JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

---

Diallel crosses among 6 Avena sativa L. and A. sterilis L. lines and introductions were used to evaluate the validity of the assumptions for the genetic model. Number of days to pollination, plant height at pollination and at maturity, as well as grain and stem protein percentages were evaluated. According to Griffing's method 1 the reciprocal mean squares for all the traits under study were significant. But based on Hayman's analysis, the maternal effects for all the traits studied were not significant. Therefore, reciprocal means were used to evaluate the validity of the absence of multiple alleles, linkage and epistasis effects using regression of W_r on V_r and analysis of variance for W_r + V_r and W_r - V_r. Based on the results of the 3 methods, the genetic models for plant height at maturity and days to pollination were unbiased. Therefore, Hayman's analysis was used to estimate the genetic parameters for these traits. For plant height at pollination and stem protein percentage, significant and nonsignificant differences of regression slope from one and zero (Ho: β = 1 and Ho: β = 0) were detected, respectively. For these traits the biasedness of the model was removed after elimination of one parent from the diallel table. Grain protein percentage was not analyzed as it necessitated the elimination of 2 parents from the diallel table. In general, regression of W_r on V_r compare to W_r + V_r and W_r - V_r analysis of variances showed to be a more valid inductive method for testing the accuracy of the genetic model assumptions. Also, results of the Hayman and Jinks analysis, both when the assumptions are valid and when not, showed that genetic parameters are affected by the biasedness of the model, and that different estimates will be obtained. The Griffing's method was less affected by the unbiasedness of the model than Hayman and Jinks method. Therefore, it seems that preliminary testing for validity of the assumptions is necessary in Hayman and Jinks genetic model.

---

The calcification of soils and the effects of topography on this process were studied in semi-arid regions of Kermanshah. From a toposequence, based on the previous soil surveys of the region, five profiles were selected, and field studies and laboratory analyses were carried out on soils. Alluvial - colluvial fans, piedmont alluvial plains, and old plateaux were three main physiographies on the selected toposequence. Soil moisture and temperature regimes were Xeric and Thermic, respectively. The results indicate that redistribution of carbonates and soil formation processes may be categorized in four specific stages to be described in the text. Accumulation of calcium carbonates in soil profiles showed two basic forms: one in sandy layers of fine - textured soil profiles under the influence of abrupt textural changes and lower permeability, and the second in subsurface horizons of soils with calcareous parent material. The morphological evidences showed that in addition to translocation from upper horizons of carbonates by solution and suspension, physical movements to subsurface layers of fine calcareous materials have also affected the formation of calcic horizons. In other words, CaCO3 may have moved as fine particles through soil cracks and subsequently accumulated in the lower horizons. Soil mineralogy showed considerable amounts of illite, Chlorite, smectite and palygorskite clay minerals. Some pedogenic transformations of illite and chlorite may have caused formation of smectite and palygorskite.

---

This study was conducted to evaluate the capability of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) storage proteins, and their genetic variability in different winter and spring isolines, cultivars and landraces. Gliadin proteins were extracted from the flour of five randomly selected seeds of each genotype. In this method, Nucleosil C18 300 A column (250×4.6 mm ID), equipped with a guard column and acetonitrile containing TFA as mobile phase was used.

All selected conditions for RP-HPLC such as suitable velocity and resolution were sufficient to achieve the objectives of this study. Under these conditions, the number of gliadin components by RP-HPLC analysis was more than electrophoresis subunits. In addition, quantitative results of RP-HPLC facilitated the data analysis. Also gliadin analysis by RP-HPLC had a high potential in detecting rye (Secale cereale L.) genes, so that the presence of ω-secalins in the genome of Falat variety was easily detected. Therefore, it was concluded that RP-HPLC analysis of gliadin proteins is as efficient as electrophoresis, and could even replace it in some cases. The result of cluster analysis for gliadin polypeptides indicated the gradual increase of genetic variation from isolines to landraces. Generally speaking, among the landraces, Ali Abad, Aghda, Sefid Bafghi, Ghermez Bafghi, Shahdas and Sorkheh had greater genetic variations.

---

In order to evaluate the relationship between SDS-sedimentation value and breadmaking quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), glutenin subunits of different genotypes (foreign and Iranian cultivars) were analyzed by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). SDS-sedimentation value was used as an indirect criterion for breadmaking quality.

