Determination of soil pollution in Niğde region and modeling with geographical information system

Niğde, which is in the Konya Closed Basin, is adjacent to Aksaray in the northwest, Nevşehir in the north, Kayseri in the northeast, Konya, Adana and Mersin in the west and southwest, which shows that it has different climatic characteristics. In this respect, Niğde province has an important share in terms of vegetable and fruit growing for our country. Agriculture is one of the most important livelihoods of the people in the province. For this reason, it is aimed to create a map of soil pollution parameters of Niğde province with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology by determining the values of the physical and chemical parameters of the soil, creating geostatistical models for each parameter, and creating the spatial distribution of pollution. Geostatistical analysis basically consists of three stages. In the first stage, descriptive statistical tools are mainly used. These tools are the histogram plot and the Q-Q scatter plots that show summary statistical results. The second stage consists of obtaining the semivariogram curve and preparing the semivariogram function for the next stage with appropriate modeling. In the third stage, the appropriate data interpolation technique and simulation techniques are selected and applied. The third stage includes digitization and visualization. In this study, the effect of the change in soil quality on the productivity of natural and agricultural ecosystems was investigated by taking soil samples in certain numbers from the counties of the Konya Closed Basin of Niğde province. Thus, it is aimed to start the studies to establish a new soil protection policy to ensure future compliance with the determination of sampling and analysis standards in soil pollution in accordance with the European Union criteria. Geographical data is of great importance for rapid economic growth, dominance of natural resources and protection of the environment. With the help of modern technology, advanced techniques are used in map studies as well as access to geographical data, distribution, and use of these data. Although there are many data in our country, there are some difficulties in reaching this information. In studies with the Geographical Information System (GIS), it can be more convenient and faster to access the data since the data is kept in a digital environment. Spatial analyzes related to Niğde province were made with GIS technology. Accordingly, 110 soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm depth from the determined points in the 851.480 ha research area. Macro elements, micro elements, physical-chemical parameters, and heavy metals were determined and compared with soil limit values. Considering that it will set a precedent for the surrounding provinces, it will be a guide for this and similar studies in the future. In addition, this study will be an important cornerstone in the gradual reduction of environmental and urban problems. As a result of the studies, when the soils of Niğde province were considered in general, no significant pollution was detected for each parameter.