نشریه علوم آب و خاک (علوم و فنون کشاورزی و منابع طبیعی)
سال نهم شماره 3 (پیاپی 33، پاییز 1384)

Since the fluctuations of the Persian Gulf Sea Surface Temperature (PGSST) have a significant effect on the winter precipitation and water resources and agricultural productions of the south western parts of Iran, the possibility of the Winter SST prediction was evaluated by multiple regression model. The time series of PGSSTs for all seasons, during 1947-1992, were considered as predictors, and the time series of MSSTs during 1948-1993, as the prrdictand. For the purpose of data reduction and principal components extraction, the principal components analysis was applied. Just the scores of the first four PCs (PC1 to PC4) that accounted for the total variance in predictor field were considered as the input file for the regression analysis. For finding the dependency of each principal component to the first time series of the PGSST, the Varimax rotation analysis was applied. The results have indicated that PC1 to PC4 respectively are the indicator of temperature changes during winter, autumn, Spring and Summer. According to the regression model, the components of PC1, PC2 and PC4 were significant at 5% level. But the components of PC3 was insignificant. The results indicated that the significant variables are held accountable for the 33.5% of the total variance in the winter PGSSTs. It became obvious that for the prediction of the winter PGSST, the PGSST during the winter of the last year has a particular importance. At the next stage, autumn and summer temperature have also a role in prediction of winter PGSST.

In this study, the simulation of the BORKHAR plain aquifer located in north-east of Isfahan was done for the estimation of the hydrodynamic coefficients and for the preparation of the prediction and management model with the purpose of the study of the water table surface situation in the next years. The study of the geological situation of the plain and the report of the drilling of its exiting wells indicated that the BORKHAR plain has two kinds of aquifer: confined and unconfined. According to the field data related to the unconfined aquifer, a part of this aquifer was selected for the mathematical simulation. The calibration model for the estimation of the K and Sy. coefficients was done by dividing the plain into four geohydrologic units and by using the PEST, a module of the MODFLOW model. The situation of the water table level during 1380-1390 was studied according to the different management options by the calibration model. If the trend of the exploitation doesn’t change during the next ten years, we will confront with a maximum drop of 48 meters. As a practical way for preventing from this drop, it was suggested that the exploitation management reduce the 30 percent of the demand. One of the most important result of this will be the 26 percent reduction of the drop. By developing an optimization model and by imposing the necessary constraints on the critical regions, and transferring water from other parts, it seems that the trend of the drop will be controllable at a admissible level (less than 10 meters until 1390). Using the optimization model will make a change in the increasing trend of the drop and an improvement in the situation of the aquifer.

In order to determine the water production functions for winter wheat (Variety, C73,5), an experiment was conducted in through of a complete randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications in Mashhad region. While the first treatment (as a control treatment) was selected on the basis of irrigation in all growth stages of growing season, six treatments were selected on the basis of an irrigation cut in the six stages of growth season and two remaining treatments were also selected on the basis of a constant reduction of irrigation to the amount of 20 and 60 percent. In general the water stress was caused that the amounts of depth percolation were calculated negatively which was an indication of the water uptake from below the root zone. According to results, models of the yield in per unit of area had a higher correlation coefficient of determination in relation to the models of the yield in per unit of water. The derived sensitivity coefficients indicated that the winter grain formation and flowering stages were respectively the most sensitive stages of the growth season stages to the water deficit. There are some differences between these computed sensitivity coefficients and the amounts reported by the other researchers. Probably the variety, degree of stress, the climatic conditions and some unknown factors may explain these differences.

This study shows how multiobjective programming, compromise programming and filtering techniques could be used to manage scarce resources. Data were collected from a sample of 109 Rafsanjan pistachio producers. The aim of the program was to make a compromise between the objectives of profit maximization, the maximization of the area under pistachio gardens and also maximization of the groundwater use. The multiobjective programming approach and filtering techniques were used to find the efficient set among these objectives. A compromise between the objectives was established by the compromise programming method. Although none of the above three objectives achieved completely in the compromise solution, it became nearer to the ideal point on the assumption that the importance of three objectives was the same. By omitting this assumption and considering the objective weights based on decision maker preferences, the compromise solution might become nearer to the ideal point.

