حسین حیدری شریف آباد

Sustainability in agricultural sector is very important and there is a growing demand for information on economic, energy and environmental dimensions in agricultural systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the water productivity, energy and production costs of corn and sorghum fodder and to compare the economic cultivation of two plants in the arid region of northwestern Isfahan. This experiment was conducted separately for each plant in the form of split plots in a randomized complete block design in three replications in Shahin Shahr, Isfahan during the years 2016 and 2017. The main plots included three levels of full irrigation, 80% and 60% full irrigation, and subplots included two varieties of sorghum, Speedfed and Pegah, and corn 704 and Maxima. The results showed that the highest input energy consumed in the production of both plants with an average of 14130 Mj.ha-1 is related to nitrogen fertilizer. Among the investigated cultivars, the Pegah variety had the highest energy ratio (23%), fodder energy efficiency (0.38 kg.MJ-1) and fodder water efficiency (6.4 kg.m-3). The results also indicated an increase in the fixed and variable costs of corn production compared to sorghum. In general, compared to corn, sorghum production in the region requires less water and energy, lower production cost along with more fodder production and less environmental damage, and Pegah variety is introduced as a more suitable variety for fodder production in the region.

One of the basic pillars of sustainable agriculture is the use of biological fertilizers with the aim of eliminating or reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. in recent years, nano fertilizers have been considered an effective solution to reduce nutrient losses and increase fertilizer use efficiency. In this regard, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of biological and nano fertilizers on the yield and morphological traits of cowpea in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design for two consecutive years (2018-2020). The studied factors included 4 levels of biological fertilizers (control, Amino Zn-chelate, AminoAlexin, and Bio-20) and 4 levels of nano chelates (control, Nano B-chelate, Nano K-chelate, and Nano Fe-chelate). The results showed that years had no significant effect on the studied traits. However, the application of biofertilizers, especially Bio-20, followed by AminoAlexin, achieved the highest growth characteristics and yield. Also, among nano chelate fertilizers, iron and that potassium had the most positive effect. The study of interaction effects showed that the lowest growth characteristics and yield were observed at the control treatment. However, the highest plant height, number of flowers, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and plant, 100-seed weight, and seed and straw yield were observed in Bio-20 application along with nano Fe-chelate and/or nano K-chelate. In general, we found that the combined application of biological fertilizers, especially Bio-20, along with nano Fe-chelate and nano K-chelate significantly improved the growth characteristics, yield, and yield components of cowpea.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of cut irrigation on yield and quantitative and qualitative characteristics of cultivars wheat in the crop year 2017-18 in Shahriar region. This research was carried out as split plots design a randomized complete block with two cut irrigation and cultivars factors in 63 treatments and three replications. The main factor of irrigation treatment in three levels including: normal irrigation I0, cut irrigation in flowering stage I1 and cut irrigation in grain filling stage I2 and cultivars in 21 levels as a sub-factor including; Chamran, star, Sirvan, Sivand ,Arg, Parsi, Barat, Narin, Heidary, Ofogh, Rakhshan, Baharan, Sepahan, Aflak, Mihan, Zare, Gonhad, Orum, Saison, Gascogen and Mehregan. The results of analysis of variance showed that 1000-seed weight, grain yield, total yield, stomatal conductance, canopy temperature, leaf proline, cell membrane stability, grain gluten, SOD antioxidant enzyme and MDA degradation biomarker were affected by the main effects of irrigation levels and cultivarsand interactions were significant at the level of 5% and 1%. The highest grain yield (10857.2 kg.ha-1), total yield (44092.8 kg.ha-1) and stomatal conductance (236.08 molH2o. m2.s-1) were allocated to Normal irrigation and Rakhshan cultivar treatment. The lowest grain yield (1467.9 kg.ha-1), total yield (11496.7 kg.ha-1) and stomatal conductance (44.81 mmolH2o.m2.s) were obtained from cut irrigation at flowering stage and Ofogh cultivar treatment. However cut irrigation treatment at flowering stage and Ofogh cultivar obtained the highest canopy temperature (19.827 C), proline leaf (0.994 µg.gFw-1) and the lowest canopy temperature (13.126 C), leaf proline (0.416 µg.gFw-1) and cell membrane stability (171.14 µmos.cm) was observed from normal irrigation and Rakhshan cultivar treatment. The highest antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase SOD (19.06 U.mgprotein) and MDA (40.68 Ƞmol. gFw-1) were achieved from cut irrigation at flowering stage and Gasgogen cultivar treatment. The results showed that the tolerant cultivars were less affected by drought stress. And by less producing organic matter such as proline and degrading enzymes and biomarkers, they maintained their yield at an acceptable level.

