Identifying several soil quality parameters of carob and olive root field soil in East Mediterranean

The objective of this study was to examine a number of physical, chemical and sub-microscopic (micromorphological) soil quality parameters of the root-zones of carob and olive trees.The study site was located in the Eshab-ı Kehf location, Dedeler village (Tarsus town) and represented an undisturbed ecosystem in a protected area. The soil quality parameters, namely as the pH, EC, CaCO3, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter, humified compounds, total N, extractable phosphorus, available micronutriemts (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and aggregate stability were determined on the collected soil samples. Samples were also examined under the scanning electron microscope to determine soil aggregate properties.The amounts of organic matter, the contents of macronutrients (N, K, P, Ca, Mg), and CEC was high in the soil surface (A1 horizons) of the carob and olive trees sites. The micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) contents of the soils varied upon the differences of organic matter contents supplied by the leaves, other parts of the trees and the canopy as well as the parent material. Humic properties of the soils of the study site manifest an endemic character with MULL- MODER humus forms. Soil aggregating was affected by both clay colloids and fungi filaments. This study revealed that carob and olive tree root ecosystems contributed high quality parameters to the soils they anchor. The maquis study site was, thus, a productive soil environment in need of further scientific studies to be conducted on especially the humification mode of organic matter.Key Words: Carob and Olive Soils, Organic Matter, Soil Properties, Humiccompounds, MULL-MODER