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Introduction Water deficit is one of the most important factors limiting crop production under rainfed condition. Several methods have been proposed to increase the resistance of crops against water deficit. In this regard, foliar application of methanol and nano zinc oxide can improve the performance of crop plants under water limitation conditions. Zinc deficiency is recognized as a critical problem in plants, especially when grown on soils with high pH values. But, recent researches have shown that application of micronutrients, including Zn, in the form of nano-fertilizers is a viable criterion for growing plants under water deficit condition, as it increases resource use efficiency and reduces environmental pollution. Also, foliar-applied methanol can increase the concentration of CO2 inside the plant tissue and promote photosynthesis rate and growth under water deficit conditions. On the other hand, water deficit is mitigated by stress modulators such as methanol and nano zinc oxide through a variety of mechanisms, including increased photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient acquisition in plants, and enhancement of the antioxidant system towards preventing damage from reactive oxygen species. Considering the above fact, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of nano zinc oxide and methanol foliar application on grain yield and some physiological traits (i.e, relative water content, electrical conductivity of flag leaf, dry matter remobilization from plant’s above-ground parts and hence contribution of photoassimilates remobilization in grain yield) of wheat under rainfed conditions. Materials and Methods A factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Sarab in north-west of Iran, in 2018-2019. Experimental factors included nano zinc oxide foliar application at four levels (foliar application with water as control, 0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 g L-1) and methanol application at four levels (foliar application with water as control, 10, 20, and 30% v/v). Methanol was prepared from Mojallal Co. and nano zinc oxide from Pishgaman Nanomaterials Co. Nano zinc oxide consisted of particles of less than 30 nm. Foliar application of nano zinc oxide and methanol were done in stages of tillering and boot stage. Relative water content (RWC) and electrical conductance (EC) of flag leaves was calculated based on the given formula Kheirizadeh Arough et al (2015): RWC (%) = [(FW-DW)/(TW-DW)] × 100 (1) where FW is the fresh weight; DW is the dry weight; and TW is the turgid weight. From each plot, the samples of developed flag leaf were randomly selected and after placing them in aluminum foils, they were transferred to the laboratory very quickly, then the flag leaf samples were kept in flasks containing 25 ml of distilled water. It was then placed at room temperature for 24 hours and then the electrical conductivity was measured by an EC meter (Mi 180 Bench Meter). Dry matter and remobilization of stem reserves to grain yield were evaluated as follows: Dry matter remobilization from shoot (g plant-1) = maximum of dry matter of shoot after anthesis (g plant-1) - shoot dry matter (grains excluded) in maturity (g plant-1). Contribution of dry matter remobilization to grain (%) = [dry matter remobilization from shoot (g plant-1) /grain yield (g plant-1)] × 100. Contribution of dry matter remobilization from stem to grain yield (g plant-1) = [maximum of stem dry matter after anthesis (g plant-1) - stem dry matter in maturity (g plant-1) ] × 100. Analysis of variance was done by SASv9.12. The main effects and interactions were compared by LSD test at the 0.05 probability level. Results and Discussion: Mean comparison showed that the least of dry matter remobilization from above-ground parts (0.21 g plant-1) and contribution of remobilization to grain yield (23.6%), dry matter remobilization from stem (0.17 g plant-1) and contribution of stem reserves to grain yield (10.3%) were obtained at the highest level of nano zinc oxide application. Similar results were obtained in these traits at the highest level of methanol application. Foliar spraying of high rates of nano zinc oxide and methanol increased the relative water content of flag leaf in ear emergence (17%) and grain filling stages (11%), zinc content (62%), protein content (14%) and grain yield (33%) in comparison to control. Conclusions Results of this study taken together, it seems that application of 0.9 g L-1 nano zinc oxide with 30% v/v of methanol can be suggested for improvement of physiological traits and thereby increase in grain yield of wheat under rainfed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Desertification in arid and semi-arid areas is an invisible and very dangerous phenomenon, and if it continues, it leads to the destruction of the land and the loss of renewable natural resources. Several factors play an effective role in the occurrence of desertification in a region, among which the phenomenon of land subsidence can be mentioned. Land subsidence is a geological process that occurs in a long-term balance and coordination between human activities and the hydrogeological environment. Today, land subsidence caused by the extraction of underground water has become a global problem, and it can even be the site of other hazards and threaten the society. The challenge of establishing a balance between groundwater consumption and land subsidence control is essential for sustainable development and curbing desertification. In order to meet their needs, including agriculture, industry and drinking, human societies depend on underground water sources and provide the required water through underground water. These conditions have become more severe in Iran due to its location in the arid and semi-arid belt, along with the improper distribution of rainfall with excessive extraction of underground water. In Iran, this phenomenon has extensive ecological, economic, social and environmental consequences due to the multiplicity, extent and complexity of the environmental and human factors that cause desertification. Hence, the precise monitoring and analysis of the intensity of desertification is of great importance for risk assessment and risk assessment. Therefore, it is necessary to know the criteria and indicators effective in the occurrence of desertification in order to achieve a model that can monitor the intensity of desertification in order to manage and plan the desert areas correctly and on principles. For this purpose, the aim of this research is to evaluate the state of desertification by IMDPA model based on two criteria of underground water and subsidence in the Rafsanjan watershed located in the northwest of Kerman province. Methodology: In this research, two criteria of underground water and subsidence rate were used as key criteria to prepare the desertification intensity map. According to the available information and the goals of this research, the criteria of underground water were scored based on electrical conductivity indicators, sodium absorption ratio, and groundwater level drop. For the subsidence criterion, the subsidence rate index was used in the year 2014-2015. In the next stage, a weight between 1 and 4 was given to each index based on its effect on desertification. The weighting is linear and equal in proportion; So that value 1 is the best and value 4 is the worst weight. Zoning of the mentioned indicators was also done by geographic information system and interpolation methods. The subsidence criterion was evaluated using the subsidence map prepared from Sentinel 1 satellite images in the year 2014-2015. In the end, the final map of the desertification situation was obtained according to the IMDPA model and based on the geometric mean of the criteria. Results: The average electrical conductivity measure in Rafsanjan watershed was 9351.4, which with a score of 4, is in a very severe desertification situation. Also, in terms of absorbable sodium, this watershed with an average of 12.28 and a score of 1, put it in a state of low desertification. In addition, according to the results of the groundwater quantity criterion based on the average level drop for the aquifer located in the Rafsanjan watershed, it was determined that the average drop of groundwater is about 54 cm with a score of 4, and is in a severe state of desertification. The subsidence of the aquifer located in the Rafsanjan watershed has varied from seven to less than one centimeter per year. Also, based on the average values, the average subsidence in the water year 1394-1395 in the region was in the low category with an average of -1.25 and a score of 1. Examining the areas with subsidence and the level of the drop in the underground water level showed that the drop in the underground water level can be considered as the main reason for the subsidence in the Rafsanjan aquifer. The overlap of three indicators of groundwater criteria, including: electrical conductivity, sodium absorption ratio and level drop, showed that 2.74, 59.07, 37.15 and 1.02 percent of Rafsanjan watershed are in low, medium, severe and There is a lot of desertification. Also, the overlap of the underground water and land subsidence criteria showed that the intensity of desertification is placed in three levels: low, moderate and severe, and the highest level corresponds to the moderate severity. Discussion & Conclusions: Rafsanjan watershed is one of the critical areas of subsidence. For this purpose, it is very important to evaluate land degradation caused by subsidence and drop in the underground water level in the Rafsanjan watershed. The results of this research confirm that according to the underground water criteria, the average electrical conductivity, absorbable sodium, and the drop in the water level of the region are in very severe, low, and severe desertification. In addition, in terms of the intensity of desertification from the point of view of water quality, the region is located in low, medium, severe and very severe classes. Finally, the intensity of desertification according to the two investigated criteria (underground water and subsidence) is placed in three levels: low, medium and severe, and the highest level is related to moderate severity. The results of this research will create a clear horizon for managers and planners of the natural resources sector, which will lead to a precise understanding of the criteria and indicators effective in the occurrence of desertification in the region. In addition, it is suggested to identify other effective factors in the region and introduce them to the desired model for accurate estimation of this phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: One of the solutions to sustainable agriculture is the use of mushroom substrate compost (MSC). Mushroom substrate compost is a mixture of stable organic matter and composed of various components such as wheat straw, poultry manure and lime. It is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassium salts and etc. MSC could be a good alternative for other fertilizers and amendments due to less cost and improving soil properties. However, its simultaneous effect in three levels of 0, 3 and 6 % on the properties of soils with different textures has not been before reported. Therefore, objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of the MSC on some physical and chemical properties of soil with different textures. Methodology: In this study, three soil samples with different textures of sandy loam, loam and clay, were taken from a bayer farm of the Agricultural Research Center, Abbas Abad Farm of the Bu-Ali Sina University and a bayer farm in the Kerk Suffla Village of Nahavand County, respectively. Sampling was done with a knowledge of soil properties, from soil surface layer (0-20 cm depth). The soil samples were transferred to the Soil Physics Laboratory of the Bu-Ali Sina University for testing and after being air dried, they were passed through a 4 mm sieve. The research was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. The factors were included soil texture at three levels (sandy loam, loam and clay), and MSC at three levels (0, 3 and 6% W/W). The MSC sample was obtained from Alvand Mountain Company in Hamedan Industrial City. The mushroom substrate consisted of wheat straw, lime and poultry manure, which were mixed at rates of 57, 36 and 7%, respectively. MSC levels were calculated based on treatments after determining the desired soil content for each container. The treated soils were transferred into plastic containers with dimensions of 21 × 13.5 ×12.5 cm based on the field bulk density of each soil. A total of 27 plastic containers containing treatments were prepared. Soils treated in plastic containers were saturated with tap water and then dried for a 120-day incubation period. Findings: The results showed that the order of the soil total porosity was loam > clay > sandy loam, with significant difference between them. The application of mushroom substrate compost significantly increased the porosity at 3 and 6% levels compared to the control. But there was no significant difference between total porosity at 3 and 6% levels. Also, the order of the bulk density in different textures was exactly opposite to that of total porosity. Application of 6% mushroom substrate compost significantly increased cation exchange capacity in sandy loam soil compared to that in the control and 3% level, but no significant difference was found between the cation exchange capacity of control and 3% level. The order of cation exchange capacity was clay > loam > sandy loam, with significant difference between them. Comparison of the electrical conductivity of the soils at different levels of MSC showed that at the zero level of the MSC, the order of electrical conductivity values was loamy > clay> sandy loam, with significant difference between them. The order of pH values was sandy loam > clay > loam at control. The order of pH values was sandy loam = clay > loam at the 3 and 6% levels of the MSC. The results showed that, soil cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and total porosity increased from 11.8 to 36 cmolc kg-1, 0.16 to 0.69 dS m-1 and 0.52 to 0.56, respectively and bulk density and pH decreased from 1.24 to 1.18 g cm-3 and 8.25 to 7.3, respectively, by using MSC. The greatest effect of treatments at the 6% level of MSC on the electrical conductivity, total porosity, and bulk density was obtained in the soil with loam texture, and that of pH and cation exchange capacity was obtained in soil with clay texture. Conclusion: According to the results, mushroom substrate compost increased cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and total porosity and decreased pH and bulk density in all three soils by increasing MSC levels. Overall, the results showed that mushroom substrate compost improved soil physical and chemical properties, due to its stable organic matter and low bulk density. As this compost has a much lower price than other soil modifiers, therefore, mushroom substrate compost can be used in agricultural lands to maintain soil fertility, improve soil stability, and improve soil physical and chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Appropriate and practical use of agricultural waste reduce the pressure on the environment. Recently, there has been significant promotion of biochar utilization in agricultural lands. It serves as a valuable source of organic material for enhancing plant growth and as an effective soil amendment to improve soil properties. Due to its unique chemical and physical properties, biochar can be used as a soil conditioner and has many benefits for optimal agricultural and environmental management. Studies have shown that biochar is a useful amendment for improving the physical and chemical properties of soil and effective in maintaining organic matter and soil moisture. Materials and Methods This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of biochar on the physical and chemical properties of soil under conditions of water stress and irrigation using saline water. The experiment was carried out in a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications in greenhouse conditions. The treatments include three irrigation water treatments (60, 80, and 100 percent water requirement of the plant, respectively, I1, I2, and I3), three treatments of biochar prepared from northern forest trees at a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius (0, 2, and 4 percent by weight of potting soil, respectively, B1, B2, and B3) and three water quality treatments (with electrical conductivity 1, 4 and 7 dS/m, respectively, S1, S2 and S3). The pots were weighed every other day and at each level of biochar and salinity, the water deficit up to the agricultural moisture level was calculated based on the changes in the pot's weight. After harvesting (in the first half of April 2022), in order to investigate the effect of biochar on the amount of soil nutrients and some physical and chemical parameters of the soil under the conditions of water stress and irrigation water salinity, sampling was done from the soil of each pot. The samples were taken to the laboratory and parameters of apparent and actual specific gravity, acidity and salinity of the soil, percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium absorbable of the soil were measured in the laboratory. Referring to the yield to irrigation water ratio, water productivity is obtained by the following relation (Payero et al., 2009): WP=Y/IR, where, WP represents water productivity (kg/m³), Y denotes the yield (kg/ha), and IR shows the amount of irrigation water (m³/ha). Analysis of variance for the results obtained from different treatments was conducted using SAS software (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). The mean values of the main factors and interactive effects were compared using the Duncan method at the 1% and 5% levels of significance. Results and Discussion The results showed that the amount of biochar, irrigation water and water salinity and their mutual effects had a significant effect on the measured parameters at the probability level of one and five percent. Adding 2 and 4 mass percent biochar to the soil increased the amount of phosphorus (35 and 60%, respectively), potassium (57% and 61%), nitrogen (83% and 91%), pH (13% and 13%) and electrical conductivity (EC) (13% and 57%) of the soil. By adding 2% and 4% of biochar to the soil, the actual specific gravity of the soil decreased by 13% and 21%, respectively, and the apparent specific gravity decreased by 11% and 22%, respectively. The actual and apparent specific gravity of the soil decreased by adding biochar to the soil. Decreasing the depth of irrigation water and increasing water salinity increased the amount of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, pH and EC of the soil. The amount of irrigation water had no significant effect on the apparent and actual specific gravity, however, the salinity of the irrigation water caused a significant increase in the apparent and actual specific gravity of the soil. Although the addition of biochar to the soil increased the nutrients required by plants in the soil, high amounts of biochar in the soil should be used careful, because the addition of this organic matter to the soil at high levels increased soil EC significantly. Based on the findings derived from the research, the utilization of biochar is recommended as a viable approach for enhancing both the chemical quality and productivity of nutrient-poor and sandy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of soil salinity on nitrogen mineralization in the presence and absence of wheat straw in three soils with textural classes of clay, loam and loamy sand under laboratory conditions as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The studied factors were salinity (1, 10, 20 and 30 dS/m), wheat straw (0 and 2% by weight with C/N=89.5) and time (2, 5, 12, 20, 28, 37, 46, 53, 64, 73, 85 and 90 days). After investigation of different Iranian agricultural soils, three soils with low salinity (0.84-1.1 dS/m) and low organic carbon (0.22-0.98%) were selected. Considering the results, in the three soils, the amount of ammonium and nitrate in the treatment without straw was higher than those in the treatment with straw. In straw treatment, there was an initial descending trend in the amount of ammonium and nitrate for the three soils, but after a period of time, ammonium and nitrate content of the soil showed an ascending trend and returned to the initial value. With increasing soil salinity, the amount of soil ammonium increased in clay and loamy sand soils but decreased in the loamy soil. Nitrate content showed a descending trend for the three soils with increasing salinity. In general it is concluded that the presence of wheat straw in the soil can mitigate the negative effects of high concentrations of salt on nitrogen mineralization and reduce nitrogen losses. Introduction Soil salinity is one of the main factors of land degradation and decrease the yield of agricultural crops, affecting the population of soil microorganisms and soil dissolved organic carbon, plays an important role in soil nitrogen mineralization. Application of organic matter is often suggested as a solution to stimulate soil microbial activities in the soils affected by salt. Objective The present study was performed to investigate the effect of soil salinity on nitrogen mineralization in the presence and absence of wheat straw in three soils with textural classes of clay, loam and loamy sand under laboratory conditions. Materials and methods For this purpose, agricultural soil samples from different regions of Iran were investigated and three soils with low salinity (0.84-1.1 dS/m) and organic carbon (0.22-0.98%) were selected. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with the factors of salinity (initial salinity about 1, 10, 20 and 30 dS/m), wheat straw (two levels of 0 and 2% by weight with C/N=89.5) and time (2, 5, 12, 20, 28, 37, 46, 53, 64, 73, 85 and 90 days) by applying three repetitions for each sample. Results In addition to wheat straw, soil texture also has an effect on nitrogen mineralization, so that in clay and sandy loam soil without wheat straw, the ammonium content of the soil increased with increasing salt concentration, while in loamy soil without wheat straw, with increase soil salinity the amount of ammonium produced decreased. In all three soils, the amount of ammonium and nitrate in the treatment without straw was higher than in the treatment with straw. In the treatment with straw, there was an initial downward trend in the amount of ammonium and nitrate for all three soils, but after a period of time, the amount of ammonium and nitrate in the soil showed an upward trend and returned to the initial value. With the increase in soil salinity, the amount of soil ammonium increased in clay and loamy sand but decreased in loam soil, but the amount of soil nitrate showed a decreasing trend for all three soils with increasing salinity. Conclusion The results showed that soil salinity can lead to a decrease in soil mineral nitrogen by affecting the process of nitrogen mineralization, and the presence of wheat straw, although in a certain period of time, leads to a decrease in soil mineral nitrogen, but with the positive characteristics it gives to the soil, it can adjust the negative effects of high salt concentrations in the processes of ammonium and nitrate production in all of the three types of soil texture and on the other hand, reduce its losses by controlling the rate of nitrogen mineralization. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to return wheat straw in saline soils along with calculating the nitrogen factor. The presence of wheat straw in saline soils can moderate the negative effects of high salt concentrations on nitrogen mineralization and reduce its losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAppropriate and practical use of agricultural waste reduce the pressure on the environment. Recently, there has been significant promotion of biochar utilization in agricultural lands. It serves as a valuable source of organic material for enhancing plant growth and as an effective soil amendment to improve soil properties. Due to its unique chemical and physical properties, biochar can be used as a soil conditioner and has many benefits for optimal agricultural and environmental management. Studies have shown that biochar is a useful amendment for improving the physical and chemical properties of soil and effective in maintaining organic matter and soil moisture. Materials and Methods This research was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of biochar on the physical and chemical properties of soil under conditions of water stress and irrigation using saline water. The experiment was carried out in a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications in greenhouse conditions. The treatments include three irrigation water treatments (60, 80, and 100 percent water requirement of the plant, respectively, I1, I2, and I3), three treatments of biochar prepared from northern forest trees at a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius (0, 2, and 4 percent by weight of potting soil, respectively, B1, B2, and B3) and three water quality treatments (with electrical conductivity 1, 4 and 7 dS/m, respectively, S1, S2 and S3). The pots were weighed every other day and at each level of biochar and salinity, the water deficit up to the agricultural moisture level was calculated based on the changes in the pot's weight. After harvesting (in the first half of April 2022), in order to investigate the effect of biochar on the amount of soil nutrients and some physical and chemical parameters of the soil under the conditions of water stress and irrigation water salinity, sampling was done from the soil of each pot. The samples were taken to the laboratory and parameters of apparent and actual specific gravity, acidity and salinity of the soil, percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium absorbable of the soil were measured in the laboratory. Referring to the yield to irrigation water ratio, water productivity is obtained by the following relation (Payero et al., 2009): WP=Y/IR, where, WP represents water productivity (kg/m3), Y denotes the yield (kg/ha), and IR shows the amount of irrigation water (m3/ha). Analysis of variance for the results obtained from different treatments was conducted using SAS software (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). The mean values of the main factors and interactive effects were compared using the Duncan method at the 1% and 5% levels of significance. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the amount of biochar, irrigation water and water salinity and their mutual effects had a significant effect on the measured parameters at the probability level of one and five percent. Adding 2 and 4 mass percent biochar to the soil increased the amount of phosphorus (35 and 60%, respectively), potassium (57% and 61%), nitrogen (83% and 91%), pH (13% and 13%) and electrical conductivity (EC) (13% and 57%) of the soil. By adding 2% and 4% of biochar to the soil, the actual specific gravity of the soil decreased by 13% and 21%, respectively, and the apparent specific gravity decreased by 11% and 22%, respectively. The actual and apparent specific gravity of the soil decreased by adding biochar to the soil. Decreasing the depth of irrigation water and increasing water salinity increased the amount of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, pH and EC of the soil. The amount of irrigation water had no significant effect on the apparent and actual specific gravity, however, the salinity of the irrigation water caused a significant increase in the apparent and actual specific gravity of the soil. Although the addition of biochar to the soil increased the nutrients required by plants in the soil, high amounts of biochar in the soil should be used careful, because the addition of this organic matter to the soil at high levels increased soil EC significantly. Based on the findings derived from the research, the utilization of biochar is recommended as a viable approach for enhancing both the chemical quality and productivity of nutrient-poor and sandy soils.

