TECHNICAL AND ECONOMICAL EVALUATIONS OF CALABRIAN PINE (PINUS BRUTIA TEN.) SEMI-ARID PLANTATIONS IN THE SANLIURFA-HARRAN PLAIN OF TURKEY

Abstract

Determinations of success of semi-arid plantations are very important. This paper was handled to evaluate the success of Calabrian pine plantations established in the semi-arid Harran Plain of Turkey between 1996 and 1999 regarding technical and economic aspects. The data were obtained from both 12 sample plots at different aspects in 2015 and from the Sanhurfa Forest Enterprise Directorate's records. Also data of the yield tables of plantation areas and natural stands, and the product range table of Calabrian pine were used. Variance analysis was administered to control the growth performance of Calabrian pine plantations. The differences of diameter and height growths and the number of trees per hectare were determined. The criteria of net present value, internal rate of return and benefit cost ratio were used for economic evaluation. In conclusion, diameter and height growth and success rate were found higher in eastern, northern and western aspects, the mean survival percentage ranged from 18.60-57.13%, and the high percentage of survival was found in the north aspect. Economic return of Calabrian pine plantations in semi-arid areas in terms of wood production was found to be lower than that of the natural stands and of the plantations in other areas. However, it was concluded that the plantations in semi-arid regions are crucial because of the benefits such as the biological diversity, the protection of natural balance, prevention of erosion and carbon sequestration, and incorporation of the wastelands to the production. It was suggested that the plantations in semi-arid area should be improved and maintained for sustainable environmental management.