Some agricultural characteristics of soils in eastern-northeastern slopes of a volcanic cone: Şebinkarahisar Dikmen Hill (Giresun, Turkey) example

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim to determine some agricultural characteristics of volcanic soils located on the slopes of a volcanic area and to give a preliminary idea for studies to be done. For this purpose, some agricultural characteristics of volcanic soils located on the eastern-northeastern slopes of Dikmen Hill, a volcanic cone, were determined. According to the analysis results of the 24 samples taken as surface soil (0-30 cm), the vast majority of the specimens were in the clay texture class. Available water values ranged from 1.11% to 41.45%. The great majority of soils classified as entirely non-saline had neutral and slightly alkaline soil reactions. The amount of lime ranged from 0.55% to 46.02%, while the content of organic matter ranged from 0.70% to 3.97%. There were no potassium, calcium and magnesium deficiencies in the soil where deficiencies were found in terms of total nitrogen and phosphorus. Iron content is high in almost all soils where there was no deficiency in terms of copper. Zinc, manganese and boron deficiencies were identified. The findings suggest that proper fertilization programs should be prepared according to the macro and micro nutrient requirements before engaging in agriculture in the study area soils.