arid region soils. This study was carried out at Bingol University Research laboratory located in eastern Turkey. In the study, different doses of soil organic matter (SOM) including walnut sawdust (WS), earthworm manure (EM) and farmyard manure (FM) were applied to sandy soils to measure their effects on the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and available water-holding capacity (AWC) of the soils. Compared with the control application, the SOM amendments decreased the hydraulic conductivity of the sandy soils (p < 0.01). A comparison with the control application showed that the 8% WS application reduced the hydraulic conductivity of the soils by 51%, followed by the FM application with 35% and EM application with 39%. On the other hand, the SOM amendments increased the available waterholding capacity of the soils when compared with the control application (p < 0.01). The application with the most notable effect was determined to be the 1% WS application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of compacted subsoil layer under the impact heavy machines is a global problem in soil science, soil physics, and agrotechnology because of the numerous and significant effects on the water, air, and thermal regimes of soils, their permeability for root systems of plants, etc. For recent calcareous alluvial soils (Calcic Fluvisols) in the foothill areas of eastern Turkey, this problem is particularly important, because these soils were formed as a result of floods of the Aras River. These soils represent unconsolidated homogeneous formations and have a compacted horizon at the depth of 30 to 65 cm, which was formed during dozens of years. Its density almost reaches critical values for loamy soils (>1.5 g/cm3), and its penetration resistance is also high: close to 5 MPa. The studied soils are heavy loamy throughout the profile with a predominance of silt fractions (1–3 and 4–6 µm), have a low content of soil organic matter (up to 0.5% in the plow layer). In the layers of 0–30 cm and 70–150 cm, soil density and penetration resistance are not high: 1.3 g/cm3 and 2 MPa, respectively. Such a fast and deeply penetrating soil compaction is associated with the initial loose state of the soils, their heavy texture, and low content of soil organic matter—the main protector from the subsoil compaction. To prevent further development of subsoil compaction, it is recommended to optimize agrogenic loads, stop using heavy machines under conditions of the high soil water content, and to apply organic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinolide (BL) is a plant hormone showing wide occurrence in the plant kingdom with unique biological effects on growth and physiological traits. The fig varieties, Improved Brown Turkey (IBT) and Masui Dauphine (MD), are commonly found in Indonesia and Malaysia. There is limited information on exogenous brassinolide application on these varieties. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different concentration of exogenous application of BL on growth and physiological changes of fig. Fig planting materials were propagated using stem cutting and then transferred into media containing 3:2:1 mixed soil (top soil: organic matters: sand). Two fig cultivars treated with BL (control, 50, 100 and 200 ml.L-1) were arranged as Split Plot Randomized Complete Block Design (SRCBD) with four replications. Plant growth (Plant Height [PH], Total Leaf Area [TLA], Total Dry Biomass [TDB], Specific Leaf Area [SLA], Shoot to Root Ratio [S/R] and Net Assimilation Rate [NAR]) and physiological changes (Photosynthesis Rate [A], Stomatal Conductance [gs], Transpiration Rate [E] and Chlorophyll Content [CC] were investigated every three weeks and at monthly intervals, respectively. Increasing BL concentration (50, 100, and 200 ml.L-1) caused some differences in growth and physiological changes of fig, but the differences were not consistent and most of the changes happened only in first or second month. Cultivar IBT showed higher growth and physiological changes than cultivar MD after receiving brassinolide treatment. There was significant effect of interaction between brassinolide and variety on growth and physiological changes of fig except in the parameters of plant height and total dry biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Key message Simulated and observed carbon stocks in Scots pine forests varied considerably with stand age. The contribution of biomass to the total forest carbon stocks increased and that of dead organic matter decreased with increasing stand age. • Context Understanding changes in forest carbon stocks over time is important to estimate carbon inventory. Although Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) is a main species in Turkey, studies on such changes are still lacking. • Aims We aimed to estimate the changes in carbon stocks, with stand age, of Scots pine stands in Turkey using