Korkuteli Plain

Korkuteli Plain is a basin settlement located in southwestern Türkiye, within the boundaries of Antalya province and situated on the Western Taurus Mountains. It is distinguished by its agricultural potential and its hydrographic and climatological characteristics. Located at an average elevation of 1014 meters above sea level, this area lies within a transitional zone between the subtropical climate of the coastal region and the continental conditions of the interior.^【1】

The Korkuteli Plain and its surroundings form part of a mountainous massif with an average elevation of 1535 meters, with slope values ranging from 1% to 53%. The region’s lithological foundation consists largely of limestone, dolomite, and massive carbonate rocks from the Jurassic-Cretaceous periods. In the central parts of the basin, clastic rocks such as shale, marl, and sandstone from the Eocene period, along with phyllite sequences, are widespread. This karstic structure is critically important for dissolved sediment transport and groundwater reservoirs. Numerous karstic springs are found in the northern sections where limestone is abundant. Brown forest soils dominate the central areas of the basin; however, along river floodplains, this cover gives way to alluvial lands used intensively for agricultural activities.

The main water source of the area is the Korkuteli Creek, approximately 25–30 kilometers long, which originates in the Varsak and Başpınar regions and flows southward toward the Korkuteli Dam. This seasonal river is a primary determinant of the basin’s geochemical cycles and denudation processes. The concentration of dissolved sediments transported by the Korkuteli Creek varies according to seasonal precipitation patterns. During winter, when rainfall is low-intensity and prolonged, streamflow is more stable, but dissolved concentrations remain high due to groundwater recharge. In summer, especially during intense thunderstorms in June, sudden rises in water levels lead to increased sediment transport by volume. The Korkuteli Dam, constructed in 1973, plays a strategic role in meeting regional demands for drinking water and agricultural irrigation.^【2】

Korkuteli has a climate formed by the convergence of mountainous Mediterranean and continental influences. With an annual average temperature of 12.7 °C, winters are cold and wet while summers are hot and dry. Analysis of thermal comfort indices reveals that winter months fall into the extremely cold and cold stress categories, whereas daytime conditions during transitional months such as April and October are comfortable. Future projections indicate rising temperatures in the region and predict that by the end of the century, autumn in mountainous areas like Korkuteli will offer more favorable thermal comfort than coastal zones. This enhances the region’s potential as a complementary center for alternative tourism activities.^【3】

The Korkuteli Plain is a major agricultural production center, accounting for approximately 24.4% of Antalya province’s total agricultural land. Crop cultivation including wheat, barley, and chickpea, alongside fruit production, forms the backbone of the local economy. In particular, Korkuteli dominates pear production, contributing 85.9% of Antalya’s total output. Apple production also holds a significant share. To enhance agricultural productivity, intensive use of chemical inputs is common. Of the agricultural pesticides consumed in the region, 83.1% are directly applied in fruit cultivation. Agricultural input dealers serve as vital information sources and dissemination channels for farmers. Of local producers, 88.8% are fruit growers who rely primarily on these dealers for technical knowledge regarding input use and pest management. However, intensive irrigation and high input usage are increasing pressures on the ecosystem, necessitating sustainable basin management.^【4】