Fertility Characteristics of Soils in Different Stream Beds under Transitional Climate Conditions.

This study was conducted to identify and evaluate some of the fertility characteristics of soils in stream beds in Şebinkarahisar district of the Giresun province of Türkiye, which has a transitional climate between semi-arid and humid climate zones. To this end, a total of 48 soil samples, surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface (30-60/61/62/65 cm), were collected from 24 different sampling points on various stream beds. The textures of the surface and subsurface soils taken were determined as CL, SL, SCL, L, C, and LS. pH values of surface soils ranged from 5.84 to 7.98, and the pH values of subsurface soils ranged from 6.06 to 8.05. Lime contents of the soils without salinity problem ranged from 0.00% to 38.30% for surface soils, and from 0.00% to 37.90% for subsurface soils. Organic matter contents varied between 0.32% and 4.16% for surface soils, and between 0.14% and 2.16% for subsurface soils. While the soils were poor in total nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and manganese, it was determined that the calcium and copper contents were at sufficient levels. Although deficiencies were detected in some soils for potassium, magnesium and iron, they were generally determined to be at sufficient levels. To deal with deficiencies of macro and micro plant nutrients, including deficiency of organic matter, a fertilization planning is recommended that includes barnyard manure, poultry manure, green manure, compost, vermicompost, and various organic fertilizers containing macro and micro elements. Within the scope of the research, climate classifications were also made according to Thornthwaite, De Martonne-Gottman and Erinç methods by had used 48 years (1965-2012) climate data of Şebinkarahisar district. Plant species and varieties to be grown in the study area should be selected from among those suitable to the transitional climate conditions prevailing in the region. It will also be useful to analyze the stream waters in the areas where soil sampling is done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]