*Corresponding author e-mail: falah1357@yahoo.com A b s t r a c t. Cattle manure has a high carbon/nitrogen ratio and may not decompose; therefore, full-dose application of urea fertilizer might improve biological properties by increasing manure decomposition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining cattle manure and urea fertilizer on soil CO2 flux, microbial biomass carbon, and dry matter accumulation during Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) growth under field conditions. The treatments were control, cattle manure, urea, different levels of split and full-dose integrated fertilizer. The results showed that integrated application of cattle manure and chemical fertilizer significantly increased microbial biomass carbon by 10%, soil organic carbon by 2.45%, total N by 3.27%, mineral N at the flowering stage by 7.57%, and CO2 flux by 9% over solitary urea application. Integrated application increased microbial biomass carbon by 10% over the solitary application and the full-dose application by 5% over the split application. The soil properties and growth parameters of N. sativa L. benefited more from the fulldose application than the split application of urea. Cattle manure combined with chemical fertilizer and the full-dose application of urea increased fertilizer efficiency and improved biological soil parameters and plant growth. This method decreased the cost of top dressing urea fertilizer and proved beneficial for the environment and medicinal plant health. K e y w o r d: carbon flux, inorganic fertilizer, integrated application, organic manure; soil respiration

Nitrogen is considered one of the most important nutrients affecting yield and quality of maize forage (Zea mays L.). A two-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of broiler litter and mineral fertilizer on dry matter production and silage quality of corn. The applied treatments were: unfertilized (control), 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 in the form of urea fertilizer (217, 434, and 651 kg urea ha-1, respectively) and 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 in the form of broiler litter (7142, 14284, and 21426 kg broiler litter ha-1, respectively). The present findings showed that Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in forage corn were not affected by urea application; however, broiler litter application significantly increased Fe, Mn and Cu concentrations of corn stover in a linear trend. The broiler litter and urea fertilizer significantly increased both dry matter and protein content of forage corn but no significant differences on those components were obtained between broiler litter and urea fertilizer at each N application rate. The results suggested that N applied to forage corn by broiler litter, at the recommended rate for inorganic N fertilization, is almost more effective in terms of forage nutritive value response than urea fertilizer. The profitability of forage corn production could be enhanced by replacing chemical fertilizers with broiler litter.

Introduction Drought stress is one of the most yield reduction factor of lima bean where effects on the more than 60% of bean world production. In this regard, solutions that help increase productivity with high water efficiency in this region can change the agricultural crop production. One of the solutions is using organic materials (acid humic). Humic acid with linkage of water molecules and folic acid and penetration into plant tissues link to water molecules reduce evaporation and transpiration and finally helps inner plant water. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the effects of humic acid on yield and yield components of lima bean under water stress conditions, a field experiment was conducted as split plot arrangement in RCBD design with three replications at the Research Station of Shahrekord University in year 1994. Main factors include four treatments of water deficit (irrigation after 50, 70, 90 and 110 mm evaporation from evaporate pan of class A) and sub factor include four levels of humic acid (0, 1, 3, and 6 lit/ha). For this purpose, a semi-deep plowing in the spring then by the two vertical discs were leveling land and finally by furrower created 80 cm row width. Lima bean seeds were prepared by Pars Khomein Company. Seeds were planted in the wet soil. In this way, sterilized seeds were planted in both side of 80 cm width row with 20 cm row plant space in depth of 5 cm at plots area of 3×4 m2. During the plant growth period, the plots were irrigated by furrow irrigation, hand weeding were applied through the experiment. Chemical fertilizers were applied based on the soil test analysis and plant requirements. After achieving the desired density and complete plant establishment, where the plants had two stem nodes, irrigation treatment were applied as cumulative evaporation from class A evaporation pan, and this trend continued until harvest. Humic acid used in the composition of the liquid phase include 12% of humic acid, 3% of folic acid and 3% of potassium oxide. The recommended concentration of humic acid (1, 3, and 6 lit/ha) before flowering was applied two times within two weeks. Plants were harvested when the pods reach 80 to 90% maturity. After harvesting the plants for measurements number of pods per plant, length, width and weight of pods, number of seeds per pod, 100 seeds weight, seed yield and harvest index were transported to the laboratory. Data traits were analyzed by SAS 9, mean comparison of treatments using the least significant difference (LSD) at 5% by MSTAT-C were evaluated. Excel was used to plot the graphs. Results and Discussion The results showed that the humic acid in drought conditions increased yield of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight, grain yield and harvest index was followed. In this experiment, as the width of the seed was not influenced by drought stress and humic acid. Traits of pod weight and seeds number per pod were only affected by drought stress and pod length significantly affected by drought stress and humic acid was used. Drought stress by drying pollen grains, reducing the duration of flowering and young pods loss reduced pod per plant. The current decrease in photosynthesis leads to founder grains shrink and ultimately decreased 100 seeds weight under drought stress. Humic acid appears to increase plant photosynthesis activity as increased enzyme activity of Rubiscoand to improve production of sugar, protein and vitamins in plant and has a positive effect on the various aspects of photosynthesis, seed storage compounds increased. In general, many of the economical yield of a plant, is the result of the growth process that occurs during growth and development. Drought stress can affect performance by influencing these yield processes. The yield was decreased due to stress, so that the performance of the plants in drought stress levels were less than optimum irrigation. Humic acid increased cell membrane permeability, thereby facilitating the entry of potassium, resulting in increased pressure moved into the cell and cell division. On the other hand, increasing energy inside cells leads to the production of chlorophyll and photosynthesis rate. Followed by an important factor in the growth of the nitrogen uptake into cells is developed resonance and finally, the effects of nitrate production decreases, which leads to the increased production. Reduced harvest index in drought stress treatment may be due to reduction of photosynthetic level, reduced photosynthesis remobilization in grain filling stage and more sensitive of vegetative growth compared to vegetative growth to the adverse conditions. Conclusion A total of 6 liters per hectare application of humic acid under drought stress and moderate stress (irrigation after 70 mm evaporation) is recommended. Because under stress condition, caused the highest yield. Therefore, usage of organic materials in arid and semi-arid areas to fight drought stress and in order to deal with drought stress is recommended for sustainable agriculture. Key words: Foliar application, Lima bean, Organic matter, Water deficit

