Showing 35 results for Fertilizer
A. Samadi, E. Sepehr,
Volume 17, Issue 65 (12-2013)
Abstract
In order to determine optimum equilibrium solution phosphorus (P) concentration using P adsorption isotherm and obtain model(s) by integrating soil solution P concentration, physicochemical properties, and soil P test (available P) which predict standard P requirements to achieve maximum yield, laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted on 36 soil samples belonging to 15 soil series and 14 soil samples, respectively. Using wheat as a test crop, the glasshouse experiment was laid out with five P levels in a completely randomized design with three replications. Concentrations of P in solution established by adding P in the pots estimated from the sorption curve ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 mg P/L including check treatment (no P). The results showed that equilibrium solution P concentration (EPC) was almost low in comparison with the requirement for most crops (<0.2 mg/L). The amount of P adsorbed by the soils at 0.2 mg/L EPC ranged from 5 to 114 mg/kg soil. The phosphate adsorption was well described by Freundlich (R2 = 0.96) and Langmuir (R2 = 0.88) isotherms. Langmuir maximum adsorption (Xm) and Freundlich coefficient (aF) estimated from Langmuir and Freundlich equations ranged from 127 to 238 mg P /kg soil and from 43 to 211 mg P/kg, respectively. Yield of wheat in all soils approached maximum as adjusted P levels were increased to 0.4 mg P/L. The results showed that some soils studied were adequate in available P by the NaHCO3 test, but required an amount of P fertilizer by the isotherm P requirement test to obtain maximum biomass production. Soil clay content was significantly related to the soil P sorption indices, P0.4 (P sorbed at 0.4 mg P/L EPC) (R = 0.40, P<0.01), PBC (P buffering capacity) (R = 0.54, P<0.001), aF (R = 0.48, P<0.01), and Xm (R = 0.40, P<0.01). Total CaCO3 and Active CaCO3 were found to be less important factors affecting P adsorption. Using stepwise regression analysis resulted in a useful regression model including the combination of Olsen P and clay content for the prediction of standard P requirement (P0.4).
A. Mohammadi, M. A. Bahmanyar,
Volume 18, Issue 68 (9-2014)
Abstract
In order to investigate the cumulative effect of three-year application of municipal solid waste compost (C) and the compost accompanied with chemical fertilizer (CF) on the concentrations of some heavy metals in various organs of rice plant, a field experiment with completely randomized design in three replications was performed in 2009. Treatments were as follows: Control (without C and CF), CF (100 kg urea, 100 kg super phosphate and 100 kg potassium sulphate per ha), 15, 30 and 45 tons of C without CF, 15, 30 and 45 tons of C with 25%, 50% and 75% CF. Results showed that application of compost in three years would increase the amounts of Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in different organs of rice plant. Also, application of C accompanied with CF increased the amount of Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in various organs of rice compared to C. The highest concentration of nickel and lead (9.1 and 7.8 mg.kg-1 respectively) were obtained in grains in 45 ton C + 50% CF per ha treatment. Meanwhile, the maximum content of cadmium in grain (1.6 mg.kg-1) in 30 ton C + 75% CF ha-1treatment, and the highest amount of chromium in grain (1.8 mg.kg-1 ) resulted from 30 ton + 25% CF ha-1treatment.
M. Norouzi, A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh, M. Afyuni,
Volume 18, Issue 70 (3-2015)
Abstract
Organic fertilizers affect soil chemical and physical properties, particularly chemical forms of zinc in soil solid phase and thereby improve soil Zn availability. The present field study was aimed to evaluate the effects of organic and chemical fertilizer (zinc sulfate) on different zinc fractions in soil solid phase of rhizosphere in two successive years in Rudasht Research Field, Isfahan. Treatments consisted of sewage sludge (5 and 10 t ha-1), cow manure (5 and 10 t ha-1), and ZnSO4 (40 Kg ha-1). The control had no added Zn. Three weeks after applying fertilizer treatments, Back Cross genotype of wheat was cultivated in each plot. Our results showed that the organic fertilizers increased Zn concentration in exchangeable fraction (EXCH-Zn), the organically bound Zn form (ORG-Zn), and Zn bound to iron and manganese oxides (FeMnOX-Zn). However, the changes in Zn fractions were dependent on the fertilizer type. Positive and significant correlation between EXCH-Zn, ORG-Zn, and FeMnOX-Zn, and the total Zn uptake by wheat indicated that these pools of Zn in solid phase are labile pools with a significant role in supplying Zn for plants.
