Coarse root biomass and some soil properties in pure scotch pine stands of Torul, Gümüşhane

In this study, coarse root biomass (>5 mm) of pure Pinus sylvestris stands were investigated in Zigana mountains, Gümüşhane, Turkey. A total of 35 sampling plots of which 8 belongs to site index II, 11 belongs to site index III, 10 belongs to site index IV and 6 belongs to site index V, were taken to determine coarse root biomass in the study area.To determine coarse root biomass 60x180 cm sized soil pits were digged. Soil pits diveded into depth classes as 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, 30-60 cm and 60-90 cm. Soil samples were taken from depth classes of 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm, 60-80 cm. Root samples were oven-dried at 70 ºC for 48 hours and weighed. Soil samples air dried, ground and sieved to pass 2 mm mesh. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, organic matter, and texture.Our results indicate that coarse root biomass decreased with soil depth and increased with stand age. The greatest coarse root biomass were found in site index II and fallowed by III and I. In terms of root diameter size classes, the greatest amount of roots were in >20 mm size class and followed by 10-20 mm and 5-10 mm. Soil organic matter decreased with soil depth. Clay and sand content of soils were changed with soil depth.Key Words: Coarse root biomass, stand age, site index, Pinus sylvestris, Gümüşhane