 Correlation coefficients revealed a closer relationship between low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin subunits and variation in SDS-sedimentation value. Principal component analysis confirmed the presence of association between some of the glutenin subunits and SDS-sedimentation value. Based on the stepwise regression analysis, two LMW and four high molecular weight (HMW) peaks (subunits) were selected which accounted for 70.2 and 18.7% of variability in SDS sedimentation values, respectively. On the basis of the results of the stepwise regression analysis, a discriminant function was developed. The great efficiency of discriminant function in correct classification of completely different genotypes (Iranian landraces and cultivars) showed that the observed relationship between glutenin subunits and SDS-sedimentation value has a genetic basis and the effects of LMW and HMW glutenin subunits on SDS-sedimentation value are additive. Therefore, it seems that this method based on more protein components (rather than only on HMW glutenin subunits) can be used to predict breadmaking quality of wheat against many genetic backgrounds.

---

Effects of the β-adrenergic agonist metaproterenol were studied daily gain, carcass composition and feed consumption of Varamini female lambs were studied. Thirty lambs were randomly assigned to a randomized complete block design with three groups (treatments) and two blocks (live weight). The ration was similar for all groups (ME: 2.6 MCal/kg, CP: 14.9%) and lambs were fed ad libitum. Metaproterenol was injected subcutaneously at 0 (control), 7 (low dose) and 14 (high dose) µg kg^-1 w⁷⁵. Lambs were weighed at 20-day intervals.

Mean daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio improved significantly by metaproterenol (P<0.05), but feed intake was not affected. Hot carcass weight, carcass weight minus fat-tail, dressing percentage and longissimus muscle characteristics were different among the three groups (P<0.01). Physically separated fat from several depots and fat-tail weight significantly reduced in the metaproterenol groups. Carcass fat content decreased but carcass protein content increased in metaproterenol treated lambs.

---

Three levels of urea (0, 0.5 and 0.75% on fresh weight basis) were added to whole corn plants to investigate their effects on the chemical composition, and digestibility in 16 Ghezel male lambs using a completely randomized design. Rumen degradability and nutritive values were also evaluated.

 pH, total nitrogen and ammonia-N concentration of silages increased (P<0.05) with the addition of urea. Total nitrogen apparent digestibility was higher (P<0.05) with the urea addition. Nitrogen balance in ruminal fluid increased (P<0.05) with the addition of 0.5% urea. pH and ammonia-N concentration increased (P<0.05) with the addition of urea until 1.5 hr post feeding. Blood serum urea nitrogen concentration was higher (P<0.05) with the addition of urea until 6 hr post feeding. Potential degradability of dry matter and organic matter was higher at 0.5% urea level. Average daily gain increased with the urea addition and was highest (212.88 gr) at 0.75% urea. Subcutaneous fat depth was significantly (P<0.0l) lower for the sheep fed with 0.5% urea-treated silage as compared to other treatments. The results indicated that feed efficiency may be improved by urea addition and that the addition of urea (0.5% on fresh weight basis) may be recommended in order to increase the feeding value of whole corn plants.

---

The effect of adding two urea levels (0.5 and 0.75% on fresh basis) to whole-crop barley (WCB) on chemical compositon and digestibility in Ghezel rams was studied. The effect of including these silages in the ration of fattening Ghezel and Mehraban rams was also investigated. Urea supplementation of WCB silage resulted in an increase in pH, total nitrogen level, and ammonia-nitrogen concentrations (P<0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber of WCB silage were not affected by urea treatment (P>0.05), but apparent digestibility coefficient of total nitrogen was higher for 0.5% urea-WCB silage. Apparent digestibility coefficients of total nitrogen and nitrogen balance were higher for 0.5% urea-WCB silage than for 0.75% urea-WCB silage, but the differences were not significant. Ruminal fluid pH at 2.5 h, and ammonia-nitrogen concentration at 4 h post-feeding were higher for 0.75% urea-WCB silage than for 0.5% urea-WCB silage (P<0.05). BUN levels (<20 mg per dl) in sheep fed with a mixture of alfalfa hay and silages were not affected by the treatment. The potential and effective degradabilities of dry matter and crude protein were higher for 0.75% urea-WCB silage. Feed performance and carcass characteristics were not significantly different amongst diets. The results showed that urea supplementation at 0.75% fresh basis, at the time of ensiling, may have a beneficial effect on feeding value of WCB silage.

