The effects of vegetation type on some physical and chemical properties of soil in the Florya Atatürk Forest Park

Vegetation type, activities of visitors, recreation works etc. can create different micro environments in urban forests. Accordingly, differences in soil properties can be observed. The study was carried out in Istanbul Florya Atatürk Forest. The urban forest is divided into 6 different vegetation types: areas covered with cypress, pine species, natural herbaceous vegetation, low-density mixed trees and shrubs, dense deciduous trees and shrubs, and continuously mowed grass areas. A total of 40 soil samples were taken to represent the area. PH, electrical conductivity (EC), texture, lime content, organic matter and phosphorus (P2O5) content were determined in soil samples. Soil data and vegetation parameters are associated with PCA (Principal component analysis). ANOVA was applied to the data and averages were grouped with LSD to clarify the differences between vegetation types. Maps related to soil properties were produced by using kriging interpolation (using ArcGIS 10.2 Geostatistical Extension) in order to determine the spatial change of soil properties as well. A significant variation in the area in terms of soil properties was determined in general. However, the spatial variability in pH and EC were extremely low, and the variation in the soil texture was at medium level. It has been determined that the soil in the area has a rough structure that does not prevent drainage or aeration in general, and is not affected by vegetation. However, significant variations were observed among soils organic matter (0.53 - 4.69%) and soil lime (3.5 - 60.43%) contents (VC; 41.57 and 47.00). The highest level of variation (VC= 147.93) was observed in the available phosphorus content (1.2 - 60.2 kg/da). It has been determined that among all variables only organic matter were found to be significantly affected (p <0.05) by vegetation types. Some practical results that can be used in the management of the area have been revealed and it has been determined that the vegetation type partially affects the soil properties in the forest.