Effects of Different Land Use on Soil C and N Dynamics and Soil Chemical Characteristics

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different land use types (quince, almond, wheat, persimmon, cherry, and sour cherry) on soil chemical properties and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics in semi-arid calcareous soils. Soil parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), CaCO₃, and macro- and micronutrients (N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn) were analyzed. Multivariate approaches such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and correlation analysis were employed to identify patterns across land uses. Results indicated that soil pH remained alkaline (7.59–7.86) and relatively stable among land uses, while EC values suggested a low salinity risk. Soil organic matter was higher in wheat fields (3.13%) compared to orchards (2.14–2.35%), whereas orchard systems supported greater microbial activity, with cherry showing the highest biomass N (39.78 mg kg⁻¹). Wheat soils contained higher levels of available P (35.20 mg kg⁻¹), Fe (7.08 mg kg⁻¹), and Zn (2.48 mg kg⁻¹) than orchards, where micronutrient availability was comparatively lower. PCA and HCA distinguished orchard and annual cropping systems, highlighting contrasting soil fertility profiles shaped by land use. These findings emphasize the role of perennial systems in sustaining microbial activity and the vulnerability of annual systems to organic matter depletion. The study contributes to sustainable soil management by demonstrating how land use influences nutrient dynamics and guides integrated management strategies in calcareous, semi-arid regions.