Determination of changing humus types in pureand mixed black pine forests by morpho-functional classification in Kütahya

The distribution of humus forms in pure and mixed larch forests in Çukurören, Kütahya was determined. Distribution of humus forms changed with stand development age and mix. Amphi humus type is dominant in all areas. Regarding the forest type, our results showed that Eumacroamphi, Leptoamphi and Pachyamphi were dominant in pure black pine forests according to their developmental ages, Eumacroamphi in Larch-Beech forests and Eumesoamphi in Larch-Scottish pine forests were determined. As a result, the most important factors affecting the distribution of humus forms are tree species, soil pH and soil fauna. The data obtained are due to Leptoamphi (OH < 1 cm) and Eumacroamphi (OH ≥ 1 cm) humus forms due to the thinness of the OH horizon in pure larch stands where Amphi humus form dominates in larch forests, and relatively thick OH horizon in larch-beech and larch-scotch pine mixed stands. Eumesoamphi (OH < 3 cm) and Pachyamphi (OH ≥ 3 cm) humus forms were determined. In other studies to be carried out, the humus form should be determined according to the altitude steps, and the effect of the climate on the humus forms should be determined.