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Soil and Ecosystem FunctioningSoil and Ecosystem FunctioningSoil and Ecosystem FunctioningSoil and Ecosystem Functioning

Monitoring of soil salinity by remote sensing & GIS in Kashan area M. Abtahi1 & M.Pakparvar2

1- Desert research station of Kashan, P.O.Box 487, Kashan, Iran, phone: 0361-4234955,4234498,Fax: 4234999, Email: [email protected]; 2- Fars research center for natural resources, P.O.Box 71555-617, shiraz, IRAN

A study was conducted to determine the capabilities of the successive numerical Landsat data for assessment and monitoring of soil salinization. Kashan plain, with 7220 Km2 of area, located in an arid zone of the central part of Iran, was selected as the site of investigation. It seemed to be a region prone to desertification processes. Two sorts of Landsat data: MSS (1976), TM (1998) supplementary information from soil and geo maps, surface and subsurface water data were collected. After preprocessing, the images were classified on the basis of field and subsidiary data for soil salinity. For MSS data, the Pca12, Pca34 and NDVI were merged and showed the best correlation with field samples. In TM data, merging the TM4, Pca57, Pca123 and NDVI showed the best correlation. The maximum likelihood algorithm performed the classification.

Section 2: Soil and Ecosystem Functioning 100

Verification of the results showed that the differentiation between salinity classes has had a meaningful precision for both salinity maps. A GIS network was constructed. After producing a DEM layer of the region, the other layers such as the oldest and newer maps of isodepth curves of groundwater and also the salinity of groundwater maps, two classified soil salinity maps, geomap, were introduced to the GIS network as well as their documents. Merging and processing the whole data showed that 7.5% of non-saline parts of region had changed from medium to high saline, and in the same time, the size of Kashan salt lake has decreased 0.1% of total. Most of the salinized area is located in area with more salinity and reduced depth of groundwater compared with their past. Deep underlying geological material of these areas is mainly the Miocene saline evaporate deposits, which is recognized as the main factor for increasing the salinity of groundwater and consequently the soil surface. Key words: Remote sensing, salinity, desertification, PCA, image processing, GIS.

Regional variability and availability of cadmium in relation to soil parameters and land use

M. Amini1, M. Afyuni1, H. Khademi1, K. C. Abbaspour2, & R. Schulin3

1- Dep. of Soil Sci., College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.; Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]; 2- Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology (EAWAG), Ueberlandstrasse 133, P.O. Box 611, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland. Email: [email protected]; 3- Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, ETH Zurich, Grabenstr. 11a, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.

Due to potential problems associated with their toxicities, concentration of heavy metals in soils is of great environmental concern. To evaluate Cd content, its spatial patterns, and availability in the surface soil of agricultural, industrial and urban region of Isfahan, central Iran, we collected 255 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) from the nodes of an irregular grid in a study area of 6800 km2. In the soil samples we measured total and DTPA-extractable Cd concentrations, soil pH, organic mater (OM), clay content, soil salinity, and chloride concentration. The total Cd concentration in 90% of the samples exceeded the suggested Swiss thresholds of 0.8 mg kg-1. Land use had a significant effect on total concentration of Cd in the soil but had no effect on DTPA-extractable Cd. High values of total Cd were found in


industrial and urban areas whereas low values occurred in uncultivated lands. The correlation analysis revealed that soil salinity alone explained 36% of the Cd variation in the entire study area. The correlation was particularly strong in uncultivated areas (R2 = 0.70). Spatial analysis of available Cd and soil salinity showed a spatial co-occurrence of these two variables. Key words: Cadmium, geostatistics, salinity, spatial variation, soil pollution

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers affect flavonoids contents of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) M. Azizi1 & A. Dias 1

1-Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, IRAN. Phone: +98-511-8795618 E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected] 2-Department of Biology, Minho University, PORTUGAL, PHONE: -351-53604317/8 E-MAIL: [email protected]

Saint John′s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used since ancient time due to producing a wide range of secondary metabolites with significant pharmaceutical effects such as wound healing and antidepressant properties. There are 60 herbal drugs that originate from the plants. In Iran there are 3 herbal drugs that contained St. John’s wort. It contains several important secondary metabolites such as naphthodianthrones (Hypericin and Pseudohypericin), phloroglucionols (Hyperforin and Adhyperforin), flavonoids (chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acid, apigenin, biapigenin, rutin, quercetin, isoquercetin, amentoflavon) and essential oils. In this research we conducted the field trial in two successive years for studying the effects of three levels of nitrogen (zero, 75, 125 KgN/ha) and three levels of phosphorus fertilizers (zero, 50 and 100 KgP2O5/ha) on flavonoids content of the plants by HPLC-DAD method. Statistical design was RCBD with three replicates. We analyzed chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acid, apigenin, biapigenin, rutin, quercetin, isoquercetin and amentoflavon of the samples. Our results show that nutrition of Hypericum perforatum with the fertilizers can improved drug quality by changing of flowering habits and flavonoids content of the plant in comparison with control treatment. Optimum fertilizer treatment for production of high dry herb yield and flavonoids content was 125 Kg/ha nitrogen and 50 Kg P2O5/ha phosphorus fertilizers. Key words: Fertilizer, Flavonoids,HPLC-DAD, St.John’s wort


Lead contamination and impacts on microorganisms in the vicinal soils of Razan-Hamadan highway, Iran P. Ebrahimi1 & A. A. Safari Sinegani2

1-Soil Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran. Phone: +98-811-4223367 Email: [email protected]; 2- Soil Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran. Phone: +98-811-4223367. Email: [email protected]. Soil pollution is one of the most important ecological problems in the present time. Ecological consequences of this are numerous: disturbances in soil functionality, effect on the incidence of soil microorganisms, and changes in activities and community composition of the soil microorganisms. On the other hand, soil microorganisms and their activities may be sensitive indicators of soil pollution due to their ubiquity, direct contact with soil particles and relatively short generation time. The contribution to environmental pollution of heavy metals from automotive emissions has been the subject of intensive investigation in recent years. Airborne metal particulates, such as Pb, have been attributed mainly to emissions from motor vehicle exhausts. The objective of this study was to determine the lead contamination of soil and its effect on some soil microbiological characteristics. In both sides of Razan-Hamadan highway sampling was carried out on a transect (200-m long), in vertical direction from highway with a separation distance of 10 m, thereby providing 20 actual sampling locations for each side of highway. Soil samples were taken from 0-15cm depths with 3 replicates. The samples were analyzed for total Pb, VAM spore numbers, substrate- induced respiration (SIR), total plate numbers of bacteria and actinomycetes. Total Pb content of soil samples decreased exponentially with increase of distance from the roadsides. Strikingly, VAM spores’ numbers were high in soil samples taken from polluted sites. They decreased exponentially with increasing distance from the roadsides, same as soil total Pb. Substrate-induced respiration, bacteria, and actinomycetes numbers were relatively high in soil samples taken from relatively unpolluted sites. They initially increased with increasing distance from the roadsides and then decreased. Correlation studies showed that there is a positive relation between the studied biological indices and soil total Pb. This result may be related to higher root density (organic carbon) and soil fertility near roadsides alleviating the negative effects of soil Pb contamination. Key words: Actinomycetes, Bacteria, Lead pollution, SIR, VAM.


Subsoiler and its effects on soil physical conditions A. Esehaghbeygi Shahrekord University, Farm Machinery Dept. P.O. Box 115 Tel: 4424401-6, 2370 Fax:4424428, Email: [email protected]

Soil compaction has adverse effects on soil physical properties and hence on crop yield. It hinders crop root development, increases soil resistance and bulk density, and decreases pore space size and volume, and finally infiltration of water into soil. Subsoilers are used primarily to break through and shatter the deep compacted layers. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of using conventional subsoiler on soil physical properties as bulk density, cone index and water infiltration rate in Fars Agricultural Research Center. The texture of soil was clay loam with the moisture content of 10% d.b. in the working depth of 350 mm. Results showed that subsoiling broke hardpan and plow pan successfully and caused reduction in the bulk density and soil cone index and increased the basic intake rate. But after heavy irrigation many of pore space will be closed and bad management in tillage cause making hard layer again. So the stability of suitable conditions depends on soil texture and good management. Key words: Subsoiler, Property, Bulk density, Infiltration, Penetration

Nitrogen Fixation on Common Bean Cultivars as Affected by Inoculation of Different Strains of Rhizobium legominosarum biovar phaseoli in Shahrekord Condition

A. Ghasemi Pirbalouti1, I. Alahdadi 2, Gh. A. Akbari3, M. Yadegari4 &A. R. Gholparvar 5

Agriculture Department, Islamic Azad University of Shahrekord Unit, Shahrekord. Iran. (Ph.d Student of Agroecology) -POBox: 166. Phone: +98-381-3331001. E-mail: [email protected]; 2,3 and 4- Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Aboorayhan Campus, Tehran University, Tehran- Iran. Phone: +98-292-3021043. Email: [email protected]. [email protected]. 5- Scientific members, Islamic Azad University of Khorasgan Unit, Khorasgan. Iran. Emial: [email protected].

