The effects of land-use changes on soil properties: The conversion of alder coppice to tea plantations in the Humid Northern Blacksea Region

Over the last century, the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural production is one of the primary factors in environmental degradation. As in most parts of the world, forest soils in the north- east of Turkey are being seriously degraded and destroyed due to extensive agricultural activities. This study investigated the effects of changes in land-use on some soil properties in Rize, Turkey. Two adjacent sites were studied: One had been converted 60 years previously from alder coppice to tea cultivation (TC); the other remained as alder coppice (AC). The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block with four replications in the study area. Four disturbed and four undisturbed soil samples were taken randomly at soil depths of 0 -10 cm, 10 - 30 cm and 30 - 50 cm in each plot in the study area. When the alder coppice was converted into tea cultivation, the bulk density (Db) increased from 0.84 g cm-3 to 1.02 g cm-3, soil penetrometer resistance (SPR) increased from 0.94 to 1.27 MPa, the soil organic matter (SOM) decreased from 5.14 to 4.06%, saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) decreased from 40.64 to 16.33 mm h-1 at 0 to 10 cm depth of soil. According to soil depth steps the mean PAW, St, Ksat, SOM and total N content decreased linearly in alder coppice (AC) and tea cultivation (TC). The results indicated that the change in land use and introduction of cultivation had a significant effect on soil properties

Some range management terms and defınıtıons

Bu çalışmada 79 adet önemli çayır-mera terimlerinin tanımlamaları literatüre göre yapılmıştır. Tanımlamalar, Türkçe alfabetik sırayla yapılmış olup, parantez içerisinde her terimin ingilizce karşılığı verilmiştir.In this study, 79 important rangeland terms have been defined according to current literature. The terms have been defined Turkish alphabetical order and the english meaning of the terms have been given in paranthesis

Effect of visitor activities on topsoil hydrophysical properties in two protected areas in northern blacksea region

In this study, the effects of visitor acitivities on topsoil hydrophysical properties in two protected areas in northern Bleacksea region were investigated. For this purpose, soil samples taken from study area that was characterized as heavily trafficked site (HTS), moderately trafficked sites (MTS) and control (non-trafficked site). The soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance increased from 1.02 to 1.39 g cm–3 and 0.66 to 1.55 MPa, respectively, saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased from 60.60 to 10.35 mm h–1 in moderately and heavily trafficked sites, respectively, at 0–10 cm soil depth in Ayder protected area. The soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance increased from 0.85 to 1.40 g cm–3 and 0.68 to 1.50 MPa, respectively, saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased from 58.75 to 10.35 mm h–1 in moderately and heavily trafficked sites, respectively, at 0–10 cm soil depth in Kafkasor protected area. The intensity of visitor activities had a negative impact on topsoil hydrophysical properties in the study area in Ayder and Kafkasor. The principles of management in Ayder and Kafkasor protected areas should be revised, and use of this area without a plan should be stopped as soon as possible

Determination of snow water equivalent (SWE) according to elevation and its importance for water resources in semi-humid region of Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the altitudinal distribution of snow water equivalent (SWE) in the north-east facing aspect of the basin of the Fabrika River in Artvin. Study sites were selected at four different altitudes, where a total of thirty snow samples were collected from each study site from the depth steps of 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm. As a result, the snow sample collected on February 21, 2008 at 1250 m altitude and from 5–10 cm depth was found to produce the highest SWE value while the snow sample collected on February 15, 2008 at 200 m altitude and from 0– 5 cm depth was found to produce the lowest SWE value. A strong relationship was detected between the SWE of the snow sample collected from 0–5 cm depth and the altitude of the sampling site. This relationship was formulated as: [R2= 0.94, SWE = 0.1328* (Altitude 0.687)], while this relationship was formulated as: R2= 0.928, SWE = 0.15 * (Altitude 0.6750)], in depth of 5–10 cm

Evaluation of basin and land characteristics using geographic ınformation systems (GIS): The case of Pazar Hemşin Creek

