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Journal of Agroecology
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    Introduction Rainfall is a predominant climatic element that affects the density and location of agricultural systems and the choice of farming operations. The distribution, intensity, duration, and type of rainfall are very important... more
    Introduction 
    Rainfall is a predominant climatic element that affects the density and location of agricultural systems and the choice of farming operations. The distribution, intensity, duration, and type of rainfall are very important at different stages, such as cultivation, emergence, tillering, stem formation, and flowering. Kurdistan province has regular rainfall with an average rainfall of more than 500 mm annually. Therefore, Kurdistan province is one of Iran's most prone rain-fed areas. This province, with an area under cultivation of 120,000 hectares, is one of the most important areas of chickpea growing in the country. However, rainfall distribution is not the same in all regions of this province, so it is necessary to study the potential risk of chickpea production in Kurdistan province.

    Materials and Methods
    Long-term climatic data were collected from 15 stations for 20 years from 1991 to 2011. The spatial and temporal analysis results determined the suitable region's climatic-agronomic indices and the amount of dryland chickpea production. Kurdistan province was divided into three climatic regions; High-risk or unsuitable climatic-agro-area (0.23% of the total area), medium-risk area or with relative proportion for production (59.71% of the total area), low-risk or suitable climatic-agro-area (37.96%) From the whole area).

    Results and Discussion
    The spatial and temporal analysis results determined the suitable region's climatic-agronomic indices and the amount of dryland chickpea production. Kurdistan province was divided into three climatic regions; High-risk or unsuitable climatic-agro-area (0.23% of the total area), medium-risk area or with relative proportion for production (59.71% of the total area), low-risk or suitable climate-agro-area (37.96%) From the whole area). The results of the study on the relationship between rainfall of vegetative stage and the potential of cultivation of dryland chickpeas in the region show except for a small part of Qorveh, Bijar, and Sarvabad cities which are in a weak degree. The whole region is in a very good degree in supplying the required moisture, which is also due to the necessary rainfall at this time and the humidity of the storage capacity stored from the winter rains. The occurrence of suitable precipitations for the vegetative period in the whole region had the highest value compared to other developmental stages. The results of the study on the relationship between reproductive stage rainfall and cultivation potential of rainfed chickpeas in the region showed that Zarrineh station in the north of the region is weak due to unfavorable weather conditions at the beginning of the growing season and the developmental stages of the growing season in this region are delayed. At Zarrineh station, the critical reproductive stage occurs at a time of year when the probability of precipitation in Kurdistan has decreased, and a part of the southeast of Qorveh city is one of the weak and critical areas. The rest of the province, in terms of moisture supply for this stage of dryland chickpea development, is in a suitable degree due to the necessary rainfall in this period of development.

    Conclusion
    The study results show the relationship between rainfall of the vegetative stage and the cultivation potential of dryland chickpeas in the region, except for a small part of Qorveh, Bijar, and Sarvabad counties, which are in a weak degree. The whole region is in a very good degree in supplying the required moisture, which is also due to the necessary rainfall at this time and the humidity of the storage capacity stored from the winter rains. Occurrence of suitable precipitations for the vegetative period in the whole region had the highest value compared to other developmental stages.
    Introduction Today, agricultural systems are considered the center and main axis of all activities related to the development of sustainable agriculture in Iran. Obviously, the more efforts to expand the sustainability of the... more
    Introduction
    Today, agricultural systems are considered the center and main axis of all activities related to the development of sustainable agriculture in Iran. Obviously, the more efforts to expand the sustainability of the exploitation systems of the regions, the better the situation will be in terms of reducing energy loss and production costs, increasing performance and conserving resources, and preventing waste. From an ecological point of view, the per capita consumption of energy and materials used in agriculture has increased faster than population growth, so the continuation of this process endangers the health, sustainability, and well-being of society and causes the destruction of ecological resources. For this reason, any exploitation of nature should be done after evaluating the resources and within the capabilities and capacities of the environment. Recognizing the problems and bottlenecks of the specialized tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cultivation system in Golestan province and formulating appropriate solutions to solve the environmental problems of tobacco cultivation, is of great importance in the sustainable development of this product. Ecological footprint is a valid indicator for assessing the sustainability of agricultural products. This index makes it possible to calculate the amount of pressure that humans exert on the environment to produce crops. Therefore, this study aims to study the environmental impacts of tobacco cultivation due to the importance of environment and sustainable agriculture.
    Materials and Methods
    In this study, the environmental sustainability of two types of greenhouse tobacco (Virginia) and dry shade (Barley) was evaluated. The statistical population of this research is tobacco growers, Flue-Cured tobacco, and Air-Cured tobacco in Golestan province. The statistical sample size was estimated to be about 160 people using Cochran's formula. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that was randomly distributed and completed among 100 Flue-Cured tobacco farmers and 60 Air-Cured tobacco farmers in 2019. To assess the environmental effects, the ecological footprint index was used. For this purpose, the ecological footprint was calculated based on the type of field operations in two parts: direct and indirect footprint.
    Results and Discussion
    The results of the study indicated that the total energy consumption for the production of Air-Cured tobacco was 97327 MJ/ha. Electricity, with 44.72%, had the largest share in energy consumption, followed by nitrogen with 16.69% and diesel with 16.61%. The total energy consumed to produce one hectare of Flue-Cured tobacco was 73,184 MJ; electricity has the largest share, followed by diesel. Indirect ecological footprints were calculated for Flue-Cured tobacco and Air-Cured tobacco at 1.16 and 1.54 gha, respectively. In Air-cured tobacco, Electricity with 38.19%, nitrogen fertilizer at 18.67%, and diesel with 18.58% have the greatest impact on ecological footprint.  The results show the total ecological footprint (direct and indirect) of Air-Cured tobacco (4.05) and Flue-Cured tobacco (3.67) equivalent to the global hectare (gha). The results of ecological footprint studies in both types of tobacco indicate that the highest environmental impact from crop production is related to electricity input. In the Flue-Cured production process, the electricity consumption is related to the water pump (electric wells) and the greenhouse (fan for ventilation), but in the Air-Cured tobacco, it is only related to the water pump consumption.
    Conclusion
    Sustainability indicators are a tool that can be used to raise the awareness of tobacco growers about the environmental effects of their actions. According to the results of this study, the use of electricity, water, fertilizer, and diesel inputs has the greatest impact on ecological instability, so proper management of the use of these inputs is a necessity, such as the use of appropriate technologies, fertilizer use according to plant needs. Reducing the intensity of tillage by using appropriate machinery and paying attention to climatic conditions, as well as increasing the awareness of tobacco growers with the help of educational-promotional activities, can be effective in reducing the consumption of inputs and optimal use.
    Introduction By 2050, the world's population is estimated to increase by 30 to 35 percent, so about 60 percent growth in agricultural production must be achieved for proper nutrition. Food security refers to a situation in which people... more
    Introduction
    By 2050, the world's population is estimated to increase by 30 to 35 percent, so about 60 percent growth in agricultural production must be achieved for proper nutrition. Food security refers to a situation in which people at all times, physically, socially, and economically, have access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food that meets their nutritional needs and preferences for an active and healthy life. One of the most important challenges of the 21st century to improve food security is the preservation of agricultural biodiversity. Biodiversity is a key factor in ensuring that adequate food is available at any given scale and is often assessed in terms of genetic composition and local stability. Conventional single-crop farming systems depend on a small number of high-yield crops, and their expansion, in addition to environmental problems, led to significant reductions in plant biodiversity. There are different approaches to addressing food security and biodiversity protection concerns. This study aimed to investigate food security and effective factors in protecting agricultural biodiversity to ensure sustainable food security.

    Materials and Methods
    This research has been performed in Anzali port. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical method. This study was conducted in two stages: 1. Food security status: information required for research through library and documentary studies (detailed results of the country's census and village identity) and part of it through field studies (observation, interview, and questionnaire). In this regard, a questionnaire related to food security indicators such as food adequacy, health, nutrition, and availability to have an active and healthy life was used in the first stage. Randomly selected ,a total of 90 households in the city were interviewed. 2. Study of the role of agriculture. Biodiversity Conservation Indicators in Ensuring Sustainable Food Security: 100 farm managers were surveyed in 10 villages, and the questions were divided into five groups: economic, social, educational, infrastructure, and organizational. Finally, SPSS software and Pearson correlation were used to plot the chart and statistical analysis.

    Results and Discussion
    The city has food adequacy, access to food, and healthy activity, which is about 8 hours a day, but it is poor in terms of healthy living away from disease, nutrition, and having a healthy food free of chemical inputs. Improving food security is especially important for developing countries where social, political, cultural, and economic developments can improve food security. The government should adopt policies such as global cash food subsidies to improve food security, direct support for low-income households, and allocate subsidies based on the geographical location of these households. Our results show that even in a city, the relationship between socioeconomic factors and caloric intake can vary from region to region. Thus, if governments choose specific policies (for example, education policies), they should target provinces where food security is negatively correlated with calorie intake. Simple income-raising policies are not always effective in improving calorie intake in rural areas. Relevant and private government institutions should focus on other socio-economic factors and prioritize them in improving calorie intake in the family and improving health outcomes. In all villages except the exempt village, infrastructure factors have the greatest impact on maintaining biodiversity, and economic factors have the greatest impact in the exempt village. The highest standard deviation is seen in the infrastructure factors related to Torbegodeh, Talebabad, ShilehSar, Khomeyran, Ashpala, Abkenar, and Kapurchal villages. The most standard deviation in other villages is related to economic factors. In Torbegodeh and Rudpasht villages, the importance of educational factors; Talebabad, Shileh Sar, and Kapurchal villages, the importance of social factors; Khomeyran, Maaf, and Ashpala villages, the importance of infrastructure factors; and Abkenar village, environmental factors are more.

    Conclusion
    In general, in this region, rice fields with high inputs of resources and low crop diversity and environmental impacts can lead to environmental feedback in different areas, for example, reducing biodiversity and soil fertility, which is more dependent on the base. Fossil fuel inputs for robust production stability. To this end, focusing on ofproducing agricultural products for domestic consumption to increase food security by supporting rural livelihoods and producing environmentally sustainable food should be a priority.
    Introduction Secondary or double cropping increases production per unit area and optimizes use of other production resources. Faba bean responds to and changes its environment by altering on-site soil fertility, microclimate, and wild... more
    Introduction 
    Secondary or double cropping increases production per unit area and optimizes use of other production resources. Faba bean responds to and changes its environment by altering on-site soil fertility, microclimate, and wild flora and fauna co-habitats. Besides its worldwide use for food and feed, extensive knowledge exists about its ability to symbiotically fix and add nitrogen to the soil, making additional soil nitrogen available and enhancing and sustaining soil productivity. The optimum planting date optimizes the use of climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and day length, as well as matching flowering time with appropriate temperature. Planting date should be set so that overheating does not harm the plant, especially during the flowering period. A change in planting date may also overshadow the plant's yield by affecting the adaptation of plant growth to environmental conditions and vegetative and reproductive growth (Oplinger et al., 2000). Therefore, knowing the thermal indicators such as the heat accumulation unit, which in most sources is referred to as the degree of maturity days.All its other mathematical derivations are the same as the hlio-thermal unit (HTU), growing degree days (GDD), pheno-thermal index (PTI), crop heat unit (CHU), heat use efficiency (HUE), relative temperature disparity (RTD), It can provide basic principles for determining the phenological stages and the optimum planting date (Sreenivas et al., 2010).
    Materials and Methods
    In order to investigate the effect of off-season sowing date (summer) on the accumulation of thermal units, yield and yield components in faba bean var. Luzde otono, an experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications during 2017-2018 for two years at Agricultural Research Station Gharakhil (gaem shahr). Experimental treatments were sowing dates in four levels of June 10, 30 ,July 20, and August 10, main plot, and row spacing in three levels of 45, 60, and 75 cm as subplots. During vegetative and reproductive phases, weeds were controlled, and data were recorded on days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height, harvest index, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and Green pod yield. Also, in maturity, marginal, yield, and yield components were calculated after removing the effect. Data were analyzed using the SAS. Ver. 9.1 and figures were drawn by EXCEL and means compared by using DMRT at the 5% probability level.
    Results and Discussion
    The analysis of variance showed that the effect of year and planting date and their interactions on number of pods per plant, pod length, plant height, and green pod yield were significant (P≤0.01). The unit of heliothermal was greater in 2018 (from 0.47 to 0.88) compared to 2017 (from 0.45 to 0.86); this was due to the increase in average air temperature and the number of sunshine hours. The highest heat use efficiency (HUE) was obtained related to the third sowing date (July 20) in 2018. Also, among the studied indicators are the heat use efficiency (HUE), the efficiency of consumption of sunny hours (RUE), and the estimated thermal requirement of faba bean var. Luzde otono in different sowing dates and at different stages of development, and in this direction, due to having a constant and logical trend, they have a relative superiority over other indicators such as GDD and PTI.
    Conclusion
    The results of mean comparisons showed that the highest green pods yield Gained var. Luzde otono in the third sowing date (July 20) with 10422 (kg ha-1) and row spacing 60 cm with 10723 (kg ha-1). Based on the results of this research, To escape from heat and thermal stress during the reproductive stage of Faba bean in mid-summer and poding did not coincide with a drop in temperature at the beginning of autumn to achieve the highest yield Faba bean var. Luzde otono should be planted in August.
    Introduction Drought is one of the most important environmental stress adversely affecting agricultural products, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Using Trichoderma fungus and biopolymers such as chitosan is one of the ways to... more
    Introduction
    Drought is one of the most important environmental stress adversely affecting agricultural products, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Using Trichoderma fungus and biopolymers such as chitosan is one of the ways to reduce drought stress. Trichoderma fungus, as a plant growth-promoting fungus, is the most common fungal and soil-modifying species that can directly with plant roots in the rhizosphere and improve growth as well as biological control of living stresses such as pathogenic fungi and non-living stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals. On the other hand, one of the effective ways to protect the plant in conditions of low irrigation is the use of anti-transpirants, including the biostimulant chitosan, which markedly limits transpiration from the plant surface. The anti-transipirants action of chitosan can be attributed to the involvement of chitosan in the abscisic acid pathways, which closes the stomata and thus reduces transpiration. Chitosan is readily soluble in water and organic acids. Therefore, it can be used in various methods such as mixing with soil, foliar spraying, and impregnation with seeds in agriculture.
    Material and Methods
    This research was conducted in a split factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design. The main plot factor was irrigation interval in three levels (two days as normal irrigation and three and four days as deficit irrigation conditions), and sub-plots were inoculated with T. longibrachiatum at two levels (inoculation and uninoculated control) and chitosan at three levels (0, 0.2 and 0.4 g/L). Each experimental plot consisted of three planting lines two and a half meters long and one meter wide .T. longibrachiatum was obtained from Tabarestan Agricultural Genetics and Biotechnology Research Institute. The first irrigation was done simultaneously with planting basil. Up to one month after sowing the seeds (six to eight-leaf stage of plants), the plots were irrigated evenly with tubes, and from this stage onwards, irrigation treatments were applied. Pesticides and herbicides were not used during the experiment, and weed control was done manually. Chitosan was prepared from the Sarina Teb store, in three levels of zero, 0.2, and 0.4 g/l, and sprayed in three stages: vegetative, before flowering, and 50% flowering.
    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that by increasing the irrigation period from two to four days, the morphological traits of basil, such as root length and stem length, leaf dry weight, root, stem, and dry matter yield decreased. Also, physiological traits of basil, such as carotenoids and chlorophyll meter, increased while chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll decreased. Application of 0.2 g/L of chitosan inoculated plants increased chlorophyll b content by 68%. The highest percentage and yield of essential oil in normal and irrigation deficit conditions were obtained when plants were inoculated with Trichoderma and foliar sprayed with chitosan. The highest percentage and yield of essential oil were observed with an average of 0.88 and 42.87% in normal irrigation conditions, application of Trichoderma, and zero level of chitosan, respectively. According to the results, increasing the irrigation cycle, chitosan application and fungal inoculation, increased the percentage and yield of essential oil. However, by increasing the irrigation cycle, chitosan alone decreased the percentage and yield of essential oil, and only in the three-day irrigation cycle it increased the percentage of essential oil compared to the control.
    Conclusion
    Overall, the findings showed the positive effect of concomitant use of Trichoderma fungus and chitosan on improving the growth of sweet basil and increasing drought resistance.
    Acknowledgments
    Thanks and appreciation for the financial support provided by the Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Engineering, Sari Agricultural Sciences, and the Natural Resources University of Sari, Iran.
    Introduction One of the major factors restricting the crop production is nitrogen. Nitrogen has an important role in achieving maximum yield and improves crop yield and quality (Ullah et al., 2010). In the arid and semi-arid regions of... more
    Introduction
    One of the major factors restricting the crop production is nitrogen. Nitrogen has an important role in achieving maximum yield and improves crop yield and quality (Ullah et al., 2010). In the arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, the deficiency of organic matter in the soil as the natural resource required by the plant and the moisture tension are the major factors of absorbing nitrogen, and after moisture tension, nitrogen tension is the major limiting factor of crop production (Sadri, 2017). Nitroxin fertilizer contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria that fix the air nitrogen, balance the high-consumption and micronutrient elements, synthesis and secretion plant growth stimulants, and as a result, plant protection against pathogens, biological and non-biological stresses. One way to examine the efficiency of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, is by studying nitrogen use efficiency. This indicator shows the increase in yield by each unit increase in the input (Delbert and Ulter, 1989). One way to manage different nutritional resources is to evaluate the nitrogen use efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the function and indicators of nitrogen efficiency in manure treatments and different resources of nitrogen in safflower.

    Material and Methods
    This experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the faculty of agriculture at the University of Jiroft in 2018-2019. The first factor included different sources of nitrogen fertilizer in six levels of urea fertilizer, urea with sulfur coating, ammonium nitrate, nitroxin, nano nitrogen, and control; the second factor included animal manure in two levels of consumption and non-consumption was considered. The intra-row and inter-row distance was 30 and 10 cm, respectively, with 2×3 m2 plot size. Drip irrigation was used, and during the different plant growth stages, no chemical pesticide and herbicide was used; nitrogen of seed, leaf, and shoot was carried out using Kjeldhal method. Data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.4. Mean values were compared according to the Duncan test at P < 0.05.

    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that manure and different resource of nitrogen has a significant effect on the seed yield, seed nitrogen percentage, biomass, plant nitrogen content, the efficiency of use, physiological, absorption, productivity, and nitrogen harvest index in safflower. The highest nitrogen in seed (3.46%), biomass (1.05%), seed yield (284 g.m-2), seed nitrogen content (1138.8 g.m-2), and biomass nitrogen content (752.5 g.m-2) obtained in manure + nitroxin treatment. The results indicated the positive and significant effect of manure and biological fertilizer on the improvement of yield and nitrogen efficiency. The interaction of manure and different nitrogen fertilizers on seed yield was significant. The highest and lowest seed yields were obtained by manure + nitroxin treatment (284 g.m-2) and not using manure and control treatment (68.3 g.m-2), respectively. In safflower, using nitrogen fertilizers can increase seed yield by affecting plant branches (Weiss, 2000). The researchers reported that using nitrogen, compared to control (not using nitrogen) increased safflower seed yield. According to the results, manure treatment compared to not using manure treatment showed 24.3% increase in seed nitrogen. Nitroxin and nano nitrogen fertilizers have the highest seed nitrogen percentage (3.46 and 3.21, respectively), and the lowest nitrogen was in the control treatment (1.9%). Manure + nitroxin treatment had the highest nitrogen in biomass and plant. In safflower, manure increased the absorbed nitrogen percentage compared to the control treatment (Ghanbari et al., 2016). In this regard, the researchers observed the increase in absorption efficiency and use of nitrogen in saffron using organic fertilizers compared to chemical fertilizers. The results of this research showed that using biological fertilizers, especially nitroxin, has a positive effect in increasing seed number in plant, seed yield, days to maturing, nitrogen percent, absorbed phosphorous by plant, and nitrogen physiological efficiency (Arab-Niasar et al., 2019).