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume capable of symbiotically fixing atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2). Nodules formed on the bean roots contain bacteria that convert N2 from the air to plant –available form. These bacteria can be purchased as an inoculum that is applied to the seed. A board range of Rhizobium species are able


nodule and fix N2 with beans including R. legominosarum biovar phaseoli, R. tropic and R. etli. In Iran the usual practices of bean cultivation dose not involve inoculation of seeds with a specific rhizobial inoculation and farmers depend on the application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer to sustain growth to improve yield. For example in Shahrekord condition high rate of levels of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer used at the rates of 100- 300 kg N ha -1.The experiment was carried out at Shahrekord (latitude 32 0 44 / N, 2100 m asl) during May – October 2002 on a sandy -loam soil to (1) evaluate the effect of on the effect of bacterial strains inoculated on common bean yield and N2 fixation rate (2) estimate the best bacteria * cultivar’s combination. The experiment was a spilt plot in randomized complete block design with four bacterial strains L-78, L-47, L-125, l-109 and non-inoculated controls including application of nitrogen fertilizer treatment (100 kg N ha -1) and without application of nitrogen fertilizer as the main plots. Three bean cultivars local shahrekord (Cranberry bean), Talash (Cranberry bean) and local shahreKord (Red Mexican type) were assigned as the subplots. The results revealed that high significant difference (P<0.01) in seed yield was observed among seed inoculated with different strains and non-inoculated controls (N fertilizer treatment and without N fertilizer treatment) (Table. 3). Seeds inoculated with L-125 showed higher seed yield than other treatments, but similar was observed in seed inoculated with L-109, L-78 strains and non-inoculated control (N fertilizer treatment). Also the results showed that seed inoculation with strain increased nodule dry weight, N total (shoot) and percent of fixed N2 in relation to bean rhizobia population naturalized and N fertilizer treatment. However, strains L-109 gave highest nodule dry weight, N total and percent of fixed N2.Study of interaction between cultivar and strain showed that the highest grain yield were associated to Talash * L-125 strain, Talash * L-109 strain, local ShahreKord (Red mexican) *L-125 strain, local ShahreKord (Red mexican)* L-78 plus Talash * N100 treatment. Furthermore, The results of investigation showed that the Iranian cultivar local Shahrekord (Red mexican) received a mixed inoculum, R. legominosarum biovar phaseoli strain L-78 (Shahrekord) showed higher percent of fixed N2 than other treatments. Key words: Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), Cultivars, Inoculation, Strains of Rhizobium legominosarum biovar phaseoli, Yield and N2 fixation rate.


Soil dry density and moisture content study due to different soil tillage management M. A. Ghazavi Department of Mechanic of Agriculural Machinery, Shahre-Kord University, Saman Road, P.O. Box 115, Shahre-Kord, Iran.

A series of field trials were conducted to measure soil bulk density and moisture content on arable clay loam, sandy clay loam and clay soils under three tillage tools. The tillage tools tested were mouldboard plow, a high-speed disc plow and a chisel plow. The measurement was carried out before and after the implements operation by using soil core sampling method. Soil behaviour showed a relationship between dry density and soil moisture content. Dry density and soil moisture content were increasing at greater depths in all conditions, in some wetter conditions different responses were seen. At the end of the growing season, soil tillage decreased the dry density, but it was different in each cultivation method. All experiments mean value resulted more soil moisture content for chisel plow than the improved disk plow and mouldboard plow respectively. Also, less dry density belonged to the mouldboard plow output whereas the field cultivated by chisel plow showed higher dry density. Key words: soil bulk density, soil moisture content, mouldboard plow, improved disk plow, chisel plow, tillage tool, Iran.

Evaluation of pedotransfer functions in predicting the soil water contents at field capacity and wilting point J. Givi1 & S. O. Prasher2

1Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, P.O.Box 115, Shahrekord, Iran. Phone: +98-381-4424428, E-mail: [email protected]; 2Bioresource Engineering Department, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada, H9X 3V9. Phone: (514) 398 7783, E-mail: [email protected]

Thirteen pedotransfer functions (PTFs), namely Rosetta PTF, Brakensiek, Rawls, British Soil Survey Topsoil, British Soil Survey Subsoil, Mayr-Jarvis, Campbell, EPIC, Manrique, Baumer, Rawls-Brakensiek, Vereecken, and Hutson were evaluated for accuracy in predicting the soil moisture contents at field capacity (FC) and wilting point (WP), of fine-textured soils of the Zagros mountain region of


Iran. PTFs were developed using the laboratory measurements made on soil moisture at FC and WP, particle size distribution, bulk density, and organic matter content. PTFs were evaluated on the basis of mean squared deviation (MSD) between the observed and predicted values. Results agreed with the concept that the PTFs developed on soils of similar properties to the ones under study generally perform better than the others. In the case of the Zagros mountain soils, the “British Soil Survey” and “Brakensiek” PTFs were found to be the best methods. Since the soils under study had a wide range of organic matter contents (0.2% to 5.5%), the better performance of these PTFs may also be explained by the fact that they happen to be the only ones that require organic matter content as input. Rosetta, a software package that involves an artificial neural network approach, was of intermediate value in estimating soil moistures of the soils in question. This was attributed to the fact that the texture and the bulk density of the Zagros soils were not in the range of those used to develop Rosetta. Key words: Evaluation of pedotransfer functions, Field capacity, Rosetta software SOILPAR2 software, Soil water content estimation, Wilting point.

Biological Index of Nitrogen Availability (BINA) and L-glutaminase Activity in a Calcareous Soil Treated with Sewage Sludge and Cow Manure

S. Hojjati1, Y. Lofty.1, F. Nourbakhsh.2 & M. Afyuni3

1- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Phone: +98 -662-3537573 Email: [email protected] 2- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Phone: +98-311-3913479 Email: [email protected] 3 - Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Phone: +98-311-3913473 Email: [email protected].

Nitrogen availability plays a central role in sustainability and productivity in Agro- ecosystems. Organic fertilization has been practiced for long time to improve the nutrient status and soil tilth. However, the effects of organic fertilizers on soil biological properties have been neglected. L- glutaminase activity is believed to contribute in N- mineralization from native and organic fertilizer N. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of repeated application of sewage sludge and cow manure (0, 25 and 100 Mg ha-1) on biological index of nitrogen availability (the NH4

+released following 7 days of


incubation of soil under waterlogged condition at 40 C.) and L-glutaminase activity. A randomized complete block experiment with three replications was conducted in Lavark research station, Isfahan. The field was cropped to a corn/wheat rotation for three years. Replicated soil cores were taken from surface soils (0-15 cm) at the end of the third year of application. Soil organic C, total N, BINA, L-glutaminase activity and corn yield (aboveground dry matter) were measured. Control compared results showed that application of both sewage sludge (SS) and cow manure (CM) increased soil organic C and total N. Manure treated plots contained higher organic C whereas total N was higher in SS treated plots. An increasing trend was observed in soil organic C and total N, as rates and times of organic amendment applications increased. Analysis of variance indicated that the corn yields were not significantly different in SS and CM treatments. As expected, increasing rates and times of applications of CM and SS enhanced the corn yield compared to control. BINA had similar pattern, so that no significant differences was observed between SS and CM amended soils. BINA increased with increasing rates and times of organic fertilizers application. However, both corn yield and BINA were greater in SS applied soils. Contrarily, L-glutaminase activity was significantly higher in CM than that of SS treated soils. Similarly, the enzyme activity revealed an increasing response to the rates and the times of application. Corn yield was significantly correlated with BINA (r = 0.753, P < 0.001) revealing that BINA can be considered as a N soil test in organic fertilizer applied soils. L-glutaminase activity showed significant correlation with BINA(r = 0.895, P < 0.001), soil organic C (r = 0.877, P < 0.001) and total N (r =0.819, P < 0.001). We concluded that fertilizer type, rate and time of application influenced corn yield, BINA and L-glutaminase activity. Increasing the amount of soil N active pool can enhance the activity of the N-mineralizing enzymes.Key words: L-glutaminase activity, BINA, TN, SOC and organic fertilizer


Effects of a soil conditioner, on total, capillary, and air- filled porosity A. Karimi Faculty of Agriculture, University of ShahreKord, E-mail: [email protected] ;Tel: O381-4424428; mobile: 09131812799

In clay soils, the porosity is highly variable as the soil alternately swells, shrinks, aggregates, disperses, compacts, and cracks. However, the total porosity reveals nothing about the sizes or shapes of the various pores in the soil. Air-filled porosity is a measure of the relative content of air in the soil, and as such an important criterion of soil aeration. It is related negatively to the degree of saturation. The overall porosity of a soil may be determined from the bulk density. In most natural soils, the ratio of the three constituent phases (solid particles, water and air) are continually changing as the soil undergoes wetting and drying, swelling and shrinkage, tillage and compaction, aggregation and dispersion, etc. The volume fraction of air is largely depending on the content of water in the soil, it can only be used as an index of soil aeration in conjunction with some specifiable and reproducible wetness value. In this research, the effects of a soil conditioner, in different components of total porosity, capillary porosity, and air-filld porosity have been studied. Sunflower was planted in pots. Porosity before planting and after harvesting was measured. Experiment containing three soils, the different textures, and four levels of soil conditioner including 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3-weighted percentage. The result before planting indicate that adding 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 weighted percentage of soil conditioner caused increasing of total porosity 4, 7.2, 12.3 and 15.2 percent, 2.8, 5.4, 10.3 and 12.2 percent, 3, 7.4, 9.5, and 12 percent compared to control in soils with fine, medium, and coarse texture, respectivly. Capillary porosity was also increased in magnitude of 1, 2.4, 4.2 and 5.9 percent, 1.6, 2.3, 5.1 and 6.8 percent, 1.1, 2.1, 5.3 and 7.9 percent in fine, medium and coarse texture soil respectively. Application of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 weighted percentage of soil conditioner results the increasing of air-filled porosity 3, 4.8, 8.1 and 9.3 percent, 1.2, 3.1, 5.2 and 5.4 percent, 1.9, 5.3, 4.2 and 4.1 percent in soils with fine, medium, and coarse texture, respectively. Application of soil conditioner after harvesting results the increasing of total porosity, capillary porosity and air-filled porosity in soils. The results indicate that adding 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 weighted percentage of soil