Doğal kaynaklar sürekli etkileşim halinde olan ekosistemlerdir. Bu ekosistemlerin planlanması bütünleşik havza planlanma ilkelerine göre yapılmalıdır. Ancak Rize il ölçeğindeki doğal kaynak planlama ve altyapı çalışmalarında bu hususun layıkıyla dikkate alındığı pek söylenemez. Bu çalışmanın amacı Pazar Hemşin havzası bazı havza karakteristikleri ile arazilerin yükselti kademeleri, eğim, bakı ve jeolojik yapıya göre dağılımlarının Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemi yardımıyla ortaya konulmasıdır. Araştırma sonucuna göre araştırma alanı 21216 hektar ve ortalama eğimi % 30,97’dir. Yükselti kademelerine göre en geniş arazi varlığı 4153,35 hektar (%19,58) ile 901-1200 m yükseltiler arasında ve en az arazi varlığı 633,26 hektar (% 2,98) ile 2100- 2400 m yükseltileri arasında olduğu belirlenmiştir. Eğim ve bakı faktörlerine göre arazilerin % 63,14’ü gölgeli bakılar üzerinde ve % 36,86’sı güneşli bakılar üzerindedir. Eğime göre en geniş ziraat alanı % 38,35 ile % 11-20 eğim gurubunda yer almaktadır. Orman arazilerinin % 30,44’ü asidik kayaçlar, % 69,43’ü nötr kayaçlar ve % 0,13 ile alüvyon alanlar üzerindedir. Kayaç türlerine göre en geniş orman varlığı % 30,33 ile granit kayaçlar üzerindedir. Yerleşim yerlerinin % 44,55’i asidik kayaçlar, % 54,37’si nötr kayaçlar ve % 1,08’i ile alüviyon alanlar üzerindedir. Mevcut yerleşim yerlerinin % 63,99’u gölgeli bakılar üzerinde, % 36,01’i güneşli bakılar üzerindedir. Havza genelinde yerleşim yeri kullanımlarında gölgeli bakılar baskın durumdadır. Yerleşim yerlerinin seçimi, yol ve alt yapı çalışmaları ile tarım arazilerinin kullanılmasında yukarıda ortaya konulan havza özelliklerinin dikkate alınması hem sorunların çözümlenmesi hem de sürdürülebilir havza yönetimi için faydalı olabilirNatural resources are ecosystems in constant interaction. Planning of these ecosystems should be done according to integrated watershed management principles. However, it cannot be said that this issue is taken into account in natural resource planning and infrastructure works in Rize. The aim of this study is to determine some basin characteristics of Pazar Hemsin basin and the distribution of lands according to elevation, slope, aspect and geological structure using of Geographical Information System. As a result of the study, the drainage area of the study area is 21216 hectares and its average slope is 30.97%. According to the elevation steps, it was determined that the largest land was 4153.35 hectares (19.58%) in 901-1200 m elevation steps, while the least amount of land was 633.26 hectares (2.98%) in 2100-2400 m elevation steps. According to the slope and aspect factors, 63.14% of the lands are on shady views and 36.86% are on sunny views. According to the slope, the largest agricultural area (38.35%) is in the slope group of 11-20 %. 30.44% of forest lands are on acidic rocks, while 69.43% on neutral rocks and 0.13% on alluvium areas. According to the rock types, the largest forest area is on granite rocks with 30.33%. 44.55% of the settlements are on acidic rocks, while 54.37% on neutral rocks and 1.08 % on alluvium areas. 63.99% of the settlements are on shady views, while 36.01% are on sunny views. Shaded views are dominant in the choice of settlement. Take into basin characteristics in the selection of settlements, road and infrastructure works and the use of agricultural lands may be beneficial for both solving problems and sustainable basin management in Pazar Hemşin River Basi

Effects of black locust (robinia pseudeoacacia l.) on soil properties in erosion control areas (a case study of Pamukcular watershed in Artvin

