Pedochemical Drivers of Boron Distribution in Saline and Alkaline Agricultural Soil Profiles

Abstract

This study seeks to examine the vertical distribution of boron (B) concentration throughout the soil profile and its correlation with descriptive pedochemical properties in soil samples from the eastern Iğdır Plain. Soil samples were collected from 17 distinct locations at five depth intervals (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) and examined for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), organic matter (OM), and soil textural fractions (sand, clay, silt). The findings indicated that B concentration was elevated, particularly in the surface layers, and diminished markedly with greater depth. The maximum B concentration of 75.6 mg/kg was recorded at the surface, whereas the minimum value of 2.0 mg/kg was detected in the deeper layers. This suggests that B accumulation is confined to the surface layer due to specific surface soil properties, limited rainfall, and persistent evaporation. Correlation analyses revealed significant negative correlations between B and sand (r= -0.57**), as well as positive correlations with clay (r= 0.42**) and CCE (r= 0.76**). Organic matter content was higher in the surface layers and decreased with depth, which contributed to B retention. The pH remained alkaline across the profile, restricting B solubility and adsorption. Boron mobility within the soil profile is closely associated with both physical (texture) and chemical properties (pH, CCE, EC, and OM). Consequently, both the surface and the entire soil profile must be considered in B management strategies. This research offers valuable data to inform region-specific fertilization practices, sustainable soil management, and land reclamation strategies.

Keywords

• Boron
• Pedochemical properties
• Micronutrient management

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Doğu Iğdır Ovası'ndan alınan toprak örneklerinde bor (B) konsantrasyonunun toprak profili boyunca dikey dağılımını ve tanımlayıcı pedokimyasal özelliklerle korelasyonunu incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Toprak örnekleri 17 farklı noktadan beş derinlik aralığında (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, 40-60 cm, 60-80 cm ve 80-100 cm) toplanmış ve pH, elektriksel iletkenlik (EC), kalsiyum karbonat eşdeğeri (CCE), organik madde (OM) ve toprak tekstürel fraksiyonları (kum, kil, silt) açısından incelenmiştir. Bulgular, B konsantrasyonunun özellikle yüzey katmanlarında yüksek olduğunu ve derinlik arttıkça belirgin şekilde azaldığını göstermiştir. Maksimum B konsantrasyonu 75,6 mg/kg olarak yüzeyde kaydedilirken, minimum değer 2,0 mg/kg olarak daha derin katmanlarda tespit edilmiştir. Bu durum, bor birikiminin belirli yüzey toprağı özellikleri, sınırlı yağış ve sürekli buharlaşma nedeniyle yüzey katmanıyla sınırlı olduğunu göstermektedir. Korelasyon analizleri, B ile derinlik (r = 0,57*) ve kum (r = -0,57**) arasında önemli negatif korelasyonların yanı sıra kil (r = 0,42**) ve CCE (r = 0,76**) ile pozitif korelasyonlar olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Organik madde içeriği yüzey katmanlarında daha yüksekti ve derinlikle birlikte azaldı, bu da B tutulmasına katkıda bulundu. Profil boyunca pH alkalin kalmış, bu da B çözünürlüğünü ve adsorpsiyonunu kısıtlamıştır. Toprak profilindeki bor hareketliliği hem fiziksel (tekstür) hem de kimyasal özelliklerle (pH, CCE, EC, OM) yakından ilişkilidir. Sonuç olarak, B yönetim stratejilerinde hem yüzey hem de tüm toprak profili dikkate alınmalıdır. Bu araştırma, bölgeye özgü gübreleme uygulamaları, sürdürülebilir toprak yönetimi ve arazi ıslah stratejileri hakkında bilgi vermek için değerli veriler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

• Bor
• pedokimyasal özellikler
• mikro besin yönetimi

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