نشریه بوم شناسی کشاورزی
سال نهم شماره 1 (بهار 1396)

IntroductionThe deterioration of genetic resources of many field crops due to monoculture and other agricultural activities has been well documented. Estimates indicate that the introduction of new varieties has contributed at least 80% of the increase in crop production, yet, these gains have been offset by the loss of 90% of landraces. The importance of biodiversity in enhancing the sustainability of crop production in agroecosystems has been well acknowledged in the literature. This has been achieved by increasing the biodiversity at cropping systems, species, and variety levels, which corresponds to biodiversity at the ecosystem, species, and ecotype levels in natural ecosystems.
Conservation of biodiversity is prerequisite for sustainable agroecosystems. In the past, diverse species, genotypes and varieties were used in agroecosystems that ensured their sustainability. At present, this approach has changed and new varieties have replaced old ones and on sustainability of systems has been negatively impacted. In the other word, agrobiodiversity or the variety of species in cropping systems has dropped rapidly.
Materials and methodsIn this research, agrobiodiversity of melon (Cucumis.melo var. Inodorus), watermelon (Citrullus Vulgaris) and cantaloupe (Cucumis.melo var. Cantaloupensis) were evaluated at the genotype and variety levels. For this purpose necessary data including the number of cultivated genotypes or land races and cultivated area for each of them were collected from 25 counties of Khorasan Razavi province. Accurate data was gathered from the appropriate database and also by filling questionnaire for growing season of 2010-2011. Then spatial biodiversity indices of Simpson and Shannon, evenness, and similarity indices of Sorenson were calculated for three cucurbit crops.
Results and discussionThe results showed that from total cultivated area of cucurbit species in 2010-2011 growing season, 48, 30, 20 and 2 percent belonged to melon, nut watermelon, watermelon and cantaloupe, respectively. Torbat–Jam and Taybad have the greatest acreage of melon in the province with 20 and 24 percent of total cultivated area under these crops. Shannon indices for melon in two counties were 0.06 and 0.22, respectively. However, these counties had the lowest evenness index (0.01 and 0.02). This is a good indication of expanding monoculture and low agrobiodiversity for cucurbit crops in the province. As opposed to the highest evenness index with the value of 0.34 and 0.19 were observed in Gonabad and Sabzevar counties individually. On the basis of the obtained results, by 70 percent of the nut watermelon products was achieved by Juponi landrace mass, which is a reason for the very low genetic diversity of nut watermelon. Due to the reason given above any records was registered for spatial biodiversity indices such as Simpson, Shannon and evenness and similarity indices for nut watermelon landrace masses. The same as nut watermelon, cantaloupe species also was showed low agrobiodiversity in Khorasan Razavi province.
ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that spatial diversity indices for three cucurbit species was not favorable in Khorasan Razavi province. Increasing cultivation area has led to a decline in agrobiodiversity of cucurbit cropping systems. Also, the results showed that Khatoni was the dominant genotype in the melon cultivation area of Khorasan Razavi province. For this reason, melon fruit flies dramatically spread in melon cropping systems of Torbat –Jam and Taybad. So, it is strongly emphasizes that for development and increasing agrobiodiversity in cucurbit cropping system diverse varieties must be used.

IntroductionApplication of organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture systems improves yield sustainability of field crop. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is native to Middle East and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is resistant to saline conditions, water stress, and can reach the deep-lying water of soil. The humic acid (HA) mentioned as an environmentally friendly, organic matter with low levels of hormonal-like compounds is useful in improving agriculture production (Samavat and Malakuti 2006). The HA influence on plant growth depends on the source, concentration and molecular weight of the substance. Vermicompost is produced by earthworms, mainly Eisenia foetida, it has higher levels of available nutrients compared to the original materials of composts produced by other methods. Recent evidences suggest that using different amounts of vermicompost increased vegetative traits and concentration of minerals in sunflower. However, there has been little discussion about organic farming of safflower. The main objectives of the present study were to determine the effect of organic treatments on yield, yield components, and growth indices of safflower and to compare it with conventional agriculture.
Materials and methodsThis research was conducted in Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station in Kerman, Iran during 2012–2013. It was carried out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design and had three replications. The current research has been performed to investigate the effects of two different sources of organic fertilizer on spring safflower. Four levels of vermicompost (V: 0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha-1) were considered in the main plots. Liquid humic acid at four different concentrations (HA: 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm) were examined and kept in the subplots. Humic acid as a foliar treatment on leaf surface was applied twice at the beginning of stem elongation and at flowering times. In this study, aimed to compare organic farming with conventional farming, inorganic fertilization was considered as a conventional agriculture (CA) for each replication. Growth indices were assessed based on the growing degree days (GDD). After harvested, the head number per plant, seed number per head, 1000 seed weight and seed yield were evaluated. Also, two separate statistical analyses were used for comparison organic treatments with each other and conventional agriculture with organic treatments.
Results and discussionThe results showed that the maximum LAI, TDW and CGR have been determined at 9 t ha-1 vermicompost and 3000 ppm humic acid in CA. Likewise, the results indicated that vermicompost leads to a significant increase in seed yield, flower yield and yield components except 1000 seed weight. Head number per plant, seed number per head and seed yield were affected by humic acid treatments and increased significantly from 1000 to 3000 ppm. However, 1000 seed weight decreased with the increasing concentration of humic acid. It should be mentioned that, 9 t ha-1 vermicompost and 3000 ppm humic acid produced the highest head number per plant (24.75), seed number per head (56.71) and seed yield (4268.17 kg ha-1) in two years that in comparison with CA were increased 79.22%, 30.37% and 89.49%, respectively.
ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that acceptable yield was obtained with increasing HA concentration at lower levels of vermicompost compared to the higher amount of vermicompost without HA that is economically beneficial. For example, application of 6 t ha-1 vermicompost 3000 ppm HA had higher seed yield (3027.08 kg ha-1) than 9 t ha-1 vermicompost without foliar application of HA (2722.5 kg ha-1), although there was no significant difference between them.

