A study to determine fertility status in the Çanakkale–Lapseki agricultural areas, Turkey

This research was conducted on the high-quality agricultural land between the towns of Lapseki and Umurbey in the Çanakkale region of Turkey, where total agricultural land covers 353,589 ha. Soil samples, representing a total area of 6610 ha, where mostly cherry, peach, sour cherry, kiwi and vegetables are grown, were taken within the depths of 0–30 and 30–60cm. Soil samples were collected from 123 different points in the sampled area. Two samples were taken at every point, making a total of 246 soil samples, which were analysed to determine their physical and chemical properties. The results show the productivity characteristics of these agricultural soils. The results indicate that the soils are highly calcareous, with high pH, low levels of organic matter and phosphorous, and very rich in potassium. The sampled soils are deficient in zinc and iron (approximately 70% of the samples), manganese (50–55% of the samples), but have an excess copper content (approximately 95% of the samples).