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.
The aim of this study was to determine some physical, chemical properties and
microbiological density (fungi –bacteria) of a Pine forest soil in the coastal region
(Mehwarti forest, Banias), where Pinus brutia is the main dominant plant.
Three soi
l profiles were carried out and their morphological characteristics were
determined, the thickness of accumulated organic residues 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 Alfisol Order with A -Bt – C
profile types. Our results also showed that the soil depth was (85-100cm) and the texture
was clay with a high porosity in all studied soil horizons.
The content of calcium carbonate in the studied horizons was closely similar and
increased with soil depth, whereas the pH ranged between 6.8 and 7.9. The results
indicated that the organic matter decreased significantly with soil depth that affected the
microorganisms density which behave in the same manner. This decreas was very clear in
the first horizon especially in spring.