The use of potassium solublizing bacteria (KSB) in soils containing an accumulation of insoluble and non-absorbable potassium by plants can help further solubility of these potassium mineral sources in the soil and thus the uptake of this element by the plant. Also, the application of KSB on the yield and yield components of wheat can prevent the overuse of potassium chemical fertilizers and instead predispose soil conditions for the development of plant nutrition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of application of KSB in comparison with the application of common potassium chemical fertilizers in the country's farms on quantitative and qualitative traits of wheat grain. To study the effect of application of KSB on the yield of wheat cultivars in southern Kerman, Iran, this experiments were performed over two years in the form of split plots in a randomized complete block with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University of Jiroft in loamy sand soil. Various wheat cultivars including Chamran 2, Barat and Khalil were located in the main plot and sources and amounts of calcium were at four levels: 1. Control (without fertilizers) 2. Application of chemical sulfate potassium (at the rate of 200 kg / ha based on soil test results 3. Half of the recommended chemical fertilizer at the rate of 100 kg/ha + consumption of KSB from the source of Potabarvar biofertilizer at the rate of 100 g/ha 4. KSB (at the rate of 100 g/ha as the seed treatment), were placed in sub-plots. The results showed that wheat cultivars showed different reactions to different levels and sources of fertilizer during the two years of the study. The highest grain yield in Chamran 2 cultivar was obtained by applying KSB at the rate of 8 t/ha. Application of KSB alone in Khalil cultivar and application of potassium solfate along with KSB in Barat cultivar produced 7.49 and 7.6 tons of grain per hectare, respectively, Whithout significant different by 8 tons per hectare. Application of KSB could significantly improve grain yield, spike length, number of grains per spike, grain nitrogen percentage and grain protein percentage. The results showed that the applied KSB improved the quantitative and qualitative traits in wheat grain. Although the application of potassium sulfate based on soil test results also had an effective role to increase wheat traits, but it is suggested that in agriculture based on sustainability in agriculture, potassium biofertilizer should be used with half of the recommanded potassium sulfate fertilizer. In addition to reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers, this can be effective in reducing wheat production costs and farm health.

This research was carried in cropping years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to study the effect of plant density on morphological traits, flowering pattern, boll production and seed cotton yield of new cotton cultivars in Varamin region of Iran. In this research, five cotton cultivars including Varamin, Shirpan603, Cocker100, NO200 and SP731 in three plant densities were evaluated using a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In this study, the number of flowers and flowering date in cultivars for 11 weeks (1 July to 15 September) were counted. The results of analysis of variance showed that the differences between cultivars were significant for plant height, number of nodes, number of flowers, number of bolls and fiber and seed cotton yield at 1% level. The results also showed that there is a significant difference between the years of project implementation for plant height, number of bolls and fiber and seed cotton yield at the level of 1%. The mean of plant height for the first and second years were 93.2 and 119.9 cm and the average number of bolls per plant were 15.9 and 11.41 and the seed cotton yield were 5242 and 4050 kg/ha, respectively. In this study cultivars did not differ significantly in terms of number of days from planting to flowering, number of days from flowering to harvest and early ripening. Investigation of flowering process in 11 weeks showed that the peak of flowering for both years of research was the eleventh week after planting with an average of 41.8 and 44.6 flowers per plant. Most of the bolls were produced from the flowers of the eleventh week for first year and from the flowers of the tenth week for second year. The cumulative growing degree days during the vegetative and reproductive growth period for two years of experiment was significantly different.  So that at the end of the seventeenth week after planting (last week of flowering) the cumulative growing degree days in the first and second years was 1734.9 and 1245.5, respectively, Which can be one of the important reasons in reducing the number of bolls and fiber and seed cotton yield in the second year.