M. M. Matinzadeh, J. Abedi Koupai, H. Nozari, A. Sadeghi Lari, M. Shayannejad,
Volume 20, Issue 76 (8-2016)
Abstract
In this research, a comprehensive simulation model for water cycle and the nitrogen dynamics modeling including all the important processes involved in nitrogen transformations such as fertilizer dissolution, nitrification, denitrification, ammonium volatilization, mineralization, immobilization as well as all the important nitrogen transportation processes including nitrogen uptake by the plant, soil particles adsorption, upward flux, surface runoff losses and drain losses, was used for fertilizer management modeling in a sugarcane farmland in Imam Khomeini Agro-Industrial Company using a system dynamics approach. For evaluating the model the data collected from Imam Agro-Industrial Company equipped with a tile drainage system with shallow ground water and located in Khuzestan province, Iran, were used. The statistical analysis of the observed and simulated data showed that the RMSE for determining the accuracy of simulation of the nitrate and ammonium concentration in drainage water is 1.73 mg/L and 0.48 mg/L, respectively. The results indicated that there is good agreement between the observed and the simulated data. Nine scenarios of fertilization at different levels of urea fertilizer were modeled including one scenario of 400 kg/ha, two spilit scenarios of 350 kg/ha, two spilit scenarios of 325 kg/ha, two spilit scenarios of 300 kg/ha, one scenario of 280 kg/ha and one scenario of 210 kg/ha. Results of the modeling showed that the scenario of 210 kg/ha has the highest nitrogen use efficiency (52.3%) and the lowest nitrogen losses consisted of denitrification, ammonium volatilization and drainage losses (17.82, 7.16 and 92.59 kg/ha, respectively). The results revealed that increasing the consumption of urea fertilizer greater than 210 kg/ha increased the overall nitrogen losses and reduced the nitrogen use efficiency. Meanwhile, this model can be used for managing the fertilizer and controlling the nitrate and ammonium concentrations in the drainage water to prevent the environmental pollution. Also, the system dynamics approach was found as an effective technique for simulating the complex water-soil-plant-drainage system.
A Heidari, H. Haji Agha Alizadeh, A. R. Yazdanpanah, J. Amiri Parian,
Volume 20, Issue 78 (1-2017)
Abstract
Traditionally, most corn field in Hamedan Province is prepared for planting by moldboard plowing followed by a number of secondary tillage operations. In recent years conservation tillage systems have become more popular. This research was conducted in the form of a split plot experimental design with six tillage treatments and three replications. Main tillage methods including: (T1) conventional tillage (moldboard plow + cyclotiller equipped with roller), (T2) combination tiller (chisel plow equipped with roller) (T3) bandary tillage with chisel blades were considered as main plots and two P fertilizer application including: (F1) fertilize broadcasting and (F2) fertilizer bandary placement were considered as sub plots. During growing seasons, soil mechanical resistance (cone index), soil bulk density and water infiltration in soil were measured. At the end of the growing season (harvesting time), corn yield and its components were measured. Results indicated that tillage methods and soil depth had a significant effect on the soil bulk density and cone index. The effect of tillage on water infiltration in soil was significant. The effect of P fertilizer application on corn yield was significant (P≤0/01) and P fertilizer bandary placement with mean corn yield of 10862 kg/ha had higher yield value than the fertilizer broadcasting with mean corn yield of 9965 kg/ha. Although the difference between tillage methods for corn yield was not statistically different, T2 treatment with mean corn yield of 10913 kg/ha had higher yield value than the other two tillage treatments (T1 with mean corn yield of 10106 kg/ha and T3 with mean corn yield of 10222 kg/ha).
M. Shamsalddin Saied, A. Ghanbari, M. Ramroudi, A. Khezri,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Cover crops, conservation tillage systems and organic fertilizers have played an important role in maintaining or enhancing soil quality. In order to assess the combined effects of these techniques on soil quality an experiment was conducted as split Plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2011-2012.