---

Traditional paddy dryer systems in Iran cause considerable losses in rice production due to non-uniform drying. In order to decrease the amount of kernel fissuring and to increase the drying rate, fluidized bed method was applied in this study for rough rice drying at temperatures higher than normal. An experimental dryer was used for drying the samples. The drying experiments were set up to find kernel fissuring percentage and the drying times under three conditions: fixed, minimum, and full fluidized bed conditions at temperatures of 40, 60 and 80^oC. Results showed that the amount of kernel fissuring, at minimum fluidization compared to fixed bed condition, decreased 57%, 68% and 75% at temperatures of 40, 60 and 80^oC, respectively. This reduction at full fluidization compared to fixed bed condition, at the above temperatures, was 40%, 54% and 65%. The minimum fluidization method took the lowest and the fixed bed method took the highest drying time. It was concluded that the minimum fluidization drying method had the lowest fissuring and drying times at all experimental temperatures.

---

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of substituting alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) with Gundelia tournefortii hay (a range forage in Fars Province) in the ration of fattening lambs. Alfalfa hay was substituted with Gundelia tournefortii harvested at the final stages of flowering at various ratios (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% dry matter basis) in the ration of fattening lambs. The rations (iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic) were pelleted and each ration was fed for 75 days to 12 Shirazi Grey ram lambs with an average age of 136 days. The lambs were slaughtered and their feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were measured. Substituting alfalfa hay with Gundelia tournefortii hay did not significantly affect the mean daily weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage, internal fat weight, carcass meat content, or meat DM and CP contents (p>0.05). However, backfat depth was significantly different among various rations (p<0.01). At present costs, the inclusion of Gundelia tournefortii in the ration of fattening lambs seemed to be cost-effective the cost of one kg DM of ration was 1266, 1155, 1050, 924, and 787 Rials for rations 1 to 5, respectively.

---

The aim of this research was to study the effect of treatment with oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju) on digestibility of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. pulp. Pleurotus sajor-caju was inoculated on sterilized wheat grains. Two weeks after growth at 25 °C it was added to the sterilized Glycyrrhiza glabra L. pulp in nylon bags. After two weeks (at 25 °C), mycelia grew on the pulp and were used for treatment. Digestibility coefficients were measured in 12 Ghezel rams. Dry matter, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) increased, but ash content, cell wall (NDF) and lignin (ADL) decreased significantly in fungal-treated as compared with non-treated pulps. Crude fiber (CF) and ADF contents were not significantly affected by the treatment. There was a tendency for crude fat (EE ether extract) to decrease by fungal treatment (p=0.08). Mean dry matter intake and digestibility coefficient of dry matter were higher in sheep which were fed the fungal-treated pulp compared with the control group. Digestibility coefficients of CP, CF, organic matter (OM), EE, NFE, NDF, ADF and ADL were significantly greater in fungal-treated pulp than in control group. Treatment with P. sajor-caju increased the nutritive value and digestibility of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. pulp (P<0.05), but culture of this fungus was not possible on non-sterilized pulp, which hinders its field application.

---

The vast and diverse rangelands of Iran require the selection of appropriate methods for grazing intensity measurement in the different vegetation types. Methods can be compared on the bases of time and budget as well as their accuracy. In this study nine methods of the utilization measurement were conducted on the E. ceratoides stands of Hanna exclosure Semirom, Isfahan province. The duncan multiple range test was used to compare mean utilization percentages obtained from the different methods, with paired cage method data was used as control group. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was also used to compare methods for accuracy, time and budget. The means from reference unite, twig length, production index, plant count and stem count methods had significant (p<0.05) differences compared with control group but were comparatively time consuming and more expensive than other methods. The height-weight method resulted in an estimate with no significant difference with the control group. This method was also fastest and least expensive among methods with the accurate results (p<0.05).

---

This research was conducted to investigate the changes of GA₃-like substances in the stratified (0, 10, 20, 30 days at 10^oC) and non-stratified seeds of two olive cultivars, namely ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Zard’. In the first experiment stratified seeds of these cultivars (10 g) were extracted with ethanol (80%), purified by ethyl acetate, and then separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). To compare the biological activity of separated zones, lettuce hypocolyl assauy was used. The results obtained in this part of study indicated that the amount of GA₃-like substances increased as the stratification period increased. In the second experiment extracts were made from different parts of non-stratified seeds of both cultivars. The result of the second experiment showed that the GA₃–like substances of embryos of non-stratified seeds were higher than other parts of the seed.