    Conclusion
    The results of this experiment showed that using manure and biological fertilizer improves nitrogen efficiency compared to not using manure conditions. It seems that combined manure with chemical fertilizers reduces the loss and washing of nutritional elements, especially nitrogen. The use of organic fertilizers to improve soil structure, maintain water, and access to required elements by plants should be considered as a priority. Regarding the highest yield in manure + nitroxin treatment, it is suggested to use nitrogen fertilizers with biological origin.
    Introduction Sustainability analysis of agricultural ecosystems is important in their decision-making and proper management. Quantifying the sustainability of cropping agroecosystems can provide solutions to achieve positive economic... more
    Introduction

    Sustainability analysis of agricultural ecosystems is important in their decision-making and proper management. Quantifying the sustainability of cropping agroecosystems can provide solutions to achieve positive economic and environmental results. Emergy analysis can be used to determine the degree to which ecological and economic systems are sustainable. By employing this method, we can better understand ecological and economic systems and their interactions. Emergy analysis quantifies environmental and economic costs associated with achieving sustainability, allowing for integrated management of ecological and economic factors. Emergy analysis is currently being used in agriculture to determine the sustainability of various scales of production systems. The present study was conducted to monitor the sustainability and productivity of inputs in wheat, barley, and alfalfa production systems using emergetic indicators using information collected from the smallholders in Boland village, Sistan, Iran ,in 2019.

    Materials and Methods

    Boland village is located in Teymurabad village, approximately 17 kilometers north of Zabol city in Sistan and Baluchestan province. Boland village's agricultural composition includes wheat, barley, and alfalfa cultivation. During the study year, 148.9 hectares were designated for wheat cultivation, 50.8 hectares for barley cultivation, and 13.5 hectares for alfalfa cultivation. The inputs used included environmental and non-renewable resources and purchased resources. These data were gathered during the study period using a database of agricultural organizations, verbal estimates, field measurements, and researcher observations. The first step is to analyze the system's boundaries and draw an energy diagram to classify the system's inputs. Emergy analysis's second step is to create emergy evaluation tables. After quantifying each system's input flow in joules, grams, or Rials, the inputs were multiplied by their transformities to obtain the solar emjoule (sej). Specific emergy, unit emergy value, renewable emergy percentage, emergy investment ratio, emergy yield ratio, environmental loading ratio, environmental sustainability index, and emergy exchange ratio were all used in this study.

    Results and Discussion

    Free renewable and non-renewable flows accounted for 50.79%, 45.89% and 42.29% of the total input current of wheat, barley and alfalfa production systems. The large share of free domestic inputs indicates that the majority of study farms are non-industrial systems that are managed in a semi-traditional, low-input manner. The emergy input of non-renewable environmental resources was 2.73E+17, 6.42E+17, and 4.99E+17 sej/ha in wheat, barley, and alfalfa systems, respectively. Wheat and barley production systems have high emergy flows due to the high loss of soil organic matter and soil erosion in these systems. In wheat, barley, and alfalfa production systems, the highest proportions of purchased exergy resources were associated with animal manure, nitrogen fertilizer, and phosphorus fertilizer, respectively. In wheat, barley, and alfalfa production systems, the unit emergy value was 4.44E+05, 3.80E+05, and 3.64E+05 sej/J, respectively. The higher exergy efficiency of alfalfa production systems compared to wheat and barley production systems may be attributed to alfalfa's comparable economic performance to other systems. EYR was calculated to be 2.03, 1.85, and 1.73 in wheat, barley, and alfalfa production systems, respectively. The reason for the higher EYR in wheat production is that less purchased resources are used and a greater proportion of inputs are provided by purchased resources. Additionally, the ELR values for wheat, barley, and alfalfa production systems in Boland village were 17.36, 16.09, and 7.08, respectively. The calculated values for emergy sustainability indices (ESI and ESI*) showed that the ecological sustainability of the alfalfa production system is higher than other study systems. The main reason for the greater sustainability of this system was the large share of input energy related to free environmental inputs and economical renewable resources. Also, low energy exchangeable ratio (EER), environmental sustainability resulting from market impact, less emergy expended in the production of each output unit, and higher productivity of total production factors indicate a greater comparative advantage of the alfalfa production system.

    Conclusion

    In general, the evaluations based on the calculation of emergy-based indicators showed that in the dominant agricultural systems of the Boland village, Sistan, attention to practical solutions in the comprehensive management of the production system, especially protection of soil organic matter and prevention of soil erosion, can have a significant impact on ecological sustainability.
    Introduction In the conventional agricultural systems, the excessive use of chemical inputs, such as chemical fertilizers, increased the agricultural productivity. Detrimental implications from intensive farming practices and long-term... more
    Introduction
    In the conventional agricultural systems, the excessive use of chemical inputs, such as chemical fertilizers, increased the agricultural productivity. Detrimental implications from intensive farming practices and long-term use of chemical fertilizers have been well evidenced in the environment and human health. Intercropping systems and application of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers, including vermicompost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), are recommended in developing sustainable agricultural systems. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of different fertilizer sources on the quantity and quality characteristics of Salvia officinalis L.

    Materials and Methods
    The experiment consisted of two successive phases at the Miandoab, Iran, in 2019-2020. The first was the cultivation of spring green manure until the soft dough stage of barley and flowering stage of hairy vetch, then returned to the soil, and the second phase was the cultivation of the medicinal plant of sage. Two species, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), were used as green manure. In the second phase, a field experiment study was carried out as a split plot in time based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 16 treatments and three replications. The main plot factor was eight different fertilizer sources, including control (C), barley monoculture (B), hairy vetch monoculture (V), 75% V + 25% B, 50% V + 50% B and 25% V + 75% B, AMF: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus intraradices) and vermicompost. Also the subplot factor was harvesting time (first and second harvest). In AM fungi treatments, 80 g of the soil containing mycorrhizal fungi hyphae and the remains of the root and spores was added to the soil in planting times. Also, vermicompost (2 t ha-1) was applied to the soil before planting. Analysis of variance of the data and mean comparison based on the least significant difference (LSD) test and interaction effect slicing of different fertilizer sources × harvesting time were carried out by using SAS 9.3 statistical software.

    Results and Discussion
    Plant height, number of lateral branches, number of leaves, chlorophyll index, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, essential oil percentage, and yield were significantly affected by the interaction of different fertilizer sources×harvesting times. The highest dry matter yield was achieved under AMF followed by 50% V+ 50% B. Also the highest of chlorophyll index and essential oil percentage of sage in both harvesting time was obtained in 50% V + 50% B. Also, the first harvesting time increased by 33.9, 10.7 and 40.7% of this trait in comparison with the second harvest. In addition, the maximum essential oil yield was observed in AMF followed by 50% V+ 50% B in the first harvest. Chemical analysis of the essential oil of sage demonstrated that cis-Thujone, 1, 8-cineole and camphor were the main dominant components in all treatments. The maximum cis-Thujone, 1, 8-cineole content was achieved in 50% V+ 50% B and the second harvest. Also, the highest of camphor was observed in 25% V+ 75% B treatment and first harvest. The roots of green manure plants can uptake nutrients from the lower soil layers and transfer them to the aerial parts of the plant. By incorporating green manure, the sage growth characteristics improved due to increasing soil microbiological processes and releasing of nutrients. Also, mycorrhizal fungus inoculation enhanced plant performance by increasing available phosphorus and nitrogen. Treating plots with 50% V + 50% B and AMF increases the essential oil percentage and compounds by releasing nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil. Also, the higher morphological traits, essential oil percentage, and yield in the first harvest than in the second harvest can be attributed to a longer growing period and optimal growth conditions (day length, sunlight, ambient temperature).

    Conclusions
    Treating plots with green manure and AMF improves the morphological traits, quantity, and quality of sage essential oil by adjusting the soil's chemical properties. According to the quantity and quality indicators, the application of 50% V+ 50% B as green manure and AMF can be suggested as an efficient and eco-friendly agricultural strategy in sage cultivation.
    Introduction Organic fertilizer tea is a treated solution of organic fertilizers that contains various organic compounds, nutrients, and a wide range of microorganisms and their metabolites. In recent years, the production and use of... more
    Introduction
    Organic fertilizer tea is a treated solution of organic fertilizers that contains various organic compounds, nutrients, and a wide range of microorganisms and their metabolites. In recent years, the production and use of organic tea as a liquid biological fertilizer or biological pesticide is expanding towards sustainable agriculture. There are many benefits to using tea compost, including providing nutrients for the plants that can reduce chemical fertilizers. A variety of organic compounds can be used to make tea. In the preparation of aerobic organic tea, except for the type of organic matter, preparation conditions such as particle size, temperature, aeration time and fertilizer-to-water ratio can affect the chemical and biological properties of the produced tea (Shaban et al., 2015). In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of aeration time and fertilizer-to-water ratio on some chemical properties of cow manure and vermicompost tea.
    Materials and methods
    An experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement and three replications. The treatments included aeration time (0, 24, 48, and 72 hours), fertilizer-to-water ratio (1:10, 1:25 and 1:50), and type of organic fertilizer (vermicompost and cow manure). The part passed through a 2 mm sieve, and the rest on a 0.5 mm sieve of air-dried cow manure and vermicompost were used to determine some chemical properties of organic fertilizers and make tea. After preparing the ratios with distilled water, an air pump was used for aeration. Changes in acidity (pH), electrical conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, mineral forms of nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, and potassium in organic fertilizers tea (cow manure and vermicompost) were evaluated.
    Results and discussion
    The characteristics of the studied organic fertilizers showed that the total amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in vermicompost was higher than cow manure. According to the analysis of variance, among the main effects, the effect of organic matter type on soluble organic carbon, nitrate, and the effect of ratio on nitrate were not significant. The interaction of organic matter type and time on electrical conductivity and the interaction effect of organic matter type and ratio on dissolved organic carbon was insignificant. The effect of two-factor interactions on nitrate was not significant. Among the three-factor interactions, the effect of organic matter type, time, and ratio on electrical conductivity, acidity (pH), organic carbon, and nitrate was insignificant. The results showed that aeration decreased the pH and increased the electrical conductivity in cow manure and vermicompost tea. Despite the higher total amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in vermicompost, cow manure tea contained higher amounts of soluble ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium compared to vermicompost tea. The chemical structure of organic matter and the distribution of elements in different organic and inorganic fractions can effectively dissolve the mineral part and the biological decomposition of the organic part. Changes in the ratio and aeration time had no significant effect on the amount of ammonium and soluble phosphorus in vermicompost tea. In cow manure tea, the highest percentage of increase in soluble phosphorus and potassium was obtained by increasing the aeration time up to 72 hours compared to the zero time (without aeration) in a ratio of 1:50. In general, organic carbon decreased as a result of aeration, and only at a ratio of 1:10, this reduction was not significant at 48 and 72 hours. The only factor affecting the amount of nitrate was the aeration time, and compared to zero time, the amount of nitrate decreased at 24 and 48 hours and increased at 72 hours.
    Conclusion
    The results showed that the effect of aeration time and fertilizer-to-water ratio on nutrient concentrations in teas made from cow manure and vermicompost was different. Despite the higher total concentration of nutrients in vermicompost, the vermicompost tea contained lower amounts of nutrients than cow manure tea. In other words, the total amount of nutrients in organic fertilizer cannot determine their amount in the produced tea.
    Introduction Most research on intercropping cultivation in the past has focused on seed yield and yield components, and less attention has been paid to below-ground interaction processes. However, the connection of plants in the... more
    Introduction
    Most research on intercropping cultivation in the past has focused on seed yield and yield components, and less attention has been paid to below-ground interaction processes. However, the connection of plants in the below-ground sector is a vital issue in identifying the mechanism of competition and productivity in intercropping cultivation. Meanwhile, the selection of a legume plant due to the biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) increases the productivity in intercropping cultivation. However, the component crop in intercropping cultivation can affect the BNF by the legume component component. Therefore, creating the optimum conditions for the BNF in planting ratios plays an essential role in the dynamics of inter-species interaction. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the interactions of the below-ground sector and the percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere in different ratios of intercropping cultivation.

    Material and Methods
    A field experiment was conducted for two years (2018-19) at the research farm of Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University, Iran (33º, 36ʹ N, 53º, 03ʹ E with 43 m altitude). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The experimental treatment was 75% soybean + 25% niger, 50% soybean + 50% niger, and 25% Soybean+75% niger based on the replacement method and monoculture. For example, a 25:75 combination consisted of three rows of planting a soybean and one row of niger, and vice versa in the 75:25 combinations. The 50:50 also included planting two rows of each of the studied plants. This study investigated the percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere, nitrogen yield, total enzymatic activity of the soil, and root activity in different planting ratios.

    Results and Discussion
    The percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa) in all different planting ratios was higher than in a single soybean crop. This trend continued until it reached 90 days after planting. At 75 and 90 days after planting, the highest Ndfa is related to 50:50 and 75:25 planting ratios in both cultivation years. Also, the yield of Ndfa was higher than expected in planting ratios, and its value increased further as it approached the final stages of growth. In addition to the above, soil's total microbial activity in different intercropping cultivation ratios was higher than the monoculture of the studied plants. Its amount in a 50:50 planting ratio was 16.38 and 31.69% higher than monoculture soybean (0: 100) and niger (0: 100) at 60 days after planting, respectively. The most increased total microbial activity of the ground in niger and soybean plants in the middle and late stages of growth was observed at a depth of 0-20 and 10-30 cm, respectively. Also, niger plant in different ratios of intercropping cultivation, while increasing root activity, have a higher number of secondary compounds in root extract. In general, the increase in root activity in the late stages of growth was accompanied by a decrease in the number of rows of niger plants, especially in the planting ratio of 75:25. Also, the total phenol and flavonoids in the niger root extract increased to 105 days after planting and then decreased. Thus, in general, different ratios of intercropping cultivation were more successful in producing secondary compounds than the monoculture of niger.

    Conclusion
    Increasing the significance of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere and the other activity of niger root as a complementary plant in intercropping cultivation ratios can play an essential role in the dynamics of underground sector interactions in intercropping cultivation patterns. In addition to the above results and based on the total microbial activity of the soil, the complementary structure of niger and soybean root in intercropping cultivation can affect the ability of interspecific competition in intercropping cultivation by distinguishing ecological niches even in a short period.
    Introduction Intercropping as an approach for the development of sustainable agriculture systems pursues purposes such as creating ecological balance, further exploitation of resources, increasing the quantity and quality of yield... more
    Introduction
    Intercropping as an approach for the development of sustainable agriculture systems pursues purposes such as creating ecological balance, further exploitation of resources, increasing the quantity and quality of yield reducing losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds, and reduceing the dependence of farmers to pesticides, to maintain product quality and marketability. Jahani et al. (2007) reported that intercropping of lentils and cumin has significantly increased the dry weight of vegetative organs, biological yield, 1000-seed weight, and number of seeds per cumin umbrella and seed yield. The legume/non-legume intercropping system produces more yields due to the beneficial use of resources. In a review of the fennel and fenugreek intercropping, intercropping of the two plants significantly increased the fennel seed yield compared with monoculture.

    Materials and Methods
    The experiment was conducted in the 2014-2015 growing season based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Experimental treatments were 25% mung bean + 75% fennel, 50% mung bean + 50% fennel, 75% mung bean + 25% fennel, monoculture of mung bean, and monoculture of fennel. Species were sown at the same time on 12/06/2015 in rows with a distance of 50 cm. At harvesting time, dry matter, seed yield and yield components of these crops were measured. Land equivalent ratios compared yield advantages of intercrops over monocultures. Seeds of fennel were analyzed for essential oil content. 
     
    Results and Discussion
    The highest seed yield, biomass and essential oil of fennel for monoculture with 1460.4, 12286.4 and 50.4 kg per hectare respectively and the lowest values for 25% fennel + 75% mung bean treatment with 263.2, 5843.3 and 8.1 kg per hectare respectively were observed. Also, the highest seed yield and biomass of mung bean for monoculture with 2167.1 and 8900.5 kg per hectare, respectively and the lowest values for 25% fennel + 75% mung bean treatment with 740.5 and 2540.5 kg per hectare, respectively were observed. The highest essential oil contents of fennel, with 3.56%, was observed in a ratio of 50% fennel + 50% mung bean, and the lowest value was observed in 25% fennel + 75% mung bean, with 3.1%. It seems that interspecific competition between fennel and mung bean due to the abiotic stresses (competition) led to increasing essential oil percent in intercrops. The highest essential oil yield of fennel was observed in monoculture, with 50.4 kg/ha, and the lowest value was observed in 25% fennel + 75% mung bean with 8.1 kg/ha. The highest mung bean harvest index was 28% in 25% mung bean + 75% fennel, and the lowest was observed in 50% mung bean + 50% fennel with 23.5%. Also, the highest fennel harvest index was observed with 12% in monoculture and the lowest in 25% fennel + 75% mung bean with 4.5%. The highest value of the total land equivalent ratio (1.07) was obtained in the ratio of 50% mung bean + 50% fennel, indicating 7 percent yield advantage of intercropping compared to pure stands of species of these two products compared to each other that represents of showing the more efficient use of land. The lowest value by intercrops of land equivalent ratio was observed in the ratio of 25% mung bean + 75% fennel, which was 9% lower than the monoculture.

    Conclusion
    In general, intercropping of fennel with mung bean had a positive effect on the biological and seed yield of the two species and the the percent and yield of fennel essential oil. So, in order to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture and as for the nitrogen biological fixation ability of mung bean, intercropping this plant with fennel can increase resource efficiency and improve the quality and quantity yield of fennel.
    Introduction Todays, efforts to increase crop yields have led to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers. It has caused soil and groundwater pollution and the destruction of... more
    Introduction

    Todays, efforts to increase crop yields have led to the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers. It has caused soil and groundwater pollution and the destruction of soil microbial communities. Therefore, researchers should look for ways to replace N fertilizers and reduce their side effects. Intercropping of cereals and legumes due to differences in the distribution and depth of roots in the soil profile can reduce competition for water and the survival of these plants in water shortage conditions. Among the methods that may reduce the use of N and P fertilizers and thus reduce sensitivity to water stress is the intercropping of cereals and legumes. Using growth-promoting N-fixing bacteria such as Azospirillum brasilense and phosphorus solvents such as Pseudomonas fluorescens as biofertilizers can be another way to reduce the use of N and P fertilizers and the adverse effects of water stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilizer systems [chemical, integrated, and biological] on yield and competitive indices in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) - chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) intercropping under water stress conditions in Southern Iran (Fars province).

    Materials and Methods
    This experiment was performed as a split factorial on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the Darab Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources-Shiraz University in the 2019-2020 growing season. Experimental treatments included two levels of irrigation (Ir) [Normal: irrigation based on plant water requirement (IRN) and water stress: irrigation based on plant water requirement up to the milking stage (WS)] as the main factors. The Sub-factors included three sources of fertilizer (F) [Chemical: 50 kg P.ha-1 +150 kg N.ha-1, Bio-organic: 40 tons of manure sheep ha-1 + inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasillens, Integrated: 25 kg P ha-1 + 75 kg N.ha-1 + 20 tons of manure sheep ha-1 + inoculation with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilens] and three types of cropping systems (Cp) [Monoculture of triticale, monoculture of chickpea, and intercropping of triticale-chickpea (1:1)]. The crops Grain yield were measured, of the crops was measured and competitive indices including land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressivity (A), competitive ratio (CR), and system productivity index (SPI) were computed. The SAS 9.1 software was used to analyze the data, and the means were separated using the least significant difference (LSD) test at a 5% probability level.

