Coastal development and using coastal area between İzmir to Foça

The main aim of this study is to establish land use system according to land capability classification and ecological conditions of the shore belt of the Gediz river delta which is one of the important deltaic areas of Turkey.The study area which is located Aegean coastal belt of Aegean Region is bounded Foca hilly area in the north, Yamanlar Mountain in the east, Gulf of İzmir in the south and west. The most part of the study area is covered by the Quaternary alluvion deposits of Gediz delta, and hilly areas are composed of neogene sedimentary deposits and volcanics mostly andesite. Geomorphologically study area is divided into two parts: deltaic land and hilly areas.Mediterranean climatic conditions prevail characterized mildy and rainy winters and hot and rainless summers in the area. The mean annual temperature is 17.4°C at Çigli, and 18.0°C at İzmir meteorological stations. The mean yearly precipitation is 618 mm and 688 mm respectively.The study area is found in the Mediterranean zonobiomes. Climax vegetation is red pine (Pinus brutia) forest and it widespread on the hilly area. Maquis and garrigue vegetations are common where red pine forest has been completely destroyed on the hilly areas. The fertile deltaic land is suitable for the agricultural production.Zonal soils of the area are reddish Mediterranean soils which have been formed on the old deltaic areas and limeless Brown forest soils appear on the volcanic rocks in the hilly areas. Alluvial soils are common on the young deltaic lands, and colluvial soils exist on the edges of slopes. Rendzina is found on the limely calcerous deposits. Sodic and salty soils are common along the Aegean coastal belt and lowland of the delta areas on which halophytic vegetation grows.As to land capability classification, the areas which are suitable for the agricultural product account for 52 % and the remaining areas on which meadows, olive gardens and forests cover an area of 40 % of the total land. Misuse land use system is seen on the sloppy area and on some parts of the Gediz delta.The importance of the study area is to the existence of wetland called Çamaltı Tuzla and its around. Sold is produced with the evaporation of the sea water in the Çamaltı field. This area is accepted the Ramsar wetland area in which many flora, and fauna most of which belong to birds live.