An investigation on success of afforestation study using some drought tolerant species in Artvin region

In this study, it was investigated the success of some drought tolerant species seedlings of Juniperus foetidissima, Pinus pinea, Pinus brutia, Pinus nigra, Punica granatum and Cotinus coggyria planted in an erosion control area in view of their survival rate, height growth and root collar diameter growth. In addition, the effects of mulching treatments using finer sawdust and thick sawdust were determined on survival rate and growth of the seedlings.The experiments were established using potted seedlings in Artvin-Hamamlı region, in November 2008. The statistical approach was a randomized complete block design with three replications and 33 seedlings were planted for each replication. The height growth, root collar diameter and survival rate of the seedlings were defined after the first and second growing season. At the end of the second growing period, the best survival rates of 90.9%, 80.8% and 72.7% were obtained from the seedlings of Punica granatum, Juniperus foetidissima and Pinus brutia, respectively. The highest height growth was determined from Pinus brutia seedlings both the first growing season (8.5 cm) and second (16.4 cm). The seedlings of Juniperus foetidissima had the lowest height growth (5.5 cm) while they had the one of the best survival rate after two growing season. At the end of second growing season, when the all the species were considered it was determined the positive effects of mulching applications on survival rates of the seedlings and the survivals of 71.7%, 68.2% and 51.0% were obtained from the treatments of finer sawdust, thick sawdust and control, respectively (?= 0.05).