The survival and growth performance of some tree and shrub species in arid lands of Central Anatolia

Fraxinus angustifolia, Pinus nigra, Calligonum polygonoides, Amygdalus orientalis and Spartium junceum species were planted in experimental plantations in Acıpınar, İncesu, Karapınar, Sazlıpınar and Emirgazi aridland regions located in Central Anatolia. Upon planting, soil samples were taken and diameter and height of seedlings were measured for initial data. The same samplings were repeated at the third year of plantation to determine absolute and relative growth rates of seedlings. The data revealed that the top 20 cm of the soil have low salt but high lime contents across all sites. At the end of the third year, about 60 % of the Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings and 40 % of the Pinus nigra seedlings were survived. Fraxinus angustifolia seedlings had 140 % more height growth compared to that of Pinus nigra seedlings. At the end of the third year, 97 % of the Amygdalus orientalis seedlings were survived. While, the corresponding values for the other two shrub species, Calligonum polygonoides and Spartium junceum, were 42 and 26 %, respectively. As a result of the study, it was determined that the most successful species were Amygdalus orientalis and Fraxinus angustifolia. Therefore, these two species can be used in the restoration practices implemented in similar arid regions.