Search

Introduction Sulfur (S) is the fourth most required element for rapeseed growth and production. The need for S in rapeseed is significantly higher than that of other crops, and due to the increased use of S-free fertilizers, the deficiency of this element in agricultural soils under cultivation of this species is aggravating. The application of nitrogen (N) in soils deficient in S exacerbates the deficiency of S absorption by rapeseed and subsequently reduces the efficiency of N fertilizer used. Conversely, with the combined application of N and S at appropriate levels, grain yield of different crops, particularly rapeseed, can be significantly increased. This highlights the importance of a balanced application of N - and S-containing fertilizers in rapeseed production. The aim of this study was to shed light on the interaction of S and N supply in rapeseed growth and productivity. Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effects of S and N application on growth characteristics and grain yield of rapeseed (Hayola 50 cultivar) under rainfed conditions, this experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Gachsaran Agricultural Research Station during the two cropping seasons: 2019 -2020 and 2020 -2021. Experimental treatments consisted of: 1 - S fertilizer (S) in three forms including S 0: no sulfur consumption, SC: consumption of 40 kg of pure sulfur in the form of ammonium sulfate SB: bio sulfur at the rate of 40 kg ha - 1 of pure sulfur, and 2 - nitrogen fertilizer (N) at three levels: N 0: no nitrogen application, N50: 50 Kg ha - 1 pure nitrogen (in urea form) and N100: 100 kg ha - 1 nitrogen. The seeds were planted in a wheat -rapeseed rotation within a conservation tillage system. In the cropping season 2018 -2019, the amount of rainfall was 764 mm, which was significantly higher than the longterm average. Of this amount, 332 m m occurred in autumn, 256 m m in winter, and 176 m m in spring; thus, most of the precipitation occurred in autumn, i.e. prior to planting. In the cropping season 2020 -2021, the amount of rainfall was 435 m m, which was approximately equal to the long -term average. The distribution of rainfall was 175 m m in autumn, 135 m m in winter, and 124 m m in spring. Results and Discussion Results showed that the application of S in both chemical and biological forms caused a significant increase in grain and dry matter yield. Yield components, thousand kernel weight, pods /plant and grains/pod were significantly affected by S and N application. The application of S and N was associated with a significant increase in dry weight at flowering and subsequent remobilization of dry matter. In fact, in the conditions of no application of S, application of N at the levels of 50 and 100 caused an increase of 16 and 33% in the accumulation of dry matter at the time of flowering, respectively. Meanwhile these increases were 17 and 50% with the use of chemical S and 29 and 52% with the use of biological S, respectively. Also, the S and N fertilizers indicated synergistic effects in relation to their effects on dry matter accumulation, grains/pod and grain yield. The effect of S on the one thousand grain weight was not significant. Meanwhile, with increase of N fertilizer level, this yield component increased significantly, as the one thousand grain weights were 3.27, 3.30, and 3.34 g in the presence of 0, 50, and 150 kg ha - 1 N, respectively. Conclusions In general, application of 100 kg ha - 1 of N along with 40 kg ha -1 of S in the biological form was the most appropriate treatment. The use of S in both forms had a positive effect on plant growth and also increased N effectiveness. The advantage of biosulfur over ammonium sulfate for rainfed cultivation, in addition to improving the microbial and chemical balance of the soil, is its application in one step and gradual availability to the rapeseed plants. Given the slow release of S, the amount of leaching is reduced and the availability of bio -sulfur is better ensured at sensitive stages of plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Seed aging reduces the quality and quantity of agricultural production by reducing quality, viability, and irreversible seed vigor over time. Researchers are increasingly interested in seed aging, which is a serious problem in agriculture. To reduce damages caused during aging, various pretreatment techniques have been studied, including chemical compounds, growth regulators, and antioxidants. Sowing seeds in low osmotic potential osmotic solution is one method of slowing seed aging by osmopriming them. To reduce the negative effects of seed aging, biostimulants such as seaweed extract are used. In order to investigate the effect of seaweed extract on the quantitative and qualitative yield of soybean, an experiment was conducted in the two years of 2018 and 2019 in the research farm of Shahrood University of Technology. Materials and Methods The experimental treatments involved the acceleration of aging in two groups: normal seeds and aged seeds. Additionally, seaweed extract was applied at four different levels: control, seed pre-treatment with a seaweed extract concentration of 0.3%, foliar spraying with a seaweed extract concentration of 0.3%, and a combination of seed pre-treatment and foliar spraying with a seaweed extract concentration of 0.3%. This was conducted as a factorial experiment, employing a randomized complete block design with three replications. A sample of DPX was collected from the Mazandaran Agricultural Research Center. A controlled storage room was used to maintain the seeds at a temperature of 14-17°C and relative humidity of 30-40%. The seeds were harvested the same year as the experiment. In order to apply accelerated aging, the seeds were kept for 72 hours at a temperature of 41°C and relative humidity of 95%. Foliar spraying was done at the beginning of flowering (R1). Results and Discussion The results showed that accelerated aging decreased the mean daily emergence and germination index by 61.39 and 42.08% compared to the control. The pretreatment of soybean seeds made them more responsive to external stimuli and counteracted stress conditions before they emerged as seedlings. When the seeds were pretreated with seaweed extract, the mean daily emergence and seed germination index increased. The weight of one hundred seeds and the number of pods per plant decreased by 11.64 and 11.38% compared to the control. The combined application of seed pretreatment and foliar spraying in normal and aging conditions had the highest hundred seed weight and the number of pods per plant. In protein-rich crops, seaweed biostimulants can increase protein production. Pretreatment of normal and aged seeds with seaweed extract increased by 1.48 and 1.61 percent of seed protein. In order to improve soybean germination percentage, protein, and seed yield, ellagic acid and seaweed extract should be used individually or combined. Accelerated aging caused a 32.69% decrease in seed yield compared to normal conditions. The combined application of pre-treatment and foliar spraying of seaweed extract had the highest seed yield, which increased by 87.85% compared to the control. Seed aging likely caused a reduction of seed yield by reducing the mean daily emergence, leaf area index, and 100-seed weight. There are three main characteristics (mean daily seedling field emergence, the number of pods per plant, and 100-seed weight) that can explain 85.96% of seed yield variability based on the coefficient of explanation. An analysis of causal connections between seed yield and 100-seed weight showed that seed protein content directly affects seed yield. By increasing the number of pods per plant and the weight of 100 seed, soybean seeds yield may be enhanced by using seaweed extract. Conclusion With its powerful antioxidant properties and anti-aging properties, seaweed extract minimizes the effects of aging on aged seeds. Finally, within the scope of the research, it is possible to suggest the use of pre-treatment and foliar spraying with seaweed extract to increase seed yield and protein percentage in normal and aged soybean seeds.