    Results and Discussion

    The results showed that the cessation of irrigation after the milking stage put severe stress on the triticale and chickpea during the grain-filling period and reduced the grain yield of both plants. The Ir × F interaction for triticale and chickpea grain yield showed that the lowest reduction of their grain yield (31% and 27%, respectively) was obtained in Bio treatment due to water stress as compared to IRN. Furthermore, The Ir × Cp interaction for triticale and chickpea grain yield showed that the water stress reduced their grain yield. However, the reductions were lower in the intercropping system of triticale (38%) and chickpea (24%) as compared with their sole cropping. Late season water stress increased triticale, chickpea, and total LER as compared with IRN conditions by 40, 65 and 51%, respectively. Furthermore, the Ir × F interaction showed that the highest and the lowest reductions (55% and 17%, respectively) of SPI were achieved in chemical and Bio treatments due to water stress conditions. 

    Conclusions

    Based on the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that the intercropping system of triticale and chickpea is superior to their monocropping under late season water stress conditions. Also, the lowest reduction of chickpea and triticale grain yields as a consequence of water stress was obtained by applying Bio and integrated fertilizers. Therefore, the use of Azospirillum brasiliens and Pseudomonas fluorescens with sheep manure fertilizer not only mitigates the negative effects of water stress but also reduces the excessive use of N-P chemical fertilizers and their harmful environmental effects, and it can be an effective step for the sustainability of agricultural systems.
    Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food resources for more than half of the world's population. Rice, as the second most strategic crop, is the most important cereal after wheat. Excessive use of renewable... more
    Introduction 
    Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food resources for more than half of the world's population. Rice, as the second most strategic crop, is the most important cereal after wheat. Excessive use of renewable and non-renewable resources in the agricultural sector, chemical control of rice diseases, and irreparable environmental damage of these systems potentially have a variety of environmental impacts on agricultural systems; such effects can be assessed by the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The purpose of the present research is to assess knowing and comparing the trend of environmental pressure of the second and ratoon cropping systems of rice production in the paddy fields.

    Materials and Methods
    This research was conducted in 2020 in the paddy fields of Amol City with a focus on recognizing and comparing the trend of environmental pressure in rice production in the second and ratoon cropping systems. Accordingly, all data related to the second and ratoon rice cropping systems in different stages of rice production, from planting to harvesting phases, was collected in the Amol region. This study addresses the environmental effects of rice production in two cropping systems using the LCA method to classify and quantify. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of these systems, such as global warming potential, eutrophication, and acidification of water and soil, were also calculated. In this study, the functional unit of rice production systems was considered equivalent to one ton of paddy. Therefore, to evaluate the emission of greenhouse gases and energy in paddy fields, paddy farmers collected and interviewed the required information.

    Results and Discussion
    The findings of this study indicated that the highest global warming potential of rice was related to the rice second cropping system, about 1896.92 kg carbon dioxide per ton of produced rice. Evaluation of the LCA in the rice production process showed that in the environmental impact group of global warming, about 1673.99 kg equivalent of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere had been released per ton of rice in the ratoon cropping system. Direct emissions from on-farm activities in all two studied systems have played a major role in increasing global warming. The source of these pollutants is the combustion of diesel used in agricultural implements and machinery, accompanied by the emission of nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other nitrogenous compounds resulting from using nitrogen fertilizers. Also, rice second cropping systems had a greater impact on human health damage, ecosystem quality, and climate change than ratoon cropping systems. Moreover, the values of damages on the quality of the ecosystem in these systems were about 10089.08 and 7146.58 PDF*m2 * yr in the second and ratoon cropping systems, respectively. In addition, both rice production systems have shown the greatest impact on ecosystem quality and then on human health. Direct emissions from on-farm activities in the two studied systems have significantly increased global warming. The source of these pollutants is the combustion of diesel used in agricultural implements and machinery, as well as the emission of nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other nitrogenous compounds resulting from using nitrogen fertilizer.

    Conclusion
    The results revealed that the rice second cropping system had a higher amount of total emissions than the ratoon cropping system. Therefore, the rice ratoon production system is more environmentally friendly than the rice second cropping systems.

    Acknowledgments
    This research was funded by the Sari Agricultural Sciences and the Natural Resources University (SANRU) under contract No. d-110-99-16690. We would also like to thank the esteemed rice farmers in the Amol region, Mazandaran province, Iran, for their cooperation.
    Introduction Hamedan province, characterized by an average annual rainfall of less than 340 mm, faces significant limitations in potato production)Solanum tuberosum(primarily due to the scarcity of irrigation water and drought stress... more
    Introduction
    Hamedan province, characterized by an average annual rainfall of less than 340 mm, faces significant limitations in potato production)Solanum tuberosum(primarily due to the scarcity of irrigation water and drought stress during critical growth stages. In order to address these challenges, the utilization of aqueous superabsorbent materials and the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi have emerged as highly suitable approaches. These methods aim to optimize the utilization of water and soil resources (Khadem et al., 2011). Previous studies have indicated that the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in various plant species, apart from potatoes, can reduce the impact of drought stress and enhance nutrient uptake (Bolannazar et al., 2007; Subramanian et al., 2008). However, limited research has been conducted on the effects of superabsorbents and mycorrhizae, particularly under moisture stress conditions and deficit irrigation in potato crops. Consequently, this experiment investigates the effects of applying these methods under stress conditions.

    Materials and Methods
    The experiment was arranged in strip factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three irrigation levels containing optimal irrigation (100, 75 and 50% of water requirement based on evapotranspiration from Pan Class A) in horizontal plots and factor 2 using Trawat200A superabsorbent (0 and 80 kg.ha-1) and four mycorrhiza and superabsorbent levels including no application of these materials (control), superabsorbent, mycorrhiza as a bio-fertilizer and their combination were considered as subplots. The Agria potato cultivar was selected. Superabsorbent material was applied adjacent to the tubers at planting time. Mycorrhizal inoculum containing the active propagules (CFU 120.g-1) was inoculated to the tubers. The concentration of nutrients in the shoot and the tubers was determined by using Kjeldahl apparatus for Nitrogen (Waling et al., 1989), spectrophotometer for phosphorus (Jones, 2001), flame photometry for Potassium and atomic absorption spectroscopy for Iron, Zinc, and Manganese (Ryan et al., 2001). the produced tubers were divided, weighed, and counted based on their size in three groups (small, medium, and large). Water use efficiency was determined as the amount of dry matter produced per cubic meter of water consumption in different treatments.

    Results and Discussion
    The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the main effects of irrigation rate, application of mycorrhiza and superabsorbent on tuber yield and percentage of dry matter, and nutrient uptake in stem, leaf, and tuber were significant. A comparison of means showed that with the application of low irrigation and increasing the intensity of water deficiency (reducing the amount of irrigation water), total yield decreased. However, this decrease was significantly slighter in inoculation conditions with mycorrhiza and the use of the superabsorbent polymer. Mycorrhiza and superabsorbent increased the absorption of nutrients, especially under severe water deficiency. In this study, there was a significant difference in the uptake of phosphorus and other low-consumption and high-consumption nutrients at normal irrigation levels and stress in mycorrhizal plants so that their uptake increased in proportion to the increase in stress intensity and in mycorrhizal inoculation conditions. It seems that by creating stress conditions, the ability and efficiency of mycorrhiza in nutrient uptake is increased, and thus ,the conditions of lack of moisture with the coexistence mechanism in the relationship of the plant more effectively helps the survival and durability of the plant. Mycorrhizal fungi can increase phosphorus uptake from the soil by increasing the relative water content and ultimately play an effective role in increasing plant growth (Krishna et al., 2005). In this study, it was found that using superabsorbent in potatoes helps to increase the absorption of nutrients. The reason for this can be increasing the storage capacity of water and nutrients for a long time in the soil, reducing nutrient leaching, and rapid and optimal root growth with better nutrient storage and aeration of the soil.


    Conclusion
    In this study, it was found that the application of superabsorbent and mycorrhiza in potato helps increase nutrient uptake and tuber yield. The positive effects of the combined application of mycorrhiza and superabsorbent on nutrient uptake and yield were more evident, especially in conditions of severe water deficiency.

    Acknowledgments
    We are grateful for the efforts of Dr. Bakhtiari and Mr. Abdolreza Mordai in coordinating and equipping irrigation equipment and land preparation.
    Introduction Intercropping cultivation is an excellent method to increase agricultural productivity per unit area based on environmental mechanisms. In this planting system, it is necessary to select crops with different capabilities in... more
    Introduction
    Intercropping cultivation is an excellent method to increase agricultural productivity per unit area based on environmental mechanisms. In this planting system, it is necessary to select crops with different capabilities in uptake resources and establish a complementary relationship. However, legumes in intercropping cultivation can be used as an alternative and sustainable way to increase efficiency. Besides, studying the interactions in the above and belowground parts is necessary to achieve the mentioned goals. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate inter-specific interactions in millet and soybean intercropping cultures.

    Material and Methods
    A field experiment was conducted for two years (2018-19) at the research farm of Sari agricultural science and natural resources university, Iran (33º, 36ʹ N, 53º, 03ʹ E with 43 m altitude). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. The experimental treatment was 75% Soybean + 25% Niger, 50% Soybean + 50% Niger, and 25% Soybean+75%Niger based on the replacement method and monoculture. This study investigated the agronomic traits, LAI, TDW, nitrogen derived from the atmosphere, and total microbial activity in the soil in different planting ratios.

    Result and Discussion
    The results showed that soybean monoculture had the highest plant height during different stages of growth. Furthermore, with the increase in the share of planting soybean in intercropping cultivation, the shoot height of the millet also increased. Also, unlike the millet, the soybean succeeded in producing more leaf area indexes among different mixed cultivation ratios than monoculture. The leaf area index of millet showed a significant decrease as the proportion of soybean plantings increased. However, despite this decrease, the total dry matter of soybean exhibited a higher percentage increase at various growth stages compared to the decrease in millet yield. As a result, after 60 days of planting, millet and soybean intercropping cultivation demonstrated positive complementarity regarding competition impact. Additionally, intercropping cultivation showed a higher percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere compared to soybean monoculture. During the study period, the planting ratio of 75% millet and 25% soybean exhibited the highest increase in nitrogen fixation (Ndfa), with average values of 93.84% and 83.85% at 90 days after planting, respectively. Increasing the number of millet sowing rows in the intercropping patterns played a crucial role in intensifying competition with soybeans during the early growth stages and had an impact on the biological activity of soybeans. Moreover, the microbial activity in the soil (at a depth of 0-30 cm) was higher in the different intercropping ratios compared to monocultures of soybean and millet. In addition, soybean and millet monoculture had the highest and lowest grain yields. Among the different intercropping ratios, the 75:25 in 1398 with an average of 4639.77 kg. ha-1 had the highest grain yield. Besides, the planting ratio of 25:75 and 50:50, with an average of 1.23 and 1.02, respectively, had an LER higher than one. With increasing the share of soybean planting in intercropping, the competitiveness of the plant increases, and the competition ratio of millet was higher than the unit only in the planting ratio of 25:75 (millet-soybean). Therefore, the competitiveness of millet in mixed cultivation is significantly reduced by reducing the share of planting row. Finally, increasing productivity in the 25:75 combinations reduced soybean's competitive dominance, increasing millet grain yield in comparison to expected values and improving total microbial activity.

    Conclusion
    Due to the limited growth period, millet competition played an essential role in increasing total microbial activity and the percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere at a 25:75 planting ratio before the initial reproductive growth. In addition, 25:75 and 50:50 planting ratios reduce soybeans' competitive dominance, resulting in enhanced productivity. Finally, selecting complementary plants based on physiological, and morphological characteristics, and competitiveness in intercropping cultivation can be effective in the above and belowground interactions.
    Introduction Sustainability in agriculture at the regional scale is about balancing food security with maintaining environmental health. Therefore, agricultural operations are sustainable when they maintain the environment's health, the... more
    Introduction
    Sustainability in agriculture at the regional scale is about balancing food security with maintaining environmental health. Therefore, agricultural operations are sustainable when they maintain the environment's health, the interaction between plant and animal production, social acceptance, and economic benefits (Kumaraswamy, 2012). Excessive use of environmental resources and excessive consumption of chemicals in agriculture have caused environmental problems and reduced sustainability (Quintero-Angel & Gonzales-Acevedo, 2018). Therefore, it is necessary to study the patterns of energy consumption and efficient use of energy in agriculture, which is one of the basic principles of sustainable agriculture. As a suitable tool for this purpose, Emergy analysis is used in various ecosystems (Odum, 2000; Brown & Ulgiati, 2004). Emergy analysis can determine the degree of sustainability of connected ecological and economic systems. Emergy indices are effective tools for integrating ecological-economic systems and make it possible to measure and compare all aspects of these ecosystems (Patterson et al., 2017). This study aimed to evaluate sustainability indices for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) production systems using emergy indices and provide suggestions for sustainable crop production in Kalaleh County.

    Materials and Methods
    In this study, production systems of rapeseed were evaluated using emergy sustainability indices in Kalaleh County (Golestan province) between 2018 and 2019. For this purpose, 50 rapeseed fields were selected as Cochran equation. First, the spatial and temporal boundaries of the system were defined (Odum, 1996; Odum, 2000), and resources were divided into four categories: renewable environmental resources, non-renewable environmental resources, purchased renewable resources, and purchased non-renewable resources (Amiri et al., 2019). Emergy flow for each input was multiplied by their transformities in joules and grams (Odum, 2000). Finally, emergy indices such as renewability, emergy yield ratio, emergy self-support ratio, environmental loading ratio and emergy sustainability index were calculated and evaluated in rapeseed production systems.

    Results and Discussion
    Total emergy input for the rapeseed production was estimated as 1.64E+16 sej ha-1 year-1. In rapeseed production, dependence on environmental and non-renewable inputs was higher than on purchased and renewable inputs. Soil erosion emergy was the largest emergy input of the total rapeseed production system, with a share of 47.31%. Also, fossil fuel emergy was the largest emergy input of the purchase, with a share of 38.41%. In this research, we calculated the transformity equal to 2.59E+05 sej j-1, specific emergy equal to 7.33E+09 sej g-1, emergy renewability equal to 8.16%, emergy yield ratio equal to 2.17 and emergy investment ratio equal to 0.85. Also, emergy self-support ratio, standard environmental loading ratio, modified environmental loading ratio, standard emergy sustainability index, and modified emergy sustainability index were estimated at 0.54, 13.81, 11.27, 0.16, and 0.19, respectively. Despite the higher contribution of environmental resources in the rapeseed production system, the high share of soil erosion as a non-renewable input and the unreasonable consumption of some non-renewable purchased inputs, such as fossil fuels, led to a decrease in renewability and an increase in environmental load. Based on evaluation of emergy indices, rapeseed ecosystem had the high production efficiency and resource consumption efficiency and it had the great potential to increase economic productivity. However, rapeseed production in Kalaleh county had low environmental and economic sustainability. The implementation of conservation tillage methods and the modernization of machinery can contribute to a reduction in the consumption of non-renewable and economic inputs in rapeseed production ecosystems. This reduction in input consumption not only alleviates environmental pressure but also enhances sustainability. By prioritizing the use of renewable environmental inputs and minimizing the utilization of non-renewable and economic inputs, the emergy sustainability index can be improved.

    Conclusion
    The rapeseed ecosystems exhibited high production and resource consumption efficiency, along with the significant potential for increasing economic productivity. However, despite the substantial contribution of environmental resources in these systems, the prevalence of soil erosion as a significant portion of the total emergy input resulted in a decline in renewability, an escalation in environmental burden, and ultimately a decrease in sustainability. Enhancing management methods to minimize the consumption of non-renewable and economic resources would be effective in bolstering the environmental and economic sustainability of rapeseed farming ecosystems in Kalaleh County.
    Introduction The occurrence of drought and reduced rainfall in the future will limit the cultivation of irrigated crops. Thus, it is probable that a part of the present irrigated lands and orchards of Iran may be unavailable for the... more
    Introduction
    The occurrence of drought and reduced rainfall in the future will limit the cultivation of irrigated crops. Thus, it is probable that a part of the present irrigated lands and orchards of Iran may be unavailable for the cultivation of irrigated crops, but it is possible to cultivate rainfed crops in these lands. However, the available potential for cultivation of rainfed crops with respect to the soil type, climate and other factors is not known. Limited water resources, on the one hand, and the growing population along with increasing the need to produce food, on the other, make it necessary to have a comprehensive, practical and accurate program. Therefore, research on this issue is essential. In this study, production potential of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley  (Hordeum vulgare L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) and canola (Brassica napus)  in irrigated lands (fields and orchards) was modeled.
    .
    Materials and Methods
      Weather stations (position and distribution), long-term weather data (15 to 30 years), HC27 soil map, and crop management data plant parameters were used to determine the yield in this study using the SSM-iCrop2 model. In each zone, the yield was determined and compared with the actual data. In other words, the model output was compared with the actual current rainfed yields of each province, and then it was determined that whether the model precision was sufficient for this study. Other calculations (determining the average yield of provinces) and generation of maps were done using ArcGIS V.10.2. The yield obtained by farmers in these lands was considered 50 and 70 percent of yield potential. Also, the yields were categorized into four classes of excellent, good, medium, and non-suitable. This classification is based on economics- the agronomic profit of crop harvest.

    Results and Discussion
    This study showed that the conditions of rainfed production in each province of the country is suitable/appropriate for some crops and unsuitable/inappropriate for other. In case the yield of farmers reached 70 percent of yield potential by optimum management, all provinces will be classified into the upper average group (3, 18 and 10 provinces in excellent, good and medium groups) for wheat. For barley 30 (3, 10 and 17 provinces in excellent, good and medium groups), for chickpea 30 (3, 6 and 21 provinces in excellent, good and medium groups), for lentil 31 (13 and 18 and 10 provinces in good and medium groups) and for canola 30 (4, 5 and 21 provinces in excellent, good and medium groups) provinces will be placed in the upper average group. Based on 70 percent of yield potential of canola, barley and chickpea, only on province is placed in non-suitable group. On the other hand, in case the yield of farmers reaches 50 percent of yield potential due to improper management, for wheat 30 (2, 2 and 26 provinces in excellent, good and medium groups), for barley 28 (4 and 24 provinces in good and medium groups), for chickpea 18 (4 and 14 provinces in good and medium groups), for lentil 28 (3 and 10 provinces in good and medium groups) and for canola 25 (5 and 20 provinces in good and medium groups) will be classified into the upper average group. Based on 50 percent of yield potential of rainfed wheat, barley, canola, chickpea and lentil, 1, 3, 6, 13 and 3 provinces were placed in non-suitable group, respectively.


