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Showing 7 results for Cultivation
Effects of Converting Range to Dry-farming Land on Runoff and Soil Loss and Quality in Dorahan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province
A. Ahmadi Iikhchi, M. A. Hajabbassi, A. Jalalian,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (1-2003)
Abstract
Cultivating rangeland to be shifted to crop land farms commonly causes soil degradation and runoff generation. This study was conducted to evaluate the cultivation effects on runoff generation and soil quality. The experiment was performed in a rangeland and a 40-year cultivated land located at two slope positions (back slope and shoulder) of a hillside in Dorahan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province. A 60±5 mm.hr-1 rainfall intensity was simulated by a rainulator. Organic matter, mean weighted diameter, saturated hydraulic conductivity, collected runoff and sediments were measured. The differences between the means were tested using T-test. Results showed 35, 53 and 8% increases in the organic matter, mean weighted diameter, and saturated hydraulic conductivity in back slope, respectively. The increases in these parameters in shoulder position were 39, 60 and 33%. The values for runoff and sediments in back slope were 3 and 8 times greater than in other similar positions while the values in the shoulder position were 11 and 55 times greater than the same values in other positions.
Improvement of Micropropagation and Proliferation of Robinia pseudoacasia L. Using Plant Growth Regulators and Extracts of Brown Seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum
B. Kaviani, N. Negahdar, D. Hashemabadi,
Volume 6, Issue 21 (12-2016)
Abstract

The present study was conducted to test the effect of Ascophyllum nodosum extract on the growth of Robinia pseudoacasia L., ornamental tree. In vitro and ex vitro clonal multiplication of Robinia pseudoacasia L. was achieved using embryonic axes and seeds as explants, respectively. Factors affecting shoot and root production of R. pseudoacasia L. were investigated by comparing various growth regulators [α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA)] and culture media [Murashige and Skoog (MS) and WPM (woody plant medium)] on in vitro conditions, also culture beds (sand, perlite, compost and cocopeat) with different ratios and extracts of brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum on ex vitro conditions. Both of BA and NAA were used at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg l-1. Concentrations used from extracts of A. nodosum were 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg l-1. The optimum plant growth regulator (PGR) combination for maximal plant height, shoot number, node number, root number, root length, leaf number, fresh and dry weight on in vitro condition was 1 mg l-1 NAA and 1 mg l-1 BA in MS medium. The 1000 mg l-1 of extracts of A. nodosum led to optimum plant height, node number, longest root, leaf number, dry weight, fresh weight.  The most appropriate plantlets survival on ex vitro condition was observed when the culture medium was a bed containing sand + perlite + compost with proportion of 1:1:1. About 75% of the propagated plantlets and 90% of the micropropagated plantlets were established successfully in acclimatization medium. Regenerated plantlets were morphologically identical with mother plants. Present study showed positive modifications in shoot proliferation, rate of rooting of stem and some morphological and physiological characters due to subjection of R. pseudoacasia L. to optimum treatments.


Study of Achene’s Germination of Different Strawberry Cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under Mist and In vitro Conditions
Gh. Riazi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Germination of strawberry seeds from self- and cross pollination of 4 commercial cultivars were evaluated under mist and in vitro cultures. The study was conducted in McGill University in Quebec, Canada, during 1994 and 1995. Self-pollination of Chambly and Redcoat cvs., and cross pollination of Oka × Chambly as well as Redcoat × Veestar and their reciprocals were used. At maturity, fruits were harvested and their seeds were separated. A sample of each seed lot was grown in greenhouse under mist condition and in vitro using MS medium. In the latter, both intact and cut seeds were used. Germination index (containing germination velocity and rate) was used as a criterion for germination evaluation. The results showed that there was no sign of germination in intact seeds 40 days after cultivation on MS medium however, cut seeds containing plantlets started germination 2 days after cultivation and obtained 90 percent of the germination after one week of culturing on the medium. Germination of seeds under mist condition began 15 days after sowing and showed a minimum of 55 to 87 percent in different genotypes till the end of the experiment period (60 days). Germination index (GI) under this condition ranged from 15.4 to 26.1. GI comparison of seeds under in vitro and mist conditions indicates a lower germination rate in different genotypes under mist condition. This study also showed that the rate of germination in strawberry seeds could range from 0 to 100 percent depending on genotype and type of treatment used. The best treatment for a synchronized and rapid germination was found to be using cut seeds containing the plantlets on MS medium.
Response of Yield and Yield Components of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) to Stale Seedbeds and Different Dosages of Herbicide
F. Lotfizad, A. Zare, E. Elahifard, A. Khodaei Joghan,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
In order to evaluate the effect of different planting seedbeds (stale and false) and application of Oxyfluorfen herbicide on yield, yield components and control of garlic weeds, a split-plot experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the cropping year 2020-2021 at Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. The main plot consisted of different planting seedbeds: Conventional seedbed (without irrigation using plow and disc); stale seedbed (using Paraquat herbicide); stale seedbed (using Glyphosate herbicide); false seedbed (using flame application) and false seedbed (with manual cultivation). Different dosages of Oxyfluorfen herbicide (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 L/ha as split dosage) were considered as subplots. The highest total dry weight of weeds (231 g/m2) was observed in the presence of conventional seedbed treatment and non-application of herbicide. The lowest dry weight of weeds was observed in the presence of stale seedbed with glyphosate and application of 2 L/ha of Oxyfluorfen herbicide. The highest bulb yield of garlic (580 g/m2) was achieved in the presence of glyphosate seedbeds with application of herbicide at 1.5 L/ha and the lowest bulb yield (91.2 g/m2) was observed in the presence of conventional seedbed and non-application of herbicide. In conclusion, application of 2 L/ha herbicide in split doses was recommended. 