The current research is conducted to investigate the effect of application of mycorrhiza treated soil under water deficit stress on some morphophysiological and biochemical traits of stevia plants obtained from tissue culture. The experiment was done in a greenhouse condition with treatments of two mycorrhiza species at four levels (M1: without mycorrhiza, M2: Glomus mosseae, M3: Glomus intraradices, M4: mixed of both species) and application of water deficit. The irrigation was applied at four levels as follows: I1: maintaining soil moisture at 100% of field capacity, I2: irrigation after reaching 75% of field capacity, I3: irrigation after reaching 50% of field capacity, I4: irrigation after reaching 25% of field capacity. The statistical model was factorial experiment using completely randomized design with 6 replications. Application of mycorrhiza species in water deficit stress conditions dued to 1.70, 4.11, 1.73 and 4.32 fold increase in leaf greenness index, total plant dry weight, main stem height and leaf area parameters, respectively. In addition, these treatments caused to 1.66, 6.13, 29.6 and 1.30 fold increase of potassium, glucose, fructose and total soluble sugars in stevia plants. Under moderate and severe water deficit stress, the use of a mixture of mycorrhiza species in treatments M4I4 and M4I3 compared to treatments M1I4 and M1I3 (without mycorrhiza fungus) increased more than threefold the leaf area of stevia tissue culture plants that positive root symbiosis stevia plants were well clarified by mixing two species of mycorrhizal fungi under water deficit stress and irrigation restrictions.

In order to investigate the effect of planting date on agronomic and physiolocal characteristics of maize hybrids in different groups in Jiroft region of Kerman province, an experiment as a split plot in the randomized complete block design with three replications in the city of Jiroft in the crop year 2017-2018 was conducted. Experimental factors were included planting date as the main factor at three levels of July 27, August 3 and August 10 and different hybrids as a secondary factor at 10 levels of early, late and medium maturing hybrids (701, 703, 705, 706, 707, 201, 260, 400, 370 and 704 as controls). There was a significant difference between the studied hybrids in terms of agronomic and physiological characteristics. The highest number of rows per ear was obtained in hybrid 706 and the highest number of seeds per row was obtained in hybrid 707. Delaying in planting was associated by of increasing stem diameter and biological yield and decreasing of plant height, ear length, number of rows per ear, seed yield, harvest index, GDD to physiological maturity and spad. By Delaing in planting, seed protein percent and proline accumulation increased. The most seed yield was obtained on July 17 in hybrid 260 (18.24 t.ha-1), August 3 in hybrid 210 (17.46 t.ha-1) and August 10 in hybrids 370 and 201 (17.4 and 17.28 t.ha-1). It seems that the delayed planting date due to exposure to unfavorable temperatures during tillering, pollination and granulation, as well as the reduction of the growing period was decreased yield and yield components.

To investigate the effects of soil fertility methods on economic yield and essential oil compositions of Nigella sativa L., an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments included different levels of NPK chemical fertilizer, manure, NPK+ manure, and NPK+ manure+ inoculation of Azorizobium biofertilizer. Seed yield, aerial parts yield, and percentage, yield, and essential oil compounds were studied. The results showed that the highest seed yield (1270.43 kg.ha-1) was obtained in the 40 kg.ha-1 N+ 32 kg.ha-1 P+ 40 kg.ha-1 K+ 30 ton.ha-1 manure treatment. The highest percentage (0.25%) and essential oil yield (2.8 kg.ha-1) was obtained in the 40 kg.ha-1 N+ 32 kg.ha-1 P+ 40 kg.ha-1 K+ 30 ton.ha-1 manure+ Azurizobium treatment. The highest thymoquinone percentage (14.9%) was observed in the 30 ton.ha-1 manure treatment. Overall, the integrated and biological treatments had the most positive effects on seed yield and essential oil percentage of N. sativa. The use of suitable fertilizer sources not only increased the yield, essential oil percentage, and thymoquinone content in Nigella sativa, but also reduced the consequences of excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The use of integrated fertilization methods is an effective step to achieve the sustainable agriculture goals.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different irrigation regimes on forage quantity, water and energy productivity of two maize cultivars during the 2017-18 as experiment of split plots in block design with three replications in the northwest of Isfahan, Iran. The main plots and the sub-plots included three levels of irrigation (100%, 80 and 60% full irrigation) and two cultivars of maize (704 and Maxima).Results indicated that, water level and genotypes, had significant effect (p<0.01) on fresh and dry forage yield ,fresh and dry forage of water and energy productivity. The highest fresh forage yield and water and energy productivity observed in 100% irrigation level in cultivar 704 (69 t.ha-1, 10 kg.m-3 and 0.74 kg.mJ-1, respectively).While, the highest dry forage yield and water and energy productivity in same level found in Maxima cultivar (23 t.ha-1, 3.4 kg.m-3 and 0.25 kg.mj-1 in, respectively). The highest fresh forage yield and water and energy productivity observed in 100% irrigation level in 704 (69.2 t.ha-1, 10.4 kg.m-3 and 0.7 kg.mj-1). While, the highest dry forage yield and water and energy productivity at the same level were observed in Maxima (23.3 t.ha-1, 3.4 kg.m-3 and 0.25 kg.mj-1). In general, due to the selection of suitable cultivars in arid areas, Maxima are more suitable than 704. Although, the input energy of both cultivars is equal with respect to equal consumption inputs. However, due to environmental effects of consumption of inputs, Maxima is superior. Therefore, by choosing the appropriate forage cultivar, an important step can be taken in sustainable improvement and problem of water shortage in arid and semi-arid regions.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of potassium and phosphorus biofertilizers on growth characteristics and yield of alfalfa (cv. ‘Nikshahri’) at different ages.