---

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of energy (2700, 2900 and 3100 kcal/kg) and protein (13, 14.5 and 16 %) on laying performance of Fars native hens during the first phase of production. Two hundred and sixteen 25-week-old native pullets were put into fifty four groups of similar live weight (994 ± 169 gr) of four chickens, which were randomly allocated to nine experimental diets. Each treatment was replicated six times in factorial CRD design (3×3). At each level of energy, three diets were formulated to contain three levels of protein (16, 14.5 and 13%). The diets were fed ad libitum for a period of 20 weeks (week 25-45). The treatments 1 with 3100 kcal/kg ME and 16% protein and 3 with3100 kcal/kg ME and 13% protein had less daily feed consumption than treatment 7 with 2700 kcal/kg ME and 16% protein (90.50 and 87.30 vs 101.20 gr respectively, P<0.05). The effect of energy levels on daily feed and energy consumption and feed conversion ratio was significant (P< 0.05). Feed conversion ratio for energy level of 3100 kcal/kg was significantly different from 2700 kcal/kg (2.85 vs 3.08 respectively). The effect of protein levels on uric acid content of excreta and daily protein consumption was significant (P< 0.05) and protein level of 16% was significantly differed from protein level of 13% (11.40 vs 10.50 gr respectively). The results of this experiment showed that it is preferable to use the energy level of 2700 kcal/kg and protein level of 13% during the first phase of production of Fars native hens.

---

Genetic male sterility is controlled by one pair of ressesive allele (aa) in sugar beet. This trait is used in most breeding programes. The exsistance of the character in a line or population facilitates transfer of important trait to the breeding material (for example resistance to plant disease). Also, it is possible to increase genetic diversity of monogerm populations by using genetic male sterility. The time and cost of transferring of this gene will be decreased, if the character is tagged with a molecular marker. Bulked segregant analysis using 302 RAPD primers in two F2 populations (231 and 261 population) was performed for the the identification of RAPD markers linked to the genetic male sterility gene. DNA preparation from 8 male fertile and male sterile plants were separately mixed. At first, the primers were tested on bulks. The primers with polymorphic bands were tested on individual plants of the bulks. Only if the polymorphism of the primers was confirmed, they were tested on the other individual plants. Finally, 10 and 6 markers were identified in 231 and 261 populations, respectively, which their distances to male sterility gene were lower than 50 cM. AB-8-18-600r marker was the nearest marker to male sterility gene. This marker showed only 3 and 1 recombination in 231 and 261 populations, respectively. The distance of this marker and genetic male sterility locus was estimated as 5.3 cM in combined F₂ populations.

---

Ordination is the part of statistical ecology which has developed and integrated in recent years. Finding environmental factors which important in ecological structure determination of plant species is the final purpose of ordination. Ordination method was used for finding the effect of important variables on Bromus tomentellus species quantitative and qualitative changes in Esfahan's Fereidan region. For this purpose, fifteen sites were studied. Density, Cover percentage and Soil factors containing EC, pH, % caco₃ , % gravel and stone, % clay, % silt, % sand, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl^-, SAR, C/N and % OC. In A (0-30 cm) and B (30-60 cm) horizons over a line transaction in each site, were measured. The matrix of environmental and species characteristics were prepared. The relationship between environmental and species characteristics were determined using of PC-ORD and CANOCO software's and Redundancy Detrended Analysis (RDA) method. The results show that there are meaningful correlation between Density and Cover percentage with soil factors. The results implicate that C/N factor in A horizon and SAR in B horizon have the most effect on Bromus tomentellus density and cover percentage. EC, pH and …. Factors don't have much effect on Bromus tomentellus species characteristics.