IntroductionMarian thistle (Silybum marianum L.) is a medicinal, herbaceous and annuals plant belongs to the Asteraceae family which is used to treat liver disease. The essential oil of Marian thistle seeds is the type of flavonolignans (phenols family) that forms 1.5 to 3% of its seeds weight. The important flavonoids found in the seeds of this plant are silybin, silychristin and silydianin is known as silymarin compounds, that is yellow. Increasing the desired compounds of medicinal plants is possible by cultivation techniques manipulation such as irrigation, fertilization or photo-bioreactor systems. Water deficient is the most important factors limiting the growth and yield of medicinal crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Bio-fertilizers as an alternative in some cases and in most cases as a complement to chemical fertilizers can help to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Han et al. (2006) in the study of the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB), Bacillus mucilaginosus in nutrient limited soil planted with pepper and cucumber stated that Rock P and K applied either singly or in combination did not significantly enhance soil availability of P and K. PSB was a more potent P-solubilizer than KSB, and co-inoculation of PSB and KSB resulted in consistently higher P and K availability than in the control. Rock P with inoculation of PSB increased the availability of P and K, the uptake of N, P and K by shoots and roots, and the growth of both pepper and cucumber. Similar but less pronounced results were obtained when rock K and KSB were added concomitantly. Combined together, rock materials and both bacterial strains consistently increased further mineral availability, uptake and plant growth, suggesting their potential use as fertilizer. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizers inoculation and drought stress on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Marian thistle.
Materials and methodsThis experiment was conducted in a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications, at the Research Farm of Zabol University, during growing season of 2012 and 2013. Main plots consisted of irrigation with 50, 70 and 90% field capacity and subplots including plant nutrition with nitroxin, supernitroplus, rich phosphate II, mycorrhiza and non-use of bio-fertilizer. Plant traits such as seed yield (kg.ha-1), the number of capitols per plant, the number of seeds per capitol, 1000-seed weight (g.plant-1), essential oil percentage, plant organic matter percentage, proline percentage and protein percentage of Marian thistle were measured. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) and simple correlation analysis were performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).
Results and discussionIn this experiment, the effects of drought stress, bio-fertilizer and their interactions on all studied traits were significant at the 1% probability level. The highest grain yield (1300.00 kg), the number of capitols per plant (12.00 no.), 1000-seed weight (23.27g), plant organic matter percentage (95.00%) and protein percentage (17.19%) belong to treatment of irrigation with 90% field capacity and nitroxin bio-fertilizer. The maximum number of seeds per capitol (87.67) were obtained by irrigation with 90% field capacity and mycorrhiza bio-fertilizer. Irrigation with 70 and 90% field capacity and nitroxin bio-fertilizer application were explained the maximum and minimum of essential oil percentage (3.72%) and proline percentage (0.04%), respectively. The number of capitols per plant was the most important component in determining grain yield. The use of bio-fertilizers damped the effect of drought stress and improved qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Marian thistle.
ConclusionInoculation with nitroxin bio-fertilizer compared to the others could further amend drought stress and improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Marian thistle. Thus, it appears that in order to achieve sustainable agriculture instead of chemical fertilizers is recommended.

IntroductionFennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family uses as both food and medicine. Increasing the desired compounds of medicinal plants is possible by cultivation techniques manipulation such as irrigation, fertilization or photo-bioreactor systems. Water deficit stress, permanently or temporary, limits the growth and the distribution of natural vegetation and the performance of cultivated plants more than any other environmental factors. Babaee et al. (2010) stated that water stress decreased plant height, the number of secondary branches, dry and fresh weight, growth and root mass, dry and fresh weight root and length root of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Bio-fertilizers as an alternative in some cases and in most cases as a complement to chemical fertilizers can help to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production systems. Han et al. (2006) studied the effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB), Bacillus mucilaginosus in nutrient limited soil planted with pepper and cucumber and stated that Rock P and K applied either alone or in combination did not significantly enhance soil availability of P and K. PSB was a more potent P-solubilizer than KSB, and co-inoculation of PSB and KSB resulted in consistently higher P and K availability than in the control. Rock P with inoculation of PSB increased the availability of P and K, the uptake of N, P and K by shoots and roots, and the growth of both pepper and cucumber. Combined together, rock materials and both bacterial strains consistently increased further mineral availability, uptake and plant growth, suggesting their potential use as fertilizer. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizers inoculation and drought stress on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Marian thistle.
Materials and methodsThis experiment was conducted in a split plot design based on randomized complete block with three replications, at Agricultural Research Station, University of Zabol, during growing season of 2012. Main plots consisted of irrigation with 40, 60, 80 and 100% field capacity and subplots including plant nutrition with no fertilizer (control), nitroxin, super nitroplus and bio-phosphorus. Plant traits such as days to maturity, plant height, the number of main branches, seed yield per plant, seed yield per ha, essential oil percentage, and essential oil yield were measured. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) and simple correlation analysis were performed using SAS version 9.2 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).
Results and DiscussionIn this experiment, main effects of drought stress and bio-fertilizer on all studied traits were significant at 1% probability level. Plants irrigated with 80% of field capacity in comparison with other levels, showed a significant increase in number of days to maturity, plant height, the number of main branches and seed yield. Plants grown under bio-phosphorus had maximum value for days to maturity, plant height, the number of main branches and yield followed by nitroxin and super nitroplus. Interaction of water stress and bio-fertilizer had significant effect on days to maturity, plant height, seed yield and essential oil yield, but this effect for the number of main branches and essential oil were not significant. The maximum plant height, days to maturity, seed yield and essential oil yield were achieved from irrigation of 80% of field capacity and bio-phosphorus bio-fertilizer.
ConclusionThe amount of bio-fertilizers due to its role in improving the nutritional conditions of the plant can play an important role in offsetting the harmful effects of drought stress. In addition, the use of bio-fertilizers in terms of humidity limits can be useful to overcome the negative effects of stress.

Corn has been regarded as one of the important crops from the view point of both human and animal feeding resource. Intercropping defined as cultivation of two or more species together. The advantages of intercropping can be included: efficient use of water and sunlight, exchange of nutrients, weed competition reduction, reduction of pathogens and the increase of soil fertility. Research shows that intercropping combinations of legume–grass will increase forage quality. Because, grasses Grains have a lot of carbohydrates and legumes are rich in protein and vitamins. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inoculation with azotobacter and nitrogen levels on grain and corn yield components at simultaneous cropping system with legumes under the weather conditions of Markazi province.
This study was carried out at agricultural research field of Payame Noor University, Arak Branch during 2011. A factorial arrangement of treatment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Methods of plant nutrition (M0= inoculation with azotobacter, M1= inoculation with azotobacter 37/5 Kg ha-1 of rare nitrogen with foliar application method, M2= inoculation with azotobacter 150 Kg ha-1 of rare nitrogen mix with soil) and simultaneous cropping treatment of legumes, [S1= corn alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), S2= corn bitter vetch (Lathyrus sativus L.), S3= corn mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), S4= corn chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.), S5= corn vetch (Vicia ervillia L.) ] were assigned in plots. Each sub plot consisted of 4 rows, 6 m long with 60 cm between rows space and 20 cm between plants on the rows and S.C Apex hybrid was used. In this study characteristics such as: plant height, earing height, the number of grains per m-2, the number of rows per ear, the number of grains per row, surface of ear leaf, grain yield of corn, 1000 grain weight, harvest index of corn, nitrogen use efficiency, dry weight of legumes were assessed. After analyzing the data, the means by Duncan multiple range test were compared to five percent. All of the correlation coefficients were calculated and their significance was determined by Mstat-c software.
Results indicated that the effect of nutrition methods on corn characteristics such as: plant height, the number of grains per m-2, the number of grains per row, surface of ear leaf, grain yield of corn, 1000 grain weight, nitrogen use efficiency and dry weight of legumes was significant. The impact of simultaneous cropping treatment on the characteristics such as: plant height, the number of grains per m-2, the number of grains per row, corn grain yield, 1000 grain weight, corn harvest index, nitrogen use efficiency, dry weight of legumes was significant, too. Maximum and minimum grain yield (4237 and 1973 kg ha-1) were obtained with the (inoculation with azotobacter 150 Kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer Simultaneous cropping system of vetch and corn) and (inoculation with azotobacter Simultaneous cropping system of corn and alfalfa) treatments, respectively. Inoculation with azotobacter 37.5 Kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer simultaneous cropping system of vetch and corn with 51.7 kg kg-1 and inoculation with azotobacter 150 Kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer simultaneous cropping system of corn and chickpea with 10.1 kg kg-1 were the highest and lowest amount of nitrogen use efficiency.
Over the past few decades, global approach to modern agriculture, as in other human activities has been causing damage to natural resources, polluting and destroying the environment and causing ecological imbalance. Inorganic fertilizers used in agriculture cause the destruction of natural ecosystems. Therefore, combined use of bio-fertilizers, chemicals manures and nitrogen fixation by the legume will increase the quantity and quality of agricultural products. It can also be one of the most effective ways to achieve sustainable agriculture. But, application of chemical fertilizers causes soil degradation and increase the production cost.

