Showing 388 results for Water
S. A. Kazemeini, H. Ghadiri, N. Karimian, A. A. Kamgar Haghighi, M. Kheradnam,
Volume 12, Issue 45 (10-2008)
Abstract
In order to evaluate the interaction effects of nitrogen and organic matter on growth and yield of dryland wheat, an experiment was conducted at the research station of the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University at Bajgah in 2005 and 2006. The experimental design was split plot in which three levels of nitrogen (0, 40, and 80 kg N ha -1) were main factors and additive organic matters including liquorice root residue at 15 and 30 Mg ha -1, municipal waste compost at 10 and 20 Mg ha -1, and wheat residues at 750 and 1500 kg ha -1 (all rates equivalent to 50 and 100%) were sub factors. A check treatment (no additive materials) was also included in the experiment. Results indicated that with increasing nitrogen level from zero to 40 and 40 to 80 kg ha-1, wheat yield increased significantly. Among yield components, number of seeds per spike increased significantly with zero to 40 and 40 to 80 kg nitrogen ha-1, but number of spikes m-2 increased significantly only when nitrogen level was increased from zero to 80 kg ha-1. Compared to check (no additive materials), maximum wheat grain yield (32%) was obtained from 100% compost application. Results of nitrogen and organic matters interaction effects indicated that 100% compost application and increasing nitrogen level from 40 to 80 kg ha -1 had no significant effect on dryland wheat yield. This showed the positive impact of compost application on the reduction of nitrogen fertilizer. Thus, it appears that 50% of the required nitrogen fertilizer could be replaced by compost. Applying organic matter increased soil water in both years, however, among organic matters, compost had a more pronounced effect on increasing soil water.
F. Bahadori, K. Arzani,
Volume 12, Issue 45 (10-2008)
Abstract
Control of tree size is one of the main problems for which techniques to reduce vegetative growth and increase fruit quality and yield are important in the orchard management system. With this aim in mind, mature peach trees of the cultivars J. H. Hale and Red Skin grown on peach seedling at the Moghan agro industrial orchard were used. The effect of paclobutrazol soil treatments, (0,0.5 and 1.5 gr/tree) on experimental trees during the dormant periods in the 1996-97 was evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a split plot on the basis of completely randomized design with six replications. The effect of paclobutrazol on some vegetative growth and relative water content of leaves was studied. Results showed that paclobutrazol significantly reduced vegetative growth in the first year of application the total dry weight of pruning in treated trees was less than that of controls. The high level of paclobutrazol caused the most growth inhibition. On a commercial scale, paclobutrazol treatment would be able to give substantial benefits to peach growers by saving in pruning costs.
A Karimi, M Noshadi, M Ahmadzadeh,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
In this research the effect of Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) on the crop growth, wilting point, sunflower survival, water holding capacity, and irrigation interval was investigated. The experiment was conducted with different concentrations of absorbent hydrogel (Igeta): 0% (control treatment), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w). The soil textures were sand, loam, and clay. The experiment was a completely randomized design with three replications. The results of this research are: 1- Adding of Igeta to the soil changed solid, liquid, and gas phases. Application of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w) of Igeta increased the volume of clay, loam and sand soils between 10-40% , 5-32% and 9-37%, respectively. 2- With application of Igeta, absorption of nutrients (N, P, and K) was increased. Maximum absorption nutrients occurred at the level of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.3% with confidence level of 90% for clay, loam, and sandy soils, respectively. 3- Igeta increased water holding capacity and irrigation intervals. Increasing in irrigation interval was between 30-130% in clay, 60-120% in loam, and 150-300% in sandy soils. Water saving in clay, loam, and sandy soils was 30%, 40%, and 70%, respectively. 4- at the level of 0.3% Igeta, starting time of temporary wilting point was delayed from 4 to 10 days (150%) in clay and loam soils, and from 4 to 12 days (200%) in sandy soil. The starting time of permanent wilting point was delayed from 8 to 12 days (50%) in clay, 7 to 12 days (71.4%) in loam, and 9 to 14 (55.5%) days in sandy soils. Therefore, application of Igeta delayed starting time of permanent wilting point between 50-71% and temporary wilting point between 150-200%.
