Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Effect of anionic polyacrylamide on aggregation and dispersible clay percentage in soils treated with plant residues Effect of anionic polyacrylamide on aggregation and dispersible clay percentage in soils treated with plant residues 1 23 3140 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3140 FA Ali Akbar Safari Sinegani Journal Article 2015 07 03 Background and objectives:<br />Anionic polyacrylamide application as an organic conditioner alone or in combination with organic material, can improve soil properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence some organic conditioners on mean weight diameter (MWD) and dispersible clay percentage (DCP).<br />Materials and methods:<br />Soil samples collected from the top 30-cm layer of two loamy sand and clay soils were treated with alfalfa and wheat residues ( Background and objectives:<br />Anionic polyacrylamide application as an organic conditioner alone or in combination with organic material, can improve soil properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence some organic conditioners on mean weight diameter (MWD) and dispersible clay percentage (DCP).<br />Materials and methods:<br />Soil samples collected from the top 30-cm layer of two loamy sand and clay soils were treated with alfalfa and wheat residues ( https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3140_5c1d3745018b1011c6c8cc742aa1bd7f.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Effects of sulfur rates and sources on growth and fruit quality of apple var. Golden Delicious Effects of sulfur rates and sources on growth and fruit quality of apple var. Golden Delicious 25 44 3141 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3141 FA Aziz Majidi 1. Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of west Azerbaijan, Urmia, Iran Journal Article 2013 11 01 Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient influencing plant growth, nutrient efficiency, quality and health of agricultural crops. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of S rates and sources on growth and fruit quality of apple (Malus domestica L.) trees of ‘Golden Delicious’ at West Azerbaijan, Iran. Experiment was conducted during four seasons (2003-2007), using a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included two sources of S (organic and inorganic S with Thiobacillus inoculums), each applied at three different rates (0, 2 and 4 Kg S/tree). The results showed soil pH and availability of P, Fe and Zn were significantly influenced by S application rates. The least pH and the highest values of P, Zn and Fe availability in soil were achieved with 4 kg S/tree. Leaf chemical analysis revealed significant relationship between S rates and leaf nutrient contents except of Ca and Mg. Leaf N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents were increased with S application as compared with the control. The added S had no effect on fruit firmness but, the highest weight, total soluble solid and total acidity of fruit recorded in 4 kg S/tree from organic source. Chlorophyll content was significantly increased with S application rates. The highest chlorophyll content obtained in 2 kg S/tree treatment from organic source. The results suggested that, S is a key nutrient which has important role in balance nutrition, fruit quality and quantity enhancement of apple orchards in calcareous soils. Sulfur (S) is an essential macronutrient influencing plant growth, nutrient efficiency, quality and health of agricultural crops. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of S rates and sources on growth and fruit quality of apple (Malus domestica L.) trees of ‘Golden Delicious’ at West Azerbaijan, Iran. Experiment was conducted during four seasons (2003-2007), using a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments included two sources of S (organic and inorganic S with Thiobacillus inoculums), each applied at three different rates (0, 2 and 4 Kg S/tree). The results showed soil pH and availability of P, Fe and Zn were significantly influenced by S application rates. The least pH and the highest values of P, Zn and Fe availability in soil were achieved with 4 kg S/tree. Leaf chemical analysis revealed significant relationship between S rates and leaf nutrient contents except of Ca and Mg. Leaf N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents were increased with S application as compared with the control. The added S had no effect on fruit firmness but, the highest weight, total soluble solid and total acidity of fruit recorded in 4 kg S/tree from organic source. Chlorophyll content was significantly increased with S application rates. The highest chlorophyll content obtained in 2 kg S/tree treatment from organic source. The results suggested that, S is a key nutrient which has important role in balance nutrition, fruit quality and quantity enhancement of apple orchards in calcareous soils. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3141_169f563859d084771594aa03024619b7.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Evaluation of phenotypic and growth promotion characteristics of rhizobia isolated from soybean root nodules Evaluation of phenotypic and growth promotion characteristics of rhizobia isolated from soybean root nodules 45 64 3142 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3142 FA Reza Ghorbani Nasrabadi Journal Article 2016 01 02 Background and objectives: Nitrogen fixation is a biological process, which provides atmospheric nitrogen in usable form for plants, and satisfies the plants N requirement and can replace chemical fertilizers in high proportion. On the other hand, calcareous and high pH soils have usually small amounts of nutrients in available forms and use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can increase the availability of nutrients. Soybean nodulating rhizobia and establishment of their symbiosis is affected by different factors in soil. The objective of this research was to isolate and screen the root nodule rhizobia of soybean and evaluation of their resistance to some stresses and capability production of some growth promotion metabolites and biocontrol agents in selected bacteria.