Importance of certain soil properties in the establishment and growth of forest plantations in Cyprus and how they are affected by terracing | The importance of certain soil properties in the establishment and growth of forest plantations in Cyprus and how they are affected by terracing

Mechanical terracing is the most widely used technique for afforestation of mountainous slopes in Cyprus. Since terracing of slopes influences the morphology and the natural profile of soils} a study was conducted in the Livadhi area of Cyprus in order to investigate the changes in certain soil properties resulting from the action of terracing. Soil samples were taken at monthly intervals between May 1979 and April 1980.for moisture determination. Soil samples were also analysed for soil fertility, field capacity, wilting point and soil reaction at three month intervals throughout the period of study. Infiltration was measured on site using concentric cylinders. It was found that infiltration rate and water holding capacity on terraced soils are higher than on virgin soil. This higher permeability on terraced soils on the one hand and the modification of the natural slope on the other reduce surface runoff and consequently terracing improves the water regime of the soil. In general all parts of the terrace show an increase moisture content compared to that in virgin soil, but conditions with respect to moisture during the dry season are most favourable in the middle of the terrace bed. The amount of humus and consequently the nitrogen content are also higher on terraces where the humus content is distributed to a greater depth (60 cm in the filled part and 30 cm in the middle of the terrace) while on the virgin soil it is not differentiated and has the thickness of 15 cm along the slope. Soil acidity it was also found to be lower on terraces (pH 6.5-7.3) than on virgin soil (pH 6.0 - 6.5). The effect of terracing on soil structure is to cause the texture of the to be heavier. Terraced soils contain higher percentage of clay and silt than unterraced soil. But terracing causes also the vertical migration of the particles particularly clay and there are indications that it results in the formation of clay horizons at 40 - 60 cm below the soil surface which could hinder the subsequent root development of plantations. From the above results it is concluded that terracing has beneficial effects on soil moisture and soil fertility and creates a favourable environment tor the establishment and growth of plantations. Therefore this method of soil preparation is recommended for dry sloped areas where the improvement of soil moisture conditions is almost impossible without the interference of man namely by terracing.