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd, plays a strategic role in establishing food security under changing climatic conditions due to its nutritional value, genetic diversity, and high adaptability under stressful conditions and different environments. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the germination and biochemical characteristics of 12 quinoa genotypes adapted to the climatic conditions of Iran. This experiment was conducted in the form of the randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the Laboratory of Seed Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Guilan University. In this experiment, the characteristics of germination percentage, germination rate, germination uniformity, D10, D50, D90, radicle fresh and dry, shoot and seedling weight, radicle, shoot, and seedling length, electrical conductivity of seed solution, malondialdehyde content, alpha-amylase enzyme activity and saponin content were investigated. The analysis of the data's variance demonstrated significant differences between genotypes in all studied traits. Q26 Genotype showed high values in germination percentage (91.33%), germination rate, radicle, shoot and seedling length, seedling fresh weight, alpha-amylase enzyme activity (0.234 micromoles released glucose per one gram of seed weight) and saponin content. Q26 genotype had the worst, and Q2 and Q12 genotypes had the best performance in terms of germination uniformity, electrical conductivity of seed solution and malondialdehyde content, respectively. Among the studied genotypes, the Q26 genotype demonstrated better results in comparison with other genotypes. It seems that this genotype may have better conditions for planting in the climatic conditions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light quality on some fruit quantitative and qualitative traits of grape in response to the salinity of the nutrient solution in a hydroponic system in a greenhouse, The study was carried out as a factorial experiment with two factors based on a completely randomize design and three replications over two successive years. The first factor was light quality at 5 levels including red 100%, blue 100%, red and blue with a ratio of 70 and 30%, red and blue with a ratio of 50 and 50% and the control (greenhouse natural light) and the second factor was electrical conductivity caused by adding sodium chloride to the nutrient solution at 4 levels including 1.67 (control), 3.63, 6.05 and 10.23 Ms/cm. The results of this study showed that in combination of red and blue light (70-30) treatment at 10.23 Ms/cm salinity compared to other light qualities, the weight, length, width and cluster density are of fruit were 53, 71.89, 70 and 36% respectively, more than the natural light of the greenhouse. The combination of red and blue lights increased the amount of dry matter (18.31%), dissolved solids (18.31%), titratable acid (12.51%), antioxidant capacity (20%) and vitamin C (39.49%) compared to the natural light of the greenhouse. It also caused the lowest accumulation of tannin in the fruit (29.55%) in the treatment of 10.23 Ms/cm of salinity. Blue light (100%) led to an increase in the sugar to acid ratio and anthocyanin ratio by 18.31 and 37.41%, respectively, more than natural greenhouse light in grape fruit. Therefore, the combination of red and blue lights, especially the ratio of 70-30%, showed a greater effect in maintaining and improving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the fruit in severe salinity treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Salinity stress is an important abiotic stress threatening the production of cotton in arid and semi-arid regions of the country and the world, which can be reduced by the proper use of organic materials. Cotton is the most important fiber product, which is widely cultivated for agricultural and industrial purposes in temperate and hot regions of more than 15 countries of the world. Although cotton is known as a salinity-tolerant plant, not only is the resistance to salinity limited in this plant, but different stages of development also show different reactions to salinity. One of the effects of stress is disturbing the nutritional balance in the plant. Proper nutrition during times of stress can partially help the plant deal with various environmental stresses. In this regard, by using fertilizers containing micronutrient elements, firstly, plant yield increases, secondly, increasing the concentration of these elements in agricultural products plays an important role in improving the quality of food consumption. Using organic fertilizers, especially organic and animal manure such as humic acid, can improve the performance and performance components of different products under stress conditions. Materials and Methods To study the effect of manure and humic acid on some of the physiological qualities of cotton under salt water salinity stress, an experiment was conducted as factorial split plots (factorial split plot) in which different levels of irrigation water salinity at three levels (2.5, 5.5 and 8.5 ds.m-1) as the main factor and two treatments of manure at two levels (0 and 20 t/h) and humic acid at two levels (0 and 200 gr/100 kg of seeds) as sub-factor in 4 replications in a farm located in Boshrouyeh city in 1398 years. The software SAS (V9.1) and Excel were used to analyze the data and draw the figures. Means were compared using the FLSD test at a 5% probability level. Results and Discussion Analysis of variance results showed that the simple effects of three experimental factors (salinity stress, manure, and humic acid) were significant on all studied traits (on the relative water content, Electrical conductivity and membrane stability, chlorophyll a and b contents, and proline content). With increasing salinity level, increased proline content (286.5%), membrane Electrical conductivity (4.2%) and carotenoids (88.79%) and decreased chlorophyll a (20.7 1 %) and b content (39.38%), relative water content (23.16%) and membrane stability (13.54%). The application of animal manure and humic acid increased the relative water content, membrane stability and chlorophyll content under stress conditions, which indicates the modifying effect of these fertilizers in reducing the adverse effects of salinity stress. The interaction effects were significant, too. Conclusion The results of this research showed that the use of water with high salinity, such as salinity of 8 ds.m-1, caused significant changes in the physiological traits of the plant, including relative leaf water content, membrane stability, membrane electrolyte leakage, chlorophylls, and proline. With increasing salinity levels, the amount of proline, membrane electrolyte leakage, and carotenoid increased, and the content of chlorophyll a and b, relative water content, and membrane stability decreased. The application of animal manure and humic acid increased the relative water content, membrane stability, and chlorophyll content under stress conditions, which indicates the moderating effect of these fertilizers in reducing the adverse effects of salinity stress. Considering the positive effects of using organic fertilizers in this experiment, it is recommended to test and investigate the use of humic acid during the growing season in addition to the use of animal manure before planting and the use of humic acid in bulk Thus, it is suggested to use humic acid and animal manure in cotton cultivation to adjust the salinity levels.