field work data and a forest carbon model (FBDC model). • Methods Biomass and dead organic matter carbon stocks were investigated to adjust the forest carbon model and to verify the model estimates. Forest carbon stocks with regards to stand age were simulated. • Results The simulated carbon stocks were generally in clear agreement with the observed values on a stand scale. Changes in simulated and observed carbon stocks of biomass and dead organic matter varied with stand age. The contribution of biomass to total forest carbon stocks increased, and that of dead organic matter decreased, with increasing stand age. • Conclusion We found that the carbon stocks in each pool and their contribution to the total forest carbon stocks varied with stand age. Our results are expected to contribute to the understanding of annual changes in the carbon stocks of Turkish forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine suitable plant species for reclamation of an abandoned coal mine area at Ovacik village within the borders of Yaprakli town in the province of Cankiri, Turkey. The paper comprises three basic parts: (i) sampling and analyses of several chemical–physical properties of the soil; (ii) sampling and identification of the natural plant species; and (iii) determination of topographic features of the study area by spatial analysis tools. Soil samples were taken from 0 to 30 cm depth at 15 sampling sites. Soil textural separates (percent sand, silt and clay), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), soil pH, electrical conductivity and soil organic matter (SOM) were measured. Soil properties, especially SOM content, pH and textural separates, exhibited significant variations at the sampling site. SOM content was considerably high and pH was low in the coal storage area. The plant composition of the study area was studied based on the plants collected during the period of vegetation from 2010 to 2011. The collected plants were suitably transformed to herbarium materials and identified according to modern systematic techniques. A total of 54 taxa belonging to 23 families were determined in the study area. The average slope of the study area is approximately 24% and the dominant aspect is south-east. By considering all features of the study area, a total of 28 taxa, excluding natural plant species identified on the site, were suggested for reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The distribution of important plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes in the cereal production areas of the Central Anatolian Plateau (CAP) of Turkey was investigated with systematic surveys. Two important plant-parasitic nematode groups were found widely distributed; cereal-cyst nematodes (78.3%) and root-lesion nematodes (42.6%). Cereal cyst nematodes (CCN) were identified as Heterodera filipjevi in 18 provinces. Heterodera latipons was found in only one province. Pratylenchus thornei and P. neglectus were the most widely distributed species of root-lesion nematodes. Other frequently recorded plant-parasitic nematodes belonged to the genera Geocenamus (52.4%), Pratylenchoides (35.6%), Helicotylenchus (29.7%) and Paratylenchus (19.2%). Konya on the southern CAP had a significantly high incidence of P. neglectus as well as free-living nematodes. The incidence of CCN was greatest in areas of sandy soils on the CAP, with densities of up to 95 cysts (100 g soil)-1. Population densities of Geocenamus, Pratylenchus and Pratylenchoides were high in some locations. Soil physicochemical properties were investigated for their relationship to nematode distribution. There was a slight positive correlation of P thornei and clay content; conversely, there was a significant negative correlation of P. neglectus with clay and a positive correlation with sand. Electrical conductivity (EC) was positively correlated with P. neglectus. Nematodes in the genera Helicotylenchus, Paratylenchus, Trophurus and Tylenchorhynchus were only recorded at low population densities in the sampled area. By contrast, nematodes in the genera Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides, Ditylenchus, Dorylaimus, Tylenchus and bacterivorous genera had relatively high populations. Total free-riving nematodes were positively correlated with EC and zinc (Zn) concentration. The Zn content of soil was generally at a level deficient for plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of moisture content (MC) on the prediction accuracy of soil organic C (SOC) and pH of soils collected from Turkey and the United Kingdom using a fiber-type visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectrophotometer. The diffuse reflectance spectra of 270 soil samples were measured under six gravimetric MC levels of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%. Partial least squares (PLS) regression analyses with full cross-validation were performed to establish models for SOC