Showing 18 results for Agriculture
Ezatollah Karami, Daryoosh Hayati,
Volume 2, Issue 1 (4-1998)
Abstract
Sustainability has become a part of the language of almost all development projects. Although, in many instances it has been overused and misused, attaining sustainability in agricultural development is always one of our concerns. This paper aims (1) to clarify and describe the core beliefs and values underlying the two opposing world views of agriculture, i.e., “conventional agricultural paradigm” and “sustainable agricultural paradigm” (2) to describe an instrument developed to measure the basic beliefs and values assumed to constitute the two competing paradigms (3) to measure the adherence of extensionists and researchers of the Ministry of Agriculture towards sustainable agriculture and (4) to compare the adherence to alternative paradigms against conventional agricultural paradigms of Iranian groups with permaculture groups and agricultural chemical dealers of USA. The instrument was used in a nation wide survey. A two-stage random sample was used. In the first stage, 11 provinces were randomly selected and then in each of the selected provinces a simple random sample of extension agents, extension experts and agricultural researchers were selected for the study. The findings indicated that there is no significant difference among agricultural researchers, extension agents and extension experts in their mean endorsement score of sustainable agriculture. Data from a similar study in the USA were used to provide a means of comparison. Two extreme groups were selected, permaculture group with strong sustainable agricultural score and agricultural chemical dealers with lowest mean scores of sustainable agriculture. The mean scores of sustainable agriculture adherence of three Iranian groups were considerably lower than that of the USA permaculture group. However, there was no significant difference between three Iranian groups and USA agricultural chemical dealers which indicates low adherence of Iranian sample to sustainable agriculture. Considering the challenges Iranian farmers face for food production in the next decade and the role of the Ministry of Agriculture personnel, recommendations are put forth for changing knowledge, attitudes and skills of agricultural researchers and extensionists.
G.h. Zamani,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (4-2000)
Abstract
Agricultural colleges have three main objectives: training, research, and offering public services. Transfer and dissemination of agricultural knowledge and technology is the best example of universities’ services. In this regard, agricultural extension has the important role of linking agricultural colleges with agricultural industry. The linkage between extension and agricultural colleges is effective in promoting the two organizations and ultimately enhancing the development of agriculture. Therefore, the significance of this linkage has been emphasized by many program planners as well as researchers.
This descriptive research was conducted to analyze the perception of the faculty members at Agricultural College of Shiraz University and the extension agents and specialists of Fars Province. A theoretical framework was developed based on a “communication model”, and forty-seven factors effective in establishing and promoting the linkage between research and extension were recognized. The results revealed that the most important factor in research-extension linkage is “the degree of contact and knowledge of local agricultural affairs by researchers”. The paper concludes by providing recommendations that could be used to strengthen the interaction between research and extension institutions.
G.pezeshki-Raad, M. Masaeli,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (1-2003)
Abstract
This study utilized a descriptive-correlational surveying approach to examine some economic factors involved in the adoption of an integrated campaign to control rice stem borer (Chilo suppressalis) in Isfahan Province. The population consisted of farmers living in the vilages where Biological Control Plan was conducted (N=6000). The population frame was obtained from Isfahan Agricultural Organization. The sample was obtained using the cluster random sampling method (n=361). Questionnaire and interview were used for data collection in this study. Face and content validity of the instrument was established using a panel of experts consisting of senior faculty members in agricultural extension and education at Tarbiat Modaress University. Further, the agricultural officer of Isfahan Province validated the questionnaire. A reliability analysis was conducted and Cronbach alpha value was reported to be 83 percent. The results showed that the rate of adoption of Integrated Campaign to Control Rice Stem Borer among the farmers was moderate. Among the economic characteristics, there was a significant relationship between adoption of integrated campaign and area of land, amount of area under cultivation, degree of family cooperation in the agricultural activities, access to agricultural inputs, access to financial resources, and yield of rice per hectare.