Introduction Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a valuable annual medicinal herb suitable for cultivation in many countries, including Iran. Borage is considered as a native of both Europe and Asia. Several species around the world fall under the denomination of “borage”. The presence of the γ-linolenic acid in the seeds of borage makes borage distinctively important mainly for the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical research. γ-Linolenic acid is an omega -6 polyunsaturated fatty acid which cannot be synthesized in the body and hence falls into the category of essential fatty acids (Evesh et al., 2019). Chemical fertilizer is an indispensable abiotic factor in agricultural production, especially nitrogen fertilizer. However, in order to improve the yield, people fertilize a lot, which not only wastes resources, but also brings a series of serious problems to the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, soil fertility degradation and water resources pollution. Therefore, developing new fertilizers, improving crop nutrient utilization efficiency, replacing chemical fertilizers and reducing environmental pollution is an important direction of agricultural sustainable developme (Zhang et al ., 2020). Biochar is a carbon rich product formed by pyrolysis of agricultural and forestry wastes under limited air availability. It is generally alkaline in nature, with the characteristics of rich carbon content, large specific surface area and strong adsorption. Biochar addition can reduce soil bulk density and increase porosity, pH, water holding capacity and nutrient content. Additionally, the unique physical properties of biochar can also promote the colonization and growth of some specific microorganisms, which may participate in the mineralization of biochar and promote nutrient cycling. Therefore, biochar has been widely used on improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity. Biochar has a positive effect on root structure and nutrient absorption of plant. Several studies have shown biochar can significantly increase the root length, root biomass, root surface area and specific root length. The study also found that biochar significantly increased the number of plant root tips, the most active part of root, and then increased the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from soil (Zhang et al, 2020). Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the effect of damask rose waste (DRW), walnut green skin waste (WGW) and cow manure biochars on biochemical, physiological and yield characteristics of European borage, an experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design at the greenhouse conditions in Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. The experimental treatments contain: without of biochar (control), biochars of cow manure (0.75%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% w/w), walnut green skin biochar (WGW) (0.75%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% w/w) and damask rose waste biochar (DRW) (0.75, 1.25, 2.5 and 5% w/w). The physicochemical properties of the biochars and soil were analyzed. Five seeds were planted in three-kilogram pots at a depth of 1.5 to 2 cm. The greenhouse was maintained at an average temperature of 25 °C during the day and 20 °C at night, with a relative humidity level of 60%. Upon concluding the experiment, various biochemical, physiological, and functional characteristics of European borage were assessed and measured. Results and Discussion The results showed that DRW (60%) and WGW (13%) biochars had the highest and lowest amount of stable organic carbon, respectively. The investigated treatments significantly (p≤ 0.01) affected the biochemical, physiological and performance traits of European borage. Application of DRW and manure biochars caused a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in yield and photosynthetic pigments of European borage compared to the control. Applying WGW biochar at the level of 2.5% increased the shoot dry weight of the plant by 119% compared to the control treatment. Application of 1.25% of cow manure biochar also increased the shoot dry weight by 29.7%. WGW biochar applying not only had no positive effect on the growth and yield of the European borage, but also lead the decreasing growth and prevent flower production of borage. The highest CAT activity related to applying 2.5% of DRW biochar and 1.25% of manure biochar. Application of WGW in concentration of 0.75% significantly increased the proline contents. Using biochar improves soil fertility. Conclusion In general, applying DRW biochar in concentration of 2.5% and cow manure biochar in concentration of 1.25% were the most suitable treatments.

In order to evaluating effects of irrigation with saline-sodic water, we conducted three infiltration experiments in clay-loam soil in end-close furrow. We were using 5cm water depth every week, which had EC=12 ds/m and SAR=32. Experiments were done with volume-index method in end-close furrow in third, sixth and tenth irrigation. Therefore infiltration speed and cumulative infiltrations curves were fitted in different times with Kostiakov and Philip models. Results showed that great decrease in infiltration rate was happened since irrigation with saline-sodic water in experiment. Therefore infiltration rate decreased 40.6 and 68 percent from third irrigation to sixth and sixth to tenth irrigation, respectively. So using saline-sodic water can decreased infiltration rate up to 81 percent in 50 days. Evaluation of the simulation results of test data again Kostiakov &loese and Philip model data with RMSE and MBE parameters showed that these models could simulate soil infiltration rate changes good under the effect of irrigation with saline-sodic water. Also simulation accuracy was increased at the end of experience time than initial and mead time infiltration tests

Background: In recent years, population growth, lack of rainfall, and increase in urban, industrial, and agricultural activities have caused more use of underground water resources. This will cause many problems for the economy, ecosystem, and human health. Considering the need to investigate and monitor the quality of groundwater, the present research was carried out with the aim of investigating the important chemical parameters of water wells in some cities of Isfahan Province, Iran. Methods: To conduct this research, 181 well water samples were collected from Khansar, Daran, Tiran, Fereydunshahr, Najaf Abad, and Dehaghan cities in Isfahan Province. Then, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and nitrate concentration were measured. Next, nitrate hazard quotient (HQ) (non-carcinogenic risk of nitrate) was calculated. ArcGIS software was used for mapping the measured features. Findings: The amount of EC, pH, and nitrate varied from 191.4 to 7624 μS/cm, 6.49 to 8.20, and 1.9 to 99.2 mg/l, respectively. The lowest value of HQ (0.03) was calculated for the group of men and the highest value (3.68) was obtained for the group of children. The average value of HQ for men, women, and children was 0.61, 0.74, and 1.40, respectively. Conclusion: All measured pH values were below the national standard of Iran (1053) and the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran. The studied areas had no limit in terms of nitrate concentration for using well water for agriculture. However, in 78.6% of the study areas where the amount of nitrate was in the range of 22.1-50 mg/l, there is a possibility of increasing nitrate concentration and making it unsuitable for drinking.