conditioner caused increasing of total porosity 3.6, 4.6, 6.8, and 6.8 percent, 3.3, 6.5, 10.9 and 11.5 percent, 10.3, 12.2, 13.4 and 14.6 percent compared to control in soils, with fine, medium and coarse texture, respectively. Capillary porosity increasing 1.1, 1.1, 1.8 and 2.4 percent, 0.6, 3.1, 2.7 and 5.8 percent, 2.6, 4.1, 8.4 and 12.1 percent compared to control in soils, with fine, medium and coarse texture, respectively. Air-filled porosity also increasing 2.6, 3.5, 5 and 4.4 percent, 2.7, 4.4, 8.2 and 5.7 percent, 7.7, 8.1, 5 and 2.5 percent compared to control in soils, with fine, medium and coarse texture, respectively. Moreover, application of soil conditioner with four levels results increasing total porosity and capillary porosity in soils. The result indicate application more than 0.2 weighted percentage of soil conditioner, in soils with fine and medium texture, and more than 0.1 weighted percentage of soil conditioner in soil with coarse texture, caused decreasing in air-filled porosity. Key words: storage, porosity, capillary, air-filled, soil conditioner.

The preventing strategies for desert degradation using desertification models

H. KhosraviMS.c, Dedesertification student, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, P.O.Box: 31585-4314, phone: 98-9133550076, E-mail: [email protected]

Desertification process has a great problem effects on most of the countries in the world especially on developing countries. This process has a high rate in arid and semiarid countries such as Iran. Iran is one of the countries which is located on the desert belt of the world and this characteristic caused major problem. Besides the susceptibility of Iran for desertification, the population increase and their maltreatment with natural resources has intensified this process. The main object of this research was to investigate land degradation status and desertification mapping of Kashan area. Different studies have been carried out in the world in order to assessment and desertification resulted in production of different local models for their application in another region the indices should be reinvestigated and adjusted to local conditions. So in our study, the newest method for assessment and mapping of desertification was used. The method was carried out by European commission (EC) at the MEDALUS project and booked as ESAs in 1999. All indices of the model were revised before using, and regarding to the region conditions these indices for land


degradation were defined as key indices which were: hydrological index, wind erosion and climate index, and each index has some layers getting from their geometric mean. Method were parameterized and tested for the Kashan wide area (65746 ha) with dry climate. Thematic databases were integrated and elaborated by using a GIS and its spatial modeling function. Finally by means of all the above-mentioned information land degradation mapping was provided. The area was classified in 5 classes Key words: Land Degradation, Desertification, GIS, Environmental Sensitive Area

Modeling salinity hazard in the southeast of Isfahan based upon conditional analysis, remote sensing and a GIS techniques M. N. Khorasgani Assistant professor of Shahrekord University, [email protected]; Soil Science Dep., Agriculture Faculty, Shahrekord University, P. O. Box 115, Shahrekord, Iran

Southeast of Isfahan in the vicinity of Gavkhoni playa occupies an area of 44,000 ha. Zayanderood River passes through the area. A high water supply and low efficiency of water conveyance and application in cultivated areas led to development of salinization and waterlogging in last decades. For reclamation of saline soils and construction of new irrigation and drainage networks preparing a hazard map is required. The model can predict consequences of imposing variables. Data bank was constructed by using the results of classified Landsat TM, topographic maps, depth to groundwater table, drainage and irrigation canals and claypan map. Conditional analysis was applies and probability of salinization and waterlogging developments estimated by dividing the area into unique condition units. The results show shallow groundwater table (<120cm) has a major role on salinization. Main drainage canals affect salinization and waterlogging of vicinity areas. The negative impact of irrigation canals start beyond a distance of 240m. A depth of less than 150cm to claypan or impermeable layer deteriorates the salinity condition. Several statistical models were prepared which show the relationship of each variable to salinization. The final model of salinity hazard delineated using multiplication of all single models. This map was classified into four salinity hazard levels. Comparing the hazard model and the salinity map of the area shows


major severe saline areas are located in the severe and very severe hazard areas. Key words: GIS, hazard map, Isfahan, Iran, Landsat TM, remote sensing, soil salinity, waterlogging, drainage, irrigation

Estimation of Saturated Paste Electrical Conductivity of Soils from 1:2 Soil/Water Ratio Electrical Conductivity in Yazd Province, Iran F. Alaei Yazdi1 & F. Khorsandi2

1- Yazd Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 89195-315, Yazd, I. R. of Iran. Phone: +98-351-7212414 Email: [email protected]; 2- Soil and Water Research Institute (SWRI), P.O. Box 14155-6185, Tehran, I.R. of Iran. Phone: +98-21-8021089 Email: [email protected];

Soil salinity is a major problem in Yazd Province, Iran. Consequently, soil and water analysis laboratories in this province analyze large number of soil samples for salinity (ECe). Soil salinity is conventionally measured by the electrical conductivity of the aqueous extracts of saturated soil pastes (ECe). The saturation point simulates the naturally occurring state of soil solution better than other soil-water ratios. However, this method is slow, laborious, expensive, and has reproducibility problem due to human errors in preparing the samples. Although the higher water/soil ratios do not simulate the naturally occurring soil solution condition and composition, the simplicity, speed and objectivity makes them potentially useful method. The 1:2 soil/water ratio extract is relatively close to saturation extract ratio, but faster to prepare. The objectives of this experiment was to develop and validate relationships between ECe and EC1:2 for the soils in Yazd Province, and to evaluate the effects of soil texture and gypsum on those relationships. A total of 236 soil samples from different parts of Yazd Province were collected. Two hundred samples were used to develop the models, and 36 randomly selected samples were used for their validation. The soils were divided into two general textural categories of Course and Fine, and two categories of with (G) and without (NG) gypsum. Several linear, quadratic and multiple regression relationships were developed between ECe and EC1:2, for the whole data set, and the data categorized as G, NG, Course, Fine, and combinations of the two categories of gypsum and texture. The results showed that categorizing the soils into gypsum groups markedly improved and simplified the relationships. Categorizing the


soils into two general textural classes slightly improved the relationships. Combinations of gypsum and texture categories, greatly improved the simplified the relationships. It is concluded that some of these models can be used confidently to estimate the ECe from EC1:2 in Yazd Province. Key words: 1:2 soil/water extraction method, Electrical conductivity, Gypsum, Saturated paste, Salinity, Yazd

Using Mycorrhiza to Reduce the Stressful Effects of Soil Compaction on Corn GrowthM. Miransari1, H. A. Bahrami2, M. J. Malakouti3, D. Smith4 & F. Rejali5

1- Ph.D. student of soil science, Department of Agriculutre, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran, E-mail: [email protected] Associate professor of soil science, Department of Agriculutre, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran 3- Professor of soil science, Department of Agriculutre, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran4- Professor of crop physiology, Department of Plant Science, Macdonald Campus of McGill University, Montreal, Canada.5- Ph.D. in soil science, Soil and Water Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

Influencing the biological and hydrological balance of the root as well as the soil aeration, soil compaction affects plants growth and reduces root growth and nutrient uptake, resulting in yield reduction. Therefore, controlling soil compaction may improve root development and nutrient uptake. Mechanical methods of controlling soil compaction are laborious and costly. Hence, evaluation of biological methods to control soil compaction can be of great importance. These methods may be very useful in terms of environmental, economical and social points of view. The objectives of this study are 1) evaluating the stressful effects of soil compaction on nutrient uptake in corn and wheat, 2) using mycorrhiza to control compaction stress in corn and wheat, 3) increasing corn and wheat yields, and 4) increasing phosphorus solubility and reducing its usage. Field and greenhouse experiments have been done, with two soil treatments (in the greenhouse experiment), three compaction treatments and four mycorrhiza treatments in four replicates. Soil resistance and bulk density as well as plant parameters were measured. Compaction treatments were statistically different. Some level of compaction may enhance plant growth. Mycorrhiza significantly increased yield and


nutrient uptake. Hence, mycorrhiza may reduce the stressful effects of soil compaction on wheat and corn growth and nutrient uptake. Key words: mycorrhiza, plant growth, soil compaction

Effect of Different N – Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Yield of Wheat Cultivars Under Saline Condition A. R. Mohammad Zadeh Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Department of Soil and Water Research, phone:0511-340031-4. P.O.Box:91735-488, Mashhad – Iran. Email: Ahmad Reza – Mohammad Zadeh @ Yahoo.Com.

