Soil losses due to leek and groundnuts root crop harvesting: A non-studied regional problem in Turkey

Abstract

Soil loss from root crops is an increasingly significant problem studied for some species, such as potatoes, sugar beets, carrots, celery, and onions. It reduces soil fertility and, subsequently, soil productivity. For leek (Allium porrum) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), however, there is little information to date. More research on this topic could help farmers reduce the process of soil degradation. In some countries, such as Turkey, the production of these crops is perennial to supporting rural communities and ensuring food security. Therefore, it is important to quantify soil losses from leek and groundnut crops in Turkey. This study investigated the factors affecting soil losses and the cost of nutrients lost with the transported soil by analyzing randomly selected plants from 45 harvested leek and groundnut plots. Our results showed that soil losses reached 3.99 Mg ha 1 per harvest for leek and 1.04 Mg ha 1 for groundnut. Prevailing soil moisture explained 59% of the variability in the leek harvest and soil texture and bulk density for leek yield at harvest. In the groundnut harvest, 53% of the variability was explained by antecedent soil moisture and clay fraction for the groundnut yield at the time of harvest. The estimated annual cost of nutrients losses was $US 3.75 ha 1 for leek and $US 0.76 ha 1 for groundnut. It can be concluded that leek and groundnut harvesting causes soil and nutrient losses with considerable economic costs. Therefore, awareness should be raised among farmers and users. In addition, policymakers should consider the management of soil loss by crop harvesting (SLCH) processes.