IntroductionGroundwater, one of the most important sources of water supply, has faced a considerable decrease in quantity and quality in recent decades due to harvesting more than their natural recharge. Over-extraction of groundwater causes subsidence, soil salinity, reduction of the base flow of rivers due to the drying up of springs, the salinity of groundwater, and in a general view, land destruction and the creation and expansion of desert areas. Desertification is one factor that threaten human life, which causes the destruction of natural resources. Therefore, knowledge of desertification processes is important and necessary to reduce the severity of this phenomenon and prevent its spread by providing suitable management solutions and methods. The Iranian Model of Desertification Potential Assessment (IMDPA) is efficient to evaluate the intensity of desertification. In this model, nine key criteria including climate, land-geomorphology, soil, vegetation, economic-social, agricultural water, groundwater, erosion, and urban development technology are considered. According to the reports about the spread of desertification factors in the Maharloo-Bakhtegan watershed located in Fars province, the objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of the water table drop and variations in the groundwater quality and land subsidence in desertification and land degradation as well as to prepare relevant maps in the mentioned watershed. Materials and Methods Maharloo-Bakhtegan watershed is one of the closed watersheds of Iran, which is a subcategory of the Central Plateau and has 27 study areas. A zoning map of the risk of water table drop was prepared using the related tables that classify the watershed area into four classes: low, medium, severe and very severe. In the same way, the data of quality degradation indicators of water resources including electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium surface absorption ratio (SAR) were classified; then, EC and SAR zoning layers were prepared. Then, the final desertification intensity map was obtained from the integration of maps of the intensity of qualitative and water table drop of groundwater resources, as well as the land subsidence map as a soil criterion. Finally, the zoning map of desertification intensity was prepared using the final risk classes of desertification. Results and Discussion The EC map showed that 37.2% of the watershed is in the low or insignificant class, 24.8% is in the medium class, 9.5% is in a severe class, and 28.5% of the watershed area is in the very severe class. So, it can have a significant effect on increasing the intensity of desertification. However, the zoning map of the SAR showed that more than 99% of the watershed area has a value less than 18 and is placed in the negligible or low class. The zoning of the water table drop also shows that 65.6% of the studied watershed is placed at the low or insignificant class, only 3% is in the medium class, 5.7% is in a severe class, and 25.7% is in the very severe class. The map of different levels of land subsidence showed that more than 97% of the watershed area either has no subsidence or is placed in a low and negligible level. The desertification intensity map also showed that 83% of the watershed area has low and moderate desertification intensity and 17% of the watershed area has severe and very severe desertification intensity. Therefore, the general situation of the watershed is not critical in terms of the intensity of desertification, but the areas with a moderate degree of destruction are subject to transition to extreme class due to the change of land uses that are expanding today as well as the increase of agricultural areas in the watershed. Conclusion The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of the decrease and change in the quality of underground water and land subsidence in desertification and land degradation in Maharlu-Bakhtegan watershed. The results showed that the electrical conductivity factor of underground water can have a significant effect on the intensity of desertification. On the other hand, land subsidence index was not prioritized in determining the intensity of desertification. Also, the intensity of desertification in a major part of the watershed was in the low and medium classes, and with the change of current uses and the increase of the cultivated area, it is recommended to make the necessary plans to prevent the progress of the intensity of desertification in the mentioned areas. In this direction and considering the role of human activities in the drop of the underground water level, the quality drop of the underground water and finally the subsidence of the land, measures such as the preparation of technical guidelines for the use of underground water, the use of pressurized irrigation systems, the proper implementation of the balancing plan of the Ministry of Energy and the implementation Management plans are recommended to preserve the vegetation of forests and pastures and to modify the cultivation pattern. Also, the zoning maps of indicators and intensity of desertification prepared in this study can be used by experts to prepare the land and provide suggested solutions and apply appropriate management methods with the aim of preventing the expansion and advancement of saline and desert lands. Conducting research in the field of indicators and other factors affecting desertification, such as evaporative formations in the region, the gentle slope of the water table in the plain, the presence of semi-permeable or impermeable layers, the lack of underground water flow from upstream and the infiltration of salty water from salty rivers into the aquifers of the river in the watershed. Maharlo-Bakhtagan is also recommended.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the depth of application and the discharge of drippers on the distribution of soil salinity in the sugarcane field under subsurface drip irrigation. This research was conducted as a split-plot experiment based on complete random blocks design in four replications. Experimental treatments including two dripper distances on the secondary pipe (including L1: 30 cm with a flow rate of 2.2 L h -1 and L2: 50 cm with a flow rate of 3.8 L h-1 ) and three dripper placement depths (Including D1: 15 cm, D2: 25 cm and D3: 35 cm). In order to investigate the effect of different treatments on salinity distribution in the soil, soil samples were collected four and six months after the start of subsurface drip irrigation, from the soil around the drippers at different intervals. The results of the salinity distribution pattern showed that under the conditions of subsurface drip irrigation, the highest salinity was observed in the bottom of the furrow and in the upper layer of the soil on the mound. Six months after the start of subsurface drip irrigation, the salinity of the soil profile in all treatments increased compared to the beggining, so that the salinity of the area around the drippers in most of the treatments reached above 3 dS m-1. The highest amount of salinity in the upper soil layers was observed in D3L2 treatment. Also, the most favorable salinity distribution pattern in the root development area was observed in D2L1 treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of drippers at a depth of 25 cm with intervals of 30 cm and a flow rate of 2.2 L h-1 is more suitable for managing soil salinity in the subsurface drip irrigation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the application of conductive polymer composites with segregated structure in electronics and aerospace industries, their mechanical properties becomes important. In this research, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Carbon Black (CB) as conductive phase and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) were used as reinforcing phase to make composite. Mechanical mixing followed by hot pressing was used to prepare composites. The conductivity of the samples was measured to ensure the formation of segregated structure. In the xCB-HD sample, the maximum electrical conductivity was 43.10 S/m and in the xCB-1LD sample, it was 36.62 S/m. Evaluation of microscopic images also confirms the formation of conductive paths in the structure, and microscopic images also confirmed the results of electrical conductivity. With the increase of the conductive carbon phase at the boundary of the HDPE granules due to the creation of structural defects, the yield strength decreasing trend was observed compared to pure polyethylene.. By increasing the weight percentage of carbon black from 1 to 2 weight percent, yield strength improved by 20 to 40 percent and Young's modulus by 7 to 22 percent in xCB-HD and xCB-1LD segregated structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluating effects of irrigation with saline-sodic water, we conducted three infiltration experiments in clayloam soil in end-close furrow. We were using 5cm water depth every week, which had EC=12 ds/m and SAR=32. Experiments were done with volume-index method in end-close furrow in third, sixth and tenth irrigation. Therefore, infiltration speed and cumulative infiltrations curves were fitted in different times with Kostiakov and Philip models. Results showed that great decrease in infiltration rate was happened since irrigation with saline-sodic water in experiment. Therefore, infiltration rate decreased 40.6 and 68 percent from third irrigation to sixth and sixth to tenth irrigation, respectively. So, using saline-sodic water can have decreased infiltration rate up to 81 percent in 50 days. Evaluation of the simulation results of test data again Kostiakov &loese and Philip model data with RMSE and MBE parameters showed that these models could simulate soil infiltration rate changes good under the effect of irrigation with saline-sodic water. Also, simulation accuracy was increased at the end of experience time than initial and mead time infiltration tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionGroundwater is among the most precious natural resources for human health, economic development and environmental diversity. Since the measurement of groundwater parameters and water quality is difficult, costly and far from being available, interpolation techniques are an easy solution. At the same time, there is a strong correlation between groundwater quality and land use in areas with sensitive aquifers. Changes in land use caused by factors such as rapid growth and expansion of urban centers, rapid population growth, and the lack of land, the need for increased production and the evolution of technologies are important concerns. The literature review shows that the quantitative and qualitative decline in groundwater is a global crisis. As a result, the factors affecting the quantitative and qualitative decline in groundwater range from climate factors to socio-economic factors.In the current research, find an answer to the poor condition of the Isin Plain aquifer by looking at the relationship between some hydrological factors and changes in cultivation pattern of the region is the main goal. For this purpose, the water table and EC of groundwater were interpolated using geostatistical methods. Using satellite imagery, the trend of culture pattern changes over time was obtained. Finally, the relation between the factors on the Isin plain was established. Material and MethodsFor this purpose, the quantity and quality of groundwater in eastern and western Isin plains were interpolated using the Kriging and IDW methods, during the four statistical years of 2004, 2011, 2018, and 2021 and the time series of 2004-2021. The RMSE statistic was used to evaluate the performance of the methods.Then, satellite images and ground truth data was used for land use change classes to investigate the land use changes during the cropping season, along with the determination of changes in the quantity and quality of groundwater in the eastern and western Isin plains for the mentioned years. Satellite data including Landsat 5 multi-temporal satellite images in 2004, 2011, and 2018 and Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 images for February 2021 were obtained from the USGS.Following preparation of the related images using the flash module, atmospheric and radiometric corrections were performed. Then, the corrections information was extracted into the text file appended to each image. With field survey, the coordinates of the representative pixels were determined and seven land use classes of gardens, vegetables, bare lands, residential and industrial areas, saline lands, and Prosopis Cineraria and Juliflora species were determined. The maximum likelihood classification method was used to separate seven main land use classes based on 127 training samples. For the purpose of assessing accuracy, an error matrix was created for the producer's accuracy, the user's accuracy, the overall accuracy, and the kappa coefficient calculation. Finally, to examine the relationship, the land use map and the groundwater and EC interpolation maps were overlapped into the Arc Map software environment. Results and DiscussionBy comparing the interpolation methods of IDW and Kriging with the RMSE validation technique, it was found that the best interpolation method for estimating water table and EC is Kriging, followed by the IDW method. A review of the land use maps of the Eastern and Western Plains of Isin showed the increase and decrease of different land use categories over the years under study. The overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient were over 82% and 0.79, indicating the acceptable accuracy of the classification and maps obtained. The results of overlapping land use maps and spatial changes in ground water indicate that the location of agricultural land, especially gardens in the eastern Isin plain and vegetables in the western Isin plain, is compatible with the areas of having low water table. The results of overlapping the land use map obtained from Landsat 8 data and EC spatial changes showed the highest amount of EC in can be observed in Prosopis Cineraria and Juliflora species and residential and industrial uses in eastern and western Isin plain. The results obtained from Sentinel2 indicate that the value of EC was significant in the bare lands of eastern Isin and in the saline lands of western Isin. However, the increase in agricultural use, especially for gardens and vegetables, and the pairing with areas with the lowest water table indicates an over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural purposes. On the other hand, the significant extent of bare lands and the upward trend of saline lands, residential and industrial areas, and matching with areas with high EC and the adaptation of maximum EC with Prosopis Cineraria and Juliflora species uses may be a warning for poor condition of the Isin plain aquifer.

IntroductionDetermining the capture zone of water resources is a strategic approach proposed at the national level of water resources management in Iran. One of the important actions for this purpose is protection of karst water resources, which are considered one of the vital sources for supplying water due to the widespread karst formations in this country and the limitation of groundwater resources in alluvial aquifers. Generally, water flows out through the springs in the karst system. The land area where the water contributes to the spring is called the spring's capture zone. The study and analysis of the recession curve of the springs, the area extending from a discharge peak to the base of the next rise, along with the other physical characteristics of springs such as electrical conductivity is a useful indicator for getting knowledge about the condition of the catchment area and other properties of the heterogeneous karst terrain. In estimating the water budget, unlike the non-karst areas where the surface runoff or the outflow is considered the main factor in the estimated water budget, the recharge component is an important factor in the karst domain. The difference between hydrogeological and hydrological (topographic) catchments is one of the obvious features in karst landscapes. The identification of these basins or their boundaries is possible by combining geology and topography information. Soufiyan Cement Company in the vicinity of Chelleh Khanehe Olya spring located in Moro Mountain is associated with the creating social problems due to the expansion of mining activities and the negative impact on spring water in this area. Therefore, this study aims to determine the catchment area and the capture zone of the Chelleh Khanehe Olya spring by determining the protective boundary for the extraction of limes by the Soufiyan cement factory to prevent the negative impact of this factory on the spring.Materials and MethodsIn this research, the hydrograph of the recession curve related to a rainfall event has been analyzed by taking into account the mean monthly discharge rate of spring to determine the sub-regimes of diffuse and conduit flow by employing the following equation:Qt=Q0e-αt (1)Where Qt is the discharge rate at time t, Qo reveals the discharge at the initial time, and α is a recession coefficient.In addition, The Qmax/Qmin ratio has been calculated to estimate the flow type and the degree of karstification in the catchment area.In the next step, to determine the Chelleh Khanehe Olya spring catchment area and its capture zone, spring hydrogeological boundaries were determined and investigated using the SCS method and estimating the area's water budget. Due to the lack of sufficient rainfall and groundwater discharge information in this region, the water budget for a given period (2019-2020) has been computed indirectly by measuring the monthly discharge rate from the selected stations. After collecting the required data, the following equation developed by Milanovich (1989) has been used to estimate the water budget as follows:P=E+R+I (2)Where P, E, R, and I denote precipitation (P), evaporation at the basin level (E), runoff (R), and recharge to the aquifers (I). All the parameters are in mm units.Results and DiscussionAnalyzing the variation of electrical conductivity along with the discharge rate indicates that by decreasing the discharge rate from 2.5 l/s to 8.1 l/s, the electrical conductivity increase from 463 µs/cm to 500 µs/cm, reflecting an increase in the volume of the reservoir, the dilution of the aquifer. The hydrograph recession curve during 2019-2020 indicated two laminar and turbulent sub-regimes. Micro regimes α1 (01.002) and α2 (0.013) represented that the dominant system of karst development in the region is diffuse. The high density of fractures and the lack of purity of lime are the main reasons for the weak development of the karst fracture in the region, which the Chelekhaneh Alia spring recession curve analysis, maximum to minimum ratio of discharge, and karstification coefficient confirmed this issue. Determining the catchment basin using geological, hydrogeological information, and water budget showed that the hydrological and hydrogeological boundary of the spring is different. The protected zone of Chelekhane Alia spring, which includes the total hydrogeological basin and the Cretaceous limestone area below the level of the spring, was estimated to be about 184,000 square meters (18 hectares). According to the findings of this research, Sufian Cement Factory does not have the right to enter the hydrogeological boundary to extract limes, and on the other hand, to prevent the water level from decreasing due to the excessive extraction of lime as a result of the excavation depth reaching the level of the water table, it suggests to extract from the unsaturated part of the aquifer (unsaturated limes) to prevent the flow rate of Chele Khana spring from decreasing and even drying it up.ConclusionAnalyzing the discharge rate, electrical conductivity, hydrograph recession curve, and its recession coefficient(α=0.002), revealed that the dominant flow in the system is diffuse, which results from the high density of fractures and region lithology consisting of impure cretaceous limestone. Since the result revealed the inconsistency between hydrological and hydrogeological boundaries, the geological profile of the site was prepared and the spring of the catchment was estimated. Based on the findings of this research, the Chelle Khanehe Olya capture zone consists of the hydrogeological area, obtained from the groundwater budget estimation, and the protective boundary for the limestone below Cheleh Khaneh Olya spring (the unsaturated zone of the area's limestones), which covers an area of about 18 hectares.

Background & Objective: Vermicomposting is a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technology in organic waste management. In this study, the production of vermicompost by Eisenia Foetida earthworm from agricultural residues and sheep manure has been discussed. Materials and methods: In this study, sheep manure, straw and grape leaves wastes were used in different proportions to produce vermicompost. Perforated plastic boxes were used to support the growth of earthworms. After adjusted different proportions of these residues, their humidity was controlled and a number of earthworms of Eisenia Foetida species were introduced to each box. The pH and EC parameters were measured every two weeks and C/N ratio three times during the experiment. The duration of experiment was 120 days. The ANOVA test was used to compare the averages and Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis post-tests were also used to identify the source of differences in the mentioned variables. Findings: The results showed that the pH increased during vermicomposting process and was acidic again at the end of the process. The highest C/N decrease ratio and the highest EC increase were observed in the 100% sheep manure bed (b1) and the lowest C/N decrease was observed in the 100% straw bed (b6). Conclusion: Using vermicomposting is effective in waste management. It is recommended to use sheep manure in combination with other wastes to produce high quality fertilizer as well as increase the rate of vermicomposting process.

The present paper reports on the effect of substrate temperature on the physical properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films deposited using spray-pyrolysis technique. The films exhibit a polycrystalline nature with a preferred orientation along [002]. Furthermore, the average crystallites size increases with increasing the substrate temperature. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the films were evenly distributed and homogeneous. The average optical transmittance varies in the range of 62 to 90% depending on the substrate temperature. On the other hand, with increasing the substrate temperature, the absorption coefficient decreases and the optical band gap varies in the range of 3.25 - 3.28 eV. The electrical conductivity of films varies between 18 and 58 mS.cm-1.