Background & Objectives:In order to decreasing the chemical fertilizer application in low-input and sustainable agricultural systems, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of different irrigation intervals along with separately and integrative application of chemical and biofertilizer on the quantity and quality of camelina (Camelina sativa L.). Material and Methods :The study was carried out as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 18 treatments and three replications at the Saqez city, Iran in 2022 growing season. The main factor was three irrigation intervals including without irrigation (rainfed conditions), irrigation after 10 and 20 days. Also, the sub-factor was different fertilizer sources including non-application (control), 100%chemical fertilizer, biofertilizer, biofertilizer+ 25% chmical fertilizer, biofertilizer+ 50% chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer+75% chemical fertilizer. Results: The results demonstrated that the highest (457.81 kg ha-1) and lowest (186.29 kg ha-1) seed yield of camelina was obtained in 10 days’ interval irrigation following integrative application of biofertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer and rianfed conditions without fertilization. The highest oil content (37.88%) and oil yield (173.65 kg ha-1) was observed in 10 days’ interval irrigation following integrative application of biofertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer. The chemical analysis showed that linolenic (30.59-34.58%), linoleic (16.92-19.29%), oleic (14.16-17.36%) and eicosenoic acid (8.93-11.76%) were the main fatty acids compounds of camelina oil. The maximum content of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids obtained in in 10 days’ interval irrigation following integrative application of biofertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer. Conclusion: Generally, the results of this study demonstrated that the integrative application of biofertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer, in addition to decrease the consumption rate of chemical fertilizer, enhanced the quantity and quality of camelina oil, especially in drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of peppermint and sage intercropping with application of different fertilizer resources on the dry matter yield, essential oil content, and ecological indices under drought stress. Material and Methods: A field experiment was carried out as a split split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 36 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran in 2019 and 2020. The main factor was three irrigation regimes included 25 (MAD25), 50 (MAD50), and 75% (MAD75) maximum allowable depletion (MAD) percentage of the soil available water (SAW) as normal irrigation, mild and severe water stress, respectively. The sub-factor was different planting patterns included peppermint monoculture, sage monoculture, and intercropping of one row peppermint + one row sage and also sub-sub factor were application of different fertilizer sources including no‐fertilizer as control, TiO2 nanoparticles (100 mg L-1), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, and integrative application of AMF and TiO2 (AMF + TiO2). Results: The results showed that the dry matter yield of peppermint and sage decreased significantly by 28.7, 27% in mild stress, 55.1%, and 64.1% in severe stress, respectively. The highest dry matter yield of peppermint (144.2 g m-2) and sage (172.7 g m-2) was obtained in the monoculture with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. The maximum essential oil content of peppermint (1.51%) was observed in intercropping with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. In addition, the highest land equivalent ratio (LER), actual yield loss (AYL), and monetary indices were achieved in normal irrigation with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. Moreover, the maximum net income of two plants was recorded in intercropping with application of AMF + TiO2 under normal irrigation, which was no significant difference with integrated application of AMF + TiO2 in intercropping under mild water stress. Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that the integrative application of AMF + TiO2 in intercropping of peppermint/sage could be suggested as a sustainable strategy to increasing the quantity and quality of essential oil of both plants under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a plant from the Caricaceae family and grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. Seed Pretreatment and culture substrate are important and effective factors in the processes of germination and seedling growth. In seed priming, seeds are partially hydrated to allow metabolic events to occur without actual germination and then re-dried. Materials and Methods: The experiment was done in a factorial arrangement with the two factors of seed pretreatment and culture substrate in a completely randomized design with 15 treatments, 3 replications, and 10 seeds per replication. This experiment was conducted in 2022 in the research greenhouse of University of Zabol. Pretreatment of seeds including distilled water as control (P0), humic acid (P1) and seaweed (P2) and culture substrate including compost: perlite: vermicompost (1:1:1) (S1), compost: perlite: cocopeat (1) :1:1) (S2), compost: vermicompost: cocopeat (1:1:1) (S3), perlite: vermicompost: cocopeat (1:1:1) (S4) and compost: perlite: vermicompost: cocopeat (1) :1:1:1) was (S5). Pretreatment of biofertilizers including 200 mg/l of humic acid (Humi grow 80% Gardesco) and 2 g/l of 30% Hortiland Vita free seaweed extract based on Ascophyllum nodosum was used for the pretreatment of Bangladeshi variety papaya seeds. Before planting, seeds were first disinfected with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 2 minutes and then rinsed 3 times with distilled water. They were then soaked in the pre-prepared solutions at a temperature of 25 °C for 24 hours in dark room, and then air dried and were cultivated in 32-cells plug containing the desired culture substrates. Results and Discussion: The results indicated a significant effect of seed pretreatment and culture substrate on the germination and growth of papaya seedlings. The minimum average germination time (11.20 day), maximum germination speed index (0.72), seedling vigor index (2342.49) and root dry weight (0.079 g) were recorded for humic acid pretreatment. In addition, under the influence of biopriming with both humic acid and seaweed biofertilizers, the maximum percentage of germination (81% and 79%, respectively), number of leaves (6.30 and 6.23, respectively) and stem diameter (2.43 and 2.36 mm, respectively) compared to the control. Among the cultivation substrates, S5 and S3 substrates showed better results in terms of germination and seedling growth compared to other cultivation substrates. Examining the results of interaction showed that the maximum seedling height was observed in treatments P1S5 (21.03 cm), P1S3 (20.87 cm), P1S4 (19.99 cm) and P1S2 (19.82 cm). P1S5 and P1S3 treatments recorded the highest root length with a statistical class of 9.73 and 9.46 cm, respectively. The maximum shoot dry weight was recorded for treatments P1S5 (0.319 g), P1S4 (0.309 g) and P2S5 (0.302 g) without statistical difference. The plants obtained from the seeds pretreated with humic acid and grown in the S5 culture substrate had significant shoot and root dry weights; This is due to the rapid reversal of seed dormancy and the beginning of germination, as well as the ease of absorption of more water and nutrients by plants during the growth period. Conclusion: seed biopriming accelerated the germination process and increased the growth of papaya seedlings. Cultivation substrates containing vermicompost showed significant results for seed germination, establishment and growth of papaya seedlings. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended to use seed biopriming, especially with humic acid biofertilizer and vermicompostcontaining culture substrate, to increase the germination percentage and produce healthy seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objects: In order to determine the appropriate concentration of Bacillus subtilis under Zanjan's climate zone, the present study was conducted to study the effect of different concentrations of bacteria on morphophysiological features of flowers and corm in two saffron ecotypes. Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted with three replicates in two consecutive years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 in research farm of Zanjan University. Five different concentrations of B. subtilis (zero, 102, 105, 106, 108 cfu / ml) were examined on two ecotypes (Natanz, Zanjan). Results: Different concentrations of bacteria showed significant effects on all morphophysiological traits were measured. The ecotype showed a significant effect on all traits (1 and 5%) except of fresh weight traits of stigma, chlorophyll and leaf antioxidants that were not significantly affected by the ecotype. Based on analysis of variance, bilateral interaction (year × ecotype, ecotype × bacterium) and tripartite interaction (bacterium × year × ecotype) on flower yield and phosphorus content of saffron leaves were significant. The interaction of ecotype × bacterium on stigma dry weight, leaf antioxidant, peroxidase and leaf phosphorus was not significantly difference. Mother corms of Natanz ecotype showed more fresh and dry weight and also corm diameter (16.29, 10.99 g and 19.71 mm, respectively). Conclusion: Considering the effects of B. subtilis on saffron ecotypes, it can be concluded that saffron ecotypes show different response to bio fertilizer due to their growth differences. According to the results, the most effective concentration of B. subtilis on morphophysiological traits was obtained with 108 cfu/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdaction Heavy metals are one of the most important environmental contaminants, particularly in soil and water sources. Mining and metal mining activities are major factors in soil contamination and generally surface soil around mines contain high amounts of these metals. Lead (Pb) is one of the heavy metals and important pollutant in arid ecosystem. The use of plants to remove contaminated soil or phytoremediation is an economical method. Today, due to increasing the pollution of soil sources and resultant problems, identification of the resistant plant species against soil pollution is essential. Using lead-contaminated soils requires their decontamination and improvement. There are different methods to remove these pollutions, one of them is the use of phytoremediation to remove pollutants from water and soil or to reduce them. Among the plants that as an ornamental plant can have a covering role in the green space and also perform the work of phytoremediation is the ornamental cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea L.). In this regard, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of lead heavy metals and the use of brown algae (Polycladia indica) and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) as biofertilizers on ornamental cabbage plants in the direction of plant treatment. In addition, due to the presence of polysaccharide compounds such as carrageenan and alginate in the cell wall, algae (seaweeds) have a higher ability to absorb many heavy metals. Materials and Methods The experiment was conducted as factorial based on a completely randomized design in 2020 at the research greenhouse of Zanjan University. The studied factors including lead from lead nitrate source Pb(No3)2 with three concentrations (0, 25 and 50 mg/kg) were applied to the potting soil in four replications in two stages with an interval of two weeks. The second factor was included no algae, brown algae (Polycladia indica) and spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), which occurred in four replications. The measured traits included morphological traits: number of leaves, leaf surface index. Wet and dry root weight, and physiological traits included total chlorophyll content, total leaf antioxidant, peroxidase enzyme, glycine betaine, malondialdehyde, and leaf lead and phosphorus content. Data analysis was performed using SAS software and means were compared by LSD method. Results The results of the variance analysis showed that different levels of lead and the application of algae had a significant effect on the number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, weight, and drying of roots, total chlorophyll, and antioxidants. Moreover, the interaction effect was significant for leaf area, root fresh and dry weight, antioxidants, and leaf lead content. The simple effect of lead at p≤0.01 significantly affected glycine betaine, malondialdehyde, and leaf phosphorus. When comparing the average mutual effects of lead and algae application, it was found that the treatment with no use of lead and spirulina algae resulted in the highest weight and dry weight of the root, with an average of 11.19 and 3.625 grams, respectively. Additionally, despite the decrease in dry weight of the root due to increased lead concentration, using algae, especially for ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.), increased the dry weight of the root. The presence of natural plant hormones, organic substances, carbohydrates, fiber and amino acids in algae accelerates rooting, reduces stress caused by heavy metals and absorbs more water due to the presence of o developed root system. Also according to the results of comparing the amount of leaf lead with increasing lead, algae as an auxiliary factor can reduce the amount of uptake in the plant. Leaf phosphorus was also significant due to the simple effect of lead and algae. The highest amount of phosphorus with an average of 0.56% was observed in spirulina and the lowest with 0.48% was observed in control. Conclusion In general, due to the toxicity of lead metal even in low concentrations, sufficient attention should be paid to the sources of this pollutant entering the environment. In this study, the effective parameters on the uptake of heavy metal lead from the soil by spirulina and brown algae were investigated. The findings of this study indicate that the ornamental cabbage plant is capable of sustaining its growth in the presence of lead and has a high resistance to this heavy metal while simultaneously absorbing it from the soil. Furthermore, the addition of algae as an auxiliary factor can improve the growth of ornamental cabbage under adverse conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that this plant be further examined for its potential to absorb other heavy metals.

