Environmental problems in vertisol soils: the example of the Harran Plain

The SEA (Southeast Anatolian) Project region has an intensive agricultural production, an increasing population and gradually raising food consumption related to population. The basic aim in agriculture is to get crops in high quality and quantity to compensate for the increasing necessities. Therefore, the soil of Harran Plain is used very intensively in agriculture. A huge amount of fertilizers and chemicals is used in agricultural activities, which causes high environmental risks in the area. This study aims at investigating certain physical and chemical properties of the soil in Harran Plain that impact the fate of pollutants in the environment. The soil samples were taken from a profile excavated in the Harran soil series. The soils from 0-27 cm, 27-40 cm, 40-55 cm, 55-70 cm, 70-85 cm and 85-100 cm layers were air-dried, sieved (2 mm) and analyzed for the bulk density, moisture, particle size distribution (soil texture), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter, pH and lime content. All analyses were made in three replicates. Soil samples typically reflect vertisol soil properties. The impact of soil properties of Harran Plain on the pollutant movement, as well as sorption and salinity were discussed in detail. Hence, the results of the study can be helpful for authorities to develop effective management strategies for the Harran Plain.