The effect of regeneration care on growth and develoment at red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) natural regeneration site in Çamlıyayla district of Mersin

In this study, the effects of tending practices on growth performance of Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) seedlings were investigated. The research was conducted in both tended (intervention) and non-tended (control) plots, comprising a total of 10 experimental plots, each measuring 100 m² (10x10 m). Height (cm) and diameter (cm) of seedlings were measured at three distinct time points: March 2023 (beginning of vegetation period), and November 2023 and 2024 (end of vegetation periods). Initially, data were analyzed for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Temporal changes in measurements were assessed using Repeated Measures ANOVA, while differences between tended and non-tended plots were examined through independent samples t-test. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05, and graphical analyses were performed using box plots and line graphs. Results indicated significantly higher increases in height and diameter in tended plots compared to control plots. In contrast, seedlings in non-tended control plots showed notably weaker growth. These findings scientifically confirm the positive impact of tending practices on growth performance of red pine seedlings, highlighting the importance of implementing effective tending practices to maintain stand health and ensure future forest productivity