Journal of Emergy, Life Cycle and System Analysis in Agriculture
Volume:2 Issue: 2, Winter-Spring 2022

Drought stress is the primary constraint on crop and medicinal plant yields in arid and semi-arid regions. Milk thistle is a medicinal plant with antioxidant secondary metabolites (flavonolignans). The effect of drought stress was evaluated in this study at three growth stages (6, 13, and 20 weeks after planting) using four different levels of irrigation (100, 75, 50%, and 25% of water requirement, respectively, as non-stress, mild stress, moderate stress, and severe stress). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse located in Shandol village, Hirmand city, Iran, as a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design. The following agronomic and physiological characteristics were determined: fresh weight, dry weight, photosynthetic pigments, proline, carbohydrates, malondialdehyde, relative water content, and ion leakage. The results indicated that the effect of various irrigation levels, harvest time, and their interaction were significant for the majority of traits, except for the relative water content and ion leakage traits, indicating that these traits react differently at various growth stages. Fresh weight, dry weight, photosynthetic pigment content, and relative water content all decreased under drought stress conditions, to the point where the lowest amount was observed under severe drought stress (25% of water requirement). Drought stress results in thylakoid protein hydrolysis, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b reduction, and pigment and photosynthetic structure loss. With increasing stress intensity, the concentrations of proline, carbohydrates, malondialdehyde, and ion leakage increased. As a result, the highest amount was discovered under severe drought stress conditions. As a result, this increase indicates that the plant is suffering from oxidative stress as a result of the drought. Proline content increased proportionately to the severity of the stress, reaching its maximum value under severe drought stress (25% water requirement). Thus, under drought stress conditions, milk thistle responds to oxidative stress by increasing the accumulation of this osmolyte

Medicinal plants contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are the primary antioxidants produced by plants. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that protect the body from damage by counteracting free radicals. The Myrtaceae family comprises eucalyptus, a medicinal plant. At the Lorestan Research Center, this study investigated how harvesting times affected the phytochemical composition of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus viminalis) essential oil. Three replications of a randomized complete block design were utilized to conduct the experiment. The concentrations of flavonoids and total phenol were ascertained by employing Folin-Ciocalteu's regent and aluminum chloride, respectively. By means of GC/MS analysis, the hydrodistilled essential oils of eucalyptus leaves were evaluated. In general, the results indicated that the highest concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds were detected during the spring season. During the spring, summer, and fall, leaf essential oil contained 43, 14, and 17 components, respectively. 1,8-Cineol, alpha-pinene, and trans-pinocarveol exhibited the highest concentrations across all three seasons. Collectively, the results indicate that the duration of the harvest significantly influences the concentration of bioactive compounds in plants.

Food and energy shortages, as well as environmental pollution, are the three fundamental challenges of many countries. On the one hand, optimal energy utilization decreases input consumption, while on the other hand, it reduces environmental damage. Energy analysis is a scientific tool for gauging the stability of an ecosystem devoted to crop production. The objective of the present study was to assess the amount of input and output energy, the proportion of direct, indirect, renewable, and nonrenewable energy types, and the energy use efficiency of the quinoa production system in the Iranshahr region of southern Iran. In 2020, the required information was gathered by administering a questionnaire and conducting an interview with the quinoa farmer at the Agricultural Research and Agricultural Jihad Center. This study collects data from 35 farms and is based on two outputs (grain and straw yields) and eight inputs. Evaluations of energy and economics revealed that the total energy input and output for quinoa production were 39122.99 MJ ha-1 and 90741.78 MJ ha-1, respectively. For the cultivation of one hectare of quinoa, the values for energy use efficiency (2.32), energy productivity (0.17 kg MJ-1), specific energy (5.83 MJ kg-1) and net energy gain (51618.79 MJ ha-1) were determined. Diesel fuel accounted for the largest portion of energy usage (26.39%). The results of the economic research also revealed that the average consumption expenses for producing one hectare of quinoa were $1668.93 ha-1, while the average net income of the farmer was approximately $1451.86 ha-1. In terms of energy consumption and profitability, this plant is therefore suited for cultivation in the research region. Compared to wheat and barley, quinoa requires significantly less energy to produce in this location. However, with improved management, the energy efficiency of quinoa can be increased and the proportion of nonrenewable energy used in production can be decreased.