<br />Materials and methods:<br />Soybean root nodules have been collected from 21 different fields in various zones of Golestan province, Iran. Root nodules surface sterilization was performed by immersing intact nodules for 30 seconds in 95% alcohol and immediately transferred into 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 2-3 minutes and finally were rinsed seven times by sterile distilled water. The sterilized nodules were crushed using 1 ml of sterile water in test tube and the slurry was streaked on Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YMA) containing Congo red. The inoculated petri plates were incubated at 28°C for 3-6 days. Plant nodulation test was done with 21 rhizobial isolates under sand condition in pot experiment. The different rhizobial isolates were screened for stresses tolerance (salinity, drought, temperature,), herbicide and antibiotics resistance, production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophore and hydrogen cyanid (HCN).<br />Results: Nodulation assay showed only 11 of 21 isolated strains formed nodule on soybean roots. Only three of the isolates produced siderophore and none of them showed HCN production capability. The results showed that all the strains tolerated up to 5% NaCl. Evaluation of tolerance to temperatures showed that only isolates No. 2 and 16 were sensitive to 42 °C and the other strains grew well at high temperature. All the isolates were sensitive to tetracycline antibiotic while no inhibitory effect of the chloramphenicol and streptomycin was observed on growth of rhizobial isolates. Between two herbicides Trifluralin showed more inhibitory effect on rhizobial growth than Gallant super. Drought stress imposed by polyethylene glycol affect negatively the rhizobial growth and the severity effect depends on rhzobial isolates and drought levels. Capability of hydrolytic enzymes secretion showed that 14.2, 42.8 and 47.6 % of the isolstes produced α-amlyase, cellulose and protease, respectively.<br /><br />Conclusion: Plant growth promotion characteristics of bacterial isolates, in this research, showed that some of the isolates had the potential to use as PGPB. Those isolates capable to produce siderophore and protease, amylase and cellulase secretion as well as have the ability to grow under various stresses conditions, could use as potential isolates in inoculum production to evaluate their nitrogen fixation in soybean –rhizobium symbiosis under pot and field culture. Background and objectives: Nitrogen fixation is a biological process, which provides atmospheric nitrogen in usable form for plants, and satisfies the plants N requirement and can replace chemical fertilizers in high proportion. On the other hand, calcareous and high pH soils have usually small amounts of nutrients in available forms and use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria can increase the availability of nutrients. Soybean nodulating rhizobia and establishment of their symbiosis is affected by different factors in soil. The objective of this research was to isolate and screen the root nodule rhizobia of soybean and evaluation of their resistance to some stresses and capability production of some growth promotion metabolites and biocontrol agents in selected bacteria.<br />Materials and methods:<br />Soybean root nodules have been collected from 21 different fields in various zones of Golestan province, Iran. Root nodules surface sterilization was performed by immersing intact nodules for 30 seconds in 95% alcohol and immediately transferred into 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 2-3 minutes and finally were rinsed seven times by sterile distilled water. The sterilized nodules were crushed using 1 ml of sterile water in test tube and the slurry was streaked on Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YMA) containing Congo red. The inoculated petri plates were incubated at 28°C for 3-6 days. Plant nodulation test was done with 21 rhizobial isolates under sand condition in pot experiment. The different rhizobial isolates were screened for stresses tolerance (salinity, drought, temperature,), herbicide and antibiotics resistance, production of hydrolytic enzymes, siderophore and hydrogen cyanid (HCN).<br />Results: Nodulation assay showed only 11 of 21 isolated strains formed nodule on soybean roots. Only three of the isolates produced siderophore and none of them showed HCN production capability. The results showed that all the strains tolerated up to 5% NaCl. Evaluation of tolerance to temperatures showed that only isolates No. 2 and 16 were sensitive to 42 °C and the other strains grew well at high temperature. All the isolates were sensitive to tetracycline antibiotic while no inhibitory effect of the chloramphenicol and streptomycin was observed on growth of rhizobial isolates. Between two herbicides Trifluralin showed more inhibitory effect on rhizobial growth than Gallant super. Drought stress imposed by polyethylene glycol affect negatively the rhizobial growth and the severity effect depends on rhzobial isolates and drought levels. Capability of hydrolytic enzymes secretion showed that 14.2, 42.8 and 47.6 % of the isolstes produced α-amlyase, cellulose and protease, respectively.<br /><br />Conclusion: Plant growth promotion characteristics of bacterial isolates, in this research, showed that some of the isolates had the potential to use as PGPB. Those isolates capable to produce siderophore and protease, amylase and cellulase secretion as well as have the ability to grow under various stresses conditions, could use as potential isolates in inoculum production to evaluate their nitrogen fixation in soybean –rhizobium symbiosis under pot and field culture. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3142_0ac987917980ac572a92c37066d58d18.