and pH. Before PLS analysis, the entire spectra were randomly split three times into calibration (80%) and validation (20%) sets. Results showed that the prediction performance of SOC in the validation set was successful, with root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEPs) of 1.26 to 1.55% and residual prediction deviations (RPDs) of 2.29 to 2.83, and rather poor for pH, with RMSEPs of 0.65 to 0.85 and RPDs of 1.29 to 1.65. The best accuracy achieved for SOC was for dry soil samples (RMSEP = 1.26%, RPD = 2.83), whereas the worst accuracy was for wet soil samples with 5% MC (RMSEP = 1.55%, RPD = 2.29). The best result for pH was obtained for dry samples (RMSEP = 0.70%, RPD = 1.65), although this accuracy was comparable to that of the 10% MC soil samples (RMSEP = 0.65%, RPD -- 1.60). The ANOVA supported the conclusion that there was a significant effect of MC on prediction accuracy, although this effect was larger for SOC (P < 0.0000) than pH (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most of the organic carbon (C) in the biosphere resides in the soil in the form of soil organic matter (SOM), tillage practices can potentially increase C losses to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, thus contributing to greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change. In the past century, conventional tillage, involving plowing and secondary cultivation, has unwittingly decreased C stocks in arable soils in North America, Europe, and Australia. The information on the effects of tillage on soil C and related properties in the Mediterranean region is scant, with evidence of resilience being even rarer. While long-term trials that directly measure tillage effects are rare in the Mediterranean, the alternative is a retrospective based on soil management history. In this study of a Vertisol in southern Turkey, we sampled sections of a field that had been intensively cultivated for about 20 years and 40 years, as well as a section left undisturbed in native vegetation for 14 years following years of conventional tillage. The SOM and total nitrogen (N) values were inversely related to cultivation intensity or duration, while the highest values were from the uncultivated site. Labile biomass C and N values followed the same trends with cultivation, whereas available P increased with cultivation time; in contrast, the percentage of water-stable aggregates decreased with cultivation duration. The study showed that such clay soils show a high degree of resilience and can recover in a relatively short time period if left uncultivated or in fallow. While preservation or set aside of arable crop land is not a viable option for farmers, reducing tillage intensity is feasible. The study suggests that minimum tillage or no-till could promote resilience and mitigate the adverse soil effects of conventional tillage that have already occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil properties are very important for plant growth and soil conservation. Although soil properties can be influenced by agricultural production systems, this influence has seldom been studied in the semi-arid South East Anatolia region of Turkey. Thus, a three-year experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of tillage and residue management systems in wheat (Triticum durum L.) agriculture following cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) on soil properties. A strip plot design with three replications was used, in which two residue management treatments were collecting cotton stalk (SA) and chopping cotton stalk (SB), and six tillage treatments were conventional tillage-I (CT-I), conventional tillage-II (CT-II), vertical tillage (VT), reduced tillage-I (RT-I), reduced tillage-II (RT-II), no-till ridge planting (RP). While there was no difference at 10-20 and 20-30 cm, the penetration resistance was the lowest for CT-I (1.62 MPa) at 0-10 cm. Although tillage treatments had no significant effect on the soil bulk density at 0-10 and 20-30 cm, the lowest bulk density were obtained in RT-II (1.19 g cm-3) at 10-20 cm. Tillage and residue management treatments did not influence the soil organic matter content and pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface rupture and source fault of the 20 February 1956 Eskişehir earthquake have been a matter of debate that potentially contributes towards the understanding of the active deformation and seismic risk in the highly populated NW Anatolia. Field observations on the two fault segments (namely Kavacık and Uludere faults) in the north of the Eskişehir graben revealed evidences of co-seismic surface rupture and mass movements during the Eskişehir earthquake. Surface rupture was observed as a 2.5m wide, a 100m long and ca. 20 cm deep asymmetric depression in the Gümüşlü valley, 2 km east of the Uludere village. A trench dug on this depression confirms a prominent high-angle south dipping fault (dominantly left lateral strike slip) and two faint north-dipping antithetics as clear noticeable shear zones in organic-rich thick soil. Mass failures are particularly observed in spring depressions filled with loose torrent and carbonaceous material in front of the fault scarp. Some rock slides of several tens of meters in size that obviously require significantly high ground shaking were also developed on steep fault scarps. The orientation of the principal stress tensor as deduced from the surface rupture of the Eskişehir earthquake displays clear inconsistency with the geometry of prominent faults in the area. We concluded that this disagreement may be explained by a curved surface rupture. The western and eastern tips of this rupture are EW trending and the probable NW-running part in the middle would correspond to the bounding zone between two right-stepping faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil color is a soil property that may be used as an interpreting index in estimating processes and properties. Quantifying color allows one to obtain information for rapidly estimating the related processes in soils. CIELAB color parameters L*, a*, and b* of ground (air-dried and sieved) soil samples and aggregate surfaces of four soil profiles formed in calcareous colluviums in northern Turkey were analyzed. Values of color parameters measured in ground and intact soils were compared and related to soil properties by the regression technique. Results revealed that the L* value obtained with a ground soil sample was a significant predictor of organic matter in A horizons (p < 0.001). Although calcic horizons yielded the highest L* values, no significant relationship was obtained between calcium carbonate contents and lightness of soils in any of horizons studied. The parameters of b* could adequately be used to quantify dithionite-extractable iron oxide contents in soils studied. The results further showed that the CIELAB color parameters obtained with ground samples were more informative than that of aggrevated samples in relating color parameters to soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil phosphorus (P) fractions can be used as indicators for short- and long-term P availability. The labile organic and inorganic P concentrations are critical sources of P in agroecosystems, representing an active reservoir (source and sink) of P. The less available P pools (other than residual P) may be better measures of potentially plant available P, since these pools represent the soil P reservoir that can re-supply labile pools over time. Little information exists on P pools in soil orders under indigenous vegetation in semi-arid climates in Turkey. Our objective was to assess short- and long-term plant availability of P over depth in the soil profile using chemical P fractionation. Soil samples were collected of different horizons in the profile from each of four major soil orders: Mollisol, Entisol, Inceptisol, and Aridisol. Samples were analysed using sequential fractionation to obtain seven P pools. In order of decreasing plant availability the seven pools are: resin extracted inorganic P (resin-Pi), inorganic and organic P extracted by sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3-Pi and NaHCO3-Po), inorganic and organic P extracted by sodium hydroxide (NaOH-Pi and NaOH-Po), sulphuric acid extracted inorganic P (H2SO4-Pi), and P measured by a sulphuric/peroxide digestion (residual-P). Topsoil contained greater amounts than deeper layers for all P fractions except residual-P. Total P levels in Aridisol were considerably higher than in the Mollisol and Inceptisol and lowest in the Entisol. The Mollisol had the highest concentrations of labile inorganic P (sum of resin-P + NaHCO3-Pi). For the surface horizon, labile organic and inorganic P concentrations combined (sum of resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi and NaHCO3-Po) were highest in the Mollisol, followed by the Inceptisol and Aridisol with similar levels, and the Entisol with the lowest amount of labile P. Independent of soil order, higher concentrations of NaOH-Po and NaHCO3-Po occurred in the topsoil consistent with greater organic matter levels in the surface horizons. The largest pools of NaOH-Pi and H2SO4-Pi were found in the rooting zones of the Aridisol, followed by the Inceptisol, Mollisol and Entisol. Residual-P amounted to 19-26% of total P in the Mollisol, 32-51% of total P in Aridisol, 30-34% in the Inceptisol and 39-54% in the Entsiol with a higher percentage in the deepest horizons for each of the soil orders. Our results suggest that the readily plant available soil P pools of Mollisol are sufficiently large to support crop production. On the other hand, in the Aridisol, Inceptisol and Entisol the labile P pools are small. In the Aridisol, re-supply from more stable P fractions (NaOH and H2SO4-Pi) might contribute to P availability over time. However, in the Inceptisol and Entisol, re-supply of the labile P fraction from the more stable pools will not be sufficient given small pool sizes, and so regular P applications will be needed to sustain crop production for these soil orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study that assesses the diversity and abundance of microfungi in soil, which has been subjected to compaction as a result of pedestrian traffic in Bartin, Turkey. It highlights the importance of soil microfungi in providing a valuable sensitive biological indicator for the health and fertility of soil. Results of the study have claimed that the association between soil physical disturbances and soil compaction has less impact on microfungal community.

