Effects of leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Myrtus communis L. from Eastern Mediterranean on soil carbon mineralization

Soil organic matter mineralization were determined after mixing the soils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Labiatae) and Myrtus communis subsp. communis L. (Myrtaceae), growing in Çukurova University, Adana-Turkey, to the leaves of these plants having equal in (1:1) and half (1:2) amounts of soil carbon.Addition of leaves increased soil microbial activity in both plants, being more effective in 1:2 additions compared to 1:1. No statistical significant difference was in carbon mineralization found among the control soils of R. officinalis and M. communis leave mixed soils except the control soil of R. officinalis and 1:2 carbon containing leaves (P<0.01).