IntroductionWater deficit or drought stress is one of the critical abiotic stresses and limiting factors in the productivity of plants, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In these conditions, the nutrient use efficiency by plant decrease due to the lower mobility of these elements. The application of bio-fertilizers is one of the most important and sustainable strategies for soil fertility management and plant nutrition; in addition to reducing chemical pollution, improves plant growth conditions. The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), as bio-fertilizer improves plant nutrients and water uptake and enhances plant resistance to stress conditions leading to improving plant growth and productivity. The objectives were evaluating the effect of different fertilizer sources (chemical fertilizer and AMF as biofertilizer) and harvesting time on the quantity and quality characteristics of peppermint under drought-stress conditions.Materials and Methods To evaluate the effects of different fertilizer sources and harvesting times on the quantity and quality of essential oil in peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under drought stress conditions, a field experiment was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2019. The study followed a split-split plot design based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 36 treatments and three replications. The first factor included three irrigation levels: irrigation after depletion of 30% available water as control, depletion of 50% of available water as mild stress, and depletion of 70% of available water as severe stress. The sub-factor included different fertilizer sources, including control (C), 100% nitrogen fertilizer (NF), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizophagus intraradices) (AMF), 75% NF + AMF, 50% NF + AMF, and 25% NF + AMF. The third factor was harvesting time (first and second harvest). The distance between rows was set to be 4 m, with a plant density of 10 plants per m2. In AM fungi treatments, 80 g of the soil containing mycorrhizal fungi hyphae and the remains of the root and spores (1000 g spore.10-1 g soil) was added to the soil during planting. The aerial parts of peppermint were harvested at 50% flowering stage on the first and second harvests. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and mean comparison based on the least significant difference (LSD) test with SAS 9.3 statistical software. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that plant height, number of nodes per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of lateral branches per plant, SPAD index, dry matter yield, essential oil content, and yield were significantly affected by the interaction of fertilizer sources x irrigation levels, harvesting time, and harvesting time x irrigation levels. The highest and lowest values of morphological characteristics, leaf greenness, dry matter yield, and essential oil yield of peppermint were achieved under non-stress conditions with the application of 75% nitrogen fertilizer + AMF and severe water stress without fertilization, respectively. The maximum (2.4%) and minimum (1.2%) of essential oil content were observed under mild water stress fertilized with 75% nitrogen fertilizer + AMF and severe water stress without fertilization, respectively. The main essential oil compounds were menthol, menthone, 1,8 cineol, and menthofuran. The highest menthol and menthone content were recorded under mild water stress fertilized with 75% nitrogen fertilizer + AMF and non-stress conditions fertilized with 25% nitrogen fertilizer + AMF. The first harvest showed higher values of morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, essential oil content, and yield compared to the second harvest due to the longer growth period and better growth conditions in the first harvest.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that the plant height, the number of nods per plant, number of leaves per plant, the number of lateral branches per plant, SPAD index, dry matter yield and essential oil yield decreased significantly with increasing stress levels. In contrast, the application of AMF reduced the adverse effects of water stress, so that in severe water stress conditions (irrigation after depletion of 70% available water), individual and integrative application of AMF with nitrogen fertilizer increased the mentioned traits when compared with control. In addition, the mentioned traits in the first harvest increased by 127.8, 194.6, 159.8, 147.7, 17.7, and 37.9% in comparison with the second harvest. Also, the essential oil content of peppermint is enhanced with increasing water stress to mild stress. So, the essential oil content in mild stress increased by 11.4 and 39.7%, respectively, when compared with non-stress and severe stress. The highest essential oil yield was achieved at the first harvest with the integrative application of 75% NF+ AMF. Also, the major essential oil compounds of peppermint (menthol) was recorded in mild stress integrated with 75% nitrogen fertilizer+ AMF. Generally, considering that the economic purpose of cultivating medicinal plants is extracting the maximum content of secondary metabolites, and since the productivity of peppermint essential oil increased significantly by the integrative application of 75% nitrogen fertilizer+ mycorrhiza in mild stress, it can be suggested as a superior treatment.