Cattle manure has a high carbon/nitrogen ratio and may not decompose; therefore, full-dose application of urea fertilizer might improve biological properties by increasing manure decomposition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining cattle manure and urea fertilizer on soil CO2 flux, microbial biomass carbon, and dry matter accumulation during Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) growth under field conditions. The treatments were control, cattle manure, urea, different levels of split and full-dose integrated fertilizer. The results showed that integrated application of cattle manure and chemical fertilizer significantly increased microbial biomass carbon by 10%, soil organic carbon by 2.45%, total N by 3.27%, mineral N at the flowering stage by 7.57%, and CO2 flux by 9% over solitary urea application. Integrated application increased microbial biomass carbon by 10% over the solitary application and the full-dose application by 5% over the split application. The soil properties and growth parameters of N. sativa L. benefited more from the fulldose application than the split application of urea. Cattle manure combined with chemical fertilizer and the full-dose application of urea increased fertilizer efficiency and improved biological soil parameters and plant growth. This method decreased the cost of top dressing urea fertilizer and proved beneficial for the environment and medicinal plant health.

Owing to rising production and use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in the myriad of consumer applications, ENPs are being released into the environment where their potential fate and effects have remained unclear. With naturally occurring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF; Glomus intraradices) in soils, their influence (positive or negative) on ENPs toxicity in plants is not well documented. Herein, we investigated potential influence of AMF on the growth and development in fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) under varied Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) treatments (0, 125, 250, 375 and 500 mu g g(-1)). Results showed that in the absence of AMF, increasing ZnONPs concentrations caused significant decline in root nodule number and biomass in fenugreek. In non-AMF plants, shoot length, and biomass of both root and shoot decreased at >375 mu g g(-1) of ZnONPs treatment; while Zn uptake by shoot and root increased as a function of ZnONPs treatments. Interestingly, AMF colonization in roots significantly diminished at 375 mu g g(-1) ZnONPs treatment compared to controls. More importantly, AMF inoculation ameliorated inhibitory effects of ZnONPs by promoting secretion of glycoprotein called glomalin a potent metal chelator within the rhizosphere, which significantly reduced (by almost half) Zn uptake by root and subsequent translocation to the shoot. AMF inoculation (high glomalin secretion)-mediated low Zn uptake might have been stimulatory to promote root and shoot growth in fenugreek. The results highlight significant protective roles of rhizospheric AMF through glomalin secretion thereby ameliorating nanotoxicity in plants, and underscore the need to include soil-microbial interactions when assessing nanophytotoxicology and risks. Furthermore, potential positive implications to other organisms in the food chain can be inferred due to low tropic transfer of ENPs and/or associated toxic dissolved ions in the presence of naturally occurring soil fingi. (C) 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

