Amir Rahimi; Behnam Doulati; Saeid Heydarzadeh; Fatemeh Ahmadi
Abstract
Today, water scarcity is one of the biggest concerns of agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. In order to investigate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and nitrogen on the quantitative and qualitative performance of Badershob under different moisture conditions, a factorial experiment was ...
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Today, water scarcity is one of the biggest concerns of agriculture in arid and semi-arid areas. In order to investigate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and nitrogen on the quantitative and qualitative performance of Badershob under different moisture conditions, a factorial experiment was performed in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments, including irrigation (I) at three levels of 40, 60 and 80% moisture, can be used at the root development depth as the first factor and soil fertility at five levels: non-consumption of fertilizer (F0), urea (150 kg per hectare). Nitrogen-stabilizing release (NFB), vermicompost (V) and vermicompost + release nitrogen-fixing (V + NFB) release bacteria were applied as the second factor. The results showed that water scarcity led to a significant reduction in the amount of nutrients (zinc, manganese and copper) and photosynthetic pigments, while plants inoculated with V + NFB significantly increased the amount of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) has become more fertile than soil. The combined use of V + NFB increased chlorophyll a (45%), chlorophyll b (50%), total chlorophyll (46%) and carotenoids (39%) compared to the control treatment. The content of total phenol, flavonoids, the percentage of radical inhibition of DPPH, the percentage of relative moisture content and dry yield of the plant led to an increase of 36, 37, 35, 29 and 31%, respectively, in optimal irrigation conditions and 31, 29, 30, 21 and 23%. Comparison of the average soil fertility treatments in different irrigation levels showed that soil fertility application led to a decrease in proline content. Accordingly, the highest amount of proline (31 micrograms of warmer weight) of the control treatment was observed in irrigation conditions after consuming 80% of the usable moisture in the root development depth and without the use of soil fertility treatments. However, the lowest proline levels of 15.61 micromoles per kg of body weight were obtained in irrigated conditions after consuming 40% of the moisture usable in root development depth and fertilizer and vermicompost treatment + nitrogen stabilizing release bacteria (V + NFB). According to the results of variance analysis, different irrigation levels and soil fertility treatments had a significant effect on the amount of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. According to the results of the comparison of the mean of the data, the delay in irrigation significantly increased the concentration of malondialdehyde. While the use of soil fertility treatments has shown an effective role in reducing the amount of malondialdehyde, the highest and lowest levels of this trait were observed in control treatment and combined treatment of vermicompost and nitrogen-fixing release bacteria (V + NFB), respectively. Combination treatment of vermicompost and nitrogen-fixing release bacteria (V + NFB) reduced the amount of hydrogen peroxide at all three different irrigation levels compared to the control treatment.Soil fertility combined with soil fertility treatments was less than the individual application conditions In moderate stress conditions and 21, 19, 18, 17 and 17% in severe stress conditions in plants inoculated with V + NFB. From the obtained results, it is inferred that the application of the combined system of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers due to the increase of compatible solutions and regulation of antioxidant systems, as an effective solution to soil fertility and increase nutrient uptake, improves environmental stress. Comparison of the average data obtained from the interaction of different levels of irrigation and soil fertility treatments clearly showed that the combined use of fertilizer and vermicompost + nitrogen-fixing release bacteria (V + NFB) and treatment application of vermicompost increased the effect of increasing irrigation at all different levels. The percentage of leaf moisture content showed. The lowest percentage of leaf moisture content (52.45%) in irrigation conditions was obtained after consuming 80% of the moisture that can be used in the root development depth and without the use of soil fertility treatments. A study of the results of this study showed that the combined use of vermicompost and nitrogen-fixing release bacteria (V + NFB) reduces the effects of drought stress. Many of the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the plant are fragrant.Therefore, the results of this study showed that the use of soil fertilizers by improving plant tolerance in water stress conditions leads to improved plant performance.
A. Rahimi; B. Doulati; S. Heydarzadeh
Abstract
Introduction Lamiaceae, formerly called Labiatae, the mint family of flowering plants with 236 genera and more than 7,000 species, the largest family of the order Lamiales and many species are cultivated for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. Thymus daenensis is native to Iran and growing ...
