Seasonal comparison of organic matter mineralization in different aged Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. plantations in East Mediterranean Region

A total of nine soil samples were taken from three different aged (5, 7 and 10 years old) Eucalyptus camaldulensis tree once in every three months, one from the planted area (S3), one from a near intervened area by cutting trees (S2) and one from the plowed area (S1). Physical and chemical properties of soils together with dehydrogenase activity and carbon mineralization (28°C, 30 days) were investigated to show the effects of seasonal changes and its response to the system. The reason for the observed periodical fluctuations in carbon (%) and nitrogen (%) contents of soil were due to seasonal differences between sampling periods rather than land management practices on soils. Dehydrogenase activities were similar and low at all parcels. Carbon mineralization levels were high in autumn and spring compared with winter and summer, while being higher in 5 year old plantation then in 7 and 10 years. Carbon mineralization rates of the parcels were in the order S3 > S2 > S1. Carbon mineralization in Eucalyptus soils showed no significant differences during the three years of study, which is important in soil carbon sequestration. Key Words: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Soil, Organic Matter, Nitrogen, Carbon mineralization