Showing 1573 results for on
A. H. Elahami Rad, F. Shahidi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Bulk tomato paste is produced in concentrations higher than 35% (350 Brix scale) and its packaging is not hermetic. In recent years, the production of this product in our country has considerably increased. One of the most important problems in the tomato paste industry of Iran is the preservation of bulk tomato paste. Shelf-life of tomato paste depends on many factors such as initial quality of tomato paste, cooling conditions, salting, packaging, handling, and cold storage. The product factors evaluated in this study included: 1) microbial parameters such as total count, acid-resistant microorganisms, and Howard Mould Count and 2) physico-chemical parameters such as acidity, pH, amount of lactic acid (D and L forms), and total dry matter.
Experimental data showed that using high brix (35-38) in producing tomato paste along with salting the product surface and storing it at 0 ºC had only a limiting effect on microbial changes and could not prevent their growth completely. However, salting treatment had a great effect on surface growth of fungi and their ability to produce colonies and mycelia. On the basis of the results obtained from this study, cooling of bulk tomato paste in ambient temperature is critical to bulk tomato paste production process and also has an important effect on the quality and shelf-life of the product.
J. Jamalian, Z. Sheikhol-Eslami,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Bread, the main staple food of Iran, imparts a major portion of energy and protein to urban and rural diets. Due to the use of flour with high extraction rate and improper fermentation of the corresponding dough, traditional breads have a rather high level of phytic acid. This has a detrimental effect on absorption and availability of minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Cr, Cu, etc.), carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, thus leading, for e.g., to iron-deficiency anemia in the present study, flours with different extraction rates (with known phytic acid content) were used for baking “Sangak” and “Lavash” breads and analyzed for phytic acid. Different levels of yeast, times of fermentation and extraction rates of flour were applied in the preparation of breads and their phytic acid levels were then estimated. Based on technological merits and residual phytic acid contents, breads prepared from two types of treatments were selected, their chemical composition, availabilities of iron and lysine as well as organoleptic characteristics were evaluated. Results indicated that under the employed conditions total destruction of phytic acid in “Sangak” and “Lavash” is rather impractical. A considerable reduction in phytic acid was noted: in “Lavash” bread using 2.5% yeast, 4 h of fermentation and a 50-50 blend of flours with 81.0 and 86.5% extraction rates and in “Sangak” bread with similar conditions (except for the flour which was a 50-50 blend of 86.5 & 97.5% extraction rates). Available lysine was similar in both of the selected breads compared to their respective references. Their available iron contents, however, were higher than their corresponding references (P ≤ 0.05 ). No significant differences were observed with regard to organoleptic evaluations of selected breads as compared to their references (P ≤ 0.05 ). Overall, the above-mentioned treatments are recommended for the baking of “Sangak” and “Lavash” breads.
S. Bahrami, M. Shahedi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
In this study, the effects of quality and quantity of protein in flours with 95% and 70% extraction rates obtained from Mahdavi and Tajan wheat cultivars each baked at two different durations (100 and 75 sec.) and temperatures (210 and 250°C), after wrapping in polyethylene packages with 40µm thickness were investigated. All tests were carried out during 168 hours after packing and at 24h intervals.
Results indicated that bread staling was affected by wheat cultivar, flour extraction rate, and storage time. Bread prepared from Tajan flour had lower firmness and staleness than that prepared from Mahdavi. High bran content bread was firmer than that with lower bran content. Organoleptic tests indicated that bread baked with 95% flour and bread baked at high temperatures with short durations were not very acceptable.
A. H. Jamali-Zavareh A. Sharifi-Tehrani, M. Izadyar, E. Taheri,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Systemic properties of pyroquilon, an anti-blast systemic chemical, used in controlling rice blast disease caused by Pyricularica grisea, was investigated through in vivo tests. Rice plants were treated with pyroquilon as granules in soil. Leaf and stem tissues were collected at different times after treatment and pyroquilon was extracted from tissues and detected by gas chromatography. Treated rice plants were also exposed to disease infection in blast nursery at different times and disease incidence was evaluated one week later. Pyroquilon was detected in leaf tissue one day after treatment (DAT), reached maximum during 4-7 DAT, and then reduced gradually to a nondetectable level after 28 DAT. In stem tissue, change in pyroquilon content was similar to but its quantity was less than that of leaf tissue. On inoculated plants, disease was controlled up to 60% at 2 DAT and completely controlled during 4-28 DAT. The results indicated that pyroquilon could be taken up and systemically translocated in rice plants after applying as granules in soil. Extent of disease control was a good function of pyroquilon content in leaf tissue (R2=0.93) and 2 ppm of compound in leaf could provide 90% control of the disease. In contrast, disease control was not a good function of pyroquilon content in stem tissue (R2=0.30).