This combined experiment was conducted as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications during two consecutive years under the climatic conditions of Jiroft, Kerman, Iran. The studied factors included alfalfa age (one, three and five-years old) and bio-fertilizers (Control, Pota-Barvar, Phosphate Barvar II, Pota-Barvar + Phosphate Barvar II). The biofertilizers were used along with irrigation water.

The results of the combined variance analysis showed that there was a significant difference between different ages of alfalfa in terms of some growth characteristics and yield. The highest yield and growth characteristics were related to three-year-old plants and the yield significantly decreased by increasing the age to 5-years old. Based on the results, the highest growth characteristics (except internode length) and yield were related to Pota-Barvar + Phosphate Barvar II treatment, which was not significantly different with Pota-Barvar treatment in term of leaf area index and leaf: stem weight ratio. The interaction effect of age and biofertilizer showed that the combined application of biofertilizers improved the growth characteristics and yield of the older alfalfa plants and the highest yield was found in 3-years old plants treated by combination of both biofertilizers.

The combined application of both biofertilizers (PotaBarvar + Phosphate Barvar II) can be an effective way to prevent alfalfa yield decline in old farms.

Since the yield of sugar beet is affected by the length of the growing period and agronomic management, to investigate the delayed cultivation, this experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2016 with two treatments of planting row spacing (Pr) with two levels of 25 and 40 cm (main plot) and three levels of plant spacing on row (Ps) using 1.7, 2.4, and 3.1 units per hectare seeds (sub-plot), it was carried out in the form of split plots with a RCBD in four replications. By adding the harvest date treatment with two levels of conventional and delayed in the second year, the statistical design was changed to split plots factorial (Ps and harvest date as factorial). The highest percentage of white sugar content (WSC) and potassium was obtained in the 40 cm row spacing. In the second year, a 37% decrease in the number of final roots compared to the first year caused a 25% decrease in root yield (RY), 31% in white sugar yield (WSY), and 21% in irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Contrary to the first year, the effect of Ps was not significant on traits such as RY, WSY, and IWUE, while it had no significant effect on the percentage of WSC in any of the two years. In the second year, with a delay in harvesting, the increase in WSY and IWUE was 32% and 16%, respectively. Therefore, Pr of 25 cm and Ps of 22 cm (2.4 units) is recommended for the Karaj region.