IntroductionMost researchers believe that good management and proper use of biofertilizers are the ways for preparation of better nutritional conditions for the medicinal plant. Garlic is one of the most important medicinal crops. Allicin is the main active ingredient in this plant. Biofertilizers contain beneficial soil microorganisms or the metabolic products. Mycorrhizal symbiosis improves the soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Mycorrhizae increase crop resistance to pathogens, nutrient and water uptake, also reduce the negative effects of environmental stress and improve the quality of their host plants. Adding sulfur to the soil to improve the nutritional status of the plant by the release of nutrients will be effective when that the oxidation of sulfur in the soil is significant. For sulfur uptake by the plant, it is necessary that this element convert to sulfate by soil microorganisms. If elemental sulfur distribute in the soil and mix with the organic material, conversion of sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms be faster in wet conditions.
Materials and methodsThe experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications in 2012. Treatments were included control plot, mycorrhizal inoculation (M), Thiobacillus (T), M T, 75 kg sulfur per hectare (75S), 75S M, 75S T, 75S M T, 150 kg sulfur per hectare (150S), 150S M, 150S T, 150S M T. Each plot consisted of four rows with a spacing of 40 cm and row length of 10 m.
In treatments with 75 and 150 kg sulfur per hectare, 48 and 96 g of sulfur were used, respectively. Thiobacillus at the recommended dose was added to the soil a week before planting. Percent of fungal colonization obtained with Gridline Intersect Method. HPLC method was used to extract allicin content. Data were analyzed with the MSTAT-C software; the means were compared with LSD test at the 5% level of probability.
Results and discussionThe results showed that tuber dry weight increased significantly at 75s and 1505 in combination with Thiobacillus and mycorrhiza. Also the effects of 150S and150S M, 150S T were significant on tuber dry weight. The highest tuber dry weight was obtained in combination of 150S with Thiobacillus and mycorrhiza. The effect of 75s was not significant on tuber dry weight but application of 150S increased significantly dry tuber weight (about 50% over the control plots). Adding Thiobacillus to sulfur treatments (75s and 1505) had a significant effect on tuber dry weight and increased about 38 and 72 percent compared to the control, respectively. Chlorophylla content increased significantly in all treatments compare to the control. While the effects of 150S M, 150S T, 150S M T were significant on chlorophyllb.
The effects of 75S, 75S M, 75S T, 75S M T, 150S, 150S M, 150S T and 150S M T were significant on carotenoid. Allicin yield increased significantly in all treatments except mycorrhiza compared to the control. Application of 150 kg sulfur per hectare 丘ꡭꜢ陛곺沜ꊺ㚬 increased essential oil yield up to 3 times compare to the control. As a result the essential oil yield increased significantly in treatments of 75 and 150 kg sulfur per hectare compared to the control.
ConclusionTuber dry weight increased significantly with sulfur application in combination with Thiobacillus and mycorrhiza. Chlorophylla content increased significantly in all treatments. Allicin yield increased significantly in all treatments except mycorrhiza. Application of sulfur, increased essential oil yield.

IntroductionUsing crop species and cultivars with high competitive ability against weeds is one of the effective strategies for sustainable weed management. Emergence rate, rapid root growth, seed vigor, development rate of leaves, rapid root and shoot biomass accumulation, rapid canopy closure and plant height are important traits in relation to the competitiveness between different cultivars of crops. Competitive ability is measured using two indices including the weed growth prevention ability or weed biomass reduction index and crop tolerance to weed or yield reduction preventing index. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the competitive ability of six oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivars and also introducing the most important morpho-physiological attributes affecting their competitive ability with tumble pigweed (Amaranthus albus L.) in Birjand.
Materials and methodsThis experiment was carried out as factorial layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand in 2012. Treatments were included six sunflower oilseed cultivars (Azargol, Jame esfehan, Farrokh, Syrna, Progress, Euroflor) and tumble pigweed densities in four levels (zero (control), 5, 10 and 15 plants per square meter). The number of days and cumulative degree days were recorded from sowing to emergence. Plant height, leaf area and dry matter were recorded at four stages from emergence to 75 days after it. Sunflower seeds were harvested after physiological maturity. Preventing indices were used to evaluate the competitive ability of cultivars, competitive tolerance (Watson et al., 2002) and weed biomass. Data were analyzed with the SAS software and cluster analysis was performed using SPSS software. FLSD test was employed for comparison of the means at the 5% significance level. The graphs were prepared by Excel.
Results and DiscussionAnalysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the sunflower cultivars for Competitive Index (P≤0.01). While, different densities of tumble pigweed had no significant effect on Competitive Index. However, the interaction effect between sunflower cultivar and tumble pigweed density was significant on this index (P≤0.05). The highest competitive ability index (1.6) was obtained in the Jame Esfehan cultivar, Followed by Euroflour, Azargol, Progress, Farrukh and Syrna cultivars. Although weed biomass decreased index was not affected by weed density, it increased by 11% with enhancing weed density from 5 to 15 plants m-2. In this study, tolerance index was significant only by the effect of weed density (P≤0.01). In general tolerance index increased by 13.3 and 39.03 percent by increasing the weed density from 5 to 10 and 15 plants m-2. This index for 5, 10 and 15 plants m-2 of weed densities were 127, 144 and 177, respectively. The results showed that rapid emergence and height increasing rate at first 53 days after planting and leaf area development rate between 17 to 53 days after planting were the most important effective factors that increase sunflower competitiveness against tumble pigweed.
ConclusionIn general, Jame Esfehan cultivar had the greatest competitive ability against tumble pigweed due to a rapid emergence, height increasing and leaf area development rates at 24 days after planting. Progress, Azargol, Euroflor and Farrokh cultivars had medium competitive abilities. Syrna had a weak competitive ability due to late emergence, as well as low rates of height increasing and leaf area development
In order to evaluate the competitiveness of some sunflower cultivars against tumble pigweed, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted at the research farm of College of Agriculture, University of Birjand in 2012. Experimental factors included four different weed densities (0, 5, 10 and 15 plants m-2) and six cultivars of sunflower (Azargol, Jame Esfahan, Syrna, Farrukh, Progress and Euroflor). The results showed that rapid emergence, the rate of plant height enhancement at 53 days after planting and the rate of leaf area expansion during 17 to 31 days after planting were the most important effective traits for improving the competitive ability of sunflower cultivars against the tumble pigweed plants. In general, Jame Esfahan was the resistant cultivar, Azargol, Euroflor, Farukh and Progress were semi-resistant cultivars, and Syrna was the non-resistant cultivar against tumble pigweed plants.

IntroductionThyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important essential oil plants that its essential oil constituent be used in different medicinal and food industries. Vermicompost is organic manure that significant amounts of macro and micronutrients make available to the plants. Although some of this material is minerals but most of them gradually and slowly released through the mineralization of organic matter. Mycorrhizal fungi are one of the biological factors in the rhizosphere, which include a relatively important part of soil organisms. Under water deficit conditions, mycorrhiza enhances photosynthesis and carbon fixation during the growing season by increasing the leaf area. This condition does not directly contribute to increased photosynthesis in the host plant, but keeps the photosynthesis level higher than control by improving water relations and changing the hormonal relations.
Materials and methodsThe treatments included vermicompost in four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 ton.ha-1) and mycorrhiza in three levels (without inoculation, inoculation with Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices) was arranged based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Fresh leaf tissue was used to measure chlorophyll content. Dimethyl sulfoxide (7 ml) was added to 0.1 g leaf tissue and the samples were incubated at 70°Cfor 4h. The light absorptance was measured at 663, 645 and 470 nm with spectrophotometer (Jenway, 6305) to obtain chlorophyll content. To measure Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, plant roots were collected one week before harvesting, cleaned by 10% KOH at 80˚C for 2h, and acidified in 1% HCL for 60 min. Then the cleaned up roots were stained in a solution of trypan blue. The roots were destained in a mixture of 500 ml glycerol, 450 ml water and 5 ml HCL for 24 h, allowing the fungus to be revealed under microscopic examination (Taylor et al. 2008).
Statistical analysis: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using SAS statistical software (SAS Institute, 1998) and Duncan's multiple range procedure was employed at probability level of 5%.
Results and discussionThe results indicated that the vermicompost application improved significantly plant height, dry weight, colonization, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, essential oil content, essential oil yield and thymol yield. Mycorrhizal inoculation affects significantly on chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and colonization. The highest amount of plant height was recorded by application of 6 ton.ha-1 vermicompost (31 cm) and the lowest amount were obtained in control plots (21.78 cm).
The highest biological yield was obtained from application of 6 ton.ha-1 (3443 kg.ha-1) and the lowest biological yield was recorded in control plots (1966 kg.ha-1). Our results showed that colonization percent significantly increased by application of 6 ton.ha-1 in control plots (49.44 and 22.33%, respectively). The greatest amount of chlorophyll obtained by application of 6 tonha-1 vermicompost and the lowest amount was in control plots.
The best results of essence yield obtained from 4 ton.ha-1 vermicompost, while the maximum essence yield recorded by application of 6 ton.ha-1 vermicompost. The best interaction effects of vermicompost and mycorrhizal was significant on essential oil yield, thymol yield, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll by the use of 6 ton.ha-1 vermicompost and without inoculation. The most content of chlorophyll a was obtained with the use of 4 ton.ha-1 vermicompost and inoculation with Glomus intraradices. The results showed the highest percent of colonization by the use of 6 ton.ha-1 vermicompost and inoculation with Glomus intraradices. The highest percent of essence was obtained from control (no application of vermicompost and no inoculation of mycorrhiza) treatment.
ConclusionVermicompost is one of the organic manure that significant amounts of macro and micronutrients make available to the plants. Mycorrhizal fungi are one of the biological factors in the rhizosphere that increased plant growth especially under stress conditions. In this study vermicompost application significantly increased essence yield. Also, vermicompost and mycorrhizal interaction increased chlorophyll content of plant leaf.

IntroductionAjowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) is an annual medicinal plant of the family Apiaceae which can reach 30 -100 cm in height. and its growth is highly depended on the availability of mineral nutrients in the soil. But, it has been shown that utilization of chemical fertilizers for growth promotion of Ajown could have negative impacts on environment and ecological systems. Nowadays, sustainable agriculture is the best approach to overcome such problems and prevent the excess accumulation of chemical fertilizers deposited within the soil. Application of bio-fertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers is a new sustainable approach which have been raised in the new era of Agriculture. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the application of various source of biological fertilizers such as Vermicompost, Alkazotplus and Humic Acid in combination with nitrogen fertilizers on growth behavior, yield and yield components of Ajowan under Ahvaz growing condition.
Materials and methodsThis research was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of Shahid Chamran University in 2014-2015 to determine the effects of different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers on the yield and yield components of Ajowan based on two way randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor of the experiment was Application of four different nitrogen sources including: Urea (U), Sulfur-coated Urea (SCU), %50 Sulfur-coated urea (1/2 SCU) Alkazot Plus biological fertilizer and Control (no nitrogen source used). Organic fertilizers were also applied at four levels, consisting of Humic Acid, Vermicompost, %50 Vermicompost Humic Acid and Control (no organic Fertilizer) as the second factor. After soil preparation, approximately four Kg.ha-1 of the seeds were planted on the rows with 30 cm distance. Plant height, number of sub branches, number of umbels per plant, number of seeds per umbel , 1000 seeds weight, biological and grain yield and harvest index were measured during vegetative and maturity stage of plant growth.
Results and DiscussionThe results of the experiment showed that the interaction between different sources of nitrogen and organic fertilizers on plant height, number of umbrella per plant, number of seeds per umbrella, biomass and grain yield were significant. Also most of plant growth characteristics under either no nitrogen or no organic fertilizers were gained the lowest values. On the other hand, it seems that combination of chemical and biological fertilizers can improve plant trait performances in Ajowan. The highest plant height (117.8 cm) was measured in the treatments received slow release Urea combined with Vermicompost. The highest seed per umbel (424.3) was observed at the %50 rate of Vermicompost Humic Acid and without nitrogen fertilizer (control) and the biggest amount of 1000 seeds weight (1.14 g) was measured at the %50 rate of slow release urea with Alkazotplus Humic Acid. Also the highest umbel per plant (82.27), biological yield (8507.1 Kg.ha-1) and grain yield (1670 Kg.ha-1) were obtained at Vermicompost Urea fertilizer and finally the highest harvest index (32%) was related to the %50 rate of slow release urea with the highest value Alkazotplus Vermicompost. Vahidipour et al (2013) showed that the maximum Essential oil yield and the highest grain yield of Ajowan was gained in application of 200 kg N.ha-1. The results of the current study indicated that most of plant trait improvements were induced by combanitaion of vermicompost with urea fertilizer. As a result, in order to gain maximum plant yield under an environmental friendly situation, it is strongly suggested to implement Vermicompost in combination with minimized application of urea fertilizer. This could be an important economic and sustainable approach.
ConclusionTotally the results of this research showed that the application of Vermicompost purely and in combination with urea, had a significant effect on the yield and growth characteristics of Ajowan. Findings of this research also revealed that organic fertilizers like Vermicompost especially its integrated application with chemical fertilizers and proper agronomical management had significant effect on the Ajowan yield. In order to increase the production of medicinal plants in low input agricultural systems and due to positive effects of organic fertilizers on soil sustainability, long term production process, prevention of environmental pollution and finally supplying proper and qualitative food, this fertilizer purely and with combination of minimized rates of chemical fertilizer could be important in reaching to sustainable agriculture goals and decreasing application of chemical fertilizers.