An experiment was carried out to determine the effects of chelated zinc and nanoscale zinc oxide particles on tolerance salinity of barley. In the experiment, barley seeds were treated with different concentrations of chelated zinc (Zn-Chelated) and nanoscale zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO), and the effects of these treatments on seed germination, seedling vigor, plant growth, grain filling, and yield were studied. The inhibitory effect of nanoparticles and chelated zinc (1.5 ppm) was discovered.The results emphasize that water can be supplied to the barley followed by Zn-Chelated application with 0.5 ppm to get the desired results. With increasing salinity stress, seed germination and seedling vigor decreased sharply, so the highest obtained from control treatment and the lowest obtained from a salinity level of 18 dS m-1. The genotypes respond differently to salinity levels and alkaline soils. It seems that the Khatam genotype has more tolerance to salinity conditions. Consequently, an experiment was conducted in a strip-plot design with three replications. Based on the correlation coefficients, the kernel number per spike (KNS) showed the highest correlation with the grain yield in barley genotypes, followed by grain filling rate (GFR), maximum grain weight (MGW), thousand-kernel weight (TKW), number of spikes (NS), and saturation water deficit (SWD), respectively. Thus, not only a higher KNS and TKW, but also GFR, MGW, and proline in aboveground plant parts are crucial for successful tolerance in barley. These findings indicate that these agrophysiological traits could be key factors and useful tools for screening many samples in a short time.

Climate change is caused by global warming, which is our most pressing environmental concern. However, some of these modifications will have negative effects on animal welfare and the quality and quantity of poultry products. We examined the effects of different periods of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis on the European production efficiency index (EPEI), intestinal microbiota and morphology, and long bone characteristics of Ross (308) broilers strain exposed to Chronic Heat Stress (CHS). Consequently, 608 fertile eggs were utilized in a completely randomized design comprising four treatments and four replicates. 7 to 16 days were spent incubating experimental groups with different TM (for control (0 h), 6, 12, and 18 hours). Humidity and temperature were maintained at 65% and 39.5°C. After hatching, male chicks were chosen, housed under standard conditions, and then subjected to chronic heat stress (CHS) between 28 and 42 days later. Mortality in the TM-treated groups was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower than in the control group during CHS, and mortality was lowest after 12 hours of treatment. The EPEI was greater in treated chickens at 12 and 18 hours compared to untreated chickens (P ≤ 0.015). The treatments have no effect on the intestinal microbiota (P ≥ 0.05). The tibial length (P ≤ 0.05) and width (P ≤ 0.048) of birds given 12- and 18-hour treatments increased significantly. ≤  TM caused significant changes in the villus's height and area of the villus (P ≤ 0.05). TM-treated birds had higher villus height than control. It can be concluded that TM may increase the height of villus and long bone characteristics and decrease the mortality rate in broilers exposed to CHS due to adaptation and thermotolerance.