In order to evaluate different irrigation regimes and planting date on yield, water use efficiency, and harvest index of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarjffa L.), an experiment was conducted in form of split plot in randomized complete blocks with three replications in Karaj in 2017. Experimental treatments included irrigation round (Irrigation intervals of 8, 10, and 12 days) as a main plot, andplanting date treatments at three levels of 4th June, 18th June, and 2th July as a sub-plot. Results showed that the main effect of irrigation treatments was significant on all traits except harvest index. Planting date had a significant effect only on plant height, stem diameter, biological yield, flower water use efficiency, and sepal water use efficiency. The interaction of irrigation treatment levels and planting date only made a significant difference in biomass water use efficiency. Also, the flower harvest index was not affected by any of the applied treatments.The greatest plant height (181.2 cm), stem diameter (2.91 cm) and biological yield (14.6 t.ha-1) were obtained in the irrigation interval of 8 days. The highest sepal water use efficiency of (0.18 g.L-1), flower water use efficiency (0.034 g.L-1) and sepal harvest index (11.12 %) were observed in the irrigation interval of 12 days. The irrigation interval of 10 days had the highest sepal yield (1.59 t.ha-1) and flower yield (307.7 kg.ha-1).Delay in planting caused a decrease of 12, 16, and 7% in plant height, stem diameter, and biological yield, respectively and increase in the sepal water use efficiency and biological yield water use efficiency by 22 and 20%, respectively compared to optimum planting time. The highest biological yield water use efficiency (2.41 g.L-1) was obtained in irrigation interval of 12 days and one month delay in planting. Based on the obtained results, irrigation interval of 10 days is recommended to achieve maximum flower yield and sepal yield, increase the flower water use efficiency and sepal harvest index. Also, in order to shorten the cultivation period and save water consumption, the date of 18th June is recommended for plant cultivation in Karaj.

Drought stress is one of the main reasons for the reduction of quantitative and qualitative yield in sugar beet cultivation, on the other hand, the increasing reduction in available water, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, has made the worse situation. In this situation, the use of drought-resistant cultivars is an effective way to reduce production risk. For this purpose, experiments were conducted in the form of split plots in based of RCBD statistical design with the main factor of irrigation (90 and 180 mm) and sub-genotype factor (16 hybrids and 4 genotype control varieties) in the years 2016 and 2017 at Karaj Sugar Beet Research Institute. The results showed that there is a decreasing trend in the average root yield and white sugar yield in two years under stress conditions of 28.5 and 10.5%, respectively, compared to normal irrigation conditions. However, under stress conditions, sugar content had an increasing trend, and root impurity values (sodium and nitrogen) had a decreasing trend, which was accompanied by the highest values of the sugar extraction coefficient. Also, the reduction of water consumption in stressful conditions led to an increase in the efficiency of irrigation water in stressful conditions compared to normal. In the examination of genotypes, based on two indices of tolerance and resistance to drought stress and yield index, genotypes number 1, 3, 9, 12, and 16 were identified as promising genotypes.

The use of pesticides is necessary in order to improve product quality and performance and commercial requirements. However, the continuous global use of pesticides poses serious risks to human health and the environment. This issue increases the urgent need to develop pesticide formulas with the help of nano biotechnology method, which has low risk, low side effects and high efficiency. Today, nanotechnology has made remarkable progress in various fields such as air-space, various industries, including food, military, pharmaceutical medicine, chemical, insecticides, etc. In this research, the risks related to conventional pesticides as well as nano-pesticides have been briefly investigated. Also, managing pesticide residues is still a global challenge. Soil and water pollution with pesticides has an adverse effect on agricultural productivity and food security. Therefore, it is a serious threat to living organisms. Pesticide residues in the ecosystem may be treated by several physicochemical and biological processes, such as microbial degradation and advanced oxidation processes. Therefore, with these issues in mind, we review both existing and emerging techniques for managing pesticide residues and environmental hazards. These methods can provide a sustainable solution to rehabilitate polluted water/soil resources. Also, research approaches developed to investigate biotechnological alternatives to conventional pesticides are discussed along with future perspectives and techniques to reduce the harms of these pesticides are recommended.