    Conclusion
    According to the results of this study, a major part of the provinces will be placed in medium and non-suitable groups in case of improper management, and agricultural production will not satisfy the country's needs. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to the agronomic management of rainfed crops, as the country's agricultural production will not be accepted unless 70 percent of yield potential is achieved.
    Introduction Ecosystem services are usually divided into four categories: (a) provision services, (b) regulating services, (C) cultural services and (d) supporting services. Ecosystem services are managed in agroecosystems primarily for... more
    Introduction
    Ecosystem services are usually divided into four categories: (a) provision services, (b) regulating services, (C) cultural services and (d) supporting services. Ecosystem services are managed in agroecosystems primarily for food production. But, agricultural ecosystems provide provision, regulating, and cultural services for human society. These services respond strongly to human socio-economic needs. Quantifying the various services and functions of agroecosystems is one of the most important effective strategies in order to increase attention pay to these services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was evaluation and quantification of ecosystem services in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agroecosystems of Dasht-e-Naz, Sari.
    Materials and Methods
    This experiment was performed as an unbalanced completely design in wheat agroecosystems of Dasht-e-Naz, Sari (Mazandaran province), during 2019-2020. In this study, 9 wheat plots with 4 cultivars including Tirgan, Ehsan, Collector and N-92-9 were surveyed and monitored. In this study, some ecosystem services such as insect and weed biodiversity (using Shannon-Weiner, Simpson, Margalf, Uniformity, and Menhinick indices), soil microbial respiration, carbon sequestration, organic matter, the abundance of earthworms, grain yield, protein content oxygen production, and soil protection (by the stability of aggregates) were evaluated and quantified. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0-30 cm before wheat planting in November 2019 and after harvest in June 2020 for assessment of the rate of microbial respiration, organic matter, and carbon sequestration. Also, oxygen production was estimated based on net primary production. The yield and plant biodiversity sampling was harvested based on the W pattern and with quadrate 0.5 × 0.5 m2. All samples were moved to the crop research laboratory of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and the plant flora was determined by genus and species names.
    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that crop management and performance of an intensive agricultural system effectively provided many ecosystem services in wheat fields of Dasht-e-Naz, Sari. These services are influenced by several factors such as cultivar type, crop rotation, tillage, etc. The results showed that the effect of different cultivars was significant on grain yield and protein percentage. The highest percentage of grain protein as a provision service was obtained from Ehsan cultivar (12.15%) and the lowest content was obtained about 11.42% from N-92-9 cultivar. The highest wheat grain yield and oxygen production were calculated from plots under Collector cultivar. In additional, the highest amount of carbon sequestration (2.33 ton/ha) and microbial respiration rate in before planting and after harvest (76.46 and 38.52 mg CO2 per kg of soil per day, respectively) belonged to plot 15. Also, it was determined that plot 15 was better than other plots from soil protection service view based on the diameter mean weight index (MWD) and the geometric mean diameter index (GMD). In this research, three beneficial insects (biodiversity assessment) were observed such as Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus and Aphidius matricariae, and Chrysoperla carnea. The highest values of Shannon-Weiner and uniformity indices of weeds were as 2.63 and 0.82 in plots 23 and 15, respectively. Furthermore, Shannon-Weiner and uniformity indices of insect communities were obtained as 2.07 and 0.94 from plot 22, respectively.
    Conclusion
    Generally, carbon sequestration, organic matter, microbial respiration, earthworm abundance, aggregate stability index, average weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter index (GMD) were better in plots 14 and 15 under wheat cultivation  than in other plots. This study showed that crop management and intensive agricultural system implementation effectively provided many ecosystem services in wheat fields in Dasht-e Naz region of Sari. So, these services were affected by several factors such as cultivar, crop rotation, and tillage methods.

    Acknowledgment
    The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Dr. Hamid Sakinin for his help.
    Introduction One factor affecting crops growth and development is the cultivation pattern, which affects the distribution of plants in the field, distances between plants, the use of growth sources such as light, water, and soil... more
    Introduction
    One factor affecting crops growth and development is the cultivation pattern, which affects the distribution of plants in the field, distances between plants, the use of growth sources such as light, water, and soil nutrients, and competition between plants. These factors affect the growth and yield of crops. Also, using compost fertilizer has beneficial effects on the soil's physical, chemical, and biological conditions and has positive effects on crop plants' grain yield and yield components. This study was designed and carried out to study the effect of planting method and sugarcane residue compost fertilizer on yield and yield components of corn and some soil properties in Ahwaz weather conditions at Agricultural Sciences and the Natural Resources University of Khuzestan.
    Materials and Methods
    In order to investigate the effect of planting method and sugarcane residue compost fertilizer on yield and yield components of corn (hybrid of single cross 703) and some soil properties, a field experiment using a split-plot arrangement accomplished based on the randomized complete block design with four replications in Mian-Ab region of Shooshtar on 2018. Experimental factors included four planting methods (single row on ridges, on watermark, in furrows, and on flat ground) as a main factor in main plots and four amounts of sugarcane residues compost (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha-1) as a subfactor in sub-plots. Each sub-plot had six planting rows with a length of 3 meters and a width of 4.5 meters (with an area of 13.5 square meters). The seeds were planted manually at a depth of 3 cm on 2nd August 2017 with a density of 66000 per ha (the distance between ridges and furrows was 75 cm, and the distance between the plants was 18 cm). In this experiment, row number per ear, grains per row, thousand-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, soil nitrogen percent and soil organic matter percent were measured.
    Results and Discussion
    The analysis of variance showed that the effect of plant method, sugarcane residue compost, and their interaction was significant on the traits of row number per ear, grain number per row, thousand-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, soil nitrogen percent and soil organic matter percent. The comparison of mean showed that the maximum amount of corn traits were obtained in furrow planting and using 30 t ha-1 of sugarcane residue compost, and the lowest amounts was observed in ridge planting and non-use of sugarcane residue compost. So, the mean comparison of grain yield under the interaction of planting method and sugarcane residue compost showed that the highest grain yield (6497 kg ha-1) was in furrow planting and 30 t ha- of sugarcane residue compost and the lowest grain yield (3870 kg ha-1) was in ridge planting and non-use of sugarcane residue compost. Examination of correlation coefficients between the measured traits showed that grain yield had a more positive and significant correlation with biological yield, harvest index, and 1000-grain weight. Also, the biological yield had a more positive and significant correlation with grain yield, 1000-seed weight, and number of rows per ear.
    Conclusion
    In general, the findings of this experiment demonstrated that the furrow cultivation method resulted in the highest values for the measured traits (excluding soil nitrogen and soil organic matter percentage). Moreover, across all cultivation methods, an increase in the application of sugarcane residues compost fertilizer, and the availability of water and nutrients for the plants, led to an increase in the magnitude of these traits. The maximum values were achieved at a compost fertilizer rate of 30 t ha-1. Based on the results of this experiment, it can be concluded that cultivating corn using the furrow method and applying 20 to 30 t ha-1 of sugarcane residue compost can significantly enhance corn grain yield in the Shooshtar region.
    Introduction Today, increasing sustainability in agriculture is essential to meet future food needs. In this regard, the intercropping culture has been considered as a viable and environmentally friendly approach to sustainable... more
    Introduction
    Today, increasing sustainability in agriculture is essential to meet future food needs. In this regard, the intercropping culture has been considered as a viable and environmentally friendly approach to sustainable agriculture. Further, the investigation of complementary species relationships in annual cropping systems could be addressed to achieve sustainability and development. In order to fully understand the inter-specific interactions between crops, it is crucial to know how to react to neighboring species. The selection of species with different spatial structures in the intercropping culture pattern can be helpful in this regard. The differences in crop canopy in intercropping cultivation increase the efficiency of using water, light, and nutrients, as well as facilitating inter-species competition. Therefore, this study investigated the competition between soybean and Niger seed on yield and yield components, radiation efficiency, and yield advantage in the intercropping cultivation system.

    Material and Methods
    A field experiment was conducted for two years (2018-19) at the Research Farm of Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University, Iran (33º, 36ʹ N, 53º, 03ʹ E with 43 m altitude). The experiment was done based on a randomized complete block with four replications. The experimental treatment was 75% soybean + 25% Niger, 50% soybean + 50% Niger, 25% soybean+75% Niger based on the replacement method and soybean monoculture (100:0) and Niger monoculture (0:100). For example, a 25:75 combination included around three rows consisting of sowing a soybean and one row of Niger, along with vice versa in the 75:25 combinations. The 50:50 combinations also included planting two rows of each studied crop. The seed was sown directly on the 5th of May with a density of 28 plants per square meter. This study was investigated agronomic traits, radiation use efficiency, and the impact of competition on intercropping using Hill and Shimumoto models.

    Results and Discussion
    Based on the results, different planting ratios significantly affected plant height, dry weight, radiation use efficiency, yield, and yield components of both crops. The highest shoot heights of soybean and Niger, with an average of 76.3 and 189.7 cm, were related to a planting ratio of 75:25, respectively. Also, the number of pods per soybean plant and the number of capitule per plant of Niger in intercropping cultivation increased compared to monoculture. The reduction in the share of soybean and Niger sowing rows in different intercropping ratios increased the crop yield components. Also, both crops' shoot’ dry weight increased in different planting ratios compared to the expected values. The highest percentage of dry shoot weight in soybean and Niger was related to 25:75 and 75:25 planting ratios, respectively. Besides, during different stages of growth, the radiation use efficiency of Niger in planting ratio was 50:50 and 25:75 higher than soybean. Also, the radiation use efficiency in intercropping cultivation was more elevated than in monoculture. Due to the growing trend in its amount compared to the expected values, the effect of competition on radiation use efficiency during different growth stages was the type of mutual cooperation. According to the results, soybean (100:0) and Niger monoculture (0:100) had the highest and lowest grain yield, with an average of 4965.7 and 462.4 kg. ha-1, respectively. Among the different intercropping, the combination 75:25 with an average of 4173.73 kg. ha-1 had the highest grain yield. Finally, the average land equivalent ratio in all different intercropping ratios was more than one, and the planting ratio 50:50 had the highest average yield (LER = 1.28).

    Conclusion
    Increasing resource utilization efficiency and establishing a mutual co-operation relationship is essential in improving the usefulness of Soybean and Niger intercropping cultivation compared to monoculture. Furthermore, the selection of Niger in intercropping systems can be beneficial due to their morphological features and facilitation of competition.
    Introduction In recent years, due to the excessive consumption of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertilizers and common methods of crop production, problems have arisen that have led to more attention to sustainable agriculture.... more
    Introduction
    In recent years, due to the excessive consumption of agricultural inputs, especially chemical fertilizers and common methods of crop production, problems have arisen that have led to more attention to sustainable agriculture. Zeolite is a natural mineral with nutritional value and can be considered a step toward achieving sustainable agriculture.
    Materials and Methods
    In order to investigate the effect of type and amount of zeolite on the yield of common millet, an experiment was conducted in the crop year of 2017-17 at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University. This factorial experiment was performed using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included two types of calcium and potash zeolites in two forms of powder and granules, which were considered at two levels (5 and 10 tons per hectare) with a control treatment without zeolite. In this study, common millet (Pursu) was used for cultivation.
    Results and Discussion
    The number of clusters per plant: Analysis of variance of data showed that the effect of treatment on this trait was not statistically significant at the level of 5% probability. However, the control treatment had fewer clusters than the potassium powder and granular treatments of 10 tons per hectare and the calcic powder and granule treatments of 10 tons per hectare. Also, the control treatment had more clusters than the calcium granular and powder treatments of 5 tons per hectare and the potassium granular and powder treatments of 5 tons per hectare. A comparison of the average effect of zeolite content on the number of clusters per plant showed that increasing the application of zeolite from 5 tons per hectare to 10 tons per hectare caused a significant increase in the number of clusters per millet plant at a probability level of 5%.
    Thousand-grain weight: Analysis of variance of 1000-grain weight data as a treatment, to compare with the zeolite control treatment, showed that the effect of zeolite treatment on millet 1000-grain weight was significant at 5% probability level. The factorial variance analysis results showed that the simple effect of zeolite type on 1000-grain weight was significant at 5% probability level. But the simple effect of zeolite content as well as the interaction effect of type and amount of zeolite on this trait was not significant.
    Grain yield: The results of analysis of variance of grain yield data to compare treatments containing zeolite with control treatment without zeolite showed that the effect of zeolite treatment on grain yield was significant at the level of 1% probability. The factorial analysis of variance showed that the simple effect of zeolite content at 1% probability level and the effect of type and amount of zeolite at 5% probability level on grain yield were significant. Nevertheless, the simple effect of zeolite type had no significant effect on this factor. Comparing the average amount of zeolite on grain yield showed that increasing the amount of zeolite increased millet grain yield at a probability level of 5%.
    Water use efficiency: The results showed a significant effect of zeolite treatment on water use efficiency at a probability level of 1%. The results of variance for water use efficiency showed that this trait was significantly affected by the simple effect of zeolite content and the interaction between type and amount of zeolite at 5% level, but the effect of zeolite type on it was not significant. Comparing the average amount of zeolite on water use efficiency showed a statistically significant difference between the application of 5 and 10 tons per hectare of zeolite at the level of one percent.
    Conclusion
    The results showed that the application of different types of zeolite caused a significant increase in 1000-grain weight and number of grains per panicle at a probability level of 5% and grain yield, water use efficiency at a probability level of one percent compared to control treatment (no application of zeolite). Increasing the application of zeolite from 5 to 10 tons per hectare significantly increased the number of spikes per plant, number of seeds per spike, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, and water use efficiency. Therefore, with the optimal use of this fertilizer, the effects of drought stress on plants are somewhat reduced, and it is recommended for using in dry areas.
    Introduction Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a plant belonging to the genus Mint. The origin of this plant is reported to be Asia Minor, and it goes from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea ndin the sandy areas of the Mediterranean. Usable... more
    Introduction
    Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a plant belonging to the genus Mint. The origin of this plant is reported to be Asia Minor, and it goes from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea ndin the sandy areas of the Mediterranean. Usable parts of hyssop are flowering branches, leaves, and seeds. Nowadays, the simulation models of growth and development have been used as suitable tools for acknowledging and analyzing the effect of plant, soil, and atmosphere parameters on plant's growth and development. Over the last two decades, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) has developed and successfully applied the agroecological zones (AEZ) methodology and supporting software packages to analysis solutions to various problems of land resources for planning and management for sustainable agricultural development at regional, national and sub-national levels. The issues addressed include linking land-use outputs with other development goals in such areas as food production, food self-sufficiency, cash crop requirements, issues of soil fertility constraints, soil erosion risks, and land degradation. This procedure can calculate and present the potential biomass production of any crops under specific climatic conditions using climatology parameters. FAO has presented the procedure manual of the AEZ Package as a guideline to analyze land suitability for any crops. So, the current research is done to investigate the optimum planting date and forecast the biomass production of Hyssop using the AEZ model.

    Materials and Methods
    The experiment was conducted as a splitplot in a completely randomized block design with six planting dates and three replications in 2017-2018. The main factor was different levels of nitrogen fertilizer: 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg.ha-1, and the sub-factor was planting dates between 30-day periods from 17 October to 25 March. The data from this experiment were used to calibrate the model of AEZ, and the data from two years of planting date experiments in the period 2016-2017 were used to evaluate the model so that the data collected in the first year were used for calibration and the data of the second year were used for evaluation. The index of Physiological Days (PDays) was used for analyzing the photoperiod response of hyssop during different planting dates. The procedure of Soltane et al. (2006) was used to calculate the PDays index.
    Results and Discussion
    The AEZ model evaluation results showed that the RMSEn value of the predicted biomass was 10.81%, and the efficiency index (E), the Hyssop adaptation index (D) value, the coefficient of residual mass (CRM) value in the first year for the predicted value was 0.999, 0.98 and 0.06, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2) was obtained by linear regression analysis of functions between the actual and simulated values in the first year (R2=0.98). The RMSEn, (E), (D), and (CRM) values for the predicted biomass in the second year were 5.96, 0.999, 0.0454, and 0.98%, respectively. These results indicate that the simulated and actual values are in good agreement. Consequently, the model simulated the biomass with high accuracy. The results of biomass and yield analyzing using the AEZ model indicated a limited growth period within a period in Jiroft station can be occurred from May to 21 September, at this period, the plant stops growing, and the yield decreases. Based on model estimation values for other related climatology stations: the highest biomass yield for Bam climatology station (2321.9 kg.ha-1 and 23550.2 kg.ha-1, respectively) can be September to early October, the cold stress limitation can be occurred at the planting date from 1 December to 3 February 3rd, and the heat stress can occur on July planting date. In Kahnuj station, a limited growth period with high temperature can be occurred from Early May to 11 September, and the highest biomass performance can (19413.9 kg.ha-1 and 19764.3 kg.ha-1, respectively) be obtained at the planting date from October to early November.