IntroductionIncreased agricultural activities, the occurrence of successive droughts, and limited freshwater resources, along with increasing population, have made a priority for the importance of protecting water resources in programs of developed and developing countries. Due to the climatic conditions in Iran, which has a wide range of arid and semi-arid characteristics, facing the challenge of water resources crisis, is inevitable. Therefore, the use of wastewater is very important.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted in the research farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (SANRU), which has a silty clay soil texture. The latitude and longitude of the region are 36º 40ʹ N and 53º 04ʹ E, respectively. Its height above sea level is 21 meters. According to Demarten classification, Sari city has a temperate humid climate. The long-term average temperature of Sari is 11.18 °C and the total long-term rainfall is 780 mm. In order to evaluate the wastewater effects on soil chemical characteristics, microelements concentrations, heavy metals accumulation and Maize yield (Single Cross 704), an experiment was carried out as factorial based on a completely randomized design with treatments included; Water source factor (wastewater (A1), well water (A2)), Irrigation (subsurface method (I1) and (drip method (I2)) with three replication in 2018-2019 under lycimetric conditions, at the Sari Agriculture and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Iran.Results and DiscussionAccording to this study results, the effect of type of irrigation source on soil electrical conductivity, soil microelements and heavy metals accumulation of the soil was significantly different (P ≤ 0.01). The highest soil electrical conductivity with a value of 1.8 dS.m-1 was observed in the conditions of using treated wastewater. The highest amount of total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were related to the source of treated wastewater with values of 0.086, 24.2 and 222.2 mg.kg-1, respectively. The results showed that the accumulation of soil Pb (0.07) and Cd (0.014 mg.kg-1) in irrigation with treated wastewater increased compare to the well water source by 0.05 and 0.010 mg.kg-1, respectively. Also, the effect of irrigation method and the interaction effect of source and method irrigation on soil chemical characteristics, microelements concentration and heavy metals accumulation were not significant. The use of wastewater by increasing soil stability improves soil physical condition, increases soil fertility, increases photosynthetic products, increases the efficiency of plant photosynthetic system and ultimately improves plant growth. The use of subsurface irrigation resulted in a 67% increase in grain yield and 28% increase in biomass productivity compared to the drip method. Adequate nutrients during the reproductive growth stage of the plant play an important role in grain growth. Therefore, it can be said that the nutrients in the wastewater have increased the grain yield compared to using the well water source. Because the wastewater contains nutrients and micronutrients such as; nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc and iron were relative to the well water source and increased maize grain yield. The results showed that the use of effluent compared to well water, caused the absorption of more heavy metals lead and cadmium in the grain, leaf and stem of maize. Due to the use of wastewater water source, the amount of Pb uptake among different parts of the maize, with values of 27.2, 22.5 and 20.5 mg / g, respectively, related to the grain, leaf and stem. However, the uptake of Cd in the grains, leaves and stems was 2.32, 1.35 and 2.01 mg / g, respectively. According to the results, the high concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd due to the use of wastewater in the grain sector directly threatens human health. Also, the concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd in the leaf and stem parts of corn, by endangering the health of livestock and poultry, indirectly affects human health.ConclusionThe results showed that irrigation with treated wastewater due to its richness in nutrients and microelements, improves soil fertility and creates favorable conditions by increasing soil organic matter and mineral for plant growth. Also, according to the permissible threshold values of the concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd in plants, the accumulation of heavy metals Pb and Cd in the grain, stem and leaf of single cross 704 corn, will not be a problem for consumers. Optimal use of wastewater can increase soil fertility and the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from the soil and ultimately increase plant yield.

Introduction Soil salinity is the predominant soil degradation process in arid and semi-arid regions. There are several methods for monitoring salinity, which are mainly measured as points, which will be difficult to generalize to the whole region. In recent years, remote sensing-based methods for measuring salinity have been widely considered. Soil salinity has led to the limitation of agricultural land use patterns. This is a serious environmental hazard that affects the growth of many crops.Materials and Methods After selecting the study area on satellite images and ground visits, a cluster-cinematic sampling network was designed and implemented for surface soil sampling. In this study, pH, EC, SAR and TDS were measured. In this study, in order to use the remote sensing technique to study the temporal and spatial changes of vegetation density in the region, ground data and ETM+ images of Landsat 7 satellite and MODIS images have been used. Pre-processing operations including geometric, radiometric and co-ordination corrections were performed on each of the satellite images. In the next step, the desired vegetation indices, after calculation, are applied to the satellite images and thus the vegetation density pattern map is obtained based on each of these indices. Then 8 different salinity and vegetation indices were studied during the years 2005 to 2021.Results and Discussion The The results of this study showed that LANDSAT-7-ETM + sensor has been able to produce better results due to better spatial resolution than MODIS sensor. Also, among the salinity indices studied, SI3 index in both ETM + and MODIS sensors with RMSE (1.01 and 1.1) and correlation coefficient R (0.98 and 0.86) was able to have the best performance in Have an area. In the study between EC and SAR, both sensors had a high correlation between red and infrared bands.Conclusion In a general summary, by examining the information of the synoptic station of the plain, parameters such as temperature and amount of precipitation in the studied period show that by increasing the average temperature and decreasing the amount of precipitation in the region, the surface temperature increases during the year. Recent causes of drought and significant effects of climate change on the prevailing environmental conditions, which in turn will increase the breadth of salinity in the verse.

Introduction Groundwater, one of the most important sources of water supply, has faced a considerable decrease in quantity and quality in recent decades due to harvesting more than their natural recharge. Over-extraction of groundwater causes subsidence, soil salinity, reduction of the base flow of rivers due to the drying up of springs, the salinity of groundwater, and in a general view, land destruction and the creation and expansion of desert areas. Desertification is one factor that threaten human life, which causes the destruction of natural resources. Therefore, knowledge of desertification processes is important and necessary to reduce the severity of this phenomenon and prevent its spread by providing suitable management solutions and methods. The Iranian Model of Desertification Potential Assessment (IMDPA) is efficient to evaluate the intensity of desertification. In this model, nine key criteria including climate, land-geomorphology, soil, vegetation, economic-social, agricultural water, groundwater, erosion, and urban development technology are considered. According to the reports about the spread of desertification factors in the Maharloo-Bakhtegan watershed located in Fars province, the objective of the present study is to investigate the impact of the water table drop and variations in the groundwater quality and land subsidence in desertification and land degradation as well as to prepare relevant maps in the mentioned watershed. Materials and Methods Maharloo-Bakhtegan watershed is one of the closed watersheds of Iran, which is a subcategory of the Central Plateau and has 27 study areas. A zoning map of the risk of water table drop was prepared using the related tables that classify the watershed area into four classes: low, medium, severe and very severe. In the same way, the data of quality degradation indicators of water resources including electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium surface absorption ratio (SAR) were classified; then, EC and SAR zoning layers were prepared. Then, the final desertification intensity map was obtained from the integration of maps of the intensity of qualitative and water table drop of groundwater resources, as well as the land subsidence map as a soil criterion. Finally, the zoning map of desertification intensity was prepared using the final risk classes of desertification. Results and Discussion The EC map showed that 37.2% of the watershed is in the low or insignificant class, 24.8% is in the medium class, 9.5% is in a severe class, and 28.5% of the watershed area is in the very severe class. So, it can have a significant effect on increasing the intensity of desertification. However, the zoning map of the SAR showed that more than 99% of the watershed area has a value less than 18 and is placed in the negligible or low class. The zoning of the water table drop also shows that 65.6% of the studied watershed is placed at the low or insignificant class, only 3% is in the medium class, 5.7% is in a severe class, and 25.7% is in the very severe class. The map of different levels of land subsidence showed that more than 97% of the watershed area either has no subsidence or is placed in a low and negligible level. The desertification intensity map also showed that 83% of the watershed area has low and moderate desertification intensity and 17% of the watershed area has severe and very severe desertification intensity. Therefore, the general situation of the watershed is not critical in terms of the intensity of desertification, but the areas with a moderate degree of destruction are subject to transition to extreme class due to the change of land uses that are expanding today as well as the increase of agricultural areas in the watershed. Conclusion The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of the decrease and change in the quality of underground water and land subsidence in desertification and land degradation in Maharlu-Bakhtegan watershed. The results showed that the electrical conductivity factor of underground water can have a significant effect on the intensity of desertification. On the other hand, land subsidence index was not prioritized in determining the intensity of desertification. Also, the intensity of desertification in a major part of the watershed was in the low and medium classes, and with the change of current uses and the increase of the cultivated area, it is recommended to make the necessary plans to prevent the progress of the intensity of desertification in the mentioned areas. In this direction and considering the role of human activities in the drop of the underground water level, the quality drop of the underground water and finally the subsidence of the land, measures such as the preparation of technical guidelines for the use of underground water, the use of pressurized irrigation systems, the proper implementation of the balancing plan of the Ministry of Energy and the implementation Management plans are recommended to preserve the vegetation of forests and pastures and to modify the cultivation pattern. Also, the zoning maps of indicators and intensity of desertification prepared in this study can be used by experts to prepare the land and provide suggested solutions and apply appropriate management methods with the aim of preventing the expansion and advancement of saline and desert lands. Conducting research in the field of indicators and other factors affecting desertification, such as evaporative formations in the region, the gentle slope of the water table in the plain, the presence of semi-permeable or impermeable layers, the lack of underground water flow from upstream and the infiltration of salty water from salty rivers into the aquifers of the river in the watershed. Maharlo-Bakhtagan is also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis: Due to the presence of intra- and inter molecular hydrogen bonding in alginate chemical structure, its electrospinning capability is weak. However, this weakness can be improved through substitution of hydroxyl groups by sulfate groups. This article focuses on the role of degree of substitution of sulfate groups on the physicochemical properties of electrospinning solutions, such as viscosity, electrical conductivity and electrospinning conditions.Methods: Sodium sulfated alginate (SSA) was synthesized through the reaction of sodium alginate and chlorosulfonic acid in formamide as the solvent. The amount of chlorosulfonic acid was varied in order to obtain the SSA samples with different degrees of substitution. The chemical structures of neat alginate and SSA were studied by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Degree of sulfation of samples was measured using CHNS elemental analysis, and the electrical conductivity and viscosity of SSA solutions were measured. The SSA nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning and further crosslinked by a solution of calcium chloride to improve its hydrolytic stability. Finally, the fiber diameter and mechanical properties of the nanofibrous mat were studied by SEM and a tensile mechanical machine.Findings: Both FTIR and 1H NMR analyses have confirmed the formation of sulfate groups in SSA structure. Based on elemental analysis, the degree of substitution (DS) of SSA samples has been measured as 0.9 and 0.5 for SSA1 and SSA0.5, respectively. The electrical conductivity and viscosity of the SSA solutions also increased and decreased by increasing DS, respectively. The SSA1 sample showed better electrospinning capability and higher SSA content in dry electrospun mat compared to those in SSA0.5 sample. Finally, the crosslinked SSA1 mat revealed a lower mechanical strength compared to SSA0.5 mat due to lower crosslink density and higher chain scission of polymeric chains resulted from sulfation reaction.

Groundwater samples were prepared from 20 wells in the Gareh Bygone aquifer during the 2018 to 2020 years seasonally. Chemical characteristics of these samples including EC, pH, TDS, TH, SAR, SO4-2, Cl-, Na+, K+, Mg+2, Ca2+ and HCO3- were analyzed. The average of water salinity was 4.7dS/m, the acidity was 7.5, the average SAR value is about 6.7 and in some wells, this factor is about 10.6. Analysis of variance shows that all chemical characteristics except HCO3- have a significant difference. The principal component analysis identifies TDS, SO4-2, HCO3- and Na as the most effective variables in reflecting groundwater quality. Factor analysis also shows high TH, Na+, and HCO3-. Aquifer water resources are divided into three separate groups. The first group (with 97% similarity) receives the most impact from floodwater spreading and artificial recharge, and the other two groups (with 93 and 70% similarity) are located in the marginal areas or outside the floodwater spreading system. Despite poor management and uncontrolled discharge of the aquifer, at least in the central parts of the aquifer, which are more affected by artificial recharge by floodwater spreading, groundwater quality is more desirable.

In this paper, mobility and thermoelectric properties of diamanes C2X (X = H, F, Cl) are studied using quantum espresso and Boltztrap computational package based on density functional theory. In all structures of C2X (X = H, F, Cl), the mobility of holes is smaller than the mobility of the electrons, which is due to the shape of the band structure of each structure. Maximum of Seebeck coefficient is 2733, 2811, 2201 µV/K for n-type C2H, C2Fand C2Cl and it is -2767, -2696 and -2269 µV/K for p-type C2H, C2Fand C2Cl, respectively. In all structures, thermoelectric parameters such as electrical conductivity, electrical thermal conductivity and power factor are maximum in positive values of chemical potential. As a result, these materials can be more suitable thermoelectric materials with n-type doping. Also, all three structures have a maximum power factor in the temperature range of 200-500 Kelvin.