Salinity is one of the most wide spread abiotic stresses in the arid and semiarid areas that drastically affects crop productivity. Fertilizer application under saline condition has been the subject of considerable interest. A Field study was conducted on a silt loam (a fine – loamy, mixed, thermic Typic Haplosalids) soil at the Neishabour flood plain-northeast of Iran to determine the effects of different N - fertilizer rates on growth and yield of three cultivars of wheat. The treatments were arranged in a randomized block, with a split plot design with three replications, where the wheat cultivars (Mahdavi, Roshan and Alvand) were the main plots and four rates of N as Urea (0, 170, 210 and 255 kgha-) were randomly assigned to subplots. Electric conductivity of irrigation water was 11-12dSm-1. Results indicated that maximum yields of grain and straw were obtained by application of 210 kg ha-1

urea with Roshan cultivar. It seems that performance of Roshan CV. for N uptake was higher than other cultivars. Key words: N-Fertilizer, salinity, wheat, arid, semi-arid, soil, electrical conductivity, stress

Cadmium and Manganese uptake and bioaccumulation in Trifolium alexanderium L.: interaction with mycorrhizal colonization H. NadianCrop Production Department, Ramin Agricultural Research and Educational School, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, IRAN, Phone: +611- 4431630 E-mail: [email protected]

A randomized block greenhouse pot experiment was carried out to study the effect of mycorrhizal colonization on the concentration of


Cadmium (Cd) and Manganese (Mn) in shoot and root of T. alexanderim. In this study Cd at rates of 0, 1.5, 3.0, 10 and Mn at rates of 0 and 100 mg kg-1 soil were added to a sterilize soil. Five seedlings (two-day old) were transplanted into each pot (containing 2700 g air dry soil) and inoculated by Glomus intraradices (in mycorrhizal treatments). The plants were grown in a glasshouse and harvested 7 weeks after transplanting. The results of this study indicated that shoot and root dry weights of mycorrhizal clover plants were significantly greater than those of non-mycorrhizal clover plants at all levels of Cd and Mn concentrations. The observed increases in mycorrhizal growth response were due to the colonization of clover root and thus improve phosphorus nutrition of the host plant. The concentration of Cd in both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal clover plants (shoot and root) significantly increased as Cd applied to soil was increased. However, The concentration of Cd in both root and shoot of mycorrhizal plants significantly was lower than that in non-mycorrhizal plants. A similar trend to that of Cd was observed for Mn. A similar decline in the concentration of Cd and Mn in roots and particularly in shoots upon mycorrhizal colonization has also been shown for maize, sorghum, millet and durum wheat. The observed decrease in the accumulation of Cd and Mn per unit weight of mycorrhizal clover plant compared with non-mycorrhizal plant might be due to sequestration of these elements in external hyphae of the fungus, for example, via a chemical reaction between these elements and fungal polyphosphate granules, as has shown for Ba and Ti. The lower concentration of Mn in mycorrhizal plants was also attributed to a significant decline in the proportion of Mn-reducers of the total microbial population in the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal plants, as it has shown that the number of Mn reducers in the rhizosphere of non mycorrhizal plants was 20-30 times that in the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal plants, and this led to a higher Mn concentration in the non-mycorrhizal plants. The results of this study clearly showed that the concentration of heavy metals like Cd, Ni and Mn in mycorrhizal T. alexandrinum was lower than those in non-mycorrhizal T. alexanerinum. This was mainly attributed to the sequestration of the heavy metals by fungal structure and might be regarded as a mechanism facilitating exclusion of metals from the shoot, and thus avoiding metal toxicity. Key words: Mycorrhizal colonization, Cd, Mn, Ni, mycorrhizal growth response


The Effect of Soil and Water Salinity on The Growth and Yield of Different Wheat Genotypes A. R. Mohammadzadeh1 & H. Siadat2

1- Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Center, Department of Soil and Water Research, Phone: 0511-3400301 – 4. P.O.Box:91735-488, Mashhad – Iran. Email:Ahmadreza _ Mohammadzadeh @yahoo.com. 2-Soil and Water Research Institute. Phone: 0211-8011067, 8021069. P.O.Box:14155-6185, Tehran – Iran. Email: Swri @iranswri.com.

Salinity is a major environmental stress that drastically affects plant growth and productivity. To achieve optimal crop production in saline regions, the most appropriate, logical choice is growing salt-tolerant varieties best suited for these regions. A tow-year field study was conducted at two locations on saline soils of Nishabour to investigate the effect of salinity on growth and yield of 22 wheat (Triticum aestivum.L) genotypes. Two salinity levels were imposed on two silt loam soils by irrigating with saline waters. Electrical conductivities of applied waters were 4, 6, and 8dSm-1, respectively. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The studied genotypes were Rowshan, Siossons, Falat, 4213, Ghods, Agosta/Sefid, 4211*, Bezostaya, 4211, Alvand, Gaspard, Cross Shahi, Gascogne, Marvedasht, Mahdavi, M.V.17, Hirmand, Alamout, 4209, Azar2, Cross Arvand and Chamran. Yield and yield components were measured at grain physiological maturity. The results showed that grain yield, biological yield, number of seeds per spike and kernel size (weight) were Significantly decreased as a result of increasing salinity. Rowshan had the highest grain and biological yield. Increasing salinity decreased harvest index of most genotypes. Rowshan and Mahdavi had the highest kernel size (weight). Ingeneral grain protein contents were increased with increasing salinity. Alamout, Bezostaya and Rowshan had the highest percentage of grain proteins. Na+ and Cl- contents in the leaf and stem tissues were increased with increasing salinity in all genotypes. Rowshan had the lowest concentration of Na+ in its leaf. Gaspard had the lowest Na+/K+ ratio in its seed. According to results, it seems that Rowshan, Siossns and 4213 genotypes were the most tolerant and Cross Arvand, 4209 and Alamout were sensitive genotypes, respectively. Key words: Salinity stress, wheat genotypes, yield, protein, yield, bioplogical


Effect of level and time of nitrogen fertilizer application and cutting height on yield and yield component of rice ratooning M. Nassiri1, H. Pirdashti 2& T. Naij Nejad1

1-Rice Research Institute of Iran, Deputy of Mazandaran, Amol, P.O.Box: 145, Tel and Fax: 0121-3253137 ; Email: [email protected]; 2- Agronomy and Plant Breeding Department, Agriculture Faculty, Mazandaran University, Sari, Iran. Email: [email protected]

In order to study the effect of level and time of nitrogen fertilizer application and cutting height on yield and yield component of rice ratooning (Tarom genotype, a traditional cultivar in Mazandaran Province, Iran) an experiment was conducted at Rice Research Institute of Iran, Deputy of Mazandaran, Amol. The experiment was set-up in factorial design based on randomized completely block design with 3 replications. The level of nitrogen fertilizer in four levels (0, 11.5, 23 and 34.5 kg N ha-1), time of nitrogen application in two levels (immediately and one month after main crop harvest) and cutting height in three levels (0, 20 and 40 cm from above ground) were the treatments. The results showed that different levels of N fertilizer did not significantly affect ratoon yield, harvest index, panicle number per meter squared, grain number per panicle, filled grain number and 1000-grain weight but N applied immediately after main crop harvest significantly affected ratoon yield and grain number per panicle. Cutting height had a significant effect on ratoon plant height, grain number per panicle and filled grain number. Ratoon yield, grain number per panicle and filled grain number was significantly higher when the main crop was cut at 40 cm above ground. Key words: Rice, ratoon, yield, nitrogen and cutting height


Soil organic matter and nutrients under different traditional cropping systems in an intensively managed agroecosystem F. Raiesi & S. Asadian Soil Science Dept., Faculty of Agriculture, ShahreKord University, P.O.Box 115, Shahre Kord, Iran. Phone: + 98 –381-4424428 ; Email: [email protected] ([email protected])

Diverse farming systems may influence soil attributes that are of great importance for agricultural production in managed ecosystems. However, very little is known about the influence of cropping systems on soil organic matter and the amount of plant-available nutrients in intensively cropped soils. The aim of the present study was to determine effects of diverse cropping systems on soil nutrients, C content, bulk density and pH in arable lands of Saman area, Iran. The traditional cropping systems consisted of (1) continuous rice (RI); (2) continuous almond (AL); (3) continuous grape (GR); (4) almond-grape (AG) inter-cropping (5) walnut-grape inter-cropping (WG) and (6) wheat-alfalfa (WA) rotation. Composite soil samples from each of nine replicates of the six cropping systems were sampled to a depth of 30 cm in 2002, and analyzed for soil bulk density, pH, EC, nutrients, organic carbon and wet aggregate stability. Our results showed that soil pH did not vary among various cropping systems. However, significant differences (p<0.05) in soil bulk density, total soil organic matter, plant-available P and K contents were observed among soils of six cropping systems. The soil under walnut-grape inter-cropping (WG) and continuous almond (AL) had the greatest soil organic matter contents. The total N contents were the greatest in the soil under wheat-alfalfa rotation (WA) and continuous rice (RI) systems, but the difference was not significant among the cropping systems. The soil C/N ratios for the cropping systems were statistically different, and it was greater in walnut-grape inter-cropping (WG) system. The plant-available P content followed the trend RI = AG > GR = AL = WA = WG. The available K contents in AG, AL and GR systems were the highest, followed by WA, WA and RI systems. The aggregate stability in the wheat-alfalfa rotation was significantly greater than that in other cropping systems. It seems that the walnut-grape cropping system comparatively favors soil conditions required for carbon sequestration in the soil, while other cropping systems induce carbon loss from the soil surface. It is also suggested that including alfalfa in the crop


sequence can be used to enhance soil N storage and therefore sustain N availability for crop productivity in this region. In conclusion, concentrations of plant-available P and K in the six cropping systems are greater than the amount required for maximum yield production, and consequently, further application of P and K fertilizers might lead to nutrient storage in the topsoil. Key words: Cropping systems; C sequestration; Nutrients content; Calcareous soils; Soil attributes

Land use Effect on the occurrence and distribution of Azotobacter in Hamadan soils, Iran A. A. Safari Sinegani1 & Z. Sharifi2

Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran, Phone: +98- 811- 4223367, Email: [email protected] Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran.

