Ahmet Hızal

Effect of vegetation change from native broadleaf forest to coniferous plantation on selected soil properties

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of vegetation change from a native broadleaf forest to a coniferous plantation on selected soil properties, including soil texture, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations (Ca2+, K+, Na+), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Results showed that the amount of clay particles, Ca2+, and K+ values significantly increased, whereas Na+, total N, and organic matter and soil pH values decreased on the treatment plot after vegetation change. Soil acidity also increased and soil textural group changed from moderately fine-textured soils (clay loam) to medium-textured soils (loam) under both control and treatment plots. Organic matter, total N, and Na+ values increased, whereas Ca2+ concentration decreased through time on the control plot. Soil pH, total P, K+, and CEC did not show significant changes through time on the control plot.