Determining physical and chemical soil properties under the almond trees growing in the Elazig region

DETERMINING PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SOIL PROPERTIES UNDER THE ALMOND TREES GROWING IN THE ELAZIG REGION The importance of almond (Prunus amygdalus batsch.) plantation in and around the Elazig regions is a growing interest in recent years. The use of almond as a borderline tree and the cultivation of its seeds are important characteristics of this tree. However, the aim of increasing the quality and the economic benefit of growing almond trees can be achieved by the rehabilitation works including construction of new gardens, maintenance and pruning as well. In this context, the objective of the study is to determine physical and chemical soil properties of the almond tree growing in Elazig regions including Elazig center, Keban, Sivrice, Agin, and Baskil where the almond tree is widely distributed. The specific objective of the study was to assess the physical and chemical contents of the soil samples from the regions of Elazıg according to soil fertility classification by the "limit value table". In that so, the soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, lime, salinity, organic matter, macro (P, K, Ca, Mg) and micronutrient contents (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). In terms of the growth of Almond tree across the Elazığ regions, soil texture and salinity conditions showed no restrictive effects. Indeed, soil samples showed wide variability in terms of texture across the regions. On the other hand, the slight alkalinity of soil reaction, high lime content, and insufficient organic matter contents were found as the important issues for the collected soil samples from the regions. It should be tried to reduce the alkalinity and lime content of the soils by adding more organic matter to it. Results for the nutrient contents showed that the soil samples were poor in manganese, sufficient in available potassium, iron, zinc, and copper, and rich in available phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Nutrient deficiency can be eliminated with mineral fertilizer supplementation.