Journal of Agricultural Science and Sustainable Production
Year:2016 | Volume:25 | Issue:4|Papers Count:14

In order to investigate the effect of sowing ratio on some canopy ecological characteristics and essential oil production of fenugreek and black cumin under different fertilizer sources, a factorial experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications at Shahrekord University research farm in 2013. Sole cropping of fenugreek (F), sole cropping of black cumin (B) and three intercropping ratios (F:B, 2:1 (two rows of fenugreek + one of black cumin), 1:1(one row of fenugreek + one row of black cumin), and 1:2 (one row of fenugreek + two rows of black cumin) were evaluated as the first factor and three sources of fertilizer consist of chemical fertilizer, organic manure and integrated fertilizer (1:1) as the second factor. Results indicated that the highest amount of chlorophyll a for fenugreek and black cumin was observed in B:F (1:2) treated with integrated fertilizer and B:F (2:1) treated with chemical fertilizer, respectively. The highest chlorophyll b of both plants was achieved in B:F (1:1) treated with chemical fertilizer source. The maximum soil temperature (28.9 °C) and soil moisture (22%) were associated with sole cropping of black cumin and sole cropping of fenugreek treated with organic manure source, respectively. The greatest light interception (80.19 %) and oil essential yeild (26.64 kg.ha-1) were achieved in B: F (1:2) treated with integrated fertilizer. In general it can be concluded that use of intercropping under integrated fertilizer conditions by improving of photosynthetic conditions cause to increase the yeild of essential oil.

In order to evaluate the effect of application of biological and chemical fertilizers on purslane and dragon’s head intercropping, a factorial experiment conducted on the basis of completely randomized block design with three replicates at Agricultural Research Station of Hamedan in the spring of 2014. The first factor had five levels including: pure culture of purslane, pure culture of dragon’s head, intercropping of 25% dragon’s head + 100% purslane, intercropping of 50% dragon’s head + 100% purslane, intercropping of 75% dragon’s head + 100% purslane; and the second factor had four levels including: no fertilizer treatment, application of nitrogenous chemical fertilizer (urea), application of bio-fertilizer (nitroxin) and the mixture of 50% nitrogenous chemical fertilizer + bio-fertilizer (nitroxin). Evaluation of total canopy showed that the most of intercropping systems had more leaf area index and dry matter compared to pure cropping. The maximum amount of total leaf area index was observed in additive intercropping of 50% dragon’s head + 100% purslane and the mixture of 50% nitrogenous chemical fertilizer + bio-fertilizer (nitroxin). Intercropping systems did not have any significant effect on essential oil of dragon’s head; however application of fertilizers significantly affected this trait. Thus, in a purslane-dragon’s head intercropping, the practice of 50% dragon’s head + 100% purslane and also the usage of a mixture of nitrogenous chemical and biological fertilizers can improve the growth indexes of these plants.

In order to identify legume forage for planting during fallow in rainfed areas, a two year field experiments was carried out based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Tikmadash Agricultural Research Station, East Azarbaijan Agriculture and Natural Research Center, Iran, during 2011-2012. Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.), field pea (Pisum arvense L.), Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica L.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) were evaluated for quantitative and qualitative traits. Results of analysis of variance showed that fresh and dry forage yield were significantly different between forage legumes. During two years, hairy vetch had the highest forage fresh and dry yield (4686 and 1589 kg.ha-1) and the lowest was belonged to field pea (2319 and 862 kg.ha-1). In response to increasing rainfall, hairy vetch fresh and dry yield was increased (65 and 46% respectively) more than other forage legumes yield. The study of forage quality characteristics indicated that grass pea (19.34%) and hair vetch legumes (16.20%) had the most forage crude protein (CP) content. Grass pea had the maximum dry matter digestible (70.99%) and total ash (11.57%) among forage legumes. The maximum protein yield as fresh and dry forage was estimated for hairy vetch (460.9 and 161.9 kg.ha-1, respectively) and grass pea (430.4 and 166.1 kg.ha-1, respectively) legumes. High crude protein content in grass pea (19.34%) caused to have protein yield as fresh and dry forage same as hairy vetch. Considering the quality and amount of forage, grass pea and hairy vetch are suggested for planting during fallow in rotation with cereals in Azarbaijan rainfed regions.

