Using Geostatistics and Geographic Information System Techniques to Characterize Spatial Variability of Soil Properties, Including Micronutrients

Abstract

Soil properties including micronutrients and their balanced use can significantly affect plant growth and crop production. Hence, the objective of this research was to evaluate the spatial variation of different soil properties including micronutrients in the Dasht-e-Tabriz in the northwest of Iran. Ninety-eight soil sampling sites were selected to collect soil samples from the soil surface layer at a 1000-m distance according to the grid sampling method and analyzed. Soil physical and chemical properties, including the micronutrient concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn), were measured. Spatial variabilities of soil properties were determined using the statistical software packages Grow and SPSS. The spatial variabilities of micronutrients in the region were a function of sequenced soil sedimentation, high level of underground water, and the differences in the pedogenesis and hydrological processes. Using such analyses, it is possible to plan appropriate soil management practices, including fertilization.