Providing Sustainable Management by Mapping the Productivity Status of Agricultural Soils at Thematic Level: Case of Osmaniye

Abstract

This research was conducted to determining the fertility of the agricultural lands and mapping thematically in Osmaniye. Soil texture of the samples ranges from sandy loam to silty clay, with 33% coarse and 67% clay. The pH of the soil samples was predominantly medium alkaline, and the half of the samples' EC were in the light salty class. Almost all of the samples were calcareous and mostly lack in organic matter. Overall, 50% of soil samples sustained insufficient and 50% possessed sufficient level of available phosphorus (P). Available magnesium (Mg) content was sufficient (except 8%); available calcium (Ca) was at high levels; available sodium (Na) levels were found in 5% of the soils. Available zinc (Zn) was low in all samples; nearly all samples were insufficient iron (Fe) available; Manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) levels were found sufficient in almost all of samples. Available boron (B) was found at insufficient level in 12% of the soils. Important relationships have been determined between nutrient content and soil properties. Maps of soil properties were made by using geographic information systems and the distribution of the features over the area has been determined. Fe, Zn and P soil fertilization should be done according to soil analysis results. In order not to increase the salt level in soils with high EC levels, applications such as irrigation and fertilization should followed accordingly.