University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 A material flow cost accounting (MFCA) approach to sustainable crop management: Case study of watermelon, onion, tomato, and wheat cultivation in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran 1 13 226977 10.22034/aes.2025.533770.1108 EN Majid Dekamin Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran 0000-0003-0185-9995 Hossein Rezaei Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran 0009-0003-3471-4386 Journal Article 2025 06 11 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">This study applied Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) to assess the economic and environmental performance of four key crops—watermelon, onion, tomato, and wheat in the arid Sistan and Baluchestan Province of Iran. Using official 2022–2023 data aligned with ISO 14051, the research quantified input-output flows per hectare, including water, fertilizers, pesticides, energy, and labor, alongside outputs such as yield, emissions, and losses. Results revealed distinct trade-offs: onion achieved the highest economic returns (gross value: $7352.7 ha⁻¹; benefit-cost ratio: 12.6) but incurred significant environmental costs, including nitrate leaching (57.6 kg ha⁻¹) and ammonia emissions (51.7 kg ha⁻¹). Tomato showed moderate profitability ($5337.6 ha⁻¹) with poor energy efficiency (net energy: –30,622.44 MJ ha⁻¹), while watermelon offered balanced sustainability (economic productivity: 100.1 kg $⁻¹; energy ratio: 0.84). Wheat, though economically limited ($681.6 ha⁻¹), had the lowest environmental impact. The analysis highlighted that high-value crops (onion, tomato) generated substantial material losses and energy deficits, whereas low-input crops (watermelon, wheat) exhibited better resource efficiency. Key findings support optimized input management for high-value crops, promotion of watermelon in resource-limited systems, and integration of energy-environmental indicators in agricultural planning, establishing MFCA as an effective tool for sustainability assessment in dryland farming.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_226977_804e6f098285d6614aa74ca88b2a6f6d.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Farm management changes and their relationship with nitrate concentrations in cucumber 15 29 239086 10.22034/aes.2026.543167.1112 EN Reza Soleimani Soil and Water Research Department, Ilam Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ilam, Iran Karim Shahbazi Soil and Water Research Institute, AREEO, Karaj, Iran Journal Article 2025 08 24 <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">In order to investigate the nitrate status of cucumber produced in Ilam, 190 samples were collected from the areas where the majority of these crops are grown. All steps of preparation, extraction and nitrate concentration measurements were performed in accordance with the standard methods mentioned in ISO 6635. Using the Boolean model, it is possible to identify and analyze various factors affecting nitrate accumulation, such as farm management factors. According to this model, N-fertilizer application of more than 100 kg ha-1 in some eastern and northern regions had a weight value of zero. The use of growth stimulants in some central areas had a weight value of one. Phosphate fertilizer application more than 50 kg of pure phosphorus (<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">P2O4<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">) per hectare in some eastern and northern regions had a weight value of zero. Potassium fertilizer application less than 50 kg of pure potassium (K2O) per hectare has a weight value of one. According to the Boolean method, potassium fertilizer application more than 50 kg/ha in some eastern and northern areas had a weight value of zero. Good water quality has a weight value of one. In this area, water quality had a weight value of one. Limited areas in the southeast had a weight value of zero. Legume cultivation is not carried out in the southern and central regions and has a weight value of one. The northern regions and part of the eastern region had a weight value of zero. The results of measuring the nitrate concentration in cucumber products showed that, the residual nitrate concentration in cucumber was in a good condition compared to the standards. The average residual nitrate concentration in cucumber was measured at 83.2 mg/kg, all of which were lower than the maximum permissible standard limit. Based on the results, it was determined that nitrate accumulation in cucumber are related to soil limitations.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239086_9b3d1aa2f5dd2616b21f4fddf5799b0c.