Preparation of Digital Soil Database and Spatial Distribution Map in Sustainable Lemon Cultivation: A Sample Study in Mersin-Erdemli District, Türkiye

Soil is one of the most important factors that directly affects the growth and development of plants and determines productivity in agricultural production. The aim of this study, conducted on an area of 1700.44 ha within the boundaries of Mersin-Erdemli district, is to determine distribution of different soil series and to evaluate their suitability for lemon cultivation and to provide necessary improvement recommendations to enhance soil fertility. 68.1%of the study area consists of lemon, 5.5% pasture, 4.9% forest and the remaining 21.5% non-agricultural land. After field observations and examination of topographic, geological and land use situations, 8 soil profile pits were opened and 7 of them were determined to be different. Soils were defined and classified according to the analysis results of soil samples taken from each profile on the basis of genetic horizon and soil taxonomy. The soils were placed in 3 ordos, 4 subordos, 4 major groups and 7 subgroups. 3 of them were classified as Entisol, 3 as Inceptisol and 1 as Mollisol due to their young soil characteristics. Within the research ar ea; the Zeytinlik series (7.33%) has the smallest area, while the Kargicak series (27.92%) has the largest spread area. Alata series soils present challenges for lemon cultivation due to high groundwater levels and inadequate drainage. Therefore, improving drainage systems and controlling the groundwater level in these soils is essential. The Kargıcak series, on the other hand, provides ideal conditions for lemon plant in terms of pH and organic matter content; however, attention should be given to soil depth when establishing orchards in this series. The Menderes, Ahpaçbahşiş, Zeytinlik, Barbaros, and Eskiköy series soils can become more suitable and productive for lemon cultivation by addressing negative factors such as pH, organic matter content, and stoniness.