Modelling Top Soil Erosion Depend on Stand Profile for Anatolian Black Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold. subsp. pallasiana) Plantation in a Semi-Arid Ecosystem in Turkey

Abstract

This paper researches top-soil loss depends on Anatolian black pine stands by different canopy density. The stand profile is playing an important role on the living and non-living environment in the ecosystem and it affects directly canopy density (CD), leaf area index and silvicultural treatments and indirectly affects the soil properties. Within the scope of the study, three different canopy densities (60%, 80%, 90%) were taken and the stand profiles were determined by an 20x20 meter sample plots representing the stand. All sample plots were selected under the same habitat conditions (Slope: 5%, Aspect: Northwest, Elevation: 1070 m) to estimate top soil loss model. As a result, the amount of top soil loss was determined as 0.052 t/ha/yr in 60% CD, 0.037 t/ha/yr in 80% CD and 0.017 t/ha/yr in 90% CD respectively. In addition, multiple regression model (Linear, R 2 =0.96) was developed to estimate annual top soil loss depend on DBH (diameter of breast height), and tree height. On the other hand, simple regression model (Quadratic, R 2 =0.98) using tree height variable was improved. Furthermore, more advanced models can be developed in the future by using the stand parameters in different ecological conditions and slope gradients.