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Effect of farmyard manure and zinc on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage corn (Zea mays) 31 40 239166 10.22034/aes.2026.551991.1116 EN Mohsen Janmohammadi Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran 0000-0002-6121-6791 Asghar Ebadi-Segherloo Moghan College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran 0000-0001-7132-7762 Mehdi Mohebodini Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran 0000-0001-6359-3200 Naser Sabaghnia Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran 0000-0001-9690-6525 Journal Article 2025 08 27 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">The unique climatic features of semi-arid regions, along with inadequate soil quality characterized by low organic matter and deficiencies of essential micronutrients, have led to a forage scarcity in this area. Adding organic soil amendments with organic fertilizers and zinc nanostructured fertilizers can be crucial for boosting fodder yield. A field trial was conducted to investigate the effects of fertilizers (F0: control, F1: 30 t ha-1 farmyard manure, FYM, F2: 8 t ha-1 compost, F3: 8 t ha-1 vermicompost, F4: recommended dose of chemical NPK, F5: 50% recommended dose of NPK + 15 t ha-1 FYM) and zinc fertilizers (Zn0: control, Zn1: 30 kg ha-1 zinc sulfate, Zn2: 10 kg ha-1 nanostructured zinc) on the growth quality performance of forage corn in the Moghan region, northwest Iran. The highest chlorophyll content and longest stems were obtained with the application of F4+Zn2. The greatest lateral canopy growth was observed in plants treated with F2+Zn2, F4+Zn2, and F5+Zn2. The highest dry matter and relative water content were achieved with the application of animal manure, conventional fertilizers, and zinc nanostructures. Applying nanostructured zinc fertilizers in addition to NPK, either alone, with FYM, or with compost, produced the maximum fresh forage yield. Analysis of forage quality components showed that the application of NPK with nanostructured zinc fertilizers significantly increased dry matter digestibility (5.67%) and crude protein (4.60%). Vermicompost use without zinc application resulted in the highest levels of water-soluble carbohydrates. The highest amounts of neutral detergent fiber were also obtained with F1+Zn0. The response of growth components and forage quality traits to organic fertilizer and zinc sources varied. The optimal quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage were achieved by applying the recommended rate of NPK and 15 t ha-1 of FYM fertilizers together with zinc nanostructure fertilizers. The results showed that relying solely on chemical or organic fertilizers for forage corn production does not provide acceptable performance. The combined use of conventional chemical fertilizers and animal manure in forage production systems should be considered.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239166_8472c4a85566fef37a5456259247f24d.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Energy flow analysis and environmental impacts of quinoa production systems in the Baluchestan region 41 49 239048 10.22034/aes.2025.548764.1114 EN Esmaeel Seyedabadi Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 0000-0001-5455-7646 Journal Article 2025 07 22 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">Energy flow and environmental impacts are two critical metrics for evaluating the sustainability of agricultural production systems. This study investigates the energy consumption of quinoa production in the Baluchestan region by analyzing various inputs and energy sources. Furthermore, it assesses the environmental impacts of quinoa cultivation using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Data were collected from local farmers and agricultural professionals in the region, supplemented by information from the Ecoinvent® 3.0 databaseThe LCA was conducted using the cradle-to-farm-gate approach, as outlined in the ISO 14044 standard. This involved four main phases: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation of results. Energy indices, including net energy gain, energy use efficiency, specific energy, and energy productivity, were calculated for both the main product and by-product (straw) of the quinoa production system. The environmental impact categories evaluated were global warming potential, Abiotic depletion, ozone layer depletion, acidification, and eutrophication. The energy analysis<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">, which revealed a positive net energy and a high energy use efficiency, demonstrated that quinoa cultivation is an efficient process. The results indicate that a significant portion of the total energy input is expended on the production of the by-product (straw). Additionally, machinery, fuel, and chemical fertilizers were identified as the primary contributors to environmental degradation. Based on these findings, it is recommended to adopt modern machinery and implement conservation agriculture <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">practices, such as residue management and reduced tillage, to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and fossil fuels.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239048_d6128a9a7319fa14a65514ef0429e913.