In order to study the effect of planting date, planting pattern and plant density on yield and yield components of Zea mays cv. Maxima an experiment was conducted as split-plot factorial design on the base of complete randomized block with three replications at the research farm of University of Zanjan in 2009. Treatments consisting of different levels of planting date (15 May and 30 May) in main plots and different levels of plant density (75000, 82.500 and 90000 plant.ha-1) and planting patterns (one row and zigzag double row on the ridge) in the form of factorial in subplots. Using second planting date (30 May), zigzag double row planting pattern and the density of 75000 plant.ha-1 resulted in high grain yield (15.030 kg.ha-1), ear number per plant (1.43), thousand grain weight (265 g) and length of ear (22.3 cm). Therefore, this treatment could be recommended for Zanjan area. A significant phenotypic correlation indicated a strong positive relationship between grain yield and number of grains per ear.

In order to study the weeds biomass and some characteristics of safflower in presence of cover crops under fertilizer systems, an experiment was done as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Urmia University farm in 2013. Treatments included cultivation of cover crops (Red clover, Grass pea, Vetch, Bitter vetch) along the safflower rows and two control treatments (safflower planting with and without weeding) as a first factor and application of organic manure (cattle manure) and the different chemical fertilizer systems (high input, medium input and low input systems) as second factor. Results showed that the number of seeds per head affected by fertilizer systems, so it increased with use of nitrogen fertilizer. Also the minimum of 1000-seed weight of safflower was obtained at low input fertilizer system. The maximum grain yield (3431 kg.ha-1) and oil yield (1030 kg.ha-1) were obtained in the treatment without plant cover crops and high levels fertilizer consumption, respectively. Also, weed biomass was affected by cover crops and fertilizer systems. So, Vetch cover crop in low input fertilizer system, cause to reduction the dry matter of Field bindweed, Common cocklebur and Johnson grass as 74.36, 83.1, 82.22% in comparison with sole culture of safflower in high input fertilizer system. Generally, cultivation of Vetch and Bitter vetch as cover crop along the safflower rows had the most impact in suppressing weeds and reducing their biomass.

Efficient use and management of organic matter are important aspects of sustainable agricultural. Organic matter is relatively low in majority of soils in Iran, and continuous use of chemical fertilizer would create environmental hazards. Therefore, the combined use of chemical fertilizer and organic matter is an effective strategy. In order to study the effect of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer residual on yield, yield component and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment based on randomized complete block design (with 11 treatment and 4 replications) was conducted in Kermanshah Agricultural Research center during 2014. Treatments included: 1- application of 50% of NPK fertilizers, 2- 50% NPK+ 3 ton of vermicompost, 3- 50% NPK+ 5 ton of vermicompost, 4- 50% NPK+ 7 ton of vermicompost, 5- 100% NPK, 6- 3 ton vermicompost, 7- 5 ton vermicompost, 8- 7 ton vermicompost, 9- 3 ton vermicompost+ (100% NPK- equivalent amount of nutrients in 3 ton vermicompost), 10- 5 ton vermicompost+ (100% NPKequivalent amount of nutrients in 5 ton vermicompost), 11- 7 ton vermicompost+ (100% NPK- equivalent amount of nutrients in 7 ton vermicompost). Results showed the highest and lowest seed number per spike were observed after the application of 11, 4 and 1, 6 treatments, respectively. The greatest 1000-seed weight was achieved by application of 11 treatment that increased 15.88 and 6.31 percent in comparison with 50% and 100% of NPK treatments, respectively. Also, the greatest biological and grain yield were observed in 11 treatment. The highest (998.6 kg.ha-1) and lowest (403.4 kg.ha-1) protein yield were belonged to 11 and 6 treatments, respectively. Grain P, Fe, Zn and Mn concentration were improved by integrated application of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer. On the basis of results, the integrated nutrition 7 ton vermicompost with 100% NPK minus equivalent amount of nutrients in 7 ton vermicompost residual improved wheat quantity and quality properties in comparison other treatments.