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Introduction Lamiaceae, formerly called Labiatae, the mint family of flowering plants with 236 genera and more than 7,000 species, the largest family of the order Lamiales and many species are cultivated for their fragrant leaves and attractive flowers. Thymus daenensis is native to Iran and growing in many parts of Iran, the plant is extensively used in folk medicine and has a wide variety of essential oils. Medicinal and aromatic plants have antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols which decrease oxidative stress in cells of plants and animals. In recent decades, excessive use of chemical fertilizers in order to increase the yield of agricultural products has caused many problems in economic and environmental aspects. The biofertilizer plays an important role in nitrogen fixation, iron sequestration, and phosphate solubilization, thus making these complex organic molecules available for utilization by the plants. Biofertilizers are the microbial inoculants that colonize the rhizosphere and improve plant growth by enhancing nutrient accessibility to plants. However, biofertilizers perform more than one mechanism for accomplishing plant growth enhancement. These abilities are of great agriculture importance as far as crop yield and soil fertility improvement is concerned, thus decreasing the ill effects of chemical-based fertilizers in our environment. For instance, excessive use of chemical N fertilizers causes soil acidifcation and, thus, groundwater and atmospheric pollution. Nonetheless, synthesis of chemical fertilizers is highly energy-consuming processes. Chemical based fertilizers impose long-lasting effects on the atmosphere in terms of carbon footprint, eutrophication, and soil fertility decline. However, the control of chemical and biological properties of soil is important in the quantity and quality of agricultural crops. Few reports reveal that in case of controlled soil conditions, signifcant enhancement in crop production was achieved through biofertilizer applications. Thus, this research was carried out with the aim of studying the effect of independent and combined use of biological and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative properties of thyme. Materials and Methods The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biofertilizers (phosphate Barvar-2 and Azotobacter), manure (cow manure), and chemical (NPK) on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Thymus daenensis. Physicochemical properties of study soil (calcium carbonate equilibrium, pH, OC, EC, micro and macro elements, soil texture) and was determined by standard methods. A factorial experiment based on randomized completely design was carried out with eight treatments including chemical fertilizer (100%), biofertilizers (phosphate Barow-2 and Azotobacter) (100%), cow manure (100%), combined treatment: chemical + biofertilizer 50%, chemical + cow manure 50%, biofertilizer,+ cow manure 50%, biofertilizer + chemical + cow manure 50% and control at three replications. Seeds of Thymus daenensis were treated before cultivate with biofertilizers (phosphate Barvar-2 and Azotobacter) with 100 g ha-1 based on the recommended guidelines (10^8 active bacteria g-1 of biofertilizer). Seeds were cultured in perlite and pit moss culture beds. Transplant was transmitted to the farm at the end of April. Thymus product was harvested at flowering stage. Economic performance of thymus including leaf and inflorescence weight was calculated after drying of bushes. Essential oil content was measured using clevenger. Physiological and antioxidant propertiese including chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, cartenoids, total phenolic content and flavnoieds were measured (Lichtenthaler and Wellburn, 1987; Horwist, 1984). Essential oil yield was obtained from essential oil percentage in dry matter yield of thymus. Results The results showed that the integrated application of biofertiliizers was significant in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Thymus daenensis. Based on the results, shoot dry yield (156.26 g m-2), essential oil yield (5.36 g m-2) and economic yield (74.72 g m-2) in 50% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer + cow manure treatment were higher as compared to other treatments. Integrated application of organic and chemical fertilizers improved the content of photosynthetic pigmentation and increased the concentration of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in thymus. Aso, combined application of 50% chemical fertilizer + biofertilizer + manure increased total phenol (30.12%), flavonoids (22.26%) and antioxidant activity (15.95%) of thymus compared to control treatment. Conclusion The results showed that the chemical fertilizers to start production and compensate for the fertilizer source and biofertilizers for the continuous of the presence of nutrients in soil are important. Consequently, the combination of chemical fertilizer (NPK) and biofertilizers could be recommended as a suitable nutrition source for plant as well as the improvement of soil physical and chemical properties. Accordingly, chemical fertilizers consumption are hazardous for human severely affect ecological balance in the environment. Therefore, the success related to biofertilizers depends on inventions of innovative strategies which are related to the functions of different beneficial bacteria and their proper application to the fields through advanced and improved techniques.
