This research aims to test some equations, used in different regions and forest types,
for assessing the total height of shoots in the oak )Quercuscalliprinos) Maquis forests,
depending on diameter,which enable the estimation of volumes without mea
suringthe
height of these shoots. This is very important to saveefforts, time and moneyinvested by
foresters.
The study included102 samples distributed within the most important oak forests on
the eastern exposition of the coastal mountains. The plots have rectangular shape with 50
shoots at least. The plots vary in shoot density, soil fertility and Maquiage. In each sample
we measured the diameter at a height of 30 cm, the total height of (10-20) shoots of various
diameters (low-medium-dominant).
The aim of this study was to determine some physical, chemical and microbiological density (fungi – bacteria) of a Pine forest soil in the coastal region (Al-Ballotiah forest, Banias) where Quercus calliprinus is the main dominant plant.
Three soi
l profiles were taken and their morphological characteristics were determined, the thickness of accumulated organic matter and GPS data were also recorded.
For physical and chemical analysis, samples from each profile horizon were taken and air- dried, whereas for the microbial diversity analysis, samples were taken twice in autumn and spring; and transported and stored at 4C.
The results showed that the studied soil belongs to Mollisols, Entisols with A-AC-C1-C2 profile types. Our results also showed that the soil depth was (153-150 cm) and rich in calcium carbonate.
Soil pH is alkali, where the pH ranged between (7.91-9.13) that increased bacterial activity and density in organic litter and mineral soil, which was related with the organic matter ratio. This ratio decreased significantly with soil depth that affected the microorganisms density which behave in the same manner. However, an increasing of microorganisms density was detected in spring especially in first horizon.
