JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Planting pattern through changing vegetative growth and utilization of environmental resourses affects yield components and seed yield. These effects were studied in the spring of 2000 at the Agricultural Research Station, Isfahan University of Technology, using a randomized complete block design with a split plot layout and three replications. Main plots consisted of three row distances (30 cm flat, and 45 and 60 cm on bed), and sub-plots included three planting densities (30, 40, and 50 plants m^-2). The experiment was planted on March 13 using local safflower variety of Isfahan, named Koseh. Increase in row distance and plant density enhanced most developmental stages of safflower. Leaf area index was not significantly affected by row distance but increased as planting density increased. Up to the 50% flowering stage, 30 cm row distance produced highest plant dry weight, but had the least dry weight at the end of the growing season, probably due to the strong shedding of leaves. Up to the end of flowering stage, 50 plants m^-2 treatment produced the highest plant dry weight, but ranked lower as compared to 30 plants m^-2 treatment at the physiological maturity, probably due to the shedding of leaves. Row distance had no significant effect on number of branches per plant and per square meter, number of heads per branch, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and harvest index. But number of heads per plant and per square meter as well as seed yield per plant and per square meter significantly decreased as planting distance increased. Plant density had no significant effect on number of branches per plant, number of heads per square meter, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and seed yield. Increase in planting density increased number of branches per square meter, but reduced number of heads per branch and per plant, seed yield per plant and harvest index. The highest seed yield (4769 kg ha^-1) was obtained with 30 cm row distance and 40 plants m^-2 treatment. On average, 397 kg ha^-1 petal was harvested, which has a large economic value. However, petal clipping, over all treatments, reduced seed yield by about 7.4%. Considering the advantages of uniform distribution of plants and adaptation of safflower to flat planting, 30 cm row distance with 40 plants m^-2 might be appropriate for planting safflower under conditions similar to this experiment.

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The physiological characteristics of winter wheat(cv. Shiraz) were evaluated in a 2-yrs field study by using a spilit plot design with four replications, at the experimental farm of Shiraz University, College of Agriculture located at Badjgah. Main plots consisted of three sowing dates (November 6^th, December 6^th and January 5^th) and four planting densities (150, 250, 350 and 450 plants/m²) were assigned as sub plots. The results indicated that delay in sowing was associated with a significant reduction in the grain yield. So that the grain yield in sowing date of January 5^th was significantly less than it in sowing dates of November 6^th and December 6^th. Moreover with delay in sowing date the developmental rate of wheat was enhanced and plants reached maturity more rapidly. The trend of the leaf area index changes and the dry weight of the plants were under the effect of experimental treatments, leaf area index was found to be greater at the higher densities and early planting date. Number of stems per m² were decreased with delay in the sowing date, although at the higher densities, the number of stems per m² was greater, despite severe tiller death observed at these densities. The study of trend of dry weight changes during the season indicated that biomass was greater at higher densities and earlier sowings, which resulted in earlier ground cover and higher amount of radiation interception. In conclusion, the results of the present investigation revealed that to achieve a reasonable grain yield, the 6^th of December and 250 plants per m² were the best sowing date and planting density for wheat (cv. Shiraz) under similar agro climatic conditions with the present investigation.

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In order to evaluate effect of planting date and plant density on grain yield, yield components and some quality and morphological traits of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), an experiment was conducted at the research center of agricultural and natural resources of west Azerbaijan in Urmia rain-fed research farm during 2005-2006 growing season in a split plot arrangement, based on a completely randomized block design with four replications. The cultivar of chickpea (Qazvin local mass) was planted in three sowing dates (mid November, mid March and mid April) in main plots, and four plant densities (intra row space: 7.5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) representing (45, 34, 23 and 17 plant/m2) in sub plots. Yield, number of pod per plant, seed protein content, plant height, number of secondary branches and 100 seed weight were evaluated. Results indicated that date of sowing had a significant effect on the yield, number of pod per plant and seed protein content but was not significant for plant height, secondary branches and 100 seed weight. Highest number of pod per plant was obtained in mid November sowing (37.69) and high protein content (22.63) in mid March. Different plant density effects were also not significant on yield, plant height, secondary branches and 100 seed weight but the effect of density on the number of pod per plant and seed protein content was significant. Highest number of pod per plant was obtained in the third density (31.5), and highest protein content in the first density (22.31). The results of study indicated that between mid March planting in the density (45 plant/m2) had highest yield (1042.08kg/ha) and protein content compared with the other planting dates.

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Production of halophytes using saline waters and soils, and feeding livestock with them, is one of the most sustainable ways of desert ecosystems conservation and food production for people living in these areas. A field experiment was conducted at Salinity Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2007 to evaluate the effect of planting density and harvesting time on oil and protein yield of Kochia. Treatments were arranged as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Planting density (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants m-2) as assigned to main plots and two dates of harvesting (after 50% flowering and full maturity) constituted the sub-plots. Plant density had a significant effect on grain yield, mean seed weight, harvest index, oil yield, oil content and protein yield at maturity stage. Forage and protein yield were also affected by plant density at the harvest date of 50% flowering. Total dry matter, protein yield and percentage differed significantly between the two harvest dates. The greatest grain yield (2590 kg ha-1) and oil yield (357.7 kg ha-1) were achieved from 20 plants m-2, whereas those from 10 plants m-2 were minimal. Maximum protein yield (3390 Kg ha-1) was obtained from the planting density of 30 plants m-2 at 50% flowering stage. Based on the results of this study, the best qualitative yields for Kochia could be obtained from a planting density of 30 plants m-2 after 50% flowering but one may recommend planting Kochia at 20 plants m-2 for a high grain or oil production.