In most regions of Iran, including the province of Lorestan, the majority of agricultural activities are conducted in the open air. Climate risks have a significant impact on agricultural productivity. Drought and its effects are among the most significant natural threats to the agriculture industry in that area. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of drought on the yield of rain-fed crops in Aleshtar county, Lorestan province. To achieve this goal, a combination of field methods, remote sensing, and statistical methods was employed. During ground surveys, data required for laboratory operations (direct method) and measurements using AccuPAR and MODIS sensor images were collected (indirect method). In addition, precipitation data from synoptic stations in the province of Lorestan over the course of 27 years (1991-2017) were utilized to calculate the drought and its impact on yield. According to the calculated drought indices, in the province of Lorestan and the county of Aleshtar, the trend of increasing drought and the recurrence of long-term cycles of wet and drought are evident. The study of phenology characteristics of rainfed crops (barley) in relation to climate conditions revealed that an increase in thermal and water stress has a direct effect on the performance of rainfed crops. Therefore, an increase of 2.5 °C in the average temperature, combined with a lack of moisture supply during flowering, results in a decrease in the number of seeds per spike (16 seeds per spike) and, consequently, a decrease in the plant's yield. At various growth stages of rain-fed plants, the correlation index between LAI harvested by direct methods and remote sensing methods ranges between 0.57 and 0.96. This value represents the precision of remote sensing techniques. From 1991 to 2017, the correlation index values between the yield of rainfed plants, especially wheat and barley, and the values of various drought indices indicate a positive and direct relationship between yield and drought index values. The correlation index between yield and drought index values reaches its maximum value during 1-6 months, and its value decreases as time scales become longer. The physiological properties of various products are one of the primary causes of this circumstance. On the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that the increase in drought and heat stress in the province of Lorestan and the county of Aleshtar has caused a decrease in yield at various stages of plant growth and an increase in water demand for a variety of rainfed crops.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of vacuum packaging on body chemical composition and changes in peroxide and TVB-N of phytophagous fish and determine the optimal storage time in freezing conditions (-18 ° C). In this study, 36 samples of 100 g fillets were prepared for both vacuum and non-vacuum conditions in completely hygienic conditions. Then half of the samples were vacuum-packed using an EBOR vacuum packing machine, and the other half were packaged under conventional conditions. These fillets were stored for five months at freezing temperature (-18 °C). After packing, all factors were analyzed in 6 replications by standard methods. Peroxide content increased significantly from 1.96 meq/kg to 44.44 meq/kg in vacuum conditions and to 47.77 meq/kg in non-vacuum conditions. Also, the amount of TVB-N increased significantly from 6.53 mg/100g to 18.66 mg/100g in vacuum conditions and from 6.53 mg/100g to 38.26 mg/100g in non-vacuum conditions. The result of the analysis shows the positive effect of packaging in vacuum conditions on the process of changes in the body's chemical composition. The samples in these conditions had less change range than in conventional conditions, which has reduced the spoilage rate of these samples.

Because it generates the zero-calorie sweeteners steviol glycosides, Stevia rebaudiana is a valuable medicinal plant that offers herbal care for diabetic patients. The effects of applying vermicompost water extract and inoculating S. rebaudiana with Serendipita indica on the growth of the plant were investigated in this study using an in vitro experimental design that was completely randomized. The application of vermicompost water extract and inoculation with S. indica had a significant impact on the majority of the plant's growth parameters, as indicated by the results. S. rebaudiana inoculated with S. indica exhibited the greatest root length, chlorophyll content, and dry weight of aerial parts. Additionally, when inoculated with vermicompost water extract, S. rebaudiana demonstrated the maximum chlorophyll content and the ratio of fresh weight of roots to fresh weight of aerial parts. Large-scale application of the findings from this study is possible in the tissue culture of medicinal plants. Conversely, in sustainable agriculture, the utilization of water extract vermicompost and S. indica fungus may lead to enhanced vegetative products and, consequently, secondary metabolites in medicinal plants.

Chemical quality is a significant and determining factor in a variety of water applications. Understanding the characteristics of subterranean water is regarded as a viable instrument for assessing water resource management. o determine the chemical quality of the groundwater in the Ghorove– Dehgolan aquifer, as well as to examine changes over three statistical periods (2001–2018), the basin was sampled for the following chemical parameters: electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, sodium absorption ratio, bicarbonate, carbonate, chlorine, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Information from 276 exploitation sources on an annual scale pertaining to an 18-year statistical period was utilized to accomplish the objectives. The geographic information system (GIS) and the geostatistical interpolation method were utilized to determine the distribution of effective variables in the quality of industrial consumption in order to generate quality zoning maps of water consumption utilizing the Langelier index and the available data for the study area. The analysis of water quality variables revealed that the aquifer exhibited the highest values of electrical conductivity (669 µS/cm), total dissolved solids (430 mg/l), and sodium absorption ratio (0.95%) for groundwater quality during the period 2013–2018. In comparison to the other courses, they are lower. The assessment of industrial water quality revealed that scaling affected 22% of the water samples, while corrosion affected 78%. The examination of qualitative zoning maps intended for industrial applications revealed that the aquifers in the southern portion of the Ghorove– Dehgolan plain, along with a restricted region in the aquifer's northern section, exhibit sedimentation characteristics. Conversely, the majority of the aquifers in the area demonstrate corrosive attributes. Thus, it is imperative to exercise utmost caution when utilizing these resources in pressurized irrigation systems and industrial, urban, and agricultural water supply systems in order to mitigate potential harm to pipelines and metal connections.