N Rouhani, H Yang, S Amin Sichani, M Afyuni, S.f Mousavi, A.a Kamgar Haghighi,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Iran, with an average annual precipitation of about 252 mm (413 BCM) and renewable freshwater resources of 130 BCM, has irregular distribution of water resources. With a high population growth rate, agriculture remains the greatest water user in Iran but its production still does not meet the total food demand of the country. Due to unreliable water availability, the competition for water from other sectors and the increasing demand for food and better diets, Iran will experience water stress. In this study, virtual water trade in relation to water resources availability has been assessed as a way of relaxing water stress in Iran. The results showed that from the 21 food products, cereals, pulses, nuts and oilseeds are water-intensive crops according to their estimated virtual water content, while fruits, vegetables and industrial crops are not water-intensive. Considering the volume of virtual water entering the country through food imports, more water will be available for other essential uses. However, the virtual water trade has been developed rather unconsciously regarding water use and crop water productivity during the past two decades. For instance, wheat with a share of 58.5% in the virtual water import to Iran, was the dominant imported crop during 1983-2003. By importing 10.4 Mt of wheat, 11.6 BCM of water has been saved within the country during 1999-2003. However, Iran became self-sufficient in wheat production in early 2005. Consequently, this latest drive for self-sufficiency in the production of wheat, as a water-intensive crop, put tremendous pressure on domestic water resources. The trend in crop trade in terms of quantity and virtual water for other groups of crops has also been shown in the study. Seemingly, crop production and import have been greatly influenced by the weather conditions. With the increasing water scarcity, the role of virtual water in food security is expected to rise continuously in Iran. Thus, conscious virtual water trade as a policy measure in water management and judicious adjustment in agricultural structure will ensure sustainable food security and water availability in Iran.
E Marouf Pour, H Moazed, H.a Kashkouli, H Moahamad Vali Samani,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Tracer experiments are very important in the studies related to aquifer contamination for determination of dispersion coefficient. In this study, the effect of sampling method on the dispersion coefficients of two simulated sandy aquifers was examined. The physical model was made from Plexiglas material with inner length, width and height of 72, 10 and 120 cm, respectively. A solution containing 9 g/l sodium chloride (Ec = 14 ds/m) was used as the non - reactive (conservative) contaminant. Homogeneous sands with coarse and medium particle sizes were used as media for the simulated aquifers. The experiments were carried out in the aquifers with various thicknesses from 20 to 100 cm with 10 cm thickness increment. Point and mixed samples were taken through all experiments. The results of the study showed that (1) for both simulated aquifers, the dispersion coefficient values obtained by point sampling method were close to the values obtained by other researchers from laboratory experiments (2) In all the experiments, the dispersion coefficient values obtained by mixed sampling method were higher than those obtained by the point sampling method (3) with increasing the aquifer thickness, the dispersion coefficient values obtained from the mixed samples varied but did not have a uniform trend which could be due to the unavoidable experimental errors and (4) there was no difference between the breakthrough and pore volume curves of various aquifer thicknesses obtained from point and mixed samples. Overall, based on the results obtained from this research, in studies related to aquifer contamination, it is recommended to take point samples instead of mixed samples to obtain more precise results.
