Ground Vegetation Change According to the Elevation Level in Pure Fir Forests (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf.) in Ardic-Bartin, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this research that is examining the changes in the flora in Uludag Fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornm ulleriana) stands with respect to the altitude was carried out between 2009 and 2010. The Ardic Watershed Area, which was chosen as study area, included in Ardic Forest Range District belongs to Ulus Forest Enterprise Directorate. 18 sample plots were established between 900 and 1,500 m altitudes in the Uludag fir stands. The average size of sample plots was chosen as 20 x 20 m. Totally 1,500 plant specimens have been collected from all sample plots. The Braun-Blanquet method was used for the determination of present plant density in this research. At the end of the identification of these specimens, 60 taxa belonging to 35 families have been determined. These taxa include 75 genera, 108 species, 13 subspecies and 3 varieties. The forest community in the study area is described as the Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana plant association of the Euxin region.