SOIL Studies

SOIL Studies

2015, Vol 4, Num, 2     (Pages: 001-013)

Spatial Variation of DTPA Extractable Iron, Copper, Zinc and Manganese Concentrations in Suluova and Merzifon Plain Soils

Elif GÜNAL 1 ,Halil ERDEM 1

1 Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesi, Ziraat Fakültesi, Toprak Bilimi ve Bitki Besleme Bölümü, Tokat

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Appropriate plant nutrient management is important for achieving high crop yield and protecting environmental quality. The aims of this study are; i.) to determine the DTPA extractable micronutrient concentrations in Suluova and Merzifon Plains, ii.) to understand the relationship between micronutrients and related soil properties affecting the availability of micronutrients, and iii.) to figure out the spatial structure of micronutrients. Seventy-Six soil samples from Merzifon and 143 samples from Suluova Plain were collected to measure available zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cupper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) concentrations along with soil clay, silt and sand contents, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium carbonate and organic matter contents. Descriptive results showed that Zn and Fe deficiencies were widespread throughout the study area while soils had sufficient amount of Cu and Mn. Mean Zn and Fe concentrations in Merzifon Plain were respectively 0.28 mg kg-1 and 2.0 mg kg-1 and 0.28 mg kg-1 and 3.26 mg kg-1 for Suluova Plain, respectively. Soil Zn and Mn concentrations had positive and pH and Zn had negative statistically important relations (P<0.01). In general, Zn concentrations were inadequate level at high pH locations whereas adequate Zn concentrations were obtained at locations where soil pH is between 7.20 to 8.00. Available Fe had positive correlations with Cu and Mn concentrations whereas statistically important negative correlations were obtained with sand content. Iron in Merzifon Plain and Fe, Zn and Cu in Suluova Plain had strong spatial dependency, while other micronutrients showed moderate spatial dependency. The range values obtained in geostatistical modeling should be taken into consideration as the minimum sampling distance for the future studies in the study area.


Keywords : Mapping, geostatistics, spatial dependency, micronutrient