A Nehzati Pghaleh, Sh Zandparsa, A.r Sepaskhah,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Water and fertilizer applications management should be improved due to scarce resources and environmental protection aspects. An analysis of crop yield production and profit maximization was conducted to determine the optimal water and nitrogen allocation. In this study, maize grain yields were predicted for 25 different amounts of irrigation water (350-1700 mm) and 46 different rates of nitrogen application (0-450 kg N/ha) were predicted using MSM (Maize Simulation Model) model. Irrigation water was distributed in growth period based on maize evapotranspiration. 30% and 70% nitrogen fertilization was used 19 and 50 days after planting date, respectively. Based on field operational costs and present market value in Fars province, optimal amounts of applied water and nitrogen were determined in different conditions of maximum yield (Wm and Nm, respectively), maximum profit under limited land (WL and NL, respectively) and maximum profit under limited water (Ww and Nw, respectively). At present market value ( 88 Rls m-3 for water, 1946 Rls kg-1 for nitrogen and 1570 Rls kg-1 for maize grain), the amounts of Wm, WL and Ww were 1336, 1008, 844 mm, respectively, and the amounts of Nm, NL and Nw were 450 kg N ha-1. Because of the low price of nitrogen, the optimum amounts of nitrogen in the analyzed conditions were similar. If the price of nitrogen and water are increased (i.e. 30000 Rls kg-1 N and 1000 Rls m-3 water), the optimum amounts of applied nitrogen and water in the analyzed conditions are changed to 450, 120 and 210 kg N ha-1, and 1336, 899 and 874 mm, respectively.
M Valipour, M Karimian Eghbal, M.j Malakouti, A Khosh Goftamanesh,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Salinization and alkalization are considered spatiotemporal dynamic soil degradation processes. In order to investigate the effects of agricultural activities on land degradation and soil salinity, Shamsabad area in Qom province was selected. Aerial photos (1955) and satellite images (1990-2002) were used to examine the changes in land use. Soil samples were collected from 25 locations in the study area from 0-50 cm and 51-100 cm depth at each location. For comparative purposes, sampling locations in this study were similar to locations used for salinity study in 1983. For each sample, pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), base saturation percentage, exchangeable sodium, lime and texture were measured. Land use and salinity maps were created by using geographic information system (GIS) softwares. Results revealed an increase of 9.5 times in cultivated lands in 47 years. Increase in agricultural activities in the study area has also intensified the pressure on water resource in the area, lowering ground water tables and degrading water quality. In the 0-50 cm soil depth, the average soil ECe was 6.5 dS/m in 1983, which increased to 10.7 dS/m in 2005. If soil salinity trend and pressure on water resources continue, large part of Shamsabad area is expected to change to desert in near future years.
E Izadi, M Heidar Pour, A Kabiri Samani,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
In this study, the flow characteristics have been investigated by measuring separation zone, surface and velocity profiles over the circular crested side weirs. An equation was proposed for the length of the separation zone using dimensional, statistical and regression analysis. The dimensional analysis showed that the length of separation zone depends on the upstream to the downstream water depth over the side weir, channel width to the downstream water depth and the Froude number. Comparison of the longitudinal and sectional surface profiles showed that the surface profiles at the vicinity of the side weir are non-uniform, due to separation zone close to the side weir. Therefore, the suitable place for measuring the characteristics of flow is along the centre line of the channel. It was observed that the maximum velocity occurred below the surface water which might be due to the secondary flow around the side weir. By increasing the distance far enough from the side weir, the effects of secondary flow were minimized and the velocity profiles tended to be uniform.
M Babaeian, M Haydari, A Ghanbari,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
In order to study the effects of foliar micronutrient application under water stress at three stages of growth on proline and carbohydrate concentrations, grain yield and yield components of sunflower (Alster cultivar), a field experiment in split plot design with three replications was conducted in 2007. Alster cultivar was considered under water stress at three stages of growth (heading, flowering and grain filling) as main plot and seven micronutrient treatments, Fe, Zn, Mn, Fe+Zn, Fe+Mn, Zn+Mn and Fe+Zn+Mn, as sub plots. Results showed, water stress at three stages of growth significantly decreased grain yield, biological yield, 1000 weight seeds, cap diameter and cap weight of sunflower (Alster cultivar). The impact of water stress was more pronounced when applied at grain filling. Use of foliar micronutrient increased grain yield in water stress. On the other hand, use of Mn foliar application had the highest positive effect on yield components and grain yield. Free proline and total soluble carbohydrate concentration were increased under water stress at all of the three stages of growth. The highest concentration of these two components was found on the flowering stage. Foliar micronutrient also increased accumulation of the two components.