IntroductionOne of the most important agricultural efforts is to minimize the use of chemicals nitrogen fertilizers and to replace it with biological nitrogen fertilizers to produce healthy productions. In dry conditions the use of industrial nitrogen fertilizers depends on the amount of rainfall and consumed cautiously. Low consumption of nitrogen sources reduce crop growth and yield and higher than optimum applications of chemical Nitrogen sources can cause many environmental disorders. This is while Azotobacter as a soil bacteria also fixes nitrogen, produce vitamins, growth hormones and antibiotics and also increases the photosynthesis, plant growth and grain yield and reduces the need to application of chemical Nitrogen.
Materials and MethodsIn order to study the effect of biological and industrial nitrogen fertilizers on growth, yield and yield components of chickpea (Bivanij variety), an experiment was conducted with split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications under rainfed conditions in the Telesm village, Dalahoo, Kermanshah, during 2013 agricultural season. Climate of the region is temperate and semi-arid with 535.6 mm of rainfall. Soil texture is clay - loam with 0.02 percent of nitrogen. Basic amount of Nitrogen fertilizer was considered 30 Kg.ha-1 Urea and four levels of chemical nitrogen fertilizers including: %50 of base fertilizer, %100 of base fertilizer, %150 of base fertilizer and no fertilizer (control) were assumed as main plot factors. Similarly, the basic amount of Azotobarvar bio-fertilizer was considered as 100 g.ha-1 and four levels of it including %50 of base fertilizer, %100 of base fertilizer, %150 of base fertilizer and no bio-fertilizer (control) were assumed as sub plot factors. Bio-fertilizers are inoculated to seeds and planting was done manually on 19 March 2013. Density was considered 40 plants per square meter with 25 cm intervals between rows and 10 cm on the row. The yield of chickpea was harvested in 6 July 2013.
Results and DiscussionResults of the experiment showed that the effects of treatments were significant on biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, 100-seed weight, protein content, number of branches, number of pods per branch and number and weight of grains per branch. The highest dry matter and grain yield obtained at %50 nitrogen fertilizer %100 Azotobarvar with 6730 and 1089 Kg.ha-1, respectively and the lowest in the control treatment with 2420 and 472 Kg.ha-1, respectively. The greatest number of seeds per plant (20.4) were measured in the treatment of %150 nitrogen with Azotobarvar and the lowest (14.4) obtained in the treated %50 of nitrogen and without Azotobarvar. The highest 100-seed weight (46.9 g) obtained in the treatment of %50 nitrogen %150 Azotobarvar and the lowest nitrogen fertilization (22.5 g) was at %150 of N non-inoculated Azotobarvar. Also, the highest (26.1%) and lowest (22.7%) protein contents were obtained at the treatments of %50 nitrogen %150 Azotobarvar and control, respectively. The amount of biomass, grain yield and protein content were in the treatments of no nitrogen and Azotobarvar (control).The application of nitrogen to about %50 of the base amount and Azotobarvar equal the base amount or %150 of the base amount maximized grain yield, total dry matter, 100-seed weight and seed protein content. In other words, taking Azotobavar in this condition (rainfed) was more effective compared to chemical nitrogen (Urea) on the yield. Probably Azotobarvar, because of other mechanisms except the supply of nitrogen, had significant impacts on the growth characteristics of the plant. Finally, based on the results of this experiment, application of the industrial Nitrogen with base dosage, the highest yield is obtained, but its application higher than based amount showed negative reactions. Also increasing the amount of the Azotobarvar (bio-fertilizer) more than basic dosage caused yield reduction.It could be a sign of plant adaptation to Azotobarvar application.
ConclusionGenerally, the study of showed that the application of Azotobarvar biological fertilizer can decrease the amount of industrial nitrogen fertilizer application up to 50 percent in dry climatic conditions.

IntroductionIndustrialization has been the cause of environmental pollution and one of significant pollutant is that of heavy metals. These hazardous elements can cause to water and soil pollution. These metals can accumulate in the food chain and create damages for human and livestock. Researchers revealed that increasing Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations caused to decreasing of shoot fresh weight and essential oil yield. Scavroni et al (2005) indicated that peppermint was able to accumulate the heavy metals in shoot tissues but did not enter into essential oil. Therefore study the effect of heavy metals on morphological and quantitative traits of medicinal plants is essential.
Material and MethodThe experiment was done in the research greenhouse of the Agricultural Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2011.The treatments were arranged basis on a randomized block design with three replications. Treatments were included T1:0, T2:10 ppm cd , T3:20 ppm cd,T4:40 ppm cd,T5:60 ppm cd,T6:80 ppm cd cd,T7:100 ppm cd,T8:100ppm pb, T9:300 ppm pb, T10: 600 ppm pb, T11: 900 ppm pb, T12: 1200 ppm pb and T13: 1500 ppm pb. Peppermint was cultivated with uniform weight rhizomes harvested from the research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Every rhizome had two buds and six rhizomes were planted in pots of dimensions 30×50×35 cm. Treatments were irrigated with cdcl2 and pbcl2 with the administered doses and control was irrigated with distilled water. Plants were harvested two times at the first stages of flowering. The essential oil percentage was measured with 30 grams of dried leaves by Clevenger device.
Result and DiscussionIncreasing cadmium and lead concentrations caused a decline of fresh and dry weight, main stem height, leaf area per plant, leaf number per plant, number of nodes per plant and essential oil percentage compared to the control. At the first harvest, increasing doses of Cd caused a decrease of fresh weight. This decline was 18.16% at 100 ppm Cd and was 24.55% at 1500 ppm Pb compared to the control. At the second harvest, fresh weight declined by 15.24% and 32.72% compared to the control at 100 ppm cadmium and 1500 ppm lead, respectively. At the highest concentrations of Cd and Pb, dry weight of peppermint was dropped 22.92% and 25.88% at the first harvest. For the second harvest, decreased dry weights were 39.01% and 26.77% compared to the control, respectively. Stancheva et al (2010) revealed that increasing cadmium and lead concentrations caused to the shoot and root weights of sage (salvia officinalis L.) declined by 15 and 10%, respectively. They mentioned the glutathione-ascorbate cycle plays a vital role in neutralizing the destructive effects of ROS in sage. In this cycle, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase enzymes increase and lead to diminish the ROS activity. In the same doses of cadmium and lead (100 ppm), cadmium had a more reductive effects than lead for all traits except for essential oil at the first harvest. This event is due to more toxicity of cadmium compared to lead. The toxicity threshold of cadmium and lead was reported 5 and 30 mg kg-1. Tirillini et al., (2006) reported that hypericin content in essential oil of hypericum perforatum L. was not affected by chrome stress.
ConclusionEssential oil, fresh and dry weight of peppermint did not show any significant change when the concentrations of cd and pb were maximum, so it seems that peppermint can be cultivated in polluted water or soil with cadmium and lead.