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Evaluating the impact of tree planting patterns on outdoor thermal comfort and microclimate: a case study of open spaces among high-rise buildings 51 62 239176 10.22034/aes.2026.529003.1106 EN Mahsa Samadpour Shahrak Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran 0000-0003-2230-290X Journal Article 2025 06 27 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">Vegetation plays a significant role in enhancing thermal comfort and regulating outdoor temperatures. This study aimed to find a suitable pattern of tree arrangement to improve the climatic conditions of the surrounding environment and comfort conditions. Assuming that changing the pattern of the tree arrangement is effective in microclimate conditions and thermal comfort. For this purpose, four different types of planting patterns, including tree arrangements in the four-row pattern (Quadruple pattern), six-row pattern (Sextuple pattern), row pattern, scattered pattern, and treeless conditions, have been studied. To achieve this purpose, ENVI-met (5.6.1) was used to simulate and measure Ta (Air temperature), and Tmrt (Mean Radiant Temperature), and also Rayman software (1.2) was used to measure PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature). The data extracted from the software is validated by comparing it with local data. This research has been done in the open space around high-rise residential buildings in Tabriz, Iran. The results indicate that changing the planting pattern can have some effects on improving the surrounding environmental conditions. Both row and scattered patterns have a better impact on environmental comfort conditions, and the scattered pattern has a better result on the micro-climatic conditions of the region. As a result, considering both factors (Thermal comfort & Microclimate), the scattered pattern is the best scenario compared to other scenarios.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239176_c20be4e72549e57e99c4237928a6b789.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Assessment of groundwater status and factors affecting groundwater resources (Study area: Bam Plain) 63 74 226978 10.22034/aes.2025.520344.1103 EN Hadi Dehghan Water Science and Engineering Department, Kashmar Higher Education Institute, Kashmar, Iran Maryam Safavi Ph.D. Student of Water Resources, Birjand University, Birjand, Iran Somayeh Galdavi Water Science and Engineering Department, Kashmar Higher Education Institute, Kashmar, Iran Mohammad Naderian Water Science and Engineering Department, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 18 <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Effective water resource management, particularly groundwater management, is essential in arid and semi-arid regions like Kerman Province, where recent natural and human-induced factors have led to critical groundwater depletion. Over the years, excessive groundwater extraction through well pumping has caused significant declines in water tables across many areas, including the Bam Plain of Kerman Province. To investigate this alarming trend, a study analyzed data from 56 observation wells over 15 years, from 2002 to 2017. The hydrograph of the Bam Plain was utilized to assess changes in groundwater levels, revealing a gradual decline until 2012, followed by a steeper drop from 2012 to 2017. Ultimately, the groundwater level in the Bam Plain decreased by approximately 10 meters over the 15 years. ArcGIS software was employed for further analysis using the Kriging method and inverse distance weighting (IDW), leading to maps that depicted groundwater flow directions, iso-depth, and iso-level for specific five-year intervals. The results indicated a decrease in both iso-depth (68-110 meters) and iso-level (940-1100 meters) over three successive five-year periods from 2008 to 2013. By the end of the third period (2013-2014), only a small central area of the plain maintained these depths and groundwater levels, highlighting a significant decline overall. The findings underscored that recent drought conditions, coupled with the unsustainable extraction of groundwater, have critically impacted groundwater levels. This decline poses serious implications for the rural economy, which predominantly relies on agriculture and is directly tied to water availability. Consequently, the welfare of farmers has been adversely affected. The study aims to inform better regional water management strategies to mitigate the ongoing crisis and ensure sustainable groundwater use moving forward.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_226978_f0071f5aede66adce23e69daeda8772a.