Due to the existence of salinity and high temperature and sensitivity of some plants in most regions of Iran, especially in Khoozestan, there are a lat of difficulties in the planting and husbandry of lawn. Therefore an experiment was carried out under field conditions, to investigate the effect of seven levels of salinity as: Karun river water with EC of 1.09, distilled water (0.01) and irrigation with hand made salinity of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 dS/m on the growth and development of three types of lawn namely: Lolium perenne L. cultivar Barball, Festuca arundinacea cultivar Kentaky-31-C and Cynodon dactylon cultivar Primo in the form of a 7×3 factorial with a completely randomized design in 3 replication. A number of leaves on the main shoot and tiller, fresh and dry weight of leaves, leaf area and a number of tiller per plant were recorded. According to the results, it was revealed that the effect of salinity, Genus and interaction were significant (P<0.05) on growth parameters. In all salinity levels, Cynodon dactylon, in comparison to the other two genus displayed the highest rate of growth, while between the two other genus there were no significant differences. In addition, it was revealed that the number of leaf on the tiller and main shoot in Cynodon dactylon at a salinity of 15 dS/m was 5.1 and 4, respectively. Whereas in others, no leaves were initiated at this level of salinity. It was also appeared that at salinity of 15 dS/m, the growth of leaf area, the fresh and dry weight of leaves greatly decreased in Lolium perenne and Festuca arundinacea, while Cynodon dactylon still had growth ability. It was concluded that the number of tiller per plant and high of the plant was less affected by salinity, compared to the other growth parameters in all of genus.

Green skin (hull) of pistachio fruits is a barrier against the penetration of fungi and insects into the kernel of pistachio. Splitting of husk facilitates the entry of fungi and infection of pistachio kernels during the harvest. So far no effective way has been reported for controlling this problem. To evaluate the effects of gibberellic acid on hull spliting the present research was conducted in a commercial orchard of pistachio during 2001-2002 in Rafsanjan, Iran. Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 0,25,50 and 100 mg –1 was applied on 25-year-old of “Owhadi” pistachio cultivar. Two branches of each tree was sprayed during two years of study. GA3 at 25,50 and 100 mg –1 significantly reduced hull splitting and penetration by Aspergillus spp. into pistachio fruits. There was a positive correlation between the hull splitting and fungi penetration (r=0.92*). The exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp of pistachio fruits cultured on selective medium of Aspergillus spp. showed no infection of pistachio kernel by Aspergillus spp. The highest concentration of aflatoxin was detected in the kernel of non-treated fruits (6.25 ppb) and the lowest (0.5 ppb) fruits treated by GA3 . GA3 reduced husk slippery of pistachio fruits at harvest. The rate of husk slippery was reduced by increasing the concentration of GA3. Gibberellic acid treatments had no significant effect on dehiscence, weight of 100 fruits, total soluble solids, but significantly increased fat and chlrophyll content of kernel of pistachio fruits. The results of the study is recommended for commerical pistachio production in Iran.

Over-grazing may induce changes in the dynamics of plant residue carbon and soil organic carbon (SOC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the litter quality of three dominant pasture species, and the relationship between litter quality and C dynamics under different range managements in native rangelands of SabzKou. Aboveground litters from three dominant species including, Agropyron intermedium (AP), Hordeum bulbosum (HB) and Juncus stenophylla (JU) were collected in an area protected from grazing for 15 years. Concentrations of N, P and K in litter samples were determined. Litter decomposition was also studied by using a litter bag experiment. Bagged litters were incubated under field conditions at grazed and ungrazed sites for one year. Concentrations of N in litters were 1.37, 1.36 and 0.98, respectively, for AP, JU and HB. Assuming 50 % C in the litter, C/N ratios of litters were 37.2, 37.3 and 51.1, respectively, for AP, JU and HB. The litters of AP, JU and HB contained, respectively, 0.13,0.12 and 0.21 % of P, and 1.04, 1.01 and 1.72 % of K. Results indicate no significant (p>0.05) and consistent difference in litter decomposition rates between grazed and ungrazed areas. The three pasture species, however, showed significant (p<0.01) differences in litter decomposition rate. It is appearing that the trend in litter decomposition of these plant species correlates initially with litter C/N ratio, but other quality parameters of litter as well as soil environmental conditions would likely affect the litter decomposability in advanced stages of decomposition process.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of cow manure on soil hydraulic properties and bromide leaching in a sandy loam soil (coarse loamy mixed, Typic Torrifluvents). Manure was applied at 0, 30, and 60 tha-1 at three replications in a completely random design. Three months after manure application potassium bromide (KBr) at rate of 300 Kg ha-1 Br was uniformly applied on the surface. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter, and soil moisture at18 levels of matric potentials were determined. Soil samples to the depth of 105 cm at 15-cm increments were collected after 100, 200 and 400 mm of irrigation. Soil bulk density, porosity, organic matter content, and soil moisture at different levels of matric potential increased significantly with manure application. Manure application also significantly affected the hydraulic parameters. Bromide leaching was significantly lower in plots with manure application and the greatest leaching occurred at the zero manure application treatment. The center of mass evaluation indicated a relatively similar result with measured values.

