Effects of sowing density, combined sowing and organic fertilizers on the development and field performance of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings

In order to ensure the continuity of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) forests, one of Türkiye's most important primary forest tree species, it is of great importance to increase field performance by producing quality seedlings that are resistant to field conditions and using them in afforestation efforts. In this study, the effects of different sowing densities, combined sowing with nitrogen-fixing vetch (Vicia sativa L.), and organic fertilizer applications on seedlings were investigated. While morphological and some biochemical characteristics were determined in the grown seedlings at the end of the growth periods of 2020, 2021 and 2022, some physical and chemical properties were determined in the soil where the seedlings were grown. In addition, the adsorption success of one-year-old seedlings transferred to the planting area, and the survival percentages and some morphological characteristics of two- and three-year-old seedlings were determined. As a result, it was revealed that the seedlings treated with nanotechnological fertilizer, vermicompost, and bat manure at the nursery stage were of higher quality in terms of measured characteristics. In addition, these seedlings created the seedlings with the highest field performance in the planting area in terms of both morphological characteristics and adsorption success and survival percentage.