The method of return of cover crops to soil included reduced tillage (disc) and no-till (herbicide glyphosate + cutting) as the main factor and manure application management included cover crops (wheat, canola and peas) without the use of urea, cover crops with a consumption of 25 t/ha of manure, Cover crop with 75 kg of urea and fallow treatments (without cover crop) as subplots. The results showed that the highest concentration of nutrients (except N and P concentrations in the plant), the nutrient yield and biomass of cover crops belonged to wheat treated with urea fertilizer. Soil properties such as bulk density, pH, organic matter and soil nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) were significantly affected by fertilizer management and the method of return of cover crops to soil (except pH) and soil organic matter content and nutrient concentration were affected by their interactions. In wheat cover crop treatments with urea with %27.53 reduction in bulk density, %20.88 increase in the porosity, organic matter 2.4 times and nitrogen 1.5 times compared to the fallow treatment was the best treatment that wasn’t significantly different from the wheat treated with manure in low- tillage system. Wheat treated by manure had the highest phosphorus that was 3.5 times of the phosphorus concentration in the fallow treatment. So, in order to develop sustainable agriculture, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and environmental protection, the wheat cover crop treatments with manure and low- tillage cropping systems would be appropriate in Kerman.
A. Ghasemi, A. Ghanbari, B. A. Fakheri, H. Fanaie,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
In line with sustainable agriculture development, an experiment was conducted including tillage as the main factor in two conventional systems (plowing and mixing fertilizer with soil) and no tillage (leaving residuals of green manure and direct corn sowing). The fertilizer resources were T0: control, T1: barley green manure without chemical and manure fertilizers, T2: barley green manure with full use of the recommended chemical fertilizer (NPK) to barley containing urea, super triple phosphate and potassium sulphate respectively as 165, 90, and 75 kg/ ha, T3: green manure with two -third residual of chemical fertilizer for barley and a third of the residual to corn, T4: green manure with one- third chemical fertilizer for barley and two-third for corn, T5: barley green manure mixed with 50% manure and 50% chemical fertilizer, and T6: green manure with 40 tons of manure used as a sub-plot in the split plot and in completely random blocks with three replications for two crop years ( 2013-2014) at the Agricultural Research Station, Sistan. The results showed that in comparison with no-tillage, the conventional tillage resulted in a significant increase in grain yield, the contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and soil organic carbon, bulk density and moisture content of the soil decreased in the conventional tillage. Sources of fertilizer (organic and chemical fertilizers) significantly increased soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and soil moisture content. The pH and soil bulk density factors decreased after using manure sources. Interaction tillage in the fertilizer sources showed that in the conventional tillage and Treatment T5 (mixture of manure, green and chemical fertilizers) the highest yield of corn was obtained with an average of 8471 kg/ha. The results of this experiment reported that using conventional tillage system with mixture of 50% manure, green and chemical fertilizers can increase corn grain yield, provide the dynamics of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and improve soil bulk density and soil pH.
R. Amirnia, J. Jalilian, E. Gholinezhad, S. Abaszadeh,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (2-2018)
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of supplemental irrigation and seed priming on yield and some quantity and quality characteristics of vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) rainfed maragheh cultivar, an experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Urmia, West Azarbaijan province, Iran, during 2011. The experiment was laid out using split-plot, based on Randomized Complete Block design in three replicates. The factors studied were: Supplemental irrigation at four levels: without supplemental irrigation (I1), 1 time of supplemental irrigation (I2), 2 times of supplemental irrigation (I3) and 3 times of supplemental irrigation (I3). The subplot included four levels of seed priming: Control (C), Water (W), Phosphate (P) and Nitroxin (N). Plant height, pod number in stems, 1000-grain weight, wet and dry forage yield in the second and third harvest and fiber percentage in the second and third harvest, protein yield in the second and third harvest, biological yield and harvest index were influenced by the supplemental irrigation. Wet and dry forage yield in the second harvest and wet forage yield in the third harvest were highest in I4 with respectively 14.5, 16.72 and 3.56 (tons/hectare) yield and lowest with respectively 7.73, 7.47 and 2.06 (tons/hectare) yield. As a result, applying 2 times of supplemental irrigation and seed treatment with phosphate and nitroxin had positive effects on quality and quantity yield of vetch and they could improve the quantity and quality of Vetch forage.
