Soil Nutrient Status and Fertility Assessment of Rice Cultivation Areas in Keşan, Türkiye

Soil fertility is a critical factor influencing rice productivity, and understanding nutrient interactions is essential for effective management in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the fertility status and nutrient balance of rice-growing soils in Keşan by analyzing key macro- and micronutrient properties. Fifteen soil samples were collected from major cultivation areas at a depth of 0-30 cm and analyzed for pH, EC, CaCO₃, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca-Mg, and DTPA-extractable micronutrients using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and PCA were performed using SPSS and Python. The soils were found to be slightly alkaline and calcareous, with high Ca-Mg contributing to strong buffering capacity but reducing Mn and Zn solubility. Organic matter levels were low, explaining its strong association with N, P, K, and micronutrients. Macronutrients showed considerable variability, with consistently low nitrogen and pH-sensitive phosphorus availability. Correlation and PCA results revealed two dominant soil-quality axes: one driven by organic matter and macronutrient enrichment, and another related to alkalinity and carbonate effects on micronutrients. Overall, the findings indicate that although the soils provide a stable chemical environment, nutrient limitations-particularly low OM, N deficiency, and reduced Mn-Zn availability necessitate improved fertilization practices and targeted soil management to sustain rice productivity in Keşan.