IntroductionIn parallel with the population growth, increasing food production using modern agricultural methods seems necessary. Application of chemical inputs and biodiversity reduction in agroecosystems lead to artificial ecosystems, requiring human intervention. Soil is an essential part of agroecosystems and the key to soil fertility is preserving the ecological biodiversity of the system. The use of management methods based on field hydrone inputs reduces the consumption of thorny inputs and reduces environmental degradation. The size and stability of the aggregates indicate the balance between the constituent and destructive factors of the aggregates. Different tillage methods are based on the soil physical and chemical properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of management methods on the physical and chemical properties of farm soil of the cities in Isfahan province.Materials and MethodsWe investigated the effect of management practices on physical and chemical properties in field soils in Esfahan province during 2011-2012. First, 6 fields are selected in each of 23 counties, and evaluation was conducted using questionnaires filled by farmers. Accordingly, the fields were classified in three groups (low input, medium input and high input). Two fields of each group input were selected and evaluated. Four points (30 centimeters of depth) at each hectare of field were randomly sampled. By mixing, one complete sample was obtained and carried to laboratory for further analyses. Soil texture was determined by hydrometric method, and electrical conductivity and pH were determined in saturated extract. Wet oxidation method was used to measure soil organic matter. To determine the stability of aggregates, soil samples were evaluated by wet sieving method.Results and Discussion Results indicated that soil texture, aggregate stability, electrical conductivity and rate of organic matter in three management practices (low input, medium input and high input) were significantly different (p < 0.01). The aggregate stability in low input fields had the highest value (0.72) and in high input fields had the lowest value (0.42).The soils in low and high input fields include maximum and minimum organic matter (2.05% and 1%), respectively. The field management methods had a significant effect on the amount of organic matter. The pH of soil samples did not show a significant difference. The electrical conductivity of the soil solution was different between three planting systems analyzed. In high input fields, the electrical conductivity values of the soil solution had the highest values. It seems that excessive consumption of chemical inputs in high input fields increased the electrical conductivity of soil solution. Other researchers have reported that the soil solution electrical conductivity depends on several factors such as the fertilizer type and their consumption, irrigation method and soil type. ConclusionReduced chemical fertilizers consumption and less entry of machinery increase the stability of aggregates in low input fields. The reduced or non-tillage methods in fields that preserve more crop residues on the soil surface increase the aggregates’ consistency and thus improve their stability. Application of conventional plowing, chemical inputs, and no crop rotation reduce soil organic matter content.AcknowledgmentI would like to express my sincere gratitude to the professors, staff, and students of the Faculty of Agriculture of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad who helped me in carrying out this research.

This field experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effects of humic acid on the growth and yield of sunflower in a saline soil, using a complete block design with three replications in Kashan, central Iran, in 2014. Treatments consisted of 3 levels of humic acid (1, 3 and 6 liters per ha), no humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen, three liters of humic acid per ha in soil without sufficient nitrogen, control of humic acid in soil without sufficient nitrogen. The results showed that the use of humic acid left significant effect on all measured traits. The greatest increase in oil content, 1000 seed weight, head weight, seed yield, head diameter, stem diameter and number of leaves were obtained by use of 3 liters of humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen. Maximum increase in plant height and plant weight were obtained‎ by using 6 liters humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen and the highest protein content was ‎ achieved‎ by using 1 liter of humic acid per ha in soil with adequate nitrogen. The results of this experiment showed that the application of humic acid in a saline soil improves the growth ‎and yield of sunflower plants.‎

Desertification, a manifest sign of land degradation is mostly due to unreasonable treatment, and in many cases, over-exploitation of natural resources, mainly soil, and water. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify and introduce the degree of impact of human activities from the perspective of water and land management in the desertification of the Sarvestan Sub-basin. Quantitative and qualitative changes in groundwater, detection of changes in farm field expanses, and the current state of water criteria (indicators: groundwater loss, EC, irrigation systems, SAR), and agricultural criteria (indicators: yield, cultivation pattern, use of inputs and machinery) using the Iranian model, the IMDPA. The water resources of the Sarvestan Sub-basin have decreased in quality (an increase of 2700 µS/m of salinity during the preceding 21 years) and quantity (subsidence of 10 meters of water level in 25 years). The cultivated area has expanded 196% from 1993 to 2016. An application of the IMDPA model indicates that the electrical conductivity index, with a numerical value of 3.4, had the highest effect (extreme condition), and application index of agricultural inputs and machinery with a numerical value of 1.7 had the lowest effect (moderate condition) in the Sarvestan Sub-basin. The water quantity with a numerical value of 2.56 was the dominant criterion, and along with the agriculture criterion, was placed in the moderate class.

Introduction Soil salinity is the predominant soil degradation process in arid and semi-arid regions. There are several methods for monitoring salinity, which are mainly measured as points, which will be difficult to generalize to the whole region. In recent years, remote sensing-based methods for measuring salinity have been widely considered. Soil salinity has led to the limitation of agricultural land use patterns. This is a serious environmental hazard that affects the growth of many crops. Materials and Methods After selecting the study area on satellite images and ground visits, a cluster-cinematic sampling network was designed and implemented for surface soil sampling. In this study, pH, EC, SAR and TDS were measured. In this study, in order to use the remote sensing technique to study the temporal and spatial changes of vegetation density in the region, ground data and ETM+ images of Landsat 7 satellite and MODIS images have been used. Pre-processing operations including geometric, radiometric and co-ordination corrections were performed on each of the satellite images. In the next step, the desired vegetation indices, after calculation, are applied to the satellite images and thus the vegetation density pattern map is obtained based on each of these indices. Then 8 different salinity and vegetation indices were studied during the years 2005 to 2021. Results and Discussion The The results of this study showed that LANDSAT-7-ETM + sensor has been able to produce better results due to better spatial resolution than MODIS sensor. Also, among the salinity indices studied, SI3 index in both ETM + and MODIS sensors with RMSE (1.01 and 1.1) and correlation coefficient R (0.98 and 0.86) was able to have the best performance in Have an area. In the study between EC and SAR, both sensors had a high correlation between red and infrared bands. Conclusion In a general summary, by examining the information of the synoptic station of the plain, parameters such as temperature and amount of precipitation in the studied period show that by increasing the average temperature and decreasing the amount of precipitation in the region, the surface temperature increases during the year. Recent causes of drought and significant effects of climate change on the prevailing environmental conditions, which in turn will increase the breadth of salinity in the verse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:In this research, cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium sulfide doped with 3 cc manganese (3cc Mn-CdS) nanostructures have been prepared by ultrasound-assisted method and obtained products have been used for preparation of PVC: CdS and PVP: 3 cc Mn-CdS nanocomposites as an interfacial layer of the metal-polymer-semiconductor (MPS) Schottky structures. The structural, morphological, purity and optical properties of prepared nanostructures have been investigated by XRD, SEM, EDX and UV-Vis analyzes. The XRD of CdS sample confirmed the formation of the cadmium sulfide with cubic phase and its average nanocrystallite size obtained 6 nm. EDX analysis of both samples confirmed the pure phase of the prepared nanostructures. The energy gap of the CdS and 3 cc Mn-CdS nanostructures was calculated through the energy gap diagram 4.2 eV and 3.6 eV, respectively, that these values are bigger than from its bulk value (2.5 eV) due to the quantum confinement effect.Methods:Dielectric parameters such as ɛ′, ɛ″ and tan δ, of Al /PVP: CdS/ p-Si (MPS1) and Al /PVP: 3 cc Mn-CdS / p-Si (MPS2) Schottky structures are calculated and compared using C/G-f measurements in the frequency range of 100 Hz –1 MHz.Findings:The results showed that the dielectric parameters are strong function frequency. Also, doping of cadmium sulfide nanostructures with a very small amount of manganese source leads to a decrease in the dielectric constant, conductivity, and increase in the series resistance and loss tangent of the MPS2 compared to MPS1 Schottky structure.

In this study, using thyme medicinal plant without using heat by osmotic method, sugar solution with maximum active ingredients was produced. Effects of temperature (25, 35 and 45 degrees Celsius), sucrose osmotic solution concentration (40, 50 and 60%) and sampling time (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 360 minutes) on the amount The removal of active ingredients from the plant and the change in pH values and electrical conductivity (EC) were evaluated. Then the effect of blanching with hot water in (30, 60, 120 and 180 seconds) and ultrasound (0, 15 and 30 minutes) on the osmotic processing were investigated separately. The highest EC was in the solution with 40% sucrose concentration and 45°C and the lowest was in osmotic solution with 60% concentration and 45°C. Blanching before osmosis resulted in increased pH and EC. Blanching for 30 seconds caused the greatest increase in EC. Treatment with 30 minutes ultrasound increased the pH and EC in samples compared to 15 minutes of ultrasound. The chromatographic results of the control samples and the sample containing thyme extract in sucrose solution showed the release of polar and non -polar active compounds in the osmotic solution. The release of different compounds showed a difference in their release rate during the osmosis process. Finally the results showed that the extraction of active ingredients of medicinal plants was possible by osmosis process, so that the pH and EC changed over time. The product of this research can be used in the production of beverage syrups and food. In this method, the damages of other methods of extraction of effective substances such as solvent extraction, use of heat in extraction and drying of medicinal p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biochar as a soil amendment is one of the new methods to improve soil properties and increase plant yield. In this study, in order to evaluate the effect of adding natural biochar on soil properties and yield of Pamirian winterfat (Eurotia ceratoides) plant, an experiment in a completely randomized design were performed with 11 treatments by different levels of biochar (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10% by weight) and three replications in greenhouse conditions. After the end of the growing season, some physical and chemical properties of the soil (pH, EC, organic matter (%), lime, bulk deisty, particle density, and porosity percentage), germination percentage, and yield of E. ceratoides were measured. In all the studied traits of the soil (except for the particle density), and the characteristics of the E. ceratoides plant, the statistical difference between the various levels of biochar was significant (a = 0.01). Adding different levels of biochar increased pH, ECy, soil porosity percentage, soil organic matter, whereas decrased bulk density, lime percentage, clay percentage, sand, and silt. The addition of biochar from 3 to 10 weight percentage can increased the pH and EC of the soil compared to the control and other treatments with lower levels of biochar. The highest soil bulk density and lime were observed in the control treatment (1.53 g/cm3 and 25%, respectively). The addition of biochar from 1 to 5% by weight had a greater incremental effect than other levels of biochar treatments on soil porosity. The highest percentage of soil organic matter was observed in 8 and 9% weight treatments (2.07% and 2.05%, respectively), and the lowest was obtained in control treatment (0.84 %). Therefore, levels of 3 to 10% by weight of biochar had a more positive effect in improving pH, EC, porosity percentage and soil organic matter. By adding different levels of biochar to the soil, the wet and dry weights of the roots of the E. ceratoides plant were increased compared to the control treatment, as treatments of 1 to 5% by weight had the greatest positive effect on the growth and germination of this plant. Therefore, the application of different levels of natural biochar studied in this research had a positive effect on improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil and enhancing the growth and germination characteristics of the E. ceratoides plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewaters and agricultural effluents are among the main sources of antibiotics and antibiotic resistant microorganisms. Rivers as the sink for the effluents may distribute this kind of contamination in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the variation of antibiotic resistant bacteria density in Gowharrood River. The water and sediment samples were taken at three points along the river (focused on river course in Rasht city), in autumn 2016 and in winter, spring and summer 2017. The number of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria were counted in the Nutrient agar and Eosine-Methylene Blue agar media containing 100 µg/mL of cephalexin, gentamicin, doxycyclin, ciprofloxacin, and trimetoprim antibiotics, respectively. pH and EC were also measured in water samples. Data for bacteria number were analyzed by repeated measures of factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design by SAS software package. As the river passes through the city, pH and EC of water increase. The average EC value of river water in spring and summer seasons was more than 2.5 times its value in autumn and winter seasons. The number of heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in both water body and sediment increased as the river passed throutgh the city. The average density of antibiotic resistant heterotrophic and coliform bacteria in the river water was 3.74 and 2.79 (Log CFU/mL) respectively, and the average density of antibiotic resistant heterotrophic and and coliform bacteria in sediment samples was 5.74 and 5.37 (Log CFU/g) respectively. Resistance pattern of both heterotrophic and coliform bacteria to antibiotics in both sediment and water samples was as follows: cephalexin> gentamicin> ciprofloxacin> doxycyclin> trimetoprim. Seasonal variation patterns for river water and sediment coliforms and sediment heterotrophic bacteria were as follows: winter>autumn>summer>spring. According to the results of this study, Gowharrood river is contaminated with antibiotic resistant, especially cephalexin resistant, bacteria and if the water of this river is used in aquaculture and irrigation of downstream agriculture fields, the antibiotic resistant bacteria and their antibiotic resistance genes may be spread in the other ecosystems and finally may enter the human food chain.