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Estimating Soil Organic Carbon Using Hyperspectral Data in Visible, Near-infrared and Shortwave-infrared (VIS-NIR-SWIR) Range Estimating Soil Organic Carbon Using Hyperspectral Data in Visible, Near-infrared and Shortwave-infrared (VIS-NIR-SWIR) Range 65 82 3143 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3143 FA Journal Article 2015 08 15 Background and objectives: Soil organic carbon is a main soil property and particularly important for development and sustainable management of agricultural systems. Soil Organic Matter content, which is typically measured in the form of soil organic carbon SOC content, is commonly regarded as a key indicator of soil quality and utilization (Liu et al., 2015). The presence of SOM has been proved to be beneficial for soil productivity, water holding capacity, and carbon sequestration (Prescott et al., 2000; Munson and Carey, 2004; Seely et al., 2010; Six and Paustian, 2014). Earlier studies showed that SOM is vulnerable to anthropogenic activities such as farming practices, and other economic development activities (Huang et al., 2007; Kissling et al., 2009; Mao, et al., 2014). Conventional laboratory analyses for measuring soil organic carbon, especially in large scale, are expensive and time consuming. For this reason, fast and accurately assess the amount of organic carbon can be a very valuable measure for long-term management of soil. The objectives of this study were: i) studying of proximal spectral reflectance of soils for estimating soil organic carbon by PLSR and bagging-PLSR methods and ii) investigating the effects of different preprocessing methods on performance of estimated soil organic carbon.<br />Materials and methods: A total of 200 composite soil samples on watershed scale (calibration data) and 40 soil samples on farm scale (validation data) from two different depth (0-10 and 10-30 cm) collected within a radius of 10 meters and after air drying, they were passed through 2 mm sieve. Some physicochemical characteristics of soils were measured in the laboratory. Consequently, proximal spectral reflectance of the soil samples within the VIS-NIR and SWIR (400-2500 nm) range was measured using a handheld spectroradiometer apparatus and correlation between 2000 bands and soil organic carbon were determined.<br />Results: Results indicated that the best preprocessing methods to calibrate PLSR model were wavelet deterending (RPD=1.94) and SNV with median filter (RPD=1.92). The best PLSR and bagging-PLSR model for the estimation was obtained with 17 factors. Bagging-PLSR method has high performance (RMSE=0.142-1.03 %) than PLSR method (RMSE=0.167-1.11 %) for estimating soil organic carbon. In both methods, the accuracy was decreased while soil organic carbon was bigger than 1.2 percent. <br />Conclusion: Using the soil spectral reflectance in the range of VIS, NIR and SWIR can examine the soil organic carbon. The spectral curves of different soils showed three absorbance properties at wavelengths 1414, 1913 and 2207 that was the amount of water in clay network and soil hygroscopic water, so they can be considered as a unique characteristics for each soil. These spectral bands are very important to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. Soil spectral data pre-processing and selection of the most suitable pre-processing method was one of the most important factors affecting the accuracy of bagging-PLSR and PLSR method to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. Based on the results, the method of bagging-PLSR showed higher accuracy than the PLSR method to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. Background and objectives: Soil organic carbon is a main soil property and particularly important for development and sustainable management of agricultural systems. Soil Organic Matter content, which is typically measured in the form of soil organic carbon SOC content, is commonly regarded as a key indicator of soil quality and utilization (Liu et al., 2015). The presence of SOM has been proved to be beneficial for soil productivity, water holding capacity, and carbon sequestration (Prescott et al., 2000; Munson and Carey, 2004; Seely et al., 2010; Six and Paustian, 2014). Earlier studies showed that SOM is vulnerable to anthropogenic activities such as farming practices, and other economic development activities (Huang et al., 2007; Kissling et al., 2009; Mao, et al., 2014). Conventional laboratory analyses for measuring soil organic carbon, especially in large scale, are expensive and time consuming. For this reason, fast and accurately assess the amount of organic carbon can be a very valuable measure for long-term management of soil. The objectives of this study were: i) studying of proximal spectral reflectance of soils for estimating soil organic carbon by PLSR and bagging-PLSR methods and ii) investigating the effects of different preprocessing methods on performance of estimated soil organic carbon.<br />Materials and methods: A total of 200 composite soil samples on watershed scale (calibration data) and 40 soil samples on farm scale (validation data) from two different depth (0-10 and 10-30 cm) collected within a radius of 10 meters and after air drying, they were passed through 2 mm sieve. Some physicochemical characteristics of soils were measured in the laboratory. Consequently, proximal spectral reflectance of the soil samples within the VIS-NIR and SWIR (400-2500 nm) range was measured using a handheld spectroradiometer apparatus and correlation between 2000 bands and soil organic carbon were determined.<br />Results: Results indicated that the best preprocessing methods to calibrate PLSR model were wavelet deterending (RPD=1.94) and SNV with median filter (RPD=1.92). The best PLSR and bagging-PLSR model for the estimation was obtained with 17 factors. Bagging-PLSR method has high performance (RMSE=0.142-1.03 %) than PLSR method (RMSE=0.167-1.11 %) for estimating soil organic carbon. In both methods, the accuracy was decreased while soil organic carbon was bigger than 1.2 percent. <br />Conclusion: Using the soil spectral reflectance in the range of VIS, NIR and SWIR can examine the soil organic carbon. The spectral curves of different soils showed three absorbance properties at wavelengths 1414, 1913 and 2207 that was the amount of water in clay network and soil hygroscopic water, so they can be considered as a unique characteristics for each soil. These spectral bands are very important to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. Soil spectral data pre-processing and selection of the most suitable pre-processing method was one of the most important factors affecting the accuracy of bagging-PLSR and PLSR method to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. Based on the results, the method of bagging-PLSR showed higher accuracy than the PLSR method to estimate the amount of soil organic carbon. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3143_55c83186d3d5d48365a3ab2ea838fcb2.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Evaluation of salt tolerance in two olive rootstocks based on growth characteristics and mathematical analysis of their regression equation with salinity Evaluation of salt tolerance in two olive rootstocks based on growth characteristics and mathematical analysis of their regression equation with salinity 83 100 3144 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3144 FA Journal Article 2015 05 09 Salinity is one of the most important limiting factors for crops, because of most agronomic and horticultural crops are sensitive to salinity. On the other hands, considerable lands of the world were affected by salinity and they are increasing day by day. An experiment was conducted with five levels of irrigation water salinity in soilless culture and greenhouse condition to evaluate the effects of salinity on growth parameters of two olive rootstocks.Data showed that salinity decreases significantly some growth parameters such as shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight to root dry weight, and shoot elongation and decreasing amounts of all growth parameters by salinity in Zard rootstock were more than that of Mission. Shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight and root dry weight at 16 dS.m-1 salinity treatments were decreased 80, 80 and 69 percent respectively compared to control. Data also demonstrated that among different growth parameters, leaf aria had the most sensitivity to salinity and leaf relative water content(LRWC) had the lowest sensitivity to salinity. Base on the results, relative leaf aria was decreased 25 percent at 2.3 and 5.0 dS.m-1 salinity in Zard and Mission rootstock, respectively. Salinity status for 25 percent decrease of relative dry weight of these parameters were 2.8, 2.9 and 4.4 dS.m-1 in Zard rootstock and 5.3, 6.1 and 6.9 dS.m-1 in Mission rootstock respectively.Data analysis showed that there were a regression equation among salinity and some growth parameters such as relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll. Data showed that the slope of regression fit line in Zard rootstock was more negative than Mission rootstock. These results confirmed that some variables such as relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll content were more sensitive to salinity in Zard rootstock in compare to Mission rootstock.Data also showed that salinity status to for 25 percent decrees of relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll content in Mission rootstock were 5.06, 5.51, 20.39 and 11.5 and for Zard rootstock were 2.33, 2.81, 15 and 8.61 dS.m-1 respectively. Data also indicated that 25 percent decrease in total relative dry matter were in 7.0 and 3.6 dS.m-1 salinity in Zard and Mission rootstooks, respectively. On the whole, evaluation of plant growth parameters and their sensitivity to salinity indicated that Mission rootstock had more tolerance to salinity and was recommendable to cultivation in salt affected soils. Salinity is one of the most important limiting factors for crops, because of most agronomic and horticultural crops are sensitive to salinity. On the other hands, considerable lands of the world were affected by salinity and they are increasing day by day. An experiment was conducted with five levels of irrigation water salinity in soilless culture and greenhouse condition to evaluate the effects of salinity on growth parameters of two olive rootstocks.Data showed that salinity decreases significantly some growth parameters such as shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight to root dry weight, and shoot elongation and decreasing amounts of all growth parameters by salinity in Zard rootstock were more than that of Mission. Shoot dry weight, leaf dry weight and root dry weight at 16 dS.m-1 salinity treatments were decreased 80, 80 and 69 percent respectively compared to control. Data also demonstrated that among different growth parameters, leaf aria had the most sensitivity to salinity and leaf relative water content(LRWC) had the lowest sensitivity to salinity. Base on the results, relative leaf aria was decreased 25 percent at 2.3 and 5.0 dS.m-1 salinity in Zard and Mission rootstock, respectively. Salinity status for 25 percent decrease of relative dry weight of these parameters were 2.8, 2.9 and 4.4 dS.m-1 in Zard rootstock and 5.3, 6.1 and 6.9 dS.m-1 in Mission rootstock respectively.Data analysis showed that there were a regression equation among salinity and some growth parameters such as relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll. Data showed that the slope of regression fit line in Zard rootstock was more negative than Mission rootstock. These results confirmed that some variables such as relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll content were more sensitive to salinity in Zard rootstock in compare to Mission rootstock.Data also showed that salinity status to for 25 percent decrees of relative leaf aria, leaf number, leaf water content and leaf chlorophyll content in Mission rootstock were 5.06, 5.51, 20.39 and 11.5 and for Zard rootstock were 2.33, 2.81, 15 and 8.61 dS.m-1 respectively. Data also indicated that 25 percent decrease in total relative dry matter were in 7.0 and 3.6 dS.m-1 salinity in Zard and Mission rootstooks, respectively. On the whole, evaluation of plant growth parameters and their sensitivity to salinity indicated that Mission rootstock had more tolerance to salinity and was recommendable to cultivation in salt affected soils. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3144_e8c3fe61d28e3905a3a365d50edd3e18.