Year:2008 | Volume:13 | Issue:3 (SUPPLEMENT)|Papers Count:24

Agricultural activities, considering their dependence on climate conditions and also their inherited characteristics, involve the activities in which risk and lack of certainty are presented.Agricultural activates, generally speaking, face two kinds of risks: the risks of atmospherical conditions and the risk of economical factors. Various theories have been offered to make a decision about the choice of the cultivation of the products in the case of certain risk. Some of theories are Motad method, incomevariance method, marginal separable line programming, final risk constrained model, focus - loos Model, target Motad model, ect. In this research, the optimum model of cultivating produts in Shiraz has been determined by using Motad -target and Motad models. Also, the required data have been collected from agricultural profit and from the management of Jahad keshavarzi for year 1377-1383. Research finding indicate increase in risk causes incrase in product of wheat and tomatoes and decrease in product of corn.

In this study, Total factor productivity change of Iran chicken meat industry has been measured for 1990-2000 by using of Malmquist index number and Data Envelopment analysis. The results show that, Total factor productivity of industry has been raised about 28 percent in these years. Analysis of total factor productivity change to its components indicates that for 1990-93 with execution of "price liberalization" policy in 1990 and graduate reduction of government intervention in chicken meat production & distribution, technical efficiency improved in all provinces.Also the main specification of period 1993-96 and 2000-03 is a jumping in technological progress in all provinces with 6/3, 11/6 percent growth rate for industry respectively. However for 1996-2000, Iran chicken meat industry experiences relatively stable period in terms of total factor productivity. However due to execution of "foreign exchange rate uniformities" policy in 1998 and sudden elimination of indirect government subsidies for importation of poultry inputs, technical efficiency of industry declined about 4/2 percent in these years.

In many countries poverty, income distribution and economic growth are all closely linked together. Since economic growth is account as basic index to measure economic changes within these countries, so reaching to high economic growth level, as a targeted point within an economic development plan today is at the heart of economic plans in most countries.In the other side, steady dimension of poverty and income distribution, especially in less-developed and developing countries, regarding their past experiences at growth-manship put rural poverty and income distribution pattern at the preface of their programs and strategies. The place of rural areas in combating programs against poverty and income inequality and also the role of agriculture sector in the economic growth policies, and also recognizing rural areas as a vital origin of agriculture in different countries (as in Iran) have necessitated the study of the relationship between agricultural economic growth, rural poverty and income distribution. In this study, after measuring determinants of poverty line, poverty, income distribution, economic growth and etc, we have surveyed interrelation between the said variables and have determined some effective factors. To this aim, we have used SUR model, granger causality test and time series of agriculture sector and rural areas (1971-2001). EVIEWS has been applied to estimate econometric models. The most important results are as bellow: 1- Agriculture economic growth has not affected rural income distribution pattern.2- Agriculture economic growth has decreased relative and absolute rural poverty.3- Although income distribution pattern hasn't affected rural absolute poverty, but has had direct effect on the relative poverty.4- Per-hectare value added, per-capita land, investment and government current costs in the agriculture and natural resources sequence have had positive effect on agriculture economic growth.Versus, agriculture employment rate has not affected It.5- Per-capita land, agri-trade openness, government current costs in the development sequence and economic policies of after revolution era haven' t affected income distribution pattern.6- Agri-trade openness has had decreasing effect on rural absolute poverty, but it has not affected relative and absolute rural poverty.7- Government current costs in the development sequence have not affected the relative and absolute rural poverty.8- Although economic policies after the revolution and agriculture investment have not had effect on the rural absolute poverty, but they have increased rural relative poverty.

Mazandaran Province is one of the most important areas of agriculture that with systematic programming can converse it to one of production and export areas in Iran.With accurate programs, it will be possible to use the inputs eligibly and product essential outputs. Determining of comparative advantage of various products is one of important aspects of economic programming. In this study we calculate the various indexes of comparative advantage of Rapeseed in Mazandaran Province at 2003 crop year with the application of PAM approach and Power Purchasing Parity idea. The results show that rapeseed had comparative advantage in production and farmers receive indirect subsides for output and tradable inputs. Moreover, simultaneous incentives of Government at input and output markets led to advantage in production process and made this activity advantage socially too.