Background and objectives: In order to improve soil fertility, increase the capacity to hold water and nutrients in the soil, as well as improve the growth and yield of plants, the use of different organic fertilizers in the soil has great importance due to the problem of lack of organic matter in most soils of Iran. However, organic fertilizers alone are not able to meet the needs of plants and are not sufficiently available to farmers. On the other hand, the high consumption of chemical fertilizers causes environmental pollution and increases production costs. Therefore, in order to efficiently and effectively use organic and chemical fertilizers and achieve sustainable agriculture, combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers is recommended. Using the biological potential of the soil or beneficial microbial community, including bacteria and fungi, is considered as a promising solution in sustainable agriculture. Considering the effect of heat stress at the end of the season on the reduction of wheat production in Khuzestan, as well as the effect of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and increasing the use of organic and biological fertilizers on the health of agricultural ecosystems, this experiment was designed and implemented with aim to investigate the effect of combined use of nitrogen chemical fertilizer with sugarcane residue compost and the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in late season heat stress conditions on the growth and yield of wheat (cv. ‘Chmaran 2’). Materials and methods: The experiment was carried out in the form of split-split plots in the form of a basic design of randomized complete blocks with three replications in the crop year of 2021-2022 in the research farm of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. The experimental factors include three planting dates on November 1, December 11 and December 31 in the main plots; Six levels of combined use of nitrogen chemical fertilizer (urea) with organic fertilizer, sugarcane residue compost, including control (without nitrogen and organic fertilizer), 100% nitrogen fertilizer, 75% nitrogen fertilizer+ 25% organic fertilizer, 50% nitrogen fertilizer+ 50% organic fertilizer, 25% nitrogen fertilizer+ 75% organic fertilizer and 100% organic fertilizer in sub-plots and two levels of application and non-application of biofertilizers in sub-plots. Each subplot was 3 meters long and 2 meters wide (with an area of 6 square meters) and included 10 crop lines at a distance of 20 cm from each other. The distance between the main and sub plots was half a meter and the distance between the blocks was considered to be two meters. After harvest maturity, the plants were harvested and grain yield and yield components were measured. Results: Analysis of variance showed that the effect of sowing date and the combined use of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer of sugarcane residue compost were significant on all measured traits. Also, the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria was significant on all the measured traits except harvest index. The mean comparisons showed that on the first planting date (December 1), the highest grain yield (5663 Kg ha-1 ) was in the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost and the lowest amount (2821 Kg ha-1 ) was in the control. On the second planting date (December 20), the highest grain yield (4874 Kg ha-1 ) was in the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost, and the lowest grain yield (2179 Kg ha-1 ) was in the condition of not using nitrogen fertilizer and compost. Also, on the third planting date (December 10), the highest grain yield (3622 Kg ha-1 ) was in the combined use of 50% nitrogen+ 50% compost and the lowest amount (1155 Kg ha-1 ) was in the control. In general, the delay in planting and the occurrence of heat stress at the end of the season caused a decrease in grain yield, but in different planting dates, the combined use of 50% nitrogen fertilizer+ 50% organic fertilizer compared to the treatment of 100% nitrogen chemical fertilizer, increased the yield by 9 to 18 percentage of wheat grain yield. Conclusion: According to the results, in areas with heat stress at the end of the season, it is possible to consider the combined use of 50% nitrogen chemical fertilizer+ 50% organic fertilizer of sugarcane residue compost and plant growth promoting bacteria to increase the growth and yield of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionCurrent estimates indicate that 25% of the world's agricultural lands are affected by water stress. Iran, with an annual 240 mm of rainfall, is classified as a dry region of the world. Wheat is one of the main cereal crops, cultivated to the demands of the population for human feeding. Winter wheat, the most important food grain produced in Iran, is grown on some 6 million ha. Production of wheat typically requires intensive use of chemical fertilizers. In addition to nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), phosphorous (P) is also one of the essential macronutrients required for the growth and development of wheat. P is usually applied to the soil in the form of phosphate fertilizers. However, a large portion of soluble inorganic phosphate applied to the soil as chemical fertilizer is immobilized rapidly and becomes unavailable to plants. Soil microorganisms can contribute to the enhanced availability of soil P through mineralization of organic P or solubilization of inorganic P resulting in the reduction of P fertilization. Beneficial free-living rhizobacteria, which have been shown to improve plant health or increase yield, are usually referred to as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Mycorrhiza, which is a symbiotic fungus, has been under research for more than a century. Inoculation of plant roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may be effective in improving crop production under drought conditions. Improved productivity of AM plants was attributed to enhanced uptake of immobile nutrients such as phosphorus, zinc, and copper. In addition, other factors associated with AM fungal colonization may influence plant resistance to drought. These include changes in leaf elasticity, improved leaf water, and turgor potentials, maintenance of stomatal opening and transpiration, increased root length and depth, and development of external hyphae. Therefore the main goal of this study was to find the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and Mycorrhizal fungi on yield, yield components, and its association in two dryland wheat cultivars. Materials and MethodsIn order to find the effects of the phosphorous deficiency and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Mycorrhiza fungi on grain yield and associated traits, an experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement using a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station of Ilam University (46*28' N, 33* 37 E; elevation 1174 m) during 2013-2014 cropping season. Experiment factors consisted of two dryland wheat cultivars (bread (Keras Sabalan) and durum wheat (Saji)) and phosphorous deficiency, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and Mycorrhiza fungi treatment including (without application of phosphorous, 100% consumption of phosphorous fertilizer, phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Mycorrhiza fungi, phosphate solubilizing bacteria + Mycorrhiza fungi, 50% of phosphorous fertilizer + phosphate solubilizing bacteria + Mycorrhiza fungi, 50% of phosphorous fertilizer + phosphate solubilizing bacteria, 50% of phosphorious fertilizer + Mycorrhiza fungi). At full maturity, agronomic traits such as spik.m-2, spikelet.spike-1, grain.spike-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, spike length, spike weight, and plant height were recorded using a sample of ten random guarded plants from the middle ridges of each plot. The data were analyzed statistically by the SAS program, and the data means were compared by Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). Results and DiscussionResults indicated that the interaction effect between cultivar×bio-fertilizer had a significant effect on the spike.m-2, spikelet.spike-1, grains.spike-1, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, spike length, spike weight, and plant height. The use of bio-fertilizer had a positive and significant effect on total studied traits in two dryland wheat under dryland conditions so that Saji cultivar and Using of bio-fertilizer had the highest grain yield with 62% to check treatment (without using of phosphorous chemical fertilizer and f bio-fertilizer) and also Increasing of 36% observed to 100% of using of phosphorous chemical fertilizer. There was a significant difference between cultivars to the response of Using phosphate solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi so Sji cultivars had the best response to mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore with, regard to the cultivation of wheat is facing terminal stresses (drought and heat), indicating that the Saji cultivar and Using of mycorrhizal fungi can be the best result under dryland conditions. ConclusionThis study indicated that phosphate solubilizing bacteria (HSB) and Mycorrhizal fungi had a positive effect on grain yield and associated traits and grain yield was higher in the presence of inoculation with Mycorrhizal fungi and HSB. In general, using bio-fertilizers and managing integrated nourishment quantitatively and qualitatively is one the efficient ways to improve plant production, and the environment would have a better condition if chemical fertilizers consumption reduce. Recent studies indicated that using bio-fertilizers also improves soil physiological structure and also increases organic matter content and P available to the coexistent plant. Of course, before it is recommended for massive production and wide application, it is necessary to implement and replicate this experiment in different regions.