A. Koochekzadeh, H. Hoveizeh, A. R. Yazdipour,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (12-2018)
Abstract
Since 2001, water main drainage of sugarcane farms located in the east side of Karoon River has been deviated to Shadegan lagoon. The average discharge and salinity of the drain water in spring and summer were 20 and 20.5 m3 sec-1 and 17.1 and 13.3 dS m-1, respectively. Therefore, there have been considerable changes in the lagoon water quality when compared to the time before entering the drain water. Therefore, an experiment was performed to investigate the effects of sugarcane waste water on the quality of Lagoon’s water. The results showed that the average salinity was increased significantly before and after the entrance of the drainage into different points. The average salinity in the sample point No.2 (along the entrance of the drainage) in summer was changed from 17.7 to 51.5 dS m-1. The results, therefore, revealed that after the entrance of drainage water to Lagoon, during summer time, water salinity and mineral concentrations were increased for all locations except the points of 1 (on the northern margin of Lagoon) and 3 (influenced by Jarahi River). Phosphate ion concentration was increased at all investigated locations, but the highest phosphate concentrations were observed at the location points of 1 and 2 in summer. Given the important role of this lagoon in the protection of animal and plant spices, it is essentially important for sugarcane production companies to adopt a special measure for the protection of Lagoon from any source of pollution.
M Rezaei Pasha, K Shahedi, Q. Vahabzadeh, A. Kavian, M. Ghajar Sepanlou, P. Jouquet,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
One of the management practices to reduce the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and to protect soil and water resources is applying a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers that can better than using them separately. Therefore, in order to understand and identify the effectiveness of this management practice, it is necessary to examine runoff and sediment production. This study was carried out in an agricultural sloping land located in the North of Iran, near Sari city. For this purpose, runoff measurement plots of 1 × 5 m were set up under natural rainfall based on a randomized block experimental design. Soil samples were measured at 0-10 and 10-20 cm depths. In this study, parameters such as runoff (volume, nitrate content, sediment yields), soil physical features (porosity and infiltration coefficient), and soil chemical properties (EC, OC, N, CEC, pH) were measured. The results showed that among soil chemical and physical properties, just N, EC and pH significantly influenced the Municipal Solid Waste Compost. A PCA was carried out, showing that these treatments explained 74.35% of the total variance of the results. Accordingly, it could be stated that using soil and water conservation management practices can rapidly significantly improve the soil properties in the sloping lands.
B. Raheli Namain, S. Mortazavi, A. Salman Mahini,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Agriculture production with high quality and adequate income for farmers and the least harmful effects in environment are the main objectives of agriculture optimization. The main objective of this study was ranking, optimization and land allocation of Gonbadkavoos’s Drylands for strategic products such as wheat, barley, oilseed rape and soybean under environment and socio-economic scenarios. Because the available information on fertilizer and pesticide consumption was not sufficient and reliable, this data was collected through face-to-face interviews with farmers. The results showed that some slightly and moderately hazardous pesticides were consumed in study area. In this study, the optimized combination of agriculture products was applied by using the modeling approach and considering environmental and socio-economic aspects in Gonbadkavoos County. This approach uses MCAT software, which is based on multi-criteria techniques and metaheuristic algorithms. The results of the environmental scenario show ed that barley, oilseed rape and soybean, with little difference, had the highest benefit-to-cost ratio and profitability, respectively. The slight difference could be related to the use of fertilizers and pesticides. In the socio-economic scenario, oilseed rape, wheat and barley had the highest benefit-to-cost ratio and land allocation, respectively. The represented approach using the decision support system (MCAT) can help planners to design optimal cropping systems and aid good management of fertilizers and water consumption.