---

In order to determine the potato cultivars responses to irrigation regimes and fertilizer combinations, an experiment was conducted on Fereidan Research Farm, Isfahan Province in 2003. The trial was designed as split-split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The cultivars (Arinda and Navita) were planted as main plots, and irrigated after 70, 140, 210 mm water evaporation from standard A pan surface that provided optimal watering, mild drought, and severe drought, respectively, as sub plots. Fertilizer combinations including of NPK + Zn, NPK+ Mn, NPK +Zn + Mn and NPK+ Manure were used as sub-sub plots. Results showed that the cultivar Arinda produced higher yield, mean tuber weight and total tuber number. By decreasing the amount of irrigation, the total yield and mean tuber weight were decreased. The highest amount of seed tubers (35-55 mm diameter) and marketable tuber sizes (diameter>35mm) and lowest amount of small size tuber numbers (diameter <35) were obtained in moderate drought. The use of NPK + Zn + Mn and NPK+ Manure produced the highest yield and mean tuber weight. Planting the cultivar Arinda with efficient irrigation is suggested in Isfahan province. Moderate drought is recommended for production of higher amount of seedy tubers. A combination of manure, Mn and Zn fertilizers are also suggested for potato farms of this district.

---

In order to study the morphological characteristics and yield of leafy corn hybrids, and comparie them with those of commercial hybrids, an experiment was conducted in the research field of Agricultural College, Tarbiat Modares University in 2005. A complete block design was used with three replications. Hybrids were obtained from crosses between leafy inbred lines and also commercial inbred lines with leafy inbred. There was a significant difference in single crosses on above and below leaf number and area, biomass, leaf length, plant height and distance between ear and tassel, internodes length, ear height (p<0.01). The most and least above ear leaf number were for b7*a4 and commercial hybrids, respectively. Most of the leafy hybrids had more above and below leaf number than commercial hybrids. Some of leafy hybrids produced the same yield as commercial hybrids and the others produced more. Considerable yield increment in the leafy corn can be attributed to the fact that the leafy gene produce twice leaf area in corn. Internodes length reduced in leafy hybrids due to increasing leaf number without plant height increment. The maximum and minimum grain yield were for b2*a4 leafy hybrid (10.22 t/ha) and SC108 non-leafy commercial corn (6.37 t/ha) respectively. Generally, b7*a4 and b2*a4 leafy hybrids produced the most biomass and leafy hybrid b2*a4 had the most grain yield.

---

The objective of this research was to predict head rice yield (HRY) in fluidized bed dryer using artificial neural network approaches. Several parameters considered here as input variables for artificial neural network affect operation of fluidized bed dryers. These variables include: air relative humidity, air temperature, inlet air velocity, bed depth, initial moisture content, final moisture content and inlet air temperature. In aggregate, 274 drying experiments were conducted for creating training and testing patterns by a laboratory dryer. Samples were collected from dryer, and then dehulling and polishing operations were done using laboratory apparatus. HRY was measured at several different depths , average of which was considered as HRY for each experiment. Three networks and two training algorithms were used for training presented patterns. Results showed that the cascade forward back propagation algorithm with topology of 7- 13-7-1 and Levenberg-Marquardt training algorithm and activation function of Sigmoid Tangent predicted HRY with determination coefficient of 95.48% and mean absolute error 0.019 in different conditions of fluidized bed paddy drying method. Results showed that the input air temperature and final moisture content has the most significant effect on HRY.

---

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.

---

In this study, the effect of soil structure under saturated and unsaturated flow conditions on nonreactive bromide (BR) transport was investigated. The soil structure treatments consisted of undisturbed columns (prismatic and granular structures), and disturbed columns (single- grain structure). A constant concentration (C0= 0.005 M) of bromide was supplied on the surface of the columns in a steady-state flow condition. For the saturated flow condition, a flux equal to the highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of the columns was applied on all of the columns. To create the unsaturated flow condition, a flux equal to the half of the lowest Ks of the columns was imposed on all of the columns. The leaching of the columns was followed for five pore volumes (5PV) and the bromide concentration of the effluent was measured at 0.2PV intervals using bromide selective electrode. The breakthrough curve (BTC) of single- grain structure was sigmoidal (S-shaped) and similar to piston-capillry flow form. In contrast, BTCs of the granular and prismatic structures had a steep initial part and later gradual tailed part. The preferential pathways caused the early appearance of bromide in the leachate of columns of these two structures. Tailing of the BTCs might be due to dispersion and diffusion between mobile and immobile water fractions. In saturated condition, the bromide plume appeared earlier than that in the unsaturated condition because of domination of mass flow and rapid macroporous stream. The results demonstrated the importance of soil structure, preferential pathways, and flow conditions in solute and pollutant transport.