Determination and mapping of soil quality parameters in citrus lands on different physiographic units and creation of new scoring curves

This study was carried out to determine and map soil quality parameters and to create new scoring curves in citrus areas of Finike, Kemer and Konyaaltı. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soils were analyzed. As a result of these analyses, the relationship between soil quality and physiographic units and important findings for increasing agricultural productivity were obtained. Soils in Finike district have alluvial and colluvial formations. These soils attract attention with their high water holding capacity and organic matter content. In soil quality assessments, parameters such as organic matter content and cation exchange capacity stand out. Soils in Kemer district is in pediment and bajada physiographies. These soils have high water holding capacity and clay content. They are also rich in biological parameters such as microbial biomass carbon and beta glycosidase enzyme activity. The soils in Konyaaltı district are in alluvial fan and side stream alluvial physiographies. They are well drained and rich in organic matter. In the quality assessments of these soils, the amount of organic matter and microbial biomass carbon come to the fore. It is concluded that it is important to consider physiographic characteristics during the planning and management of agricultural areas. In this study, various suggestions such as organic matter addition, erosion control, proper fertilization and irrigation management were presented for the improvement of soil quality. In future studies on soil quality, it is thought that the evaluation of soil quality parameters of different plant species in different physiographies will be effective on yield and quality.