Olive is one of the oldest plants in the world. With attention to ecological conditions of Iran for cultivation of olive and also importing of %80 our needed olive oil, this study was conducted for investigation on productivity of production factors of olive. The development design of olive groves in Iran started at 1993, but it is limited now. Because inputs and specially water input is limit. This study was accomplished at 2005 by means of cluster random method in Gilan, Zanjan, Qazvin and Fars provinces.In this study, a polynomial production functions were used for determining the productivity of factors which used in the olive production. From obtained result, it was showed that in Gilan province, labor has upper marginal productivity (2.575) and water has lowest (0.064) also.Furthermore marginal productivity of manure, Labor, machinery and water inputs was computed as 13.112, 23.196, 0.07 and 0.1347 respectively. Marginal productivity of manure and labor inputs in Zanjan province computed as -0.5 and -30 respectively. This result indicates these inputs aren't used optimally. Water input has the most average productivity (13270) and manure input has least average productivity (7). Marginal productivity of manure and fertilizer inputs in Qazvin province was computed as -0.3 and -26.89 respectively. Average productivity of labor, fertilizer, manure and water inputs, was computed as 110, 89.3, 3.7 and 691 respectively.Marginal productivity of labor, fertilizer, manure and water inputs in Fars province was computed as -39.3, -0.06, 13.4 and 649 respectively. Also, average productivity computed as 110, 89.3, 3.7 and 691 respectively.

One of the important purposes of the program of IRI Social and economic development is to give priority to the agricultural division in order to development the non - Oil economy. The importance of agricultural sector regarding to foodstuffs supplying, occupation creating, exchange supplying and also meeting the needs of the other economic divisons and also its contribution to the GNP is Significant. Since' studying the products having comparative advantage will be necessary. In this research and among agricultural products, Saffron (Iran's Red Gold) was chosen Since it has unique position in the world as a commercial and valuable product with annual average production of 120-170 tons and export amount of mor than 80% of total produced stuff and we have deled with studying its exportation comparative advantage in Iran and comparing it will man saffron exporting countries. In order to investigate in this field, at first we recognized the saffron exporting countries, then we collected the statistics related to the above mentioned product's comparative advantage determination that included to the total value of Iran's saffron exportation, total value of goods and services exportation in Iran and the world and total value of saffron exportation of its exporting countries for the period of 1997-2001.In the next stage by using RCA (Revealed Comparative Advantage) pattern and RSCA (Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage) and also the related statistics and measures, Iran' s Comparative advantage of Saffron exportation and also for other countries was calculated. The research results through RCA index show that in this period, Iran that has great production and exportation distance from them, has high Comparative advantage compared with other Countries and is' Considered serious Competitor for them. Based on the saffron exporting countries ranking and regarding to the higher Values of RCA index, Iran that has values between 71.31 and 144.78 in saffron exportation is first and Spain, Greece and India-have the next rankings, respectively and the remaining countries haven't had any comparative advantage during this period.In regard to the Symmetrical character of RCA index that is Considered one of its weaknesses and in order to eliminate this problem, we have used the method of calculating the RSCA that the obtained results are similar to the results obtained from RCA method and shows that Iran during this period, with having positive RSCA value higher than 97%, has high comparative advantage, So we recommend providing facilities for increasing the production and exportation of this product.

