Forage Production in Different Intercropping Patterns of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor L.) With Hairy Vetch (Vicia Villosa) in Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels

In order to evaluate the intercropping of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) andhairy vetch (Vicia villosa) at different nitrogen fertilizer levels and planting patterns, a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, University of Tabriz in 2014. The experimental design was factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 30 and 60 kg N.ha-1) and three planting patterns [(planting sorghum on the furrow bank and planting vetch in the both side of furrow bank (P1), planting sorghum in one side of furrow bank and planting vetch in other side (P2) and planting sorghum on the furrow bank and planting vetch on the furrow bank and both side of furrow bank (P3)]. Results indicated that nitrogen fertilizer application increased sorghum forage yield. The highest sorghum forage yield was achieved in first and second planting patterns by application of 60 kg.ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer. Also, the highest forage yield (371.7 kg. ha-1) of vetch produced in the third nitrogen fertilizer level (N60) and third planting pattern (P3). In all intercropping treatments, land equivalent ratios (LER) were well above 1 indicating yield advantages for intercropping. The greater LER of the intercrops was mainly due to a greater resource use and resource complementarities that when the species were grown alone. The highest LER (1.94) and RVT (1.14) were obtained in first planting pattern with no nitrogen application. Also the greatest LERs (1.92) were obtained under interaction of second planting pattern and third nitrogen fertilizer level (N60). In general, it can be stated that for the production of forage, the combination of first and second planting patterns with no nitrogen application is superior on other planting patterns

Trans-Ureteral Ureterolithotripsy of Ureteral Calculi:Which is the Best; Pneumatic or Holmium Laser Technique?

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was compare of two types of lithotripter include holmium: YAG laser and pneumatic one in transurethral ureterolithotripsy (TUL) for the management of ureteral calculi ≥1 cm.METHODS: 112 patients with ureteral calculi more than 1 cm were selected in randomized order for pneumatic or holmium: YAG laser transurethral ureterolithotripsy (56 patients in each group). Ultrasonography and intravenous urography were performed for all patients before surgery. Complete clearance and success was defined as the absence of any fragments on post operation KUB and ultrasonography images.RESULTS: Success rate was 85.7% in pneumatic group and 100% in holmium: YAG laser group (p =0.003). Stone migration up in the pelvicalyceal system was observed only in 8 cases of pneumatic group. No statically differences were observed in terms of patient’s age, hospital stay, and complications between two groups.CONCLUSION: According to our experience, for ureteral stone larger than 1 Cm treatment with ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy is a preferring approach with favorable operation time and hospital admission, and no more significant complication

Zoning areas prone to fire occurrences in the forest ecosystems of North Zagros (Case study: Sardasht forests in West Azarbaijan)

The ecological balance in nature is integrated with forest safety. Wildfire causes irreparable effects on the ecological functions of the forest and disrupts the production of oxygen and carbon sequestration, reducing biodiversity, expanding pests and diseases, and eventually breaking the balance of nature, which is the unique role of the forest. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the occurrence and zoning of fire hazards in Sardasht forests in the area of 1784.8 hectares to achieve control and counteraction strategies. At first, layers of elevation, slope, aspect, precipitation, temperature, organic carbon, soil texture, and vegetation cover were mapped for the study area. AHP was used for prioritization, evaluation criteria, and weighting of the layers. Finally, the classifications of the layer were done using GIS, and hazard scores were classified at four classes included; Safe, low risk, medium risk, and high risk. The results showed that 12.7% of the study area is at high risk, 39.9% has moderate risk, 31.9% is in the low-risk area and 15.5% is located in the safe area. Also, the Angstrom index was showed that wildfire occurring has maximum possibility between June to September. It was also found that the north-east of the study area is more at risk of fire due to the denser vegetation than other areas. The minimum fire hazard was observed in the north, part in the south, and the narrow strip in the central regions of the study area

Improvement of Seed Yield, its Components and Oil Content of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by Applications of Chemical and Organic Fertilizers

To evaluate the effect of different levels of chemical and organic fertilizers on seed yield, its components and oil content of sunflower (Hybrid Iroflor), a factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 12 treatment and 4 replications was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2014 growing season. The first factor consisted of 3 levels of chemical fertilizer (C0: without using any fertilizer, C1: application of urea at the rate of 150 kg.ha-1 and C2:application of 75 kg.ha-1 urea + 50 kg.ha-1 super phosphate triple) and the second factor comprised of organic manure applications (O) with 4 levels (O0: without organic fertilizer, O1:animal manure application at the rate of 40 t.ha-1, O2: poultry manure application at the rate of 30 t.ha-1 and O3: %50 poultry manure+ %50 animal manure. Results showed that the highest chlorophyll index belonged to %50 nitrogen + 50% phosphorus plus poultry manure and nitrogen fertilizer plus poultry manure treatment combinations respectively. Applications of 75 kg N ha-1+ 50 kg P ha-1 and %50 poultry manure+ %50 animal manure treatment combination, resulted in grain yield increase by %42.02 as compared to the application of 75 kg N ha-1+ 50 kg P ha-1. Maximum kernel number per head was produced by interaction effect of chemical nitrogen fertilizer (150 kg N ha-1) animal manure (40 t.ha-1). Biological yield and harvest index were increased by %22.9 and %15.98 respectively, as compared to control and application of %50 poultry manure+ %50 animal manure. Highest percentage of grain oil (52.45%) was obtained by applications of 15 t.ha-1 poultry manure+ 20 t.ha-1 of animal manure, as compared to the control (30.13 percent). The highest oil yield (1784.57 kg.ha-1) was also belonged combined application of 75 kg N ha-1+ 50 kg P ha-1 and 15 t.ha-1 poultry manure+ 20 t.ha-1 animal manure. Thus, integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizers (75 kg N ha-1+ 50 kg P ha-1 and 15 t.ha-1 poultry manure+ 20 t.ha-1 animal manure) improved both grain yield and its oil content of sunflower more than their individual applications