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Investigation of irrigation regimes, farmyard manure and nano-micronutrients (zinc and iron) on Camelina sativa L. performance 75 84 239870 10.22034/aes.2026.524018.1104 EN Naser Sabaghnia Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Mohsen Jamohammadi Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Mehdi Mohabodini Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Fariborz Shekari Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 16 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">To access the influence of irrigation regimes during application of different levels of farmyards manure (0, 10 and 20 t ha-1), and foliar application of iron and zinc nano-nutrients on camelina, a field trial based on a split-split plot, was conducted in the Razan, Iran. This study utilized the treatment by trait biplot model, after significance of interactions, to assess the performance of camelina under varying micronutrient and water stress conditions, identifying the most effective treatments for improving seed yield and oil content including plant height, number of siliques per plant, seed number per silique, thousand seed weight, seed yield, harvest index, and oil percent. The biplot analysis explained 93% of the total variation, with the first two components describing for 75% and 18%. The results revealed that application of 20 t ha-1 farmyard manure with nano-zinc micronutrient under normal irrigation was the best-performing treatment for most yield-related traits. However, application of 10 t ha-1 farmyard manure with nano-zinc micronutrient under normal irrigation exhibited greater oil content from above mentioned outperformed treatment, indicating that nano-zinc applications with organic amendments enhance agronomic characteristics, oil content and yield performance. For oil content, application of 10 t ha-1 farmyard manure with nano-iron micronutrient under normal irrigation was the most effective treatment. The vector analysis further confirmed a positive correlation between seed yield and thousand seed weight, while height of plant indicated no relation with both seed yield and oil percentage. These findings underscore the agronomic benefits of nano-sized micronutrient fertilizers and their potential for sustainable and high-yield camelina production. Future research should explore long-term soil interactions and economic viability to further optimize nano-fertilizer applications in agriculture.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239870_d918cf51d44e727ce9b8b5bc214e7c13.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 A comparative emergy analysis of rice and cotton farming ecosystems: implications for sustainability 85 99 215695 10.22034/jelsa.2025.455641.1062 EN Hamid Asadkhani M.Sc graduate of Agroecology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Mahmoud Ramroudi Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Mohammad Reza Asgharipour Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 0000-0001-5199-762X Hamid Reza Shahhoseini Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran 0009-0005-4420-5002 Journal Article 2025 05 04 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Environmental degradation stemming from excessive consumption of natural resources and chemical inputs threatens resource efficiency and the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. This study employed a comprehensive questionnaire survey combined with emergy evaluation to assess and compare the efficiency and sustainability of rice and cotton farming ecosystems in Golestan province, Iran, during the 2018–2019 growing season. Results indicated that the total emergy input for rice cultivation (1.01E+17 sej ha⁻¹) substantially exceeded that of cotton (5.14E+16 sej ha⁻¹), highlighting a greater concentration of embodied energy in rice production. In both systems, non-renewable environmental inputs dominated over renewable environmental, purchased renewable, and purchased non-renewable flows. Groundwater emerged as a critical input due to high crop water demand during summer cultivation and negligible seasonal rainfall in the region. The emergy analyses revealed that cotton was more productive per unit emergy invested. Both ecosystems exhibited low emergy renewability, reflecting heavy dependence on non-renewable resources. Cotton demonstrated superior resource efficiency, as evidenced by a higher emergy yield ratio. Economic indicators, including standard and modified emergy investment ratios, showed that rice production incurred significantly higher economic costs and lower efficiency. Environmental loading ratios further indicated that cotton imposed markedly lower environmental pressure, confirming its greater environmental sustainability. Overall, cotton outperformed rice across multiple metrics: production efficiency, resource consumption efficiency, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. To enhance the sustainability of such agroecosystems, we recommend reducing reliance on non-renewable purchased inputs and advancing farmer awareness, education, and engagement in sustainable practices.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_215695_65a34d7cf5b6dd4b42d05d7e0cd7cac3.