The use of fertilizers that consider increasing yield while preserving production resources and increasing the productivity of production inputs is necessary and inevitable. One of the most important issues affecting environmental health and food production sustainability is the use of organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers. This experiment was carried out in the form of split split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Sari, Iran, region in the in the two years(2017 and 2018). Experimental factors include the combination of humic acid and fulovic acid with equal proportions as the main factor in four levels of zero (control), 3, 6 and 9 g/l, the combination of phosphoric acid solution and mono ammonium phosphate as a secondary factor in four levels (Control), 5, 10 and 15 g/l and planting date as a sub-factor in three levels were 25 April, 4 and 14 May. The results showed that the combination of humic acid and fulovic acid increased grain yield per plant, feeding seedlings with different amounts of phosphorus compounds increased the grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained from the consumption of 3 g/l humic acid and folic acid, which showed an increase of 28.09% compared to the control. The highest grain yield was obtained by treatment of 5 g/l of seedling feed with different amounts of phosphorus compounds, which indicated a 28.98% increase in grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained by treatment of 5 g/l of seedling feed with different amounts of phosphorus compounds, which indicated a 28.98% increase in grain yield. Grain yield  in sowing date of 4 and 14 May was better than 25 April. Grain yield had positive significant correlation with all off measured traits at %1 level. Based on the results, the use of humic acid and folvic acid along with feeding the seedlings with different amounts of phosphorus compounds in different planting dates improved grain yield. The suitable sowing date could be more effective by making better use of environmental factors and improving vegetative properties and allocating more photosynthetic material to the seed.

The present study was carried out to evaluate yield and precipitation efficiency index of Bakhtiari savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge.) influenced by organic fertilizers and different plant densities under dry land farming conditions. The experiment was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Homand rangeland research station of Damavand, in 2018 and 2019. The main factor was organic fertilizer in three levels, including cattle manure (30 t. ha-1), enriched wheat straw (10 t. ha-1), and control. The sub plots included three levels of plant densities (26666, 40000, and 80000 plant ha-1). The amount of effective rainfall in the first and second years was 278 and 390 mm, respectively. The results showed that the interaction of year and organic fertilizer as well as year and plant density led to a significant increase in dry weight yield and precipitation efficiency index. The maximum dry weight yield was 385 kg. ha-1 in the second year and cattle manure treatment. The highest precipitation efficiency index with 0.986 kg.mm-1. ha-1 was observed in the second year and cattle manure treatment. In this research dry matter yield and precipitation efficiency increased by using cattle manure and high plant density in the second year. In general, adaptive capacity and adequate yield of Bakhtiari savory showed the high precipitation efficiency index of this species, which can be used as a suitable species for dryland agriculture. These results can be remarkably beneficial to change the cultivation pattern in low-efficiency dryland farming.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the planting date from spring to winter on the phenological stages and the performance of three types of tropical legumes (local beans, cowpeas and mung beans). This study was performed as a factorial in a complete randomised block design with 3 replications for two years (2018-2019) in Agricultural Research Center in Jiroft, Kerman, Iran Experimental treatments included three planting dates of 30th Jan, 9th Feb and 19th Feb and three tropical legumes. The results indicated that legumes requirement 1200 degree-days of temperature growth during their developmental stages, considering the base temperature of 15˚C. The highest degree-days of growth from planting to germination, greening and from one to five leaves stage belonged to mung bean. the results showed that the cumulative temperature gradually decreased during the stages of flowering initiation, full flowering, pod initiation and grain filling in Mung beans and two types of beans. Mung bean seed yield stability on all three planting days averaged 0.7 t.ha-1, demonstrating the ability of this crop to adapt to temperature. The seed yield in local beans and cowpeas was the highest content averaged 2.3 and 4.6 t/ h in last cultivation on 19th Feb. Cultivation of legumes in early winter is therefore recommended as it has the opportunity to provide a cumulative temperature and growing day. It can reduce the negative effects on plant growth caused by intense heat and evaporation. High transpiration should be superior to spring patterns cultivation.

To investigate and determine the limiting factors of wheat grain yield and the contribution of each of these factors in creating wheat grain yield gap, this study was conducted based on the CPA method (comparison performance analysis) in the eastern part of Kerman. Fifteen farms in each at Bam, Narmashir and Fahraj cities, (5 farms in each city) studied for two years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). In this study, all information related to management, climate and agricultural traits (including 45 variables) were measured and recorded. Using multiple regression method, the relationship between wheat yield and all variables were examined step by step. A production model was determined for management and climate factors. The results showed that there was a gap between the actual yield (farmers' yield) and the potential yield (attainable yield) of 2347.98 kg.ha-1. Irrigation rate, consumed nitrogen fertilizer, spike density and late planting were 51.1%, 36.4%, 7.9% and 4.5%, respectively, involved in creating yield gap. Among the farms studied, the farm located in Firoozabad Fahraj with 6272 kg.ha-1 seed yield had the highest seed yield and the farm located in Dolatabad Fahraj with 1116 kg.ha-1 had the lowest grain yield. According to this research, it seems that with proper management of farms and optimization of limiting factors (Irrigation rate, consumed nitrogen fertilizer, spike density and late planting) wheat yield in Bam, Narmashir and Fahraj regions can be increased by 2347.98 kg.ha-1 as compared to that of the current yields of the farmers, studied.