In order to study the effect of mycorrhiza inoculation and zeolite-enriched manure compost on photosynthetic pigments content and qualitative properties of triticale grain, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized complete block design with four replications were conducted at Research Field of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan during 2016-2017 growing season. The experimental factors included mycorrhiza application at two levels (application and non-application of mycorrhiza), and mixing of zeolite to manure in six levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% w/w of zeolite/manure). According to the results, under conditions of mycorrhiza application with increasing zeolite up to 15% leaf greenness index (SPAD) increased but decreased afterwards. The highest chlorophyll a (2.68 mg g-1) was obtained from 15% zeolite treatment and the lowest (1.82 mg g-1) was detected in control. Mycorrhiza inoculation caused a 14% increase in carotenoid content compared to non-inoculation. Grain phosphorus content (0.43 mg kg-1) was increased in mycorrhiza inoculation condition compared to non-inoculation (0.37 mg kg-1). Under inoculation conditions, the highest grain yield (3510.7 kg ha-1) belonged to application of 10% zeolite. Under non-inoculation condition more zeolite was needed (in compare to inoculation treatment) to obtain the highest grain yield. The highest protein yield (329.97 kg ha-1) was obtained from mycorrhiza inoculation treatment with 15% zeolite and the lowest protein yield (1152 kg ha-1) was obtained from mycorrhiza inoculation treatment with 25% zeolite. Finally, the results of this study showed that the application of zeolite in manure and inoculation of mycorrhiza fungi can increase the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and grain quality of triticale.

In order to study the effect of different irrigation regimes, and application of biological and chemical fertilizers on morphological characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activity, and sugar content of melon fruit cv. Ahlam, an experimental split-factorial plots has been done in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Khuonj County in 2018-19. The main factor has been irrigation at 3 levels including 50%, 75%, and 100% of water requirement, with the sub-factor including NPK chemical fertilizer at 0, 60, 120, and 180 kg/ha as well as non-application of Nitroxin biofertilizer along with application of 100% of the recommended amount. Results show that different irrigation regimes, different fertilizer treatments, and their interaction have had a significant effect on some of the studied traits. The combined application of chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers show a significant effect on the number of sub-branches, total plant weight, length and diameter of the most branch, total soluble solids (TSS), the quantity of xylose and fructose sugars and activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase enzymes. The highest number of sub-branches and plant fresh weight, branch length and diameter are obtained in the chemical fertilizer treatment of 120, and 180 kg/ha with the utilization of Nitroxin fertilizer under 100% water stress. However, it has been observed that biofertilizers has had no significant effect on sugars and enzyme activity in fruit, so that the very best levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase are obtained within the treatment of 50% of field capacity with 120 and 180 kg/ha of chemical fertilizer without using Nitroxin. In general, it can be concluded that the application of biofertilizers reduce the adverse effects of water stress and the application of chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers hasa significant impact on increasing the studied traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of Bacillus subtilis (0, 102, 105, 106, 108 cfu/ml) was studied on saffron (Crocus sativus L.) ecotypes Natanz and Zanjan during 2017-2019 via a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design in three replicates. Number of leaves per corm, average length of leaves, flowers, petals and sepals, stigma fresh and dry weights, fresh and dry flower yield, number of flowers per plot, total phenol and anthocyanin in petals and the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were measured. All morphophysiological were significantly affected due to B. subtilis treatment. The highest and the lowest fresh and dry weight of stigma was observed in 10 cfu/ml (41.44 mg and 7.13 mg) and no treated samples (32.91 mg and 6.14 mg), respectively. The maximum stigma fresh and dry weight was observed in Natanz ecotype. The highest amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded in 108 cfu / ml (5.55 %, 2061ppm 66.75 and 7540.8 ppm, respectively) and the lowest in control (3.25 %, 1314.42 ppm and 4339.8 ppm, respectively). The highest amount of nitrogen and phosphorus was observed in Zanjan ecotype. According to the results, utilizing the B. bacteria in a proper concentration as a bio fertilizer can be considered beneficial towards optimal growth indices in saffron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of Myco-Root biofertilizer and different irrigation levels on the content and essential oil compounds of thyme (Thymus daenensis Celak.), a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and three replications in the greenhouse of Plant Production and Genetics department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2020. The factors included drought stress at four levels of without stress (irrigation at field capacity (FC) as a control), mild (irrigation at 75% FC), moderate (irrigation at 55% FC), and severe (irrigation at 35% FC) stresses and biofertilizer at two levels of inoculation and non-inoculation with Myco-Root. The results demonstrated that the fresh and dry weight of leaves, stem dry weight, total dry weight, leaf relative water content, chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll content, and root colonization percentage decreased significantly with increasing the water deficit level. However, the carotenoid content and essential oil percentage showed an increasing trend with increasing drought stress. The highest carotenoid content and essential oil percentage was obtained by using Myco-Root under moderate drought stress. Thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, (E)-caryophyllene, borneol, γ-terpinene, and α-pinene were identified as the major constituents of essential oil in the all treatments. The highest content of thymol was obtained under mild drought stress with the Myco-Root application. Furthermore, the highest content of carvacrol was recorded under mild, moderate, and severe drought stresses, respectively with the Myco-Root application. On average, the application of Myco-Root biofertilizer increased the content of thymol, carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, E-caryophyllene, borneol, and α-pinene by 4.19, 48.28, 15.93, 16.33, 14.15, and 3.78%, respectively compared to not using this biofertilizer. Overall, the results showed that some morphological and physiological traits of thyme decreased significantly with increasing the water deficit levels, but the application of Myco-Root biofertilizer could amend drought stress and improve the growth, percentage and essential oil quality of the plant. Thus, the use of Myco-Root biofertilizer instead of chemical fertilizers could be recommended to achieve the sustainable agriculture in the thyme cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and mycorrhizal fungi on phonological and physiological traits of wheat, an experiment was carried out in factriol arrangement using randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center, Sarableh (Ilam), Iran, during 2013-2014 cropping season. Experiment factors consisted of two dry land wheat cultivars (Cross Sablan and Saji) and fertilizer levels were 1- without application of phosphorous (P), 2- 100% phosphorous application, 3- Pseudomonas putida, 4- Funeliformis mosseae, 5- P. putida + F. mosseae, 6- P. putida + F. mosseae + 50% of phosphorious fertilizer, 7- P. putida + 50% of phosphorious fertilizer and 8- F. mosseae + 50% of phosphorious fertilizer. Results indicated that using chemical and biofertilizer affected 50% days to emergence, stem elongation, flowering, pollination, maturity weight and maturity significantly. Results also showed that using of bio-fertilizer reduced drought stress effects by improving phonological traits of wheat under dry land conditions. The highest LAI, CGR, TDM, RGR and NAR were obtained by Saji cultivar and application of 50% of phosphorious fertilizer + Mycorrhiza fungi, but it effect at late season on CGR, RGR and NAR due to increased shading of plants and leaf falling were negative. The Saji cultivar and 50% of phosphorious fertilizer + F. mosseae because of maximum LAI, CGR and TDM produced higher grain yield under dry land conditions. It can be concluded that Saji cultivar along with F. mosseae may have higher growth indices and seed yield under dryland conditions.