F. Padasht Dehkaei, Sh. Mansouri Jajaei H. Rouhani,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
One hundred and two microorganisms were isolated from 85 paddy soil samples of different locations in Guilan Province. Antagonistic effects of the microorganisms were tested against Gibberella fujikuroi on PDA medium. Twenty one microorganism isolates were selected for seed treatment in blotter test. Seven isolates that were satisfactorily effective in reducing pathogen colonies formed on seeds and seedlings were tested in controlling disease in a greenhouse experiment with split plot design. The antagonists were Bacillus subtilis, B. circulans, Bacillus sp., Trichoderma harzianum, T. virens (2 isolates), and F.23 (unidentified). Results showed that all antagonists effectively reduced the disease in sterilized soil compared with control but overall effectiveness of B. subtilis, T. harzianum, and T. virens was higher than others and lower than the fungicide treatment (thiophant methyl thiram W.P. 80% , 2g/L). It was found that when seeds were treated with antagonists prior to inoculation with the pathogen, the effectiveness of antagonists was significantly better than when they were applied after seed infection with the pathogen.
S. Jamali, E. Purjam, A. Kheiri, M. Damadzadeh,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
In order to identify the plant-parasitic nematodes of important cereals (wheat, barley, and corn) in Isfahan Province, 120 soil and root samples were collected from the rhizosphere of these crops in various locations in the region during 1999 and 2000. Nematodes were extracted from soil by sieving and centrifugal sugar-flotation method. The specimens were killed and fixed in FGA (formaldehyde, glycerin and acetic acid 4:1:1) hot solution. The extracted nematodes were mounted in glycerin, permanent slides prepared, and studied by light microscope. The results revealed the presence of three species belonging to two genera of family criconematidae as follows: Criconemella antipolitana , C. xenoplax, Hemicycliophora poranga. H. poranga was extracted from rhizosphere of corn and reported for the first time from Iran. The most frequently occurring and dominant species was C. antipolitana that was isolated from soil around the roots of wheat and barley in several areas. C. xenoplax was extracted from a wheat field with the history of peach cultivation. These species are new records for Isfahan Province.
S. Seyedebrahimi, R. Ebadi, M. Mobli, B. Hatami,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
In order to study the nectar quantity and quality of some onion cultivars and honeybees foraging activity on them, a complete randomized block design with three replications was conducted. Ten selected onion cultivars consisting of Ghom, Kashan, Azarshahr, Dorcheh, Tarom, Kazeroon 1, Kavar, Abarkooh, Hurand, and Yellow Sweet Spanish were used. Sixty mm mother bulbs of different onion cultivars were planted in 3×4 m plots on 6 lines. The distance between rows was 35 cm and plants were spaced 25 cm apart on each row. At flowering time, bees’ activity on the inflorescences was studied and flower nectar was collected in 10 micro-liter capillary tubes. Nectar volume was determined and analyzed. Mean numbers of honeybees visiting on inflorescence every 10 minutes and the mean residing time of each honeybee on a seed stalk (inflorescence) were significantly different in different cultivars. Hurand flowers had the least number of visitors and Dorche flowers had the longest visiting time. The amount of nectar varied in different cultivars, so did glucose (G), fructose (F), and sucrose (S) contents. Except for the Abarkuh cultivar that had more glucose than it had other sugars, all the cultivars had higher quantities of fructose than they had other sugars while sucrose had the least quantities among the sugars. Nectar sugar ratio in most of the cultivars was hexose dominant, which was identified by the low S/(F+G) ratio. Potassium, calcium, and sodium contents in nectar were different in different cultivars, too. Finally, the results showed that foraging activity of honeybees on onion inflorescences depends on the interactions of several factors such as nectar quantity and, more importantly, on sugar quantity and ratio as well as potassium content. .