    Conclusion
    Given the ability of the AEZ model to analyze the hyssop plant production system, which can simulate the effect of different climatic, soil, managerial, and plant variables on plant growth and yield; this model can be widely used in different regions as it is used as an important decision-making and management tool in research and executive dimensions.
    Introduction The length of the growth period is the key to crop adaptation to new environments. It is strongly affected by the environment in such a way that it is possible to predict the length of the growing period based on some... more
    Introduction
    The length of the growth period is the key to crop adaptation to new environments. It is strongly affected by the environment in such a way that it is possible to predict the length of the growing period based on some correlations with environmental factors. Simple models that quantify intraspecific variability in flowering responses to temperature and photoperiod can be useful for characterizing lines. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) shows considerable resistance to a wide range of abiotic stresses. Cardinal temperatures and day length at each development stage are necessary to find an appropriate model for predicting plant growth and development.
    Materials and Methods
    Ten separate experiments (10 planting dates included: 29 March, 29 April, 28 May, 28 June, 26 July, 23 August, 6 September, 20 September, 29 January, and 29 February) were conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factor consisted of five quinoa lines plus one cultivar (Titikaka). Five promising lines were modified at Yazd Salinity Research Center. Four lines belong to the middle maturing group, one to the late maturing group, and the Titikaka cultivar belongs to early maturing group. The time of beginning and end of each developmental stage, including germination, pollination, and seed maturity, was recorded. The response of developmental stages to temperature and photoperiod was used to determine the cardinal temperature and day length of the main developmental stages (emergence, flowering, and seed maturity).
    Results and Discussion
    Based on the coefficient of determination (R2) it seems that the quadratic model is suitable for estimating the cardinal temperatures of germination, flowering, and ripening of quinoa seeds. Using both quadratic and segmented models to estimate the length of special days resulted to satisfactory robustness. The results showed that on days with a length of lesser than 12 hours and temperatures lesser than 30°C, the flowering rate increased with a simultaneous increase of temperature and day length. As the day length increased to 14 hours, the rate of flowering development changed more significantly when temperatures were between 19 and 25°C than at temperatures below 19°C. For all lines, increasing the day length or temperature resulting in an increased plant maturation rate (from flowering to seed maturity) at a constant temperature or day length. The optimal temperature range for all developmental stages of quinoa lines was between 20 and 25°C. There was a significant difference in the base temperatures of the developmental stages. The base temperature for germination of quinoa lines was above 0°C, the base temperature for flowering was between -2 and +2°C, and the base temperature for seed maturity was below 0°C. The maximum temperature of all quinoa developmental stages was above 40°C (42-51°C). At low temperatures, the flowering stage was more sensitive than the seed ripening stage. The critical day length for flowering and seed ripening of quinoa lines was between 11.5 to 12 hours.
    Conclusions
    The optimum temperature range for germination was obtained by 25-34°C, for flowering by 28-21°C, and for seed ripening by15-32°C. The optimum temperature of all developmental stages of quinoa lines was between 20 and 25°C. The optimum day length range for flowering is estimated at 11.37-34.12 hours and for seed ripening by 10.58-12.3 hours. Using the segmented and quadratic models to estimate quinoa cardinal temperature and photoperiod response resulted in the same estimations, although in most values, the quadratic model showed a higher coefficient of determination. In general, the results indicated that the temperature and day length have a compensatory effect on the flowering rate and seed ripening stages of the studied lines.
    Introduction Crop simulation models are very useful tools for the evaluation of plant growth and development processes. Crop-simulating models may be used to estimate yield and evaluate climatic, plant, and management parameters on... more
    Introduction
    Crop simulation models are very useful tools for the evaluation of plant growth and development processes. Crop-simulating models may be used to estimate yield and evaluate climatic, plant, and management parameters on yield. Also, it may be used to predict crop water requirements under different conditions. Crop models should be evaluated and parameterized to simulate crop growth and development. Parameterization is used for precise simulation of crop growth and development and can estimate the best and most appropriate values for model parameters obtained via observed data or calibration. The objectives of this study were to describe the SSM-iCrop2 model, determine plant parameters, and evaluate alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in its major production regions using the SSM-iCrop2 model in Iran.
    Materials and Methods
    SSM-iCrop2 crop simulation model is a simplified form of SSM crop models which is suitable for the simulation of growth, development, and yield of different crops under different environmental conditions and large-scale estimation of crop production, especially in the evaluation of nutrient availability and climatic effects. This model includes sub-models of phenology, leaf expansion and senescence, dry matter production and distribution, and soil water balance. Daily weather data, agronomic management, soil properties, and plant parameters are required for simulation in this model. The present study investigates the performance of the SSM-iCrop2 model regarding the prediction of single cuts and overall cuts, phonologic stages, and water requirement of alfalfa under changing climatic conditions in Iran. To simulate the growth, development and yield of alfalfa using SSM-iCrop2 model in Iran, the major irrigated alfalfa production provinces, including East Azarbaijan, Hamedan, West Azarbaijan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Khorasan Razavi, Esfahan, Kordestan, Ghazvin, Ardabil, Markazi, Fars, Zanjan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiyari and Tehran were identified based on the data available in Ministry of Agriculture statistics. Then, field experiment data required for model parameterization and estimation were collected from these provinces.
    Results and Discussion
    According to the results of the SSM-iCrop2 model parameterization, two cultivars with different leaf area indices (high-yielding and low-yielding) were identified in major alfalfa production provinces. The model was evaluated using independent experimental data that had not been used for parameterization. The evaluation results for alfalfa yield showed that the observed single-cut forage yield ranged from 112 to 640 g.m-2 with an average of 330 g.m-2; the observed total annual forage yield ranged from 646 to 4042 g.m-2 with an average of 1717 g.m-2; and the water requirement of alfalfa obtained from the NETWAT software was between 5140 to 12690 m3 ha-1 with an average of 8746 m3 ha-1. The predicted single-cut forage yield, predicted total annual forage yield, and alfalfa water requirement ranged from 189 to 457 g.m-2 with an average of 351 g.m-2, 693 to 3296 g.m-2 with an average of 1654 g.m-2, and 4093 to 16874 m3 ha-1 with an average of 10940 m3.ha-1, respectively. Overall, in the evaluation of observed versus simulated alfalfa forage yield, 31 points were obtained for single-cut yield with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.79, root mean square error (RMSE) of 88.3 g.m-2, and coefficient of variation (CV) of 26.78%; and 21 points were obtained for annual yield with an r of 0.90, RMSE of 344.4 g.m-2, and CV of 20.05%. The evaluation results also showed that the observed versus simulated alfalfa water requirement had an r of 0.43, RMSE of 3503 m3 ha-1, and CV of 40%.
    Conclusion
    The results obtained from parameterization and evaluation of the SSM-iCrop2 model show that the mentioned model presents a logical prediction and accurate estimation of model parameters for yield and water requirement of alfalfa crops in Iran. Thus, this model may be used for the prediction of alfalfa yield under different climates and management conditions.
    Introduction In conventional agriculture, crop production has gradually shifted from ecological production principles to economic approaches, which has led to the destruction of natural resources and land use change, as well as the... more
    Introduction
    In conventional agriculture, crop production has gradually shifted from ecological production principles to economic approaches, which has led to the destruction of natural resources and land use change, as well as the reduction in resource consumption (Koocheki et al., 2016b). Satisfying the nutritional needs of a growing population whilst limiting environmental repercussions will require sustainable intensification of agriculture. The adverse effects of climate change are significantly decreasing yield and yield stability over time in current monocropping systems. We argue that intercropping, which is the production of multiple crops on the same area of land, could play an essential role in this intensification. Intercropping often increases resource use efficiency and agricultural productivity compared with growing the component crops solely and can enhance yield stability (Martin-Guay et al., 2018; Raseduzzaman & Jensen, 2017). In the case of an intercropping strategy, the growing period for the legume, as a cover crop, is longer to provide a high amount of fixed nitrogen and potential ground cover to compete with weeds (Vrignon-Brenas et al., 2018). The land equivalent ratio (LER) is often computed as an indicator to determine the efficacy of intercropping that measures land productivity. LER may be interpreted as the relative area required by sole crops to produce the same yields as achieved in a unit area of intercrop. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of relay intercropping as replacement series of three plant species such as chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), mung bean (Vigna radiate L.), and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), on the yield, yield components, and land equivalent ratio under climatic conditions of Mashhad.
    Materials and Methods
    A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during the growing seasons of 2015-2016. For this purpose, a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. The treatments included sole cropping of chickpea (C), mung bean (M), and sugar beet (S), as well as intercropping with 25% L + 75% S, 50% L + 50% S, and 75% L + 25% S. The investigated traits of mung bean and chickpea were plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of branches per plant, seed weight per plant, and 100-seed weight, as well as the number of hollow pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index. For sugar beet, the traits investigated were root height, fresh yield of root, dry yield of root, dry weight of shoot, sucrose content, and sucrose yield. The land equivalent ratio of chickpea, mung bean, and sugar beet was calculated (Sullivan, 2003) as follows: LER = Y1/I1 + Y2/I2 + Y3/I3, where Y1, Y2, and Y3 represent chickpea, mung bean, and sugar beet yield in intercropping, and I1, I2, and I3 represent chickpea, mung bean, and sugar beet yield in mono-culture, respectively. SAS 9.2 was used for analysis of variance. All the means were compared according to Duncan's test (p ≤ 0.05).
    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the effect of relay triple intercropping arrangements of three species, such as mung bean and chickpea with sugar beet, was significant on yield components and seed yield, biological yield (p ≤ 0.05). The highest seed yield of chickpea and mung bean (2912 and 1247.83 kg/ha, respectively) and biological yield (6237.5 and 6816.7 kg/ha) were observed in sole culture, respectively. Also, the highest amount of fresh root yield was related to its sole cropping with 65242 kg/ha. The highest and lowest LER were calculated for 75% S + 25% L (with 1.53) and 25% S + 75% L (with 0.94), respectively.
    Conclusion
    Intercropping systems using ecological principles are one of the sustainable solutions to choosing plants suited to the needs, and competitiveness is very important. According to the results, relay triple intercropping of chickpea, and mung bean with sugar beet can be considered as ecological management and ecological intensification in the agroecosystems.
    Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important and valuable grains in the world, after wheat, and is the main source of food for more than 50% of the world's population. Proper water management in rice fields plays a... more
    Introduction
    Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important and valuable grains in the world, after wheat, and is the main source of food for more than 50% of the world's population. Proper water management in rice fields plays a key role in the usefulness of other production inputs. One way to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer application and reduce its losses is the simultaneous use of organic and biological fertilizers. Due to the conditions of Iran in terms of water resources and excessive consumption of nitrogen fertilizers, the use of less water in rice cultivation and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers can play a very important role in saving and wasting water by using biofertilizers will reduce the cost and pollution of chemical fertilizers.
    Materials and Methods
    An experiment in the experimental farm of Rice Research Institute of Iran (Rasht) performed over two years, 2017 and 2018, to evaluate the response of two rice cultivars to bio-chemical fertilizers at different irrigation levels on leaf area index, yield, components Water performance and efficiency were assessed. This experiment was performed in the form of double split plots based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Accordingly, experimental factors including water management at three levels without stress (flooding) and irrigation intervals of 10 and 15 days as the main factor, fertilizer at three levels including inoculation of seedlings with nitroxin biofertilizer, inoculation of seedlings with nitroxin biofertilizer + 50% of nitrogen chemical fertilizer required by the plant (combined fertilizer treatment) and 100% of nitrogen chemical fertilizer required by the plant) as a secondary agent and rice cultivar at two levels including Hashemi and Gilaneh as a secondary agent. The dimensions of each plot were 33 meters. In this experiment, grain yield, grain yield components, leaf area index, and water use efficiency were examined.
    Results and Discussion
    The results of this experiment showed that there was no significant difference between the combined treatment of fertilizer (2.77 t/ha) and the treatment of 100% nitrogen chemical fertilizer (2.82 t/ha) on the yield of rice cultivars. The waterlogging treatment caused a 23% and 38% higher grain yield compared to 10-day and 15-day irrigation cycles, respectively. The highest leaf area index was observed in the Gilaneh cultivar with 100% chemical nitrogen fertilizer required by the plant and inoculation of seedling roots with the combined treatment of fertilizer during flooding, with values of 4.52 and 4.03, respectively, and the lowest value of 1.48 was observed in the Hashemi cultivar with seedling root inoculation with nitroxin biofertilizer and irrigation for 15 days. Water use efficiency in nitrogen and compound fertilizer treatments was higher in the Gilaneh cultivar than in the other treatments. The Gilaneh cultivar with 15-day irrigation treatment and 100% nitrogen fertilizer required by the plant showed the highest water use efficiency in two years, and the plant needs of this cultivar did not show a significant difference. The combined application of nitroxin biofertilizer and nitrogen chemical fertilizer, in addition to producing a good yield and improving water use efficiency, reduced the use of nitrogen chemical fertilizer by 50%.
    Conclusion
    By increasing the intensity of stress, seedling root inoculation treatments with nitroxin biofertilizer + 50% chemical nitrogen fertilizer required by the plant and consumption of 100% nitrogen fertilizer required by the plant improved water use efficiency. Biofertilizer, along with nitrogen fertilizer increased the leaf area index and crop yield. Nitrogen fertilizer increased the number of empty seeds per panicle compared to biofertilizer. The Gilaneh cultivar was more successful than the Hashemi cultivar in the studied traits. The use of biofertilizers could be a suitable and desirable alternative to chemical fertilizers, in the long run, to minimize environmental pollution and achieve sustainable agriculture.
    Introduction The incidence of drought periods and its continuity in arid and semi-arid areas is considered one of the factors affecting soil microbial population and activity and soil water content, and thus affect soil fertility and... more
    Introduction
    The incidence of drought periods and its continuity in arid and semi-arid areas is considered one of the factors affecting soil microbial population and activity and soil water content, and thus affect soil fertility and nutrient availability. Implementation of the straw checkerboard barrier technique in these areas as a cheap, effective, and easy technology has an important role in reviving soil microbial communities and desertification control. In the present study, the effect of the straw checkerboard barriers technique on moisture retention, soil microbial population and their CO2 production was investigated.
    Materials and Methods
    This research was carried out in a semi-arid region prone to wind erosion with damaged soil communities, in which the straw checkered barrier technique was established to control wind erosion. For this purpose, 5 t.ha-1 of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straws were arranged in 1 m × 1 m checkerboard patterns in January 2018. This research was carried out in a part of the “ Margh” meadow the south of Shahrekord, the capital of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province (50° 50 ́E, 32° 17 ́N). Then the effect of this technique on soil microbial properties, including respiration and soil microbial biomass as well as moisture retention and aggregate stability, were considered. The same area was also dedicated for control as bare ground. Several straw squares were randomly selected, and the trend of changes in microbial respiration and soil moisture in the border of barriers, the center of barriers, and bare ground were measured in several stages. Also in the fourth stage of microbial respiration determination, microbial biomass, and aggregate stability were measured too. Microbial respiration and soil moisture data were analyzed based on a split-plot experiment in time in a randomized complete block design, and microbial biomass data and weight and geometric mean particle diameter were analyzed based on a randomized complete block design.
    Results and Discussion
    The results indicate that soil water content at the borders of the barriers significantly increased compared to the center of the barriers and the bare ground by 10.91% and 18.56%, respectively. Soil water content at the borders of the barriers was maintained for a longer time compared to the bare ground, but the decreasing trend of soil moisture in the bare ground was steeper over time, reaching the lowest position compared to the others. This can be attributed to the reduction of wind speed and shading of straws on the soil surface, creating a safer microclimate near the soil surface. The addition of rice straw in the form of checkered barriers to the soil significantly increased carbon mineralization compared to the bare ground in all measurement stages. In the first stage, the amount of CO2-C produced at the borders and center of the barriers increased by 37.76% and 14.69%, respectively, compared to the bare ground. On July 5th, CO2-C production decreased significantly. From July 15th to October 28th, the trend of carbon mineralization at the borders and center of the barriers and bare ground showed a steady state with lower values for the bare ground. Residue incorporation in soils may increase C mineralization and have a positive priming effect for accelerating soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition. The establishment of straw checkerboard barriers alleviated the effects of moisture deficiency on soil microbial activity and increased carbon mineralization. The higher rates of microbial respiration in the barriers indicate the efficiency of the straws added to the soil and the better adjustment of drought conditions in the soil. The highest soil microbial biomass and aggregate stability were observed at the borders of the barriers, which was significantly different from the bare ground. The return of residues to the soil increased aggregate stability, which may be due to the improvement of organic matter and soil porosity.
    Conclusion
    The results of this study indicate that the implementation of straw checkerboard barriers improved the soil's biological properties, moisture content and aggregates stability and can provide a better microclimate for plant establishment and growth, which may lead to higher conservation of natural resources and sustainable production.
    Introduction Water 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... more
    Introduction
    Water 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 Discussion
    The 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.
    Conclusions
    The 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.
    Introduction There are only a limited number of maps available regarding the distribution of agricultural and horticultural lands in the country. The existence of these maps can play an important role in various fields such as... more
    Introduction
    There are only a limited number of maps available regarding the distribution of agricultural and horticultural lands in the country. The existence of these maps can play an important role in various fields such as agricultural planning and development, climate change assessment, yield gap, and food security analysis, livestock production systems management, ecosystem service, fertilizer use management, agricultural optimal cropping pattern determination and other studies related to agriculture, forestry, and rangeland. For example, one of the relevant applications of these maps is their use in combination with climate zoning maps and soil maps to select the target meteorological stations in plant production simulation studies with different practical purposes. The SPAM project (Spatial Production Allocation Model) in IFPRI (International Food Policy Institute) is the main source of these kinds of maps. The accuracy of SPAM maps is acceptable at providence or higher scales because they are prepared based on provincial data. However, these maps may not be precise on a smaller scale than the province. The SPAM data bank does not cover all main crops and none of the horticultural plants. Therefore, in this study, the land use maps of 33 main agricultural and horticultural plants were produced at the country scale using the simplified SPAM method. Materials and Methods: To generate these maps, a spatial overlay of land distribution (total rainfed land raster, total irrigated land raster, and total garden products raster for target crop) with polygon boundaries of cities was produced in ArcGIS. The value of the pixels in each county must be calculated in the created map. To do this, first, the number of pixels with land in each county was counted on this map. Then the area under cultivation of the target plant in each county was divided by the number of pixels counted in the same county. The number obtained in each county was considered as the pixel value of the land in that county for the target plant. The assumptions about the production of distribution maps for each plant in rainfed and irrigated Conditions are 1- To generate the distribution maps of each rainfed or irrigated annual plant; it is assumed that the distribution of the land of the given crop is the same as the distribution of all rainfed or irrigated lands within each county. It should be noted that this assumption can be incorrect if only the land distribution of the crop is considered in a particular crop year. Due to crop rotation, the distribution of a crop in the lands of a county changes every year. If the land distribution of a particular crop in a county is considered for a period of 3 years or more, the probability of target crop planting within each part of the county lands will be high. Because in the present study, information from the period 2014 to 2016 has been used, it is assumed that during this period, the distribution of lands the target rainfed and irrigated is similar to the distribution of total rainfed and irrigated lands in the given county. 2- In the case of horticultural crops that are perennial, it is assumed that the gardens of the target crop are distributed uniformly in the horticultural lands of that county. Therefore, the distribution of a particular horticultural crop in a county was similar to that of the total distribution of horticultural lands in that county.
    Results and Discussion
    The findings of this study suggest that SPAM2005 maps for various crops in Iran were less accurate than SPAM2010 maps at the province level. While the area of crops in SPAM maps was similar to statistical data at the province level, the spatial distribution of crops required modification. This issue became apparent when the grassland distribution map was compared with the crops SPAM maps, indicating that some crop land in SPAM maps was incorrectly located where grasslands should be. The approach used in this study resolved this problem and generated new spatial distribution maps for crops with higher accuracy.
    Conclusion
    This study utilized county-level data from over 400 counties to produce more accurate maps than the original SPAM maps. The advantages of the maps produced in this study compared to SPAM maps are (1) The use of up-to-date crop area information to generate the maps; (2) The use of crop area data at the county scale to increase map accuracy; (3) The application of country-specific land distribution maps to generate the maps; and (4) The production of distribution maps for all major horticultural and agricultural crops in the country, creating a comprehensive database in this field.
    Introduction Canola (Brassica napus L.) is known as the third most important oil crop in the world and is now cultivated over a large area of the world's farms in rotation with various crops, especially cereals (Reddy and Redi, 2003).... more
    Introduction
    Canola (Brassica napus L.) is known as the third most important oil crop in the world and is now cultivated over a large area of the world's farms in rotation with various crops, especially cereals (Reddy and Redi, 2003). Simulation models are a useful tool for predicting crop responses to different environments. The CSM-CROPGRO model (Jones et al., 2003) was integrated into the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) for simulating spring rapeseed (Saseendran et al., 2010). Due to limited studies on simulating the growth and yield of rapeseed in Iran, especially using DSSAT models, the purpose of this study was to calibrate and evaluate the DSSAT-CROPGRO-Canola model for simulating the growth and yield of two canola cultivars with different treatments of planting date and nitrogen in Karaj, Iran.
    Materials and Methods
    A field experiment was performed as a split-plot factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2017 and 2018. Two spring canola cultivars (Dalgan and Hyola-420) were planted under three levels of nitrogen (0, 70, and 210 kg.ha-1) on two planting dates (28 Feb and 19 Mar). Planting date was considered as the main factor, and cultivars and nitrogen levels were considered as sub-factors. Measured data during the growing season were leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), yield and yield components, and dates of flowering and physiological maturity. Daily weather data, management events, and soil characteristics are imported to DSSAT. The first-year experimental data were used for calibration, and second-year data were used for model evaluation of developmental stages, LAI, TDM, and grain yield. The performance of the DSSAT-CROPGRO-Canola model during the calibration and evaluation was assessed using different statistics, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized RMSE (nRMSE), Willmott’s index (d), and coefficient of determination (R2) of a 1:1 regression line.
    Results and Discussion
    The results of evaluating phenological stages (anthesis day, first pod day, first seed day, and physiological maturity day) showed that the RMSE for the Dalgan cultivar was less than four days, and for the Hyola-420 cultivar, it was less than five days. This indicates that the model performed excellently in accurately simulating developmental stages. The model was able to simulate LAI up to the pod formation stage in different treatments. The nRMSE and d were 24.88% and 0.92 for the Dalgan cultivar and 22.72% and 0.95 for the Hyola-420 cultivar, respectively.
    The model was also able to simulate the total dry matter at different planting dates as well as different levels of nitrogen fertilizer, and the values of nRMSE, d, and R2 for the Dalgan cultivar were 24.97%, 0.97 and 0.91**. For the Hyola-420 cultivar, the values were 22.73%, 0.98, and 0.94**. Additionally, the nRMSE, d, and R2 values for the number of grains per square meter were 14.97%, 0.98, and 0.91** for the Dalgan cultivar and 15.37%, 0.98, and 0.90** for the Hyola-420 cultivar, respectively.
    The evaluation results for grain yield of canola cultivars showed that the RMSE was 395 and 265 kg.ha-1, d was 0.97, and R2 was 0.89** and 0.91** for Dalgan and Hyola-420 cultivars, respectively, confirming the high accuracy of the calibration. Therefore, this model can be used to evaluate the different effects of crop management and make decisions in canola cultivation systems. One of these decisions is to determine the best planting date for spring canola cultivars in the region. Based on the long-term model simulation of cultivars in different planting dates, it is recommended to plant spring canola up to 11 March in this region.
    Conclusion
    The results of this study showed that the DSSAT-CROPGRO-Canola model had reliably good performance under different management and environmental conditions. CSM-CROPGRO-Canola model predicts grain yield responses to management and environmental conditions well and can now be employed for assessing the impacts of various agronomic management strategies and decisions making in canola production systems in Iran.
    Introduction Iranian shallot, scientifically known as Allium hirtifolium, is an important medicinal, edible, and industrial plant that grows in different regions of Iran, especially in the Central Zagros. Since this plant is harvested... more
    Introduction
    Iranian shallot, scientifically known as Allium hirtifolium, is an important medicinal, edible, and industrial plant that grows in different regions of Iran, especially in the Central Zagros. Since this plant is harvested from its natural environment for consumption, it is necessary to cultivate and study various factors that affect its quantitative and qualitative yield, such as the use of sustainable agriculture. Additionally, genetic and environmental factors, as well as the use of fertilizers and nutrients, affect the growth, development, and yield of medicinal and edible plants, including Iranian shallots. Therefore, creating the best substrate for cultivation, protection, and harvesting is necessary due to the use of these plants in human health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical and organic fertilizer in inoculation with biofertilizer in two years on the yield and biochemical traits of Iranian shallot.
    Materials and Methods
    In this study (in the research farm of Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province) investigated the effect of chemical fertilizer application (including: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus 90, 70 and 60 kg/ha, respectively), chemical fertilizer inoculation with fertilizer Vermicompost (10 tons per hectare), Vermicompost inoculation with bio-fertilizer, manure (including sheep manure 10 tons per hectare), manure inoculation with bio-fertilizer (Including Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi including: Glomus fasiculatum, Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae and growth-promoting bacteria including: Azospirillum spp, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis) on Iranian shallot biochemical and yields traits such as: size and weight of Bulb, Amount of phenol, Flavonoid Antioxidants, Starch, Glucose, Total protein, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium of this plant, as an randomized complete blocks design with three replications in two consecutive years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018) was conducted and The simple(year and fertilizer) and combined analysis(year* fertilizer) of variance were done. Data analysis was performed using SAS9.1 software, and LSD test at 5% probability level was used to compare the mean of treatments.
    Results and Discussion
    The results of the variance analysis showed that the effect of year on all traits was significant, including size and weight of bulb, phenol, flavonoids, antioxidants, starch, glucose, total protein, nitrogen, and phosphorus, at the level of 1%. The effect of fertilizer on all traits (except starch and glucose) and their interactions (year x fertilizer) on all measured traits except antioxidant activity percent, nitrogen, starch, and glucose were also significant.
    In the second year, antioxidant activity percent, nitrogen, starch, and glucose had the highest amounts at 42.71%, 2.30%, 0.40, and 0.38, respectively, while in the first year, they had the lowest amounts at 29.05, 1.44, 0.23, and 0.23 mg/g fw, respectively.
    According to the results, the highest bulb size (8.04 cm), potassium (1.88% and 1.89%), bulb weight (0.095 and 0.096 kg), and total protein (15.05 and 15.72 mg/g fw) were obtained in the vermicompost treatment in inoculation with bio-fertilizer in the second year and chemical fertilizer in inoculation with bio-fertilizer in the second year. Additionally, the highest amount of phenol (1.15 and 1.19 mg/g fw), respectively, in the treatment of vermicompost in inoculation with bio-fertilizer in the second year and chemical fertilizer in inoculation with biofertilizer in the second year, flavonoids (107.1 mg/g fw), and phosphorus (1.623%) in vermicompost in inoculation with bio-fertilizer in the second year were obtained.
    Moreover, the results of comparing the means showed that the highest percentages of antioxidant activity percent (36.24) and nitrogen content (2.29%) were in vermicompost in inoculation with bio-fertilizer and chemical fertilizer in inoculation with bio-fertilizer in the second year, respectively. The lowest bulb size (3.16 cm), bulb weight (0.037 kg), phenol content (0.168 mg/g fw), flavonoids (48.99 mg/g fw), total protein (6.81 mg/g fw), phosphorus (0.753%), and potassium (0.811%) were observed in control.
    Conclusion
    According to the results of this study, organic fertilizers can be used in inoculation with bio-fertilizer to increase the production of Iranian shallot as organic fertilizer and not impose a negative effect on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of this plant instead of, excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
    Introduction For centuries, medicinal, functional, and nutraceutical herbs have been used for food and medicinal purposes. Lallemantia species are versatile and can be used for lightening, varnishing, painting, food, and medicine. The... more
    Introduction
    For centuries, medicinal, functional, and nutraceutical herbs have been used for food and medicinal purposes. Lallemantia species are versatile and can be used for lightening, varnishing, painting, food, and medicine. The genus is distributed in several countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Syria, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and some European countries. Lallemantia iberica belongs to the Labiatae family, which has about 220 genera and almost 4000 species worldwide, with 46 genera and 410 species and subspecies in Iran. Dragon’s head seed is a good source of polysaccharides, fiber, oil, and protein, with medicinal, nutritional, and human health properties. Its high mucilage content allows it to absorb water quickly, producing a sticky, turbid, and tasteless liquid, which can be used as a novel food hydrocolloid in food formulations. Given the increasing consumption and high economic value of dragon’s head medicinal plants, research on planting factors of this plant is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate some traits, such as grain yield, oil yield, percentage, and mucilage yield of five dragon’s head medicinal plant accessions.
    Materials and Methods
    The experiment was carried out in the research farm of Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center in the 2018 crop year. The research farm's geographical coordinates are longitude 48°35′N and latitude 33°48′E, elevation above sea level is 1147.8 meters, the average rainfall is 525 mm, and the average temperature is 14.13 °C. Khorramabad region has a subtropical climate with hot and dry summers and a temperate climate based on long-term statistics. The experiment was performed on a randomized complete block design with three replications, including five dragons’ head accessions (Takab, Kaleibar, Kurdistan, Nazarkahrizi, and Jolfa). Traits evaluated included grain yield, biochemical traits, and photosynthetic pigments. Data analysis was done using SAS 9.1 statistical program, and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% probability level.
    Results and Discussion
    Analysis of variance showed that grain yield, oil yield, mucilage yield, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were affected by mass. According to the comparison, the highest mean of grain yield, oil yield, biological yield, and mucilage yield was obtained in Kaleibar mass and ranked next in Takab mass. The lowest grain and oil yield were obtained in Julfa mass. In the dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar massif was superior to other masses in terms of the studied traits. Correlation analysis in rainfed conditions showed that grain yield had the highest correlation coefficient with oil yield, mucilage yield, and biological yield. Pearson correlation between the studied traits and grain yield showed a significant correlation between grain yield and oil yield, mucilage yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Grain yield also correlated significantly with oil content, mucilage percentage, 1000-grain weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The highest positive and significant correlation was observed between chlorophyll b content and total chlorophyll content.
    Conclusion
    The study found that mass had a significant effect on the evaluated traits. The highest grain mucilage yield, grain oil, biological yield, and also grain yield were observed in Kaleibar mass and then in the Takab mass. There was a significant difference with other dragon’s head accessions. The lowest grain yield, mucilage yield, grain oil yield, and biological yield were also obtained in Julfa massif. According to the experimental findings, in dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar mass is suitable for cultivation first and then Takab mass and has an acceptable yield and can be recommended for cultivation in similar conditions.
    Introduction Global warming has already been occurring in Iran and will probably continue during the 21st century. There has been an increased intensity and frequency of hot daytime temperatures in the last two decades in the country.... more
    Introduction
    Global warming has already been occurring in Iran and will probably continue during the 21st century. There has been an increased intensity and frequency of hot daytime temperatures in the last two decades in the country. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important staple food crop in the country, with a total farming area of nearly 6.33 million ha and a production exceeding 14 million tons in 2017. Wheat production in Iran is an important component of national food security. The crop is grown almost all over the country under varied soil and climatic conditions. Most parts of Iran have an arid and semi-arid climate with long dry summer and winter rainfall, which climate change may negatively affect wheat production sustainability in these vulnerable environments. Wheat is a thermo-sensitive crop, and a change in air temperature may alter the length of its growing period and grain yield. Wheat production mainly depends on the duration of the reproductive period; thus, precise crop phenology estimation is essential for yield prediction under current and future climate conditions. The variety of C-84-8, which is named "Mihan," was introduced from the cross between the domestic variety “Barkat” and the Chinese variety “Zhong87-90” in Karaj for normal irrigation conditions and drought stress after the flowering stage in the cold regions of Iran in 2009. Mihan variety is known as a high yielded potential. The actual yield of this variety in Ardabil province has been reported between 8.13 to 10.31 tons per hectare.
    Materials and Methods
    The aim of this study was to simulate the climate change effects on the growth period, LAI, and biological and grain yield of wheat (Mihan variety) in the Kerman and Ardebil regions. For this purpose, we employed the HadGEM2-ES model as affected by two RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios for two time periods, 2021-2055 and 2056-2090. MarkSIMGCMmodel was used to produce daily climatic parameters as one stochastic growing season for each projection period, and the CERES-wheat model in DSSAT software was used to simulate wheat growth. Calibration and validation of the model in Kerman were performed with two-year experiments designed at the Shahid Bahonar University farm in Kerman, and for the Ardabil region, it performed with the data of the wheat projects of the Agricultural Research and Training Center and Natural Resources of Ardabil province.
    Results and Discussion
    The results of the model evaluation showed that MarkSIMGCM had an appropriate prediction for simulating climatic parameters and stochastic growing seasons in future climate change conditions. In both studied regions, the RCP8.5 scenario has a higher temperature and radiation increase than the RCP4.5 scenario, and these changes are greater in the long-term period than in the short-term period. Rainfall changes in both investigated regions did not show a regular trend. The growing period length was reduced by 0.51% -4.59% as affected by various climate change scenarios and periods. In the near period time (2055), simulating results showed that wheat grain yield would decrease by 3.87% compared to the current condition based on the RCP4.5 scenario. But, the traits will be increased by 0.99%-15.15% according to the RCP8.5 scenario in Kerman and Ardebil based on both scenarios. In the far period time (2090), the grain yield for the Kerman region will respectively decrease by -7.39% and -36% according to both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios compared to the current time, and in Ardabil, based on the scenario RCP4.5 will be improved by 20.36%, and it will be declined by -2.89% according to the RCP8.5 scenario. This indicates that the negative impacts of warming will outweigh to the positive effect of CO2 enrichment over time.
    Conclusion
    In general, the results confirmed that the Mihan variety would produce acceptable grain yield in the future climate change conditions of Ardabil, but in Kerman, mitigating strategies should be considered to adapt wheat to the adverse impacts of climate change.
    Introduction One of the problems of agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions is low soil organic matter. Plant residues are a natural and important renewable source of plant nutrients that can be used together with other inputs to... more
    Introduction
    One of the problems of agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions is low soil organic matter. Plant residues are a natural and important renewable source of plant nutrients that can be used together with other inputs to improve soil health and improve production. The method of preserving crop residues on the surface and cultivating directly inside the residues with minimal soil disturbance can be an alternative method for burning the residues, especially in summer cultivation. Therefore, in the present study, the effect of different rice residue managements on the growth and quantitative and qualitative yield of rapeseed cultivars was studied.