To evaluate different irrigation regimes and planting dates on plant height, stem diameter, yield, and yield components of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) a split plot experiment based on randomized complete blocks with three replications was conducted in Karaj during 2017 growing season. Experimental treatments were irrigation intervals (8, 10 and 12 days) as a main plot, and planting dates with three levels (4th, 18th of June and 2th July) as a sub-plot. The results of analysis of variance showed that the main effect of irrigation interval was significant on all traits under study. Planting date treatment had a significant effect only on plant height, stem diameter, number of plant branches, number of plant leaves, number of fruits, fresh fruit yield and dry fruit yield. The interaction of irrigation interval treatment and planting date had no significant effect on the trails under study. The highest chlorophyll concentration (3.68 mg.g-1 FW), plant height (100.4 cm), number of branches (3.1), number of leaves per plant (24.8), number of fruits per plant (10.5) and fresh fruit yield (4023 kg.ha-1) were belonged to the irrigation interval of 8 days. Irrigation interval of 12 days decreased by 30.4, 21.7, 21.3 and 28.4 % in stem diameter, fruit length, fruit diameter and dry fruit yield, compared to irrigation interval of 8 days interval, respectively. The highest plant height (99.2 cm), number of branches (2.5), number of leaves per plant (23.3) and number of fruits (9.77) were observed of June 4th planting date. The highest fruit yield was obtained in June 18th planting. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that irrigation interval of 8 days is recommended to achieve maximum fruit yield and to shorten the length of growing period, saving in water consumption and maximum yield performance in the Karaj region, the date of 18th June is recommended.

In order to investigate the effect of different methods of seed priming on germination indices, biochemical characteristics and yield component of three safflower cultivars under drought stress conditions, two experiment was carried out in the form of filed (as split factorial in randomized complete blocks design) and laboratory (as factorial based on completely randomized design) with three replications. The experimental factors included drought stress in two levels of complete irrigation during the growing season and drought stress at the stem elongation as the main factor and seed priming with osmopriming, hydropriming, hormopriming and control (without priming) and safflower cultivars included Isfahan, Sofeh and Goldasht as subplot factor. Simultaneous application of hydropriming and drought stress in Isfahan cultivar resulted in the highest root length (4.8 cm). Hydropriming and hormopriming increased the coefficient of velocity of germination in Isfahan cultivar 52.34% compared to control. Hydropriming increased the germination percentage by 11.33% compared to the control. The highest seed yield (100.72 g / m2) were obtained in Sofeh cultivar during complete irrigation and hydropriming application. The highest soluble carbohydrate amount (15.14mg/g FW) was related to the interaction between stress and no priming. Goldasht cultivar had the highest oil yield (24.93 g / m2) at the time of complete irrigation and hydropriming application. Usage of hydropriming during stress in Goldasht cultivar caused the highest amount of proline (10.08 mg/g FW). The interaction of hormopriming with drought stress causes the most activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme (56.1 mg protein/min).

Using of potassium soloblizing bacteria in mineral potassium-rich soils can increase the solubility of soil potassium and its absorbtion by plants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of potassium biofertilizer in comparison with common potassium chemical fertilizers in the region on yield and yield components of bread wheat.

In this study, the effect of K bio-fertilizer application on wheat cultivars in Kerman., Iran was evaluated. For this purpose, these experiments were conducted in Split-Plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Islamic Azad University farm, Jiroft, Iran. Different cultivars of wheat at three levels including Chamran 2, Barat and Khalil were as main plot and sources and amounts of K fertilizer were at four levels were in sub plots. K fertilizer levels were included 1. Control (without using any K fertilizers)2. Potassium sulfate fertilizer application (based on soil test results) 3. Half recommended fertilizer based on soil test results plus fertilizer application and 4. Potassium bio fertilizer Alone (From the source of Potabarvar).

