Site properties for Crimean
juniper (Juniperus
excelsa) in semi-natural
forests
of south western Anatolia, Turkey
K?rsad
Ozkan*1,
Serkan Gulsoy1, Raf Aerts2
and Bart Muys2
1Department of Soil and
Ecology, Faculty of Forestry, S?leyman
Demirel University, 32260, Isparta, Turkey
2Division
Forest, Nature and Landscape, Katholieke
Universiteit
Leuven, Leuven - 3001, Belgium
(Received: March 12, 2009 ; Revised received: May 20, 2009; Accepted: September 05, 2009)
Abstract: We explored the semi-natural forests
in south western Anatolia along a gradient between Mediterranean and
continental climates to determine the site requirements of Juniperus
excelsa in Turkey.? We hypothesized that environmental variables
and indicator species can be used to predict differences in occurrence and
cover of J. excelsa and can therefore support
decision making in reforestation management planning. Plant species composition
and environmental variables were assessed in 153 plots.? Association between J. excelsa
and other plant species and environmental variables were analyzed using Fisher
exact probability tests and stepwise discriminant
analysis. High altitude (> 1000 m) as a proxy for an Oromediterranean
climate, and high surface stoniness as a proxy for low competition by other
tree species, are positive site properties for J. excelsa.? The tree species avoids Eumediterranean
and Supramediterranean plant communities.? Twelve plant species, including the herbs
Dianthus zonatus, Ajuga chamaepitys and Paronchia carica and the shrub Cotoneaster nummularia
may be used as site indicators for J. excelsa
restoration.? Platanus
orientalis, with similar site requirements but at
present negatively associated to J. excelsa due to
competitive effects, may be considered an additional indicator if stand
conversion (harvesting and replacing P. orientalis)
is part of the management plan.
Key words: Indicator species, Site classification, Site
requirements, Land suitability, Mediterranean, Plant distribution,
Reforestation, Discriminant analysis
????? ?PDF of full length paper is available online
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