In order to achieve a sustainable management of land resources and to improve land quality, quantitative assessment of effective factors and soil quality indicators are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate variability of selected soil quality attributes in central Zagros affected by such factors as region, land use and management practices. Twelve sites were selected in three provinces including Chahar Mahal va Backtiari (Sabzku, Broujen), Isfahan (Semirum), and Kohkeloyeh va Boyerahmad (Yasodje). Different management practices were considered such as: protected pasture, intensive grazing, controlled grazing, dryland farming, irrigated wheat cultivation, legume-farming practice, protected forest, and degraded forest. Systematic sampling with taking 50 samples of surface soil in each site was carried out. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that all factors significantly influenced the spatial variability of selected soil quality attributes namely phosphatase activity, microbial respiration, soil organic matter, and total nitrogen. The results obtained from discriminant analysis indicated that all selected soil quality parameters could significantly be used as soil quality indicators in order to recognize and discriminate sustainable agricultural and forestry ecosystems and/or optimal management practices.

To evaluate heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients, phenotypic and genotypic variances as well as relationships between some of the grain quality traits, an investigation was conducted in a randomized complete block design replicated three times in 2001, using four durum wheat genotypes PI40100, Dipper-6, Oste/Gata, Shova and their F2 and F3 progenies derived from their crosses. Grain quality characteristics including seed hardiness, protein content, SDS sedimentation volume and gluten content were evaluated. The results indicated that wet gluten content and dry gluten content had the highest coefficient of variation. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between genotypes for all traits with the exception of SDS sedimentation volume. Dry gluten content had the highest heritability (90.4%) while SDS sedimentation volume had the lowest heritability (48.6%). Results of correlation analysis indicated that seed hardiness correlated significantly with protein content, SDS sedimentation and dry gluten content. Protein content had a positive correlation with wet and dry gluten content. Since dry gluten content showed a high correlation with protein content (quantity) and seed hardiness had a high correlation with SDS sedimentation volume, hence these two traits can be used as the selection criteria for improving quality of protein in durum wheat.

The appropriate planting pattern of safflower in summer planting might be different from the planting pattern suitable for spring planting, and this has not been determined under Isfahan environmental conditions. A field experiment was conducted in the summer of 2000 at the Agricultural Research Station, Isfahan University of Technology, using a randomized complete block design with a split plot layout and three replications. Main plots consisted of three row distances (30 cm flat and 45 and 60 cm on bed), and sub-plots included three planting densities (30, 40, and 50 plant m-2). The experiment was planted in June 13 using local safflower variety of Isfahan, named Koseh. Leaf area index, number of heads per branch, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index were not significantly effected by row distance. Increase row distance significantly enhanced most developmental stages and increased number of branches per plant and per square meter, but significantly decreased number of heads per plant and per square meter and seed and petal yields. The highest seed and petal yields (3841 and 373 kg per ha, respectively) were obtained with 30 cm row distance. Plant density had no significant effect on number of branches per plant, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield per plant and per unit area. Plant density significantly enhanced most developmental stages and increased leaf area index, number of branches and number of heads per square meter, but significantly decreased number of heads per branch and per plant, petal yield and harvest index. The highest seed yield without petal clipping (4341 kg per ha) was obtained with 30 cm row distance and 50 plants m-2 treatment. The results obtained in this experiment indicate that this planting pattern might be appropriate for summer planting of safflower under conditions similar to this experiment.

The physiological characteristics of winter wheat(cv. Shiraz) were evaluated in a 2-yrs field study by using a spilit plot design with four replications, at the experimental farm of Shiraz University, College of Agriculture located at Badjgah. Main plots consisted of three sowing dates (November 6th, December 6th and January 5th) and four planting densities (150, 250, 350 and 450 plants/m2) were assigned as sub plots. The results indicated that delay in sowing was associated with a significant reduction in the grain yield. So that the grain yield in sowing date of January 5th was significantly less than it in sowing dates of November 6th and December 6th. Moreover with delay in sowing date the developmental rate of wheat was enhanced and plants reached maturity more rapidly. The trend of the leaf area index changes and the dry weight of the plants were under the effect of experimental treatments, leaf area index was found to be greater at the higher densities and early planting date. Number of stems per m2 were decreased with delay in the sowing date, although at the higher densities, the number of stems per m2 was greater, despite severe tiller death observed at these densities. The study of trend of dry weight changes during the season indicated that biomass was greater at higher densities and earlier sowings, which resulted in earlier ground cover and higher amount of radiation interception. In conclusion, the results of the present investigation revealed that to achieve a reasonable grain yield, the 6th of December and 250 plants per m2 were the best sowing date and planting density for wheat (cv. Shiraz) under similar agro climatic conditions with the present investigation.