Biological fertilizers are regarded as a viable substitute for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Conversely, drought stress constitutes a significant impediment to the development and growth of crops. Large quantities of rainwater or irrigation water can be absorbed by superabsorbent polymers, preventing their deep infiltration and resupplying the plant in dry conditions. The present study investigated the impact of superabsorbent polymer and fertile biofertilizers-2, in addition to Nitroxin, on the quantitative and qualitative yield of cumin when subjected to drought stress conditions. To examine the impact of superabsorbent polymers Barvar2 and bio-fertilizers Nitroxin on cumin seed yield and yield components during drought stress, a factorial split experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the field during the 2014-2015 crop year. This study focused primarily on drought stress, including two levels of stress and non-stress. The experimental setup consisted of two levels of non-consumption and consumption of superabsorbent polymers (Nixin and Barvar2), as well as biofertilizers Nitroxin and Barvar2. The subfactors were represented in the subplots using a 2×2×2 factorial design. Under conditions of drought stress, the integrated application of bio-fertilizers Nitroxin and Barvar2, along with the utilization of a superabsorbent polymer, produced the highest seed weight (3.133 gr), seed yield (46.09 grm-2), and biological yield (106.8 grm-2). The optimal treatment combination, which consists of Barvar2 with superabsorbent polymer and Nitroxin integrated treatments, has been identified as the most effective method for increasing grain yield and yield components under wet conditions. Overall, the outcomes of these experiments indicated that the application of bio-fertilizers and superabsorbent polymers might be viable options for enhancing the productivity of cumin manufacturing. In drought-stressed conditions, such as dry farming, the application of biofertilizers Barvar2 and Nitroxin in conjunction with superabsorbent polymer consumption reduced the effects of drought stress on yield components, grain yield, and biological yield in comparison to the control treatment. When moisture limitation is present, the application of bio-fertilizers containing superabsorbent polymer can significantly enhance the productivity of rainfed cumin cultivation.

The organic carbon in soil is correlated with soil quality and important for evaluating management practices and related structural and functional consequences in land uses. Carbon input to different ecosystems varies with plant type, soil fertility, management practice, and climatic condition. This review evaluates carbon sequestration potentials in various land uses, land use change effects on carbon sequestration and ways to increase the carbon sequestration in these land uses. According to various studies, the protected forest ecosystems and cereal croplands had respectively the highest and lowest carbon sequestration rates compared to other ecosystems. In most of the reviewed cases, land use change reduces vegetation cover and prevents the maintenance of the organic matter in the soil. Heavy soil destruction is based on the alteration of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems and urban land uses. In contrast, forests supply 20 to 100 times more carbon than croplands. Soil organic carbon content in agricultural lands is approximately 15 to 30% lower than natural soils. Finally, it could be concluded that management practices and policy could strongly influence the carbon sequestration process. On the other hand, in all land uses, carbon sequestration potential can be increased by appropriate management activities. Thus, more attention to carbon sequestration for sustainability development and reasonable management is essential in landscape planning and policy support actions.

In order to examine the impact of biofertilizer on the essential oil and seed yield of Moldavian balm, a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replications were designed at the Khoy Agricultural Research Center in the West Azerbaijan Province. Five fertilization levels were applied: 100% urea (70 kg N ha−1), 75% urea (52.5 kg N ha−1) + 25% azocompost (3.85 ton ha-1), 50% urea (35 kg N ha−1) + 50% azocompost (7.77 ton ha-1), 25% urea (17.5 kg N ha−1) + 75% azocompost (11.55 ton ha-1), and 100% azocompost (1555 ton ha-1) on two Moldavian balm landrace (Urmia and the modern cultivar SZK-1).  The results of this study indicated that a 100% urea fertilizer regime produced the highest dry herbage yield. The highest seed yield was achieved with a 100% urea fertilizer application of approximately 1,122 kg ha-1. Inoculating seeds with Azotobacter and Azospirillum bacteria resulted in the highest harvest index, with a value of 22.4 percent. The Urmia landrace genotype had the highest yield of essential oil (20.5 kg ha-1). Based on the findings, the 50% urea + 50% azocompost fertilizer treatment had the greatest effect on the majority of the investigated characteristics.