A. Abdollahi, M. Norouzi Masir, M. Taghavi, A. Moezzi,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (7-2020)
Abstract
Nowadays, one of the ways to confront with the micronutrients deficiency is application of Nano materials to increase the availability of elements such as zinc for plants. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles and zinc sulfate chemical fertilizer on the zinc chemical forms in soil solution phase and its correlation with zinc concentrations and uptake in wheat. This study was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatment consisted of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles of Hydroxyl (OH), Carboxyl (COOH) and Amine (NH2), each at three levels (100, 200 and 300 mg.kg-1), ZnSO4 (40 kg.ha-1) and Control (without using iron oxide nanoparticles). At the end of the cultivation period, soil chemical properties such as pH, soil available zinc and dissolved organic carbon and concentrations and the uptake of zinc in plant were measured. The results showed that pH, available zinc and dissolved organic carbon content of soil solution were significantly affected by the treatments. The results obtained from the Visual MINTEQ Geochemical model showed that the highest amount of the free form of zinc (Zn2+) was obtained at the level of 300 mg.kg-1 of carboxyl iron oxide nanoparticles. Also, the experimental treatments significantly influenced the concentration of Zn-DOM species. The positive and significant correlation between Zn+2 and Zn- DOC species with the concentration and total Zn uptake of wheat indicated that these pools of Zn could be liable species in soil. The results of this study, therefore, showed that the application of functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles could help to improve soil conditions in order to increase the zinc availability for plants.
Sh. Zand-Parsa, F. Ghasemi Saadat Abadi, M. Mahbod, A. R. Sepaskhah,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (7-2020)
Abstract
Due to the limited water resources and growing population, food security and environmental protection have become a global problem. Increasing water productivity of agricultural products is one of the main solutions to cope with the difficulties. By optimizing applied water and nitrogen fertilizer, the pollution of groundwater could be deceased and the water productivity could be increased. The aim of this research was to determine the relationships between water productivity (IRWP) and water use efficiency (WUE) and different amounts of applied water (irrigation + rain fed) and nitrogen (applied and residual). This study was conducted on wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Shiraz) in Shiraz University School of Agriculture, based on a split-plot design with three replications, in 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 periods. Irrigation treatments varied from zero to 120% of full irrigation depth, and nitrogen fertilizer treatments varied from zero to 138 kg ha-1 under basin irrigation system. The experimental data of the first and second years were used for the calibration and validation of the proposed relationships, respectively. The calibrated equations using the dimensionless ratios of irrigation depth plus rainfall, actual evapotranspiration and nitrogen fertilizer plus soil residual nitrogen to their amounts in full irrigation and maximum fertilizer amounts were appropriate for the estimation of water productivity and water use efficiency. The values of the determination coefficient (R2) for water productivity and water use efficiency (0.88 and 0.93, respectively), and the values of their normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) (0.2 and 0.13, respectively) showed a good accuracy for the estimation of IRWP and WUE.
M.m. Matinzadeh, J. Abedi Koupai, M. Shayannejad, A. Sadeghi-Lari , H. Nozari,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Using water and fertilizer management at the farm level can be increased water use efficiency and reduce the volume of drainage water, fertilizer losses, and other pollutants in farmland with deep underground drains such as Khuzestan agro-industrial Companies. In the present study, a comprehensive simulation model for the water cycle and the nitrogen dynamics modeling was used for water and fertilizer management modeling on farmland of sugarcane in Imam Agro-Industrial Company using a system dynamics approach. To reduce irrigation water consumption and nitrogen fertilizer losses, five different scenarios were considered including four scenarios of water management consist of 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent reduction in the amount of irrigation water (I1, I2, I3, and I4) compared to the current situation of irrigation in Imam agro-industrial Company (I0), and one scenario of integrated water and fertilizer management (20% reduction in the amount of irrigation water and urea fertilizer 210 Kg/ha, I4F). The results of modeling showed that the scenario of I4F caused to reduce 31, 70, 71, 70, and 85 percent of the cumulative volume of drainage water, cumulative nitrate and ammonium losses, total losses of cumulative nitrate, and ammonium by tile-drain and cumulative losses of denitrification process, respectively. Thus, the implementation of this scenario, not only saves water and fertilizer consumption but also reduces environmental pollution effectively. So the scenario of I4F (amount of irrigation water for six months 2656 mm and urea fertilizer 210 Kg/ha) is recommended for sugarcane in the Imam agro-industrial Company.