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Physicochemical properties, Micromorphology and clay mineralogy of soils containing zeolite in Rafsanjan Area, Iran Physicochemical properties, Micromorphology and clay mineralogy of soils containing zeolite in Rafsanjan Area, Iran 101 118 3145 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3145 FA Negar Yazdani Jahromi Former MSc Student, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Mohammad Hady Farpoor Professor, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Mostafa Karimian Eghbal Associate Professor, Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2015 02 17 Background and objectives : Zeolite is a group of anionic hydrated aluminosilicates with a tridimensional structure which has great implications in remediation of water, sediment and soil resources. The present research aims at physicochemical investigation, clay mineralogy and micromorphology of soils along Rafsanjan-Sarcheshmeh lithotoposequence, southeastern Iran. <br />Materials and methods: The study area starts from mantled pediments, southern west of Rafsanjan and extends to Sarcheshmeh town. Soil moisture and temperature regimes of the area were aridic and mesic, respectively. Topography and geology maps together with Google Earth images were used to investigate different landforms and geological formations in the area. Mantled pediment (pedon 1), rock pediment (pedons 2 and 3) and mountain (pedons 4, 5, 6 and 7) were among dominant landforms recognized in the area under study. Mantled pediment is composed of younger gravel sediments. On the other hand, arkose and tuff are dominant in rock pediment. Besides, mountain geomorphic surface show high proportion of tracky basaltic and doloritic rocks. Seven pedons affected by geological formations on different landforms were described and sampled. Physicochemical analyses together with clay mineralogy and micromorphological observations performed and Soil Taxonomy and WRB were used for soil classification. <br />Results: Calcic, gypsic, argillic and cambic diagnostic horizons were identified according to field and laboratory investigations. Soils were classified as Typic Haplocalcids, Typic Calciargids, Typic Torriorthents and Typic Haplocambids using Soil Taxonomy. Cambisols, Calcisols, and Regosols were also found according to WRB classification system. Presence of Btk horizon in pedons 4 and 5 was attributed to more available humidity of paleoclimate. Micromorphological observations showed grey radial (fan shape) zeolite crystals with parallel extinction. Calcite coatings, hypocoatings and nodules were among calcium carbonate pedofeatures identified. Lenticular and interlocked plates of gypsum and clay coatings were also observed during micromorphological investigations. Kaolinite, illite, palygorskite and smectite clay minerals were determined. Chabazite with first, second, and third order peaks of 0.64, 0.59, and 0.29 nm and natrolite with first and second order peaks of 0.42 and 0.3 nm together with calcite and quartz impurities were investigated in zeolitic geological formations of the area using X-ray diffractometers. Natrolite was the only zeolite found in soils under study and showed a decreasing trend with distance from zeolitic geological formations. Zeolite in soils of the area seems to be inherited from parent material.<br />Conclusion: Results of the study showed role of topography and parent material on variability of soil properties in the area. Background and objectives : Zeolite is a group of anionic hydrated aluminosilicates with a tridimensional structure which has great implications in remediation of water, sediment and soil resources. The present research aims at physicochemical investigation, clay mineralogy and micromorphology of soils along Rafsanjan-Sarcheshmeh lithotoposequence, southeastern Iran. <br />Materials and methods: The study area starts from mantled pediments, southern west of Rafsanjan and extends to Sarcheshmeh town. Soil moisture and temperature regimes of the area were aridic and mesic, respectively. Topography and geology maps together with Google Earth images were used to investigate different landforms and geological formations in the area. Mantled pediment (pedon 1), rock pediment (pedons 2 and 3) and mountain (pedons 4, 5, 6 and 7) were among dominant landforms recognized in the area under study. Mantled pediment is composed of younger gravel sediments. On the other hand, arkose and tuff are dominant in rock pediment. Besides, mountain geomorphic surface show high proportion of tracky basaltic and doloritic rocks. Seven pedons affected by geological formations on different landforms were described and sampled. Physicochemical analyses together with clay mineralogy and micromorphological observations performed and Soil Taxonomy and WRB were used for soil classification. <br />Results: Calcic, gypsic, argillic and cambic diagnostic horizons were identified according to field and laboratory investigations. Soils were classified as Typic Haplocalcids, Typic Calciargids, Typic Torriorthents and Typic Haplocambids using Soil Taxonomy. Cambisols, Calcisols, and Regosols were also found according to WRB classification system. Presence of Btk horizon in pedons 4 and 5 was attributed to more available humidity of paleoclimate. Micromorphological observations showed grey radial (fan shape) zeolite crystals with parallel extinction. Calcite coatings, hypocoatings and nodules were among calcium carbonate pedofeatures identified. Lenticular and interlocked plates of gypsum and clay coatings were also observed during micromorphological investigations. Kaolinite, illite, palygorskite and smectite clay minerals were determined. Chabazite with first, second, and third order peaks of 0.64, 0.59, and 0.29 nm and natrolite with first and second order peaks of 0.42 and 0.3 nm together with calcite and quartz impurities were investigated in zeolitic geological formations of the area using X-ray diffractometers. Natrolite was the only zeolite found in soils under study and showed a decreasing trend with distance from zeolitic geological formations. Zeolite in soils of the area seems to be inherited from parent material.<br />Conclusion: Results of the study showed role of topography and parent material on variability of soil properties in the area. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3145_6b7247bb7d6a3a53d1f2f21510d08b4d.