B. Ghahraman, H. Abkhezr,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Rainfall intensity with different frequencies is needed for many hydrologic models. Rainfall intensity–duration–frequency relationships (IDF) have been investigated for different regions using previously recorded data. Iran Meteorological Organization has prepared IDF curves for 66 stations in Iran since which are the most updated data. Comprehensive IDF relationships were developed for these data. The results showed remarkable changes when compared with previous studies of Iran. This may be due to a change in parameters of probability distribution function as a result of increased record length of stations. Some relationships were also developed for ten year-hourly ( P6010) rainfall estimation from some parameters such as average annual rainfall and average maximum daily rainfall. Such a relationship was made for all stations and also for different classifications of regions (based on average annual rainfall and apparent climatically divisions). The validity of all relations was analyzed for eight independent stations with suitable spatial distribution. It was shown that all relationships are nearly valid as far as a suitable region is choosen. The previous relationship for Iran is not useful at present.
A. A. Barati, J. Mir Mohammad Sadeghi, A. Khatoonabadi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Considering the population growth and limitation of expansion in cultivation areas, employment in non-agricultural jobs in rural areas is inevitable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the supply of labor of the rural families on non-agricultural jobs in the rural areas. A sample of 300 families from rural areas of the Ghoochan Township in 2000-2001 was studied. The data were collected through interviews and questionnaires. The analysis used a multivariable regression equation.
The results showed that: 1. The wage level of the non-agricultural experience of the person had positive effect on the supply of labors to non-agricultural jobs. 2. However, this effect was negative for the number of days the person worked on farm. Finally, since wages earned from non-agricultural jobs was higher than that of agricultural jobs. Therefore, it is suggested that for the purpose of increasing the income of rural people, non-agricultural jobs in rural areas be facilitated and encouraged
J. Panahandeh, S. Massiha,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
The commercial potato is an autotetraploid species. Certain allotetraploid species such as S. acaule despite theire identical ploidy level are not crossable with commercial potato due to their different endosperm balance numbers. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the possibility of germplasm transferring from allotetraploid species to cultivated potato by the use of diploid species and 2n gametes. For this purpose, one clone of S. phureja was crossed with S.acaule. The resulting F1 seeds were planted the next year. For evaluation of male fertility and unreduced gametes, the pollen samples of F1 hybrids stained with acetocarmin glycerol were assessed. For chromosome counting the tips of stolons were fixed and after staining with aceto – iron- hematoxilin were squashed. For future crossing some hybrids were grafted on tomato stocks. Cytologycal observation revealed that hybrids were triplod. Male fertility of hybrids as expected for odd ploidy was low, but approximately all of them had a few large stainable pollen (putative 2n). crossing of the hybrids as male parent with S. tuberosum was not successful, but reciprocal cross was successful and 72 seeds were obtained from 380 pollination . considering EBN, it is exected that the resulting seeds originate from fertilization of unreduced gametes of triploid and n gamates of S. tuberosum to be pentaploid or near pentaploid. The applications of these hybrid in potato breeding via ploidy manipulation have been discussed.
R. Hajeeboland, N. Asgharzadeh, Z. Mehrfar,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
A great number of studies have been conducted on the role of Azotobacter - a free living N2-fixer - in agricultural soils, but our information is lacking on the importance of Azotobacter in pasture soils. This research was conducted to study the relationship between ecological and edaphical factors with the population of the bacteria in soil. Soil samples were taken from two sites in Azarbaidjan (Mishou-dagh and Khadjeh), having different ecology, soils and vegetation types. We investigated also the effect of inoculation of rhizosphere with soil-isolated A. chroococcum on the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Omid) during 56 days of growth in a pot experiment. The treatments included: 1) inoculation with A. chroococcum (+A), 2) N fertilizer at a rate of 35 mg/Kg as (NH4)2SO4 (+N), 3) +A+N and 4) –A–N as control with four replications. Results showed that the population of Azotobacter chroococcum correlated positively with organic carbon and negatively with soil pH. In soils covered with vegetation the population of bacteria was higher than that in uncovered soils and the highest population of bacteria was found in soil samples collected from the rhizosphere of grass species and the lowest in that of legume species. In inoculation experiment, shoot and, particularly root growth, increased in the order of +N, +A and +A+N in comparison with control (–A–N) plants. These treatments also stimulate uptake and transport of K into shoot. Interestingly, the effect of +A treatment was significantly higher than that of +N and +A+N treatments. The same results were obtained for nitrogen. A higher uptake and particularly transport of K into shoot was attributed to low molecular weight organic molecules produced in inoculated roots and transport K into shoot. Results showed that inoculation with Azotobacter not only enhanced growth and chlorophyll content, but also stimulated uptake and translocation of ions into shoot. The stimulatory impact of inoculation is most likely a general effect that could also be important in micronutrients translocation into shoot.