Forage quantity and quality in simultaneous cropping of maize with vetch (Vicia villosa), grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia), berseem clover (Trifolium alexanderinum L.), studied by experiment as randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 14 treatments and three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2015. The treatments were monocultures of maize (SC 704), Vetch, Grass pea, Sainfoin, Berseem clover and intercropping maize with each legume in inoculated and non-inoculated with nitroxin biofertilizer. The results showed that the highest and lowest forage yield were obtained in maize (inoculation)+ vetch intercropping and sainfoin monoculture, respectively. Also, the highest (277.5 g.kgDM-1) and the lowest (60.60 g.kgDM-1) crude protein were achieved in vetch and maize monoculture (without inoculation), respectively. In addition to, the highest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) values were obtained in monoculture of maize (no -inoculation). The lowest ADF and NDF values were obtained in vetch monoculture and intercropping of maize (inoculation) + vetch. The highest values of DMI, DDM, RFV, NEL and TDN was observed in vetch monocultures. Also, between intercropping patterns, the highest values of these indices were obtained in intercropping of maize (inoculation) + vetch. Generally, the results of this study exhibited that the effects of vetch on the quality and quantity of forages was higher than other legumes in intercropping patterns.

To study the possibility of reducing the consumption of nitrogen fertilizer using biological fertilizer on yield and yield components of cowpea. A factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at Darreb Shahr in 2012. The first factor, which was at 3 levels of urea nitrogen, containing 0, 50 and 100 kg nitrogen per hectare, and the second factor was the biological fertilizer Nitroxin at 3 levels containing no inoculation, inoculation rate of 1 ml per 60 kg seeds and spraying a rate of 3 liters per ha. The results showed that protein content of seed inoculated with bio-fertilizer nitroxin was 24.96 percent which is one percent more than non-inoculated seeds. The amount of protein obtained in application of nitrogen was also more than non-application treatment and the difference between them was significant. The interaction of urea fertilizer and bio-fertilizer, resulted in highest and the lowest yield in seeds inoculated with 50 kg of urea fertilizer and no fertilizer application biological fertilizer + no fertilizer urea in 2046 and 1336 kg per hectare, respectively. All levels of nitrogen in the highest and the lowest yield was in a state of inoculation and non-application. Generally the results showed that the use of biological fertilizers can be used as part of the nutrients needed by cowpea, Also, if Nitroxin was supplemented with lower amounts of urea fertilizer seed yield may be increased seed yield may be improved.

In order to investigate growth indices, yield, and nitrogen and phosphorous content in soybean under bio- and chemical fertilizer application, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out on the research farm of the Moghan College of Agriculture & Natural Resources during 2015. The first factor, Biosoy Bio-fertilizer containing different strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria, included inoculation of seed and non-inoculation; and the second factor, chemical fertilizer, included non-application of fertilizers (0%), 50 kg.ha-1 urea + 66 kg.ha-1 diammonium phosphate (33%), 100 kg.ha-1 urea + 132 kg.ha-1 diammonium phosphate (66%), and 150 kg.ha-1 urea + 200 kg.ha-1 diammonium phosphate (100%). The results showed that the lowest leaf area index (2.17), total dry matter accumulation (374.17 g.m-2), crop growth rate (8.6 g.m-2.d-1), grain yield (3738.3 kg.ha-1), and leaf chlorophyll index (20.83) values were observed from the combined treatment of non-inoculation and non-application of fertilizer. The highest values of leaf area index (5.46), total dry matter accumulation (784.5 g.m-2), crop growth rate (21 g.m-2.d-1), grain yield (7602.8 kg.ha-1), and leaf chlorophyll index (38.16) were recorded from the combined treatment of inoculation by Biosoy and 33% of chemical fertilizer. Inoculation treatments significantly showed higher nitrogen content and nitrogen to phosphorus ratio than non-inoculated ones. All-told, soybean inoculation with Biosoy bio-fertilizer containing Bradyrhizobium japonicum bacteria not only increases soybean growth, development and yield, but also, reduces chemical fertilizers usage, production costs, and environmental risks.

To evaluate the effect of supplemental irrigation and seed priming on yield and some quantity and quality characteristics of vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) rainfed maragheh cultivar, an experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Urmia, West Azarbaijan province, Iran, during 2011. The experiment was laid out using split-plot, based on Randomized Complete Block design in three replicates. The factors studied were: Supplemental irrigation at four levels: without supplemental irrigation (I1), 1 time of supplemental irrigation (I2), 2 times of supplemental irrigation (I3) and 3 times of supplemental irrigation (I3). The subplot included four levels of seed priming: Control (C), Water (W), Phosphate (P) and Nitroxin (N). Plant height, pod number in stems, 1000-grain weight, wet and dry forage yield in the second and third harvest and fiber percentage in the second and third harvest, protein yield in the second and third harvest, biological yield and harvest index were influenced by the supplemental irrigation. Wet and dry forage yield in the second harvest and wet forage yield in the third harvest were highest in I4 with respectively 14.5, 16.72 and 3.56 (tons/hectare) yield and lowest with respectively 7.73, 7.47 and 2.06 (tons/hectare) yield. As a result, applying 2 times of supplemental irrigation and seed treatment with phosphate and nitroxin had positive effects on quality and quantity yield of vetch and they could improve the quantity and quality of Vetch forage.