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Assessment of heavy metals using pollution load index in Zanjan Zinc Industrial Town area Assessment of heavy metals using pollution load index in Zanjan Zinc Industrial Town area 119 133 3146 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3146 FA Yaser Safari University of Zanjan Journal Article 2015 03 27 Abstract<br /><br />Background and objectives: Considering progressive growth of industry and technology, the accumulation of environmental contaminants, especially heavy metals (HMs) in the soil is of increasing worldwide concern about the probable soil pollution risks. The perception of pollutants spatial distribution pattern and recognition of factors which control this pattern and identification of probable sources of pollution, are the most important purposes in the environmental pollution studies. The present study was conducted to achieve to useful information to distinguish the role of natural sources from the human ones, using modeling the spatial variability pattern of heavy metals pollution load index in the Zanjan Zinc Industrial Town area. <br /><br />Materials and methods: In the present study, 85 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) using a regular grid sampling pattern were collected. The total (Nitric-acid extractable) contents of Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu were measured for each soil sample using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Assessing the soil pollution risk with selected HMs, contamination factor was calculated. Accordingly, sampling locations were classified into the different soil contamination classes. In order to simultaneous assessment of the status of overall soil pollution by the pollutant elements, pollution load index (PLI) of studied heavy metals was calculated. Afterwards, PLI was considered as an environmental variable which its values at un-sampled locations were interpolated using ordinary kriging method. <br /><br />Results: Comparing the measured HMs contents with their maximum permissible limits in the soil showed that the studied soils are polluted with Zn, Pb and Cd, but non-polluted with Ni and Cu. The total concentration of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soil showed a great degree of variability, indicated by large coefficients of variation (CV) from 140.5 % of Cd to 185.6 % of Pb. These elevated CVs may indicate that these elements’ distribution in the studied area is influenced by an anthropogenic source. In contrast, the relatively low calculated CVs for Ni (78.1 %) and Cu (80.3 %) may imply that natural sources are responsible for these elements’ distribution in the studied soils. Classification of observations according to the contamination factor of studied heavy metals showed that most of sampling points occurred in the very high contamination class regarding Zn and Pb (65.9 % and 68.2 %, respectively) and in the medium contamination class regarding Cd, Cu and Ni (57.7, 51.8 and 68.2 %, respectively). Mapping the spatial variability of heavy metals pollution load index showed that areas with highest pollution contents occurred in the contiguity of Zinc Town. <br /><br />Conclusion: Totally, industrial activities related to Zn production caused to simultaneous entrance of several heavy metals to the adjacent soils and lead to degradation of the lands in studied area. Considering the low efficiency of single-element maps for HMs to reflect the overall soil quality in relation to environmental contaminants, modeling of the spatial variability of PLI may provide the good perception of the contaminants' spatial distribution and their effects on soil quality. Abstract<br /><br />Background and objectives: Considering progressive growth of industry and technology, the accumulation of environmental contaminants, especially heavy metals (HMs) in the soil is of increasing worldwide concern about the probable soil pollution risks. The perception of pollutants spatial distribution pattern and recognition of factors which control this pattern and identification of probable sources of pollution, are the most important purposes in the environmental pollution studies. The present study was conducted to achieve to useful information to distinguish the role of natural sources from the human ones, using modeling the spatial variability pattern of heavy metals pollution load index in the Zanjan Zinc Industrial Town area. <br /><br />Materials and methods: In the present study, 85 topsoil samples (0-20 cm) using a regular grid sampling pattern were collected. The total (Nitric-acid extractable) contents of Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cu were measured for each soil sample using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Assessing the soil pollution risk with selected HMs, contamination factor was calculated. Accordingly, sampling locations were classified into the different soil contamination classes. In order to simultaneous assessment of the status of overall soil pollution by the pollutant elements, pollution load index (PLI) of studied heavy metals was calculated. Afterwards, PLI was considered as an environmental variable which its values at un-sampled locations were interpolated using ordinary kriging method. <br /><br />Results: Comparing the measured HMs contents with their maximum permissible limits in the soil showed that the studied soils are polluted with Zn, Pb and Cd, but non-polluted with Ni and Cu. The total concentration of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soil showed a great degree of variability, indicated by large coefficients of variation (CV) from 140.5 % of Cd to 185.6 % of Pb. These elevated CVs may indicate that these elements’ distribution in the studied area is influenced by an anthropogenic source. In contrast, the relatively low calculated CVs for Ni (78.1 %) and Cu (80.3 %) may imply that natural sources are responsible for these elements’ distribution in the studied soils. Classification of observations according to the contamination factor of studied heavy metals showed that most of sampling points occurred in the very high contamination class regarding Zn and Pb (65.9 % and 68.2 %, respectively) and in the medium contamination class regarding Cd, Cu and Ni (57.7, 51.8 and 68.2 %, respectively). Mapping the spatial variability of heavy metals pollution load index showed that areas with highest pollution contents occurred in the contiguity of Zinc Town. <br /><br />Conclusion: Totally, industrial activities related to Zn production caused to simultaneous entrance of several heavy metals to the adjacent soils and lead to degradation of the lands in studied area. Considering the low efficiency of single-element maps for HMs to reflect the overall soil quality in relation to environmental contaminants, modeling of the spatial variability of PLI may provide the good perception of the contaminants' spatial distribution and their effects on soil quality. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3146_889db8f080a8c00de0eef98c10b805b1.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Effect of moisture level and rock phosphate on soluble P at the presence of phosphorus solubilizing fungi during time Effect of moisture level and rock phosphate on soluble P at the presence of phosphorus solubilizing fungi during time 135 150 3147 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3147 FA Journal Article 2014 06 23 Dissolution of phosphate by P solubilizing microorganisms is dependent on the environmental conditions and the composition of the medium culture. Present study conducted to investigate the effect of two fungal species, moisture content and rock phosphate content on water soluble phosphate (WSP), pH and changes of medium weight with time. Two fungi Aspergillus niger and one isolate from rock phosphate mine mountain Laar used as P solubilizing fungi. The experiment performed as factorial in a completely randomized design with three rock phosphate (RP) levels (zero, 1:8 and 1:4 RP: rice husk), two levels of moisture content (100 and 200% w/w) and fungi at three levels (control, the isolate and A. niger) with three replications for 60 days. At 10, 30 and 60 days after incubation WSP, pH and mass reduction of culture medium were measured. Results showed that presence of RP not only did not increase but even decreased WSP. Genrally, WSP increased with moisture increase to 200%. The highest WSP achieved in the presence of A. niger on 200% moisture level and 1:8 RP. Water soluble P showed a decreasing trend in the presence of the isolate though it had a higher growth than A. niger. The trend of pH changes were similar to WSP which increased as pH decreased. Results of the present study suggest that medium composition and condition is important on P solubilization and need more attention. Dissolution of phosphate by P solubilizing microorganisms is dependent on the environmental conditions and the composition of the medium culture. Present study conducted to investigate the effect of two fungal species, moisture content and rock phosphate content on water soluble phosphate (WSP), pH and changes of medium weight with time. Two fungi Aspergillus niger and one isolate from rock phosphate mine mountain Laar used as P solubilizing fungi. The experiment performed as factorial in a completely randomized design with three rock phosphate (RP) levels (zero, 1:8 and 1:4 RP: rice husk), two levels of moisture content (100 and 200% w/w) and fungi at three levels (control, the isolate and A. niger) with three replications for 60 days. At 10, 30 and 60 days after incubation WSP, pH and mass reduction of culture medium were measured. Results showed that presence of RP not only did not increase but even decreased WSP. Genrally, WSP increased with moisture increase to 200%. The highest WSP achieved in the presence of A. niger on 200% moisture level and 1:8 RP. Water soluble P showed a decreasing trend in the presence of the isolate though it had a higher growth than A. niger. The trend of pH changes were similar to WSP which increased as pH decreased. Results of the present study suggest that medium composition and condition is important on P solubilization and need more attention. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3147_fbf24cd0ac42d676890832a18eb5aa62.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 Dynamics of Sugar Beet Vinasse in Soil and Its Effect on Physicochemical Properties of Calcareous and Acidic Soil Dynamics of Sugar Beet Vinasse in Soil and Its Effect on Physicochemical Properties of Calcareous and Acidic Soil 151 166 3148 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3148 FA Ahmad Golchin Zanjan University Fatemeh Rakhsh Behnam Salvand Zanjan University Amin Vatani Zanjan University Journal Article 2014 04 25 To determine the effects of vinasse on physicochemical properties of a calcareous and an acidic soil experiment was factorial and had a complete randomized design and three replications. Factorial combinations of five vinasse levels (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 t/ha) and three exposure times (10, 20 and 30 days) were considered as the treatments of this experiment. The result of experiment showed that the percentage of dispersible clay in both soils increased as the exposure time increased. The effects of vinasse levels were also significant on the percentage of dispersible clay and application of vinasse increased and decreased this parameter respectively in acidic and calcareous soils. The result of analysis of variance of data showed that time of exposure to vinasse was not effective on the pH of the soils. Application of vinasse decreased the pH of the acidic soil significantly but it was not effective on the pH of the calcareous soil. The application rate of vinasse was effective on EC of both soils and the EC increased with increasing the application rate. To compare decomposition rates of vinasse in acidic and calcareous soils, an experiment was performed in this experiment, vinasse was added to samples of both soils at the rate of 5% and the samples were incubated for 2 months the decomposition rates of vinasse were measured by direct method and collecting CO2 in sodium hydroxide. The results showed that 59% and 69% of vinasse carbon decomposed respectively in calcareous and acidic soils during incubation period (60 days). The decomposition rate of vinasse was faster in the beginning of incubation period (first 5 days) and decreased with time. In the first 5 days of incubation period, the decomposition rate of vinasse was higher in the acidic soil than the calcareous soil. But after that and as the time elapsed the decomposition rates of vinasse in both soils became similar.