Determination of the distribution and site characteristic of Anatolian chestnut forests in Bursa

This study aimed to (1) create a distribution map of Anatolian Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) within the border of Bursa Regional Directorate of Forestry (BRDF), (2) to reveal long-term climate data of its growing sites and (3) to investigate some soil properties and carbon and nitrogen stocks in relation to altitude and soil depths. According to the BOBM Management Plan Stand map data, the distribution area of the Anatolian chestnut within the boundaries of BRDF is 11580.5 ha. The size of the area ranks as Yalova (69%), Bursa (16%), Mustafakemalpaşa (13%), İnegöl (2%) in terms of forest operation directorates. Approximately 71% of chestnut stands are spread in shady sites, 22% in sunny sites, and 7% in flat areas. Most of the chestnut stands (88%) are found in a mixture with other forest trees, and 13% of them show pure stands. Anatolian chestnut most widely distributes between the altitudes of 400 m and 600 m (47%), followed by the altidutes between 100 m and 300 m (41%). The lowest distribution is between 700 m and 1400 m (12%). Average annual temperature varied between 13.9 oC and 15.5 oC in the studied areas. These values are higher than the ideal temperature values (between 9 oC and 13 oC) specified for the most suitable habitat for chestnut trees. Soil organic carbon stocks of Anatolian chestnut varied between 180.6 t/ha and 53.9 t/ha, while nitrogen stock varied between 11.4 t/ha and 3.11 t/ha. When compared with the results of the studies on deciduous tree species in Turkey, the values obtained from the study showed that the Anatolian chestnut soils within the borders of BRDF are very important in terms of organic carbon and nitrogen storage capacity. As a result of the study, in order to improve the Anatolian chestnut forests, to benefit from the existing chestnut fields at the maximum level, and to combat diseases and pests, some suggestions have been added to the conclusion section.