Azotobacter is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium, found in soils worldwide, with many features relevant to energy consumption and carbon sequestration. For assessment the effects of agricultural practices and land use on the occurrence and distribution of Azotobacter, the present investigation was made in the pastures, deciduous and coniferous woodlands, and dry and irrigated (with sewage and river waters) farmlands of Hamadan in northwestern of Iran. Sampling was carried out at depth of 0-30 cm with maximum of plant cover diversity in May 2003. According to heterogeneity of lands, sampling plan was completely randomized with unequal numbers of repetitions. Some soil physical, chemical and biological properties were investigated. Data statistically analyzed for standard deviation (s), and F-test to assess the land use effect on each soil property. Means were calculated and Duncan’s new multiple range test was made to assess the soil management systems. The highest population of Azotobacter was found in soil sampled from sewage water irrigated farmland. Among soils, dry farmlands and deciduous woodland soils had the lowest fertility. The lowest population of Azotobacter was found in soil sampled from deciduous woodland. The occurrence of Azotobacter correlated positively with soil organic matter (SOM), electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, C/N ratio, and substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and negatively with soil carbonates.Key words: azotobacter, management practices, soil properties.


Fractal Analysis of Temporal Yield Variation of Five Main Crops in Iran M. H. Salehi1, M. Rafieiolhossaini2 & J. Mohammadi3

1-Assistant Prof., Soil Science Department, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran, E-mail: [email protected], 2- Lecturer, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran, E-mail: [email protected], Telefax: +98-381-4424428; 3- Associate Prof., Soil Science Department, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran, E-mail: [email protected], Telefax: +98-381-4424428

Temporal variability of five main crops over 38 years was studied using fractal theory. To do this, first, variograms of different variables consisting yield of wheat, barely, paddy, sugar beat and cotton were calculated. It is a mathematical function that describes temporal pattern of yield variability. Then, fractal dimension (D-value) was estimated by fitting a linear model to log-transformed variograms. Fractal dimension (D-value) was used as indicator of long-term or short-term variation. The long-term variation will be pronounced if fractal dimension is close to unit. Increasing the D-value indicate the importance of short-range variability in crop yield. The results illustrated that among different crops, cotton showed a higher D-value followed by sugar beat. On the other hand, wheat, barely and paddy showed lower D-values. Such a high D-value could be related to the economical and environmental conditions imposed on cotton and sugar beet production. Key words: Temporal variability, fractal dimension, wheat, barley, paddy, sugar beat, cotton.

Soil characteristics changes in a flood spreading system A. Sarreshtehdari Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, P.O.Box 13445-1136, Tehran, I.R. Iran. Phone: +98-21-4901240~47 Email: [email protected], [email protected],

Water deficiency is a critical problem in arid and semi-arid areas. At this time, this problem threats the areas in different cases. There are several methods for solving this problem with different management ways. One of the methods that is implementing now in Iran, is Flood Spreading Project (FSP). This project is operating and actually, that is


a research case. The FSP monitoring step has been started and it is continuing. The flood spreading objectives are water harvesting, soil conservation (water and wind) and vegetation cover improvement in the desert area with a multiple purpose point of view. Since the implementation of the FSP, there has not been any systematic evaluation to review the project. Therefore, in this study the project was assayed based on evaluation of soil productivity factors. There was assessed the changes before and after the implementation of the FSP. This project has been implemented in the province of Kerman in Ab-barik site. This area has been located in margin of the Lout desert on alluvial fans of Jebal-e-Barez Mountain. There were carried out soil sampling, from the FSP and control area which measured factors were, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, organic carbon, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), transferred sediment depth and infiltration rate. The results showed that sediment depth, infiltration rate, phosphorous and organic carbon increased significantly after the FSP. There were also significantly changes of some soil properties between the dikes. The results of this research indicates that there has been a generally improvement in soil condition. It illustrates that The FSP could be effective on soil productivity as a positive operation. Key words: Soil characteristics, flood spreading, aquifer management

Effect of crop rotation on mobility of heavy metals in undisturbed soil columns

G. Sayyad1, M. Afyuni1, S. F. Musavi1, R. Schulin2 & K. Abbaspour3

1- College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. From left to right respectively: Phone: +98-311-3912693 Email: [email protected]; Phone: +98-311-3912868: Email: [email protected]; Phone: [email protected]: +98-311-3913083; 2- Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, ETH Zürich, Grabenstrasse 3/11a, CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland: Phone: +411-6336071 Email: [email protected]; 3- Swiss Federal Institute for Environmental Science and Technology, EAWAG, Ueberlandstr 133 P.O. Box 611, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland: Phone: +411-8235359 Email: [email protected]

Heavy metal contamination of groundwater has received much attention in recent years. In this study we assessed the mobility of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn under two different rooting systems (fibrous root and tap root), and two different rotations (crop-fallow and crop-crop). The study was conducted on undisturbed soil columns. In each column, the top 10 cm of the soil was removed, contaminated with Cd, Cu, Pb, and


Zn at 15.2, 585.9, 117.2 and 1093.8 mg kg-1, respectively and then replaced. Half of the columns were respectively planted with wheat and safflower based on their previous history. Leachate was collected in continuous intervals and analyzed for heavy metals during the experiment. After harvesting, soil samples were collected at 10 cm intervals and analyzed for total and DTPA-extractable heavy metal concentrations. Results showed that rotation had a significant effect on heavy metal transport as in the crop-crop rotation heavy metal concentrations of the subsoil were more than the crop-fallow rotation. The influence of rooting systems on the HM movement although observed but was not significant. The DTPA extractable levels of metals were higher in the subsoil depths of polluted soils, indicating that the metals had been redistributed from the surface layer in more soluble forms into the deeper zones in the profile. Key words: Environmental pollution, Heavy metals, Rooting systems, Preferential flow

Modelling of land production potential for irrigated cotton in Qom masileh, Qom provinceS. A. R. Seyed Jalali1. Scientific member of Soil and Water Research Instotute, Kargar Shomali Avenue, Jalal Ale-Ahmad Road, Tehran, 14155/6185, IRAN. Tel: 0098-21- 8021089 Fax: 0098-21-634006 Email: [email protected]

The study area is about 75000 hectares and is located in Qom-Masileh area, Qom Province, Iran. It is located between 34° 30′ and 34° 52′north latitudes and 50° 47′ and 51° 19′ east longitudes. Based on nearest synoptic station to the study area, Qom station is climatically covered by desert. The maximum daily air temperature is 34.5 °C in June and the minimum daily air temperature is 3.6 °C in December. The annual rainfall is about 145 mm. The aim of this research was to elaborate an approach for the prediction of land production potential for irrigated cotton taking into account the environmental condition in the study area. The methodology considers different hierarchically ordered production situations. In the first hierarchically production situation, the radiation thermal production potential (RPP) or the irrigated yield for cotton has been calculated. In the second hierarchical production situation, land production potential (LPP) for phases of soil families has been calculated considering soil indices. The result of the first hierarchically production situation showed that


irrigated potential yield based on FAO crop growth model for cotton (lint+seed) is 6460 kg ha-1 and cotton (lint) is 2308 kg ha-1 in the study area. The result of the second hierarchically production potential situation showed land production potential for irrigated cotton (lint+seed) 65 to 5623 and cotton (lint) 23 to 1968 kg ha-1 due to lime, gypsum, gravel, soil depth, and salinity and alkalinity limitations. Key words: Cotton, land suitability, modelling of land production potential, Qom soils

Relation of soil diversity with landscape evolutionary processes in Zayandeh- Rud valley N. Toomanian1, A. Jalalian2 & H. Khademi3

1- Soil Science Department, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Phone: 0311 3912255, member of scientific board, Soil and Water Research Institute, E-mail: [email protected]. 2- Soil Science Department, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Phone: 0311 3912255 E-mail: [email protected]. 3- Soil Science Department, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Phone: 0311 3912255 E-mail: [email protected].

Soil spatial distributions are responses to underlying fundamental controls. Hydrologic and geomorphic processes are the basic factors affecting the soil continuous and discontinuous variability in arid landscapes. In arid region of Isfahan, these two processes along with the soil forming processes are responsible for all spatial consequences. There is no information about the composition, origin and the evolutionary processes of surficial sediments in Zayandeh-rud valley. The homogeneity and or heterogeneity of land resources in this area have not been determined yet. The soil resources of Zayandeh-rud valley (all piedmonts excluded) from Habib-abad in northwest to Varzane in east normally are assumed to be river alluviums that had been laid in different Quaternary time sections. Highlighting the heterogeneity of land resources in Zayandeh- rud valley and the role of land resources and geomorphic landforms in diversity and behavior of the selected soils are the main objectives of this study. To cover all factors affecting soil diversity in such environment, we have undertaken the survey of 0.3 million hectares in Zayandeh-rud Plain. This area (51º 30' 00"- 52º 15' 00" E, and 32º 30' 00" – 32º 52' 30" N) contains a complete set of arid geomorphic units (landscapes, landforms and geomorphic surfaces). Air photo interpretation identified 45 different geomorphic surfaces in this area. Soil


morphology and physico-chemical analyses of the soils studied indicated that the soil diversity is partly concordant with geomorphic units.. Soil color, texture, structure and vertical sequence of different soil horizons showed that there are some other soil properties, which affect diversity and behavior of soils in the area. Supervised classification of the landsat images highlighted some differences. Air photo interpretation, which was supported by field control, showed that the pathway of Zayandeh Rud River had shifted twice in the Quaternary period. Tectonic activities, playa formation and lagoonization of Segzi area, and subsequent climatic changes via different geomorphic and hydrologic processes had changed the land resources distribution in Zayandeh-Rud Valley. Subsequent wind erosion had covered the surface of previous sediments in some places. Also, different sediments had been overlaid on each other which made land resources more complex. In the studied area, we could differentiate six different sedimentation processes that had created compound land resources. Piedmont and river sediments, as well as playa, lagoonal and wind deposits, were the main processes in area studied. Overlaying these stratified land resources on API interrelated map and using a complete set of environmental knowledge about the evolution of the land resources, we could define and stratify the landscape more precisely.. Using the genetic characteristics of soils and their 3D contiguity, we could describe the evolutionary history of Zayandeh-rud valley during the Quaternary Period. Key words: Geomorphic map units, Land resources, Soil diversity

