Assessment of spatial distribution patterns of soil properties in the EAARI-Experimental Station (Erzurum)

Abstract

Defining spatial distribution patterns of soil properties within a field or watershed is important for site-specific soil and plant management. The objective of this study was to determine spatial distribution patterns of particle size distribution, organic matter, lime content, pH and plant-available P contents of soils in the Experimental Station of the Eastern Anatolia Agricultural Research Institution (EAARI). The research area, about 100 ha, was gridded with 100 m intervals in the north to south and east to west directions, and 68 soils samples were collected from 0-20 cm dept at each intersection. Exponential semivariogram models were fitted for clay, silt and sand contents and soil pH, Gaussion models for lime content and plant-available P, and spherical model for organic matter content. Block kriging analysis was performed to prepare distribution maps. Distribution patterns of soil properties studied showed great similarities with each other, as the patterns of yield.