In orther to determine the critical period for weed control in the Chitti bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) line KS-21467 a field study was conducted at the Bean Research Station of Khomein by a randomized completele block design in 2001 and 2002. The treatments included weed free and weed infested period until 20, 28, 36 and 44 days after planting (DAP) with two weed free and weedy checks. The results indicated that the critical period at 5% allowable yield loss was 20-53 DAP (between first-trifoliate and flowering stages) in 2001 and 35-51 DAP ( between blossom and flowering stages) in 2002. Weed dry weight decreased averaglly 81% in weed-free period until 44 DAP compared to the weedy check. Yeild decreased averaglly 63% in weedy check compared to the weed free check. Weed competition increased the height of bean, wherease 100-seed weights and the number of seeds per pod were not substantially affected. There was a negative and significant correlation of weed dry weight with the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant and yeild.

Whole plant sunflower and sunflower without head were ensiled in plastic containers using additives in a 2×2×2×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Additives were molasses, urea (at 4 and 0.5 percent wet basis respectively), and a bacterial inoculant (Agros 6gr/ton of forage as manufacture’s instruction). Compared with silages without head, ensiling sunflower as whole plant resulted in lower pH, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ash versus higher concentrations of crude protein and ether extract (EE). No significant effect of seed was observed on lactic acid concentration and dry matter degradability (P<0.05). With the addition of molasses, the cell wall components and the EE concentrations reduced, but dry matter content increased. Highest degradability of dry matter was also observed in molasses-treated silages (average 58.04, P<0.007). With the addition of urea a significant increase was seen in CP content of either whole plant or headless silages (P<0.0001) with no effect on other fermentation characteristics. Bacterial inoculation of silages elevated the levels of lactic acid (2.81% DM) with more pronounced effect on headless than whole plant silages. Regardless of type of additives, butyric acid concentrations were ideally minimal (near to 2%) indicating least clostridial damage. The qualitative visual evaluation of the silage on the basis of scale of 1-20 for the smel, colour and structure of the silage and giving number to the mold damage on the basis of 1-10 placed all the treatment in an acceptable quality, although the mold damage was highest in silages without molasses. Results of this experiment indicated that better quality of silalges could be provided by adding molasses and ensiling whole plant sunflower. Improving quality of silages contained molasses might necesitate the additiion of a source of water-soluble carbohydrate at ensiling.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of energy and protein on the performance of male broiler breeder chicks. Three hundred and sixty day-old Arian male broiler breeder chicks were used in a 2×3 factorial experiment with two levels of metabolizable energy (3050 and 3200 Kcal/Kg) and three levels of protein and sulfur amino acids (110% NRC, NRC and 90% NRC) in a completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment. Results obtained from the whole of the experiment’s period (0-49 days of age) indicated that level of dietary energy had a significant effect on body weight and daily gain (P<0.05). Increasing of the energy levels from 3050 to 3200 kcal/kg increased body weight (2216g vs 2314g) and daily gain (45.2 vs. 47.2 g per day). Dietary energy level had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion and carcass components. Increasing of dietary protein significantly increased body weight and daily gain and decreased feed conversion and percentage of abdominal fat pad (P<0.05). The results of this study indicated that we can fed Arian male broiler breeder chicks by using diets containing 3200 Kcal ME/kg and protein and sulfur amino acid levels according to NRC recommendation or 10% higher during 0-21, 21-42 and 42-49 days of age and achieve suitable growth rate and body weight.

This study was carried out to evaluate the duration of time of feeding starter and finisher diets on live performance and carcass characteristics of female broilers. Starter diet was fed to 14 or 21 days of age. Finisher diet was fed beginning at 35 or 42 days up to 49 days of age. The results indicated that reduction of duration of feeding starter diet reduced weight gain (P<0.0071) and impaired feed conversion ratio (P<0.0002) up to 21d. Reduction of time of feeding starter diet caused a decrease in body weight at 21d (P<0.0071) whereas it had no effect on body weights at 42 and 49 days. Increasing time of feeding finisher diet caused a drop of the weight gain (P<0.0076) and impaired feed conversion ratio (P<0.0001) up to 42d but these differences were not significant up to 49d, suggesting a catch-up growth during 42 to 49d. There was no significant effect of dietary treatments on carcass characteristics at 49 days of age. Lowering time of feeding starter diet and increasing time of feeding finisher diet caused a significant decrease in pH, moisture and nitrogen contents of the litter.