Stock flower is one of the main ornamental plants in Iran. Because of variated colors; beauty, odor etc. has been demanded vastly by local market in recent years.Vase life and quality of the cut flowers has a special importance economically. In this trial, the influence of two treatments consisting: 1- 8-hydroxy quinolin sulfate at four levels (0, 100, 150 and 200 ppm) and 2- Sucrose at four levels (0, 1, 2 and 3 (%were examined. The experiment was conducted as a factorial design on the basis of randomized complete design with four replications and factors related to the vase life and flower quality including fresh weight, water uptake, stem hydraulic conductance and inflorescence length were daily measured.8-hydroxy quinolin sulfate (150 ppm) and sucrose 2%increased vase life and quality of cut stock flowers significantly.8-hydroxy quinolin sulfate specially at 150 ppm caused stability of hydraulic conductance. Fructose, glucose and sucrose levels were increased in petal, stem and leaf using sucrose treatment.There was a positive correlation between sugar concentration of flower, leaf and stem with inflorescence length increment and flower vase life. The results indicated that soluble carbohydrate concentration in flower, leaf and peduncle is one of the main factors in vase life. Hydraulic conduction of stem in 8- HQS treatments was remained at initial amount.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of environmental training of municipality of Tehran to change the attitude of citizenship toward a safety environment. The research method used was a descriptive-correlation & casualcomparative that done in 1385. Sampling method was used to gather data. The population of this study included all matured women in region-14 of Tehran who participated in flower and plant clinic classes (N=873). From this population 211 were selected through classified-random sampling. Content & face validity of the instrument were established by an experts consisting of environment field & specialist in the field of agricultural extension & education. Instruments reliability was estimated by calculating cronbach's alpha coefficient by SPSS/win. Reliabilities of the instruments were 0.95 for expert's questionnaire.The results of Spearman correlation coefficient indicated that there is a significant relation between independent variables of contain of education period & teachers with the related variable of the amount of citizen's attitude in healthy environment.The obtain results of individual effect of independent parameters on related parameter through the kruskal-wallis and Mann Whitney tests indicated that the suitable time & place for education have had no effect on the amount of citizen's attitude in healthy environment. The obtained results of total effect of independent parameters on dependent parameter of the amount of citizen's attitude in healthy environment through several parameters regression with step by step method indicated that the parameters of educational contain have had positive effects on the amount of citizen's attitude in healthy environment.

Wilted and dried up of old saxaul (Haloxylon aphyllum) shrubs were observed in many planted forests in desert area. Pruning is a suitable method for life period increasing and rejuvenation of them. Pruning type and habitat condition effect on dimension and formation of mentioned shrubs that is important for stable management of restoration area. Therefore, a wilted saxual afforestation was chosed in Ashkezar desert region of Yazd province and experimental treatments were conducted on them at November 1994 and protected from grazing until autumn 2005. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with 9 replications and 6 treatments. these treatments include top working with shoot thinning during 1, 2, 3 or 4 years, top working without shoot thinning and control. Results showed that the largest of pruned shrubs obtained by top working with annual shoot thinning. Pruned shrub dimensions were maximized in the fifth year but can't grow to the latest size. Shrubs of top worked without shoot thinning had the least height, but the densest canopy. Those shrubs were applied in dense windbreak, if the area has capability of dense shrub's plantation.

Forest road network as the basic installations has a major role in organization the region, harvesting and transportation goods and services and keeping it. The roads network from planning single route to completing it has technical and principle points that needs to make an exact decision. Up to now most of the designs have made based on economic and harvest goals.GIS-based planning methods have the capabilility of saving and analyzaing a great deal of data as different digital layers with high precision and speed. So it can improve planning process. One of the goals of this study is to develop a method to design a forest roads network based environmental issues and technical considerations. First, the necessary data and map and positive or negative points were extracted in the form of information layers (layer, Slop, Direction, Soil stability, Type, Volume per hectare and so on). Next so that after classifying and valuating the layers of the maps we used pair- wise comparison methods. Then weights, factors, and constraints were entered to create final suitability map and the layers were overlaperd due to important coefficient of layers based on using of Arc GIS software. In the next stage six variants of the road network was designed using PEGGER software so that in the all of the variants, we tried the routs cross high levels of values. Finally, we used technical (BACKMOND, SEGBADEN, TON*Km AND Corrected TON*Km) assessment methods and their combination to identify the optimum route (the six variant).At the same time as a result it was obvious that due to a large amount of data. The designing using GIS has advantages than another methods because of precision, quality, expense and speed analyzing.

