Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soils of the Growing Areas of Some Geophytes in the Flora of Tokat Province

Abstract

Türkiye is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biodiversity and a significant part of its floristic richness consists of geophyte plants. The characteristics of the habitats of geophytes, which are species adapted to specific ecological  conditions, directly affect the populations of these plants. Therefore, knowing the soil characteristics of these species is an important research topic. The study conducted in this direction examined the physical and chemical properties (structure class, soil reaction, electrical conductivity, lime, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc) of the soils of the natural growing areas of some geophytes (Lilium akkusianum, Scilla bifolia L., Allium scorodoprasum subsp. rotundum) that naturally spread in the flora of Tokat province. According to the results of the analyses, it was determined that Lilium akkusianum and Scilla bifolia L. soils were clayey and Allium scorodoprasum L. subsp. rotundum (L.) stearn soil was sandy. The soils are included in the salt-free soil class. Soil reaction varies between 6.15-7.70 and contains medium and low levels of lime. The amount of organic matter in the soils was very high in Lilium akkusianum, high in Scilla bifolia L. and high in Allium scorodoprasum subsp. rotundum plant was found to be low. Phosphorus (P); 2.50-3.80 kg/da, potassium (K); 22.0-57.3 kg/da, calcium (Ca); 1050.00-4670.00 kg/da, magnesium (Mg); 179.00-732.50 mg kg^-1, copper (Cu); 0.73-1.16 mg kg^-1, iron (Fe); 2.58-33.54 mg kg^-1, manganese (Mn); 0.02-15.78 mg kg^-1, zinc (Zn); 0.1-0.6 mg kg^-1 a change has been detected in the values. According to the findings obtained from the study, in cases where these plants are grown in a cultural environment, these analysis results should be taken into account in the preparation of soil mixtures and fertilization programs.