Evaluation of Quality Traits of Forage Maize Cultivars as Affected by Different Plant Densities

Maize has an important role in livestock nutrition. Thus, improving its forage quality through agronomical managements seems to be of high importance. To evaluate quality traits of forage maize cultivars in response to plant densities, a factorial experiment based on RCBD with three replications was carried out at the Research Station of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh during 2013-2014 growing season. The first factor was plant density with three levels (93000, 105000 and 119000 plant.ha-1) and the second factor was maize cultivars with five levels (Zola, Simon, NS, 540 and 370). Results of the experiment indicated that dry matter production was affected by the interaction of plant density and cultivar, where cultivar 540 produced the highest dry forage (980 g.m-2) by density of 119000 plant.h-1 and cultivar NS the lowest (933 g.m-2) dry forage by density of 93000 plant.m-2. However, all cultivars under study produced higher dry matter under higher plant densities. It was also observed that Zola cultivar, with 638 g.kg-1 of hemicellulose, had the lowest forage quality. Other cultivars were in the same statistical group. Phosphorous content of forage was in its highest value in 93000 plant density, while calcium content was not affected by plant density. Lower plant densities resulted in higher crude protein content. Cultivar no. 540 produced the highest crude protein yield (kg.ha-1) suggesting its superiority to the other cultivar. This cultivar can be recommended for growing in this region and other regions with same climatic conditions for producing high quality and quantity of maize forage production

Effects of Hydro and Hormonal Seed Priming on Seed Germination of Milk Thistle under Saline Stress Condition

</style><p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">Salinity is an abiotic stress which has harmful effects on germination of many plants. Therefore, high germination rate and vigorous early growth under salty soils is preferred. Seed priming is a way to increase salt tolerance of plants. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of seed priming on germination of milk thistle under salinity condition. The treatments were 4 levels of seed priming (no priming, distilled water as hydro priming and 0.5 and 1.0 mM salicylic acid) and 5 levels of salinity (0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl and 40 and 80 mM CaCl₂). The experiment arranged as a factorial in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Results showed that salinity decreased germination percentage and germination rate to about 16 and 32% in 80 mM CaCl₂ level compared to control, respectively. The highest mean germination time (5.7 day) were belonged to 80 mM CaCl₂. Radicle and plumule length significantly decreased by 80 mM NaCl and 40 and 80 mM CaCl₂. The lowest seedling weight and seed stamina observed in 80 mM CaCl₂. 0.5 mM salicylic acid improved all traits except mean germination time as compared to control.&nbsp; Salicylic acid (0.5 mM) improved radicle length under 0, 40 and 80 mM NaCl salinity levels as well as increased plumule length at the 0 and 40 mM NaCl salinity conditions.</span></p

Effects of Super-Absorbent Polymer Application on Yield and Yield Components of Rapeseed (&lt;i&gt;Brassica napus&lt;/i&gt; L.)

Limitation of water resources and its great impact on agricultural and natural resources play a crucial role in the efficiency of water use. Applying super absorbent polymer to the soil may be one of the methods to minimize the stress of weather dryness in arid and semi-arid regions. In order to evaluate the effects of hydrophilic polymer application on yield and water use efficiency of rapeseed plants, an experiment was conducted under field condition in 2012 at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh. Treatments’ factors were: (i) 3 super absorbent polymers (SAP) (Taravat A200) levels of 0 (without application), 75 and 150 kg ha-1 A200 application, (ii) three irrigation levels of 80, 120 and 180 mm evaporation from class A basin in main plots, (iii) two cultivars ʻHyola 401ʼ and ʻRVSʼ in sub plots as factorial split plot combination based on completely randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that in all of the measured traits within the experiment there were significant differences between SAP levels. Furthermore, increasing irrigation interval led to an increase in a thousand seeds’ weight, but decreased seed yield. Increasing water stress raised seed oil percent and infertile silique and subsequently resulted in reduced oil yield. ʻHyola 401ʼ was more susceptible to embryo abortion compared with ʻRVSʼ. As a conclusion of the research, SAP (A200) application in quantities smaller than 75 kg ha-1 may be recommended for rapeseed production under field condition