Benthic macro invertebrate species are differentially sensitive to many biotic and abiotic factors in their environment. The field biotic index (Hilsenhoff, 1988) is based on family level identification of water arthropods, amphipods and isopods. An interest in environmental quality is one of the major reasons for the study of aquatic insects.The idea of using the aquatic insect community to "indicate" the degree of purity or pollution of a body of water is over half a century old. It is based on the concept of indicator organisms and tolerance levels. During 2004-2005, studies were carried out on the field biotic index of Shapoor river in Kazeroon region (South of Iran) by using aquatic insect's fauna. A total of 34 families were collected and identified in 27 habitat code of Shapoor river. Then use the Hilsenhoff formula for biotic index (BI): BI=S ni ai/N where nj is the number of specimens in each taxonomic group (family), ai is the pollution tolerance score for that taxonomic group, and N is the total number of aquatic insects in sample. Aquatic insects are given a numerical pollution tolerance score (ai) ranging from 0 to 10 (Hilsenhoff, 1987). The value is based on field and laboratory responses of these organisms toward organic pollution. Zero taxa are extremely intolerant of low dissolved oxygen; taxa with score of 2 through 9 are tolerant to varying degrees; taxa wich can survive great amounts of pollution are scored 10. In this survey, biotic index of Shapoor river were 3.79 and evalution of the water quality based on the biotic index were calculated. Water quality of Shapoor river were very good (possible slight organic pollution) during of this survey.

Biologic parameters of Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Dip.: Agromyzidae) were studied in the laboratory conditions (25 ± 1oC, 60 ± 10 % RH, L: D = 16: 8), on cow peas. The mean oviposition for each female in a period of 14.4 ± 1.34 days was 198.8 ± 34.69 eggs. The peak of oviposition was in the 7th and 8th days. The mean duration of incubation time, Larval stage, pupal stage and total developmenttime were 2.12 ± 0.22, 3.55 ± 0.53, 8.72 ± 0.28 and 14.41 ± 1.03 days respectively. The mean longevity of adult males and females were 1.32 ± 0.06, 1.48 ± 0.20 days without feeding; 6.12 ± 0.64, 6.86 ± 1.63 days feeding on sugar solution and 15.42 ± 1.13, 18.29 ± 1.02 days feeding on host plant respectively.

Iron chlorosis is the most complicate and widespread problem of plant nutrition in calcareous soils. There are Different methods for iron chlorosis cure that the most effective method is application of artificial iron chelates. Artificial iron chelates are too expensive and in many cases should be replenished with other cheap material. To determine the influence of LD slag on the chemical characteristics of three calcareous soils from Isfahan, an incubation study was conducted. The soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth.Treatments were 0, 2, 4, 8 and 16% (w/w) of converter slag/kg soil. Several treatments consisting of elemental sulphur and organic matter (alfalfa powder) with and without slag were also examined. The slag was thoroughly mixed with 500g soil in plastic pots. Soils moisture content was adjusted to a near field capacity and changes in pH, EC and AB-DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, P and K were determined at 1, 10, 30 and 60 days. Results showed that soil pH increased with increasing slag rates. Slag application increased available Fe; the increases were proportional to the amount of slag used. Slag increased AB-DTPA-extractable P and Mn, the increase depends on the amount of applied slag. Slag had not effect on ABDTPA- extractable K and the effect of slag on EC was not considerable. The effects of elemental S and organic matter on soil chemical properties were slightly considerable.of course, effect of S and organic matter on EC was considerable. Effect of organic matter on AB-DTPA-extractable K was significant. Results showed that slag can be used as an iron fertilizer in calcareous soils. It is suggested that complementary field experiments using converter slag to be carried out.

