Research on change in some litter properties of the pure oriental spruce (Picea orientalis (L.)) according to some ecological factors in Kumbet plateau forests, Giresun

In this study, some litter properties of the Giresun Kumpet Plateau Forest were ınvestigated according to some ecological factors. Fort these purpoeses, the amount of litter (weight kg / ha), litter thickness (cm), air dry and oven dry weight of the litter (ton / ha), air dry moisture percentage of litter (%) and diameter at breast-height (dbh) of trees in sampling areas (cm² / ha) were determined in Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis (L.)) forests at different altitudes (below 1,600 m and above 1,800 m, in different canaopy and aspects). Litter properties were tried to correlate with meteorological data, aspect, altitude and canopy parameters. Cone weight was the highest in sunny slopes in lower elevations with seedling regeneration on forest floor. There were positive correlations among branch, litter and cone weights. In addition, dbh had positive correlation with these parameters, too. There was more litter in forest floor of canopy closure class II compared to class III. This could be explained by decreased leaf area, and increased branch drop in dense stands. The amount of litter, cone and branch weights in southern slopes were higher than in northern slopes.