    Materials and Methods
    The experiment was performed as split plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor included the management of rice residues at four levels, including 1- According to conventional cultivation,2- Cultivation in plowed land with rice residues, 3- Cultivation in rice residues with 20 cm height, 4- Cultivation in rice residues with 40 cm height and the secondary factor of three rapeseed cultivars included 401, 4815 and okapi cultivars. In conventional cultivation (control), after harvesting the rice, the field was set on fire and after exposing the ground, plowing, disc and plotting of the land were done and planting according to the custom of the region in a row with distant 20 cm was planted. In the management of cultivation in plowed land with rice residues, after harvesting rice, plowing, disc and plot cultivation were done and planting was done in a row according to the custom of the region in a row with distances between planting lines of 20 cm. In the management of cultivation in rice residues with a height of 20 and 40 cm, rice harvesting from a height of 20 and 40 cm above the ground is done manually and then scattering rapeseed seeds similar to seed density in the custom method cultivation and then with the help of chisel plow rapeseed seeds it was mixed with the soil completely superficially at a depth of about 0.5-1 cm.

    Results and Discussion
    The results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of rice residue management on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 1000- grain weight, grain yield, oil percentage and grain protein percentage was significant. The effect of cultivar types on number of pods per plant and grain yield was significant but not significant for other traits. Interaction of rice residue management and cultivar type was significant on plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod and yield. The maximum grain yield in the cultivation of plowed land with rice residues in cultivar 4815 by 2449.48 kg/ha and the minimum grain yield in the cultivation of rice residues with a height of 40 cm in cultivar 401 by 1187.41 kg/ha was observed. The maximum oil percentage and grain protein percentage in the cultivation of plowed land with rice residues by 21.62 and 48.16 were observed, respectively and regard to other residue managements were not significant.

    Conclusion
    In general, the results showed that the rapeseed cultivation in plowed bed along with rice residues is effective in improving most of the growth and yield traits of rapeseed. In addition, cultivar 4815 is more suitable than cultivar 401 and okapi in terms of cultivation in plowed land with rice residues and this cultivar can be recommended for farmers and region.
    Introduction Crop production is directly dependent on climatic conditions, and climate determines the sources of production and productivity of agricultural activities. Therefore, long-term forecasting of climate variables and taking the... more
    Introduction
    Crop production is directly dependent on climatic conditions, and climate determines the sources of production and productivity of agricultural activities. Therefore, long-term forecasting of climate variables and taking the necessary measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change have been considered by many researchers around the world. Climate change affects water requirement and crop yields in the future, so it is important to study changes in meteorological parameters and their impact on water requirement and crop yields in each region. So, in this study, the effect of climate change on the yield and water requirement of wheat in Qazvin synoptic station was investigated.

    Materials and methods
    In this study, the results of the scenarios were compared with the data of Qazvin station for wheat crop by statistical error criteria including Explanation coefficient statistics (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and maximum error (ME). For evaluation, from the general circulation models in the LARS-WG model (EC-Earth, GFDL-CM3, HadGEM2-ES, MIROC5, MPI-ESM-MR) and the scenarios of RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in the baseline 1986-2015 was used. Yield and water requirement of wheat in the baseline and future periods 2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080 and 2081-2100 were calculated with Aqua Crop software.

    Result and discussion
    The coefficient of explanation for the maximum and minimum temperatures simulated with the LARS-WG model shows that the simulated data and the synoptic station data are highly correlated. An explanation coefficient greater than 90% indicates that more than 90% of the variance in the minimum and maximum temperature data of the synoptic station is described by the LARS-WG model data. The value of RMSE at the minimum and maximum temperature is less than 3 °C, which indicates the low temperature deviation simulated with the LARS-WG model compared to the actual temperature. The ME index value was obtained for the minimum temperature equal 6.93 °C and for the maximum temperature equal 7.76 °C. The coefficient of explanation for the precipitation simulated with the LARS-WG model shows that the simulated data and the data of the synoptic station do not have a high correlation and the coefficient of explanation decreases to less than 0.5. The values of RMSE and ME were 33.28 mm and 183.10 mm, respectively. The results show that the model is more accurate in simulating minimum and maximum temperatures than precipitation. In a study, Goudarzi et al. (2015) investigated the performance of LARS-WG and SDSM microscopic exponential models in simulating climate change in the catchment area of Lake Orumieh. The results showed that both models are more accurate in simulating temperature than precipitation, which is consistent with the results of the present study. The average wheat yield for the baseline was 7.67 (tons/ha). The yield average will increase in future periods, which is the highest in the HadGEM2-ES model with the RCP8.5 scenario and the period 2081-2100. Water requirement was obtained in the baseline 127.14 mm. The water requirement average will decrease in future periods.

    Conclusion
    The simulation results of the LARS-WG model in the baseline showed that the model has more accurate in the simulation of minimum temperature (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmin) than precipitation. This study findings have also showed that the temperature will increase in future periods. Precipitation changes were seen as both decreasing and increasing trend. The yield increased in future periods, which is the highest in the HadGEM2-ES model with the RCP8.5 scenario and the period 2081-2100. The water requirement decreased in future periods.
    Introduction In natural environments, plants are continuously exposed to diverse environmental conditions that may affect plant survival, development and production. Water deficiency considers as one of the most ominous abiotic factors... more
    Introduction
    In natural environments, plants are continuously exposed to diverse environmental conditions that may affect plant survival, development and production. Water deficiency considers as one of the most ominous abiotic factors that limits the growth and yield of crops and decreases water use efficiency and photosynthesis rate. Nowadays it is suggested to use bio-fertilizers as a tool to adjust adverse effects of water shortage in soil. Bio-fertilizers containing Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are supposed to use. Some plant species have the ability to form a symbiosis relationship with the Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF can increase growth and yield of plants under water deficiency, and it is one of the most important bio-inoculant that can be used to adjust adverse effects of water stress in plants. AMF-symbiosis considerably increases root colonization which turns into improving water use efficiency. Also, it establishes a platform to increase phosphorus mobility between soil and roots in the rhizosphere. Lallemantia iberica (Dragon’s head) and Lallemantia royleana (Lady’s mantle) are medicinal plants that belong to the Lamiaceae family. Genus Lallemantia seeds contain mucilage, polysaccharide, fiber, oil, protein, and plenty of valuable secondary metabolites. Limited information is availiable about the ability of these two species to make symbiosis relation with AMF under water deficit condition.  Hence, the current study was aimed to evaluate of Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana inoculated by mycorrhizal in the different irrigation regimes.

    Materials and Methods
    The field trial was conducted at the Research Farm of the Agricultural Faculty of Shahed University, Tehran, during the cropping season of 2018 and 2019. A split-factorial experiment was employed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plot consisted of three-level of irrigation regimes (30% (I30; without stress), 60% (I60; mild stress), and 90% (I90; sever stress) depletion of available water resource). The sub plots were factorial combination mycorrhizae (non-inoculation and inoculation of mycorrhizae) and plant species of Lallemantia (L.iberica and L. royleana). 

    Results and Discussion
    Increasing water deficit significantly reduced plant height, grain yield, chlorophyll a and b, water use efficiency, root colonization, seed phosphorus, seed mucilage, and seed oil content However, the highest plant height, grain yield, chlorophyll a and b, water use efficiency, root colonization, seed phosphorus, mucilage, and oil seed content obtained at 60% available water soil of depletion (mild stress). The application of mycorrhizae increased plant height, grain yield, chlorophyll a and b, water use efficiency, root colonization, seed phosphorus, seed mucilage, and oil seed content in cross all irrigation regimes. It has been reported that establishment a relationship of symbiotic AMF with roots of host plant, through spreading the hyphae and developing the root system, improves growth and provides more water for plants, which finally this ability leads to the yield, root colonization and water use efficiency. Inoculated and non-inoculated L .royleana had the greatest resistance to different levels of irrigation regimes and mycorrhizal treatments than L. iberica. It has been reported that L. royleana was more tolerant to water deficit in compared to L. iberica  Also the results showed that the highest root colonization was in L. royleana species which was grown under different levels of irrigation regimes and mycorrhizal treatments.

    Conclusion
    In general in this research, it can be concluded that under water deficit stress conditions, water deficit stress damages can be reduced in both species of Lallemantia with careful irrigation management (using an irrigation regime of 60% available water soil of depletion) and application of mycorrhizae.
    Introduction Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) belongs to the cereal family and was domesticated at the same time as other cereals around three thousand years ago. Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal in the world after wheat, rice,... more
    Introduction
    Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) belongs to the cereal family and was domesticated at the same time as other cereals around three thousand years ago. Sorghum is the fifth most important cereal in the world after wheat, rice, corn and barley. Crop modeling is one of the branches of agriculture and crop physiology that has been around for 40 years and the development of powerful and efficient computers has played a major role in the development of this field. SSM model is a simple simulator to estimate the yield of different crops and the effects of climate change. This model requires limited input and easily accessible information. The above model has been evaluated for more than 30 Iranian crop species using various evaluation parameters. Evaluation of SSM_iSorghum model to predict different stages of phenology and yield of grain sorghum under temperate humid climate conditions in Gorgan.

    Materials and methods
    SSM-Sorghum is a model to simulate sorghum crop phenology, growth and yield formation. The model was derived from SSM-Wheat model described by Soltani and Sinclair (2013). The sorghum model structure is the same as that wheat model except for phenology submodel. Phenology submodel is based on Alagarswamy and Ritchie (1990) with some modifications. The growth and development of sorghum were simulated using the SSM_iSorghum model based on meteorological data of Gorgan city during the years 2010 to 2011, including minimum and maximum temperature, amount of sunlight and rainfall on Kimia cultivar using different scenarios. For model input parameters including meteorological data, soil properties, crop management (using the values obtained from field experiments of 2010-2011 in the research farm of Gorgan Agricultural Research Station) was used. These experiments were performed under favorable agronomic conditions. Experiments at four different densities (17, 21, 28 and 35 plants/m2) and five different planting dates (May 10th and May 15th of 2010, May 10th and May 15th and June 15th 2011) during two growing years in total with 20 different scenarios were performed.