In order to evaluate the effect of different integrated weed management treatments on tuber yield and yield components of potato, an experiment was conducted in Ardebil County in 2011. This study was arranged based on randomized complete block design with eight treatments and three replications. The different integrated weed management treatments were including paraquat in integration with hand weeding, vinegar application in integration with wheat straw mulch, straw mulch in integration with vinegar application, vinegar application, straw mulch in integration with paraquat and vinegar application, straw mulch application, hand weeding and weed infested treatment during entire growing season. Results showed that the different weed management treatments had significant effect on potato tuber number per unit area, mean tuber weight, tuber yield per unit area and weeds biomass. The highest tuber number per unit area was observed in paraquat -hand weeding treatment (56 No.m-2) that was not significantly different with straw mulch-paraquat-vinegar, straw mulch-vinegar and hand weeding treatments. The highest and lowest tuber yield was observed in straw mulch (2858 g.m-2) and vinegar (1800 g.m-2) treatments, respectively. The lowest weeds biomass was observed in paraquat -hand weeding treatment (11.32 g.m-2). Results indicated that the straw mulch-vinegar application treatment was the best integrated weed management in potato. Also with considering the environmental problems of herbicides, paraquat could be replaced with straw mulch in integration vinegar application.

In order to study the changes in leaf chlorophyll index (SPAD index), protein and grain yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. Var. Makoei) in response to nitrogen and weed interference, a set of experiments were conducted in the Research Station of the University of Tabriz, Iran. The experiment was carried out as splitplot, based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Different amounts of nitrogen (0, 40, 60 and 120 kg.ha-1) were allocated to the main plots and 10 weed interference periods (two sets) were assigned to the subplots. In the first set, the plots were kept weed-free up to Em (Emergence - 1st leaf emerged), El5 (5th leaf unfolded), Ti (Tillering - Main shoot and 3 tillers), Se (Stem elongation - 5th node detectable) and Ea em (Ear emergence - Emergence of head complete) growth stages (GS), corresponding to 10, 15, 23, 35 and 59 Zadok’s scales, respectively. In the second set, plots were left weed infested up to the corresponding periods and subsequently kept weed free. Results showed that nitrogen and weed interference period has significant effect on protein percentage and grain yield. The effect of nitrogen was also significant on SPAD index. All traits decreased with increasing weed interference duration. Moreover, SPAD index, protein percentage and grain yield of barley under weedy control were 7.35, 27.3 and 42.5 % lower than that under full season weed-free control treatment, respectively. There was positive relationship between nitrogen level increasing and improvement of SPAD index, protein and grain yield. Increasing amount of nitrogen to the stable level, increased tolerance of barley to the weed infestation. Also, with increasing nitrogen application, growth and grain yield of barley were increased. The results from this study can be applied in the transition period of intensive agriculture to low input and sustainable agriculture, in relation to the issues related to the desirable weed management and reduction of nitrogen fertilizer application.

Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients, that higher values are classified as heavy metals. So deficiency and toxicity of them causes growth inhibition in most plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of Cu and Zn on morphological traits, essential oil content and the determination of these elements in during the process of steam distillation. This experiment was conducted as factorial based on complete randomized design with three replications in greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of three levels of Copper (0, 5 and 25 mg.kg-1 CuSO4) and zinc (0, 10 and 50 mg.kg-1 ZnSO4) and their combination. Results showed that interaction of Cu and Zn on the fresh weight of root and chlorophyll (p£ 0.05), dry weight of roots, concentration of Cu and Zn on the shoots, residual distillation water and material (p£ 0.01). With increasing Cu and Zn in soil, concentrations of them increased in shoots. Concentration of Cu and Zn in the sum of residual distillation water and material were similar the concentration of metals in shoots plant before distillation. Negative interaction between Cu and Zn occurred at higher application, therefore should consider combining these two elements not done at high levels. Retention of cu and Zn in the sum of residual distillation material and water, asset cannot transmit the elements into essential oil and cultivation of these medicinal plants in contaminated soils with Cu and Zn.