Sources and processes of salt accumulation in Segzi valley of Isfahan, Iran M. H. Salehi1 & M. Rafieiolhossaini2

1-Assistant Prof., Soil Sci. Dept., Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, IRAN, E-mail: [email protected], Telefax: +98-381-4424428; 2-Instructor, Dept. of Agronomy, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, IRAN, E-mail: [email protected], Telefax: +98-381-4424428

Salinity and alkalinity are the major problems in soils of arid regions. Wind erosion also creates land degradation in drylands through loss of crops, pollution and jeopardized sustainability. Concentrations of soluble salts, through their high osmotic pressures, affect plant growth by restricting the uptake of water by the roots. In this study, factors influencing salt accumulation in Segzi valley of Isfahan were


investigated. Because of the vicinity of the study area to irrigated farms and the city of Isfahan, wind erosion is also one of the most important agriculturally related problems in the area. Thirteen soil-mapping units, which were different in their surface characteristics and salt accumulation, separated in an area of 43000 ha. In these soil- mapping units, 25 pedons were described in the field and 16 pedons selected for laboratory analyses. Physical and chemical soil properties including texture, percentage of stable aggregates in wet sieving, EC, SAR, soluble cations and anions, pH, percentage of calcium carbonate, gypsum and organic matter were determined by routine procedures. Factors such as moist subsoil increase of EC and SAR toward the soil surface, redoximorphic features and salt efflorescence indicates that high water table is the major source of salt accumulation in these soils. Because of excessive pumping, water table has dropped lower in recent years. Wind also plays an important role in distribution of salts in the area as indicated by aeolian deposits, ripple marks and nebkas. Textural discontinuity in soils and human activity in the area also influence salt distribution but factors such as topography, soil parent material and surface runoff are less important in the area. Halite, gypsum and mirabilite were major evaporates identified in saturated extracts by XRD. Crusted soils had stable aggregates during wet sieving as compared to non-crusted soils. Because of high salinity and susceptibility of soils to wind erosion, open mining for gypsum, sand and clay is not recommended and special care must be taken to preserve surface crust in the area. Further investigation should be done to find tolerant plants to wind erosion and salty-gypsiferous soils with impermeable subsurface horizons.

Key words: Isfahan; salt accumulation, wind erosion,


Digital differentiation of landforms for soil development and erosion studies in Gorgak basin in Chahar Mahale Bakhtiary N. Honarjoo1, A. Alimohammadi2,.Sh. Mahmoodi3,.A. Charkhabi4 & A. Jalalin 5 1-PhD student of Azad University and member of soil faculty in Azad university Khoraskan branch,phone o311-5230640, e-mail:[email protected] professors of Khajeh Nasire Toosi University of Technology,phone 09121482174 e-mail alimoh_abb@ yahoo.com3-Tehran University phone 02211-4022.4-Soil Coservation and Watershed Mangement,Tehran,phone 021-4901245. e-mail charkhabi @yahoo.com.5-University of Isfahan Technology phone 0311-3913470 e-mail Jalalian @yahoo.com

To study differences in soil genesis and erosion in different geomorphology units, digital elevation models of the selected sites were created and data of slope, aspect, plan curvature, profile curvature, CTI, SPI and catchments area were calculated. These data were used for segmentation of the hill slope into summit, shoulder, back slope, foot slope and toe slope. Seventeen soil profile locations were selected in different geomorphic units of the two hill slopes and their soil samples were analyzed. The results showed that significant differences exist between the soil development in different landform units. These observations demonstrate the usefulness of DEM and the extracted data for identification of different landforms. Key words: DEM, GIS, landforms, soil development

Soil physical property changes due to different tillage systems in dry land regions in northwestern Iran M. A. Hajabbasi Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84154, IRANPhone: +98 311-391 3477, Fax. +98 311-391 3471, [email protected]

A three-years field experiment was conducted to study the effects of conventional (CT), reduced (RT) and no-till (NT) tillage systems on soil physical characteristics. A split block design with three replications in a soil (fine mixed, mesic, Calsixerollic Xerochrepts) in Maragheh Dryland Agricultural Research Station (northwest of Iran) was used. Soil texture, bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC), penetration resistance (PR), organic matter (OM), mean weight


diameter (MWD) and aggregate size distribution (ASD) were measured. No differences were obtained among the tillage systems for BD at 0-15 cm depth. At 15-30 cm, NT resulted in a lower (~10%) BD compared to the other treatments. Soil moisture content was about 18% higher in NT and 11% in RT than CT. Soil penetration resistance was 0.5 MPa higher in NT than CT or RT. No-till resulted in an increase in OM (~1 g kg-1) compared to the other treatments. No differences were obtained among the treatments for aggregate size distribution. Key words: dry land rain fed, moisture, penetration, rotations, tillage, soil physical properties

Mapping the risk of nitrate concentration in groundwater resources of ShahreKord plain (Iran) using parametric geostatistics

J. Mohammadi Soil Sci. Dept., Agric. College, Shahrekord Univ., Shahrekord, Iran.

The sustainable use of water resources involves managing both the quantity and quality of these resources. In Iran, groundwater is an important source of water supply for drinking, agricultural irrigation, and industrial activities. In order to evaluate the nitrate concentration, as a main chemical index of water pollution, 234 water samples were collected from wells located in Shahrekord plain in 2001. The average concentration of nitrate is 8.2 mg L-1 with standard deviation of 3.3 and minimum 0.1 to maximum 34.7 mg L-1. The results indicate that at 95% of the sampled wells, water contained more than 2 mg L-1 NO3

-,86% of samples have values of more than 5 mg L-1 NO3

-, and 24% of observations show nitrate contents more than 10 mg L-1. Results obtained from geostatistical analysis indicate that from entire sampled area, 1250 km2, 2% of all estimated locations (25 km2) have nitrate concentration less than 5 mg L-1, 38% of all estimated location illustrate nitrate content of 5-8 mg L-1, 55% of the whole estimated sites (686 km2) located in class 8-10 mg L-1, and finally, 5% (63 km2)of all estimated nitrate concentrations exceed the value of 10 mg L-1.The risk maps of nitrate pollution were prepared using threshold values of 5 and 10 mg L-1. The results illustrate that there is a probability of 0.8 for about 78% of the whole area (980 km2) that estimated wells contain more than 5 mg L-1 NO3

-. About 3% of the all estimated sites (37 km2) show a probability of more than 0.5 that the nitrate


concentration exceeds the threshold value of 10 mg L-1, which is close to maximum admissible concentration of NO3

- legislated by European Communities. The results indicate the increasing trend in groundwater pollution in the study area. Furthermore, providing a measure of uncertainty associated with the estimated value by geostatistics, make kriging an attractive method to model and map the risk of environmental variables. Key words: Disjunctive Kriging, Nitrate Pollution, Risk Mapping, Variogram, Water Quality.

Discriminating factors affecting the spatial variability of selected soil quality attributes in different ecosystems of central Zagros, Iran

J. Mohammadi1 & H. Khademi2

1- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran; 2- Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran

In order to achieve a sustainable management of land resources and improve land quality, quantitative assessment of effective factors and soil quality indicators are necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate spatial variability of selected soil quality attributes in central Zagros affected by such factors as region, land use and management practices. Twelve sites were selected in three provinces including Chaharmahal va Backtiari (Sabz Ku, Broujen), Isfahan (Semyrum), and Kohkeloye va Boyerahmad (Yasoj). Different management practices were considered such as: protected pasture, intensive grazing, controlled grazing, dryland farming, irrigated wheat cultivation, legume-farming practice, protected forest, and degraded forest. Systematic sampling with taking 50 samples of surface soil in each site was carried out. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that all factors significantly influenced the spatial variability of selected soil quality attributes namely phosphatase activity, microbial respiration, soil organic matter, and total nitrogen. The results obtained from discriminant analysis indicated that all selected soil quality parameters could significantly be used as soil quality indicators in order to recognize and discriminate sustainable agricultural and forestry ecosystems and/or optimal management practices. It is suggested that in order to properly assess the quality of rangeland ecosystems, besides soil chemical and biological indicators,


soil physical properties should be considered as an important criteria of soil quality. Furthermore, quantification of soil quality assessment needs not only spatial analysis of soil quality indicators but also their temporal variability. Key words: Phosphatase activity, microbial respiration, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, geostatistics, variogram, kriging

Soil fertility management and insect pest with case study from Iran soils

R. Salmasi Research scientific member of Agricultural Research Center of East Azerbaijan. P.O. Box: 53555-141 Tel: 0412 2663914, Fax: 2662866, E-mail: [email protected]

Crop fertilization can affect susceptibility of plants to insect pests by altering plant tissue nutrient levels. Research shows that the ability of a crop plant to resist or tolerate insect pests and diseases is tied to optimal physical, chemical and mainly biological properties of soils. Soils with high organic matter and active soil biology generally exhibit good soil fertility. Crops grown in such soils generally exhibit lower abundance of several insect damages. On the other hand, for example, excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can cause nutrient imbalances and lower pest resistance. Fertilization effects on high NO3 level in soils of North of Iran is discussed in other section of this paper. More studies comparing pest populations on plants treated with chemical versus organic fertilizers are needed. Understanding effects of why organic fertilization appears to improve plant health may lead us to new and better integrated pest management and integrated soil fertility management designs. Key words: Crop nutrition; insect populations; pest management; soil fertility


Morphological and physical properties of some soils at Monkin, Taraba state, Nigeria B. H. Usman1, I. E. Vahyala1 & B. B. Jakusko2

1-Department of Soil science, 2-Department of Crop production and Horticulture,Tel: +79263045366, email:[email protected], Federal University of Technology, P.M.B.2076 Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria.

