Determination of soil fertility status of highland greenhouse tomato production: A case Elmalı region

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the soil fertility status of highland greenhouse tomato production in Elmalı region of Antalya. Soil samples from two different depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) were taken from 30 different tomato greenhouses. Soil analysis was performed at each depth for the following parameters; texture, CaCO3, organic matter, EC, pH, total N, plant available P, exchangeable K, Ca and Mg, plant available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Most of the soils had texture of clay loam, loam and sandy loam; slightly alkaline and alkaline and high level of CaCO3 that possibly affects plant growth negatively, and low in organic matter; while no salinity problem was recorded. Soil total N, extractable Ca and Mg status were generally adequate in two depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm); extractable K low, medium and high however, plant available P status were found to be highly good enough. For micronutrients; while plant available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were sufficient. In conclusion, it was determined that the greenhouse soils have high soil pH, high lime content and low organic matter content that can cause some problem with regards to plant nutrition.

Keywords

• Tomato
• Elmalı
• Soil fertility
• Highland greenhouse production