IntroductionSaffron (Crocus sativus L.) belonging to the family Iridaceae is a perennial plant, that is reproduced by corm . Saffron as a winter plant with low water requirement is the most strategic medicinal plant in arid and semi-arid parts of Iran. It is an important cash crop in Khorasan provinces. Khorsasan provides 97 percent of saffron production in Iran. However, the saffron yield in Iran is lower than the other countries like Spain. Saffron flowering can be mainly affected by mother corm size and organic matter, phosphorus and nitrogen content of soil. Since saffron is a perennial crop, it has been adapted to organic fertilizers and hence animal manure plays an important role in this respect.
The amount of manure used for saffron in Iran varies from 20-80 t.ha-1 cow manure. Also, Animal manures were more effective than chemical fertilizers for increases yield. Hosseini et al. (2004) investigated the effect of urea fertilizer and compound liquid fertilizer on foliar uptake and saffron yield. Their results showed the highest yield obtained from application of compound fertilizer once in March 5 that accounted for 33% increase in yield.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of planting method and animal manure and foliar fertilizer on corm properties and yield of saffron.
Material and MethodsThis experiment was conducted as a split-split plot experiment based on a -randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 growing seasons. Experimental factors included: planting bed height as a main factor (Flat, 20 cm and 40 cm), manure as a sub factor (10 and 60 t.ha-1) and Dalfard liquid fertilizer as sub-sub factor (leaf spray). Corm planting was done in September with 15 cm depth. The manure was applied before planting and Dalfard liquid fertilizer sprayed on leaf in early March (2009 and 2010). Combined analysis of variance was done using Minitab ver.15 and the means were compared using Duncan multiple range test in 5% level of probability.
Results and discussionCombined analysis results revealed that effect of planting bed height, manure and micro fertilizer and their interaction were significant on dry weight, diameter of corm, number of replacement corms and number of flowers during experimental years. The highest dry weight, diameter of corm, number and weight of replacement corms and number of flower was shown in flat planting. Some researchers indicated that the flat planting is the best method for saffron cultivation, however, raised bed planting (25cm) is proper causes of better germination and lower fungus disease. The effect of animal manure with Dalfard fertilizer was significant on dry weight, diameter of corm, number of flower and dry weight of stigma. Application of 10 and 60 t.ha-1 manure had the highest and lowest dry weight, diameter of corm, number of replacement corms and number of flowers, respectively. Different studies showed that use of manure is more effective than chemical fertilizers on yield and other traits of saffron.
Koocheki et al. (2011) showed that the highest number of flower, dry weight of flower, stigma corm was in Dalfard treatment. The highest corm diameter and flower number were obtained in flat bed with 10 t.ha-1 manure and Dalfard application.
ConclusionTotal results showed that saffron yield was significantly affected by combined animal manure and liquid fertilizer. Although, higher application of manure (60 t ha-1) decreased saffron yield because of corm decay. Also, raised bed planting by 20cm height is suggested for saffron cultivation.

IntroductionSweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) is one of the tropical cereals of graminae which is cultivated in order to use for ear. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients and key factors to achieve desirable yield. Fertilizers play a major role in crop productivity. However, nowadays, excessive use of fertilizers have been found to have a negative impact on yield and environment. Introducing new management methods based on nitrogen and water use efficiency showed some improvements in the quality and quantity of crop production in association with the health of the community. In fact, soil organic matter content should be maintained in the appropriate level to improve fertility. Using municipal solid waste compost and poultry manure are appropriate solutions. They can increase soil organic matter, modify physicochemical properties and improve crop production. Moreover, they are able to solve problems caused by the accumulation of municipal solid waste compost and poultry manure.
Material and MethodsIn order to investigate the impact of different sources of nitrogen on yield and yield components of sweet corn, a field experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications in Marvdasht in 2013. Treatments included different resources of fertilizer: 200 kg.ha-1 net nitrogen (T1), 300 kg.ha-1 net nitrogen (T2), 8 ton.ha-1 poultry manure (T3), 24 ton.ha-1 municipal solid waste compost (T4), 150 kg net nitrogen 2 ton municipal solid waste compost (T5), 100 kg net nitrogen 4 ton poultry manure (T6), 150 kg net nitrogen 6 ton municipal solid waste compost (T7), 100 kg.ha-1 net nitrogen 12 ton municipal solid waste compost (T8) and fertilizer free (control) (T9). At the time of crop maturity, two square meters from middle of each plot were harvested to measure yield and yield components. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS statistical software. Least significant difference (LSD) test at the five percent level calculated for mean comparison.
Results and DiscussionResults indicated that the different sources of nitrogen had significant effect on the number of grains per row and the number of grains per ear as well as ear and canned yield except for the number of ears per m2 and number of row per ear. Mean comparison indicated that the highest ear yield (2178 g.m-2) was obtained in the treatments of 100 kg N 4 tons of poultry manure (T6) and the lowest yield (1188 g.m-2) in control (T9). Using of organic sources of nitrogen with chemical fertilizer led to increase ear yield. In other words, integrated treatments had better effect on yield than chemical and organic treatments. In addition, the highest canned harvest index (42.8 ton.ha-1) and ear harvest index (48.7 ton.ha-1) was related to 100 kg net nitrogen 12 ton municipal solid waste compost (T8) treatments. Municipal solid waste compost and poultry manure in the 100 and 150 kg nitrogen levels caused to increase of canned harvest index and ear harvest index. This matter is indicative more effect of municipal solid waste compost than poultry manure on two indices.Generally, the combined use of organic manures and chemical fertilizers could be an appropriate method to increase sweet corn yield and soil fertility. According to the obtained results, T6 treatment can be recommended.
ConclusionBased on the obtained results, it seems that single application of organic fertilizers cannot lead to maximum yield, therefore, to obtain the optimal yield integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizers (T6) can be recommended for farmers in the region.

IntroductionThe marigold is a medicinal plant from Asteraceae family and widely used as a medicinal plant. The marigold extract is widely used in the traditional medicine and herbal therapy. According to previous studies on the medicinal plant in the natural and agricultural ecosystem, using the sustainable agricultural systems provides the best conditions for plant qualitative and quantitative production. So, the global approach in production of products especially medicinal plants is toward using the ecologic management methods in the format of sustainable agricultural systems. The objectives of this experiment were to study on the effect of using the nitrogen chemical fertilizers and the variety of composts in the format of different tillage systems on the leaf area, dry weight, flower yield and the extract yield of marigold plant.
Material and methodsA field experiment was conducted in order to assessing the effect of conventional farming, ecological management and semi ecological management systems on the dry weight and the height of plant, yield of flower, the percentage of extract and the essence of marigold, in two years of 2013 and 2014 in Fars province, Shiraz in the format of randomized complete block design with 4 replications and 12 treatments. All the data were submitted to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Different test (LSD) was used to verify the significant differences among treatment means at the 5% probability level.
Results and discussionThe results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of different farming systems treatment on vegetative and reproductive growth of marigold were significant (p≤0.01) (Table 3). For example, the highest dry weight and leaf area of marigold were obtained from the conventional tillage system treatment and 165 kg ha-1 urea fertilizer. Furthermore, the highest flower dry weight, the number of flower and flowers harvest index and extract yield of marigold were achieved by reduce tillage system and 80 kg ha-1 urea fertilizer and 10 ton ha-1 waste compost (Table4). It seems that the application of chemical nitrogen fertilizer could increase marigold vegetative growth due to increase of absorption and transfer of photo assimilate and transmission of growth-stimulating hormones to lateral and end meristems. Meanwhile, improving vegetative growth of marigold and increasing photo assimilate content can be achieve more reproductive growth. So, the management of nitrogen consumption should be in a way that the maximum economical performance will be obtained. The important point in this regard is creating appropriate balance between vegetative and reproductive growth of marigold, because from the beginning of flowering, vegetative and reproductive stages are done in parallel with each other (Daneshian et al., 2013). As a whole, in case of approving this study results by the future farm studies, it maybe recommendable that application of chemical fertilizer and compost at the same time in the format of reduce tillage system leads to increase of qualitative and quantitative performance of marigold plant.
Acknowledgements At the end, I appreciate all the friends that help me for conducting this research.