M. Shahvali, J. Moshfegh,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2005)
Abstract
Changing agricultural experts' attitude toward sustainability principles and perceptions is essential to create sustainable agriculture. Various studies had shown that permanent changes are not easily accessible to maintain ecological values. Therefore preparing effective information channels and precautions leading to communication system firmness are important challenges ahead. The purpose of the present research was the evaluation of caricature effects on attitude change of Jihad Agriculture Organization experts concerning sustainable agriculture in Shiraz. A Quasi-experimental research method was devised for three groups consisting of two experimental and one control group. A Pre- and a Post-test were also administered. Eighty experts from Jihad Agriculture Organization were selected in a simple randomized sampling manner. Based on research theories, questions were devised and data were collected through a questionnaire. Its validity and reliability were determined by specialists and Cronbach's Alpha, respectively.
The results indicated that workshops had changed experts' attitude toward sustainability principles and perceptions and workshops with caricature had the most influences on the change of attitudes. Thus the use of caricature is significant to establish sustainable agricultural principles and perceptions in experts at local level conditions.
A. Khatoonabadi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2005)
Abstract
Public (or governmental) extension services suffer from its limitations and inadequacies to fulfill the requirements for sustainable farming practices. This study examines the aspects of practicing agricultural extension Privatization in Isfahan. The statistical sample society of the survey was the extension practitioners and technicians. Data were gathered through field questioning techniques and interpreted by the analytical methods of statistics in Isfahan province.
The result of the survey method on 105 agricultural extension agents and practitioners revealed that: 1) big farmers have more interest for private extension services than small farmers, 2) the more knowledgeable the farmers, the more demand for private advices 3) pest management, greenhouse production, mechanization and market information are given priority for private advisory services. Finally, "cooperative advisory service" was found to be the most relevant structure to motivate farmers' learning and consultancy activities.
A. R. Ommani, M. Chizari,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (4-2006)
Abstract
The main objective of this article is to present the results of a study done about the social, economical, and farming characteristics of wheat farmers in Khuzestan province of Iran regarding adoption of low input sustainable agriculture (LISA). LISA practices have tended to reduce the use of fertilizer pesticides, and maximal tillage, but, rely more on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manure, green manure, leguminous, appropriate mechanical cultivation or minimal tillage to optimize soil and natural pest control activity. The research design was a descriptive and correlation surveying method. Wheat farmers in Ahvaz, Behbahan, and Dezful township of Iran who cultivated wheat by the use of irrigation in the year of 1379-80 were the target population for this study. A random sample of wheat farmers selected from three randomly selected township of Ahvaz, Behbahan, and Dezful township (N = 5529 , n = 359 ). The main results of the study indicated that correlation of level of education, wheat land, ownership land , income, social participation, social status, social norm, technical knowledge, LISA knowledge, with adoption LISA practices were significantly positive and the correlation of age, experience in agriculture, distance between farm and service centers with adoption LISA practices were significantly negative.
S. Mohammad Zamani, Sh. Ayoubi, F. Khormali,
Volume 11, Issue 40 (7-2007)
Abstract
Evaluating agricultural land management practices requires a thorough knowledge of soil spatial variability and understanding their relationships. This study was conducted at a traditionally operated wheat field in Sorkhankalateh district, located about 25 km northeast of Gorgan, in Golestan province, Iran. Soil samples of the 0-30 cm depth were collected right after planting at the end of autumn 2004 , 100 × 180m plot in a nested grid pattern (n=101). A 1 m2 plot of wheat was harvested at each of 101 sites previously sampled at the end of spring. Statistical results showed that frequency distribution of all data was normal. The highest and lowest CV was related to grain yield (20.40%) and pH (0.59%) respectively. Variogram analysis showed that all parameters had spatial structure and the range values showed considerable variability among the measured parameters. The ranges of spatial dependence showed a variation from 23.99m for total N up to 93.92m for K. Among the parameters, total N and ESP had stronger spatial dependence while P had the lower spatial dependence. Interpolated maps of Kriging demonstrated that crop and soil properties did not have a random pattern but had a spatial distribution. The spatial distribution of total N was similar to organic matter and also there was similarity between spatial distribution of harvest index and available P. The results demonstrated that, the spatial distribution and spatial dependence level of soil properties can be different even within similarly managed farms. Variography and Kriging can be useful tools for designing soil sampling strategies, characterizing management zones and variable application rates of inputs in the precision agriculture.