H Pourghasemi, H Moradi, M Mohammadi, M Mahdavifar,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
One of our first activities in natural resources management and development programs is to acquire knowledge on Landslide Susceptible areas. The aim of this research is landslide hazard zonation in some part of Haraz watershed between Vana village and Emam zadeh Ali, using fuzzy membership functions and fuzzy operators. At first landslide points were recognized using arial photography and field studies. Afterwards, the inventory map of landslide was prepared. Then, each effective element in landslide such as: slope, aspect, elevation, lithology, landuse, distance of road, distance of drainage, distance of fault and precipitation map was prepared in GIS environment.These data were saved in raster and vector format in ILWIS software and used for analysis with theory of fuzzy sets. Fuzzy analysis was made by IDRISI software, after assigning value and fuzzy membership functions. In this research we used different fuzzy operators such as (And, Or, Sum, Product and Gamma). Results showed Gamma fuzzy operator had the best accuracy ( ) in making landslide susceptibility map in study area.
M Katozi, F Rahimzadeh Khouee, H Sabori,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
In order to study the relationship between grain filling rate, duration and leaf relative water content (RWC) and yield, an experiment was conducted at Rice Research Institute of Iran, as a randomized block design in Split Plot with 3 replications, in 2006. 5 irrigation levels as main factor (Continuously flooded, days after water banishment, 5, 8 and 11 day intervals immediately after 10 days of transplanting) and sub main factor were used with 3 rice cultivars, Bahar (hybrid), Dorfak (improved) and Ali kazemi (traditional).Bahar cultivar showed the highest (6710 km/h) yield in continuous conditions. And no significant difference was observed between continuous irrigation conditions and 5 day interval irrigation. In continuous irrigation condition (except 1 day after flowering), Dorfak cultivar in all sampling had the highest grain weight in grain filling duration, but in days after water banishment Bahar had the highest grain weight(2/41). Grain filling rate in Dorfak in all treatments was higher than Bahar, and in Ali kazemi in all treatment s it was higher than the other cultivars. In all sampling dates (8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29 and 30day after heading), leaf relative water content of Ali kazemi was significantly less than Bahar and Dorfak. Dorfak produced the highest leaf relative water content. Results of the grain filling rate showed that Bahar with the longest grain filling duration and highest yield (6710 km/h) is more adaptable than Dorfak and Ali kazemi for different irrigation management conditions.
Sh Mohammad Nejad Kiasari, M Safaee, Sh Nourozi, H Ahmadian, A Mataji,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
Determination of suitable species is the most important factor in success of forestation in unfavorable conditions. One of the least costly and the shortest ways for introduction of adaptable species in an area is recognition of the plants that grow naturally. The objective in this study was to find out the effects of protection and water spreading operations on the quantitative improvement of Greek Juniper seedlings. In this study, the areas of water spreading station (Research station of Poshtkoh Water spreading) and an area in western section of water spreading station (an area as control) along the Poshtkoh watershed were chosen. The research was performed on counting of Greek Juniper (Juniper excelsa) in each of two areas. The ratio estimation method was used in a randomized systematic design in strips with the width of 50 meters and 200 meters apart for registration of qualitative parameters of Greek Juniper (Juniper excelsa). The total surface of areas was 600 ha and inventory with intensity of 16 percent has been done. This study showed that in spite of the less number of Greek juniper trees per ha in the station (0/104) in relation to the number of Greek juniper trees per hectare out of the station (0/666), the number of the Greek juniper seedlings in the station was eight times (8.34) more than the number of the Greek juniper seedlings out of the station. As to the effect of protection and water spreading operations on natural growth and increase of number of Greek Juniper seedlings in the station, forestation using this species in this area is recommended.
