مصطفی امانی ماچیانی

In recent years, green manure has received attention due to its positive effects on soil health and the quality and quantity of plants. It has been reported that intercropping legumes with cereal as green manures improves soil fertility and nutrient availability, increasing plant productivity. In addition to green manures, applying organic (vermicompost) and biofertilizers (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) can positively affect the plant's productivity and quality. Considering the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers on the bio-active compounds of medicinal and aromatic plants, improving the quantity and quality characteristics, especially in low-input conditions, has become a significant challenge in the agricultural sector. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of green manures and bio- and organic fertilizers on the nutrient content and morphological and phytochemical characteristics of peppermint. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 8 treatments and three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2022. The treatments included green manures [barley monoculture, hairy vetch monoculture and replacement intercropping of 75% hairy vetch+ 25% barley, 50% hairy vetch+ 50% barley and 25% hairy vetch+ 75% barley], arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and vermicompost. Before harvesting, peppermint's growth characteristics, including plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, and number of lateral branches, were randomly measured in 10 samples from each treatment. To measure the dry matter yield of peppermint, 3.2 m2 of each plot was harvested randomly after removing the marginal effects. The peppermint EO was extracted using a Clevenger by water distillation. Moreover, the EO constituents were analyzed using GC-MS (GC–MS; 5977A, Agilent) and GC-FID (Agilent 7990B). Data analysis was performed with SAS (version 9.3) software. Also, the significant differences among means were compared with the LSD test at P< 0.05. The results demonstrated that the highest N (18.05 g kg-1) and K (18.25 g kg-1) content was obtained by applying green manure as intercropping of 50% hairy vetch+50% barley. However, the highest content of P (1.75 g kg-1) was achieved in the AMF application. The maximum dry yield of peppermint (292.67 g m-2) was observed when green manure was applied as an intercropping of 50% hairy vetch+50% barley, which had no significant difference from the AMF application. Additionally, the maximum essential oil content (1.84%) and essential oil yield (5.39 g m-2) was achieved by applying green manure as intercropping of 50% hairy vetch+50% barley. The essential oil analysis showed that the significant constituents of peppermint essential oil were menthol (32.74-38.06%), menthone (18.33-21.42%), and 1,8cineol (5.20-6.12%). The maximum content of menthol and cineol was obtained by applying green manure as intercropping of 50% hairy vetch+50% barley. Generally, the study results demonstrated that applying green manure as intercropping of 50% hairy vetch+50% barley as a sustainable strategy can improve peppermint's essential oil quantity and quality.

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

The research was carried out in order to investigate the yield, yield components and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the oil extracted from 19 double haploid lines of Camelina.A field experiment was carried out as randomized complete block design with 20 treatments and three replications at the Serarud Rainfed Agricultural Research Institute of Kermanshah, Iran in 2021 growing season. The results demonstrated that the highest seed yield of camelina was obtained in DH100 line, which showed an increase of 43.5% compared to the control variety. Also, the lowest seed yield was related to DH105 line, which showed a decrease of 67.3% compared to the control variety. In addition, the highest oil percentage and oil yield were obtained in DH100 line, Chemical analysis of camelina oil showed that the major fatty acids constituents in this plant's oil include linolenic acid, linoleic acid , oleic acid and eicosenoic acid . The highest amount of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid was observed in DH100 line. In addition, the highest amount of eicosenoic acid belonged to the DH10 followed by DH100 line. It is worth mentioning that the amount of oleic, linoleic, linolenic and eicosenoic fatty acids increased by 10.9, 5.6, 6.4 and 8.7%, respectively, when compared with control variety.it can be concluded that the DH100 line is recommended as the best line for releasing new cultivars of this oil-seed crop in rainfed conditions due to the highest oil quantity and quality in comparison with control variety and other double haploid lines.