E. Vaseghi , A. Esmaeili,
Volume 12, Issue 45 (10-2008)
Abstract
This study used a Ricardian approach to measure the impact of climate change on Iranian wheat production and analyzed potential impacts of further climate changes. The study utilized time series data for the period 1984-2004 pooled over 17 provinces. Results showed that climate change has significant nonlinear impacts on net revenue per hectare of wheat in Iran. The results also showed that rise in temperature and reduction in rainfall by the year 2100 will cause the reduction in land value by 41 %, because of increased greenhouse gas emission.
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.
S Salehi, K Rezaee Moghadam, A Ajili,
Volume 13, Issue 47 (4-2009)
Abstract
Variable rate technology-spraying technologies are new aspect of sustainable agriculture. In these technologies, the chemical is applied in the needed level of farm where there is a high intensity of pests and weeds. The purpose of this paper was to study the agricultural specialists' attitude toward and intention to use variable rate technology-spraying technologies in Jihad-e-Keshavarzi organization of Fars and Khuzestan provinces. A survey was conducted using a stratified random sampling to collect data from 249 agricultural specialists. The results showed that the specialists of Fars and Khuzestan provinces have intentions to use the variable rate technology-spraying technologies. The variables including attitude toward application, trialing, perceived usefulness, compatibility, and attitude of confidence all influence the intentions to use the variable rate technology-spraying technologies. Based on high positive intention of agricultural specialists, we recommend the use of these technologies in agricultural practices of the two provinces.
S. Moradnia, R. Naderi, M. Najafi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (8-2017)
Abstract
In order to investigate the persistence of organic amendments, nitrogen and zinc effects on soil characteristics in rapeseed-wheat rotation, a factor analysis was conducted in a complete random design with three replications in two consecutive years in a greenhouse. Treatments in the first year consisted of N fertilizer, municipal waste compost, vermicompost, sheep manure. The control consisted of zinc and two rapeseed cultivars. In the second year of the experiment, two cultivars of durum wheat were sown in the same pots as the first year of the experiment. Results showed that two years after application of cattle manure, a significant increase in soil electrical conductivity (41.81 %), available K (59.45 %) and available Mn (79.82 %) compared to the control were found. Saturated soil moisture (48.57%), total N (94.66 %), available Fe (46.49 %) and available Cu (47.51 %) significantly increased by municipal waste compost compared to the control. Also, Zinc had a significant effect on soil total N (0.28 %), available K (218.4 mg/kg) and available Mn (12.89 mg/kg). Generally, the results showed that application of organic amendments can change many soil characteristics which some of their impacts might last for next upcoming years. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the soil characteristics and nutrients availability of the fields that were treated with organic amendments in the years after application.
O. Ahmadi, P. Alamdari, M. Servati, T. Khoshzaman, A. Shahbaee Kootenaee,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
Changes in Climate parameters have been accelerated in the coming age, which can affect agricultural activities directly and indirectly. Temperature and precipitation are the most complex climatic factors. Spectral analysis is a scientific and efficient technique used to recognize and detect the hidden behaviors of these variables. In this research, in order to study and analyze the temperature and precipitation return periods using spectral analysis, the statistics of climate parameters (precipitation, mean, maximum and minimum temperature) for a period of 27 years (1989-2015) were used for the sustainable land management. For this purpose, the climatic data of temperature and precipitation entered the MATLAB software environment and Periodogram of each of the climatic parameters was drawn in a separate way. The results of each Periodogram study showed that the absolute minimum of temperature had significant cycles with the return periods of 3.8 and 2.4 years; the absolute maximum of temperature had a significant cycle with a return period of 2.1 years and the mean temperature was significant with a return period of 2.7 years. Also, the review of the Periodogram related to precipitation showed a significant cycle with a return period of 3.4 years. The Results from studying cycles indicated the existence of short-term return periods for climate variables in the region. Given this issue and the need to protect agricultural products, especially garden products, it should be done by applying water and soil resources management methods, including creating terraces and increasing soil roughness; Also, cultivation of appropriate plant species for the suitable regional climatic conditions, Drought resistant and low water requirement, the most optimal conditions could be created for the cultivation of horticultural and agricultural products.
