CHARACTERISTICS OF LEAF STRUCTURAL TRAITS AND THEIR CORRELATIONS IN OAK FOREST, TURKEY

Abstract

Leaf fresh and dry weight, dry matter content, leaf surface area and specific leaf area of plant species in a Turkey oak forest were investigated and correlated. The study was carried out in two different parts of the forest to examine effects of lumbering and harvesting on leaf traits. Plant species were grouped into four growth forms as trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs. Only dry matter content of leaves differed significantly among growth forms in both plots. It was found that there were significant correlations among leaf traits of growth forms.