Intercropping of Cereals and Legumes for Forage Production

Cereals are high important in feeding ruminant animals for their high dry matter production and low cost. However, cereals forage is poor in protein content which shows their low quality and nutritive value. Regarding to high feed costs of protein supplementations, legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein content and, thus, providing cost saving. Since legumes have low dry matter yield, acceptable forage yield and quality can obtained from intercropping of cereals and legumes compared with their sole crops. In this paper, forage quality indicators and different factors affecting forage quality are discussed. Forage production and quality of different cereals-legumes intercropping are also reviewed, where; different legumes had different effect on forage quality when intercropped with specific cereal. Regarding to forage quality and quantity, different cereals also led to different production of forage. A number of factors which must be noticified in selecting cereal-legume intercropping compositions, especially for forage production, were considered

Improvement in Essential Oil Quantity and Quality of Thyme (<i>Thymus vulgaris</i> L.) by Integrative Application of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under Water Stress Conditions

Water stress is one of the critical abiotic stresses and limiting factors in the productivity of plants, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In recent years, the application of bio-fertilizer and stress-modulating nanoparticles (NPs) is known as one of the eco-friendly strategies for improving plants quantity and quality under stressful conditions. In order to achieve the desirable essential oil (EO) quality and quantity of thyme in water deficit conditions, a 2-year field experiment was carried out as a split plot based on the randomized complete block design (RCBD), with 12 treatments and three replications. The treatments included different irrigation levels, containing irrigation at 80% field capacity (FC80) as no stress, 60% FC as moderate water stress (FC60) and 40% FC as severe water stress (FC40), as well as four different fertilizer sources, including non-application of fertilizer (control), application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), chitosan NPs (CHT) and co-application of AMF+CHT NPs. The results demonstrated that the dry yield of thyme decreased by 13% and 40.3% under FC60 and FC40 water stress conditions. However, co-application of AMF+CHT NPs enhanced the dry yield of thyme by 21.7% in comparison to the control (non-application of fertilizer). The maximum EO content (2.03%) and EO yield (10.04 g 7 g m−2) of thyme were obtained under moderate water stress (FC60) fertilized with AMF+CHT NPs. Co-application of AMF+CHT NPs enhanced the EO content and EO yield of thyme by 17.1% and 42.7%, respectively. Based on the GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, 38 constituents were identified in the thyme EO, with the major constituents being thymol (35.64–41.31%), p-cymene (16.35–19.38%), γ-terpinene (12.61–13.98%) and carvacrol (2.78–3.93%) respectively. The highest content of thymol and γ-terpinene was obtained under moderate water stress (FC60) fertilized with AMF+CHT NPs. In addition, the highest content of p-cymene and carvacrol was observed in the severe water stress (FC40) fertilized with AMF+CHT NPs. The present research suggests that the co-application of AMF+CHT NPs represents a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for improving the EO quantity and quality of thyme under water stress conditions

Optimizing Antioxidant Activity and Phytochemical Properties of Peppermint (<i>Mentha piperita</i> L.) by Integrative Application of Biofertilizer and Stress-Modulating Nanoparticles under Drought Stress Conditions

Drought stress (DS) negatively affects plant growth, productivity, and quality in semi-arid and arid regions. Nowadays, application of biofertilizers and stress-modulating nanoparticles (NPs) improves plant performance under stressful conditions. The study evaluated the impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Myco-Root) and TiO2 NPs on the nutrient uptake, dry yield, essential oil (EO) productivity, and EO quality of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) under different irrigation regimes. The treatments included three irrigation regimes containing irrigation after 20% (I20, well-watered), 40% (I40, mild DS), and 60% (I60, severe DS) maximum allowable depletion (MAD) percentage of the soil’s available water as well as four fertilizer sources contain no fertilization (control), Myco-Root biofertilizer, TiO2 NPs, and an integrative application of Myco-Root + TiO2 NPs. The results demonstrated that the highest (195.72 g m−2) and the lowest dry yield (78.76 g m−2) of peppermint was obtained in well-watered conditions with integrative application of Myco-Root + TiO2 NPs and severe drought stress (I60) without fertilization, respectively. The dry yield of peppermint was reduced by 27.7 and 53.4% in mild (I40) and severe drought stress (I60), respectively. The maximum EO content (1.49%) and EO yield (2.30 g m−2) was recorded in mild drought stress (I40) treated with Myco-Root + TiO2 NPs. Based on the GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, 29 constituents were identified in peppermint EO, with the major constituents being menthol (38.99–52%), menthone (12.72–20.13%), 1,8-cineole (6.55–7.84%), and neo-menthol (3.14–4.52%), respectively. The maximum content of menthol, 1,8-cineole, and neo-menthol was obtained under mild drought stress (I40) fertilized with Myco-Root + TiO2 NPs. The results indicate that the integrative application of Myco-Root + TiO2 NPs could be used as an alternative method of using chemical fertilizers in sustainable agricultural systems for improving the EO quantity and quality of peppermint grown under drought stress conditions