SOIL CARBON MINERALIZATION IN ARBUTUS ANDRACHNE AND CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIRENS GROWING ON THE DIFFERENT ELEVATIONS

Abstract

In this study, it was determined carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) contents (%) at shoots, leaves and soil samples of Arbutus andrachne L. and Cupressus sempervirens L. growing naturally on the two different elevations (250 m and 1000 m) of Zorkun plateau of Osmaniye. It was also studied the carbon mineralization (28 C, 30 days) of soil samples at the same elevations. C mineralization of these soils was determined by CO, respiration method. There was no significant difference between 250 m and 1000 m of Arbutus andrachne L. in terms of view of C mineralization values (P > 0.05) at the end of 30 days of incubation experiments. In contrast to Arbutus, carbon mineralization value of Cupressus sempervirens L. soil at 1000 in was statistically higher than 250 m (P = 0.001). C mineralization ratio of Arbutus at 250 in was significantly higher than the other plant and elevation soils (P < 0.05). These findings exhibited that C mineralization of both plants might vary depending on the elevation difference.