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Comparative assessment of soil fertility across varying elevations

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Abstract

Land elevation exerts a significant influence on soil fertility through affecting macro and micro climatic conditions and geomorphological processes. To evaluate the soil fertility at different elevation classes, namely 1600–2000, 2000–2400, 2400–2800, and > 2800 m, 350 surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from the agricultural lands of northwestern Iran. Soil properties, including soil texture, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), and soil macronutrients (TN, P, and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu), were measured. Finally, the interpretation and classification of the soil samples were made using the nutritional value index (NIV). The comparison of the NIV index based on elevation changes showed that the Gomez method classifies the soil properties in an optimal order as evidenced by its tendency towards the center of the data. However, the Common method is more consistent with the observed trend. After classifying the NIV index using the Common method, it was determined that CaCO3 and soil salinity are not the limiting factor for soil fertility in different elevation classes. However, in all elevations, high pH, low OM at elevations > 2800 m, total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (AP), and micronutrients deficiencies, except Zn at the elevation of 1600–2000 m, are the main limiting factors for soil fertility of agricultural lands. The results provide further insight into the elevation-based land evaluation and may supports grower’s decision on nutrient management and crop selection strategies.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The data of digital elevation model are available in the earth explorer website (https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/).

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Iranian National Elite Foundation, Urmia University, Agricultural Jihad Organization of West Azarbaijan province, and the soil laboratory of AZAR KHAK.

Funding

This research was funded by the Iranian National Elite Foundation and Urmia University [No. 3123.14001379.2].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

    Kamal Khosravi Aqdam, Farrokh Asadzadeh & Salar Rezapour

  2. Department of Research and Development, Monty’s Plant Food, 4800 Strawberry Lane, Louisville, KY, 40209, USA

    Amin Nouri

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  1. Kamal Khosravi Aqdam
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Contributions

Conceptualization: Kamal Khosravi Aqdam; formal analysis: Kamal Khosravi Aqdam; data curation: Farrokh Asadzadeh and Salar Rezapour; writing—original draft preparation: Kamal Khosravi Aqdam; review and editing: Amin Nouri, Farrokh Asadzadeh, and Salar Rezapour; supervision: Farrokh Asadzadeh, Salar Rezapour, and Amin Nouri; funding acquisition: Farrokh Asadzadeh and Salar Rezapour. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Farrokh Asadzadeh.

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Highlights

• The NIV is a suitable and practical index for evaluating soil fertility.

• At all elevations, TN and pH were the factors limited soil fertility.

• The EC and CaCO3 do not limit soil fertility at any elevation.

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Khosravi Aqdam, K., Asadzadeh, F., Rezapour, S. et al. Comparative assessment of soil fertility across varying elevations. Environ Monit Assess 195, 1007 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11610-1

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