Soil Acidity Regime of the Lankaran-Astara Region and Its Impact on Vegetation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61308/FWJZ2939Keywords:
Lankaran–Astara region, productivity, soil acidity, vegetation cover, optimizationAbstract
The Lankaran-Astara region, located in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan, lies within a humid subtropical climate zone. In this area, soil acidity (pH) directly affects the growth of both agricultural crops and natural vegetation. Research conducted in the region has determined the pH levels of various soil types, their distribution across soil horizons, and their variation with altitude, while also examining the influence of soil pH on vegetation and crop productivity. The results indicate that the soils are predominantly slightly acidic (pH 5.6–6.5) to nearly neutral (pH 6.6–7.3). Strong correlations were observed between pH and key soil nutrients such as humus, phosphorus, and potassium. Soil acidity increases with elevation (pH decreases), and the main species of the Hirkan forests develop optimally within specific pH intervals. Anthropogenic factors, particularly the long-term application of mineral fertilizers, have a lasting impact on the soil acidity regime. These findings provide a scientific basis for sustainable soil management and the improvement of agricultural productivity in the region
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