Plant Nutrition, Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Samira Mikhi; Behnam Doulati; Amir Rahimi
Abstract
Introduction The Lamiaceae is a chief medicinal and aromatic plant family. It is a family of extensive diversity and variety with international distribution. It is known that most of their properties are due to the essential oils they contain as products of their secondary metabolism. The metabolic performance ...
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Introduction The Lamiaceae is a chief medicinal and aromatic plant family. It is a family of extensive diversity and variety with international distribution. It is known that most of their properties are due to the essential oils they contain as products of their secondary metabolism. The metabolic performance of living organisms can be distinguished into primary and secondary metabolisms. Secondary metabolites represent features that can be expressed in terms of ecological, taxonomic, and biochemical differentiation and diversity. The antioxidant properties of the volatile oils are not as robust as that of water-soluble constituents. Oregano, a member of the family is an herb that has been cultivated for centuries in the Mediterranean region, although now it can be found in most continents. Because of variability in composition and origin of different Origanum spp, the antioxidant capacity reported can vary substantially. In one study, oregano had the highest total antioxidant capacity and phenolic content compared with other Lamiaceae herbs, thyme, sage, rosemary, mint, and sweet basil. Istanbul oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart)is a perennial plant with dense indumentum, white and pink flowers, strong fragrance, and flowering in July and August. It grows widelyin the Thrace, Marmara, and west and southern regions of Turkey. The plant is richer in oil and carvacrol content than O. onites and if improved, agronomic affairs would offer a better alternative. The environmental and social reasons indicate that conventional agriculture constitutes a continuous pressure contributing to the progressive worsening of environmental conditions. In this matter, the increasing use of saline irrigation water is one of the main factors resulting in salt accumulation in the plant rhizosphere. In this situation, soil degradation emphasized the need to develop strategies of salt affected soil reclamation. One of the possible solutions is to use humic substances. Micronutrients are essential elements that are used by plants in small quantities. Yield and quality of agricultural products increased with micronutrients application; therefore, human and animal health is protected with a feed of enrichment plant materials. Each essential element only can perform its role in plant nutrition properly when other necessary elements are available in balanced ratios for the plant. The aim of this trial was to study the effects of some micronutrients and humic substances on the antioxidant activity of the plant. Materials and Methods The trial was conducted at the experimental fields (37.53° N, 45.08° E, and 1320 m) and the greenhouse of the Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture and the Lab of Biology Department, Urmia University, during 2015-2016, prepared in a randomized complete block design in three replications, using Fe, Zn, Cu, humic acid and their incorporation (3 g Lit-1) spray as treatments. The land was plowed at the optimum moisture level (field capacity) and leveled. Phosphorus and Potassium fertilizers were applied at pre-sowing time in autumn, according to soil analysis and farrowed in 50 cm. The seeds for sowing were obtained from Turkey. Sowing was done in green house at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, during the period from 21. 03. 2015 till 06.05.2015. The seeds were sowed in plastic pots filled with soil, sand, and peat moss substrate as a material for germination. After that sowing was irrigated regularly depending on weather conditions and development stage of plants. Seedlings were harvested and planted in the experimental field. Nitrogen fertilizer was used in planting time, and vegetative phase according to soil analysis. Irrigation was conducted depending on plants need. Harvestings were done in 50% flowering. Physical and chemical characteristics of the field soil were determined by the standard method. Total phenolic content, flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, and Chain-breaking activitywere determined. Results The aim of this study was to increase the amount of oregano essential oil, and the use of micronutrients and humic substances increased the essential oil content of the plant. According to the results, the highest and lowest leaf dry weight was related to Zn+Cu+HA+Fe and Cu treatments, respectively. The highest essential oil content (3.50%) was recorded in Zn+Cu+HA and the lowest (2.28%) in Fe+HA treatments. The highest amount of total phenol in the plant leaves (72.7 g gallic acid/ 100 g DW) in Zn, flavonoid content (88.8 g quercetin/ 100 g DW) in HA and DPPH radical scavenging activity (74.1%) were observed in Fe+Cu+Zn+HA sprayings. In addition maximum nitric oxide radical scavenging (50.3%) and Chain-breaking activity (70.7 -Abs-3/min/mg extract) were observed in Zn and Fe+Zn treatments, respectively. In conclusion, the type of micronutrients and humic substances can affect the quality traits such as essential oil and antioxidant activity and according to the use target of the plant, combined and non-combined consumption of micronutrients, and humic substances can be recommended.