A field experiment was carried out as split plot based on the randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 12 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2021 growing season. The main factor was three irrigation levels included irrigation after 20% maximum allowable depletion (I20) as control, 40% maximum allowable depletion (I50) as moderate stress and 60% maximum allowable depletion (I80) as severe stress. The sub-factor was foliar application of macro mix gold, ecoquel micromix, vitalem forte and non-application of fertilizer (control).The results demonstrated that the highest (255.4 g/m2) and lowest dry matter yield of sage (190.5 g/m2) was achieved in normal irrigation condition with application of macro mix gold and sever water stress without fertilization. The dry matter yield decreased by 10.1 and 27.8% in moderate and severe drought stress conditions. Also, application of macro mix gold, ecoquel micromix and vitalem forte enhanced the mentioned trait by 25.1, 24.7 and 16.4% in comparison with no fertilization (control), respectively. The highest essential oil content (1.47%) and yield (3.19 g/m2) was observerd in moderate water stress fertilized with macro mix gold. In addition, the maximum content of cis-thujone (40.50%), camphor (17.08%) and 1,8-Cineole (9.98%) was achieved in moderate water stress fertilized with macro mix gold. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the foliar application of macro mix gold could be recommended for improving essential quantity and quality of sage in drought stress conditions.

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.

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.                                                                                                                          

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.

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.

To evaluate the effects of different irrigation levels and foliar application of nutrients, on dry matter yield and essential oil content and composition of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), a field experiment was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design, with 12 treatments and three replications, at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran in 2021. The factors included irrigation as the main factor at three levels (irrigation after 20 (control), 40 (moderate stress), and 60% (severe stress) of the maximum allowable moisture depletion) and fertilizer source as the sub-factor at four levels (non-application of fertilizer (control), and foliar application of Macromix gold, Ecoquel micromix, and Vitalem forte). The results demonstrated that the highest (280.5 g.m-2) and lowest (113.7 g.m-2) total dry weight were obtained under normal irrigation conditions (control) with the application of Macromix gold and severe stress without fertilizer application, respectively. Total dry weight decreased by 22.7 and 40.3% under moderate and severe drought stress conditions, respectively compared to normal irrigation. Macromix gold, Vitalem forte, and Ecoquel micromix application enhanced the amount of total dry weight by 37.7, 23.8, and 17.1% compared to no fertilizer application, respectively. The highest content (2.1%) and essential oil yield (4.5 g.m-2) and also the highest amount of menthol (40.9%), menthone (28.1%), and cineole (6.2%) in the essential oil were observerd under moderate water stress conditions fertilized with Macromix gold. Based on the obtained results, the foliar application of Macromix gold could be recommended as an effective solution to enhance the quantity and quality of the peppermint essential oil under drought stress conditions.

In order to evaluation the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and harvesting time on the macro- and micronutrients and antioxidant enzymes activity of thyme (Thymus Vulgaris L.) in different irrigation levels, a field experiment study was carried out as Split plot in time and place with 12 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2019. The first factor was three irrigation levels included irrigation after depletion of 20% maximum allowable depletion (W20), depletion of 50% of maximum allowable depletion (W50) and depletion of 80% of maximum allowable depletion (W80) as severe stress. The sub factor was application and non-application of mycorrhiza and sub sub factor was harvesting time (first and second harvest). The results demonstrated that the highest and lowest content of N, P, K, Zn, Fe and Ca was observed in W20 and W80 irrigation levels, respectively. Also, with application of AMF, the content of N, P, K, Fe, Zn and Mn increased by 17.4, 24.7, 20.9, 20.6, 11.8 and 18.2% compared with untreated control. Among different irrigation levels, the highest content of Chlorophyll a (0.8 mg/g fresh weight), b (0.48 mg/g fresh weight) and total (1.28 mg/g fresh weight) was achieved in the non-stress conditions (W20). Also, the highest antioxidant enzymes activity such as superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidases was achieved in the moderate and severe water stress conditions with application of AMF. Generally, the results showed that application of AMF play a main role in improving plant nutrient absorption and increasing resistant to drought stress conditions.

In order to using sustainable agricultural methods and entering new species for increasing biodiversity, a field experiment performed to evaluate the effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) with application of biofertilizer on the essential oil productivity, essential oil yield and ecological indices. 

  A field experiment was carried out as split split plot based on the randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 12 treatments and three replication at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2019 growing season. The main factor was different planting patterns including thyme sole culture, soybean sole culture, intercropping of one row soybean+ one row thyme (1:1) and intercropping of two rows of soybean+ one row thyme (2:1). The sub plot and sub- sub plot factor were inoculation and non-inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and harvest time (first harvest and second harvest), respectively. 