    Results and Discussion 
    The results showed that model predicted day from planting to emergence, day from planting to ripening, harvest index, biological yield and grain yield with high accuracy (R2=0.91-0.94%). In using the models to predict the performance, it has been reported that the value of the explanation coefficient should be more than 60%, which is a condition in this model. Regarding the 1:1 line between the observed yield and the simulated yield, it was found that values are in the range of 15% up and down the 1: 1 line. So the model has a suitable simulation of Gorgan conditions for grain yield.


    Conclusion
    Evaluation of SSM-Sorghum model showed that this model simulates phenological stages, including harvest index, leaf area index, and biological yield with different planting dates and different densities with appropriate accuracy in Gorgan climatic conditions. Most of the points were in the reliable range (± 15%) of the 1:1 line, which indicates an accurate estimate of the model parameters or confirms the simulation efficiency of the model process steps. Therefore, this model can be used in farm management planning including selection of appropriate planting date and appropriate density. Although the model well simulates the phenology , it seems necessary to retest the accuracy of the model with data from various experiments and to use it in the equations if the results of this study are confirmed. Obviously, models are effective when used by analyzing physiological and ecological conditions and based on experiments and experimental measurements of the system.
    Introduction The agricultural sector accounts for 70% of fresh water and about 30% of the world's total energy consumption through food production and supply chain. Water, energy and food are three basic interrelated sources of human... more
    Introduction 
    The agricultural sector accounts for 70% of fresh water and about 30% of the world's total energy consumption through food production and supply chain. Water, energy and food are three basic interrelated sources of human health, as water and energy are vital to food production. In recent centuries, increasing pressure due to scarcity of resources and increasing demand for food and ultimately environmental pollution necessitates the need for optimal management of water, energy and food. In this regard, this study was conducted Analysis of Water and Energy Consumption and Environment Impacts of Agricultural Production in Miandarband Plain.

    Materials and Methods
    The present study was conducted using a quantitative approach for wheat, barley, maize-grain, canola, tomato and potato crops. The statistical population was 1676 farmers that according to Krejcie and Morgan table, 315 farmers were selected using stratified random sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire and secondary data of the Meteorological Organization of Iran were used to collect information. In order to calculate the amount of energy consumed by the studied products, first the input and output energies of the products were measured and then converted to their equivalent energy. Input energy in food production systems is both direct and indirect. To calculate the water consumption by each product, two elements of green and blue water of the products were calculated. The amount of greenhouse gas emissions for the inputs of the studied products was calculated using CO2, N2O and CH4 emission coefficients for different inputs.

    Results and Discussion
    The research results showed the dominant crops production in the region consumes 50,827 m3 ha-1 of water; Potato (11440 m3 ha-1) and maize-grain (10492 m3 ha-1) consume the most water. The total energy consumption was 975608.50 MJ ha-1; the highest input energy consumption is related to potato (25%), maize-grain (22%) and tomato (15%). Chemical fertilizers, diesel fuel and water for irrigation used the most energy in the agricultural sector. Total CO2, N2O and CH4 emissions were 3729.79, 152.05 and 0.293 kg ha-1, respectively and total Global Warming Potential, 50872. 52 kg CO2eq; that tomato with emissions of 15592.48 and barley with emissions of 3279.88 kg CO2eq, had the highest and lowest share. According to the results, the amount of water consumption by the studied products, except for tomatoes, is more than the recommended amount of water required during the growth period of the desired products by experts; In this regard, it can be said that low irrigation efficiency, poor supervision by relevant agencies, the existence of a large number of illegal wells, mismanagement, uncoordinated management, lack of long-term attitude and inefficient water consumption of irrigation and especially the land use system has caused high water consumption in the studied crops. According to the results, the smaller the farm area, the higher the water and energy consumption and the higher the GWP. In such farms the farmer has lost the advantage of scale and by applying pressure on the ground by increasing the irrigation cycle, the use of fertilizers and pesticides seeks to gain more efficiency. On the other hand, due to the small size of farms, they use less up-to-date technologies, thus indirectly increasing water and energy waste. The results showed that crops that are mainly grown in agriculture in the region with the lease system have the highest input consumption and have a negative impact on the environment of the region. In this regard, it can be said that land tenants in the region try to get the most economic benefit from the land in a shorter period of time, and this increases the pressure on resources.

    Conclusion
    In general, it can be said that low irrigation efficiency, existence of a large number of illegal wells, allocation of agricultural subsidies and the lack of calculation of water and energy costs has caused the inefficiency of the agricultural system of Miandarband plain. Therefore, increasing irrigation efficiency using strip irrigation system and increasing water and energy prices in the agricultural sector can be effective in the optimal use of water and energy.
    Introduction Salinity is one of the most important environmental stresses that affect crop production. In all areas where irrigation is essential for crop production, soil salinity is inevitable . This phenomenon has gradually become a... more
    Introduction
    Salinity is one of the most important environmental stresses that affect crop production. In all areas where irrigation is essential for crop production, soil salinity is inevitable . This phenomenon has gradually become a major problem in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. Among the strategies to deal with abiotic stresses are the development of salinity tolerant cultivars, crop rotation, genetic modification, use of appropriate organic and chemical fertilizers.
    Quinoa is a promising species of halophyte that has the potential to become a crop. Quinoa, scientifically known as Chenopodium quinoa willd, is a dicotyledonous plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family of spinach and is often self-pollinating. Salinity stress has great effects on plant growth, seed quality and grain yield even in saline plants such as quinoa. Due to plant growth salinity, total grain yield, number of seeds, fresh and dry weight of seeds are reduced. Nitrogen is one of the essential nutrients for plant growth. Nitrogen fertilizers play an essential role in increasing yield as well as improving grain quality. Quinoa needs a lot of soil nitrogen and the use of nitrogen fertilizer is very important for crop growth during the vegetative growth period of quinoa.
    Quinoa cultivation, especially by using drainage in the southern regions of Iran as a salinity-resistant crop, will lead to diversification of crops, sustainable production, and increase farmers' incomes and food security. Considering that agriculture and supply of nitrogen required by the plant is very important in order to increase crop production with optimal yield, the amount of fertilizer used and also the appropriate cultivar need to be investigated and a step to determine the best cultivar and the best level of nitrogen fertilizer and its effect on yield, yield components, grain protein concentration and efficiency of nitrogen application under irrigation conditions of sugarcane fields in the south of Khuzestan province.

    Materials and Methods
    This research was carried out in field conditions in the 97th crop year in Mirza Kuchak Khan Sugarcane Cultivation and Industry Company in the form of split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Factors include urea fertilizer at four levels: 0 (control), 75, 150, 225 kg / ha) as the main factor and two quinoa cultivars (Titi Kaka: V1 and Gizavan: V2) as the secondary factor in Was considered.

    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the interaction of nitrogen and cultivar on leaf area index, number of inflorescences per plant, grain yield, biological yield and grain protein were significant. The highest plant height, stem diameter and leaf area index belonged to 225 kg N / ha. The highest grain yield in Gizavan cultivar (2363 kg / ha) was obtained at the level of 150 kg N / ha and then decreased, but in Titi Kaka cultivar the highest grain yield (2372 kg / ha) was obtained at the level of 225 kg N / ha. Obtained and the reaction was linearly reduced to the highest level of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest amount of grain protein was observed in Gizavan cultivar with application of 150 kg N / ha, which was 138% higher than the control treatment. Based on the obtained results, Gizavan Quinoa cultivar can be a very suitable choice for saline and low-yield fields in the south of Khuzestan province.

    Conclusion
    According to the results of the study, increasing the application of nitrogen fertilizer increased the yield and yield components and grain nitrogen. Application of 150 kg nitrogen per hectare in Gizavan cultivar with an average yield of 2.36 tons per hectare in the climate of southern Khuzestan province along with the application of drainage from sugarcane cultivation produced the highest grain yield. Quinoa due to its high genetic diversity and adaptation to different climates, high nutritional value and high efficiency of resource use, can be a suitable plant for the use of unconventional soil and water resources in the south of Khuzestan province. It is recommended that future tests be performed on quinoa at different locations with different cropping methods and other fertilizer levels to ensure that the results are relatively consistent over time.
    Introduction Nitrogen (N), an essential nutrient for growth and development of plants, is added to agricultural fields to boost crop yields, however, its applications limited in the aquatic ecosystems due to leaching. Accordingly,... more
    Introduction
    Nitrogen (N), an essential nutrient for growth and development of plants, is added to agricultural fields to boost crop yields, however, its applications limited in the aquatic ecosystems due to leaching. Accordingly, accelerated surface water eutrophication, and public health issues due to consumption of contaminated groundwater have been linked to enrichment of excess use of N that can be lost to the environment through leaching to the groundwater. These losses can be reduced by adoption of appropriate methods or best management practices, that increase the accessibility of N for plant use, enhance plants’ N uptake ability, and match nutrient applications with agronomic needs. Thus, improving N use efficiency through a combination of agronomic and soil management methods is critical for crop profitability and environmental management.
    One way to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer application and reduce its losses is the simultaneous use of organic and biological fertilizers along with chemical fertilizers. There are several ways to increase soil organic matter, but the most of these materials are not resistant to microbial decomposition and decompose quickly and lost from the soil. Biochar is one of the types of organic fertilizers, which is resistant to microbial decomposition.
    Biochar can affect chemical and biological N reactions in the soils. Biochar increase nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), influence nitrification rates and adsorption of ammonia, and improve NH+ accumulation by enhancing cation exchange capacity in soils.
    Nitration of groundwater due to improper use of chemical fertilizers and high leaching of nitrogen fertilizers and also low efficiency of nitrogen application in flood irrigation of rice, indicates the need for alternate management methods in rice cultivation, including changing irrigation methods and fertilizers types. The use of biochar fertilizer along with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in rice irrigation rotation can be a good solution to reduce the mentioned problems.

    Materials and Methods 
    This research was conducted at the research fields of the Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU) in 2017. The experimental site is located at 36º 39ʹ42ʺ N latitude and 53º03´54ʺ E longitude with -11 m above sea level. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0-30 cm before land preparation. The experiment was done in split split plot arrangement based a complete randomized blocks design with three replications. Two irrigation regimes (flooding and irrigation regimes) was the main plot. Nine fertilizers levels (100% of recommended nitrogen or N100, N100+ 10 ton biochar or biochar 10, N100+ biochar 20, N75, N75+ biochar 10, N100+ biochar 20, N50, N50+ biochar 10 and N100+ biochar 20) and seedling inoculation with Azospirillum lipoferum (without inoculation was also included as control) were sub and sub sub plots, respectively.

    Results and Discussion
    Results showed that biochar and nitrogen fertilizers, irrigation methods and also seedling inoculation with bacteria had significant effects on NUE, the amount of nitrogen and protein in the rice grains. Mean comparison of combination effects showed that consumption of 20 tons of biochar along with N50 or N75 had the greatest effect on NUE and the amount of nitrogen and protein in the grain, and the lowest amount of these traits was recorded in plots with N100 and no application of biochar. On the other hand, the highest level of nitrogen efficiency indices was obtained when 20 tons of biochar applied with N50 or N75 while the lowest amount of nitrogen use efficiency indices was obtained by using N100 and no biochar consumption.

    Conclusion
    It seems that biochar improves nitrogen uptake by the rice plant by maintaining nitrogen in the soil and consequently increases the concentration of nitrogen in the grains and rice plants organs. There was no similar trend for effect of biochar on nitrogen uptake when fertilizer application rates increased.
    Introduction Crop residue management is one of the main pillars of production in agriculture and in the long run plays an important role in increasing or decreasing crop yields. Adequate amount of potassium sulfate fertilizer in the soil... more
    Introduction
    Crop residue management is one of the main pillars of production in agriculture and in the long run plays an important role in increasing or decreasing crop yields. Adequate amount of potassium sulfate fertilizer in the soil modulates the osmotic pressure in the soil. in this way, the plant's ability to withstand drought increases. Due to the fact that sour tea is one of the most important medicinal plants in Sistan, so it needs more study and research. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of tillage systems combined with crop residue management and application of potassium fertilizer on yield and some physiological characteristics of sour tea in Sistan climate.

    Materials and Methods
    In order to investigate the effect of tillage systems with crop residue management and application of potassium fertilizer on yield and some physiological characteristics of sour tea, an experiment was conducted in the research farm of zabol university agricultural research institute in 2018-2019 as a split plot-factorial in the form of complete block design. randomization was performed in three replications. experimental factors including tillage systems at three levels without tillage, reduction tillage (disc) and conventional tillage (plow + disc) as the main factor and the combination of plant residues at three levels (zero, 30 and 60%) with potassium sulfate fertilizer at three levels (no fertilizer, 75 and 150 kg  ha-1) were considered as secondary factors. measurements were: economic yield, biological yield, harvest index, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, anthocyanins, flavonoids and protein.  statistical analysis of data was done with SAS software version 9.1 and mean comparison with duncan test was conducted at 5%.

    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the use of tillage systems and their interaction on the studied characteristics were significant, However, plant residue treatments and their interaction on the studied characteristics except harvest index and anthocyanin were significant, Potassium sulfate treatment and its interaction on the studied properties except harvest index and flavonoids were significant. The highest economic yield of sour tea was equal to 3221.7 kg  ha-1 in the reduced tillage system with 60% of crop residues and 150 kg  ha-1 of potassium sulfate and The highest amount of sepal anthocyanin was obtained from conventional tillage treatment and combined use of 30% residues and 75 kg  ha-1 of potassium sulfate and Conventional tillage and combined use of 30% residues and 75 kg  ha-1 of potassium sulfate increased chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids. Also, non-tillage and conventional tillage treatments increased the amount of flavonoids and protein at the branches. The results of comparing the means of interaction of tillage systems with crop residue management and application of potassium sulfate show that the highest increase in chlorophyll a and carotenoid content of conventional tillage is + 30% of crop residues and 75 kg  ha-1 of potassium sulfate And the highest increase in chlorophyll b was the simultaneous use of conventional tillage + 60% of crop residues and 150 kg  ha-1 of potassium sulfate. the highest amount of protein was related to conventional tillage treatment with zero percent of crop residues and potassium sulfate, the results of comparing the means on the interaction of the treatments showed that the simultaneous application of no-till treatment with zero percent of crop residues and potassium had the best effect on the amount of flavonoids.

    Conclusion
    The results indicate that the effect of tillage systems combined with crop residue management and application of potassium sulfate in increasing quantitative and qualitative characteristics has had the best results. Under conservation tillage, by reducing tillage operations and maintaining a sufficient amount of plant residues in the soil surface, while improving soil structure and increasing water efficiency and nutrient efficiency, that increased quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Despite the dry climate in the country and the limitations and shortages of water and reducing soil fertility on the one hand and increasing environmental pollution on the other hand, the need to use conservation agricultural systems to maintain yield and stability and ultimately stability and balance of environmental factors is necessary it seems.

    Acknowledgment
    Authors were appreciating of Head the agronomy Laboratory of Zabol University.
    The increasing use of medicinal plants and their products has highlighted the role of these plants in the global economic cycle. As its increasing consumption is not only allocated to developing countries, but also is one of the important... more
    The increasing use of medicinal plants and their products has highlighted the role of these plants in the global economic cycle. As its increasing consumption is not only allocated to developing countries, but also is one of the important health factors in developed countries. The aim of this study was to zoning areas prone to cultivation of medicinal plant species and using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model in Qom province. Materials and Methods For this study, by screening the criteria and options, 9 criteria were selected, include: (Elevation, Slope, Absolute maximum annual temperature, Absolute minimum annual temperature, Soil texture, Depth of soil, EC water, Access to water resources and Land use) and 7 options include: Thymus vulgaris, Lavandula angustifolia, Maticaria chamomilla, Melissa officinalis, Aloysia citrodora, Foeniculum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis. Using AHP model, the weight of each criterion was determined by pairwise comparison between them based on questionnaire information with a mismatch rate of 0.01 and using Expert Choice software. According to the weight assigned to each of the nine layers in the weighting stage in the AHP model, in the ArcGIS software environment in each of the layers, applied through the Weighted overlay algorithm and also for Operation Assurance The Raster Calculator algorithm was used to overlap the layers and the zoning map of Qom province in terms of areas prone to cultivation of medicinal plants was prepared for each of the 7 species of medicinal plants. The final map was classified into four categories or constraint classes, including: No constraints, low to medium constraints, medium to high constraints and high constraints. Results and Discussion Water shortage crisis is a threat; but by changing the cultivation pattern, it can be turned into an opportunity. Due to the hot and dry climate in the region, the cultivation of medicinal plants in areas such as Qom where the environmental and climatic conditions are stressful, can be much more suitable than the cultivation of cropsfrom an economic point of view. It is also cost-effective and has more added value. On the other hand, lack of complete knowledge about the various aspects of planting, holding and harvesting of medicinal plants from a scientific and
    Introduction Food and Agriculture Organization of the united nations (FAO) stated potato as a product supplier in the world's future food security and Iran with an annual production of 5 million tons of potatoes ranked eleventh in the... more
    Introduction 
    Food and Agriculture Organization of the united nations (FAO) stated potato as a product supplier in the world's future food security and Iran with an annual production of 5 million tons of potatoes ranked eleventh in the world's total production. Future climate change may have strong influence on field crops including potato and evaluation of these effects is of great importance. Crop simulation models are known as powerful tools to study crop responses to the future climatic scenarios. However, such models should be calibrated and validated for local conditions before using in climatic studies at regional scale. WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies) is a well- known crop simulation model and during the past two decades has been widely used in various studies. Simulation method of WOFOST is based on leaf photosynthesis and the assimilates are converted to dry matter of different plant organs using specific conversion factors, after subtraction of the calculated values of maintenance and growth respiration. The model also simulated phenological stages of crop based on accumulated degree days. For simulation of potential yield WOFOST inputs are daily weather data and crop specific parameters. In previous studies WOFOST model was calibrated for several crops such as wheat, corn and sugar beet in different parts of Iran but not for potato. The aim of this study was to calibrate and statistically validate the WOFOST model for predicting phenology and tuber yield of potato under potential growth conditions in different climatic regions of Iran.

    Materials and Methods
    Yield, phenological and weather data of major potato production regions of Iran (Hamedan, Ardabil, Isfahan, Ghorveh, Shiraz, Jiroft, Mashhad, Gorgan and Dezful) covering wide range of climatic conditions were collected from official databases and field observations for 5 years (2010-2014). The model was calibrated under potential production conditions for semi-late varieties (e.g. Agria) with the dataset of 3 years and the remaining 2-year data was used for model validation. Calibration was conducted using FSEOPT sub-program which optimizes the model parameters with the lowest deviation between measured and simulated yield and phenological variables.
    Predicted results of yield and phenological stages were tested against observed values during model validation. The model performance was statistically evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), t-test, root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (RMSEn), maximum error (ME) and coefficient of efficiency (E).