The effect of bio-fertilizers and intercropping with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) on grain and essential oil yield of cumin(Cuminum cyminum L.)evaluated by field experiment as factorial based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz in 2014. The first factor was four levels of cropping systems including, monoculture of cumin; three replacement intercropping patterns including row intercropping of faba bean with cumin (1 row faba bean-1 row cumin); strip intercropping as 2 rows faba bean-2 row cumin and 4 rows faba bean - 4 rows cumin. The second factor was three levels of fertilizers including 100% chemical fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer (Azotobarvar + Barvar 2) and vermicompost (10 ton.ha-1).Results showed that the highest leaf number per plant of cumin was observed in 1:1 intercropping. The yield components of cumin in row intercropping pattern were higher than them in other intercropping patterns. The row intercropping +100% chemical fertilizer, had the highest cumin essential oil yield (4.8 kg.ha-1). Evaluating the intercropping indices showed that 1:1 intercropping had the highest relative value total (1/9) and standard land equivalent ratio (1/3-1/4) at all fertilizer levels.

The importance of bio-fertilizers has increased because of the negative consequences of using chemical fertilizers. This study that was conducted in the Zanjan County was aimed at examining the factors that affect farmers' perceived compatibility of bio- fertilizers. In this regard, among 313 active farmers in the Zanjan county, 135 farmers were contacted and surveyed through a convenient sampling to examine two categories of effective factors, i.e. personal (knowledge about and attitude toward bio-fertilizers) and environmental (economic accessibility, physical accessibility to bio-fertilizers and policy and support structures) factors. Binary logistic regression and discriminant analysis were applied to examine the consistency of the results. The results of two techniques showed that improving policy and support increased farmers' perceived computability and providing economic facilities decreased it. Furthermore, the results revealed that farmers' knowledge and attitude did not have a significant effect on the perceived compatibility.

Abstract The effect of chemical and biological fertilizer treatments on intercropping of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) evaluated in factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 15 treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz in 2014. The first factor was including five cropping systems including monoculture of faba bean, monoculture of cumin; three replacement intercropping patterns including row intercropping of faba bean with cumin (1 row faba bean-1 row cumin); strip intercropping as 2 rows faba bean-2 row cumin and 4 rows faba bean-4 rows cumin. The second factor was three levels of fertilizers including 100% chemical fertilizer (50 kg.ha-1 urea+150 kg.ha-1 triple superphosphate), 50% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer (Azoto barvar + Barvar 2) and Vermicompost (10 ton.ha-1). Results showed that the highest faba bean leaf number was devoted to the 100% chemical fertilizer. The highest values for faba bean yield components were observed in 1:1 intercropping pattern. The highest land equivalent ratio and relative yield total at all fertilizer levels was devoted to 1-1 row intercropping. Also at 2:2 strip intercropping pattern the Vermicompost fertilizer had the highest land equivalent ratio (1.35). The highest relative value total was obtained in 1:1 row intercropping pattern with application of 100% chemical fertilizer that indicates the economic advantage of this planting pattern.

In order to evaluate the effect of compost tea, vermicomposting (as organic fertilizers), and mycorrhizal symbiosis on Mentha aquatica yield and its components, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in 2015 in Sari. The factors examined included mycorrhizal Glomus moseae (0 and 10% of the pot volume), vermicomposting (0 and 10% of the pot volume), and compost tea (at 0 and 1.5 liter). Some characteristics such as growth indices, amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in shoots were examined. The results of the study showed that organic fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi had a significant impact on all measured characteristics and increased dry and fresh weight and flower diameter characteristics when compared with those of the control group so that the highest leaf area, flower diameter, and nitrogen and phosphorus contents were obtained from the mycorrhizal fungi + compost tea + vermicomposting treatment. The triple interaction effects showed that the absence of compost tea, vermicomposting and mycorrhizae symbiosis treatments increased the leaf area compared to the control. The results indicated that using vermicomposting, compost tea, and mycorrhizal symbiosis through the availability of nutrients increases the yield and improves the quantity and quality of Mentha aquatica harvest.

In order to investigate the effect of effective microorganism application method on saffron growth characteristics in the presence of chemical and organic fertilizers, a field experiment was conducted at Sheshtamad County during the growing season of 2013-2014. The experiment was carried out as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factors included effective microorganisms (EM) application method as main plots (no application, soil application and foliar application of EM) and chemical and organic fertilizers application as subplots (no application, soil application of humic acid, soil application of 20, 20, 20+TE and soil application of humic acid + 20, 20, 20+TE). The results showed that soil and foliar application of EM had no significant effect on plant height, but it significantly increased corm number, corm yield, shoot dry weight and number of buds per corm. The average corm weight was reduced in response to soil and foliar application of EM. The highest corm number (220.33), corm yield (1023.33 g m-2) and shoot dry weight (43.02 g m-2) were obtained in soil application of EM treatment. The maximum number of buds per corm (8.68) and average corm weight (5.10 g) were observed in foliar application and no application of EM conditions, respectively. Application of 20, 20, 20+TE and combined application of humic acid and 20, 20, 20+TE increased corm number, corm yield, shoot dry weight and number of bud per corm compared to control and soil application of humic acid. Soil application of humic acid produced the highest average corm weight. Soil and foliar application of EM improved the response of saffron growth characteristics to organic and chemical fertilizers. According to the results, soil applications of EM and 20, 20, 20+TE are recommended to produce maximum corm yield in saffron.

One of the most important needs in farm planning is the evaluation of different systems of plant nutrition. By supplying the correct way of plant nutrition you can preserve the environment and increase efficiency of agricultural inputs. In order to investigate the effect of foliar application of organic fertilizers and micronutrients on some characteristics of neger, a field experiment was conducted in a complete randomized block design with three replications at Agricultural Research Station of Shahrekord University in 2013-2014. Treatments consisted of control, three levels of humic acid (1, 3, and 6 liters/ha of humic acid, iron (4 per thousand), and zinc (4 per thousand). In this experiment traits like plant height, stem diameter, stem branch number, biological yield, seed yield, harvest index, and percent and oil yield were evaluated. The results showed that foliar application of these materials resulted in significant increase in the traits under study. Oil yield increased by 63 and 53 percent with the use of 6 liters humic acid and zinc respectively, as compared to the use of 1 liter per hectare. This may be the outcome of increased in oil yield and protein content. Meanwhile, the highest percentage of protein observed for tratment of 6 liters per hectare. The highest response of traits firstly obtained by use of 6 liters per hectare humic acid and then from spraying plants with the zinc which shows its limited absorption and/or probably the lack of this element in the soil where the experiment was conducted.