H. Jafarinia, A. Shabani, S. Safirzadeh, M.j Amiri,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Due to the climatic conditions of Iran, increasing water scarcity, and the effect of drought stress on the efficiency of irrigation water consumption and chemical fertilizers application, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of irrigation intervals (6, 9, and 12-day intervals), different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (200, 300, and 400 kg urea per hectare) and cultivation methods (on-ridge or heeling up and in-furrow) on yield and productivity of sugarcane as a factorial design based on randomized complete block design in 3 replications at Hakim Farabi Agro-Industry Company in Khuzestan province. The results showed that the maximum (106.73 tons/ha) and minimum (59.10 tons/ha) sugarcane yields were observed in 9-day and 12-day irrigation intervals, respectively. Also, the highest sugarcane yield (99.89 tons per hectare) was obtained in the treatment of 400 kg urea per hectare and the in-furrow planting method resulted in a higher yield compared to the on-ridge planting method. The highest water productivity in sugarcane stem yield and sugar production with 3.55 and 0.34 kg per cubic meter of applied water, respectively, was obtained in a 9-day irrigation interval. A significant increase in water use efficiency in sugarcane stem yield was observed in 400 kg urea/ha compared to the other two fertilizer levels. However, there was no significant difference in water productivity of sugar yield between different fertilizer treatments. The results showed that 6 and 9-day irrigation intervals in most of the studied traits were not significantly different. Therefore, using a 9-day irrigation interval is suggested in the studied area when the sugarcane cultivation area is high and the amount of available water is limited. In-furrow planting method can also be effective in reducing water consumption. Therefore, deficit irrigation and proper nitrogen fertilizer consumption can be very effective in sugarcane cultivation.
A.r. Tavakoli, M. Basirat,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Shifting of surface irrigation to drip system is key tool to reduce water saving. Due to the soil moisture profile variation of the drip irrigation; water distributed of the root zone is not uniform. Moreover, moisture deficit and inefficient fertilizing in drip system due to unavailability in deeper layers of soils is one of the disadvantages of drip system in pistachio orchards with depth root systems. An experiment was carried out by adjusted subsurface drip irrigation (SSDIadj) system in pistachio of Damghan region (Semnan province) in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement in three replications for three years. The potassium fertilizer amounts (Fertigation) at three levels (50, 70, and 100% of requirement) were considered as the main plot and the design of conductor tubes of the SSDIadj system in seven levels as sub plots. The irrigation guide tubes were arranged for sand tube irrigation in (control), 40-40-40-40, 40-40- 50-50, 40-40-60-60, 40-40-50-60, 40-40-50-70, and 40-40-50-80. Meteorological data from the nearest meteorological station was collected and analyzed. Yield, water consumption, irrigation water productivity index and growth conditions of ShahPasand pistachio cultivar were determined in different treatments. Data were analyzed using Genstat-12 software and based on the analysis of surplus costs and aerial data, the best treatment including combination of potassium fertilizer and arranged tubes of SSDIadj system was determined. The recommended treatments are including of full irrigation, full potassium fertilizer and guide tubes 40-40-50-70 and or 40-40-50-80. The treatments with stratified conductive tubes in the optimal distribution of water, improving productivity and reducing inefficient consumption water. In addition, there are no restrictions on subsurface irrigation such as root accumulation, root penetration into pores of drippers and as well as accumulation of salts.
S.a. Ghaffari Nejad, F. Moshiri, S.m. Mousavi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate soil fertility management scenarios including separate use of chemical and organic fertilizers (animal manure and municipal waste compost) and their integrated application on changes in the amount of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil from November 2017 for four years in six consecutive crops at the Agricultural Research Station of the Soil and Water Research Institute. The results showed a depletion of 14 and 44% of soil available nitrogen and phosphorus, and no depletion of available potassium in the treatment without fertilizer in six consecutive cultivations. Annual consumption of 20 t ha-1 of municipal waste compost and 75% of the recommended nitrogen showed the highest amount of soil-available nitrogen. Unlike phosphorus, the amount of soil available nitrogen in municipal waste compost treatments was significantly higher than in cattle manure. The highest available soil phosphorus was in the treatment with 10 t ha-1 of cattle manure before each crop, and the average available phosphorus in six consecutive cultivations was significantly higher than in the other treatments. The use of 10 t ha-1 of cattle manure and municipal waste compost before each crop resulted in the highest accumulation of potassium in the soil, respectively. The available soil potassium in cattle manure treatments was significantly higher than in municipal waste compost. The results of this experiment indicated the importance of using fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in maintaining soil fertility stability in the long term.