Water scarcity and salinization are major threats to sustainable agriculture in Zayandeh rud basin (ZRB).Availability of fresh water in the upper cachment of the ZRB and over-consumption of water in this area has caused salinity hazard in the down stream of the basin. In this study, for the ZRB in central Iran, a simplified water and salinity basin model (WSBM) was developed for a quick analysis of river basin processes. Results indicated that observed and predicted quality and quantity values were similar, therefore the model could be used for scenario analyeses. The scenario was defined where the effect of decreasing water allocation Nekuabad and Abshar irrigation schemes as much as 15%, 7% respectivly. In this case, water salinity level in downstream areas reduced from 26dS/m to 9dS/m. In this study, water quality parameters including Do, BOD, and COD were investigated. In general, from Polechom, and Polezyar water quality is deteriorate and will be too low in Varzaneh station. Finally, it was concluded that the scenario and the model developed were useful for a trnsparent analysis of past, current and future water and salt resources, and to perform scenario analyses.

This experiment in 2004 in order to investigate effects of plating pattern and nitrogen fertilization suitable method were studied randomized complete block design with four replications. Experiment Factors were included A) planting pattern in two levels including one- row and two- rows on the ridge B) nitrogen base and top dress fertilization method based on to soil analysis recommendation rate in five levels including common method (Surface distribution), banding, 15%, 30% and 45% lower than soil analysis recommendation rate. The results showed that planting pattern had a significant effect on yield, grain yield main components and economic yield. The highest grain yield, and economic yield respectively, with 7/47, 24/11 ton in hectare were obtained in one- row planting pattern. Planting pattern had a significant effect in on forage yield. The highest forage yield with 27/52 ton in hectare was obtained in tow row planting pattern. Fertilization method had not a significant effect on grain yield but had a significant on economic yield and forage yield. In banding fertilization method using recommendation rate, was obtained the highest forage yield and economic yield respectively with 29/16, 24/81 ton in hectare. Regarding to the result this research the use of one- row planting pattern and banding fertilizing caused more efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer from plant in addition increasing of yield.

In order to study effect yield and yield components of com (Zea Mays L.) in competition with Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), an experiment was conducted in agriculture research station of Islamic Azad University branch of Gonabad in 2005.The experiments were carried out as factorial in a Randomized complete block design with three replications. In the experiments, the factors included com densities at 3 levels (7.5, 8.5 & 9.5 p/m2) and Velvetleaf densities at 5 levels (0, 2, 4, 6 & 8 p/m2). The com variety in experiments was 714. The results indicated that with an increase in velvetleaf density, the ear length, ear diameter, grain number in row, row number, grain number in ear, grain yield and biological yield of com decrease. Also with an increase com density, the grain number in row, row number, grain yield and biological yield of com increase. The economic thresholds density of velvetleaf was 0.1 to 0.15 plants in meter of square in com different densities, and increase with com density increase.

In order to study the effect of intercropping and nitrogen fertilizer treatments on grain and forage yield, afield experiment was conducted at the reaseerch farm of the Islamic Faculty of Shushtar, in 2005. The planting methods laid out in a RSSandomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in split plots arrangments keeping different nitrogen rates, i e, 50, 100 and 150 Kg/ha as main plots and various fates of intercropping com - sunflower as sub plots with tree replications. The intercropping treatments were SI (%100 sunflower), S2 (%25 com+%75 sunflower), S3 (%50 com +%50 sunflower), S4 (%50 com+ %25 sunflower), and S5 ((%100 com). The results from the study revealed that the highest and the lowest grain yield in nitrogen fertilizer treatments were observed in 50 and 150 kgN/ha for com. The and in 100 and 50 kgN/ha for sunflower, respectively.The reduced yield of com plant was attributed to the reduced propotion of com in mixing sistem. Ther was a relationshipamong the reduced yield of the grain and the number of row strips in ear and the number of the kemet in com. The highest and the lowest grain yield were for S5 (%100 sunflower) and S4 (% 75 com+%25 sunflower). The oil proportion (in the hybrid levels) increased as a result of decreasing the sunflower proportion. An increasing in nitrogen proportion raised the Land Equivalent Ratio (LER). The highest and the lowest Land Equivalent Ratio for grain yeild were observed in hybrid levels of S4 (%75 com+%25 sunflower) and S3 (%50 com+%50 sunflower), respectively.