The results demonstrated that the highest dry yield of thyme (634.5 g.m-2) was achieved in the sole culture of plants with application of AMF. Also, the highest essential oil yield of thyme (9.45 g.m-2) was observed in the first harvest and intercropping ratio of 1:1. In addition, the essential oil yield and essential oil yield of thyme with AMF inoculation increased by 30.86 and 11.95% compared with control. Moreover, the highest ecological indices (LER, AHER, ATER and LUE) and monetary indices (IA, MAI and SPI) were achieved in the intercropping ratio of 1:1 with AMF application. 

The intercropping ratio of 1 row soybean+ 1 row thyme along with biofertilizer could be suggested to farmers for enhancing economic income and land use efficiency.

Intercropping systems and the application of biofertilizers play an important role in increasing of quantity and quality of plant products. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of Funneliformis mosseae application and different planting patterns on the yield and yield component of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) in intercropping with chick pea (Cicer arietnium L.).  

A field experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2018 growing season. The first factor was consisted of different planting patterns including monoculture of chickpea, monoculture of black cumin, 1 row intercropping of chickpea + 1 black cumin (1:1), 1 row chickpea+ 2 row black cumin (1:2) and 2 row chickpea+ 1 row black cumin (2:1) and the second factor was inoculation and non-inoculation with mychorrizal fungus.  

The results demonstrated that the seed yield of chickpea and black cumin was significantly affected by different planting patterns and mychorrizal fungus. The highest seed yield of chickpea (1203.5 kg.ha-1) was observed in the chickpea monoculture that was no significantly different with planting pattern of 2:1. Also, the highest seed yield of black cumin (823.3 kg.ha-1) was achieved in its monoculture. Application of mychorrizal fungus increased the seed yield of chickpea and black cumin by 24.62 and 18.59% in compared with non-application. In addition, the highest essential oil percentage (1.06) and essential oil yield (7.326 g.m-2) were achieved in the 1 row chickpea+ 2 row black cumin intercropping pattern. In all intercropping patterns, the LER was higher than one, indicating the advantages of these patterns compared with monocultures. The highest LER (1.56) was obtained in the planting pattern of 1:2 with application of mychorrizal fungus. Also, in all intercropping patterns, the aggressivity values of chickpea was higher than black cumin, representing that the chickpea was the dominant in these intercropping patterns. Moreover, the highest ecological indices (AHER, ATER and LUE) and monetary indices (IA, MAI, RVT and SPI) were achieved in the ratios of 1:2 and 2:1 with application of mychorrizal fungus.  

Generally, the planting pattern of 1 row chickpea+ 2 row black cumin (1:2) with application of mychorrizal fungus not only leading to agricultural ecosystems diversity and sustainable productivity, but also effective in enhancing economic income and land use efficiency.

To evaluate the effects of mycorrhizal fungus Funneliformis mosseae application and harvest time on the quantity and quality of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil in the different irrigation regimes, a field experiment was carried out as a split-split plot in a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 12 treatments and three replications at the Agriculture Faculty, University of Maragheh, Iran, in 2019. The factors and their levels included 1- the main factor: irrigation regime at three levels of irrigation after 20% (W20 as control), 50% (W50 as moderate stress), and 80% (W80 as severe stress) of maximum allowable depletion, 2- the subfactor: application and non-application of mycorrhiza, and 3- sub-sub factor: harvest time at two levels of June harvest (first harvest) and September harvest (second harvest). The results demonstrated that the highest amounts of plant height, canopy diameter, and dry matter yield of thyme were obtained in the W20 (control)+ application of mycorrhiza fungus+ first harvest treatment. In addition, the highest essential oil content was recorded in W50 followed by W80, which were 38.2 and 23.7% higher than W20 (control), respectively. Also, the application of mycorrhiza fungus increased the essential oil of thyme by 8.5% compared to the non-application of fungus. The highest and lowest content of thymol, γ-terpinene, and p < /em>-cymene were obtained in W50 and W20, respectively. Also, the application of mycorrhiza fungus increased the amount of mentioned compounds, respectively by 3.8%, 3.9%, and 7.1% compared to the non-application of fungus. Overall, it can be concluded that W50 (moderate stress) along with the application of mycorrhizal fungus F. mosseae improved the essential oil quality and quantity of thyme.