N. Zahedifard, S. J. Khajeddin, A. Jalalian,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Satellite data use is finding global applications because they provide repeated cover, broad information, high electromagnetic spectral resolution, and software-hardware compatibilities. This study aims to evaluate of the Landsat TM data capabilities in land-use mapping of Bazoft River basin (Chahar Mahale Bakhtiary Province). Six spectral bands of the Landsate TM were employed to produce land-use map of the Region. The date of image acquisition was May 5th, 1998. Performance of the geometric correction completed with RMSE= 1.008 pixels. Various image enhacement methods (e.g. FCC, filtering and Vegetation Indices) were used to study the different land-covers. Field investigations were carried out using a GPS, 1:50000 scale topographic map and false color composites images. Heterogeneous land-use units were studied in 62 sample sites estimating percentage of vegetation cover. A regression analysis was performed between percentage vegetation covers and vegetation indices values of NDVI, RVI, SAVI, DVI, TSAVI1, NRVI and MSAVI2. Results show that NDVI, SAVI, TSAVI1, NRVI and MSAVI2 have high correlation coefficients. But RVI, DVI and PVI have low correlation coefficients. The resulting values of vegetation cover were density sliced to produce the land-cover map. After supervised classifications and density slicing of Vegetation Indices, classifacation accuracy was assessed and, finally, land-use map of the study area was produced with Hybrid classification method. Supervised classification with maximum likelihood method was the best technique for land-use mapping in the study area the total Kappa index was %87. In general, detection of some land-use classes through single date TM data is not feasible, these include: scattered forest trees with cultivated understory, annual grasses, and fallow lands. Also TM digital data are incapable of distinguishing small and separated rural constructions or soil-covered routes.
A. F. Mirlohi, M. H. Ehtemam, M. R. Sabzalian,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
A major limitation for higher yield of rice plant is water availability. Water use efficient varieties tolerant to upland conditions could help to relax this limitation. Three separate experiments were conducted to study the effects of water regimes on growth, aerenchyma formation, and nutrient absorption of Iranian rice varieties. In the first experiment, five varieties of rice were grown under three different irrigation levels. The second experiment involved the study of nutrient uptake by Sazandagee and Tarom varieties under four different water regimes, and in the third experiment, the effect of aeration on growth characteristics of Sazandagee rice was assessed in a hydroponics system.
Results of the first experiment showed that submerged conditions continuously or after four weeks of initial growth had a significant effect on plant growth. Aerenchyma formation was affected by rice varieties and was less affected by irrigation status. In the second experiment, plant growth characteristics were affected similar to experiment one. Also it was shown that nutrients such as P, Mg, and Fe were absorbed with higher efficiency under submerged conditions. Results of the third experiment revealed that aeration had no significant effect on plant growth characteristics. Based on the results of these three experiments, it can be concluded that better performance of rice plant under continuous or partial flooding is mainly related to higher absorption of some macro - and micronutrients. Therefore, this parameter should be considered in water management programs for rice.
M. Mohamadi Bazargani, B. E. S. Tabatabaei, A. Rezaei, C. Ghobadi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Optimizing regeneration of cotton plant in two variety (Sahel and Varamin) via shoot apex was done in order to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. In this reaserch shoot apexes of two varieties were isolated from four or five day seedling and were placed on a special medium of shooting (modified MS without hormon).In order to select the best rooting media, The Statistical Analysis explants that produce shoot and leaves in a CRBD with 4 replicates and 4 rooting treatments: 1) modified MS without hormon, 2) ½ MS with 0.1 mg/lit IBA, 3) ½ MS with 0.1 mg/lit NAA, 4) ½ MS with 0.1 mg/lit IAA. The statistical analysis indicated that the best for both varieties, was medium with 0.1 mg/lit IBA and rooting percentage of Varamin is better than sahel in all of media.