Background and objectives: Drought is the most severe abiotic stress factor limiting plant growth and crop production. Drought stress decreases the yield of many crops by inhibits plant photosynthesis and photosystem II efficiency. Mycorrhiza application is a strategy that can improve plant performance under stress environments and, consequently enhance plant growth through different mechanisms. The mechanisms used by mycorrhiza to enhance the water relations of host plants are not amply clear, however, this may occur by increasing water absorption by external hyphae, regulation of stomatal apparatus, increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes and absorption of nutrients particularly phosphorus. Also, vermicompost can directly increase plant production through increasing available plant nutrients and indirectly promote soil quality by improving soil structure and stimulating microbial activities, relative to conventional chemical fertilization. Silicon is an essential micronutrient for biological systems and plays a crucial physiological role in photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mycorrhiza, vermicompost and silicon on some physiological and agronomic traits of triticale under different intensities of drought stress. Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications with factorial arrangement in a research greenhouse of faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabil during 2020. The experimental factors were included irrigation in three levels (normal irrigation as control; moderate water limitation or irrigation withholding at 50% of heading stage; severe water limitation or irrigation withholding at 50% of podding stage), application of organic and bio fertilizers in four levels (no application of bio fertilizers as control, application of vermicompost, Mycorrhiza application, both application vermicompost and Mycorrhiza), foliar application of Nano Silicon (foliar application with water as control and foliar application of 2 g L-1). Results: The results showed that 81 days after planting, both application of vermicompost with Mycorrhiza and nano silicon foliar application under normal irrigation conditions, increased maximum fluorescence (43.93%), variable fluorescence (97.41%), quantum yield (37.05%), chlorophyll index (60.62%), nitrogen index (42.75%) and relative water content of flag 2 leaf (84.27%) in comparison with no application of organic and bio fertilizers and nano silicon under irrigation withholding in podding stage. No application of organic and bio fertilizers and nano silicon under full irrigation increased electrical conductivity and minimum fluorescence of flag leaf. Also, both application of vermicompost with Mycorrhiza and nano silicon foliar application under normal irrigation conditions, increased grain yield (59.52%) in comparison with no application of organic and bio fertilizers and nano silicon under irrigation withholding in podding stage. Conclusion: It seems that the application of organic and bio fertilizers and nano silicon can increase the grain yield of triticale under water limitation due to improve chlorophyll fluorescence and some physiological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction One of the main factors affecting plant growth is soil compaction. More attention should be paid to soil compaction than the past. Soil compaction not only destroys the soil structure, but also leads to a heavier soil structure with natural cavities. The rolling resistance reduces energy and occurs when the tire moves on a soft soil and rolling resistance of the tire is brought about by two processes of soil deformation and wheel change. This force is influenced by the design of the tire, the parameters of the tire, and the characteristics of the soil. The apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) indicates the direct conductivity of direct current in the soil. The electrical conductivity is effective on chemical and physical properties, including the amount of soluble salts in the soil, salinity, cation exchange capacity, soil texture, organic matter content, moisture content and water holding capacity, and compression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of soil compaction and soil moisture on the soil electrical conductivity and rolling resistance of the Messy Ferguson 285 tractor rear tire. This study showed the density and soil moisture were associated with soil electrical conductivity and rolling resistance. Materials and Methods This test had independent and dependent variables. The dependent variables including rolling resistance and electrical conductivity, whose values were measured by a torque meter and a portable EC meter. Independent variable comprised of soil compaction and soil moisture measured by Penetrologger and soil moisture measurement tools including soil harvesting cylinder, scale and oven device. Experiments were carried out in the soil bin Laboratory with a 1.7 m wide, 24 m long and 1 m deep with soil texture of clay loamy in Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (Karaj). The soil was prepared layer by layer and up to a depth of 20 cm by the soil preparation unit. In all experiments, the vertical load was fixed at 4000 N and the tire pressure of 6899 N.m-2. On each layer, the water was evenly sprayed to reach the desired moisture. To do this research, factorial experiment with soil compaction levels at 3 levels of 2, 4 and 6 roller passes, respectively, with the bulk density of 1.47, 1.54 and 1.69 g.cm-3 and soil moisture at 3 levels of 10%, 12% and 14% were used in 3 replications. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The tools used included the tire test rig, the rear tire of a Massy Ferguson 285 tractor, the soil preparation unit, and the measuring instrument, including the torque meter, the penetrologger and the portable EC meter. Results and Discussion In this experiment, it was found that as the amount of moisture increased, the compaction was also increased. The test indicated that the soil rolling resistance was increased by decreasing the soil moisture content. Moreover, increasing in the soil compaction ration led to decreasing the soil rolling resistance. The CI was used at a depth of 20 cm to 0 cm. In these experiments, we concluded that the higher density of compaction resulted in increasing the soil cone index (CI). This index was directly related to the compaction, but it had an adverse relation with the moisture. It means the lower amount of moisture led to the higher amount of CI. The amount of electrical conductivity of soil was measured at a depth of 0-25 cm. In this experiment, we concluded that the higher compaction ratio resulted in the higher electrical conductivity. It means that electrical conductivity had a direct relation with the compaction and the moisture content. The lower moisture content led to the lower electrical conductivity of the soil. Conclusion In general, considering all the tests and comparison between rolling resistance, soil cone index and apparent electrical conductivity before and after roller passing, it can be concluded that as the amount of moisture content increased, the soil cone index (CI) decreased. The soil cone index (CI) had a relationship with the moisture. The lower moisture content led to the lower soil moisture resistance, as well as the higher moisture content resulted in the higher soil resistance. The lower amount of soil compaction showed the greater soil rolling resistance, and the greater amount of soil compaction caused to the less soil moisture resistance. The electrical conductivity before and after the roller pass was different in the case of roller pass, and the higher amount of moisture led to the greater electrical conductivity, because the electrical conductivity was directly related to the moisture and the compaction affects all parameters.

The aim of this study is to investigate the properties of the La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Mn0.2O3-δ (LSFM)compound as cathode of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The LSFM compound was synthesized by the sol-gel process. Thestructural, electrical and electrochemical properties of LSFMwere tested via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high temperature four-probe resistivity measurement (HTRM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The X-ray pattern showed that sample had a Rhombohedra structure and space group symmetry of LSFM is R-3c; also, the LSFM had good chemical compatibility with YSZ electrolyte. The conductivity of the sample was increased with raising the temperature. The maximum electrical conductivities for the LSFM compound were equal to 3.64 S.cm-1 in air at 739 ℃. The cathode area specific resistance of LSFM was 1.69, 1.01, 0.63, 0.52, and 0.45 Ω cm2 at 600, 650, 700, 750, and 800 ℃, respectively

This field experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effects of humic acid on the growth and yield of sunflower in a saline soil, using a complete block design with three replications in Kashan, central Iran, in 2014. Treatments consisted of 3 levels of humic acid (1, 3 and 6 liters per ha), no humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen, three liters of humic acid per ha in soil without sufficient nitrogen, control of humic acid in soil without sufficient nitrogen. The results showed that the use of humic acid left significant effect on all measured traits. The greatest increase in oil content, 1000 seed weight, head weight, seed yield, head diameter, stem diameter and number of leaves were obtained by use of 3 liters of humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen. Maximum increase in plant height and plant weight were obtained by using 6 liters humic acid in soil with sufficient nitrogen and the highest protein content was achieved by using 1 liter of humic acid per ha in soil with adequate nitrogen. The results of this experiment showed that the application of humic acid in a saline soil improves the growth and yield of sunflower plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is the only known substance in nature that can provide the body with complete and balanced nutrition. Recombined milk is a milk replacement product. Recombined milk components are more easily adjustable than milk components. Using electrical conductivity, valuable information is available about the quality of different materials, including food. In addition, by this method, as a simple and practical tool, the quality of many foods can be controlled. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used for modeling and optimization of the electrical conductivity of recombined milk. The effects of protein (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%), Lactose (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12%), fat (3 and 6%) and temperature (50, 55, 60, 65 and 70ºC) independent variables on electrical conductivity of recombined milk as dependent variables (response) were evaluated. Process variables were statistically significant (p<0.01) as quadratic regression model for this response. The R2 factor for the modeling of the electrical conductivity of Recombined milk was 0.92 by the response surface method. Optimum conditions for the electrical conductivity of the Recombined milk in the usual range (4 to 5.5 mS/cm) contained protein 3.4%, lactose 7.7%, fat 3% and temperature of 63.9 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter cold is a significant damaging factor in fruit trees specially stone fruits. Relative resistance of 20 local and introduced sweet cherries (Prunus avium) to winter cold in artificial cold condition and its association with electrical conductivity and a number of morphological traits including trunk diameter, shoot diameter, anthocyanine and lenticels frequencies was studied in year 2011. In February, dormant shoots and buds were collected and treated in a freezer with temperatures decreasing from 4 OC to -24 OC and increasing from -24 OC to 4 OC. Then, cold damage was determined based on percentage of discoloration from green to brown. Results showed variability of shoot and bud cold tolerance among different genotypes/cultivars. Cold damage to buds was higher than shoots and they showed significantly positive correlation. In both organs, Albaloogilas Daneshkadeh was rated as the most resistant and Meshkinshahr as the most susceptible genotypes. According to the observed responses to the low temperature treatment, the germplasm was divided in three relative susceptibility groups including highly susceptible (10%), relatively susceptible (15%) and relatively resistant (75%) and no genotype was completely resistant. Accordingly, it is concluded that most genotypes/cultivars studied were relatively tolerant to winter cold. A correlation existed between cold damage and shoot diameter, indicating that this species is more cold-susceptible at the seedling stage. Considering low correlation between cold damage and lenticel numbers/anthocyanin pigment intensity, these traits are not appropriate criteria for winter cold tolerance selection in cherry.

A review study is presented in relation to polymer/graphene nanocomposites. The research works have shown that the graphene can be considered as the strongest material and the hummer’s method is a suitable method for its production. Functionalization by chemical groups compatible with its matrix can enhance dispersion of the nanoparticles within it. The effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behavior, nucleation and crystal growth is explained. Several contradicting results including both increase and decrease in crystallinity have been reported. The change of electrical conductivity with the addition of graphene and method of determining percolation threshold are presented. The results showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity by incorporation of graphene nanosheets. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites including elastic modulus, elongation-at-break and tensile strength are reviewed. The reported results revealed that modulus increased due to higher modulus of nanoparticles and there was a contradictory result for tensile strength and elongation-at-break. Functionalization of nanosheets could increase the tensile strength of nanocomposites through stronger adhesion between filler and matrix. The thermal conductivity of these nanocomposites and the desirable method for measurement of thermal conductivity constant are discussed. The results showed that graphene nanoplatelets are less effective in enhancing thermal conductivity in comparison to electrical conductivity. The rheological properties of nanocomposites were affected by addition of nanosheets and the obtained rheological percolation threshold was different from the electrical one. The lower electrical percolation in comparison to rheological one means electrical threshold is obtained from direct contact of nanoparticles.

One of the main aims of water resource planning and management is to estimate and predict groundwater quality parameters which would be used in decision-making. In this regard, many models have been developed which proposed better managements in order to maintain water quality. Most of these models require input parameters which are hardly available or their measurements are time consuming and expensive. Among them, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models inspired by human's brain are a better choice. The present studied stimulated the electrical conductivity of water quality parameters of Behbahan Plain, using ANN and ANN+PSO models and in the end compared their results with measured data. Data for NO3-, EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, HCO3-, CL-, K+, TH and pH were collected during 2009-2016 as input data. The results indicated that the highest prediction accuracy of quality parameters was related to the ANN + PSO model so that the MAE and RMSE statistics had the minimum and had the maximum value for the model. Considering the high efficiency of artificial neural network model, by training the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, it can be used in order to make managerial decisions and ensure the results of monitoring and reducing costs.

