Comparison of carbon mineralization comparatively in soils of Arbutus andrachne L. and Cupressus sempervirens L. growing on different altitudes of Osmaniye

In this study, it was determined C and N content (%) of the branches, leaves and soil samples of Arbutus andrachne L. and Cupressus sempervirens L. growing naturally on the two different altitude (250m and 1000m) of Zorkun Plateau Osmaniye. Carbon mineralization of the soil samples was also studied for (28 ° C, 30 days) at the same altitude. Carbon mineralization of these soils is determined by CO2 respiration method. There was no significant difference between 250m and 1000m of Arbutus andrachne L. from the point of view of carbon mineralization values (P > 0.05) at the end of 30 day of incubation. In contrast to Arbutus, carbon mineralization value of Cupressus sempervirens L. soil at 1000m was statistically higher than 250m (P = 0.001). Carbon mineralization ratio of Arbutus at 250m was significantly higher than the other plant and elevation soils (P < 0.05). These findings exhibited that C mineralization of both plant might vary depending on the altitude difference.