Irrigation practices have been used to increase food production to sustainable levels throughout the world. In this study, a soil survey of Monkin, Zing L.G.A., Taraba state was conducted to ascertain its significance for irrigated agriculture. Six pedons were identified based on their morphological characteristics and were classified as Ustipsamments (USDA) or Haplic Leptosols (FAO), Typic Tropudult (USDA) or Haplic Leptosols (FAO), Lithic Plinthustalf (USDA) or Lithic Lixisols (FAO), and a soil map was produced. Field determinations further suggests Typic Plinthustalf (USDA) or Plinthic Leptosols (FAO), Argillic Tropaqualf (USDA) or Haplic Luvisols (FAO), Typic their capability classification into class 2 sub class 2e, class 3 sub class 3e, class 4, class 6 and class 7 with irrigation suitability classification of class 2 irrigable, class 3 irrigable, class 4 restricted irrigable and class 6 non-irrigable. It is therefore recommended that the land could be developed for irrigated agriculture as indicated by its potentials.Key words: Nigeria, pedons, irrigable, fadama, infiltration, arable, drainage

Soil bacteria as a possible component of the “soil memory” I. N. Skvortzova, N. F. Gomonova, Ya. R. Vasilkov, N. V. Rostchin & V. M. Komarov Russia, Moscow university, faculty of soil science, department soil biology, Moscow, Russia. [email protected]

At present one of the actual problems in the soil science is the concept “ soil memory”, investigating by many scientists, for example, Dobrovolskiy G.,Targulijan V., Sokolov J., Karpachevskiy L., Sokolova T. and the others. But it is a little known about of the soil bacteria as the possible participants in the creation of “ soil memory”. We have some soil bacteria from the soddy- podzolic forest soil isolated and estimated their properties as possible components of the


“soil memory”. Their properties are the following: they have need of the soil conditions of the previous biocenosis developing at the place of a modern ecosystem; they can dissociate into the colonial variants; to make the multi- cells phase during the individual life cycle; they can form the daughterly colonia, which (as we propose) are the possible active centers for the information transfer between the soil bacteria and the soil matrix. We propound this problem.

Estimating soil moisture characteristic curve from simple soil properties S. J. Hosseiny Ezabady1, S. Saadat2, M. H. Golabi3 & H. A. Bahrami4

1-Graduate Student, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran. [email protected] and [email protected]; 2-Ph.D. Student, Tatbiat Modarres University, Scientist, Soil and Water Research Institute, Tehran, Iran. [email protected]; 3- Assistant Professor, College of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Guam. Guam- USA. [email protected] (671) 735-2134 –Corespondent ; 4-Assistant Professor, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran. [email protected]

The relationship between soil water content and soil water potential known as soil moisture characteristic curve that is one of the basic hydraulic properties of soil. Field and laboratory procedures used to measure this relationship, are time-consuming and costly. Thus, attempts have been made to estimate soil moisture characteristic curve from simpler soil properties or limited data. The one-parameter model of Gregson et al. (GHM) is based on log-log form of soil moisture characteristic curve as ln ( ) = a + b ln ( ). In this equation “a” and “b” are constants and have a negative correlation as a = p + q b. using this equation and substituting it in the first equation result in the Gregson et al. one-parameter model: ln ( ) = p + b (q+ln ). In this equation “p” and “q” are regression coefficients and have fixed values for each textural class, and only one-parameter “b” is unknown. We estimated this parameter by Shirazi-Boersma soil textural diagram’s values (geometric mean diameter and geometric standard deviation). To develop this model 286 soil sample data from different laboratories were used and also 32 undisturbed soil samples were used to test the model. These samples grouped into 8 textural classes and finally, “p” and “q” and “b” were calculated for each 8 textural classes. Results showed that estimating soil moisture at fixed matric potentials with the model has R2 greater than 0.9 for each textural class. Key words: soil moisture characteristic, Estimation, textural classes, one-parameter model, simple soil properties


Effect of deforestation on selected soil quality attributes in loess lands of Golestan province, northern IranF. Kiani1, A. Jalalian2 & H. Khademi3

1.College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Email: [email protected]; 2. College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, P. O. Box 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran. Email: [email protected]; 3. College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Fax: 0311 3913471, Isfahan, Iran. Email: ا[email protected]

For investigation the forest degradation and land use change and its effect on some soil quality attributes in loessial land, the samples were selected from four type of land use (forest, rangeland, degraded rangeland and farmland) in Pasang watershed. pH, EC, amount of organic matter, CaCO3 and nutrients (N, P, K) as chemical indicators, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density, porosity as physical indicators and soil respiration as biological indicator were measured. The main results showed that organic matter was 4.03% in forest and was decreased about 3 units when changed to farmland. Changing the farmland to rangeland improved organic matter about 2 units. Soil nitrogen in forest and soil phosphorus and potassium in rangeland showed great amounts. b and porosity in forest and MWD in rangeland had higher levels. Soil respiration in forest had the best conditions.Key words: deforestation, land use change, soil quality, loess

Evaluation of sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria effects on phosphorus - availability of phosphate rock by isotopic dilution techniqueR. Iranipour1, M.J. Malakouti2, M.J. Abedi3, A. Sadjadi4 & H. Ghafourian5

1- Soil and Water Research Deoartment, Agriculture and Natiral Resources Center of ShahreKord, ShahreKord – Iran, Email: [email protected]; 2- Watershed, Soil and Water Research Institute. 3- Soil Science Department, Agriculture Faculty, Islamic Azad University, Tehran – Iran; 4- Agricultural and Natural Research and Education Organization, Tehran, Iran; 5- Radio Isotopes Devision, Nuclear Research Center, Nuclear Energy Organizatio, Tehran – Iran.

The following experiments were conducted on three phases, on 2001-2003 arranged in randomized complete block design in order to study sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria effects on phosphorus availability of


phosphate rock by isotopic dilution technique. The 1st phase of these experiments was performed on a farm to study the main effects of treatments on corn (Zea mays L.) and 2nd phase was also carried out on a farm to study the residual effects of treatments on barley (Hordeume vulgare L.) and 3rd phase was carried out in green house to study the effects of treatments on P derived from soil (pdfs), P derived from fertilizers (pdff), and fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) in corn, grown in pot soils and labeled with radioactive phosphorus (32P). Treatments of this study were consists of:T1= Control (no phosphorus fertilizer), T2=TSP(Triple Super Phosphate) + Control, T3= PR(Phosphate rock) + Control, T4= T3+Sul (Sulfur), T5= T3+Sul+Thiobacillus bacteria. After crop harvesting in each phase, dry matter yield (DMY), total dry matter percentage (TDMP), crop growth rate (CGR), P and Zn content in leaf, P derived from soil (Pdfs), P derived from fertilizer(Pdff), fertilizer use efficiency (FUE), relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) and soil available phosphorus (Pava) were determined. The following results have been obtained.Main effects of treatments on total dry matter percentage (TDMP), relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) and P derived from fertilizer (pdff), were statistically significant at 1% level and main effects of treatments on dry matter yield (DMY), crop growth rate (CGR) and fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) were statistically significant at 5% level, but on P and Zn content in leaf, and Pava were not statistically significant.Residual effects of treatments on straw yield (St.Y) were statistically significant at 5% level but on grain yield (GY), thousands grain weight (Th.GW), harvesting index (HI) and relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) were not statistically significant.The results of this research showed that phosphate rock with sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria, increased P derived from fertilizer (pdff) and some yield indexes for corn and barley crops. We can recommend Sulfur+Thiobacillus bacteria treatment for increasing relative agronomic efficiency (RAE), P derived from fertilizer (pdff), dry matter yield (DMY), total dry matter percentage (TDMP), crop growth rate (CGR) and fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) for corn and straw yield (St Y) for barley.Key words: Isotopic dilution technique; labeled phosphorus; P derived from fertilizer (pdff); phosphate rock; sulfur, Thiobacillus bacteria.