V. Rahdari, A. Soffianian, S. Pormanafi, H. Ghayomi Mohammadi, S. Maleki, V. Pormardan,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
In this study, to evaluate the rain- fed land capability in the west of Gavkhooni basin and Plasjn sub- basin, a multi- criteria evaluation method was used. First, by reviewing the literature and expert knowledge, proper data were determined. Criteria and constraint were standardized by Fuzzy and Boolean methods repeatedly and the criteria weights were determined using the analytic hierarchy process. Calculated weights showed that soil and climate criteria with 0.27 and 0.26 had the highest weights among other criteria. Criteria and constraints were combined by considering criteria weights and using the weighted linear combination method; then the rain- fed land capability model was prepared. By re- classing the prepared model, the rain- fed land capability map was produced in 6 capability classes. The results showed that 178430 hectares of the study area was related to very high and high rain- fed capability classes. To determine the rain-fed agriculture sustainability, rain- fed agriculture locations were determined in each land rain- fed capability map. The results showed that 19686 hectares of rain- fed areas were located in high and very high capability and 5999 hectares were the in lower classes.
K. Mohammadi Babadi, A. Nikbakht Shahbazi, H. Fathian,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (7-2020)
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between time and spatial features of meteorological, hydrological and agricultural droughts in Karoon 1 Dam basin. Meteorological and statistical data were accordingly selected to evaluate the drought situation between 1993 and 2016. The results showed that hydrological droughts occurred in the meteorological drought and had a very high correlation with this year's meteorological drought. The most severe droughts occurred between 2006 and 2011. Studies also showed that every three years, the basin was accompanied by a meteorological drought and then a hydrological drought. The results also showed that the highest correlation was observed with the 12-month meteorological index, with a delay of 3 months, and the 6-month meteorological and hydrological index with a delay of 3 months and a three-month hydrological drought index with a delay of two months. Therefore, it could be concluded that hydrological droughts showed a delay of almost two to three months in the entire catchment area; since this period was 4 months or more, the correlation between these two indicators was eliminated and decreased. Also, due to drought zones, during the period from 1993 to 2009, most of the droughts were caused by rainfall reduction in the southwest of the province, and this was associated with a reduction in runoff in its hydrometric stations. Of course, in 2009-2012, the runoff status had been temporarily improved, and from 2012 to 2017, the drought situation had again returned spatially to the previous routine.
S. Moghim, J. Rahmani,
Volume 25, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Improper water managements and overuse of surface water and groundwater mainly for agricultural purposes in Iran have led to the drying of many rivers and groundwater. Climate change adds an extra pressure on the water resources. These changes indicate the necessity of adjustment in water management plans. This study used hydroclimatic variables including precipitation and temperature in Urmia Plain to find appropriate crops that needed the minimum irrigation water. In addition, the best time for planting each crop is determined. To find the proper crops for the region, the daily water, as required for each crop, was calculated based on climate condition, crop type, and crop growth stage. The results indicates that grape could be the best crop for the region. In addition, early planting (e.g. in spring) reduced the irrigation water needed due to more rain and soil moisture in spring than summer, which could provide crop water requirement. On the other hand, the increased temperature in spring could satisfy heat units required for the fully grown plants like barley.