Results showed that bread wheat cultivars had different response to different levels of K fertilizer treatment during two years of study. However, application of K biofertilizer alone and in combination with 50% reduction in recommended fertilizer could improve grain yield in Chamran wheat cultivars (8 t.ha-1) and Khalil (7.49 t.ha-1) and Barat cultivar (7.6 t.ha-1), respectively.What was evident in the results was that potassium bio fertilizer improved biological yield and grain yield, harvest index, thousand seed weight and plant height.

The application of potassium biological fertilizer combined with 50% of recommended K chemical fertilizer significantly reduce the amount of mineral K fertilizers and production costs and improve product health.

Use of organic fertilizers is one of the important ways to improve agricultural productions reduce the risk of environmental pollution and to achieve sustainable goals. To compare the effect of different levels of planting date, organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components of maize, a split plot experiment with eight treatments and three replications was conducted at The Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Research and Sciences Branch, at Varamin, in 2019. Treatments were two levels of planting time (timely planting and late planting) and four fertilizers levels (control, 450 kg.ha-1 urea, 25 ton.ha-1 of compost manure and 15 ton.ha-1 of vermicompost fertilizer). The results showed that all of the traits under except 1000-grain weight were affected by different treatments. Delayed sowing significantly decreased yield and yield components. In most of the traits studied, significant differences between urea, compost and vermicompost treatments were not observed. However, stem diameter, seed content of nitrogen, number of kernel per ear and 1000-seed weight were not affected by the applied fertilizer treatments. Urea and vermicompost increased leaf soluble carbohydrates by (32.9 µg.g-1 FW and 31.9 µg.g-1 FW, respectively) and biological yield by (29.7 ton.ha-1 and 28.8 ton.ha-1, respectively). Also, grain yield increased by the use of compost (6.9 ton.ha-1) and urea (7.3 ton.ha-1) treatments. According to the results of this study, compost and vermicompost fertilizer can be a good alternative to urea in production of corn in Varamin region.

To investigate the effects of soil fertility methods on the quantitative yield and oil of medicinal plant black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Experimental treatments included different levels of NPK chemical fertilizers, different levels of manure, combination of NPK+manure, and combination of NPK+manure with Azorhizobium biofertilizer inoculation. The results showed that plant nutrition increased plant height, plant dry weight, number of lateral branches, leaf area index, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, grain yield, biological yield, relative leaf water content, and percentage and oil yield. The highest quantitative and qualitative characteristics were obtained in the chemical nutrition in the treatment of NPK: 120-96-120 (kg ha-1) and in the manure nutrition in the treatment of manure: 20 ton ha-1. In the chemical+manure combined method, the treatment of NPK: 40-32-40 (kg ha-1)+manure: 30 ton ha-1 was the best one. In the chemical+manure+biological combined method, the treatment of manure: 30 ton ha-1+ Azorhizobium+ NPK: 40-32-40 (kg ha-1) was observed as the most appropriate treatment. Overall, the combined treatment of NPK: 40-32-40 (kg ha-1) + manure: 30 ton ha-1+ Azorhizobium had the most positive effect on improving the biological yield and black cumin oil percentage, which also had the lowest amount of chemical fertilizer.

A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of transplanting and sowing date on the yield and some quantitative traits of cotton, Khordad cultivar, in Orzouieh- Kerman subtropical climate during 2017 and 2018. Experiments were conducted as the split-plot in time based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were included: A) Planting date in three levels:1- May 22, 2- June 10 and 3- July 1 as the main plot, B) Method of cultivation in three levels: 1- single transplant cultivation, 2- double transplant cultivation, and 3- seed cultivation as the subplot, C) harvest time in three levels: 1- first harvest (October 23) 2- second harvest (November 6) and 3- third harvest (November 21) as the sub-sub plot. Results showed that double transplant cultivation at the first planting date of May 21 compared to direct seed planting at this planting date improved quantitative traits including several bolls (49.4%), lint yield (78.6%), seed cotton yield (72%), fiber yield (107%), plant height (35.3%) and water use efficiency (89%) in the first harvest. The single transplant was the second rank. For the next two planting dates, the same results were observed. Results indicated that double transplant cultivation is better than direct seed cultivation at the late planting date in the Orzouieh zone.