Evaluation of some soil properties of Murgul mine field rust deposits in terms of afforestation potential

One of the factors affecting the physical properties of the soil is mining. Artvin-Murgul mine site has been in operation for almost 80 years and has some effects on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effects of rust casting operations on soil physical properties after ore separation at different times in this area. For this purpose, a total of 120 soil samples were taken from 0-15 cm (60 samples) and 15-30 cm (60 samples) depth levels from 3 different rust areas. Soil grain size (texture), aggregate stability, organic matter, total nitrogen, total carbon / nitrogen ratio, pH and Ec characteristics of soil were analyzed. These classifications were made by using independent t test and variance analysis. As a result of the analyzes, it was determined that the soil of the study area was textured sandy structure. In terms of pH values, it is determined that there are soils from severe acid to neutral soil class. On the other hand, the area was found to be low in terms of organic matter and total nitrogen. The C / N ratio was found to be below 15 at the average level, but in some soils at 34 level. At the same time, it was determined that the soils were not salty in terms of salinity class, but the aggregate stability was low. According to the obtained results, the study area should be afforested in terms of both soil improvement and erosion risk. Afforestation activities should be carried out according to the determination of species selection according to the needs of the area.