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.
This research studies some soil properties formed on calcareous rocks under a natural plant cover of wide leaves (mainly: Quercus calliprinos and Quercus infectoria) in Banias region (63 – 234) meters height above sea level.
Firstly, 3 soi
l profiles in the studied area were done, then morphological characteristic, type of plant cover and Geographic Position System (GPS) were accomplished.
Samples were taken from profile horizons, then, physical and chemical properties were determined (structure, bulk and real densities, total calcium carbonate percent, organic matter content, action exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and pH).
The profile depth ranged between low and medium (60 – 137) cm, the pH ranged between neutral and alkaline (7.1- 8.2), there was an increase in calcium carbonate content in the whole profile (17- 88%), and also increase of organic matter contents in the horizon (8- 12%). Due to high clay (18-74) % and organic matter content (8-12) %, the soils showed high cation exchange capacity (CEC) (21- 92 meq/100g). Exchangeable calcium was dominant on the surface of adsorption complex (17- 74 meq/100g), then magnesium in second stage (0.2- 6 meq/100g).
From a classification point, the soils were classified under the following orders:
Entisols, Mollisols, Inceptisols, which have profile types: A – AC – C, A – AR – R, and A – (B) – C.
Soil depth and its content of rocky pieces were varied according to relief degree, plant cover intensity, and parent rocks hardness. Most of soil properties are a parent material descendible, and the soils were slightly developed and recently formed.
To carry out this study, 12 soil profiles were selected and prepared, and soil
samples were collected from the different horizons (surface, subsurface, and C
horizon) in each profile. The results of the analyzed samples indicate that,
topographica
l factors plays an important role in determining some feature,
such as, the depth of the profile, texture, distribution of CaCO3 and the process
of swelling and the shrinking. Concerning the soil fertility, the study showed
that the soil content of microelements is ranging between moderate to low, thus
may be related to the mineralogical composition of the parent material,
weathering status, and to the use of these elements by the plants during the long
lasting exploitation of these soil without any restitution of these element. The
results indicate as well, the decrease of these elements with decreasing
elevation, i.e from the slop to the plain, this probably due to the relation
between the leaching process and topographical position, and to lesser extend to
the (pH) of the soil.
