Evaluation of Terra Rossa potential for an unqualified forest area in the Mediterranean region using geochemical and GIS methods: a case study from the Central Taurus, Ibradi, Antalya, Turkey

Abstract

Unqualified forests in the west region of Ibradi (Antalya, Turkey) were evaluated for the first time, performing Inclination Analysis Modeling, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications to determine their use. Via GIS applications, many components can be compared with satellite maps in a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate vector and raster data through gathering the information from several interdisciplinary areas of topography, geology, forestry, and meteorology. In this study, it was revealed for the first time that Terra Rossa (TR) was formed in graben, flat and karstic pits, and inclinations of slope below 45%. TR formations and transition zones (TZ) are widespread on Ibradi Group, and also massive zones (MZ) are observed on Seyrandagi limestones. A total of 53 ha of new Terra Rossa (TRN) formations that have never been used in a study area have been identified for the first time. A total of 35 geochemical specimens were taken from the three distinctive zones. In these samples, major oxides and the trace elements were analyzed and evaluated geostatistically. Similarities as to majority and trace element contents between TRN and cultivation Terra Rossa (TRC) have been determined. The usable unqualified forest was classified into three groups according to their geological and geochemical characteristics; TR formations, TZ, and MZ. GIS applications and geochemical analyses have shown that TR formation areas can be used as potential viticulture, cultivation and grassland, transition zones as potential grassland, zoning areas, and massive zones as potential zoning areas. On the other hand, if all these zones are nested, they can be evaluated together.