The determination of nitrification potentials of the amik plain common soil series

In this study, the nitrification potentials of 5 soil series (Pasakoy, Akkerpic, Aktas, Kangallar, Baglama), common to the Amik Plain in Hatay/Turkey, have been determined. To this end, 2 different incubator trials were carried out, with and without fertilizers. Hence, the nitrification potentials of natural and fertilized soils have been determined. The ammonium results of fertilized trials which comprised the main objective of the study dropped to minimum levels after the 7th measurement day whereas the initial ammonium content of the studied soil (200 mg/kg), on the 11th day (3rd measurement day) was determined to be 3.7, 20.9, 4.1, 2.7 and 7.5 mg/kg, respectively. According to these results, the Kangallar series which rapidly dropped to an ammonium content of 2.7 mg/kg was determined to be that with the highest nitrification capacity. In addition, Akkerpic soil series was that with the lowest nitrification rate but the highest ammonium value (20.9 mg/kg) on the 11th measurement day. According to the study results, the nitrification potentials of the study areas have been determined to be high. Therefore, the regional soils and underground waters face the threat of nitrification, possibly damaging macro and micro living things and plants by nitrate compounds.