Introduction: Unbalanced application of fertilizer and chemical pesticides reduce soil fertility and agricultural products quality. Application of bio-fertilizers is quite important for sustainable agriculture..According to the principles of ecological agriculture, soil fertility and plant nutrition play an important role in improving the yield and quality of medicinal plants. The use of biological fertilizers is one of the main strategies in ecological agriculture for plant nutrition. Organic materials are not the only source of bio-fertilizer but bacterial and fungal particles and materials from their activities in relation to nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients are examples of biological fertilizers too. Today particular attention has been paid to the canvas of biological nitrogen fixation byfree-living bacteria such as Azospirillum and Azotobacter companion agricultural systems. Nitrogen is mainly the first nutrient which its deficiency in the arid and semi-aridoccurs.It is due to this fact thatthe amount of organic matter that is the major source of nitrogen stored in these areas is negligible. Nitroxin contains the most effective nitrogen fixation bacteria (Azotobacter and Azospirillum). Nitroxin bacteria besides nitrogen fixation of atmosphere and counterbalance of macronutrients and micro nutrientsare required for plant uptake, with the synthesis and secretion of various hormones and growth regulators such as auxin (IAA), the secretion of various amino acids, antibiotics, andhydrogen cyanide hydrogen will cause siderophore growth and development of roots and aerial parts of the plant. Due to environmental concerns, the use of organic acids to improve the quality and quantity of crops and gardens is not possible. Small amounts of organic acids have significant impacts on physical characteristics, chemical and biological soil because of the useful hormonal effects of compounds in increasing production and improving the quality of agricultural products. Humic acid, as one of the appropriate fertilizer, is used in the agricultural organic system. Humic acid causes shoot growth increase due to the absorption of calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc and copper. Bio-fertilizer application information on medicinal plants is very important. In the present study, nitroxin and humic acid effects on Carumcopticum extract were investigated. Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of different levels of humic acid, organic fertilizer and Nitroxin bio-fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Ajowan, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Zabol University. The seeds used in this study were obtained from a local variety that was planted superficially. Active ingredientof the seed was extracted by distillation with water for threehours. Essence percentage was determined by sodium sulfate. The Kejeldal method was used to determine the percentage of nitrogen. The crude method was used to determine the concentration of calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium in dry ash. A factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the Research Farm. Treatments include the seed inoculation with Nitroxin bio-fertilizer in fourlevels including N1= zero (control), N2 = 0.5, N3 = 1 and N4 = 1.5 L/ha and organic fertilizer humic acid as irrigation water solublefour-leaf stage on fourlevels H1 = zero (control), H2 = 1, H3 = 2 and H4 = 3 kg per hectare. SAS statistical software was used to analyze the data and mean of three traits were compared by LSD test at the 5% level. Results and Discussion: None of the treatments affected plant height and Nitroxinhumic acid interactions were not significant. The results showed significant effects of humic acid on seed weight, number of umbels and lateral branches, essential oil percentage and yield. The highest percentage and oil yield was 4.17% and 64.75 kg per hectare of treated H4, respectively. Nitroxin effect on all traits was significantly different except oil percentage. Interaction of humic acid and Nitroxin treatments on yield and biological yield were significant. The highest yield (1758.33 kg per ha) was treated with N4H3. Conclusion: Our results showed that 1.5 L/ha Nitroxin and 3 kg humic acid per ha were the best treatments in the production of oil yield and percentage of Ajowan organic farming.

Mycorrhizal fungi can be integrated in soil management to achieve low-cost sustainable agricultural systems. Hence, the effects of non-using (M1) and using (M2) of mycorrhizal fungi on reduction of phosphate fertilizer consumption, growth and yield of maize under different levels of phosphate fertilizer (P1: zero, P2: 20, P3: 40, P4: 60, P5: 80 and P6: 100% recommended) were investigated in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The effect of phosphorus on all traits was significant. The effect of mycorrhiza on all traits (except ear length was) significant. Maximum number of grains per row (28.67) and plant height (214.75 cm) were obtained at treatments of P6 and P5, respectively, and minimum values of these traits were achieved at P1 treatment. Furthermore, the effect of M×P interaction on LAI, CGR, ear length, number of seed rows per ear, 100-seed weight, grain and biological yield was significant. The greatest LAI, CGR, ear length, number of seed rows per ear, 100-seed weight, grain yield and biological yield were obtained with M2P3 treatment and the smallest of these traits were detected with M1P1 treatment. Therefore, M2P3 treatment may be recommended for achieving the maximum maize grain yield.

To evaluate the effect of supplemental irrigation and seed priming on yield and some quantity and quality characteristics of vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) rainfed maragheh cultivar, an experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Urmia, West Azarbaijan province, Iran, during 2011. The experiment was laid out using split-plot, based on Randomized Complete Block design in three replicates. The factors studied were: Supplemental irrigation at four levels: without supplemental irrigation (I1), 1 time of supplemental irrigation (I2), 2 times of supplemental irrigation (I3) and 3 times of supplemental irrigation (I3). The subplot included four levels of seed priming: Control (C), Water (W), Phosphate (P) and Nitroxin (N). Plant height, pod number in stems, 1000-grain weight, wet and dry forage yield in the second and third harvest and fiber percentage in the second and third harvest, protein yield in the second and third harvest, biological yield and harvest index were influenced by the supplemental irrigation. Wet and dry forage yield in the second harvest and wet forage yield in the third harvest were highest in I4 with respectively 14.5, 16.72 and 3.56 (tons/hectare) yield and lowest with respectively 7.73, 7.47 and 2.06 (tons/hectare) yield. As a result, applying 2 times of supplemental irrigation and seed treatment with phosphate and nitroxin had positive effects on quality and quantity yield of vetch and they could improve the quantity and quality of Vetch forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of effective microorganism application method on saffron growth characteristics in the presence of chemical and organic fertilizers, a field experiment was conducted at Sheshtamad County during the growing season of 2013-2014. The experiment was carried out as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factors included effective microorganisms (EM) application method as main plots (no application, soil application and foliar application of EM) and chemical and organic fertilizers application as subplots (no application, soil application of humic acid, soil application of 20, 20, 20+TE and soil application of humic acid + 20, 20, 20+TE). The results showed that soil and foliar application of EM had no significant effect on plant height, but it significantly increased corm number, corm yield, shoot dry weight and number of buds per corm. The average corm weight was reduced in response to soil and foliar application of EM. The highest corm number (220.33), corm yield (1023.33 g m2) and shoot dry weight (43.02 g m2) were obtained in soil application of EM treatment. The maximum number of buds per corm (8.68) and average corm weight (5.10 g) were observed in foliar application and no application of EM conditions, respectively. Application of 20, 20, 20+TE and combined application of humic acid and 20, 20, 20+TE increased corm number, corm yield, shoot dry weight and number of bud per corm compared to control and soil application of humic acid. Soil application of humic acid produced the highest average corm weight. Soil and foliar application of EM improved the response of saffron growth characteristics to organic and chemical fertilizers. According to the results, soil applications of EM and 20, 20, 20+TE are recommended to produce maximum corm yield in saffron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]