Effects of soil properties on windthrow damages

Forests contain a large amount of live biomass, dead organic matter and carbon in forest soil. Globally, forests constitute a significant carbon sink. However, storm and severe winds that are observed recently in the Turkey's forests, can result of significant damage in the forest trees (windthrow, broken, trees with crown damage). Briefly, trees are broken or uprootted if wind loads exceed the resistance of stem or root/soil systems. Risk of wind damage in the forests is mostly due to the factors such as climatic conditions (wind direction, intensity etc.), edaphic factors (pH, texture, nutrient elements, carbon and nitrogen stock capacity, water holding capacity, soil moisture etc.). For this purpose, the effects of forest stand and site characteristics (edaphic and climatic factors) on wind damage was investigated within the boundaries of Kastamonu and Sinop regions. In addition, t-test was performed to see the effect of windthrow on soil properties. The reason for this increase is thought to be largely influenced by factors such as organic matter input, intensive activity of microorganisms, the effect of tree roots, reflecting the characteristics of the bedrock and precipitation. As a result, in order to better observe and interpret windthrow damages, more detailed studies should be conducted on a greater number of individuals in different climates with different ecological characteristics, taking into account seasonal differences.