GENERAL STRUCTURE OF TURKEY'S SOILS AND WHY WE SHOULD USE ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS, DIFFERENCES OF ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZERS FROM OTHER SOIL FERTILIZERS
1-WHAT IS THE GENERAL STATUS OF THE FIELDS THAT CAN BE PLANTED IN OUR COUNTRY, WATER, NUMBER OF FARMERS, FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION?
Agricultural lands in Turkey, which were 26,579,000 hectares in 2002, are now 23,094,000 hectares with a decrease of 12.3%. One of the reasons for the recent increases in vegetable prices is that the vegetable gardens area, which was 930,000 hectares in 2002, decreased by 15% to 798,000 hectares.
While the arable land in Turkey was 17,917,000 hectares in 2001, today it is 15,387,000 hectares with a decrease of 12%.
In the last 12 years in Turkey, the number of farmers decreased by 48% from 1,127,000 to 600,000, and the decline accelerated after 2011.
While 7.458,000 people were employed in the agricultural sector in 2002, it decreased to 4,157,000 people with a decrease of 44%.
While the share of rural population in Turkey was 35.10%, it has decreased to 7.20% today.
In Turkey, 75% of the water is used in agriculture and 75% of the water used in agriculture is still used in the release/Wild method, 75% of the water in agriculture is mismanaged.
The amount of water per capita decreased from 8,000 m3 to 1,360 m3 over the years, approaching the poverty line of 1,000 m3.
2-WHAT IS THE SOIL, WHY IT OCCUR, WHAT IS THE GENERAL STATUS OF TURKEY'S SOILS, WHAT SHOULD THE SOIL HAVE TO BE PH AND ORGANIC MATERIALS?
Soil is not just an inorganic mass, it is a natural environment that contains air, water, organic matter and various living things (various macro and micro organisms). The number of microorganisms in the soil can reach up to one billion in a gram of soil, and in this respect, scientists define soils as living beings. In other words, the number of living things in a teaspoon of soil is 1.5 times the number of people on earth.
A 1 centimeter-thick soil layer suitable for agriculture is formed on average between 100 and 1000 years. Of course, it is not possible to cultivate in a soil layer 1 centimeter thick. According to the researches, it will take at least 20-25 thousand years for a soil layer of 40-50 centimeters to form.
Soils consist of four main components:
- Minerals of different sizes
- Organic matter consisting of dead plant and animal residues
- water filling open pores
- Air filling open pores
The use and functions of the soil depend on the amount of these components. For example, a soil suitable for agriculture should contain 45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 25% air and 25% water. All soils consist of 3 basic phases, the ratios of which vary within a certain range. The ratios of these phases to each other greatly affect the general characteristics and usability of the soils.
SOME MACRO VALUES OF Türkiye'S SOILS
- 47.9% of Turkey's soils are loamy and 44.3% are clay loam soils.
-Lime, approximately 27% of Turkey's soils are slightly calcareous and the remaining part is 19% chalky, 24% moderately calcareous, 16% more calcareous and 14% very calcareous.
Lime content of our country's soils is generally high, except for the northern part (Black Sea, Thrace, Marmara) which has been under the effect of washing.
- organic matter ; 2-3 percent of the organic matter in the soil is 0 medium, 3-4 is good,
Turkey The ratio of soils with less than 1% organic matter compared to general is 21%,
In 43% of our soil, the amount of organic matter is between 1-2%,
In approximately 23% of our soil, the amount of organic matter is between 2-3%,
The ratio of soils containing 3-4% organic matter to general is 8%,
The ratio of our soils containing more than 4% organic matter is 5%.
Common farming practices reduce soil organic matter. Intensive tillage, erosion, monoculture agriculture, chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduce TOM.
While the rate of soils containing insufficient (very little, little and medium) TOM in Turkish soils was 92% in 1990, this rate increased to 99% in the analyzes made in 2011-2014. Soils with good and high TOM decreased from 7.2% to 1%.
- Phosphorus ; Most of Türkiye's soils are poor in phosphorus.
29% of Türkiye's land is very poor,
-Potassium ; 92% of our country's soil is sufficient and rich in terms of potassium. Only 3% of the country's land needs absolute potassium fertilization.
-PH ; The PH of the soil is what people's blood pressure and importance is,
The pH of the soil is measured on a 1-14 scale, 7 is the neutral mark, Most plants prefer a relatively neutral PH between 6.2 and 7.5, any value below 7 Acidic and Sour soil, above 7 Alkaline and sweet is soil.
Soil PH is above 7 in most of the lands of the region except Thrace, Marmara, Black Sea and Aegean lands,
The PH of 60% of Türkiye's soil is between 7.5-8.5
The PH of 30% is between 6.5-7.5, the PH of the remaining soils is 9.5.
