Determination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) presence and ecological conditions from gramineae family plants in meadow range area in Bartin

This research was achieved from Gramineae family plants in meadow ? range area in Bartın (Uluyayla-1000 m, Zoni Yaylası-900 m and Ardıç Yaylası-1300 m). The aim of the present study is to determine arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from Gramineae family plants and to establish interrelationships between AMF colonization status with the physico-chemical properties of the soil and botanic composition. To achieve these objectives, rhizosphere soil samples from Gramineae family plants were collected in June and July 2010. Soil samples were taken for determination of several soil characteristics, such as texture, bulk density, pH, CaCO3 content, organic carbon. In addition, vegetation analyses were carried out.30 different taxons and a total number of 150 soil samples from the rhizosphere area of plants from Graminae family were taken from the study areas. AMF existence was determined in 67,33% of these plants colonized by variable range (7,14%-46,34%) of arbuscular mycorhizal fungi and established symbiotic relationship. Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth was the most intensive species with its colonization percentage of % 46,34 and Hordeum violaceum was the least intensive species with its colonization percentage of 7.14% (average %19,23). Bromus hordeaceus L., Gaudiniopsis macra (BIEB.) EIG subsp. macra (BIEB.) EIG, Avena fatua L. and Bromus racemosus L. were non AMF.Meadow ? range plants were collected from study areas in vegetation period and identified by classical methods with using identification keys. Vegetation analysis of rangeland plants were determined by line intercept method (25 m). Botanic composition and canopy coverage were also identified by this method.Soil pH in all the study area was slightly acidic. The rangeland soils were characterized by high organic matter, high total nitrogen, low electrical conductivity and low lime content.As a result of statistical analysis, a negative relationship was found only between botanic composition of legumes with AMF colonization (?=0,019).At the present day arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation must use in range rehabilitation. However, information on the AMF potential in our rangeland is still lacking. Therefore, this study would provide fundemental information on range rehabilitation studies in degraded rangeland ecosystems of Western Black Sea region. Also, this study contributed to the AMF map of Turkey for Bartın.