    Results and Discussion
    During the ccalibration, fewmodel parameters and functions including thermal time from emergence to initiation of flowering (TSUM1), thermal time from initiation of flowering to maturity (TSUM2), specific leaf area as a function of development stage (SLATB), lower threshold temperature for ageing of leaves (TBASE), maximum leaf CO2 assimilation rate as a function of development stage of the crop (AMAXTB) and air temperature affecting photosynthetic rate (TMPFTB) was amended. It should be noted that for regions with cold summers such as Ardabil, Oromieh or Sarab TSUM2 was set at 1580 °Cd which is relatively lower than 1789 °Cd used for other parts of the country. Validation of model with independent data showed a great compliance of simulation results with field observations. Average simulated tuber yield over all regions and the studied period was 52061 kg ha-1 that was reasonably close to the mean observed potato tuber yield of 50650 kg ha-1 and the same was obtained for phenological variables. RMSE for tuber yield was 2933 kg ha-1 and for time to emergence, flowering and physiological maturity were estimated as 1.6, 3.2 and 6.4 days, respectively. RMSEn for phenological stages such as days to emergence, flowering, physiological maturity and tuber yield were 9.5, 8.3, 5.6 and 5.8%, respectively showing good model accuracy.
    Conclusion
    Based on the results the WOFOST model will be able to simulate the yield and phenological stages of potato with an acceptable performance at different regions of Iran. The calibrated model can be successfully used for climate change impact studies and yield gap analysis of potato under wide range of climatic conditions over country. However, it seems that the model should be also assessed for other potato cultivars with different growth habits.
    Introduction Canola (Brassica napus) is a major oilseed crop in the world, and its oil is used not only for salad and frying but also in the processing of margarines, shortenings, and other food products. Canola (Brassica napus L.) is... more
    Introduction Canola (Brassica napus) is a major oilseed crop in the world, and its oil is used not only for salad and frying but also in the processing of margarines, shortenings, and other food products. Canola (Brassica napus L.) is often called a flexible or plastic crop because individual plants can adjust the number and size of branches and pods they produce in response to available moisture, light and nutrients. Therefore, canola naturally compensates for variations in plant population over relatively wide ranges with very little effect on final yield. At plant densities of 70-100 plants per square meter (approximately 7-10 plants per square foot), canola plants normally produce 3-5 secondary branches, in addition to the main stem. At low densities of 20-30 plants per m2, this plant can produce up to four times the number of branches that stands of 70-100 plants per m2 produce. Extension of canola cultivation varieties need effective instruments to follow up characters associated with yield and yield components. Therefore, determination of the response of canola cultivars to plant density is principally important and in general plant density is the most important factor which limit yield production on farmlands. Materials and Methods In order to determine the best planting density for rapeseed cultivars, this experiment was conducted at the agricultural research field of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2011. A factorial experiment based on RCBD with three replications was used. Factors were cultivars (Hayola401 and Modena) and planting density (40, 70, 100, 130, 160 and 190 plants.m-2). A composite sample of soil from the surface of the ground down to the depth of 30 cm was taken and sent to a laboratory for determining the physical and chemical features of the soil. Results of tests carried out on these samples showed that the available phosphorous, and the available potassium contents of the soil were 31.5 mg.kg-1 and 267 mg.kg-1, respectively. The soil pH was 7.3 with texture containing 40% clay, 41% silt, and 19% sand. Distance between plots was 0.5 meter and between replications 1 meter used as passage way. At crop maturity, five plants were randomly selected from each plot and the seed yield and yield components (including number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant and the 1000-seed weight) were measured. Analysis of the variance was performed using the SAS statistical software, and comparison of the means was performed on the basis of Duncan’s multiple range test at five percent probability level. Results and Discussion Results showed that there were significantly differences between plant densities on rapeseed cultivars. Canola crops need 30-40 plants per m2 (approximately 3-4 plants per square foot) to maintain yield potential. Plant populations lower than this is more likely to have yield loss. The average grain yield in Modena cultivar was 13.5% higher than in Hayola401 cultivar. Number of pods per plant in Modena was significantly higher than in the Hayola401.When plant density decreased from 40 to 190 plants.m-2, plant height of rapeseed increased. The greatest number of seeds per pod, biological yield, harvest index and oil percentage were observed in 70 plants.m-2. Conclusion Rapeseed cultivars responded strongly to changes in plant density. The average grain yield in Modena cultivar was higher than in Hayola401 cultivar. The maximum seed yield was observed in 70 plants.m-2. Acknowledgement This research was funded by Vice Chancellor for Research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.
    Introduction Management of water consumption in arid and semi-arid regions in recent years has been considered a key issue in the field of water resources management. Zirkoh and Ghaenat counties are the hot spots of water consumption in... more
    Introduction
    Management of water consumption in arid and semi-arid regions in recent years has been considered a key issue in the field of water resources management. Zirkoh and Ghaenat counties are the hot spots of water consumption in the region. Water footprint and virtual water are critical indicators for water resources management. Therefore, the development of the cropping pattern with high water requirements has led to a negative water balance in the Ghaenat and Zirkoh counties. To prevent the negative consequences of this crisis, it is necessary to consider the restriction of cropping pattern with high water requirements in the region, as well as the assessment of water footprint and virtual water of agricultural products. Also, one of the strategies for managing and optimizing the consumption of water resources in the region is to determine the appropriate cropping pattern with regard to the local conditions. Therefore, this study has been conducted with the aim of calculating the components of water footprint and virtual water in the cropping patterns of Zirkoh and Ghaenat counties and determining the optimal cropping pattern for planting crops from the perspective of water footprint.
    Materials and Methods
    In this study, the amount of virtual water and green, blue, gray, and white water footprint for wheat, barley, potato, sugar beet, cotton, alfalfa, and saffron were calculated in the current cropping pattern and at multi-objective nonlinear programming (MOP) approach with the objectives of maximizing net profit and minimizing virtual water, green, blue, gray and white water footprint as the optimal cropping pattern in Ghaenat and Zirkoh counties. The study area was irrigated areas of Zirkoh and Ghaenat counties in 2017.
    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the indices of virtual water and water footprint components in Zirkoh county were higher than in Ghaenat county. Also, in two counties, the blue water footprint was more than the green water footprint, and the results showed that a large amount of water resources in this area is spent on the production of cotton. In all studied crops, blue water footprint was more than other components of water footprint, which shows the reliance on the surface and sub-surface water resources. The results also showed that the area under cultivation of potatoes, melons, and barley in the multi-objective pattern of Ghaenat and the area under cultivation of melons, sugar beets, potatoes, watermelons, alfalfa, and saffron increased compared to the current cropping pattern. Reduction of the area under cultivation of cotton, alfalfa, and watermelon in Ghaenat county and cotton, wheat, and barley in Zirkoh county by 50% in the multi-objective crop pattern were other important results. By determining the optimal cropping pattern, the environmental effects of the agricultural sector on water resources could be reduced so that the implementation of this pattern in the region reduced virtual water by 26%, blue water footprint by 4%, gray water footprint by 18% compared to the current cropping pattern.
    Conclusion
    According to the findings of this study, it is necessary to pay attention to the environmental objectives affecting water resources in optimizing cropping patterns. Using the proposed model, in addition to selecting the appropriate model and optimal use of water and land resources to increase profits and reduce water and virtual water footprint, about 13 million cubic meters of water could be saved compared to the current cropping pattern in the region. Therefore, by implementing the optimal cropping pattern, in addition to reducing the environmental effects, the net income could be maximized of water consumed per cubic meter in the region, and by reducing water consumption, we can help achieve sustainable consumption of limited water resources in the region.
    Introduction The main goal of conventional agriculture is to maximize both production and income. Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used... more
    Introduction
    The main goal of conventional agriculture is to maximize both production and income. Intercropping, the agricultural practice of cultivating two or more crops in the same space at the same time, is an old and commonly used cropping practice that aims to match efficiently crop demands to the available growth resources and labor. The most common advantage of intercropping is the production of greater yield on a given piece of land by making more efficient use of the available growth resources using a mixture of crops of different rooting ability, canopy structure, height, and nutrient requirements based on the complementary utilization of growth resources by the component crops. Mixed cropping of cereals with non-cereal plants, in addition to the optimal and fair use of resources such as land and labor, increased productivity per unit area and strengthened total productivity per unit area and time. In mixed cropping of bean and sesame, treatments including 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 had 1000-seed weight, number of capsules or pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and harvest index were higher than other treatments.

    Materials and Methods
    An experiment was carried out as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Gonbad Kavous University farm from 2017-to 2018. The intercropping ratios were in nine levels, including sole crop of chickpea and lettuce, replacement intercropping of 33, 50, and 66% lettuce instead of chickpea, and additive intercropping of 100% cicer + 33, 50, 67, and 100% lettuce and pure nitrogen consumption in three levels of 0, 50 and 100 Kg-ha. Row distance was 30cm, and row lengths were 3m. The distance between plants in rows was 20 cm for lettuce and 10 cm for chickpeas. The number of rows in sole cropping of chickpea and lettuce was four, 50% lettuce + 50% chickpeas 4 (chickpea-lettuce-chickpea-lettuce), 33% lettuce + 67% chickpea 5 (chickpea-lettuce-chickpea-chickpea–lettuce), 33% chickpea + 67% lettuce 5 (lettuce-chickpea-chickpea- lettuce-chickpea) and in additive treatments was 8 (lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-lettuce-) with 15 cm from together. In additive treatments distance of plants was 60, 40, 30, and 20 cm for 33, 50, 67, and 100% increase, respectively. SAS Ver. 9.4 was performed for statistical analysis of data, and the least significant difference test (LSD) at the 5% probability level was employed for mean comparisons.


    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the highest dry weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed weight per plant, and chickpea harvest index were obtained from replacement series of 33% chickpea and 67% lettuce. This was due to reduced external competition, which provided more space for the plant and produced more photosynthetic material. Also, the lowest dry weight, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and 1000-seed weight of chickpea were obtained from an increase of 100% lettuce to chickpea. With increasing nitrogen consumption, plant weight, the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, 1000-seed weight and chickpea harvest index, and lettuce plant height and weight were increased. By increasing of nitrogen, plant growth, yield components, and consequently, chickpea seed yield increased.

    Conclusion
    Among the two pea and lettuce plants, lettuce plant weight was higher. The higher weight of lettuce can be attributed to the genetic characteristic of the plant (harvest of the whole plant and high level of water content of the plant). The weight of both species increased with increasing nitrogen consumption. The highest harvest index resulted from the treatment of 50 kg nitrogen per hectare, and the lowest harvest index was obtained from the treatment of non-consumption of nitrogen. Chickpea plant dry weight was reduced due to increasing density which in turn resulted in high competition between plants. Seed weight and yield components of chickpea decreased with increasing density.
    Introduction Wheat and barley are important strategic crops that constitute the staple food of the world population including Iranian people. Given the role of these crops in the household food basket, food safety and self-sufficiency in... more
    Introduction
    Wheat and barley are important strategic crops that constitute the staple food of the world population including Iranian people. Given the role of these crops in the household food basket, food safety and self-sufficiency in the production of these crops can be an important and valuable step towards economic independence. Increasing agricultural production due to the use of chemical inputs causes serious damage to the environment. Therefore, any plan and policy to increase production, in addition to technical and economic aspects, must also be analyzed from an environmental perspective. Considering the importance of this issue, the present study aims to investigate the sustainability of rainfed wheat and barley production using the multifunctional ecological footprint (EF). The results can provide useful information to agricultural planners and policymakers.

    Materials and Methods
    To analyze sustainability, data from Agricultural Statistics of 2017 and the statistics published in domestic databases were used. In the agricultural sector, the footprint indicator should reflect the type of agricultural operations and land use. Accordingly, the EF is divided into two parts: direct and indirect parts of the footprint. The direct footprint indicates the amount of land, buildings, forests, and rangelands for crop production that is defined as the amount of bio-productive area. The indirect footprint represents the amount of bio-productive land used to absorb the amount of CO2 emitted during crop production and agricultural operations.
    Other aspects and benefits of EF are the use of different functional units that can provide researchers with broader analytical backgrounds. For this purpose, evaluating EF based on a ton of crops, 10,000 Rials income and benefits in the field were also calculated using divided EF by each of the different functional units.

    Results and Discussion
    Concerning rainfed wheat production, Alborz, Mazandaran, and Golestan provinces had the highest emissions by 1632, 1140 and 860 kgCO2eq, respectively and Sistan and Baluchestan, South Khorasan and Qom provinces had the lowest emissions. Concerning rainfed barley production, Markazi, Hamedan, and Mazandaran provinces emitted 989, 869, and 775 kg CO2eq, respectively, so that they were ranked first whereas Sistan and Baluchestan, South Khorasan and Isfahan provinces with 236, 263 and 298 kg CO2eq had the lowest emissions. EF for rainfed wheat production ranges from 2.57 in South Khorasan to 2.87 in Alborz. EF for rainfed barley ranges from 2.57 in South Khorasan to 2.73 in Markazi. With respect to rainfed wheat and barley production, on-farm emissions had a higher share in indirect EF than off-farm emissions. EF for one ton of rainfed wheat varied from 0.75 Gha in Mazandaran province to 10.85 Gha in South Khorasan province. EF yield of rainfed barley production indicates that Fars, Isfahan, and South Khorasan provinces are in the most unsustainable conditions for producing one ton of rainfed barley.
    The results of correlation between EF and yield EF and benefit revealed a significant relationship between EF of rainfed wheat and barley in provinces at the 1% probability level. Also, there was a significant relationship between EF and yield EF in rainfed wheat at the 5% probability level, but this relation was not significant for rainfed barley. Also, the lack of a significant relationship between EF yield and EF profit shows that an increase in crop yield would not necessarily lead to an increase in the benefit of rainfed wheat and barley.

    Conclusion
    The comparison of EF indices and correlation between them showed that increasing inputs in rainfed wheat could increase yield, but it had no effect on barley yield enhancement. On the other hand, no statistically significant relationship between EF yield and benefit showed that yield increase does not necessarily lead to higher profitability. Therefore, cost management is one of the key elements in increasing the profitability of rainfed cereal production at the national level. Therefore, to increase the sustainability of rainfed cereal production at the national level, apart from planning to increase yield, policy-making for efficient use of resources and reducing production costs should be considered a key basis in production planning and policy-making.
    Introduction Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herbaceous medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family with a wide range of applications in the culinary, cosmetic, food, perfumery, and medical industries. The presence of more than 200... more
    Introduction
    Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herbaceous medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family with a wide range of applications in the culinary, cosmetic, food, perfumery, and medical industries. The presence of more than 200 chemicals, including flavonoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, and aromatic compounds in basil oil, have been identified. The main components of its oil are eugenol, methyl eugenol, linalool, estragole, and anethole, varying by chemotype. Basil is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran, which is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, sanitary, and food industries, and it is considered an anti-fluff and appetizer in traditional medicine. Therefore, to maximize yield and increase the length of the basil production period, the appropriate management of this product is necessary. Among these, the use of suitable nutritional elements is one of the useful ways to improve the performance of this plant. The centers of origin of basil are the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of vermicompost and copper sulfate and their interaction on vegetative, reproductive growth, and yield of basil's medicinal plant.

    Materials and Methods
    To investigate the effect of vermicompost and copper sulfate on some vegetative and reproductive characteristics of the basil plant, an experiment was carried out as factorial based on a randomized completely block design with three replications in the research farm of Birjand University, Iran, during the growing season 2017-2018. Treatments were three levels of vermicompost (0, 5, and 10 t.ha-1) and three levels of copper sulfate (0, 3, and 6 per thousand) with three replications. The measured indices include vegetative characteristics (plant height, lateral number, plant fresh and dry weight, leaf fresh and dry weight, number of leaves and node per plant, lateral branch length internally spaced, and diameter stem) and reproductive characteristics (inflorescence number and length, number of plant seeds, the weight of one thousand seeds, harvest index, grain performance, and biological function).

    Results and Discussion
    The results showed that the studied treatments had a significant effect on the number of lateral branches, plant dry weight, number of leaves per plant, lateral branch length, number of seeds, 1000-seed weight, harvest index, grain yield, and biological yield so that the highest number of lateral branches (17.33), Plant dry weight (14.83 g.m-2), Number of leaves per plant (167), Lateral branch length (26.83 cm), Number of seeds (3854.3), 1000-seed weight (1.80 g), Seed yield (3350 kg.m-2) and biological yield (20968.3 kg.m-2) basil was obtained in the treatment of 5 t.h-1 of vermicompost and 6 per thousand of copper sulfate and its advantage over the control was 67, 51, 16, 43, 79, 26, 87 and 26%, respectively. Harvest index in the treatment of 5 t.h-1 of vermicompost and 3 per thousand of copper sulfate with 13.01 in its maximum amount.

    Conclusion
    In general, the results indicated a positive and incremental effect of the combined application of the chemical and organic fertilizers on the yield of the basil plant, and according to the results, treatment with 6 per thousand copper sulfate and five t.ha-1 vermicompost was recommended as the best treatment for increasing yield. But always in agricultural products, especially in the production of basil as a medicinal and vegetable plant, the best results in terms of crop production and health, as well as essential oils and medicinal compounds, were related to the combined treatments of organic and chemical fertilizers, because these treatments are relative compared to organic treatments alone, they increased the yield and on the other hand, compared to chemical fertilizers, they had a healthier product and more medicinal compounds.

    Acknowledgments: Authors are grateful to Ebrahim Ebrahimabadi for their help with the field experiments.
    Introduction Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a ,warm-season grass with a growing season of 60–100 days. It is a highly nutritious cereal grain used for human consumption, birdseed, and/or ethanol production. Millet ranks sixth among... more
    Introduction 
    Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a ,warm-season grass with a growing season of 60–100 days. It is a highly nutritious cereal grain used for human consumption, birdseed, and/or ethanol production. Millet ranks sixth among the world’s most important cereal grains, sustaining more than one-third of the world’s population. Millets are generally among the most suitable crops for sustainable agriculture and food security on marginal lands with low fertility. Millet crops are grown on marginal lands and under low-input agricultural conditions, situations in which major cereal crops often produce low yields. Foliar application of Zn brings the greatest benefit in comparison with addition to soil where they become less available. Generally, Micronutrients are essential for plant growth and play an important role in balanced crop nutrition. Micronutrients are as important to plant nutrition as primary and secondary nutrients, though plants do not require as much of them.

    Materials and methods
    To study the effect of cow manure (CM: 0, 10, 20, and 30 ton ha-1) and zinc sulfate (ZS: 0, 60, and 90 kg ha-1) application on common millet (Panicum miliaceaum L.) growth and yield, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in the research field of University of Birjand, Iran, in 2018 growing season. In addition, a chemical fertilizer (NPK) treatment was considered in each block, and its effect was compared with 12 other combination treatments based on a randomized complete block design.  The studied traits were plant height, number of tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, and seed zinc content. The software SAS (V9.1) and Excel were used to analyze the data and draw the figures. Means were compared using the FLSD test at a 5% probability level.

    Result and discussion:
    Analysis of variance results showed that the simple effects of both experimental factors were significant on all studied traits, but none of the interaction effects were significant. Application of 60 kg ha-1 of ZS improved all growth and yield parameters of millet, while the highest zinc content in the seed was obtained by applying 90 kg ha-1. The highest seed and biological yields (2227 and 7940 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained by 60 kg ha-1 of ZS application, which was 36 and 6.6% higher than the control treatment (no-fertilization), respectively. All studied traits showed an increasing trend with increasing the amount of CM consumption, so that their highest values were obtained when 30 tons ha-1 of CM was applied. Seed yield (2564 kg ha-1) at the highest CM level was 138% more than the control treatment and ultimately led to a 14.4% increase in the harvest index.

    Conclusion:
    Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a cereal plant cultivated for its grain, mostly in Asia and North America. It is a warm-season grass with a short growing season and low moisture requirement that is capable of producing food or feed where other grain crops would fail. Chemical fertilizer treatment (NPK) also improved all traits related to plant growth and yield compared to control as well as some other fertilization treatments. Modifying the physical properties of the soil and the availability of nutrients for millet plants can be a major reason for the increased yield and growth of the plant. Also, the results showed that consumption of zinc sulfate at 60 kg.ha-1 increased yield and yield components of common millet, but consumption of 90 kg.ha-1 of this fertilizer reduced the studied traits. In addition, the results of this experiment showed a significant difference between four levels of manure so that the highest grain yield of studied millet was obtained from 30 tons per hectare of manure. According to the test results, it can be stated that the application of zinc sulfate at a rate of 60 kg per hectare increased the yield and yield components of millet and therefore is introduced as the desired amount of fertilizer to achieve ideal yield.

    And 40 more