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Quantitative assessment of maize yield gap in Shush county using comparative performance and boundary line analysis 101 108 239878 10.22034/aes.2026.519532.1102 EN Rahim Yarahmadi M.Sc. Student, Department of Production Engineering and Plant Genetic, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran Esfandiar Fateh Department of Plant Production and Genetics Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz,Iran 0000-0002-5126-786X Amir Aynehband Department of Plant Production and Genetics Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz,Iran Journal Article 2025 06 27 <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">Grain maize (Zea mays) is a strategic crop with a vital role in global food security. Due to a significant yield gap observed in maize farms of Khuzestan Province, this study aimed to assess the yield gap and identify the key agronomic factors contributing to it in Shush County. The research was conducted across 100 maize fields, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Yield performance was evaluated using Comparative Performance Analysis (CPA) and Boundary Line Analysis (BLA). The average predicted yield was estimated at 8,685 kg ha⁻¹, whereas the potential yield was estimated at 11,557 kg ha⁻¹, indicating a yield gap of 2,872 kg ha⁻¹. The main factors contributing to this gap included insufficient application of poultry manure (29%), inadequate use of insecticides (18%), sulfur fertilizer deficiency (17%), suboptimal disking frequency (22%), and insufficient irrigation frequency (14%). According to the BLA results, optimizing these management variables could substantially improve maize yields. Overall, enhancing farm management practices—particularly the efficient use of organic and chemical fertilizers, improved pest control, and proper scheduling of irrigation and tillage operations—can significantly reduce the maize yield gap and increase productivity in the region.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_239878_20bc037e926741297b8ce624d6b4f97d.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Evaluation of carbon sequestration as a regulating service in a faba bean agroecosystem 109 115 240719 10.22034/aes.2026.536819.1109 EN Hossein Kazemi Department of Horticulture, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Raziyeh Shahi Moridi Department of Agronomy, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran Toshiya Okuro Laboratory of Landscape Ecology & Planning, Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan Journal Article 2025 07 24 One of the most important ways to remove or reduce carbon dioxide is to store this gas in the form of plant biomass and add organic carbon to the soil. Faba bean is one of the oldest crops, used both for human nutrition and for carbon sequestration. In this study, our objectives were to evaluate carbon sequestration (CS) as a regulating service and to calculate its economic value. For these purposes, a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design in the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Iran) farm. In this experiment, four cultivars of faba bean are considered as experimental treatments. These common cultivars in Golestan province included Shadan, Mahta, Feyz, and Barkat. This research showed the genetic diversity of faba bean cultivars to provide CS view under the climatic conditions of Gorgan County (Semi-Mediterranean climate). Results showed that the highest soil CS was obtained in plots under Barkat (9,083.2kg/ha) and Feyz (5,877.2 kg/ha) cultivars. Also, there is a significant difference between faba bean cultivars in terms of the total economic value of CS. The economic value of CS was estimated at 494.3 $/ha, which was higher in Barkat than in other cultivars. We observed that cultivated plots under Mahta and Shadan cultivars had the lowest soil CS potential, so that the amount of soil CS was negative in plots cultivated with these cultivars. It means that carbon was transferred to the atmosphere instead of being transferred to the soil.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_240719_f5d25cf95b5404bf4e28a45e82a6658f.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Enhancing soil biological activity and net primary productivity through no-tillage, wheat residues, and corn-bean intercropping 117 132 219900 10.22034/aes.2025.499618.1097 EN Farideh Akbari Ph.D Student, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Mehdi Dahmardeh Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran 0000-0002-6968-3052 Ali Morshedi Department of Soil and Water Research, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center, AREEO, Shahrekord, Iran 0000-0003-0189-9487 Ahmad Ghanbari Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran Soroor Khorramdel Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 13 Conservation management practices play a crucial role in enhancing soil microbial activity, which, in turn, drives improvements in net primary productivity (NPPc) and facilitates efficient carbon allocation. This study presents an innovative approach to examining