Bu çalışmada; kurak bir iklimin görüldüğü ve erozyon etkilerinin (rüzgar-su) var olduğu Artvin- Pamukçular Havzası’nda yapılan ağaçlandırma çalışmalarının toprak özelliklerinde meydana getirmiş olduğu değişimler ortaya konmaya çalışılmış, ağaçlandırma çalışmalarının üst toprak özelliklerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla iki farklı derinlik (0-10 cm ve 10-20 cm) kademesinden toplam 48 adet poşet (bozulmuş toprak örneği) ve yine her iki derinlik kademesinden 48 adet silindir (bozulmamış toprak örneği) örneği alınmıştır. Alınan toprak örneklerinde mekanik analiz (tekstür tayini), nem ekivalanı (tarla kapasitesi), solma noktası, faydalı su, geçirgenlik (permeabilite), hacim ağırlığı, tane yoğunluğu, gözenek hacmi (porozite), organik madde ve toprak reaksiyonu (pH) belirlenmiştir. Ağaçlandırma çalışmalarının toprak özelliklerine etkisi varyans analizi ile test edilmiştir. Bu çalışmanın sonucunda; Artvin İli Yusufeli İlçesi Pamukçular Havzası’nda yalancı akasya (Robinia pseudeoacacia L.) ile yapılan ağaçlandırma çalışmalarının toprağın fiziksel ve kimyasal özellikleri üzerinde olumlu yönde etkisi olduğu görülmüştür. Bu nedenle, benzer arazi ve iklim özelliklerine sahip kurak ve yarı kurak alanlardaki ağaçlandırma çalışmalarında yalancı akasya türünün kullanılmasının öncelikle toprak özellikleri üzerinde olumlu etkilerinin olacağı öngörülmektedir.In this study, effects of forestation efforts on surface soil characteristics were investigated in erosion- affected areas of Artvin’s Pamukcular Watershed where an arid climate and impacts of soil erosion (caused both by water and wind) are present. In order to implement this goal, total of 48 soil samples from two different sites, disturbed and undisturbed, were collected at the depths of 0 – 10 cm and 10 – 20 cm. Collected samples were analyzed for several soil parameters including texture, moisture equivalent (field capacity), wilting point, permeability, bulk density, particle (solid) density, porosity, organic matter, and pH. Variance analyses were then used to test the effects of forestation works on soil features mentioned above. As a result, the analyses showed that the black locusts (Robinia pseudeoacacia L.) planted in the areas of the forestation efforts in order to control soil erosion had positive effects on the physical and chemical features of the soil within the Watershed of Pamukcular in Yusufeli, Artvin. Therefore, the black locust used in this study may also be used in areas with similar topographic and climatic features

The effects of afforestation for erosion control on some soil properties in Seyitler Village ,Artvin

Bu çalışmada; Artvin Merkez Seyitler Köyünde fıstıkçamı (Pinus pinea L.) ile yapılan ağaçlandırma çalışmasının toprakların bazı fiziksel ve kimyasal özelliklerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla birbirine komşu olan Fıstık çamı ağaçlandırma sahası ve Meşe baltalığı sahasının her birinde üç tekrarlı olmak üzere toplam 6 deneme alanı alınmıştır. Her bir deneme alanında bulunan üç örnekleme noktasından ve iki derinlik kademesinden (0-10 ve 10-30 cm) bozulmuş ve bozulmamış toprak örnekleri alınmıştır. Alınan toprak örnekleri üzerinde tekstür, pH, organik madde, hacim ağırlığı, tane yoğunluğu, gözeneklilik, kök miktarı, ince kısım, iskelet kısmı ve geçirgenlik belirlenmiştir. Ağaçlandırma çalışmalarının toprak özelliklerine etkisi varyans analizi ile test edilmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda yapılan ağaçlandırma çalışmasının 0-10 cm derinlik kademesinde toprağın tekstür, hacim ağırlığı, tane yoğunluğu, ince kısım ve iskelet miktarını; 10-30 cm derinlik kademesinde ise tekstür, tane yoğunluğu, iskelet miktarı, ince kısım ve organik madde miktarlarını değiştirdiği görülmüştür.In this study; the effects of Pinus pinea afforestation on some soil properties were investigated in Seyitler Village, Artvin. For this purpose, Total six plots were arranged with three replications in each afforestrated land and its adjacent quercus coppice. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were taken at two depth ( 0–10 cm and 10-30 cm) in three sample points in each plot. Soil texture, pH, organic matter, bulk density, particle density, total porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, root ratio, percentage of soil particle >2 mm and percentage of soil particle <2 mm have been analyzed on soil samples.The effects of afforestraton on soil properties were tested using analysis of variance. As a result afforestation studies were influenced soil texture, bulk density, skeleton contents, fine fragment contents, particle density in 0-10 cm soil depth and texture, particle density, skeleton contents, fine fragment contents, soil organic matter in 10-30 cm soil depth