3-WHAT IS ORGANIC MATERIALS AND WHAT IS IT'S DUTIES IN THE SOIL?
What is the Importance of Organic Matter in Soil Fertility
Since organic matter is a source of nutrients and energy for micro-organisms in the soil, its presence increases the microorganization activity and increases the availability and uptake of plant nutrition elements.
The soils of Turkey (except the Black Sea region) are generally poor in terms of organic matter content, and 70% of our country's soils have low and very low organic matter content. In terms of soil quality and production, it is desirable that the organic matter content in the soils be more than 3% (at a good level).
The most important element of soil quality is soil organic matter and the number of microorganisms in the soil. Scientists emphasize that the number of living things in the soil is an important criterion in terms of soil fertility and quality. They are of the opinion that the higher the number of living things in the soil, the more fertile the soil. Microorganisms in soils need nutrition and energy to survive. The main food and energy source of microorganisms in the soil is organic matter. In terms of production, the land can be compared to a factory.
If the workers working in a factory go on strike or lighten the work due to insufficient wages, it cannot be expected that that factory will operate at full capacity and produce. Similarly, the land is a factory, and the creatures that live there are our production workers. Living things in the soil must be fed at a sufficient level in order to work at full capacity. The higher the organic matter content of a soil, the higher its agricultural production capacity.
In an environment where the food source is low, the number of living things decreases and only those who can adapt to difficult conditions and those who are strong can stay in the environment. If the organic matter in the soil is insufficient, the number of living things in the soil will decrease and therefore the production capacity of the soil will decrease. The purpose of artificial fertilizers applied to the soil at various times is to feed only the plants in the short term and does not have any significant benefit for soil creatures . Continuous production with artificial fertilizers is not possible in terms of sustainable agriculture. After a certain point, the tiredness seen in people starts to be seen in the soils and the yield decreases over time.
*Organic matter improves the physical properties of soils and provides a suitable environment for plants.
*Organic fertilizers bind individual soil particles in soils and provide a good soil structure. Good soil structure also reduces soil erosion.
* In clay soils, it reduces soil compaction and reduces the loose structure of the soils and the formation of cream layer.
*Good soil structure ensures the retention of water and plant nutrients in the soil.
* On the other hand, in clayey (sticky and muddy) soils, the soil structure improves and the soils reach the pan (appropriate moisture amount for the cultivation of the soil) and ease of cultivation is provided.
* In soils with good organic matter content, plant growth is better since aeration in the root zone of the plant (oxygen entry from the atmosphere to the soil, carbon dioxide output from the soil) is good. With the decomposition of organic materials, the soils take on a dark color. Dark-colored soils retain more sunlight than light-colored soils and the soil temperature increases. With the increase in soil temperature, plant root development and chemical reactions in soils increase.
*Organic substances are the main source of many plant nutrients. Although the plant nutrient content of different organic substances varies, if no artificial fertilizers are added, soil organic matter provides 90-99% of the total soil nitrogen, 33-37% of the soil phosphorus and 70-80% of the sulfur in the soil.
* Along with these, soil organic matter also includes other different plant nutrients such as potassium, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum. The plant nutrients contained in organic substances gradually become available to plants during the decomposition of organic substances, and plants can take these nutrients continuously for up to 3-5 years.
* Soils with good organic matter content prevent the contamination of ground water by washing the artificial fertilizers from the soil quickly and enable the plants to benefit more from the applied fertilizers.
*Organic compounds released during the decomposition of organic materials in the soil make plant nutrients that cannot be taken up by plants in the soil available . At the same time, organic compounds cling to the clay surfaces that hold the plant nutrients in the soil, reducing the adhesion of the nutrients by the clays and preventing them from turning into a position that cannot be taken by the plants,
*Organic substances increase the buffering capacity of soils. With its buffering feature, the addition of lime, fertilizers, toxic compounds and other substances prevents sudden changes in the soil (such as increase or decrease in blood pressure in humans).
How to Protect and Increase Organic Matter Content of Soils;
In order to ensure the continuity of soil organic matter, plants that increase organic matter (green fertilizers) should be included in the planting. Green fertilization, that is, mixing the plants with the soil during the flowering period, should be done every 3-5 years.
The alternation of grains, vegetables and fodder crops preserves and increases the organic matter content of soils. As much as possible, more stubble residues should be left in the soil and should not be burned.
For example, 82-84% of the change in corn yield is explained by the soil organic matter content. DECREASING THE AMOUNT OF ORGANIC MATERIALS IN THE SOIL FROM 1.4% TO 0.9% CAUSES 50% EFFICIENCY LOSS IN GRAIN PRODUCTION.
