Effects of altitude on some physiological parameters of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky)

This study was designed to determine the differences between altitudinal physiological parameters on oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) such as gas exchange, stomatal conductance, elemental analysis, leaf water potential, specific leaf area and chlorophyll content. Oriental beech was observed in the natural habitat with the changes of ecological parameters such as precipation and temperature in Artvin Ortaköy. The study area was located in Ortaköy, Artvin. The experimental area had the same soil structure and aspect. This study showed that photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of oriental beech were not affected by altitude, significantly. But leaf water potential, specific leaf area and chlorophyll content showed significant differences between the experimental areas.