GENERAL SOIL PROPERTIES AND CONDITIONS FOR USING FERTILIZERS AND SOIL PRODUCTS IN THE ´TOMBUL´ HAZELNUT OCHARDS OF GIRESUN

This research was carried out at a ‘Tombul’ hazelnut orchard in Giresun from 2000 to 2003. The soil properties of 2,600 hazelnut orchards and leaf sample properties of 775 orchards were studied over a period of four years. Some of the physical and chemical properties of these soils were determined, 58% of the soils were clay loams and 95% of them were very strongly acidic. In order to increase the productivity of these orchards, it was first necessary to determine their lime requirements. Salinity was not found in any of these soils according to climate conditions in the region. It was shown that approximately half of these soils needed organic matter and these applications were useful. On the other hand, research orchards were found with a lack of nutrient elements. The increase in hazelnut yield was determined according to correct fertilizing methods.