Investigation to determine fertility status in a semi-arid environment of agricultural areas, Turkey
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Date
2008
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Abstract
This research was conducted on the high quality agricultural land of the district of Alaşehir in the Manisa region of Turkey, where total agricultural land covers 457, 699 ha. Soil samples, representing a total area of 8400 ha, where mostly grapes, cherry and vegetables are grown, were taken within the depths of 0-30 and 30-60cm. Soil samples were collected from 145 different points in the sampled area. Two samples were taken at every point, making a total of 290 soil samples, which were analyzed to determine their physical and chemical properties. The results show the productivity characteristics of these agricultural soils. The results indicate that the soils are highly calcareous, with high pH, low levels of organic matter phosphorous and potassium. The sampled soils are deficient in zinc and iron (approximately 70-78% of the samples), manganese (50-55% of the samples), but have an excess copper content (approximately 95% of the samples) and excess boron content (approximately 50% of the samples).