<br />To compare decomposition rates of vinasse in acidic and calcareous soils, an experiment was performed in this experiment, vinasse was added to samples of both soils at the rate of 5% and the samples were incubated for 2 months the decomposition rates of vinasse were measured by direct method and collecting CO2 in sodium hydroxide. The results showed that 59% and 69% of vinasse carbon decomposed respectively in calcareous and acidic soils during incubation period (60 days). The decomposition rate of vinasse was faster in the beginning of incubation period (first 5 days) and decreased with time. In the first 5 days of incubation period, the decomposition rate of vinasse was higher in the acidic soil than the calcareous soil. But after that and as the time elapsed the decomposition rates of vinasse in both soils became similar. To determine the effects of vinasse on physicochemical properties of a calcareous and an acidic soil experiment was factorial and had a complete randomized design and three replications. Factorial combinations of five vinasse levels (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 t/ha) and three exposure times (10, 20 and 30 days) were considered as the treatments of this experiment. The result of experiment showed that the percentage of dispersible clay in both soils increased as the exposure time increased. The effects of vinasse levels were also significant on the percentage of dispersible clay and application of vinasse increased and decreased this parameter respectively in acidic and calcareous soils. The result of analysis of variance of data showed that time of exposure to vinasse was not effective on the pH of the soils. Application of vinasse decreased the pH of the acidic soil significantly but it was not effective on the pH of the calcareous soil. The application rate of vinasse was effective on EC of both soils and the EC increased with increasing the application rate. To compare decomposition rates of vinasse in acidic and calcareous soils, an experiment was performed in this experiment, vinasse was added to samples of both soils at the rate of 5% and the samples were incubated for 2 months the decomposition rates of vinasse were measured by direct method and collecting CO2 in sodium hydroxide. The results showed that 59% and 69% of vinasse carbon decomposed respectively in calcareous and acidic soils during incubation period (60 days). The decomposition rate of vinasse was faster in the beginning of incubation period (first 5 days) and decreased with time. In the first 5 days of incubation period, the decomposition rate of vinasse was higher in the acidic soil than the calcareous soil. But after that and as the time elapsed the decomposition rates of vinasse in both soils became similar.<br />To compare decomposition rates of vinasse in acidic and calcareous soils, an experiment was performed in this experiment, vinasse was added to samples of both soils at the rate of 5% and the samples were incubated for 2 months the decomposition rates of vinasse were measured by direct method and collecting CO2 in sodium hydroxide. The results showed that 59% and 69% of vinasse carbon decomposed respectively in calcareous and acidic soils during incubation period (60 days). The decomposition rate of vinasse was faster in the beginning of incubation period (first 5 days) and decreased with time. In the first 5 days of incubation period, the decomposition rate of vinasse was higher in the acidic soil than the calcareous soil. But after that and as the time elapsed the decomposition rates of vinasse in both soils became similar. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3148_76bbb557cc4ff04460b4f85972c96610.pdf

Gorgan University Of Agricultural Sciences Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production 2322-1267 6 2 2016 08 22 The effect of soil compaction on nitrogen mineralization in periodical steps The effect of soil compaction on nitrogen mineralization in periodical steps 167 172 3149 10.22069/ejsms.2016.3149 FA Journal Article 2013 04 08 Soil compaction as a global problem and a multi-dimensional and complex process involving the interaction of climate, soil Mashyn- Plant- known to have a significant economic and environmental impacts and to sustainable agriculture is an intractable problem.For In order to assess compaction effect on nitrogen mineralization process in soil in form of factorial completely randomized design with three repetitions have been done in the agricultural faculty of Guilan University. The soil compaction has been studied in three levels (natural compaction, 10% and 20% compaction), sort of soil in two levels (heavy and lightweight texture) and five periodical steps (days of 1, 7, 14, 30 and 60 after implant). Ammonium and nitrate concentration in soil have been determined in five periodical steps. Significant decrease of ammonium concentration in more compacted sample is related to second and third steps (with avarge 20.75 and 13.68 ppm in 20 present compaction, respectively). The results indicate that by increasing soil compaction, the amount of soil nitrogen will decrease. In the compaction sample, less organic nitrogen change into ammonium and formation nitrate decrease because of conversion to ammonium. Soil compaction as a global problem and a multi-dimensional and complex process involving the interaction of climate, soil Mashyn- Plant- known to have a significant economic and environmental impacts and to sustainable agriculture is an intractable problem.For In order to assess compaction effect on nitrogen mineralization process in soil in form of factorial completely randomized design with three repetitions have been done in the agricultural faculty of Guilan University. The soil compaction has been studied in three levels (natural compaction, 10% and 20% compaction), sort of soil in two levels (heavy and lightweight texture) and five periodical steps (days of 1, 7, 14, 30 and 60 after implant). Ammonium and nitrate concentration in soil have been determined in five periodical steps. Significant decrease of ammonium concentration in more compacted sample is related to second and third steps (with avarge 20.75 and 13.68 ppm in 20 present compaction, respectively). The results indicate that by increasing soil compaction, the amount of soil nitrogen will decrease. In the compaction sample, less organic nitrogen change into ammonium and formation nitrate decrease because of conversion to ammonium. https://ejsms.gau.ac.ir/article_3149_f89782e4f77932ded90fa717f291e409.pdf