In this study changes in microstructure of casein micelles in raw and pasteurized milk were investigated by SEM and TEM. Milk was pasteurized by L.T.L.T. method (Temperature: 63 oC_ Time:30 minute).Samples of raw and pasteurized milk were taken from research pilot plant of The College of Agriculture. Each sample was divided into two parts. One part of each sample was directly prepared for SEM and TEM, whereas the second part were renneted at 2 oC and kept at this temperature for 24 h. and then prepared for evaluation by electron microscopes. Results indicated that in native state, particularly in raw milk casein micelles are in spherical shape with smooth surface and in the single form. The samples, which stored in the cold were under the effect of the rennet, encounter of filamentous status that might be due to the changes occurred in kappa-casein following the action of rennet along with partial removal of beta-casein and micellar calcium phosphate. Micrographs of casein micelles in pasteurized milk indicated that thermal condition during pasteurization had influenced on increasing of casein micelles size.

The meat productions are the most popular among different food products. On of the serious problems of this kind of products may be the change of the physical and chemical properties. The Restriction of the use of synthetic antioxidants have prompted the extensive research on the effect of the natural antioxidant and replacement of synthetic antioxidant with the natural ones. In this study, the effect of α-tochopherol (vitamin E) and propyl gallate on German sausage was evaluated. Four different German sausages were formulated and prepared in 30 Kg batches as follows: control without antioxidant, sausages plus α- tochopherol (200 or 500 ppm) and sausages plus propyl gallate (200 ppm). Twelve Kg of the samples were filled into cellulosic casings and the other 18 Kg in polyamidic casings. All samples were cooked. One third of the packed samples were stored at (4˚C ± 1) for 10 days and the rest were stored at (– 18 ˚C ± 1) for 6 months. The extent of autoxidation for samples were determind by peroxid and TBA values. During the storage period, autoxidation rates of control samples were more than other treatments. Propyl gallate was more effective in reduction of autoxidation than α- tochopherol treatments. Addition of 500 ppm vitamin E was more effective than 200 ppm. Significant differences were observed among treatments (P< 0.05). The study of the shear strength of the stored susages at the (4 ºC ±1) for the 10 days indicated that the most shear strength is seen in the cellulosic casing samples. The same results obtained for the stored samples at the (-18 ºC ±1) for the 6 months.

In 1997, in two vineyards of Isfahan university of technology and Zobeahan in Isfahan, the density fluctuations of Arboridia kermanshah Dlabola and their injury symptoms were studied. In each vineyard three leaves of each of ten randomly selected vines were sampled weekly. Nymphs in different instars were counted directly and rate of injury symptom (leaf discoloration) was determined with planimeter. Special cages were used to determine rate of injury symptom for each nymphal instar in comparison to each other. Rate of injury symptoms and nymphal density indicated two peaks through growing season until harvest. Tolerance threshold for A. kermanshah nymphs was determined 80 first instar nymphal days or presence of 11-12 first instar nymphs and feeding for seven days. With increase of nymph densities, damage symptom increased rapidly.

Due to the feeding on prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendes by an insect (Cyamophila dicora Loginva), a kind of the manna named Gaz-angubin is produced which it’s harvesting has a long history in Isfahan province. This manna is exclusively produced in Isfahan, Iran. In this research, a map of spatial distribution of this prickly shrub was provided. By random-systematic sample of line transects, biological criteria such as insect density, canopy coverage, branch and the soil moisture were measured. Multiple linear regression and nested design were used to analyses the response and predictor variables. The results indicated that the prickly shrub of Astragalus adscendens occupied the wet parts of mountainous areas of Isfahan and density of insect is highly related to the age, canopy coverage and soil moisture. By increasing the age of prickly shrub, the densities of insect are also increased. Regression analysis showed that the age of plant are more important in two areas of Kloseh and Lashokhm, while in Dareh-sibe area, soil moisture and the moisture of branches are more important. In other words, when the moisture is enough (e.g. Kloseh and Lashokhm areas), the age of plant has the paramount effects on insect density but when the area was suffered from drought, branches and soil moisture are more important.