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 traditional methods to date, with a high accuracy method and to reveal the land characteristics and fertility conditions. A database was created for citrus planted areas with the help of high-resolution Worldview 2 satellite images in this study. By creating the digital elevation model, orthorectification of satellite images was made and slope, aspect and elevation characteristics were determined. Using soil maps, maps showing terrain characteristics were produced. 43 soil samples were taken to represent citrus planted areas; geostatistical maps 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 statistical analyses were performed 2,132.08 ha citrus planted area was found in the study area. The parameters obtained from the digital elevation model (slope, aspect, elevation), the data of the land from the soil maps and the physical properties-macro/micro nutritional contents of the soil produced by the geostatistics method were evaluated together. It was determined that the features in all areas mapped as citrus planted area are quite suitable for citrus production. However, it is thought that Fe and Zn uptake from the soil will decrease due to the fact that the pH level is slightly alkaline and high lime contents. Identifying and sustainable monitoring of citrus production areas, which are very important in terms of economy, accurately, up-to-date, without causing loss of time and labor, will be possible with integrated use of GIS and RS techniques.