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.
Forests regeneration is considered as an important and urgent need in all their existence areas for protecting environment and supporting biodiversity. Accordingly, the research aims to study the most important influencial factors in natural regenera
tion in Jabatta Al Khashab wood reserve and recommend requirements for promoting these societies to an apogee, define the hindering obstacles, and to set adequate plans to protect and develop this area. For realizing this goal, several botanic field inspections (Relevés) were performed through the time span lasted from May 2010 March 2011, through which, natural regeneration process of different botanic species was followed up in the reserve, in particular woody flora such as both oak species trees (Quercus sp), neapolitan (Crataegus azarolus) terebinth, broom and others.
The research revealed a very weak natural regeneration of oaks (Quercus sp) in general and its attendant tree in particular. It was realized that major role in that is attributed to unnatural factors namely environmental tourism and diversified human activities.
The research revealed that diversified human activity in the area, though declaring it as a natural reserve, is not only the regeneration hinderer but even the regeneration inhibitor. This activity has an explicit impact on botanic grassy and woody species regeneration decline and species population retreat due to overgrazing, overloading, random harvesting of nourishing and herbal plants, fire lighting in the reserve, picnickers' activities, and other factors.