R. Mousavai, M. Rasouli Sadaghiani, E. Sepehr, M. Barin,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
can provide useful information about P adsorption and the factors affecting it. A batch experiment was performed with phosphorus concentrations (0 to 35 mg/L) in two soils with different electrical conductivity (EC) (2 and 15 dSm-1) by a variety of biochar treatments including simple apple-grape biochar (BC), rock phosphate- biochar (BC-RP), enriched-biochar (BC-H3PO4-RP), enriched-biochar (BC-HCl-RP), triple superphosphate (TSP), and control (Cont). The results indicated that phosphorus sorption capacity varied between the soils. Biochar treatments were effective in reducing the phosphorus adsorption of both soils. Due to BC-H3PO4-RP and BC-HCl-RP treatments, the maximum phosphorus adsorption of soils decreased in S1 soil by 14 and 23 % and in S2 soil by 26 and 19%, respectively. Also, the use of these treatments decreased the parameters of Langmuir absorption intensity (KL) of S1 soil to 0.085 and 0.066, respectively and S2 soil to 0.11 and 0.15, L/mg respectively, and Freundlich absorption capacity (KF) of S1 soil decreased to 19.2 and 22.5 and S2 soil to 28.2 and 28.1 L/kg, respectively. Enriched biochars significantly reduced the buffering indices of both soils indicating phosphorus adsorption decreased and increased the availability of phosphorus for the plant. The standard phosphorus requirement of S2 soil was lower than S1 soil by both equations. Therefore, enriched biochar can be an effective strategy to increase phosphorus availability and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in saline and non-saline conditions; however, more field studies are needed for a clear understanding of the potential of P-enriched biochar as a fertilizer alternative.
F. Meskini-Vishkaee, A. Tafteh, M. Goosheh,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Salinity and water scarcity are limiting factors for sustainable agricultural production. The cultivation of resistant plants to environmental stresses is one of the important management factors for sustainable production. The objective of this study was to determine the water requirement and plant response coefficients to water deficit stress (Ky) in different growth stages under the Khuzestan province climate. This study was performed on the quinoa cultivar Titicaca in Ahvaz City in 2019 in a randomized complete block design with 13 treatments and three replications. Treatments include full irrigation and application of three levels of water deficit stress (30, 50, and 70% of allowable soil moisture depletion) at four different stages of plant growth. The duration of the initial, developmental, middle, and late growth stages of quinoa was 24, 28, 32, and 18 days, respectively (total growth period=102 days). The highest quinoa yield was obtained in full irrigation treatment (3700 kg ha-1) with a water requirement of 312 mm. Plant response coefficient to water deficit stress in the initial, developmental, middle, and late stages were 0.8, 0.65, 0.74, and 0.47, respectively. Although quinoa is a drought-resistance plant, it should be noted that the water stress in the two initial and middle stages (quinoa sensitive growth stages to water stress) reduces the quinoa yield significantly that should be considered in the planning of deficit irrigation.
A. Salar, M. Shahriari, V. Rahdari, S. Maleki,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (8-2024)
Abstract
Unbalanced development of different land use/cover in basins without considering the contribution of all components, can cause serious damage to the stability of the entire basin. The development of agricultural areas by increasing the amount of water use and creating dams upstream of rivers are the most important threats to wetlands in many places. Jazmorian wetland is one of the seasonal wetlands in the south-east of Iran. The most important source of water supply for this wetland is the Halil-Rood River. To investigate the land use/cover changes of Jazmurian wetland and
Halil-Rood River, the time series of Landsat satellite data for the years 1354, 1374, 1387, and 1401 were used in the present research. The Landsat satellite images were classified using a hybrid classification method and the land use/cover of the study area maps were prepared. The accuracy of the prepared maps for the latest image was calculated by preparing the error matrix, calculating the kappa index, and the overall accuracy of more than 0.8 and 9%, respectively. The investigation of the prepared maps showed that the area of land under water increased from 1354 to 1374 and then decreased from 119,552 hectares in 1374 to 723 hectares in 1401. The area of agricultural land increased from 2131 hectares in 1354 to 133913 hectares in 1387 and declined to 105795 hectares in 1401. The results of this study show that in this period, with the construction of a dam upstream of the Halil-Rood River, and the development of agricultural lands, the water volume level of the wetland decreased, and the wetland completely dried up in 1401. The present study indicates the necessity of considering different components of a watershed in development planning to achieve sustainable development.
