Evaluation of soil fertility in citrus planted areas by geostatistics analysis method

Abstract

The aim of this study is to map citrus planted areas, which have been detected by traditionalmethods to date, with a high accuracy method and to reveal the land characteristics andfertility conditions. A database was created for citrus planted areas with the help of highresolution Worldview 2 satellite images in this study. By creating the digital elevationmodel, orthorectification of satellite images was made and slope, aspect and elevationcharacteristics were determined. Using soil maps, maps showing terrain characteristicswere produced. 43 soil samples were taken to represent citrus planted areas; geostatisticalmaps showing their pH, salinity, lime, texture, organic matter, total N, available P;exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Na, available Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn levels were created and their statisticalanalyses were performed 2,132.08 ha citrus planted area was found in the study area. Theparameters obtained from the digital elevation model (slope, aspect, elevation), the data ofthe land from the soil maps and the physical properties-macro/micro nutritional contents ofthe soil produced by the geostatistics method were evaluated together. It was determinedthat the features in all areas mapped as citrus planted area are quite suitable for citrusproduction. However, it is thought that Fe and Zn uptake from the soil will decrease due tothe fact that the pH level is slightly alkaline and high lime contents. Identifying andsustainable monitoring of citrus production areas, which are very important in terms ofeconomy, accurately, up-to-date, without causing loss of time and labor, will be possiblewith integrated use of GIS and RS techniques.