The Effect of Nitrogen and Zinc Amount on Physiological Properties, Yield and Protein Content of Wheat Grain under Terminal Heat Stress Condition
S. N. Mosavian, H. Eskandari, K. Kazemi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2023)
Abstract
Heat stress during grain filling period can lead to the reduction of grain yield of wheat. Therefore, in order to evaluate the probable mitigative effect of nitrogen and zinc application of heat stress on physiological properties, grain yield and protein content of wheat (Chamran cultivar), a split-split plot experiment based on RCBD in four replications was carried out in an experimental field of Khuzestan Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Ahvaz, Iran during autumn of 2018-19 growing season. Experimental factors were three planting date (22 November, 11 December and 31 December) as main plot, four nitrogen levels (0 as a control, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 N from urea 46%) as subplot and zinc levels (0 as a control, 10 and 20 kg ha-1 from zinc sulfate) in subplots. The results showed that the delay in planting significantly (P≤0.01) reduced grain protein, leaf chlorophyll index, cell membrane stability index, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Nitrogen application reduced the effects of heat stress on wheat grain yield so that by consuming 75, 150 and 225 kg N ha-1 in cultivation, wheat grain yield was improved by 43%, 59% and 64% for 11 December cultivation date and 50%, 70% and 55% for 31 December cultivation date, respectively, compared to control fertilizer. Zinc application also reduced the effects of heat stress on wheat grain yield, where at late and very late cultivation dates, with the application of 10 and 20 kg ha-1 zinc, wheat grain yield was improved by 5%, 6%, 35% and 40%, respectively. Consumption of zinc also reduced the effects of heat stress on wheat grain yield by increasing grain weight and caused a 24% increase in grain weight. Wheat harvest index decreased by about 18% due to heat stress. Meanwhile, application of nitrogen and zinc at 150 and 10 kg ha-1, respectively, showed the greatest effect in reducing the adverse effects of terminal heat stress on the agronomical and physiological properties of wheat. In general, in case of delayed cultivation, the use of zinc (at least 10 kg ha-1) and nitrogen (at least 150 kg ha-1) can reduce the harmful effects of terminal heat stress in Ahvaz climate and improve physiological (chlorophyll content and cell membrane stability), agronomic and protein content of bread wheat.

 