To investigate the effect of integrative application of mycorrhizal fungus and chemical fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Benth.) under rainfed conditions, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications in the research farm of Maragheh University, Iran, in 2017. Treatments included 100% conventional chemical fertilizer (250 and 150 kg ha-1 urea and triple superphosphate, respectively), Glomus mosseae (GM), G. intraradices (GI), 50% chemical fertilizer+GM, 50% chemical fertilizer+GIand 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM. The results demonstrated that the highest (802.8 kg ha-1) and lowest (463.5 kg ha-1) seed yield and the highest (40.64%) and lowest (25.85%) harvest index were achieved in the integrative application of 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GMand separate application of GI treatments, respectively. Besides, the highest content (9.18%) and yield (73.75 kg ha-1) of mucilage was observed in 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM treatment. Furthermore, the highest amount of mucilage compounds (glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, arabinose, raffinose, galactose, glucose, xylose and rhamnose) was obtained in 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM treatment. Based on cluster analysis, the treatments were divided into three groups. In general, the application of 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers improved the quantitative and qualitative yield of the dragon’s head.

In order to investigate the effects of combined and separate application of macro and micro nano fertilizers with chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative traits of medicinal plant dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica (MB) Fischer & Meyer), a field experiment was performed based on the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications on the research farm of Maragheh University in 2017. Experimental treatments included the use of 100% conventional chemical fertilizer (urea and triple superphosphate with values of 150 and 100 kg ha-1, respectively), 100% macro nano fertilizer, 100% micro nano fertilizer, 50% macro nanofertilizer+50% micro nano fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizer+50% macro nano fertilizer, 50% chemical fertilizer+50% micro nano fertilizer, and 50% chemical fertilizer+25% macro nanofertilizer+25% micro nano fertilizer. The results showed that the highest (73.3) and lowest (59.1) chlorophyll indices were obtained by applying 50% chemical fertilizer+25% macro nano fertilizer+25% micro nano fertilizer, and separate application of 100% micro nano fertilizer, respectively. Also, the highest values of number of lateral branches, main stem length, number of flower cycles per plant, number of seeds per plant, biological yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight and seed mucilage content were obtained in 50% chemical fertilizer+25% macro nanofertilizer+25% micro nanofertilizer treatment. Chemical analysis of the essential oils demonstrated that linalool, menthol, geraniol, geranial, menthyl acetate, β-bourbonene, geranyl acetate, (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene D, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide were the main constituents of essential oils. The highest content of β-bourbonene, caryophyllene oxide, (E)-caryophyllene, menthol, and geraniol was obtained with the combined use of 50% chemical fertilizer+25% macro nanofertilizer+25% micro nano fertilizer. In general, based on the results of the present research, the combined use of chemical fertilizers and macro and micro nano fertilizers can be recommended due to the increased seed yield and dragon’s head qualitative traits under rainfed conditions.

In order to evaluate the forage quantity and quality of Sorghum in intercropping with soybean, a field experiment was carried out as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, during the 2016 growing season. The first factor included different planting patterns with eight levels (soybean monocultures with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2, sorghum monocultures with densities of 10 and 15 plants m-2, and intercropping of the two plant species with the mentioned densities); the second factor consisted of two levels of inoculation with nitroxin (Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum brasilense) Bio-fertilizers and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas flurescence) and non-inoculation. The results showed that the highest (25.59 tons ha-1) and lowest total dry forage yield was obtained in intercropping soybean (with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2) with inoculation and soybean monocultures (with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2) without inoculation, respectively. Also, the highest and lowest values of forage ash, digestible dry matter (DDM) and net energy of lactation (NEL) were obtained in intercropping soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (10 plants m-2) and monoculture of sorghum (15 plants m-2), respectively. The highest content of the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was obtained in the monoculture of sorghum (15 plants m-2) without inoculation. In addition, application of bio-fertilizer increased the content of crude protein (CP), DDM, dry matter intake (DMI) and NEL by 6.29, 1.71, 3.29 and 2.72%, respectively, as compared to the control. Also, the highest land equivalent ratio and monetary advantage intercropping (MAI) were achieved in the intercropping of soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2). Generally, intercropping of soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2) and soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (10 plants m-2) could be introduced as the best treatment in terms of forage quantity and quality, respectively.