The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase As Biomarkers For Neural Tube Defect

Neural Tube Defect (NTD) is one of the most common congenital malformations. It is crucial to determine the prognostic, predictive, or therapeutic genetic factors for prevent ing NTD. The formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an essential role in migrating neural crest cells. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a significant role in cell migration in ECM organization. The role of expressions and activation of MMP in NTD is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the roles of MMP-1, -2, and 9 gene expressions as biomarkers for NTD. Peripheral blood samples and NTD tissues were collected from 40 newborn babies diagnosed with NTD, which were also divided into subgroups based on pathology, and peripheral blood samples from only 20 healthy babies were taken for control. After total RNA isolation from blood and tissues, MMP -1, -2, -9 gene expressions were analyzed by Quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR). There was no difference between the control group and the NTD group in terms of MMP expressions in blood samples (p>0.05). A statistically significantly higher MMP-1 expression was found in Meningocele and Myeloschisis than in Encephalocele (p=0.014). A significant difference was found between the tissue and blood samples of the Meningomyelocele patient group regarding MMP-9 expression (p=0.019). There was no significant relationship between Ca2+, B12, and Folate levels, NTD, and MMP genes expressions (p>0.05). Even though MMP genes were not different between control and NTD groups, they were found to vary between different subgroups and can serve as biomarkers

Effects of clear‐cutting alder coppice on surface soil properties and aboveground herbaceous plant biomass

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of clearcutting and skidding impacts on surface soils in an alder coppice and aboveground herbaceous biomass. For this purpose, experimental sites used in the study were a randomized complete block with four replications. Some soil properties were measured at 60 pits at 0 to 5 cm and 5 to 10 cm deep in control, normal harvest, and main skid trail sites. In the main skid trail site, as compared to the control and normal harvest site, the bulk density increased from 0.90 to 1.52g cm23 , the soil organic-matter content decreased from 4.77% to 1.65%, and saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased from 86.34 to 9.6 cm h21 at 0 to 5 cm deep. Optimization of harvesting time and rehabilitation of skid roads needed to be done to prevent and minimize negative impacts of the skid roads on soils

Effects of altitude, aspect, and soil depth on carbon stocks and properties of soils in a tea plantation in the humid Black Sea region

Physiographic factors effectively alter soil properties and carbon storage. However, previous research on the effect of topographic factors affecting soil properties on carbon stocks in tea plantations has been limited in the humid Black Sea region. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of elevation, aspect, and soil depth on carbon stocks and soil properties of tea plantations in the Black Sea region. The tea plantations in the research area were divided into two elevation steps and two different aspect groups. Twelve soil sampling plots were then determined according to the stratified random sampling method in each elevation and aspect group; soil samples were taken at 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm soil depths. The amount of carbon stored at a soil depth of 30 cm was found to be 49.38 and 32.36 Mg C ha(-1) at the upper and lower altitudes, respectively. Highest carbon density in the tea plantations in the research area was found to be 16.34 kg m(-3) at a depth of 0-10 cm. The changes in the soil organic carbon (SOC) values according to elevation and soil depth were statistically significant, while the difference among the carbon storage values was not statistically significant. According to the results of our investigation, elevation is a more effective factor than aspect on SOC in tea plantation areas of highly humid climates