The Evaluation of Yield and Advantage Indices for Agroforestry of Populus euramericana and Medicago sativa in Karaj, Iran
F. Ahmadloo, S. Eskandari,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Today, agroforestry production systems as viable strategy for sustainable agriculture, is appreciated by both researchers and farmers, as it increases the efficiency of natural resources uses and may enhance the combined production of wood and crop products and hence income of the rural communities. In order to investigate the benefits of the agroforestry system of Euramerican poplar (Populus euramericana clone of 92/40) and alfalfa fodder plant (Medicago sativa), an experiment was carried out in the form of Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the Alborz Research Station in the south of Karaj, Iran. The treatments included poplar pure culture, alfalfa pure culture, and poplar-alfalfa mixed culture. Alfalfa plants were planted between the rows of poplar (Populus euramericana clone of 92/40) which were planted in March 2015 at a distance of 3 × 4 m, in late autumn 2016. The height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the poplar trees were measured at the end of each growing season for three consecutive years, and then the annual increment in growth of height, diameter and stem volume (m3/ha) were calculated and evaluated using the T-Test. The plant height and dry weight of alfalfa were measured for the three years and its total annual fodder dry mass yield was obtained. Competitive and economic evaluation of each of the pure and agroforestry cultivations was done based on the indices of land equality ratio (LER), relative value total (RVT) and advantage index (IA). In 2019 and 2020, there was a statistically significant difference in the DBH and stem volume in pure and agroforestry cultivations, indicating the highest values for both parameters in pure poplar culture. In 2018, the highest alfalfa fodder dry mass yield was obtained in agroforestry cultivation with 11320 kg ha-1 but the highest alfalfa fodder dry mass in 2019 (with 10928 kg ha-1) belonged to its pure cultivation. In all the studied years, LER was greater than one and ranged from 1.27 to 2.39, with the three-year average being 1.78. The values for RVT in 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 1.6, 0.69 and 0.41 and those for IA were 6.53, 4, and 2.81, respectively. Therefore, adopting agroforestry by cultivation of poplar and alfalfa will enable the farmers to receive 160%, 69%, and 41% increases in income compared to the income from pure cultivation of poplar and alfalfa for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Effect of Different Planting Patterns on Yield, Yield Components, and Essential Oil of Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) Grains in Additive and Replacement Intercropping with Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
J. Shafagh-Kolvanagh, S. Zehtab-Salmasi, K. Ghassemi-Golezani, M. Amani, B. Shokati Amrollah,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (2-2025)
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Introduction: Intercropping is a vital strategy in sustainable agriculture; it enhances production sustainability by improving both the yield and quality of crop plants. This strategy increases biodiversity and capitalizes on the interactions among different plant species, including their morphological and ecophysiological differences. Such diversity can lead to more efficient use of resources, reduced production costs, and ultimately, an increase in net farm income. The integration of legumes in intercropping systems is particularly beneficial, as these species have the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil and supporting the growth of neighboring plants from a different crop species like dill (Anethum graveolens L.). This study aims to identify the optimal mixed treatment combinations for dill, focusing on both grain yield and essential oil yield in intercropping versus monoculture systems. By systematically evaluating various intercropping treatments, the research seeks to uncover the most effective plant combinations that enhance the performance of dill as an edible vegetable. The findings will not only contribute to the understanding of sustainable agricultural practices but provide also practical recommendations for farmers, promoting the adoption of intercropping systems that can lead to improved ecological benefits and economic viability in farming.
Materials and Methods: In order to achieve the most appropriate planting combination in terms of spatial arrangement and to investigate its effects on yield, yield components, as well as the percentage and efficiency of essential oil, an experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabbriz, northwest Iran. The different cultivation patterns included a pure stand and six mixed cultivation patterns of the two plants, comprising three additive ratio patterns (1:20, 1:40, and 1:60) and three replacement ratio patterns (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3).
Results and Discussion: The results of the study revealed that dill plants cultivated in various mixed cropping patterns exhibited remarkable performance, particularly in the 1:20 and 1:60 planting ratios. These specific intercropping arrangements resulted in the highest inflorescences/plant, indicating a strong reproductive capacity that is essential for maximizing seed production. Additionally, these ratios also led to an increased grains/plant, which is a critical factor for final grain yield. The biological yield, which encompasses the total biomass produced, was also significantly enhanced in these mixed cropping patterns, suggesting that the synergistic interactions between the crops in these ratios contributed positively to growth and productivity. Moreover, the study found that the percentage and yield of essential oil were significantly influenced by the different mixed cropping patterns. The 1:20 and 1:60 ratios not only yielded the highest essential oil content but consistently performed well also across all three stages of oil extraction: flowering, milky, and maturity. This finding underscores the importance of selecting appropriate intercropping ratios to optimize essential oil production. Among the three stages of oil extraction, the milky stage emerged as the most productive, yielding the highest essential oil quantity. This stage is characterized by the plant’s investment in the grain constituents, which likely enhances the biosynthesis of essential oil compounds. These insights suggest that schedueling the harvest to coincide with the milky stage can significantly benefit essential oil yield, providing valuable information for farmers aiming to maximize both grain and oil production in dill cultivation. Taken to gether, the findings highlight the advantages of utilizing specific mixed cropping patterns, particularly the 1:20 and 1:60 ratios, to enhance the agronomic and economic viability of dill as an edible and aromatic crop. This research not only contributes to the understanding of intercropping benefits but offers also practical recommendations for farmers seeking to improve their production practices through sustainable agricultural methods.
Conclusions:Our findings suggest that intercropping can significantly enhance dry matter accumulation and improve the overall quality of dill products. This strategy can result in a more efficient use of land and resources, ultimately contributing to higher yields compared to monoculture systems. The specific observation that the 1:1 treatment and sole cropping demonstrated favorable performance in dry matter accumulation indicates that there is a potential for both mixed and single cropping systems to be effective. The 1:1 ratio suggests a balanced competition between the two species, allowing them to complement each other’s growth requirements. In this scenario, both dill and fenugreek can benefit from shared resources while minimizing competition, leading to enhanced growth and productivity.
 

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