A major tool for afforestation of semi-arid and anthropogenic steppe areas in Turkey: Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe

Abstract

In Turkey, almost half of which has semi-arid conditions, steppe areas have continuously been increasing. These areas need to be afforested to prevent desertification. For this purpose, this research presents specifically the Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana /Lamb./ Holmboe) as a suitable forest tree species for afforestation activities, due to wide distribution both in Turkey and the broader region. After a thorough investigation of past and recent literature, and onsite activities, the review focuses on the production of seeds and seedlings of the species, land preparation and planting technique, post-planting site maintenance, success in the afforestation areas and considerations on Anatolian black pine seed transfer regioning. In conclusion, local ecological conditions regarding the species should always be taken into consideration. Another important issue for the success of afforestation in semi-arid lands is that the preparation activities of the land for afforestation are carried out with appropriate techniques timely and painstakingly. Moreover, after the 2000s, Turkish forestry focused on afforestation in semi-arid and anthropogenic steppe areas. Anatolian black pine is the most widely used tree species in semi-arid lands and anthropogenic areas and plays the major role in successful afforestation.

Effects of melatonin applications on Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold. subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe) afforestation performance in semi-arid areas

“…It was observed that the mean SI value was <50 in all of the seedlings. In addition, LI value below 3 is a parameter that indicates good root growth of the seedlings (Ayan et al 2021). In this study, LI values were also found below 3 (Table 1).…”

“…In semi-arid areas, root collar diameter is a more important criterion than seedling height in determining seedling quality (Ayan et al 2021). Because thick-root collar diameter seedlings are richer in nutrient content, the amount of leaves is higher.…”

“…A number of adaptation challenges are seen with the lifting and transfer of barerooted seedlings raised in nursery conditions and planting them at afforestation sites. This challenge is more common in afforestation in arid, semi-arid, and anthropogenic steppe areas (Ayan et al 2021). The adaptation of the seedling to the new environment of its planting is defined as acclimatization (Dirik 1990;Kijowska-Oberc et al 2020;Yasmeen et al 2022).…”

Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon and climate change: A literature review of opportunities, challenges, and risks in European forests

“…In general, the consequences of climate change are negative for Pinus contorta stands growing in lowland areas, where warmer temperatures and extreme droughts lead to a decline in growth (McLane et al 2011). For these reasons, the species such as Robinia pseudoacacia (Ábri et al 2021;Ábri, Rédei 2022), Paulownia (Pástor et al 2022), Pinus nigra (Ayan et al 2021) or Pinus ponderosa (Podrázský et al 2020;Zhang et al 2020) deserve increased attention in forestry research.…”

Relationships between black pine wood production (m3 per year) and some habitat factors in the East Mediterranean region

“…(Urgenc 1998). Because of these characteristics, black pine, which is an important species in Turkey's forests as in the world forests, is frequently preferred to increase the success in afforestation with continental climatic conditions (Campo et al 2019;Ayan et al 2021;Lucas-Borja et al 2022). In terms of the forest industry, the height and diameter increments of trees are higher in rich sites compared to poor sites.…”