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 current research was to study some diagnostic characteristics
/morphological, physical, chemical/and the origin structureofforest soils in Syrian coastal
region. In addition to estimation of microbial activity of some microbial groups/ba
cteria,
fungi, actinomycete/ to establish a general view of these soils.
Two complete sections were prepared in the considered soils /Safita-Tartous/
andsamples were taken after the soils sections description for diagnostic characterization.
The results showed that the soil pH was between neutral and tiny basic and because
of the richnessof the studied soil by calcium carbonate. However, the highest percentage of
organic matter in all sections were concentrated in the surface horizon and was decreasing
with depth. Our results also showed that the microbial activity was positively correlated
with the content of the organic matter and negatively with the depth, so the total number of
bacteria and fungi was decreasing in the under surface horizon. A
muddymetamorphosedhorizon (Bm) was formed in the two sections.