S Safae Chaykar, H Samie Zade, M Esfahani, B Rabiei,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
In order to study the correlation of agronomic, morphologic and physiologic traits and their effects on grain yield of rice genotypes in two environments (favorable irrigation and water stress), 49 genotypes were evaluated using a completely randomized block design with 3 replications in two experimental conditions. All practices and conditions were the same for the two experiments with the exception of irrigation, where under stress conditions no irrigation was applied at tillering stage. Comparison of means showed significant differences between genotypes in each environment. Also, differences between yield and yield components of each genotype under two conditions were significant. The results of phenotypic correlations showed that the highest positive and significant correlation with grain yield belonged to number of panicle per plant (0.95) in irrigation conditions and to number of filled grains per panicle (0.92) in water stress conditions. Stepwise regression analysis for grain yield introduced number of panicle per plant, relative water content (RWC), flag leaf length and number of spikelet per panicle, respectively, as effective traits in grain yield in irrigation conditions, however, in stress conditions, number of filled grain per panicle, number of panicle per plant and relative water content were effective traits in yield. The results of path analysis showed that the number of panicle per plant had the highest positive and direct effect on grain yield in the two environments. Factor analysis introduced four factors in the two conditions named yield and crop production, phenologic, harvest index and plant shape and appearance quality of grains factors. Therefore, to select high yield and drought tolerant genotypes, we need to consider number of filled grain per panicle, number of panicle per plant and relative water content. In addition, traits such as panicle length, number of spikelet per panicle, flag leaf length and width that showed significant correlations with grain yield in stress conditions should also be considered important and second to the above mentioned traits.
M Alimohamady, A Rezaee, A.m Mirmohamady Meybodi,
Volume 13, Issue 48 (7-2009)
Abstract
This study was conducted in Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology to evaluate some of the agronomic and physiological traits and grain yield potentials of ten bread wheat cultivars using a split plot design with three replications. Main and sub plot consisted of optimum and stress moisture treatments (irrigation after 70±3 and 130±3 mm evaporation from class A pan) and wheat cultivars, respectively. The results of analysis of variance revealed significant effect of moisture treatments on all traits except 1000-grain weight, harvest index, specific leaf weight, assimilate redistribution and difference of peduncle weights at heading. Significant differences were found among genotypes in the stress condition except for chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a to b ratio. Significant differences were detected among genotypes in optimum moisture condition for all characters, except for chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a to b ratio, harvest index and assimilate redistribution. Grain yields in two moisture conditions had significant positive phenotypic and genetic correlations with harvest index, number of grain/spike, RWC, chlorophyll a and sum of chlorophylls a and b and had significant negative correlation with RWL. Significant positive correlation was observed between peduncle weight at heading stage and difference of peduncle weights at stages heading and maturity with grain yield and RWC in moisture stress condition. The results of path analysis for phenotypic correlation coefficients between grain yield and their corresponding traits in the regression model showed that in stress condition harvest index had the highest direct and positive effect on grain yield and in non stress condition chlorophyll a had the highest direct and positive effect on grain yield. Results of stepwise regression analysis in non stress condition revealed that chlorophyll a, plant height and harvest index explained more than 90% of grain yield variability. Based on stepwise regression analysis in non stress condition, RWL, harvest index and RWC explained 95% of grain yield variability.