Root morphology, yield and nitrogen uptake in two potato clonal selections of ‘Russet Norkotah’ potato at different soil nitrogen levelsM. Sharifi1, B. J. Zebarth2, M. A. Hajabbasi1 & M. Kalbasi1

1 Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, Phone: 0311-3913471 Emails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; 2- Potato Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, PO Box 20280, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada E3B 4Z. Phone: +1-506-4524828 Email: [email protected]

The low vine vigor and high N requirement of Russet Norkotah may lead to higher risk of nitrate leaching compared to other cultivars. Recent clonal selections from Texas have produced strains that have larger and stronger vines, which may alter N requirements. The importance of clonal variation in N requirements and root morphological properties is not known. A field experiment was conducted during 2002 to evaluate yield, N uptake and root morphological characteristics of two Russet Norkotah clonal selections at different soil N levels. The standard clone (SRC) and Texas selection 112 (TX112) of Russet Norkotah were used. Whole plants were excavated and partitioned to different components. Root length (RL), root length density (RLD), root average diameter (RAD) and root dry weight (RDW) were measured. Tuber yield, dry weight and N concentration of different component and plant N content were determined. Soil inorganic N was measured at planting and at harvest times. These two clones of Russet Norkotah had quite different partitioning of dry matter and N, but there was little differences in their tuber yield, total dry weight and plant N content. Vines dry weight, RDW, RL and RLD was higher in TX112 than SRC whereas tuber nitrogen concentration was higher in SRC than TX112 clone. The nitrogen fertilization increased tuber yield, total dry weight, vine dry weight and tuber and vine N concentrations but significantly decreased the RL and RLD. The TX112 vine growth was more responsible to N application than SRC whereas the SRC root growth was more sensitive to N application than the TX112 clone. Although, Root length and RLD were significantly higher for TX112 clone compared to SRC but cultivar Russet Norkotah has a more limited root system compare to other potato cultivars. Soil nitrate concentration after harvest was not affected by N fertilization and clone. Under the conditions of this study, use of new clonal selections of cultivar Russet Norkotah did not


have any yield or nitrate leaching advantages over the standard cultivar. Nitrogen fertilization increased mostly vegetative growth and risk of nitrate leaching to groundwater especially in early season.Key words: Dry matter production, nitrogen accumulation, root characteristics, Solanum tuberosum, tuber yield

Microbial ecology of nitrogen cycle in soils and ecosystem functioning

A. V. Kurakov Moscow State University, International Biotechnology Center and Soil Biology Dept., Moscow, Leninskie gory, 119992, Russia, Phone: 7-095-9393546, fax: 7-095-9395022, E-mail: [email protected]

The quantitative assessment of the roles of fungi and bacteria in nitrogen (N) transformation in virgin and cultivated soils was done. Measurements of biomass of bacteria and fungi, selective inhibition of their activities in the soils and comparisons of activities of inoculated fungal and bacterial strains in sterile soils with rates of N processes in native soils were performed in laboratory experiments. Fungi were responsible for most of ammonification (80%) of ready available N compounds (peptone) added to the forest soddy-podzolic soil. In the arable soil bacteria and fungi had an equal contribution to the mineralization of peptone to NH4

+. Heterotrophic nitrification (mainly fungal) was higher in virgin soils than in cultivated soils of the same types. Contribution of heterotroph microorgamisms in nitrate production was highest in the soil under mature spruce (about 90%); it was much less (10-40%) in the soils of other natural ecosystem (leaf forests, grasslands). Autotrophic bacteria were responsible for 87-97% of nitrate formation in cultivated soils. N2O production by fungi attributed less than few percents to denitrification potential of soils. Cycloheximide depressed N2-fixing activity of soils enriched by plant residues on 60-70%. It proves that fungal extracellular hydrolysis of plant polymers provided major part of available carbon for heterotroph N2-fixing bacteria in soils. Fungi play a leading role in microbial immobilization of N in soils. Their biomass predominates (60-90% of total microbial biomass) in the majority of soils, particularly in the soils of the natural ecosystems. It was accounted that synthesis by fungi such resistant to degradation compounds as melanin and melanin-chitin complexes is one of key mechanism of maintenance and accumulation soil organic N. Functional capacities of bacteria and


fungi in N processes in many aspects have duplicative or additive character. It could be considered as a factor of resiliency of N cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Fungi cause maintenance and long-term deposition of N in soils. Increase of bacterial dominance in soils intensifies N turnover and due to their major role in nitrification and denitrification losses of soil N elevates. Destruction of native vegetation, conventional farming lead to a shift from fungal to bacterial dominance in soil N processes that increase N losses. Alternative agricultural systems that maintain a high level of fungal biomass could be more effective than conventional systems in retaining the N capital of the soils. Key words: bacteria, fungi, ecosystem, nitrogen, soil

Biological nodulation and nitrogen fixation of spring wheat

A. . Biabani1, N.Y. Kovalskaya2 & M.M. Umarov2

1-Agricultural faculty Gorgan University of Agricultural sciences and Natural Resources. IRAN. Email: [email protected] 2- Moscow M. V. Lomonosov State University, Faculty of Soil Science, Department of Soil Biology, Leninskie gory, Moscow119992, Russia. Email: [email protected]

Many bacteria are well-known for their ability to exert positive effects on the plant growth through mechanisms such as nitrogen fixation, production of phytohormones and suppression of pathogenic microorganisms. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) can play important role for the growth of cereals and it can be essential to improve soil fertility.Responses of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum var. lada) to the inoculation of pectolytic bacteria (Bacillus polymyxa strain 43) and diazotrophic bacteria (pure and mixed cultures of Arthrobacter sp. strain 24 and Xanthomonas sp. strain 24) were studied under laboratory conditions. The effect of pectolytic bacteria was significant for the initiation of para-nodulation. Para- nodules were observed after one week of inoculation. The number of para –nodules was gradually increasing during the plant growth. 25-day-old plants had a the average of 9-10 of para-nodules and their diameter were 1.5 mm. The maximum N2-fixing activity was detected on the roots of seedlings with treatments of Arthrobacter sp strain 24 and Arthrobacter sp. strain 24 + Bacillus polymyxa 43. Represented results may be interesting in the study of the phenomenon of para- nodulation and for


creating of conditions for the formation of a non-leguminous symbiosis.Key words: N2-fixation, diazotrophic bacteria, pectolytic bacteria, inoculation, para-nodule, wheat

Soil stability in dry-landsA. R. Mermut University of Saskatchewan, Department of Soil Science, Saskatoon SASK. S7N 5A8, Canada

Drylands are recognized with very low rainfall and high rates of evaporation and cover a significant area of the world. About half of the world's productive land is on drylands. Life in the drylands can be difficult. It is estimate that more than one billion people worldwide directly depend upon dryland products for their livelihoods. It is difficult to find a definition for soil stability and information about factors controlling soil stability. This term is even not included in published Soil Science glossaries. However, it is well established that the increased organic matter in soils increases the stability of land for sustainable agricultural use and management, including the arid regions. The objective of this paper was to identify dryland and main factors that influences their stability. Because of the comprehensiveness of the topic attention is given to the role of carbon balance, especially in dry regions. The possibility of large-scale carbon sequestration in drylands seems to be unlikely. The rate of sequestration is negligible. There is a need to test this idea in different arid zones of the world. However, any efforts to sequester atmospheric CO2 in drylands involve significant scientific and organizational challenges. Key words: Dryland ecosystems, carbon sequestration, carbon balance and flow, soil stability


Land suitability evaluation for main crops, Qom -Masileh, Qom Province S. A. Seyed Jalali1 & D. M. Amir2

1. Scientific member of Soil and Water Research Institute of Iran. Soil and Water Research, Kargar Shomali Avenue, Jalal Ale-Ahmad Road, Tehran 14155/6185 IRAN. Tel: (0098-21- 8021089) Fax: 0098-21-634006 Email: [email protected]; 2. Old scientific member of soil and water research institute of Iran and presenrtly phD student of Ministry of science, research and technology of Iran

The study area is about 75000 hectare and is located in Qom-Masileh area, Qom Province of Iran. It is between 34° 30′ to 34° 52′ north latitude and 50° 47′ to 51° 19′ east longitude. Based on nearest synoptic station to the study area, Qom station, the climatic type of the area is dry desertic. The maximum daily air temperature is 34.5 °C in June and the minimum daily air temperature is 3.6 °C in December. The annual rainfall is about 145 mm. The aim of this research is land suitability evaluation for wheat barly and cotton based on climate, soil and landscape characteristics. The methodology is based on simple limitation method and parametric mehod. For this purpose, soil survey study of Qom-masileh which was done by SWRI, was revised, and 65 soil profiles were studied and classifiesd by USDA (1998).Finding 19 families and 33 phases. The climatic characteristics of Qom station was used for this study. Three land utilization types with moderate management and inputs such as wheat, barly and cotton were used for this study. The main limiting factors in pidmont plain area are salinity and alkalinity limitations., lime, gypsum and soil pH. gravel, soil depth. And the main limitation factors in alluvial fans are soil depth, gravel in top and subsoil. The climate is higly suitable for wheat and barly and moderately suitable for cotton due to low mean temperature during ripening stage. The land suitability classification for wheat and barly is highy suitable to non-suitable in areas due to the limitations mentioned above. And for cotton is moderately suitable to non-suitable due to climate and soil limitations mentioned above. Key words: Barly, cotton, land suitability evaluation, Qom, Qom climate, Qom soils, wheat


Bacterial contamination of ground water supplies in Chahaar-Mahaal province (Iran) H. Moshtaghi Dept. of Food Hygiene,faculty of Veterinary Medicine,Shahrekord University,Shahrekord,Iran, Tel: +98 913 181 2815, Fax: +98 381 4424427, E.mail: [email protected]

Occurrence and distribution of coliform bacteria in drinking water from different sources is investigated. One hundred water samples , collected from wells, rivers and springs in shahrekord district of Chahar-Mahal province (Iran), were microbiologically examined for total coliforms and recovery of Escherichia coli using a multiple tube test. Coliform spp. formed 58.3, 100 and 22.2%, respectively, for ground water supplies, rivers and springs. Water samples from most of the well sources and all the river sources were regarded as unsuitable for human consumption. Key Words: water, coliform spp., multiple tube test

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