THE AMOUNT OF FERTILIZER TO BE USED DECREASES AS THE AMOUNT OF ORGANIC MATERIALS DECREASES, BUT THE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION RECEIVED PER UNIT FERTILIZER DECREASES AGAINST INCREASING FERTILIZER USE.
ONLY THE USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZER WITHOUT ADDITIONAL ORGANIC MATERIALS CAUSES FASTER MINERALIZATION OF VALUABLE ORGANIC MATERIAL IN THE SOIL.
For the continuity of agricultural production, animal manures and other organic materials must be given to the fields and gardens. Soil organic matter can be increased by mixing straw and straw wastes, various plant and animal wastes and organic fertilizers with the soil.
Conclusion: In order to obtain high yields by preserving the quality and vitality of the soil, the organic matter content of the soil should be increased or at least the current situation should be maintained.
4-WHAT IS LEONARDIT AND HOW IT FORM
LEONARDITE: Fossil material that has not yet charred, which has been under pressure for millions of years as a result of the fact that very large amounts of organic matter (3-5 billion tons), mostly of vegetable origin and some of animal origin, were dragged into a pit and covered by soil and other masses that came with erosion. .
In other words, LEONARDITE can also be called young coal. But it should be remembered that coal is not LEONARDITE. It is estimated that Turkey's loenardite reserve is 5 million tons, while 7-8 million tons of humic acid can be produced from low quality lignite deposits.
CHEMICAL BENEFITS OF LEONARDITE
• Leonardite ( Humic and Fulvic Acids ) neutralizes acidic and basic soils. It regulates the pH of the soil by removing excess salinity and excessive calcareousness. In basic soils, high pH reduces its activity and amount. It forms insoluble compounds by reacting with basic agents (heavy metals) in the soil. In acidic soils, it retains and absorbs soluble toxic aluminum compounds. It increases the buffering property of the soil against salinization. Reacts with salt solutions to protect plant roots.
• It retains (stores) water-soluble inorganic fertilizers in the root zone and releases them as the plant needs them. It prevents the nutrients (and fertilizer) around the root from being washed away. It provides a constantly fertile soil structure as it absorbs all the excess fertilizer and gives it to the soil gradually. It prevents the damage caused by over fertilizing on the roots of the plant.
• It maximizes the ion exchange capacity of the soil. It ionizes and releases nutrients that are held by very small soil particles (colloids) or cannot be taken up by the plant. It allows them to be taken by the plant.
• Humic acid It has a chemically active character and has the ability to form soluble or insoluble complexes with various metals, minerals and organics in the soil. With this feature, it keeps macro and micro nutrients available for plants. It allows the plant to take the nutrients easily and continuously. It increases the nitrogen rate in the soil. It helps to eliminate iron deficiency (Chlorosis - yellowing of leaves) in plants.
• In alkaline environments, it forms organic metal complexes with the ions of metal oxides in the soil. Organic metal complexes formed as a result of this reaction called chelation process are very active and are easily assimilated by plant roots.
• It releases the carbon dioxide in the lime in the soil. This opens up the possibility of using free carbon dioxide in photosynthesis. In addition, carbon dioxide turns into carbonic acid in the soil and dissolves some minerals that are attached to the soil but cannot be taken up by the plant, allowing them to be taken up by the plant.
• It maximizes the plant's uptake of necessary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc and trace elements in the soil.. Elements with high solubility such as potassium and nitrogen are washed away before being absorbed by the plant. In the case of using leonardite, the permeability of plant cell membranes increases and these elements can be taken up by the plant before they are washed away. On the other hand, on the contrary, phosphorus in the soil combines with K, Mg, Al and Fe ions and becomes inert and insoluble and cannot be taken up by the plant. In the case of using Leonardite, these inert components become soluble again and phosphorus can be taken up by the plant. In the case of using fertilizers (especially mineral fertilizers), these properties of leonardite are important in terms of increasing the fertilizer yield.
• Rich in minerals (including trace minerals) and organic substances necessary for plant growth. In addition, it contains a large amount of energy that the plant can use in development due to its natural carbon content (up to 5000 calories in 1 gram
) . It enables the lead, mercury, cadmium and other harmful and radioactive elements, industrial wastes, poisons and environmentally harmful chemicals (including those from pesticides) in the soil from soluble to insoluble. Thus, it prevents them from being absorbed by the plant. As they become insoluble like gravel over time and settle to the bottom, the soil is cleaned.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF LEONARDITE
• It corrects the structure of the soil. It combines with clay minerals and makes the soil more granular. Thus, the air and water permeability of the soil increases. The looseness and workability of the soil is increased, clumping is prevented. It transforms unproductive clay soils into fertile soil by breaking them down. It prevents the soil from compacting over time, keeping it more airy and fluffy.