Low sustainability, soil erosion and loss of soil fertility in conventional systems are the major threats to the agricultural production systems. These threats leads researchers towards more attention to different agroforestry systems including alley cropping as a solution in different regions of the world. Agroforestry has attracted considerable attentions because of its potential to maintain or increase productivity in areas with high energy input in which large scale agricultural systems are impractical. It is often assumed that appropriate agroforestry systems can provide the essential ecological functions needed to ensure sustainability and maintain microclimatic and other favorable influences, and that such benefits may outweigh their enhanced use of water in areas of limited water availability. Evidences suggest that diversity in agroecosystems, in particular the integration of different perennial crops or trees (agroforestry), augments nutrient capture and cycling processes; processes that in turn lead to reduced reliance on nutrient or water inputs, abatement of air and water pollution, and enhancement of other ecosystem services across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Agroforestry is viewed as providing ecosystem services, has many environmental benefits and economic advantages as part of a multifunctional agroecosystem. Conventional cultivation of barley and wheat systems in Saman Region has many problems about sustainability of production, erosion of soil, yield stability and soil nutrient properties. On the other hand, planting of Almond is a good option for farmers to make orchards, in compare to Nut. Although some farmers do Agroforestry as an innovative practice, but studying the advantages of these systems and finding their rewards, because of its unique benefits in dry, poor and endangered areas, could help farmers to increase their cultivation area as they wish, particularly in Saman region.
In order to evaluate the benefits of a tree-based intercropping system, a study was conducted in an almond-based agroforestry plantation located in Saman region of Shahrekord, Iran (32˚43ꞌ N latitude and 50˚49ꞌ E longitude, with an altitude of 2085 m) based on a completely randomized design with four replications in 2014-2015.,The region is a semi-arid area receives 346 mm precipitation annually distributed only in 5-6 months.. Treatments include different types of cultivation systems: almond - wheat, almond - barley, and sole cropping of Wheat and Barley. Measured traits were leaf area index, plant height, spike length, dry matter, number of grains per spike, number of spikes per m², 1000 grain weight and grain yield (per unit area) and actual yield, biological yield and harvest index of wheat and barley.
Results showed that the highest yield (456 g.m-2) was acquired from almond-barley agroforestry system and the lowest from almond-wheat (233 g.m-2). Cultivation of barley in almond-barley system increased dry matter (14%) and grain yield (28%). Intercropping with almond tree increased leaf area Index, plant height, number of tillers, spike length and dry weight, especially for barley. So Agroforestry may increase morphological characteristics rather than the others. But number of spike, seed number and 1000 seed weight increased just for barley and decreased in wheat, However agroforestry increased biological yield in both barley and wheat, but the trend for grain yield was only in barley and some decrement were seen for wheat. It could be due to difference in filling period length and commence, and accordance with crucial developmental stage in almond.
Results of this study showed that the highest biological and grain yields were obtained from barley at agroforestry system with almond tree, indicating that barley is a more suitable option for multiple cropping compared to wheat. It may be due to higher dry matter accumulation of barley before bud developing and shading of almonds lead to higher dry matter accumulation, the situation that will occur for wheat latter. so barley- almond agroforestry system could be an effective technique to increase productivity and satisfying economical purposes in Saman region, Iran.

IntroductionThe success of sugar beet as a crop depends on predictable seed germination, early seedling establishment and the rapid development of a leaf canopy which is able to utilize the available solar radiation efficiently. Seed priming has become a common practice to increase the rate and uniformity of field germination and emergence in many important crop plants in unfavorable conditions. Hydro-priming is a simple method of priming treatment that is used of distilled water as priming medium. Humic acid has been used for treatment before seed planting. Washing sugar beet seeds with water also affects the germination and seedling establishment through the elimination of inhibitory compounds on the seed coat. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed priming with different methods at different times and concentrations on germination of sugar beet.
In the spring of 1393, a field trial was conducted simultaneously in two regions of the Jovain and Jajarm.The experimental was conducted as split plot (split-split plot) in randomized complete block design with three replications.The main factor was irrigation with four levels of 100, 90, 80 and 70% water,sub-plots are including different methods of priming: control, priming with running water for 48 hours, priming with running water for 48 hours Humic acid, priming with running water for 48 hours Seed-start and priming with running water for 48 hours Humic acid Fulzym, sub-sub plots are including weeds competition with (absence and presence of weeds).
The results for two regions showed that by reducing the amount of irrigation water sugar beet tuber yield significantly reduced. Results show that the effect of priming treatment of running water for 48 hours Seed-start and running water for 48 hours Humic acid Fulzym to have achieved the highest sugar beet tuber yield for two areas. The result of the interaction effect showed that priming improved tuber yield under condition of reduction of irrigation water and the presence of weeds in both areas. The results showed that priming methods caused reducing yield losing of the tubers in the presence of weeds. In this regard, treatment of running water for 48 hours Seed-start did better in both areas.
In the end, due to the positive effects of priming, such as running water 48 hours and Seed-start on quantitative yield of sugar beet these methods are recommended.

IntroductionSalvia leriifolia Benth. (Nowruzak) is a herbal plant from Lamiaceae family, which is exclusively native of Iran and Afghanistan. Existence of this species is reported in Khorasan and Semnan provinces of Iran. As extreme pressure of grazing and harvesting the nature has put this species at risk of extinction, and on the other hand this plant has numerous herbal values and its cultivation can produce the market needs as well as preserve it from extinction. Therefore its domestication is now a priority and optimized nutrition for cultivated plants is one of the important factors in quality and quantity enhancement of the product. The aim of this research was to study the effect of three main nutrient: nitrogen, Phosphor, and potassium (NPK) on growth of Nowruzak and measure its morphological reactions to these elements in the poor soil of its habitat.
Materials and methodsTo study the effect of different nutritious elements on quantitative properties of Nowruzak, a factorial experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Field of Islamic Azad University of Gonabad in March 2014. In this experiment, nitrogen fertilizers in three levels (N1= control, N2=100 kg.ha-1 and N3=200 kg.ha-1 based on net nitrogen), Phosphor in three levels (0, 50 and100 kg.ha-1 based on P2O5) and potassium fertilizers in two levels (0- and 50 kg.ha-1 based on K2O) were applied of farm to specify the effect of each elements and their reactions on quantitative growth properties of Nowruzak.
Results and discussionResults show that the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on plant height, harvest index, cover crown diameter and number of fertile branches are significant at 1% level. In a way that levels of nitrogen fertilizer are placed in first, second and third group of Duncan multiple range test, respectively. The highest plant height with average of 41.97 cm is assigned to 200 kg net nitrogen . Moreover, application of 200 kg.ha-1 of net nitrogen led to highest cover crown diameter with average of 92.07 cm and led to increase the number of fertile branches with average of 31.75 per plant. The same trend as nitrogen observed for different levels of phosphorous. Application of 100 kg Phosphor resulted highest number of leaves with average of 140 leaf/plant. The highest plant height is also assigned to the group of 100 kg Phosphor fertilizer with average of 41.97 cm. Moreover application of this amount of fertilizer led to highest cover crown diameter (94.06 cm) which also resulted in increase of the number of fertile branches (average: 33.21 branches per plant).
The results of analysis of variance regarding potassium fertilizer show that its application has significant effect on all the measured parameters at 1% level. Application of 50 kg of potassium fertilizer, in comparison with no application, results in increase of the number of leaves (average: 122 per plant), plant height (average: 37.06 cm), cover crown diameter (average 78.13 cm) and the number of fertile branches (average 26.55). The obtained results show that Bajestan ecotype of Nowruzak showed an acceptable adaptability to fertilizer application in Gonabad city which indicated the poorness of the soil.
ConclusionAs chemical fertilizers are among the main factors of soil fertilization, Nowruzak medicinal plant showed a normal response to highest amount of applied fertilizers, therefore it is justified to apply chemical fertilizers in cultivation of this plant in the field to increase the plant size which is the economically valuable trait

