CORRELATION STUDY OF SOIL AND PLANT NUTRITIVE ELEMENTS BY PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS

Principal component analysis was used to interpret correlations betwee n soil and plant nutrients following sample analysis. Samples were tak en from 64 different locations in Vas County, and characterized by 19 soil and plant nutritive elements as well as crop results. Eight princ ipal components were calculated from the data matrix (size 20 x 64). T he correlation of variables comprising the first principal component ( an adsorption background variable) was the most characteristic of the sampled area. The mst principal components contain macro- and micro-nu tritive element correlations, while principal components fifth to eigh t reflect individuality. The correlations obtained and conclusions dra wn can be utilized in soil- and plant nutrient supply.