Aboveground biomass, aboveground litterfall, and leaf litter decomposition of five indigenous tree stands (pure stands of Pinus brutia, Pinus nigra, Cedrus libani, Juniperus excelsa, and a mixed stand of Abies cilicica, P. nigra, and C. libani) were measured in an eastern Mediterranean evergreen needleleaf forest of Turkey. Measurements were converted to regional scale estimates of carbon (C) stocks and fluxes of forest ecosystems, based on general non-site-specific allometric relationships. Mean C stock of the conifer forests was estimated as 97.8± 79 Mg C ha−1consisting of 83.0 ± 67 Mg C ha−1in the aboveground and 14.8 ± 12 Mg C ha−1in the belowground biomass. The forest stands had mean soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (SON) stocks of 172.0 ± 25.7 Mg C ha−1and 9.2 ± 1.2 Mg N ha−1, respectively. Mean total monthly litterfall was 376.2± 191.3 kg C ha−1, ranging from 641 ± 385 kg C ha−1for Pinus brutiato 286 ± 82 kg C ha−1for Cedrus libani. Decomposition rate constants ( k) for pine needles were 0.0016 for Cedrus libani, 0.0009 for Pinus nigra, 0.0006 for the mixed stand, and 0.0005 day−1for Pinus brutiaand Juniperus excelsa. Estimation of components of the C budgets revealed that the forest ecosystems were net C sinks, with a mean sequestration rate of 2.0 ± 1.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1ranging from 3.2 ± 2 Mg C ha−1for Pinus brutiato 1.6 ± 0.6 Mg C ha−1for Cedrus libani. Mean net ecosystem productivity (NEP) resulted in sequestration of 98.4 ± 54.1 Gg CO2 yr−1from the atmosphere when extrapolated for the entire study area of 134.2 km2(Gg = 109 g). The quantitative C data from the study revealed the significance of the conifer Mediterranean forests as C sinks [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional problems of hazelnut ( Corylus avellana L. ) grown in acid soils. For this purpose, soil and leaf samples were taken from 30 different hazelnut growing areas from Trabzon Region. Some physical and chemical properties and some nutrient element contents of soil and leaf samples were determined. The determined values were compared with the critical values and degree of sufficiency were evaluated. According to the results, organic matter, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Mg contents of soil samples were sufficiently high, but Ca deficiency was observed in 93.4% of samples, because of the acid property of the soils. Available Fe, Cu and Mn contents of the soils were sufficient. In 70% of the soils, Zn deficiency was observed, whereas N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Zn deficiency of leaf samples was found in the leaf samples up to 20.0%; 26.7%; 6.7%; 73.4%; 50.0% and 66.7%, respectively. Fe, Cu and Mn contents of leaf samples were in sufficiency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic acids are thought to be complex aromatic macromolecules with amino acids, amino sugars, peptides, and aliphatic compounds involved in linkages between the aromatic groups. Their importance in agriculture and soil sciences has been acknowledged for over 150 years. The brown coal or lignites differ considerably in mode of occurrence and in their physical and chemical properties, thus the variation in the amount of humic acids found in different deposits. To separate and identify the phenols from humic acids of the lignites, GC Hewlett-Packard 5790 and MS-VG 70-250-SE were used. The column was a 25 m × 0.2 mm i.d. with a film thickness of 0.25 μm Carbowax PEG 20 capillary glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between grassland quality and soil organic matter content, OMC in natural grasslands of Demirözü and Aydıntepe Districts of Bayburt Province in Çoruh River Valley of Türkiye in 2003. Vegetation studies were performed in 40 zones using modified loop method. As a result, 8 key species were determined for the natural grasslands of this valley. In determination of the key species, Integrated System for Plant Dynamics (ISPD) software package was used. Subsequently, grassland quality degrees and condition classes were determined through Resource and Enviromental Data Interpretation System (REDIS) package software. Grasslands condition classes were dealth with in 4 classes, i.e. poor, medium, good and very good. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth in each of grassland zones studied to determine OMC of the grassland soils. Study results revealed that 20%, 52% and 28% of the grasslands studied were poor, medium and good quality respectively. OMC of the grassland soils, on the other hand, varied between 0,72% and 11,3%. In general, majority of the soils fell within medium and good classes regarding OMC. Correlation analysis suggested that there was a positive and significant relationship between grassland quality and OMC (R2=0,51). It means the higher the OMC the higher the grassland quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapidly increasing population of urban centers leads to the increasing need for greenspaces. Sodding of turfgrass provides instant greenspace, but it removes soil from sod farms. The extent of such removal has not been widely quantified. The amount quantity of soil and organic matter lost with sod harvest and the associated cost of nutrients lost from six sod farms in the Marmara region of Turkey were determined. Soil loss ranged from 166 to 243 Mg ha−1 year−1, while the associated organic matter loss ranged from 1 to 6 Mg ha−1 year−1. The amount of soil loss increased with increases in gravimetric water, clay, and silt contents, and duration under sod harvest, while it decreased with an increase in sand content. Annual nutrient lost ranged from 117 to 449 kg ha−1 for N, from 2 to 18 kg ha−1 for P2O5, and from 21 to 175 kg ha−1 for K2O. Replacing the nutrient lost would cost about $134 ha−1 year−1 for sandy soils and $444 ha−1 year−1 for fine-textured soils. Soil lost with sod harvest was 134 times higher than that from agricultural lands by erosion in the region, although the area under sod production is much smaller than that under croplands. Similarly, organic matter loss was 4 to 5 times higher than the accumulation rate under established turfgrass in golf courses and lawns in locations with similar climate. Overall, sod harvesting results in significant and costly soil, organic matter, and nutrient loss, which, although small in area, can be an important component of total soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum seems to be one of the most promising energy crops for a wide range of ecological conditions thanks to its high yield potential and drought tolerance. A two-year field trial was conducted in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment in Turkey to evaluate the interactive effects of different nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) and humic substances (0, 15, 30, and 45 L ha−1) applications on the biomass and bioethanol yields of sweet sorghum, and combustion characteristics of its bagasse. Sweet sorghum showed a positive response to increased nitrogen fertilizer and humic subtances application levels in terms of biomass and bioethanol production. Lignocellulosic and total bioethanol yields significantly increased up to 2910 and 3336.6 L ha−1 as a result of the combined application of the 200 kg ha−1 N and 15 L ha−1 humic subtances (HS), respectively. However, HS application had a detrimental effect on the bagasse combustion quality, because it caused a considerable increase in the mineral and ash concentrations. Briefly, combined application of 200 kg ha−1 N and 15 L ha−1 HS may be suggested to be applied for the sustainable bioethanol production from sweet sorghum, while the application of HS likely does not provide any economic and environmental benefit if bagasse would be used as solid biofuel feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) levels in soil were studied for a whole year in highly industrialized region of Turkey (Dilovasi) at 23 sampling sites. Σ8PBDE concentrations were between 0.15 and 286 μg kg−1 and the overall average concentration was 14.45 ± 25.07 μg kg−1 (average ± SD). BDE-209 was the most abundant compound. PBDEs concentrations decreased spatially as follows: industrial/urban > urban > suburban > rural. However, there was not any significant seasonal trend except for some industrial/urban sites. In the region, calm weather conditions prevailed during the sampling periods, enhancing the impact of the industrial emissions on nearby soil concentrations by atmospheric deposition without being diluted by winds. All congeners had significant but weak correlations with soil organic matter content indicating the impact of nearby sources rather than soil properties on soil PBDEs concentrations at the sampling sites. Positive matrix factorization method was also used for the apportionment of the PBDEs sources in Dilovasi soil. Industrial activities (i.e., iron-steel production, metallurgical processes, and recycling of plastics), traffic, and residential areas were found to be the primary sources of the measured PBDEs in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]