A laboratory trial was conducted to determine whether suspensions of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) could interfere with the early growth of fenugreek. This plant species is one of the recommended species by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Nine concentrations of ZnO NPs (10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 mg/L) were prepared in deionized )DI( water (considered as a control). Seed soaking and incubation of seeds in ZnO NPs suspensions were compared. We found that ZnO NPs cannot pass through the seed coat, because neither the seed soaking affect seedling growth nor the germination rate was not affected by ZnO NPs. The root and shoot growth were not affected until 100 and 500 mg/L, respectively, but in concentration more than 100 and 500 mg/L, root and shoot growth negatively were affected. Therefore root growth upon exposure to ZnO NPs was more sensitive than shoot growth.

In sustainable agriculture, efficient use of the nutrients residues of fertilizers had superior importance to production of green manure. In order to utilize the organic and chemical fertilizer residue in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) crop to green manure production of pea (Pisum sativum), the experiment was conducted at Shahrekord University during 2012-2013. Treatments included application of cattle manure (CM), urea (U), three ratios CM:U full dose application (2:1; 1:1;1:2), three ratios CM:U split application (2:1; 1:1;1:2), and unfertilized control to in previous crop (black cumin) in 2012. Pea seeds planted in 2013, and provided no additional manure or fertilizer. The results indicated that the residue of cattle manure and cattle manure: chemical fertilizer (2:1) produced the greatest of pea dry matter (3734 and 3526 kg.ha-1, respectively) at flowering stage. The greatest nitrogen concentration (51.1 and 50.3 g.kg-1 at before flowering and flowering stage, respectively), nitrogen uptake (176.2 kg.ha-1 at flowering stage) and N/P (13.3 at flowering stage) were obtained in the residue of split integrated fertilizer (2:1), however the maximum of phosphorus uptake (16.1 kg.ha-1 at flowering stage) observed in cattle manure residue. The lowest C/N (13.14 at before flowering stage) obtained in the residue of split integrated fertilizer (2:1). In general it can be concluded that the use of the applied fertilizers residue of previous crop, in addition to preventing the loss of nutrients is effective technique to improve the production and quality of green manure.

ABSTRACT We present data of a 2 years field experiment on influence of intercropping and N source on yield and yield components of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)–buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) intercrops. The experiment was conducted at the research farm, College of Agriculture, Shahrekord, Iran during 2014 and 2015. Treatments included sole cropping of fenugreek (F), sole cropping of buckwheat (B), and three intercropping ratios. Second factor was N fertilizer type: mineral chemical fertilizer (CF) or broiler litter (BL). Intercropping improved yield of fenugreek and buckwheat compared with sole cropping and BL was the more effective fertilizer especially in intercrops. Fenugreek and buckwheat in intercrops used available environmental resources for increasing pods plant−1, seeds pod−1, 1000-seed weight, and harvest index (HI) (for fenugreek) and clusters plant−1 and 1000-seed weight (for buckwheat) compared to the respective sole crops in both years. The resulting land equivalent ratios (LERs) of intercrops varied from 0.99 to 1.72 and the highest LER was observed in F:B = 2:1 treated with BL. This study shows a potential yield benefit of fenugreek–buckwheat intercropping under semiarid growing conditions when planting fenugreek and buckwheat at a ratio of 2:1, respectively, and applying BL compared with sole cropping with inorganic fertilizer application.

The hereby study was based on a factorial experiment conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, at Agriculture College, Shahrekord University, Iran, in 2014. The role of salicylic acid (SA), potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium chloride (KCl) was evaluated on seed germination of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under different cadmium concentrations. Treatments included four levels of seed priming (no priming, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate, salicylic acid) and four levels of cadmium concentration (0, 10, 20, 30 mg/L). Cadmium chloride caused a significant inhibition in germination percentage, root elongation, shoot elongation and seedling dry weight. The shoot length was more sensitive to cadmium concentrations than the root length. Primed seeds with SA (100 mg/L) proved protection against Cd stress and increased the germination percentage, root elongation, shoot elongation and dry weight of seedlings compared to the control treatment. Seeds treated with SA alleviated the Cd negative effect on germination parameters. In conclusion, using seed priming with salicylic acid can be recommended as a good technique for fenugreek crop on fields exposed to high cadmium toxicity.