Little is known about the relationships between developmental and quantitative characters in safflower, although such information can aid in selecting the modem criteria for plant breeding and is an essential step in development of new safflower genotypes with high yield.Therefore, in order to investigate the mentioned relationships, this study was conducted during 2003-2004 growing season at Abooreihan Campus, University of Tehran, Pakdasht. Six winter safflower genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Zarghan- 279 had maximal seed and oil yields (3897.20 and 1143.62kg ha-1, respectively). The most significant difference among the genotypes was observed for number of days to the beginning of flowering.Throughout development stages only number of days to the beginning of branching was significantly correlated with the seed and oil yield.Number of days from sowing to physiological maturity, on average, was about 240 days and was about 27 days after 50% flowering. Maximum and minimum flowering duration were 20.67 and 10.50 days, respectively and seed yield was significantly and positively correlated with it.Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 64% and 62% of the total variation in seed and oil yields, respectively could be explained by variation in number of days to the beginning of branching and number of days to 50% flowering. Maximum leaf area index and above-ground dry weight were observed in development indices of 0.7 (coincident with beginning of flowering) and 0.9 (after full flowering), respectively.Results suggest that number of days to the beginning of branching, number of days to 50% flowering and flowering duration were the main traits determined in this study which affect seed yield in safflower.

In this study spruce wood (Picea excelsa) was acetylated and subjected to a variety of artificial weathering conditions (water only, light only, water and light together) for 300 h, then the wood surface was analyzed for chemical changes using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and for structural changes using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).The results shown that weathering process affected the functional groups on the wood surface. Light and water, both acting together (full weathering) have caused the greatest damage to the surface polymer structure and greatest chemical and physical changes. Changes observed in the infrared spectra of the surfaces after wood samples were subjected to water- only weathering are minor compared with the effect of light-only and water plus light. It causes changes in physical structure and minor effect-is on wood chemical structure. The greatest changes were related to the functional groups aromatic structure of lignin.The SEM data show that physical changes due to the accelerated weathering including light and water for 300h in acetylated wood surface are much lower than those in the untreated wood surface. SEM pictures and FTIR show that acetylation of the wood to protect the surface from the damages caused by the weathering agents of light and water.

Generally, this investigation's purpose is knowing technology features in Kerman wood industry's small factories in order to draw a clear image of technology state, knowing weak and strong points and limits to progress technology by recognizing suitable apportunities and give them to wood industry workers and paying attention in chastising of this field. In this investigation, four aspects of technology (human ware information ware, techno ware, organization ware) were investigated according of predictable method in wood industry small factories with 1-9 workers and technology aspects of all small factories of that kind also were evaluated and studied. The result of studied and searched factories showed used technology wasn't suitable as universal limit and lower than universal middle limit. There wasn't good coordination and enough balance between 4 technology aspects. as an average, evaluating 4 technology aspects studied factories were at 0/4 limit from 1 mark in potential and suitable manner which introduce low level technology in Kerman factories. Most important problems in factories are: Cash lack, Wear sets and Machines, Skilled persons lock.

Based on the investigations, total demand of 60 primary wood processing plants exceeds more than 2482667 cubic meter raw material. Most of this amount is prepared from northern forests of Iran.Knowing the prices of different wood products and their past trends and variations would help better planning for the future. In this study, price trend of different grades of logs, crosstie, lumber, slot, fire wood and etc. of various species was investigated. These are common products which their harvesting is allowed by organization of Forests & Rangelands and is sold to the applicants after cutting. The results of the study showed that the price of these products has increased greatly during this period. The price of lumbers, crosstie and firewood is increased broadside each year, but in case of others it may decrease relatively in some individual years. Factors such demand, supply of substitute products and inflation is believed to increase the prices. In the other hand other factors such as falling the quality and wood degree due to long keeping time lead to fluctuation of prices.