This study attempts to perform a Soil Quality Index (SQI) analysis for desertification and degradation employing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques in the Tekirdag province. This paper, benefitting from the method developed within the scope of the Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use (MEDALUS) project, includes measurements regarding the texture, parent material, rock fragments, soil depth, slope, and drainage of 175 randomly collected soil samples. In the end, it was found that moderate quality soil characteristics prevail in 88.3 of the Tekirdag province. In other words, this area is highly prone to desertification and degradation. In addition, soil quality experiences a considerable reduction in those places close to irrigated farming areas and large urban settlements. Paired-samples t-test results show that the distribution of SQI values is mainly influenced not by altitude, but by other natural conditions. The study results are important for both national and international circles due to the global problem of desertification and degradation, which should be the focus of studies seeking to better soil quality. Thus, there is a need to implement similar analyses, especially in places highly sensitive to environmental changes in Turkey.
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