Organic manures can be a valuable and inexpensive source of soil amending materials to supply plant nutrients, and to improve soil properties that are important for crop performance. However, effects of broiler litter on soil chemical properties and maize performance in arid and semi-arid areas are not well-known. The main objective of this study was to explore the interactive influence of broiler litter and chemical NP fertilizers on maize yield and chemical properties of a calcareous soil. The experiment consisted of two methods of fertilizer placements and seven fertilizer treatments conducted for two successive years under field conditions. Results showed that furrower method improved soil chemical properties and subsequently increased maize grain yield and dry matter production compared with disk + furrower method. The N and P levels in soil increased with the application of NP fertilizers and broiler litter. Soils amended with broiler litter and NP fertilizers had greater maize grain yield and dry matter production than the control. In conclusion, furrower placement combined with the application of broiler litter and 20% of the optimum chemical NP fertilizers were the most efficient nutrient management practice for increasing maize performance in the studied area. [Seyfollah Fallah, Amir Ghalavand and Fayez Raiesi. The Combined Influence of Broiler Litter and Mineral NP Fertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties, Maize Performance and Nutrient Uptake in a Calcareous Soil. Rep Opinion 2014;6(7):88-99]. (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub.net/report. 13

A field experiment was conducted to compare the effect of different rates of urea-nitrogen (N) and broiler litter-N on CO2 production, microbial biomass C (MBC), urease, alkaline phosphatase and invertase activities of a calcareous soil during 100 days of maize growth under field conditions. The experiment consisted of seven N treatments (i.e., control/unfertilized plots and plots received 100, 200, 300kgNha−1 from urea and broiler litter alone) with four replications. Results showed that urea and broiler litter applications had a significant influence (P<0.05) on all the measured soil biological properties and maize production. However, the effect of N treatments on soil properties much depended upon the time after fertilizer application, the rate of N applied and the type of fertilizer. The averaged CO2 production (soil respiration) from the surface soil increased with broiler litter and urea additions by 6 and 11% relative to the control soil, respectively. Similarly, urea and broiler litter additions resulted in a significant increase in soil MBC (43–136%), while the soil MBC value with broiler litter treatments was 28% greater than that with urea treatments. Broiler litter and urea treatments had also greater activities of soil urease (0–76%), alkaline phosphatase (9–58%) and invertase (6–31%) than the control treatment. Nonetheless, broiler litter addition had a greater effect on soil alkaline phosphatase (12%) and invertase (17%) than urea addition, whereas urease activity in urea-treated soils was 13% higher than that in broiler litter-treated soils. Most soil biological properties were improved with increasing the level of urea-N and broiler litter-N, but broiler litter applied at 200 and 300kgNha−1 had the best and comparable effect on soil biological properties. Additionally, urea and broiler litter additions to this calcareous soil resulted in a significant increase in maize growth and production over the unfertilized plots. However, the application of both broiler litter and urea at 200 and 300kgNha−1 brought about similar maize biomass production, suggesting an adequate maize production could be obtained with urea and broiler litter when both are applied at 200kgNha−1. The results of this study also indicated that the soil MBC, CO2-C production and urease activity were significantly related with maize yield. In brief, broiler litter application can restore soil microbial biomass and activities in the semi-arid areas of Central Iran, where soil organic matter (SOM) level is very low due to low organic C inputs. Broiler litter has a greater effect on soil properties than urea, highlighting the importance of this organic fertilizer in ecological restoration of cropland soils for a sustainable cropping system in the studied area.

The main objective of this study was to explore the interactive influence of broiler litter and chemical nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P) fertilizers placed with furrower and with disk + furrower on maize yield and soil chemical properties. The experiment consisted of two methods of fertilizer placements and seven fertilizer treatments conducted for two successive years under field conditions. Results showed that furrower method improved soil chemical properties and subsequently increased maize grain yield and dry-matter production compared with the disk + furrower method. The N and P levels in soil increased with the application of NP fertilizers and broiler litter. Soils amended with broiler litter and NP fertilizers had greater maize grain yield and dry-matter production than the control. In conclusion, furrower placement combined with the application of broiler litter and 20% of the optimum chemical NP fertilizers were the most efficient nutrient management practice for increasing maize performance in the studied area.