Ecological evaluation of some plants and their soils preferred by butterflies in Saimbeyli-Adana

In this study, soil and leaf samples of Euphorbia paralias L. and Primula vulgaris Huds. preferred by butterflies were taken from Saimbeyli-Obruk plateau (Adana) in where grow naturally and become widespread in June 2016. Carbon and nitrogen contents of leaves and some physical and chemical properties of soils were determined. Soils were humidified at 80% (TK80), 60% (TK60) and 40% (TK40) of their field capacities and their carbon mineralizations were monitored for 63 days at 28°C. Total aerobic bacteria and fungi counts in all soils were determined 15th and 30th days of incubation. Carbon mineralization rates in 15th, 30th and 63th day were also determined. Both two soils were sandy loam and slightly alkaline. Carbon and nitrogen contents were higher in Euphorbia paralias soils than Primula vulgaris soils and significantly different with each other (p < 0.05). There were found significant differences between both plants in carbon and nitrogen contents of leaves (p < 0.001). Highest carbon mineralization and rates were observed in Euphorbia paralias soils. Cumulative carbon mineralization in each soil were decreased as moisture decreasing, were respectively, TK80> TK60>TK40 and there were found signifcant differences between each treatments (p< 0.05). Total aerobic bacteria and fungi counts in 15th day of incubation were higher thant 30th day in all soils. Soil microorganism counts were decreased as moisture decreasing in all soils as following in order of TK80> TK60>TK40 (p<0.05). In conclusion, as soil moisture decreased, carbon mineralization in all soils and aerobic bacteria and fungi populations during incubation were all decreased.