Forage production has recently reduced in some arid and semi-arid countries due to intensive grazing and consecutive dryness. Increasing scarcity of water irrigation, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates where agricultural systems are dependent upon supplemental irrigation, is becoming the most important problem for producing forage.The bio fertilizers can serve a potential tool for sustaining crop production without destruction of the soil and environment. Therefore, integrated application of bio fertilizer and chemical fertilizer seems to be a sustainable approach in agricultural systems. The plant growth promoting bacteria plays an important role in the crop growth and development through secretion of growth promoting metabolites and nutrient supply. These species increase nitrogen fixation and release plant growth promoting substances and hormones and improve nutrient and water uptake.Sorghum is becoming an increasingly important forage crop in many arid and semi-arid regions of the world especially in Iran because of its advantages over corn in warm and dry climates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different fertilizer patterns and irrigation intervals on the quantity and quality of the sorghum forage.

The experiment was conducted as split plot design based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 15 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2016. The treatments included three different irrigation regimes (irrigation after 60, 100 and 140 mm evaporation from class A evaporation pan) and five different fertilization patterns (100% chemical fertilizer, bio fertilizer, bio fertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer, bio fertilizer+ 50% chemical fertilizer and bio fertilizer+ 25% chemical fertilizer). In the current research, quantity and quality properties including neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), dry matter digestibility (DMD), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), Total digestibly nutrient (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), Relative feed value (RFV), net energy for lactation (NEL) and ash was calculated. Analysis of variance of the data and mean comparison were carried out by MSTATC statistical software based on Duncan’s multiple range tests.

The results showed that the dry forage yield of sorghum was significantly affected by different irrigation and fertilization patterns. The highest forage yield (26.8 t.ha-1) was achieved in 100% chemical fertilizer that was not significantly different with bio fertlizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer. Also, the lowest dry forage yield (20.6 t.h-1) was observed in application of bio fertilizer. The reason for the increase of dry matter yield in integrated application of chemical and bio fertilizers is attributed to improved nutrient uptake, increased photosynthesis, and more activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes by plant growth promoting bacteria. In addition, with increasing irrigation interval, the biomass yield of forage sorghum was significantly reduced. Decreasing the biomass yield of sorghum by increasing irrigation intervals may be due to reducing the absorption of fermentation elements, decreasing growth and leaf area, decreasing photosynthesis, increasing the damage caused by drought stress, and increasing the amount of active oxygen radicals. The highest values of DMD, TDN, RFV and NEL were achieved in bio fertilizer+ 25% chemical fertilizer. Also, the values of CP, WSC, DMI, DMD, TDN, RFV and NEL increased by enhancing irrigation intervals. Increase of the mentioned indices is attributed to decreasing of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) content under integrated application of chemical and bio fertilizers and increasing irrigation intervals. Results showed a positive and significant correlation between sorghum dry forage yield and crude protein yield, WSC, ADF and NDF. On the other hand, there was a negative and significant correlation between ADF and NDF with CP, DMI, DMD, TDN, RFV and NEL.

Generally, the results of this experiment demonstrated that different irrigation regimes and different fertilizer patterns had a significant effect on the quantitative and qualitative traits of the sorghum forage. The values of dry forage yield, crude fiber, ADF and NDF decreased by increasing irrigation intervals, while the values of leaf to stem ratio, CF, WSC, DMI, DMD, TDN, RFV and NEL increased in this irrigation round. In comparison between different fertilization patters, the highest forage yield was achieved in 100% chemical fertilizer that was no significantly different with bio fertilizer+ 75% chemical fertilizer. Also, the integrated application of bio fertlizer+ 25% chemical fertilizer significantly increased the content of DMI, DMD, TDN, RFV and NEL. Based on the results of this study, it can be stated that the integrated application of bio fertilizers with chemical fertilizer in drought stress conditions resulted in quantitative and qualitative improvement of sorghum forage.

Intercropping can provide numerous benefits to cropping systems through increasing total yield and land use efficiency, improving yield stability of cropping systems, enhancing light, water, and nutrient use, improving soil conservation and controlling weeds, insects, or diseases. Moreover, intercropping can facilitate mechanical harvest, whereas legumes in mixtures with cereals can improve the quality of forage. Although cereals are widespread used in livestock nutrition for their high dry matter production and low cost, they have low nutrition value due to their poor protein content. High quality of forage has been notified as an important aspect of forage crop production.

