Cenkseven Ş., Darıcı C., Ortaş İ.
International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.132-140, 2026 (TRDizin)
Özet
Soil carbon mineralization is a key indicator for assessing how the soil carbon cycle responds to changes induced by land management practices in natural and managed ecosystems. This study aimed to determine the effects of different management practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) content, total nitrogen (TN) content, and carbon mineralization across seven periods over two years. Three land management practices were applied in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. plantations established on soils with high clay content in the Tarsus-Karabucak forests: uncut (UC), chainsaw cut without tillage (CNT), and chainsaw cut followed by tillage (CT). SOC content was significantly affected by land management practices and time periods. SOC content in CT was lower than in CNT and UC across all periods. In general, land management practices did not have significant effects on TN content. Cumulative carbon mineralization was significantly affected by land management practices and periods and ranged from 11.99–16.88 in CT, 13.63–18.52 in CNT, and 16.18–18.69 mg C (CO2) 100 g-1 soil in UC after 30 days of incubation. Cumulative carbon mineralization was highest in UC in all periods, while CNT was generally higher than CT (CT < CNT < UC). In conclusion, both cutting practices affected SOC, cumulative carbon mineralization, and the mineralization rate, whereas no effect on soil TN content was detected in the Tarsus-Karabucak Eucalypt plantation. Cutting trees followed by tillage or no-tillage has reduced soil microbial activity but has increased the rate of carbon mineralization.