Usability of the Taurus Cedar and Crimean Pine in green belt afforestations in semiarid regions in Turkey: A case study in Konya Province Loros Mountain -Akyokus

In this study, root collar diameter and height development of 9 year-old saplings of Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani) and Crimean Pine (Pinus nigra subsp. nigra var. caramanica) in the green belt afforestation areas were researched in Akyokus (130 ha) and Loros Mountain (140 ha) in Konya province. For this reason, root collar diameters and heights were measured at 4 temporary sample plots, each 450 m² (30 m * 15 m) containing randomized 5 experimental areas with 10 replicates. The data obtained from measurement were compared with ANOVA test. The root collar diameters of Crimean pines in Loros Mountain and heights of Taurus cedars in Akyokus were significantly different and higher. On the other hand, volumes of Crimean pines in Loros Mountain and Taurus cedar in Akyokus were significantly different in favor of these species. Thus, it might be suitable to use Crimean pine in Loros Mountain and Taurus cedar in Akyokus for green-belt afforestation studies in the future.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]