Evaluation of Some Properties of Artvin/Yusufeli/Erenköy Soils and Farm Fertiliziers Used in the Region by Laboratory and Greenhouse Experiments

Sustainable crop production depends on proper soil management and nutrient supplementation. This study assessed the physical and chemical properties of soils in Erenköy village, Yusufeli district, Artvin province, characterized commonly used animal manures, and evaluated their effects on plant growth under controlled greenhouse conditions. Soil samples from 26 locations were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, lime content, macro- and micronutrients. Eight manure samples including fermented and unfermented cattle and goat manures were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, moisture, and nutrient composition. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with rye (Secale cereale L., Aslım-95) using a completely randomized design. Fermented cattle and goat manures were applied at 5% (w/w) to 200 g soil pots in triplicate, and plant growth, dry weight, and total nitrogen content were recorded after 21 days. Soils were slightly to moderately alkaline (average pH 8.11), very slightly saline (EC 0.38 dS m⁻¹), moderately calcareous, and exhibited very high organic matter. Mg, K, total nitrogen, and inorganic N (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻) were high, Ca and P sufficient, and Na within normal range. Micronutrients Mn, Fe, and Cu were adequate, while Zn was elevated. Soil textures were mainly sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Manures were moderately alkaline, slightly to moderately saline, high in organic matter (40–84%), low in moisture (~4.5%), rich in K, Ca, and Mg, deficient in P, and elevated in Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Application of fermented manures significantly increased plant nitrogen content and dry weight compared to control (p