IntroductionInvasive species present a major threat to biodiversity, which may be boosted due to the climate change effects, particularly if desired weather conditions allow weed to spread to new areas. Identification of areas climatically suitable to weed establishment can offer great opportunities for stopping or decelerating invasion process. Bioclimatic and species distribution models that relate geographic data of a species to environmental variables have become an important modeling tool in invasion ecology. Although the predicted area by climex as suitable environmental for a species does not mean that, it can necessarily establish there, it does suggest a beneficial knowledge about detecting areas with invasion potential.
Taking advantage of climate match index to predict the potential invasion of wild barley grass weed in Iran and other world regions under current climate and different climate change scenarios are the objectives of current research .Identifying suitable environmental areas for invasive species provides an opportunity to prevent or slow down the invasion process
Materials and methodsBased on the presence intensity index of weeds, the climate of infestation hotspots in the Lorestan province, including Khorramabad (Aymanabad and Rimmelleh region), Dorud, Kuhdasht and Aleshtar, were defined as the favorable climate for wild barley. Wild barley-infected foci climate in Lorestan province was considered as a desirable climate for this weed. Climatic similarity of different regions of the world with the intended zone was evaluated as a criterion of invasion susceptibility of those regions in the current conditions and under climate change scenarios by using Climex model.
Results and DiscussionResults showed that Kermanshah, Tehran, Hamedan, Kurdistan, Markazi, Qazvin and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari with composite match Index greater than 0.81 in compare to infected area in Lorestan, were the most prone province of Iran for wild barley weed establishment. under climate change scenarios, Zanjan, Hamedan, Ardebil, West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan, Kurdistan, Chharmhal and bakhtyary, and Markazi climate conditions will be more favorable in comparison with the current situation for establishment of wild barley weed, and the climate conditions in other provinces will be less favorable. Under climate change scenarios condition, the climate conditions of Lorestan will be 8.5% unfavorable to establish wild barley. Islamabad gharb, Borujerd, Ivan, Tuyserkan, Kangavar, peers, Kermanshah, Kamyaran, Ardal, Silakhor, Sararood, Sanandaj, Shamiran Tehran, Rawansar, Rvmshkan, Skinheads, Ilam, Farsan, Tazehabad, Nourabad Delfan, Mahabad, Azna, Songhor, Harsin, Sisakht, Khorramabad, Sepidan, Zarghan, Moalem Kalayeh, Sarableh, Bukan, Qazvin, Shahin Dez, Bane, Bilasuvar, Shazand, Takhte jamshid, Arak, Khomeini, Hashtgerd, Saghez, Oshnavieh, Saman, Khondab, Shiraz, Shahr kord, and Malayer with a composite match index of greater than 0.9 were considered the most vulnerable regions against the wild barley invasion. In the current climate situation, Spain, United States of America, Algeria, Greece, Syria, Turkey, Italy, Australia, Uzbekistan, Tunisia, Pakistan, Iraq, Morocco, Chile, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Portugal, Argentina, Turkmenistan, Libya, Romania, Jordan, South Africa, France, Armenia, Ukraine, Palestine and China have at least one region with composite match index greater than 0.8 for wild barley weed infested region in Lorestan province. Climate conditions of North Korea, Switzerland, South Korea, Hungary, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mongolia, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, Poland, Romania, Yugoslavia, South Georgia, Belgium, Russia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Ukraine, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Finland, Belarus, England, Norway, France, Denmark and Ireland become 10-30% more vulnerable to wild barley invasion, according to the UK scenario for the year 2080, climate change in compared with current weather condition.
ConclusionsEurope was the most talented continent for invasion of wild barley, and South America and the Africa continents in the current and future climates respectively had the minimum risk for establishment of wild barley.

Evaluation of net primary productivity and carbon allocation to different organs of corn under nutrient management and tillage systems
IntroductionAgriculture operations produce 10 to 20 percent of greenhouse gases. As a result of conventional operations of agriculture, greenhouse gases have been increased (Osborne et al., 2010). Therefor it is necessary to notice to carbon sequestration to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. In photosynthesis process, plants absorb CO2 and large amounts of organic carbon accumulate in their organs. Biochar is produced of pyrolysis of organic compounds. Biochar is an appropriate compound for improved of soil properties and carbon sequestration (Whitman and Lehmann, 2009; Smith et al., 2010). Conservation tillage has become an important technology in sustainable agriculture due to its benefits. So the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and tillage systems on net primary production and carbon allocation to different organs of corn in Shahrood.
Material and methodsThis study was conducted at the Shahrood University of Technology research farm. Experiment was done as split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. Tillage systems with two levels (conventional tillage and minimum tillage) were as the main factor and nutrient management in seven levels including (control, chemical fertilizer, manure, biochar, chemical fertilizer manure, chemical fertilizer biochar, manure biochar) were considered as sub plot. At the time of maturity of corn, was sampled from its aboveground and belowground biomasses. Carbon content of shoot, seed and root was considered almost 45 percent of yield of each of these biomasses and carbon in root exudates almost 65 percent of carbon in the root. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS program. Comparison of means was conducted with LSD test at the 5% level.
Results and discussionEffect of nutrient management was significant on belowground and aboveground biomasses, total weight and net primary productivity. Maximum and minimum of shoot, seed, total weight and aboveground net primary productivity were obtained in chemical fertilizer and control respectively. Nitrogen plays a key role in several physiological crop processes. As a result of increasing N doses, the photosynthetic activity, leaf area index (LAI) and leaf area density (LAD) increase. Maximum and minimum of root weight and belowground net primary productivity were obtained in chemical fertilizer manure and control respectively. Manure and biochar increased root weight 56/03 and 54/31 percent compared to control respectively that had no significant different to chemical fertilizer. Manure increased root growth, possibly through improved physical properties and increased nutrient and water availability. Manure decreases soil compatibility with increasing of stability of soil structure and soil resilient. Impact of adding manure on improving of root length density has been reported by Mosaddeghi et al. (2009). The increased maize yield in biochar amended soil could be attributed to increased nutrient availability (Chan et al. 2008; Zhang et al. 2010) and to improved soil physical properties indicated by decreased soil bulk density.
ConclusionsThe results showed that nutrient management had significant effect on belowground and aboveground biomasses, total weight, below and aboveground net primary productivity and carbon allocated to different organs of corn. Maximum and minimum of belowground and aboveground net primary productivity was obtained in chemical fertilizer, manure chemical fertilizer and control respectively. Manure and biochar increased belowground net primary productivity 54/91 and 53/21 percent compared to control respectively that had no significant different to chemical fertilizer. Tillage systems had no significant effect on measured traits. The results showed that with application reduced tillage and manure and biochar can increase belowground net primary production and carbon allocation to belowground organs and by adding root residues to the soil can retain roots carbon and prevent its release into the atmosphere. Therefore with reduction of CO2 amount in atmosphere, climate change and global warming be reduced.