Plant Nutrition, Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
Amir Rahimi; Behnam Doulati; Saied Heydarzadeh
Abstract
Introduction Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Iron, Zinc, Manganese and Boron) account for almost two‐thirds of the childhood death worldwide. Most of those afflicted are dependent on staple crops for their sustenance. Declining soil fertility in many countries, duo to continuous cropping systems, has ...
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Introduction Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Iron, Zinc, Manganese and Boron) account for almost two‐thirds of the childhood death worldwide. Most of those afflicted are dependent on staple crops for their sustenance. Declining soil fertility in many countries, duo to continuous cropping systems, has reduced soil production capacity affected by depletion of soil nutrient without proper replacement. Soil application of prepared humic substances is not economical, but the response to foliar sprays has the potential to be economical because the relatively small quantities are needed. Foliar application is one of the swift response methods for plants to add fertilizer, which leads to dispel of nutrients deficiency and providence in the use of chemical fertilizers. The solubility of nutrients decreases in soils with high acidity or undesirable chemical composition and can be possibility of ionic competition (Antagonism) or the accumulation of nutrient in soilcanlee resulthed. Therefore, adsorption of nutrients and root growth will be inappropriate. On the other hand, the application of humic substance with improving physical, chemical and biological conditions causes an increase in adsorption and soil fertility. Using humic substances is another benefit of the reduction of environmental pollution in order to achieve sustainable agriculture. A sugar beet is a plant whose root contains a high concentration of sucrose and which is grown commercially for sugar production. Sugar beet is one of the strategic crops and is widely cultivated in the West Azerbaijan region. So, the aim of this study was to investigate the application of humic substances and micronutrient on some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sugar beet. Material and Methods This study was carried out as a randomized complete block design with six levels of humic substance (0, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 kg ha-1) and foliar application of micronutrients including Fe, Zn, B, and Mn with 3 replications. Physicochemical properties of soil (calcium carbonate equilibrium, pH, OC, EC, micro and macro elements, soil texture) were determined by standard methods. There fore, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sugar beet including total sugar content, pure sugar content, and molasses sugar content, Na, K and N content in root, alkalinity, sugar extraction coefficient, root yield and pure sugar and total sugar yield were determined in sugar beet samples. Results The results showed that the application of humic and micronutrient was significant in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sugar beet. Maximum root yield (68.96 ton ha-1) was obtained in the Mn treatment. The highest of pure (16.30%), gross sugars (18.68%) and sugar extraction coefficient (87.25%) was observed in B and 500 kg ha-1 of humic asid treatment. Humic acid application increased nitrogen (27.58%) and root yield (29.08%) compared to control. Also, micronutrient and humic substance application reduced the molasses sugar content and increased potassium in the root of sugar beet. So that the highest (3.48%) and lowest (2.37%) amounts of molasses sugar were obtained in control and 500 kg ha-1 humic acid plus B treatment respectively. Boron is much required for cell division and development in the growth regions of the plant near the tips of shoots and roots. It also affects sugar transport and appears to be associated with some of the functions of calcium. Conclusion According to the results of this study, foliar application of humic substance and micronutrient improved qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sugar beet. The root and refined sugar yields are among the most important components in sugar beet production. Also, treatment of 600 kg ha-1 of humic acid and Mn spraying had the greatest effect on the root and gross sugars yield in sugar beet. Also, the amount of molasses sugar decreased with increasing sugar content and replacing potassium instead of harmful elements. Application of Mn and B may need to be considered for sugar beets. Foliar fertilization with Mn has the beneficial effect mainly on such features like White sugar yield, root, gross sugars yield, and the number of leaves per single sugar beet plants. It can be concluded that the contemporary use of humic substance and micronutrient is recommended in order to achieve adequate yield and preserve the environment.