M Mahbod, Alireza Sepaskhah, Marzih Monfared,
Volume 13, Issue 49 (10-2009)
Abstract
Optimum management of water use in agriculture results in higher cultivated areas or enhances the share of water for municipal and industrial uses leading to economic development of a country. One of the effective methods in optimum water management is irrigation scheduling by using models which simulate water content in soils. In this study, a previously prepared model for irrigation water scheduling was modified to calculate daily effective rain, soil water content and deficiency. The model was applied for winter wheat field in Bajgah area using 13 years of local meteorological data. Furthermore, the effect of water storage in the soil profile on the amount and frequency of irrigation was examined. This model was written in Visual Basic.Net programming software. The model was run under two assumptions: 1) the effective rain compensates water deficiency of soil down to daily root depth and the excess water is assumed as deep percolation (case I) 2) the effective rain compensates water deficiency of soil down to maximum root depth and the excess water is assumed as deep percolation (case II). The results show that the amount and the frequency of irrigation in case 2 is less than case 1. Average amount and number of irrigation events decreased from 706.8 (mm) and 8 in case I to 569.2 and 6.4 in case II. The average relative percentage of effective rain increased from 45.2 % in case I to 76.9% in case II. The effective rain is 108.9 mm and the amount and number of irrigation events is 9 and 757.7 mm, respectively in case I (at probability level of 80%). The effective rain is 236.7 mm and the amount and number of irrigation events is 636.9 mm and 7.2, respectively in case II (at probability level of 50%). The effective rain is 165.6 mm and the amount and number of irrigation events is 712.6 mm 8, respectively in case I. The effective rain is 292.1 mm and the amount and number of irrigation events is 545.1 and 6, respectively in case II.
A Shaabani, A Kamgar Haghighi, A Spaskhah, Y Emami, T Honar,
Volume 13, Issue 49 (10-2009)
Abstract
Oil seed rape (Brasica napus) is an important crop, which is cultivated in Iran for oil production. As a management practice deficit irrigation strategy is applied to cope with water shortages, especially during drought periods. This research was conducted to study the effect of water stress on physiological parameter of oil seed rape in the experimental research field of Collage of Agriculture (of shiraz university) during 2004- 2005 and 2005- 2006. Licord cultivar of oil seed rape was planted and experimental design was random block with five treatments and four replications. Treatments were full irrigation in all growth stages, water stress in vegetative stage in early spring, water stress in flowering and podding stages, water stress in grain filling stage and dry land treatment with supplemental irrigation in time of planting. Water stress caused decrease in water potential of plant, an increase in canopy temperature, and decrease in plant height especially in dry land treatment. Leaf area index decreased as water stress increased. The decrease in leaf area index was more severe in vegetative stage water stress treatment. At the end of water stress period leaf area index increased again. Rate of decrease in leaf area index at the end of the growing season was higher in grain filling stage of water stress treatment.
A Sheinidashtegol, H.a Kashkouli, A.a Naseri, S Boromandnasab,
Volume 13, Issue 49 (10-2009)
Abstract
Sugarcane has been cultivated in an extensive area in Khuzestan and irrigated by hydro-flume or siphon and furrow. In a field experiment during 2005-6 at Amir Kabir Agro-Industry, Khuzestan, the effect of every other-furrow irrigation method was studied on sugarcane in regard to irrigation water volume, water use efficiency and quality and quantity of sugarcane. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three irrigation treatments, including conventional method (blank), variable every other furrow(alternative furrow) and fixed every other furrow. This experiment was conducted by cv. Cp69-1062 sugarcane. The results showed that water use efficiency rates were 0.41, 0.58 and 0.7 kg/m3 for conventional, fixing furrow and alternative, respectively. However, water use efficiency rates were not significantly different in treatments. It had minimum amount of water use efficiency in every other furrow treatments. Maximum water use efficiency, quality and quantity of sugarcane were obtained every other irrigation. Maximum irrigation water was used in conventional treatment and resulted in minimum irrigation, quality sugarcane and water use efficiency. It produced 14.5 ton/ha sugar for 20604 m3/ha application of irrigation. Sugarcane quality and quantity characteristics in variable treatments, except for length number per hectare, were not significant.
