Adaptation Analysis of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill. Afforestation and Their Edaphic Effects in Northwest of Tabriz

In order to assess the adaptation of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill afforestation around Tabriz international airport, the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of trees were measured in 96 experimental circular plots with a size of 300 m2. To study the edaphic effects of these species, nine samples were randomly collected from 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depth of soil in Elaeagnus angustifolia L. and Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill stands and control plot (without afforestation). Results indicated that there was not significant difference between the diameter growth, height growth and mean basal area per hectare for Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill and Elaeagnus angustifolia L. In addition, Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill had more suitable qualitative status than Elaeagnus angustifolia L. In the analysis of the soil, it was revealed that these species increased soil EC in 10-20 cm depth, but without significant effect on T.N.V. and K values. Soil pH at the depth of 0-10 cm in Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill afforestation and control plot was higher than depth of 10-20 cm. Soil OC (Organic Carbon) and N percentage at the depth of 0-10 cm in Fraxinus rotundifolia Mill and Elaeagnus angustifolia L. afforestation was higher than depth of 10-20 cm, at probability level of 5 percent. These species reduced soil P content at the depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm, at probability level of 1 percent. In other comparisons, there was not significant difference between means.