Mohiaddin Goosheh, Abolfazl Azadi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Soil organic carbon provides conditions for better plant growth by increasing soil quality by improving physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Shavour Agricultural Research Station in Khuzestan Province to investigate the effect of different sources of organic matter on some soil properties and wheat yield. The main plots included cow manure, poultry manure, wheat straw, bagasse, and sugarcane filter cake, and the subplots included three fertilizer levels of 2.5, 5, and 10 tons per hectare. Also, one plot was considered as a control (without organic fertilizer) in each replication. The results showed that the best sources of organic fertilizer available in the province that have had a favorable result in increasing wheat yield and improving soil physical properties are filter cake, cow manure, and sugarcane bagasse fertilizers (with a yield of 4772, 4467, and 4452 kg/ha, respectively). Wheat straw also has the least effect on yield (4019 kg/ha) and plays a major role only in improving soil physical and chemical properties. It is worth noting that since no significant difference was observed between the fertilizer consumption amounts in the overall results, the consumption of 2.5 tons per hectare of each fertilizer source is more economical and is recommended. It also seems that the combined application of filter cake with sugarcane bagasse or cow or chicken manure with wheat straw and stubble, in a total amount of 2.5 tons per hectare, has a more favorable result in increasing wheat yield and improving soil physical properties.
Ali Reza Jafarnejadi, Abdolali Gilani, Fatemeh Meskini-Vishkaee, Maryam Hoseini Chaleshtori,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Rice, as one of the world's most strategic crops, plays a vital role in global food security. This study investigated the effects of different nutrition management approaches on yield and water productivity in dry direct-seeded rice cultivation (local Anbouri Red Dwarf cultivar) at Shavoor Research Station in Khuzestan Province. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments, including 1) Farmer's conventional practice, 2) Soil test-based fertilization, 3) Soil test-based fertilization + supplementary nutrition, and 4) 25% reduced chemical fertilizers + biofertilizers, with three replications. Results demonstrated that the supplementary nutrition (4270 kgha-1) and biofertilizer with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction (4356 kgha-1) treatments increased yield by 17% and 19.3 %, respectively, compared to conventional practice (3651 kgha-1). This improvement was primarily attributed to increased panicles per m² (10-14%) and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency. The biofertilizer treatment also showed the highest water productivity (0.25 kg m-³) and the best benefit-cost ratio (23.25). Economic analysis confirmed that combining biofertilizers with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction significantly reduced costs while maintaining yield. These findings suggest that integrating soil testing with either biofertilizers or stage-specific nutrition represents an effective strategy for enhancing yield, improving water use efficiency, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs in dry-seeded rice cultivation. These methods can be recommended as sustainable models for farmers in arid regions like Khuzestan, which face salinity challenges and water resource limitations.
Saeed Farahani, Farhad Mirzaei, Masoud Parsinejad, Mahmood Akbari,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of quantitative and qualitative analysis of agricultural water consumption in Markazi Province, and calculated and examined water consumption at the level of 18 crops and 12 counties using the water footprint as a comprehensive indicator. A simultaneous study of the three components of the blue, green, and gray water footprint was conducted as an analytical tool to assess the amount and manner of water consumption. In this study, meteorological, agricultural, and input consumption data were used in the 2022-2023 crop year, and water footprint values were estimated in terms of units and totals by crop and county. The results showed that BWFU is strongly influenced by spatial factors (climate and precipitation) and plant characteristics (yield, crop type, and growth period). A difference of up to 98% in BWFU among different crops and a difference of more than 9 times in GWFU in rainfed compared to irrigated lands were observed. Also, GRWFU values exceeded BWFU for many crops, indicating a significant pollutant load from the use of chemical fertilizers. In addition to spatial factors and plant characteristics, the difference of 223 MCM between Saveh and Ashtian counties and the difference of 52.7 MCM between Shazand and Mahallat counties in BWF and GWF, respectively, indicate spatial differences in BWFU and cultivation area. Also, the difference in 1377 MCM between the GRWF of Arak and Ashtian counties is affected by the amount and type of fertilizer used, in addition to the cultivation area. In addition to improving performance, suggested management measures include reducing the cultivation area of high-consumption crops, expanding rainfed lands in high-rainfall areas, optimizing input consumption, and modifying the cultivation pattern in accordance with resources and climatic conditions in order to maintain the quantity and quality of water resources. Accordingly, the research results demonstrate the potential of the water footprint index in location-based and product-based analysis of water consumption and formulation of management responses.
