Ecological evaluation of sapling growth in juniper afforestation areas of Isparta Forest Regional Directorate

The present thesis study investigates the growth performance of Greek juniper (Juniperus excelsa Bieb.), Stinking juniper (Juniperus foetidissima Willd.) and Prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) across sites characterized by diverse ecological conditions. Among these species, Greek juniper and Stinking juniper stand out due to their resilience to extreme conditions (drought and cold), while Prickly juniper is noteworthy for its wide distribution potential in areas influenced by the Mediterranean climate.These species gain significance for the sustainability of forests under the ongoing processes of global warming and climate change. The research was conducted in 80 sample area containing trees aged between 14 and 20 years. In each area, the base diameter and height of 15 trees were measured. For statistical evaluation, the obtained values were interpolated to the age of 14. According to the results of the statistical analyses, Greek juniper exhibited a positive correlation between height growth and soil depth, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and clay content, while showing a negative correlation with sand content. Stinking juniper, positive correlations were found between height growth and slope as well as lime content. In the case of Prickly juniper a significant negative correlation was observed between height growth and potential pH. When the was compared growth performance of the species, Greek juniper demonstrated the highest growth (average 7.3 cm base diameter and 1.72 m height), followed by Stinking juniper (average 7.0 cm base diameter and 1.60 m height) and Prickly juniper (average 5.8 cm base diameter and 1.53 m height). It was found that juniper species growth was lower than that Pinus brutia Ten. (Turkish red pine), Pinus nigra Arnold. (black pine), and Cedrus libani A. Rich. (Lebanon cedar), which are commonly used in afforestation in the region. Nevertheless, these juniper species, particularly Greek juniper possess considerable potential in extreme environments, which is of critical importance for ensuring forest sustainability under global warming and climate change.