The experiment was conducted at the faculty of Agriculture, university of Maragheh, Iran as factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD). The first factor were 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 plants m-2 of field pea and the second factor were different intercropping patterns based on substitution ratio (25% barley+75% filed pea, 50% barley+ 50% filed pea and 75% barley+ 25% field pea). At harvesting time quantity and quality properties including total forage yield neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP) and ash were determined. Also, the land equivalent ratio (LER) is defined as the land equivalent needed for growing either crops in intercropping systems compared with the land area needed to each crop monocultures. The LER values were calculated as:(Eq.2) Where LER and LERs were land equivalent ratio and standard land equivalent ratio, respectively; Ypp and Ybb were yields of field pea and barley monoculture; and Ypb and Ybp were yields of field pea and barley in intercropping patterns. Analysis of variance of the data and mean comparison based on Duncan’s multiple range test were carried out using MSTATC statistical software.

The results showed that the total forage yield was significantly affected by different planting patterns and densities. The highest total forage yield was obtained under 75% barley+ 25% forage pea followed by 50% barley+ 50% forage pea. Also, the lowest total forage yield was observed under 25% barley+ 75% field pea. In Addition to, densities of 100 and 300 plants m-2 of field pea had the highest and lowest effect on total forage yield.  The higher forage production may be due to higher resource use complementarity in time and space between intercropping components. In terms of forage quality, ash forage decreased with increasing proportion of barley. Thus, under 75% barley+ 25% forage pea the forage ash amount decreased 23.85 and 17.38% in comparison to 25% barley+ 75% forage pea and 50% barley+ 50% forage pea. Concentration of the total crude protein enhanced by increasing proportion of forage pea in intercropping. Therefore, the highest percent of the total crude protein was obtained under 25% barley + 75% forage pea with density of 300 plants m-2. In addition,  the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF significantly decreased with increasing proportion of forage pea. Forage quality improvement in terms of higher crude protein and lower NDF and ADF were attributed to presence of the legume species in intercropping patterns (Stolts & Nadeau, 2014). In most treatments, the LER values were >1, which suggests an overall yield advantage of intercropping compared with monoculture. 

Our trials exhibited that, the highest total forage yield was obtained under 75% barley+ 25% forage pea. NDF and ADF increased with enhancing proportion of barley. So that, the highest and the lowest ADF and NDF content were obtained under 75% barley+ 25% field pea and 25% barley+ 75% filed pea, respectively. The highest LER (1.25) was achieved under 25% barley+ 75% field pea (with density of 100 plants m-2). Generally, barley intercropping with forage pea in lower densities can improve forage production under rainfed conditions

In order to evaluate the effect of biofertilizers (nitroxin and phosphate barvar2), vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on the quantity and quality traits of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), an experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 13 treatments and three replications at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Miandoab, Iran in 2015. The treatments were 100% chemical fertilizer (350, 100 and 50 kg ha-1 urea, superphosphate triple and potassium solphate) as control (T1), 10 t ha-1 vermicompost (T2), 20 t ha-1 vermicompost (T3), 10 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% chemical fertilizer (T4), 20 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% chemical fertilizer (T5), nitroxin + phosphate barvar 2 (T6), 10 t ha-1 vermicompost + nitroxin + phosphate barvar2 (T7), 20 t ha-1 vermicompost + nitroxin + phosphate barvar2 (T8), nitroxin + phosphate barvar2+ 50% chemical fertilizer (T9), 10 t ha-1 vermicompost + chemical fertilizer (196 and 85 kg ha-1 urea and superphosphate triple) (T10), 20 t ha-1 vermicompost + chemical fertilizer (40 and 70 kg ha-1 urea and superphosphate triple) (T11), nitroxin + phosphate barvar 2 + 10 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% chemical fertilizer (T12) and nitroxin + phosphate barvar2 + 20 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% chemical fertilizer (T13). The highest (47.8) and lowest (39.2) chlorophyll indices were obtained in T13 and T2 treatments, respectively. Also, the highest root yield (66366 kg ha-1) was achieved in T13 treatment that was not significantly different from T12 and T11. Due to a combination of organic and biological amendments with chemical fertilizers, sugar yield was increased significantly in T13 treatment due to increases in root yield and sugar content. The sugar yield and white sugar yield in T13 treatment increased 16.7% and 23.5%, respectively compared with T1. Generally, based on root yield, white sugar yield and extraction coefficient of sugar, integrated application of nitroxin + phosphate barvar2 + 20 t ha-1 vermicompost + 50% chemical fertilizer can be recommended for sugar beet production in the Miandoab area.