Sh. Darvishi, H. Lamea, F. Akbari Nakhjavani, F. Darvish,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
The effects of growth of two strains of lactic acid bacteria on microbial flora of ground beef after packaging in air permeable packs were studied under workshop conditions. The strains isolated from dairy products were added to ground beef at a density of 104 CFU/g after identification and antibiosis test against indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The two strains were Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei 102, and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis var. diacetylactis 202. Inoculated and control samples were stored for up to five days under aerobic conditions in cold storage facilities with a temperature fluctuation between of –1°C to 5°C). Enumeration of different bacterial groups (total aerobic microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, fungi) and detection of Escherichia coli were carried-out during storage period. The number of lactic acid bacteria in samples inoculated with lactobacillus casei subsp. casei 102 (treatment 1) increased during storage period, whereas total number of aerobic microorganisms, Pseudomonas spp., coliforms, and yeasts reduced. In samples inoculated with Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis var. diacetylactis 202 (treatment 2), the number of yeasts decreased considerablely. As a result, Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei 102 can be used as a suitable antagonist of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria in ground beef under aerobic Conditions in cold storage facilities with a temperature variation between –1°C to 5°C.
G. R. Mesbahi, J. Jamalian, H. Golkari,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Mayonnaise is a food emulsion containing egg yolk as emulsifier and some sort of gum as stabilizer. Iran is a main producer of tragacanth gum in the world which could be a potential replacement for imported gums used in making mayonnaise .The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of substituting this gum for imported stabilizers in the formulation of mayonnaise sauce. To do this, tragacanth powder was added to the sauce at the levels of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1% . Emulsion stability and apparent viscosity of the sauces were determined and compared with that of the commercial one to find the right concentration of tragacanth. This concentration was used to produce mayonnaise on a commercial scale and then its physico-chemical characteristics, microbiological stability, and organoleptic properties were compared with commercial mayonnaise. The shelf-life of the sauce samples were also monitored bimonthly up to 4 months at two different temperatures (5 and 25 oC) by measuring apparent viscosity, moisture content, pH, microbial count, and organoleptic parameters. The results were compared with those obtained for commercial sauce. The results indicated that the characteristics of tragacanth-containing mayonnaise were similar to those of the commercial one and that the former was acceptable to consumers. Therefore, gum tragacanth at the right concentration could be a suitable subsitute for the stabilizers and thickeners already used in making mayonnaise sauce.
E. Gharizadeh, B. Hatami, H. Seyedoleslami,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
The coccinellid Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Muls. is an oligophagous predator that is used to control mealy bugs in the orchards and greenhouses. Citrus soft scale, Pulvinaria aurantii, as an active pest on citrus plants in North of Iran is also attacked by this predator. This research was conducted to study biological characteristics of C. montrouzieri on citrus soft scale and mealy bug, Planococcus citri. Initially, Cryptolaemus eggs were collected from colonies of two preys and reared in laboratory (14 L: 10 D, 25±1˚C, and RH 70 ±5%). The incubation period of eggs, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and, 4th larval instars, and total larval, prepupal, and pupal stages were studied on two preys. The developmental stages on two preys were not significantly different, except for the 4th larval instar at 1% and total larval stages at 5%. The sex ratio of male to female on two preys were not significantly different at 1% and was 1:1. Except for pre-oviposition period, other parameters including female longevity, average number of eggs laid per day, average total number of eggs laid per female and percentage of hatching were significantly different at 1% on the two preys. The average feeding of total larval period on eggs of mealy bug and citrus soft scale were 5715 and 7694, respectively that, the difference was significant at 1%. The results showed that some of the biological characteristics of Cryptolaemus on two preys were significantly different. Since the predator feeding on the eggs of citrus soft scale was higher than the mealy bug, it seems that this beneficial insect could be used for biological control of the citrus soft scale.