A new approach to improve the quantity and quality of agricultural products is the use of plant growth regulators. Brassinosteroids as plant growth regulators in low concentrations affect yield and quality of agricultural crops. To evaluate the effect of 24- Brassinosteroids on quantitative and qualitative factors in strawberry fruit (Fragaria ananassa cv. Sabrosa) an experiment with 24- Epibrassinolide (0, 1 and 4 mmol/lit) based on completely randomized design with four replications, was conducted in a hydroponic medium in greenhouse conditions. The highest level of yield and characteristics was resulted in 4 mmol/lit of 24- Epibrassinolide. 1 mmol/lit 24- Epibrassinolide significantly increased starch content and total acidity of strawberry fruit, while the highest increase in the sugar and soluble solids content was resulted in 4 mmol/lit of 24- Epibrassinolide. The results show that the use of 24- Epibrassinolide is effective to increase the quantity and to improve the quality of strawberry fruit.

In order to study the effects of biological, organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components in anisum a field experiment was carried out in the agricultural research field of Yasouj University in 2013, as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were concluded: Pure vermicompost (0, 5, 10 ton.ha-1) and bio fertilizers Azotobacter (Barvar-1), biological phosphorus (Barvar-2) and mixed of Barvar-1and Barvar-2, chemical nitrogen, bio fertilizers of nano and mixing treatments of vermicompost 2.5, 5, 7.5 ton. ha-1 with biological fertilizers Barvar-1, 2 and mixing of Barvar-1, 2. Results showed that the maximum height (48.63 cm), number of lateral branches (12.43) and umbels per plant (22.86) was obtained by applying 10 ton. ha-1 vermicompost. Also, maximum of grain yield (595.90 kg.h-1) was obtained by applying 10 ton.ha-1 vermicompost while it did not show significant difference with treatment 7.5 ton.ha-1 vermicompost with Barvar-1,2. and minimum of these traits was obtained from control. According to the results of this study showed that application of bio-fertilizers has a significant role in improving qualitative and quantitative yield of medicinal plant anise and we can introduce treatment 7.5 ton.ha-1 vermicompost with Barvar-1,2 as a situated for 10 ton.ha-1 vermicompost from an economical standpoint.

Evaluation of drought effects on seed and oil yields, its components and selecting water deficit tolerant oilseed rape genotypes were the main goals of this study. The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in East Azarbaijan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources during 2010-2011 and 2012- 2013. The experimental factors were irrigation with three levels including: non-stressed and drought stress during rosette and seed filling stages (irrigation at 30-35% and 70-75 % available soil water depletion for non-stressed and stressed treatments, respectively) and genotype including six genotypes: Karaj 1, Karaj 3, Opera, Okapi, Licord and Modena. The effect of drought stress on crown diameter and plant dry weight at the time of reaching mean air temperature below oilseed rape base temperature( 5°C), plant height, pods per plant, 1000 seed weight, seed and oil yields, were significant. Occurring water deficit at rosset stage led to significant decrease in crown diameter and plant dry weight. The existence of significant and positive correlations among plant height with the number of pods per plant, 1000 seed weight, seed and oil yields showed the importance of plant height in support of yield.Water deficit during seed filing stage significantly decreased pods per plant, 1000 seed weight and finally seed and oil yields. Among studied genotypes under drought and normal conditions, Okapi and Licord indicated higher seed and oil yields.