In order to evaluate forage quantity and quality in 15 domestic population of vetch, a field experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh in 2015. The species included domestic populations of Vicia sativa L. (2, 7, 29, 30, 16, 15, 10, 36, 33 and 23), Vicia hyrcanica (24 and 22) and Vicia villosa L. (12, 28 and 35). The results showed that the highest (530.8 g.m-2) and lowest (91.16 g.m-2) dry forage yield were obtained in the 30 and 36, respectively. Also, the highest seed yield (43.43 g.m-2) was related to population 28. In addition, the highest total digestible nutrients (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM), relative feed value (RFV), net energy of lactation (NEL) and metabolisable energy (MED) was achieved in 28 (Vicia villosa L.) population. In addition to, the lowest content of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was obtained in the 28 and 30, respectively. The cluster analysis categorized the quantitative and qualitative traits of the populations into three groups. So that, in terms of the quantitative and qualitative, the 30 and 28 populations were assigned to one group, respectively. Generally, based on quantitative and qualitative traits, the 28 (Vicia villosa L.) and 30 (Vicia sativa L.) were recommended as suitable species for cultivation in rainfed conditions.

Intercropping is a sustainable practice to achieve higher production with the aim to limit external inputs. A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran, during 2016 growing seasons with ten treatments to evaluate the yield, analyze the competition and insect’s assemblages in sunflower (as main plant)/soybean (as companion plant) intercropping. Treatments included sunflower sole cropping, soybean sole cropping, replacing intercropping sunflower with soybean (50:50, 34:66, 66:34, 40:60, 60:40, 25:75) and additive intercropping of two plants (100:50 and 100:100%). Results showed that the highest sunflower grain yield (275 g m-2) was obtained in sunflower monoculture that was not significantly different with intercropping ratios of 25:75 and 60:40. Also, the highest and lowest grain yield of soybean was achieved in soybean monoculture (130.1 g m-2) and ratio of 100:50 (48.5 g m-2), respectively. The highest land equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index and intercropping advantage value was obtained in intercropping ratio of 25:75. Moreover, in all cropping patterns the aggressivity (A) and crowding ratio (CR) values of sunflower were higher than soybean, indicating that sunflower was the dominant species.  Also, the highest density for herbivores was recorded in soybean monoculture and the families of Thripidae (37.60- 43.87%) and Cicadellidae (34.01-37.71%) had the most relative density. Furthermore, intercropping of sunflower with soybean increased pollinators and natural enemies’ abundance compared with monocultures. Overall, based on the ecological, agronomical and economical indices intercropping sunflower with soybean with ratio of 25:75 is a feasible alternative method to achieve similar production with respect to monocropping.

In order to evaluate of barley and forage pea intercropping in rainfed condition, an experminet was conducted as randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replications at University of Maragheh, Iran in 2015. Treatments included sole cropping of forage pea with densities of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 plants.m-2, sole cropping of barley, 75% barley+ 25% forage pea (with mentioned densities), 50% barley+ 50% forage pea (with mentioned densities) and 25% barley+ 75% forage pea (with mentioned densities). The results domenstrated that dry forage yield of barley and pea were affected significantly by difeerent planting patterns. The highest and lowest dry forage yield of barley was obtained in sole cropping of barley (352.02 g.m-2) and 25% barley+ 75% forage pea with 300 plant.m-2 (103.7 g.m-2), respectively. Also, the highest dry forage yield of forage pea was obtained in pea sole cropping with density of 300 plant.m-2 (93.75 g.m-2). The highest land equivalent ratio (1.25) and standard land equivalent ratio (1.11) was obtained in 25% barley+ 75% forage pea with densities of 300 and 100 plant.m-2, respectively. In terms of competitive indices, in most tretaments the aggressivity and crowding coefficient values of pea were lower than of barley, indicating that barley was more competitive and dominant than forage pea. Positivity of intercropping advantages (IA), system productivity index (SPI) and actual yield loss (AYL) values in all cropping patterns indicate the useful effect of plants on each other and intercropping efficiency of plants under rainfed conditions.