E. Ebrahimi, J. Pourreza, S. V. Panamariov, A Kamali, A. Hosaini,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
A 3×4 factorial experiment was conducted for 45 days to determine the effects of diets containing different levels of protein and fat on growth of fingerlings Beluga (Huso huso L.1758). Twelve different diets were formulated with 3 levels of protein (45,50 and 55) and 4 levels of oil including fish oil and sunflower oil (0.5 ,4 , 8 and 12). 1260 Beluga fingerlings with an initial body weight (IBW) of 2.2 gram, after adaptation to the experimental conditions, were selected and stocked randomly into 36 fiberglass tanks (100 water volume) at 35 fish per tank, and fed on experimental diets for 45 days. Two ways analysis of variance showed that the percentage of body weight increase (%BWI), specific growth rate (SGR),protein efficiency ratio (PER), food concumpsion ratio, and productive protein value (PPV) content were significantly (P<0.05) affected by different protein and fat levels. Fishes fed on diets No.3 (containing 45% protein and 14 % lipid) and No.8 (containing 50% protein and 17 % lipid) showed the highest increase in body weight percentage, the best specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and lowest food concumption ratio. Besides, the highest productive protein value was observed in diet No.2 (45% protein and 10.5% lipid) and diet No.3 (45% protein and 14 % lipid).Comparison of chemical composition of examined fish corps indicated a significant difference in their protein and lipid contents (P<0.05). However, the composition of the diet, revealed no significant changes on the dry matter and ash content of the body. Based on the findings of the present study 45-50% dietary crude protein is recommended for the optimum growth of Beluga fingerling. Moreover, the rate of needed lipid for optimum growth of fingerling range is from 14 to17 percents.
M. Farshadfar, E. Farshadfar,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (7-2004)
Abstract
Agropyron is one of the most resistant plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. It plays an important role in forage yield in rangelands. Genetic variability based on different markers is the important step in crop improvement. In order to evaluate the genetic variation of different Agropyron species based on morphological and chemical traits, this experiment was carried out in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Kermanshah. The tiller numbers, spike length, spikelet numbers, length of flag leaf, width of flag leaf, plant height, peduncle length, ash percentage, organic matter, fiber, dry matter, fat and crude protein were registered. Statistical analysis of data was done by SPSS software. According to cluster analysis the tetraploid genotypes were classified into 5 clusters. Based on principal components analysis the length of flag leaf, spike length and plant height, and among the chemical traits of the ash percentage, organic matter, and crude protein had the highest portions of variance. The genetic parameters such as PCV, GCV, ECV, Hb and Ga for length of flag leaf were 0.274, 0.169, 0.215, 0.382, 3.05 and for spike length were 30.96, 21.64,22.139, 0.48, 5.786 and for plant height were 0.16, 0.084, 0.136,0.276, 6.054, respectively.
H. R. Fooladmand, A. R. Sepaskhah, J. Niazi,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (10-2004)
Abstract
To obtain soil-moisture characteristic curve experimentally is time-consuming and usually subject to considerable errors. So, many investigators have tried to predict soil-moisture characteristic curve by different models. One of these models predicts soil moisture characteristic curve based on soil particle size distribution and bulk density. In this model, soil particle size distribution curve is divided into a number of segments, each with a specific particle radius and cumulative particle mass greater than that of the radius. Using these data, soil-moisture characteristic curve was estimated. In this model, a scale factor, α, is used which may be considered as a constant, or obtained by logistic or linear procedures. The average values of α for clay, silty clay, sandy loam, two loam soils, and two silty clay loam soils were 1.159, 1.229, 1.494, 1.391, 1.393, 1.253 and 1.254, respectively. For most conditions, soil particle size distribution curve is not available, but only the percentages of clay, silt, and sand could be obtained using soil textural data, which is not enough to draw a precise soil particle size distribution curve. In this situation, a precise soil particle size distribution curve must be initially developed on the basis of which the soil moisture characteristic curve can be predicted. In this study, using soil textural data of seven different soils, soil moisture characteristic curve of each was estimated. In these estimations, logistic and linear methods were used to obtain the α value. Then, the results were compared with those of measured soil moisture characteristic curve. For estimation of soil particle size distribution curve, two extreme values for soil particle radius, 125 and 999 m, were used. The results indicated that using particle radius of 999 µm is more appropriate. On the other hand, it was found that for clay, silty clay, and sitly clay loam texture, it is more appropriate to employ a linear equation to determine for estimating soil-moisture characteristic curve while the logistic equation can be more appropriately used for loam and sand loam textures.