Hypothesis: Nowadays, the use of scaffolds in tissue engineering to repair and regenerate human lesions, including nervous injuries has been widely considered. Also, nanofibrous scaffolds due to their structural similarity with the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the body are found to be suitable substrates for cell growth. Therefore, the main focus of the present work is on the production of conductive nanofibrous scaffolds for neural cell culture and their electrical stimulation performance.Methods: Two biocompatible polymers including polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) were used as main materials, and polyaniline (PANI) was applied as a conductive polymer to create conductivity in the substrates. After determination and optimization of the electrospinning process factors, 4 types of nanofibrous scaffolds with 4 levels of conductive polymer (0%, 1%, 10% and 18%) were prepared. To investigate the effect of scaffolds' conductivity and electrical stimulation on the nerve cells behavior, a plate with steel electrodes was designed to apply electrical field to the scaffolds during cell culture experiments.Findings: SEM, Dino-Lite digital microscopy, Potentiostat-Galvanostat and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazed-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were used to study the properties of scaffolds including hydrophilicity, conductivity, fiber diameter and the results of cell culture. By investigation of the physical properties of the scaffolds it was shown that increasing the amount of PANI in scaffolds causes significant drop in the fiber diameter and hydrophilicity. In cell culture experiment, shape and proliferation of nerve cells were studied. MTT assay and SEM images showed that electrical stimulation, proportional to the amount of polyaniline, enhanced neurite outgrowth compared to the scaffolds that were not subjected to electrical stimulation. Furthermore, proliferation of cells on conductive scaffolds (by 10% v/w of PANI) increased and subsequently the cell proliferation decreased with increasing conductive polymer content due to its toxicity.

Introduction: Salinization of soil has been reported as a problem in many parts of the world. Salinization could occur either as a result of natural processes e.g. high concentrations of salt in parent materials or groundwater and/or anthropogenic actions such as over-irrigation. The salinization probably affects the chemical and physical properties of soil, soil microbiological processes, plant growth, and soil fauna. Both quantity and quality of water, however, are the most important eco-factors needed for earthworm survival and development, and also biodegradation processes. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of irrigation water salinity on the survival and growth of earthworm Eisenia Fetida, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications under environmental conditions of the laboratory of Soil Sciences Department of Bu-Ali Sina University in Hamedan. The different types of water used in this study were: distilled water and saline water made with NaCl salt with electrical conductivity (EC) of 2, 4, 6, and 8 dS m-1. The experiment was carried out using completely randomized design in plastic containers of size 19 × 13 × 8 cm. Ten earthworms per container used in each exposure regime were introduced into the relevant test salinity by placing them on the surface and allowing them to burrow in. The test containers were covered with perforated lids to limit water loss due to evaporation and kept in 16 hours light, 8 hours dark at 25°C in a climate chamber for 42 days. Sampling was done at 3, 15, 21, 27, 33, 39, and 42 days after earthworms were introduced to the substrates to investigate mortality and weight changes of earthworms. The LC50 (concentration at which 50% of the earthworms are killed) and the EC50 (effect concentration at which a 50% reduction in a measured parameter) values for the salts expressed as conductivity (dS m-1) were calculated on day 27 and 42 by using the Probit Analysis. Results and Discussion: On day 3, no significant effect of salinity on percentages of survival was found. The survival rate of Eisenia fetida was significantly affected in the EC range used during 42 days (Table 2). The irrigation with distilled water (EC0) had the highest survival rate while the irrigation water with EC 8 dS m-1 had the lowest value. During the 39 days of exposure, no significant difference was found in survival rate of earthworms between EC 2, EC 4 and EC 6 dS m-1, but at the end of day 42, the salinity levels with EC 8 dS m-1 had a significant effect on percentage of earthworm survival in which 91.68% mortality occurred. The mean weight change of earthworms exposed to water with EC 2 dS m-1 was not significantly different (p < 0.01) from those exposed to the distilled water during 39 days, but there was a decrease in earthworm weight on day 42. The calculated LC50 for mortality after 27 and 42 days was 7.5 and 4.31 dS m-1, respectively, and EC50 for growth was 7.94 and 6.82 dS m-1, respectively. Conclusion: Our results showed that increased salinity had harmful effects on the growth and mortality of the earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Salinity can have detrimental effects on earthworms at concentrations considered safe for many plant species. We determined 42 day LC50 for mortality 4.31 dS m-1 (2521 mg lit-1). The EC50 for growth was 6.82 dS dS m-1 (3989 mg lit-1). The weight of earthworms was significantly affected by NaCl and dispersion analysis showed that NaCl concentration had a statistically significant influence on the weight of earthworms. The argument for using NaCl is that it is the predominant salt in most saline environments particularly in wastewaters. Since the salt type is dependent on the source of the contamination, it is, therefore, possible that other salts apart from NaCl could be the main compounds in saline toxicity in a specific area. The results of the current study suggest that the effects of salinity depend on the salt composition. Therefore, it would be important to assess the type of salt ions in soil in risk assessment, as this affects the extent of toxicity to soil organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of bio-fertilizers and putrescine on biomass, nodulation, and some morphological and biochemical traits of vetch (vicia villosa) under rainfed conditions, a factorial experiment has been conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in research farm of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili within 2018-2019. The studied factors include bio-fertilizers (without bio-fertilizers as control, application of Rhizobium (Rhizobium legominuzarum), Mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae), both application of Mycorrhiza and Rhizobium, Rhizobium and Azotobacter (Azotobacter chrocoocom strain 5), Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter, Rhizobium with Mycorrhiza, and Azotobacter) as well as foliar application of putrescine in three levels (foliar application with water as the control, application of 0.5 and 1 mM putrescine). Results show that both application of Azotobacter with Mycorrhiza and Rhizobium and foliar application of 1 mM putrescine increase root weight, leaf share from total biomass, soluble sugars of leaf and stem, and total biomass by 133.33%, 4.5%, 31.94%, 41.82%, and 56.94%, respectively, in comparison with no application of bio-fertilizers and putrescine. Also, application of Azotobacter with Mycorrhiza and Rhizobium and foliar application of 1 mM putrescine decrease electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde by 99% and 125.39%, respectively, in comparison with no application of biofertilizers and putrescine. It seems that application of bio-fertilizers and foliar application of putrescine can boost total biomass of vica villosa under rainfed condition as it improves both biochemical and morphological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of nano iron oxide on yield, chlorophyll fluorescence indices and some physiological traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under rain fed and supplementary irrigation conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Agricultural Research Station of Ardabil in 2016. Factors experiment were included irrigation levels (no irrigation as rain fed, supplementary irrigation at heading and booting stages), foliar application nano iron oxide in four levels (without nano iron oxide as control, application of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 g L -1 ). Means comparison showed that 0.9 g L -1 nano iron oxide application and supplementary irrigation at booting stage increased maximum fluorescence (F m ), variable fluorescence (F v ), chlorophyll content, nitrogen percentage, relative water content and grain yield compared to non-application of nano iron oxide under rain fed condition. Rain fed condition increased minimum fluorescence (F 0 ) and electrical conductivity. Foliar application of 0.9 g L -1 nano iron oxide and supplementary irrigation at booting stage increased grain yield 38.43% compared to no foliar application under rain fed condition.

Hypothesis: We investigated the effect of thermally-reduced graphene (TRG) nanosheets on electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, electromagnetic interference shielding performance, rheological behavior and thermal stability of polypropylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PP/PET) blend. Methods: For this purpose, 50/50 PP/PET blends were prepared through melt compounding in presence of different volume fractions of TRG. The direct current (DC) conductivity, the AC electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness of composites were measured. The morphology of blends was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Findings: The morphology of the samples was co-continuous, and preferential localization of the nanoparticles led to a double percolated structure. This structure enhanced electrical conductivity of the samples considerably. The rheological analysis indicated that a percolated network was formed at low volume fractions of TRG. At 0.1 vol% loading, the conductivity of the composites satisfies the antistatic criterion (10−6 S/m) for thin films. At 2 vol% of graphene, a high electrical conductivity of 0.16 S/m was achieved which was considered sufficient for electronic device applications. The dielectric constant and the electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency (EMI SE) of the blends significantly increased with TRG addition. By incorporating 2 vol% of TRG, the dielectric constant increased from 4 (for neat sample) to 9×107 at 10 Hz and the EMI SE increased from 1 dB (for neat sample) to 42 dB at 10 GHz, satisfying the target value for commercial applications. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that addition of TRG effectively enhanced the thermal stability of the samples. Incorporation of TRG not only increased the initial decomposition temperatures but also decreased the rate of decomposition. The enhanced thermal stability of the composites was attributed to the high aspect ratio of TRGs, which served as a barrier and prevented the emission of gaseous molecules during thermal degradation.

Hypothesis: Electrospinning of nanoparticles/polymer solutions offers the potential to achieve novel composite nanofibers in a variety of high performance applications. In this respect, the aspect ratio and purity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were examined to study the morphological and electrical properties of the electrospun composite nanofibers. Methods: In the first step, MWCNTs samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Next, nanocomposite solutions containing MWCNTs were prepared by physical dispersion method in presence of a non-ionic surfactant. Finally, the prepared composite solutions were loaded to a glass syringe and connected to a DC power supply device. The electrospinning was performed by applying a high voltage of 15kV between the needle and the rotating collector. Findings: It is generally accepted that a combination of G-band intensity and G/D ratio is useful to evaluate the purity and crystallinity of MWCNTs. The morphological properties of the electrospun composite nanofibers showed their high dependency on carbon nanotubes dimensions, so that at higher aspect ratios the morphological properties generally improved. The morphological analysis of the composite nanofibers revealed that the deformation of the nanofibers increased with increasing MWCNTs diameter. Very smooth surfaces of the composite electrospun nanofibers even with 1 wt% MWCNT concentration were successfully achieved because of the high stability of MWCNT dispersions. The composite nanofibers with higher purity and aspect ratio presented better electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of electrospun composite nanofibers could be adjusted from ~10–8 S/cm (insulator) to ~10–3 S/cm (conductor) by different aspect ratios and purities of MWCNTs. MWCNTs with high aspect ratio and high purity offer a promising way to develop electrospun composite nanofibers with improved morphological and electrical properties.

Abstract Background and Purpose Changing the quality of groundwater and saltinating of water resources are Concerning a major threat for country's agricultural development, especially in arid and semi-arid lands. Preparing maps of both Same amount maps for salinity and salts can be an important step in the proper utilization of water resources. This research was carried out in Firoozabad plain in west of Fars province to evaluate the hydrogeochemical processes affecting groundwater quality. Method Preparation of the map of the chemical parameters (isochromic) of Firoozabad plain using hydrodynamic data of wells measured in East and West of Firoozabad plain. Preparation of similar maps using Shooler and Wilcox methods to produce coincidence lines it placed. Findings Based on the maps of the chemical parameters in the studied areas and the diagrams of the changes and classification of the data based on the Schuler and Wilcox diagrams, the irrigation water classification according to Wilcox's diagram in 2004 and 2011 showed a decline trend in agricultural quality. Based on the results of the classification of drinking water, there were generally no significant changes in drinking quality except in 2011. Conclusion The amount of chlorine and electrical conductivity parameters in the west and east of the Firoozabad plain increased from north and northwest to the center and eastern plain from east to center, respectively, in the east and west of the plain, the highest values ​​were observed. Also, the results showed that the groundwater of the area based on the Schuler diagram was classified into three classes: good, acceptable and moderate, and quality, for use in agriculture in 2011 in C3S1, C1S1, C2S1 C3S2, C3S4, C3S3 and in the first period, 2004, in C3S1, C1S1, and C2S1 classes. The irrigation water classification according to Wilcox, in terms of 2004 and 2010, indicates a decrease in agricultural quality. The results of the classification of drinking water (Shooler classification) show that overall there is no significant change in the quality of drinking water and only in 2011, reduced quality. Article type: Research Keywords: electrical conductivity, chlorine, dry residue, Schuler, wilcox

The nutrient uptake, growth and yield of plants depend on nutrients availability in rhizosphere and also on amount of assimilates available in root as carbon skeleton and energy source. Any factor affecting nutrients availability or assimilate partitioning pattern can also affect uptake phenomenon and growth. In this study, the effects of number of flowers per node and nutrient solution concentration on growth pattern and yield of greenhouse cucumber plants were studied using a factorial experiment based on complete randomized block design. Factors consisted of: three levels of number of flowers per node (keeping one, two or three flowers per node) and 5 levels of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution (EC of 1.1, 1.5, 2.15, 2.78 and 3.32 dS/m). Results showed in addition to shoot growth, plants treated with 2.15 EC had higher nitrogen and phosphorous content. The highest yield was observed in plants treated with EC of 1.5 and 2.15 dS/m. Increasing number of flowers per node resulted in increasing in fruit yield in short term (80 days after transplanting) but, no significant differences were observed among treatments when the experiment proceeded (130 day after transplanting). Increase in number of flowers per node led to more allocation of assimilates to fruits, but probably due to low potential of sources this effect of number of flowers on yield has been physiologically controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]