the synergistic effects of tillage systems, varying wheat residue levels, and corn-bean intercropping patterns on soil biological activity and NPPc. The study was conducted as a carefully designed field experiment, utilizing a split-split plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, at the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization in Shahrekord during 2017-2018 growing season. The experiment included three tillage systems (conventional, minimum, and no-tillage) as the main plots, four levels of crop residue (0%, 30%, 60%, and 90% of the straw yield of wheat) as the subplots, and five intercropping patterns (corn monoculture, bean monoculture, and corn-bean ratios of 2:2, 3:1, and 1:3) as the sub-subplots. The results indicated that the highest soil microbial respiration was observed in the no-tillage system combined with 60% wheat residues and a corn-bean intercropping ratio of 2:2. Soil microbial biomass carbon increased significantly under the no-tillage system with 90% wheat residues and the same intercropping ratio of 2:2. The carbon allocation coefficient in seeds, straw, roots, and extra-root structures increased under no-tillage compared to conventional tillage by 10.09%, 11.84%, 52.18%, and 62.67% for corn, and by 12.68%, 7.85%, 35.71%, and 34.92% for beans, respectively. Corn exhibited higher NPPc and allocated more carbon to its aerial organs than beans. This study demonstrates that the combination of no-tillage systems and wheat residue management in diverse intercropping patterns not only synergistically enhances soil microbial activity and NPPc but also promotes soil health and supports sustainable agricultural productivity.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_219900_106b067fae6713fcd24e91fc2ae21f4e.pdf

University of Zabol Agriculture, Environment & Society 2821-0468 5 2 2025 12 01 Assessment of phenotypic diversity among mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes in South Khorasan province 133 146 242208 10.22034/aes.2026.565011.1123 EN Hadi Zeraatgar Crop and Horticultural Research Department, South Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Birjand, Iran Azam Gideski Expert of Crop and Horticultural Research Department, South Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Birjand, Iran 0009-0005-5841-1544 Maryam Samaie Expert of Crop and Horticultural Research Department, South Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Birjand, Iran Abbas Mirjalili Researcher of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Emam Khomeini Higher Education Center, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 09 10 Mulberry (Morus spp.) is an economically important plant in Iran. This research was conducted to identify and collect mulberry germplasm to preserve genetic resources over 3 years in South Khorasan province. Accordingly, during different growth stages, visits were made to mulberry cultivation areas to record important characteristics of the genotypes based on the provided descriptors. In total, 31 different mulberry genotypes from 3 species (M. alba, M. nigra, M. macroura) from seven regions were identified, and morphological traits were recorded in accordance with the guidelines of UPOV. In quantitative traits, the strongest positive correlations were obtained in shoot number, shoot length, lateral shoot number, leaf blade width, leaf blade length, peduncle length, petiole length, mature fruit length, fruit weight, mature fruit length/width, and sweetness (Brix). In qualitative traits, the strongest positive correlations were obtained in leaf blade texture, leaf blade thickness, leaf blade glossiness of the upper side, and the shape of the apex leaf blade, and the strongest negative correlations were obtained in mature fruit color, shape of the apex leaf blade, and leaf blade shape. The lowest fruit sweetness (Brix) value (15.3) was recorded in genotype M22, whereas the highest value (36.5) was observed in genotype M5. The mean fruit sweetness(Brix) across all genotypes was 24.05. Furthermore, the highest fruit weight (4.26 g) was obtained from genotype M16, while the lowest (1.08 g) was recorded in genotype M2. The average fruit weight among the genotypes was 2.69 g. Cluster analysis using the "Ward" method for farm data classified the studied genotypes into five groups. Apparently, cluster analysis was unable to fully differentiate among the three species. Only the genotypes belonging to M. nigra were partially grouped into a single cluster, likely due to the overlap of some of their phenotypic traits. This study revealed high morphological diversity in the mulberry genotypes dispersed in South Khorasan province. 31 distinct selected genotypes were transferred to the collection for the preservation of genetic resources and their use in breeding programs. This study had certain limitations, including potential environmental interference and the lack of molecular validation.

https://aes.uoz.ac.ir/article_242208_7407a6cc870610da21940e7e3b5711dd.pdf