Assessment of some physical and chemical propeties of soils in the Batumi delta

Batumi delta fed through Chorokhi and Adjaristskali Rivers is one of the most valuable agricultural area of Georgia. Due to the deltas' formation mechanism, it was hypothesized that soil characteristics could differ positionally. This study aims at determining (i) particle size distribution, (ii) aggregation degree , (iii) soil moisture constants, (iv) organic matter contents, (v) pH and (vi) lime contents of Batumi Delta and revealing the correlations among these characteristics. In addition, defining differences in measured soil properties among sampling sites by taking delta physiology into consideration is one of the additional aim of this study, too. Twenty five soil samples from each of five different sampling sites were collected and analyzed. The results of correlation analysis performed for obtaining relations among measured soil properties showed that there were significant positive correlations between mean weight diameter, organic matter and clay contents, and a significant negative correlation found between mean weight diameter and sand content. It was found that particle size distribution (clay, silt and sand contents) and soil organic matter had considerable significant effect on aggregation, and aggregate stability. Analaysis of data indicated that the maximum levels of clay and silt content was on L5, sand content and average weight diameter values on L1, aggregation ratio on L5, aggregate stability values on L2 and L3, field capacity moisture content on L4, wilting point moisture content on L5, organic matter content on L2, pH on L1 and lime content on L2. Consequently, the physical and chemical characteristics of Batumi Delta's soil, has not been studied so far in spite of its importance in economic and ecologic fields, are revealed. In addition, correlations among measured soil properties are seen to be harmonious with mainstreams and previous studies. Furthermore, the fields which are thought to accumulate at different times differs in terms of soil characteristics is among obtained results. Key Words: Delta, Batumi, aggregation, texture, organic matter