N Nourmahnad, M Emamzadei, B Ghorbani, A.r Mohamdkhani,
Volume 13, Issue 50 (1-2010)
Abstract
Water scarcity causes production losses in arid and semi arid regions. In this condition, deficit irrigation is one of the most important methods to minimize effects of water shortage. This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of two kinds of irrigation management (deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying technique) on some of physiological and phenological characteristics and water use efficiency of tomato. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of DI75 and DI50 (supplying 75% and 50% water requirement) applied to the whole root system, PRD75 and PRD50 (supplying 75% and 50% water requirement) which was applied to one side of the root system, and alternated in every irrigation, and FI treatment, which supplied 100% water requirement, and was considered as control. The results showed that the highest water use efficiency was observed in PRD75 (6.28 kg/m3) and the lowest in DI50 (1.98 kg/m3). Water use efficiency was reduced 67% in DI50 and increased 4.6% in PRD75, as compared with full irrigation. Furthermore, plant water state showed that relative water content was higher in PRD treatments than DI treatments. The analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant difference in leaf diameter stomata among treatments at 5% level .The higher level of water increased stomata diameter. The opening of stomata in FI and DI treatments was higher than PRD treatments. FI had the highest numbers of stomata per unit of leaf area and PRD50 had the lowest (10509.04 and 6904.4, respectively). There was no difference among treatments in phenological characteristics in terms of growing degree-day to fruit yield and growing-degree day to harvesting.
H Tabari, S Marofi, H Zare Abiane, R Amiri Chayjan, M Sharifi, A.m Akhondali,
Volume 13, Issue 50 (1-2010)
Abstract
In mountainous basins, snow water equivalent is usually used to evaluate water resources related to snow. In this research, based on the observed data, the snow depth and its water equivalent was studied through application of non-linear regression, artificial neural network as well as optimization of network's parameters with genetic algorithm. To this end, the estimated values by artificial neural network, neural network-genetic algorithm combined method and regression method were compared with the observed data. The field measurement were carried out in the Samsami basin in February 2006. Correlation coefficient (r) mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate efficiency of the various models of artificial neural networks and nonlinear regression models. The results showed that artificial neural network and genetic algorithm combined methods were suitable to estimate snow water equivalent. In general, among the methods used, neural network-genetic algorithm combined method presented the best result (r= 0.84, MSE= 0.041 and MAE= 0.051). Of the parameters considered, elevation from sea level is the most important and effective to estimate snow water equivalent.
M. Karimi Kakhaki , A. Sepehri,
Volume 13, Issue 50 (1-2010)
Abstract
In order to study the effect of deficit irrigation at reproductive growth stages on water use efficiency and drought tolerance of four sunflower cultivars, including Azargol, Allstar, Alison and Euroflor, an experiment was conducted during 2007 growing season at experimental field of Agricultural Faculty of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran. The experiment was a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation levels included full irrigation, deficit irrigation at heading, deficit irrigation at flowering, deficit irrigation at seed filling, deficit irrigation at heading and seed filling and deficit irrigation at flowering and seed filling stages. The biological and economic yield (BY and EY), harvest index (HI), water used, water use efficiency (WUE) and water stress indexes were measured. The results indicated that the highest BY (11681.7 kg.ha-1), EY (4854.0 kg.ha-1) and HI (42%) were obtained from full irrigation treatment. The lowest negative effects in cultivars belonged to deficit irrigation at seed filling stage. Euroflor obtained the highest of these parameters with 10127.1 Kg.ha-1, 4081.5 Kg.ha-1 and 40% respectively. Highest WUE was related to twice cutoff of irrigation in flowering and seed formation stages and then without irrigation in seed formation stage by 1.09 and 0.96 Kg.m-3. Allstar and then Euroflor had highest WUE among sunflower cultivars by 1.01 and 0.94 Kg.m-3 respectively. Results also indicated that Euroflor was a tolerant cultivar and STI (Stress Tolerant Index) and GMP (Geometric Mean Productivity) were acceptable indexes for selection. Finally, deficit irrigation at seed formation stage had the lowest negative effect on yield and HI with suitable WUE. In addition, Euroflor showed the highest yield, drought tolerance and HI with suitable WUE.