In order to evaluation macro, micro, and chemical fertilizers on the quality and yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), an experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and 3 replications at Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Miandoab, Iran in 2016. The treatments were 100% chemical fertilizer as control, full micro-chelate nanofertilizer, NPK nanofertilizer, NPK nanofertilizer + full micro-chelate nanofertilizer, NPK nanofertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizers, full micro-chelate nanofertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizers, NPK nanofertilizer + full micro-chelate nanofertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizers, Fe nano+ Zn nano, Fe nano+ Zn nano+ NPK nanofertilizer and Fe nano+ Zn nano+ 50% chemical fertilizers. The results demonstrated that the highest and the lowest root yield and chlorophyll index were obtained in NPK nanofertilizer + full micro-chelate nanofertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizers and Fe nano+ Zn nano, respectively. Also, the highest sugar yield and white sugar yield were achieved in NPK nanofertilizer + full micro-chelate nanofertilizer + 50% chemical fertilizers. The highest content of α-amino-N, Na, K and molasses sugar was recorded in application of 100% chemical fertilizer. In addition to, minimum values of the mentioned indices were obtained in NPK nanofertilizer and full micro-chelate. Generally, application of NPK nanofertilizer+ full micro-chelate nanofertilizer+ 50% chemical fertilizers suggested as superior treatment and replacement of chemical fertilizers based on root yield, white sugar yield and extraction coefficient of sugar.

In order to evaluate the effect of peppermint and faba bean intercropping patterns, a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 9 treatments and 3 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran during 2015 growing season. Treatments included sole planting of peppermint and faba bean and intercropping patterns with ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:3, 3:2, 1:3 and 3:1 (peppermint: faba bean). The highest number of pods per plant (5.4), seeds per pod (3.7) and 100-seed weight (118.4 g) were achieved in the ratio of 2:3. The highest seed yield of faba bean per occupied unit of land when the latter species were planted with the ratios of 2:3 (268.3 g m-2) and 1:3 (250 g m-2). The highest seed yield of faba bean per intercropped unit of land area was related to faba bean sole cropped (189.8 g m-2) and 1:3 (187.5 g m-2) cropping pattern. Also, the highest dry mass yield of peppermint per occupied unit of land area was obtained in the 2:3 treatment (629 g m-2) with no significant difference with 3:2 and 1:3 treatments. The highest dry mass yield of peppermint per intercropped unit land area was observed in the peppermint sole cropped (320 g m-2) and ratio of 3:2 (303 g m-2) with no significant difference with 2:1, 2:3 and 3:1 cropping patterns. The highest peppermint essential oil percentage (2.15%) and essential oil yield (5.61 g m-2) were related to 2:3 and 3:2 treatments. In all cropping patterns (except of 1:1 treatment), the LER value was higher than 1, while LERs value was higher than 1 in 2:3, 3:2 and 1:3 treatments. The greatest value of LERs (1.31) was achieved in 2:3 cropping pattern. In conclusion, based on faba bean seed yield, peppermint essential oil content and yield and LERs, the ratio of 2:3 for peppermint:faba bean was superior to other treatments.

In order to evaluate of peppermint and faba bean intercropping, a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with eight treatment and three replication at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2015 growing season. Treatments were included sole planting of peppermint and faba bean, 1 row peppermint 1 row faba bean, 1 row peppermint 2 rows faba bean, 2 rows peppermint 1 row faba bean, 2 rows peppermint 3 rows faba bean, 3 rows peppermint 2 rows faba bean, 1 row peppermint 3 rows bean and 3 rows peppermint 1 row bean. Intercropping different patterns were calculated by means of land equivalent ratio (LER), standard land equivalent ratio (LERS), area time equivalent ratio (ATER), area harvest equivalent ratio (AHER), land use efficiency (LUE), peppermint equivalent yield (EYP), relative crowding coefficient (RCC or K), aggressivity (A), competitive ratio (CR), actual yield loss (AYL), monetary advantage index (MAI), intercropping advantage (IA), system productivity index (SPI) and relative value total (RVT). Results showed that seed yield of faba bean per occupied unit area and per intercropped unit area were affected significantly by intercropping patterns. The highest seed yield of faba bean per occupied unit was obtained in the 2:3 and 1:3 treatments. In addition, the highest seed yield of faba bean per intercropped unit area observed in faba bean sole crop. The highest values of LER, LERS, ATER, AHER, LUE, EYP, IA, MAI and SPI obtained in 2:3, 3:2 and 1:3 intercropping patterns, indicating that the intercropping systems were the most profitable on basis of agronomical and economical. Generally, the A, CR and AYL values in peppermint were higher than bean, indicating that peppermint was more competitive and dominant than faba bean. Generalley, in basis of more agronomy and economic indices in 2:3 cropping pattern, this cropping pattern was superier than other treatments.