Structure of Wheat and Corn Farming: A Survey on Amik Plain Farmers

This study was conducted to identify the current problems of cereal crops like wheat and corn producers and to suggest solutions for overcoming those problems in Amik Plain (Antakya, Kirikhan, Kumlu, Reyhanli districts) in Hatay province of Turkey. In this study, the primary data was obtained by face-to-face survey from 100 cereal producers in Amik plain. All variables are given as frequency and percentage distribution, and numerical variables as mean. The survey assessed the level of education of grain producers, the number of individuals in the farm, record keeping, social security, crops (wheat and corn) growing area, yield, sowing and harvest date ranges, property and leasehold land use, cultural practices and grain production. The data were analysed using simple statistical analysis methods (frequency, averages, percentage distribution). The results indicated that about 50% of the cereal producers had higher educational degree. It was determined that producers had an average of 12.3 ha of wheat and 15 ha of corn cultivated area. Moreover, cereal production is well known as one of the cultural practices in the study area. The main problem of grain producers is that the low cereal prices. In addition, the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) does not purchase the production at the time of harvesting. Moreover, high production costs and corn irrigation are considered other problems that cereal producers are facing.

Flood Hydraulic Analyses: A Case Study of Amik Plain, Turkey

In recent years, significant flood events have occurred in various parts of the world. The most important reasons for these events are global warming and consequent imbalances in climate and rainfall regimes. Many studies are performed to prevent the loss of life and property caused by floods. Many methods have been developed to predict future floods and possible affected areas. Developing computer and numerical calculation methods gives opportunities to make simulations of flood hazards. One of the affected areas, which is also one of the world’s first residential districts at Hatay in Turkey, is the Amik Plain. In this study, the floods on the Amik Plain in Hatay province are analyzed. Hatay airport was also affected during floods since 2012 and serious material damage occurred. For this purpose, Google Earth Pro software was used to obtain maps of the basin where the airport is located and the rivers it contains. Afterwards, Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System module (HEC-RAS) was used for the hydraulic and hydrological definitions of the river basin. The results of numerical models are presented as simulated maps.

Amik Ovası Koşullarında Börülce (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Çeşitlerinin Tarımsal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

This study was carried out in Amik plain, Turkey in 2013 and 2014 growing seasons to determine some morphological and agricultural characteristics of four cowpea varieties registered for dry grain in Turkey. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. According to the results, the highest plant height (221.8 cm) and the highest first pod height (43.6 cm) was obtained from the variety Sırma; the highest number of branch per plant (4.0), the highest pod length (14.9 cm), the highest number of pod per plant (19.8), the highest grain number per plant (113.5), the highest hundred grain weight (22.2 g), and the highest grain yield (275.2 kg/da) from the variety Amazon; the highest number of grain per pod (6.2) and the highest harvest index (39%) from the variety Karagöz. Furthermore, it was determined from the correlation analysis that there were both positive and negative correlations between some characteristics. Considering grain yield, the variety Amazon can be recommended to the cowpea growers in Amik plain, Turkey.

Groundwater Level Prediction Using Support Vektor Machines and Autoregressive (AR) Modelss

Water resources managers can benefit from accurate prediction of the availability of groundwater. Ground water is a major source of water in Turkey for irrigation, water supply and industrial uses. The ground water level fluctuations depend on several factors such as rainfall, temperature, pumping etc. In this study, Hatay Amik Plain, Kumlu region was evaluated using Autoregressive (AR) and Support Vektor Machines (SVMs) methods. The monthly groundwater level was used the previous years data belonging to the Kumlu region.