Nitrogen mineralisation in some saline soils at Eastern Mediterranean coasts, Turkey

Abstract

Background: Soil salinity is a significant problem in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. In this study, the effects of salinity on nitrogen mineralisation of Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea and Eucalyptus camaldulensis soils from the Eastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey were determined. Material and Methods: Nitrogen mineralisation (NH4 + + NO3 -) of all samples was determined by the Parnas-Wagner method over 42 days at 28°C and under constant moisture. Results: NO3 -N production (mg kg-1) of E. camaldulensis soil was significantly higher than P. pinaster and P. pinea on days 11 and 42 (P<0.05). Nitrogen mineralisation rate was also higher in E. camaldulensis soil when compared with the other two plants' soil. Conclusions: It is possible to conclude that nitrogen mineralisation of saline soils can be affected by the composition of different plants. © EurAsian Journal of BioSciences.