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Experimental arid land afforestation in Central Anatolia, Turkey

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Abstract

The afforestation of arid lands faces many challenges, and perhaps the most important key for success is choosing one or more species that are adapted well for local environmental conditions. We explored species that would be suitable for the steppe region of Central Anatolia. Intensive site preparation included ripping the subsoil (to 80 cm) and plowing the upper soil before planting seedlings of Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus angustifolia, and Pinus nigra were used as tree species. We also tested the success of several shrub species: Amygdalus orientalis, Calligonum polygonoides, and Spartium junceum. After five growing seasons, E. angustifolia showed the highest survival, with 80% of planted seedlings remaining. For the shrubs, A. orientalis was the most successful species with a 95% survival rate. Broad-leaved trees grew a cumulative average of 34 cm in height in 5 years, whereas P. nigra seedings grew only 9 cm. The greatest height growth occurred in the shrubs, with A. orientalis gaining 40 cm in height in 5 years. Overall, E. angustifolia and A. orientalis appeared best suited for afforestation in these areas. R. pseodoacacia and F. angustifolia may also be used as alternative species.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) through project no. 112O946 “Survival, Growth and Nutritional Status of Different Tree, Shrub and Herb Species and Their Effects on Some of the Soil Properties in the Central Arid Region of Turkey” (“Kurak Bölge Bitkilendirmesinde Farklı Ağaç, Çalı ve Otsu Türler Kullanımının Fidan Büyümesi ve Beslenmesi ile Bazı Toprak Değişkenlerine Etkisi”). We also thank to Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (ÇEM) and General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) for their support.

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  1. Forestry Faculty, Düzce University, Konuralp, 81620, Düzce, Turkey

    Oktay Yildiz, Bilal Çetin, Murat Sarginci & Bulent Toprak

  2. Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Düzce University, Düzce, Turkey

    Ernaz Altundağ

  3. Eskişehir Soil and Ecological Research Institute, General Directorate of Forestry, Ankara, Turkey

    Ş. Teoman Güner

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  1. Oktay Yildiz
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Yildiz, O., Altundağ, E., Çetin, B. et al. Experimental arid land afforestation in Central Anatolia, Turkey. Environ Monit Assess 190, 355 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6724-1

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