Analysis of plant associations in distribution of quercus pontica K. Koch

In this study was carried out in Trabzon-Of, Rize-İkizdere, Rize-Çamlıhemşin, Artvin-Arhavi, Borçka-Karagöl and Borçka-Camili regions, which are among the natural distribution areas of Quercus pontica. Within the scope of the study, the stand profiles and vegetation of the areas where this species is distribution were taken. In addition, the characteristics of the habitat and silvicultural in this areas were determined. There were selected 6 sample areas in Trabzon-Of, 4 sample areas in Rize-İkizdere, 6 sample areas in Rize-Çamlıhemşin, 9 sample areas in Artvin-Arhavi, 3 sample areas in Artvin-Borçka-Camili and 8 sample areas in Artvin-Borçka-Karagöl district. Stand profile and vegetation studies were carried out in 36 sample areas in total. In order to determine the habitat characteristics of Q. pontica, the climate types and the soil characteristics of the sample areas were determined. To analyze the soil properties, 14 soil profiles in total (83 soil samples) were digged. The effects of topographic and soil factors, which are thought to have a possible effect on the floristic diversity of Q. pontica in different study areas, were tested with the help of different statistical analyzes. As a result of the vegetation analysis, one association and two subassociations are new to the science world and were identified for the first time in this study. The determined stand structures show differences in terms of silvicultural characteristics. Vaccinium arctostaphylos, Rhododendron ponticum and Sorbus aucuparia were found to be the most frequently species mixed with Q. pontica. Q. pontica species, which is a Caucasian endemic and relict species, generally spreads in groups and clusters, and it is recommended that these areas should be protected. Key Words: Stand structure, Climate, Vegetation, Habitat zone