Variability of Soil Qualitative Indicators in Relation to Created Microtopography of Forest Trees Uprooting

Uprooting trees and pit – mound micro topographies are due to creation of heterogeneity condition in soil ecosystem. Pay attention to mountainous condition of hyrcanian forests in Iran and presence of trees with high diameters (old trees), therefore, it is imagined that many of trees are prone to uprooting. Thus, the aim of this research is studying variability some of soil physico - chemical characters in uprooted trees location and pit – mound position. For this purpose, twenty hectare areas of Tarbiat Modares University Experimental Forest Station studied that is located in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. Numbers of thirty four uprooted trees were found. Five microsites were distinguished including mound top, mound wall, pit bottom, pit wall and closed canopy. Soil samples were taken at 0 - 15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 45cm depths from all microsites using core soil sampler (81cm2 cross section). Soil acidity, water content, organic matter, total nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio measured in the laboratory. A statistical result is indicating that the most water content, organic matter and nitrogen devoted in pit bottom. Mound top and wall included maximum of acidity. The most value of carbon to nitrogen ratio found in mound wall, as well. Soil acidity showed no significantly differences among different depths. The results of this research can be considered in forest soils survey and forest management.