• Increases the aeration feature of the soil. It provides better aeration of the roots. It rejuvenates tired soils.
• Increases the water holding capacity of the soil (It has the ability to hold water 20 times its own weight). Balances and regulates the amount of water in the soil. Thus, the plant's resistance to drought increases and provides better yield even in drought conditions. It prepares the ground for more efficient irrigation with less water.
• Prepares suitable seed bed conditions.
• Increases the ability of colloids (very small soil particles) in the soil to hold each other. It reduces soil erosion.
• By darkening the color of the soil, it allows more solar energy to be absorbed.
BIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF LEONARDITE
• Accelerates cell division. Therefore, the growth and development of the plant is accelerated. It enables the seedlings to grow faster and stronger.
• Accelerates root formation and development. It strengthens the roots. It has a stimulating effect on the growth and development of roots, especially longitudinally. It provides significant increases in the length, cross-section and specific gravity of plant roots. As a result, the plant can absorb more nutrients and become more resistant to diseases. In addition, with these strong and more widespread roots, the stability of the plant increases, its ability to find and absorb water in the soil increases.
• Accelerates germination in seed. It increases the survivability of the plant.
• Increases the permeability of plant cell membranes. Therefore, it enables the plant to take and use more nutrients from the soil.
• It increases the amount of vitamins in the plant.
• In the plant; promotes the formation of chlorophyll, vitamin C, sugar, amino acids and other important components. It increases photosynthesis.
• It provides an increase in cell energy in the plant.
• It prevents the accumulation of nitrogen components by regulating plant metabolism.
• It has a stimulating effect on the development and reproduction of beneficial soil micro-organisms. It increases their amount and activity in the soil.
• Stimulates plant enzymes. It increases the enzyme production of the plant.
• It acts as an organic catalyst.
• Increases the plant's resistance to cold, heat and physical effects. It increases its resistance against insects and diseases. Biological active components such as antibiotics and phenolic acids in its composition have an important effect on increasing the resistance of the plant against diseases.
• It increases the cell wall thickness in fruits (product). Thus, the storage time and shelf life of the product are extended.
• The product obtained (such as fruit, vegetable, flower, try, root) will be of higher quality. It makes them more attractive in appearance and higher in nutritional value. In cereals and cereals; the greater the protein content and the greater the balance in amino acid content. All these increase the value of the product in the market.
5-WHAT IS ORGANOMINERAL FERTILIZER, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE FROM OTHER INORGANIC BASE FERTILIZERS, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO SOIL AND PLANT?
Organomineral Fertilizer It is obtained by blending nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium sources in fertilizers such as Urea, As, DAP, MAP, MOP, which are chemical fertilizers, and organic substances (such as leonardite, compost) containing humic, fulvic and thousands of mineral living things, and is the only solution of agriculture for soil improvement . They are fertilizers. These fertilizers use leonardite, compost and other organic materials containing humic fulvic at 250 to 350 kg per ton.
Other currently, all kinds of base Composite fertilizers (20.20.0, 15.15.15 and their zinc and others) produced or imported in our country are also taken from nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium sources such as organomineral fertilizers from Urea, As, DAP, MAP, MOP, but about 1 tonne . It consists of filling materials such as sand and clay, which are absolutely insoluble in water and do not benefit the soil, between 250 and 350 kg.
Chemical fertilizers alone feed the plant, but leave nothing to the soil and destroy the chemical structure of the soil . Organomineral fertilizers, on the other hand, contain the plant nutrients found in chemical fertilizers, humic, fulvic acid and organic matter containing thousands of living things together, so that the nutrient contents can be presented in a more standardized manner.
In organomineral fertilizers, plant nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Po_tassium (K), Sulfur (S), Zinc (Zn) and humic-fulvic acid and compost-derived organic matter are found together and are used as base fertilizer. Organomineral fertilizers, produced as "organic matter + mineral fertilizer" by utilizing the positive effects of organic materials on soil fertility, on the one hand reduce the loss of nutrients by washing and on the other hand increase the efficiency of the minerals used by improving the fertility elements of the soil.
While the world population is expected to be 9.7 billion in 2050, agricultural production must be increased by 70 percent in order to meet the food needs. The quality of existing lands is deteriorating. One of the main indicators of this deterioration is the decrease in the organic matter content, which is the most important element of the soil . Economic and sustainable practices that evaluate the organic wastes that can be used to improve the quality of the soil are of great importance. “Organic and organomineral fertilizer is the strongest key we have ”