https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/ Soil and Sustainable Development en daily 1 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_228184.html Soilless cultivation, as one of the modern agricultural methods, can create a balance between world production and consumption per capita and respond to the market's need for food, including onion greens, in a timely manner. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of producing onion bulbs under hydroponic conditions. This experiment was conducted in a factorial form and in a randomized complete block design with four planting densities {1, 2, 6, 12} plants per cell and two onion cultivars Ramehramzi and Primavera in three replications in the field of the Horticultural Sciences Department of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during the fall of 2023. The results showed that the main effect of cultivar, density and the interaction effect of cultivar on density on bulb diameter, neck diameter and their ratio to each other, and bulb fresh and dry weight were significant. The highest and lowest bulb diameters were observed in the Primavera cultivar at a density of 1 plant per cell (41.8 mm) and at a density of 12 plants per cell (15.1 mm), respectively. The Primavera cultivar at a density of 1 plant per cell (1.31 g) and the Ramehramzi cultivar at a density of 12 plants per cell (1.9 g) had the highest and lowest fresh bulb weight, respectively. The average production per square meter for the Primavera cultivar at a density of 12 plants per cell was 25411.4 g and for the Ramehramzi cultivar at a density of 12 plants per cell was 17882.35 g. Also, the results of the correlation coefficients between the traits studied in this study showed that there was a significant correlation between the traits studied. According to the results obtained, it can be said that the Primavera cultivar at a density of 1 plant per cell had the highest onion bulb diameter and weight in the hydroponic culture medium. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_227359.html This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal environment on the vigor of the resulting seeds and their germination of chickpea. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in Shahed University Research Laboratory in 2012-2022 as a factorial experiment to investigate the effect of irrigation regimes and sowing date on the quality of dragon's head seeds. Dragon's head seeds were obtained from maternal plants grown under two factors: an irrigation regime of 20% (complete irrigation, I20) and 40% (deficit irrigation, I40) depletion of available soil water; and Is (supplementary irrigation) based on a 20% depletion of available soil water in two stages, including the sowing and pre-flowering stage, as well as the autumn sowing (November 6) (S1) and spring sowing date (March 6).The abstract text should be in 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, and should not exceed 250 words. All manuscripts must be written in English, using 12-point Times New Roman font throughout. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the simple effects of sowing date and irrigation regimes on germination percentage, seed vigor index, seedling dry weight, and germination rate were significant. All germination-related traits increased under the I20 and I40 irrigation regimes in the autumn sowing date compared to the spring sowing date, respectively. In general, it seems that the I20 and I40 irrigation regimes can improve germination characteristics. Therefore, under drought stress conditions, the I40 irrigation regime under the autumn sowing date reduces the negative effects of drought stress on chickpea germination characteristics to some extent compared to the Is irrigation regime. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_227605.html Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is one of the important, popular and widely used seasonal plant species in Iran. Besides its medicinal and nutritional uses, it plays a prominent role in landscape design and urban green spaces. Due to its antioxidant properties and bioactive compounds, this plant has received increasing attention in various science fields such as horticultural and pharmaceutical sciences. Melatonin, as a plant growth regulator, is known for its multifaceted effects on growth regulation, incrising resistance to stress factors, enhancing photosynthetic capacity, and improving metabolic activities. This substance plays a vital role in regulating physiological and biochemical reactions in plants, which can lead to enhanced quality and efficiency of ornamental products. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of melatonin on the amount and combination of photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids, in marigold. The experiment was conducted under a completely controlled greenhouse conditions in autumn 2024. Melatonin treatments included concentrations of 0, 100, 150, and 200 micromolar, which were applied as foliar spray at two different growth stages: one, when plant had 6-8 leaves and the next, two weeks later to investigate its effect on the growth and photosynthetic pigments of marigold. The results of the analyses showed that the 150 micromolar melatonin treatment had the greatest effect and significantly increased the level of plant pigments of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, and the 100 micromolar melatonin treatment caused the most significant increase in carotenoids pigmet; so that chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b , total chlorophyll and carotenoid increased by 77.34%, 87.41%, 81.72%, and 74.80%, respectively, compared to the control sample. This significant enhancement in photosynthetic pigments indicates improved photosynthetic system performance and enhanced light absorption and energy conversion capacity in the plants. Overall, the result of findings show the importance of melatonin as an effective growth regulator in sustainable agriculture and green space management. Optimal application of this plant growth regulator can increase the productivity and quality of ornamental flowers while also promoting eco-friendly and low-cost solutions to improve plant performance and longevity. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_231778.html Considering the crucial role of grape marketability in determining consumer preference and commercial success, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of brassinosteroid (BR) application on quantitative fruit attributes of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Thompson Seedless. The experiment was performed through foliar spraying at the berry green-tip stage, with treatments consisting of different BR concentrations (0 as control, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.5 mg L⁻¹). The results revealed that BR application at 1.5 mg L⁻¹ exerted the most pronounced effect, leading to significant increases in cluster weight (≈43% higher than the control), berry number per cluster (over 31% increase), and single berry weight (more than 228% increase) at harvest. These substantial improvements highlight the synergistic role of BR in enhancing cell division, fruit development, and the regulation of growth-related metabolic pathways. The remarkable efficiency of BR at higher concentration appears to be associated with its ability to stimulate net photosynthesis, enhance protein biosynthesis, and modulate hormonal balance within the vine. Moreover, the concentration-dependent response of the studied traits confirms the pivotal role of BR dosage in activating morphogenetic and growth-promoting mechanisms. In conclusion, foliar application of brassinosteroid, particularly at 1.5 mg L⁻¹, can be considered a promising management tool to improve the quantitative yield attributes of Thompson Seedless grape, thereby contributing to enhanced fruit marketability and consumer acceptance. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_227283.html Soil, a vital and complex ecosystem, faces global contamination from unsustainable human activities, posing significant threats to ecological functions and ecosystem services. Traditional physicochemical remediation methods are often costly and environmentally destructive. Consequently, there's a growing focus on developing sustainable and innovative biological approaches aimed at effectively removing pollutants, reducing toxicity, minimizing risks to human and environmental health, and restoring soil health and associated ecosystem services in an economical and cost-effective manner. This paper provides a comprehensive review of promising and novel biological methods for soil remediation. The primary methods discussed include phytoremediation, bioremediation using microorganisms, and vermiremediation. The mechanisms of action for each of these methods are examined, including the ability of plants to absorb and stabilize contaminants, the metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, and the role of earthworms in improving soil quality and decomposing pollutants. The challenge of mixed contamination, which involves the simultaneous presence of inorganic and organic pollutants in the soil, is also highlighted as a major obstacle to remediation. This type of pollution can significantly reduce the efficiency of individual cleanup technologies. To overcome this complexity, promising solutions are being evaluated, such as integrated approaches that combine biological and physicochemical methods, as well as the use of soil amendments and nanotechnologies. Finally, this review emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of remediation effectiveness. This assessment should not only measure the reduction of pollutants but also include the restoration of overall soil health and the return of ecosystem services. Compliance with environmental regulations and the feasibility of cost-effective implementation are key factors in the long-term acceptance and success of these technologies. This review provides key information for researchers and environmental specialists, offering a deeper understanding of the potential and limitations of bioremediation technologies. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_227286.html The rapid pace of human development poses significant challenges to the sustainability of ecosystem services, making this a major focus of contemporary research. Recent studies have shown that the expansion of human activities beyond the carrying capacity of ecosystems is gradually changing the structure, landscapes and natural processes and affecting ecosystem services. The decline of ecosystem services itself causes serious competition for resource exploitation, sometimes leading to conflict. To prevent the continued loss and degradation of ecosystems and their vital services, the assessment and analysis of ecosystem services by stakeholder groups and types of values provides an improved basis for research and governance of ecosystem services in relation to environmental sustainability. Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present while protecting the Earth’s life support system, ensuring the well-being of current and future generations. In this study, a systematic review of the scientific literature on ecosystem services was conducted using a documentary data collection method and a descriptive-analytical approach. The dimensions of ecosystem services include: the concept of ecosystem services, supply and demand for ecosystem services, and the economic valuation of ecosystem services. Therefore, achieving sustainability requires communities to pay attention to a range of biophysical, economic, and governance issues, and the results of this study can provide valuable assistance to policymakers and planners in identifying the best options for proposed projects. Therefore, in order to properly and appropriately utilize ecosystems, humans must pay attention to the interaction with ecological structures and functions and the economic valuation of the environment. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_227285.html Land degradation is a global challenge with serious consequences for agriculture, the environment and human communities. Land degradation reduces the ability of land to produce agricultural products, destroys biodiversity, increases the risk of floods and droughts, and emits greenhouse gases. Several factors, including soil erosion, vegetation destruction, water misuse, and human factors such as inappropriate agricultural practices and overgrazing, contribute to land degradation. Sustainable land management encompasses preventative methods such as soil conservation and water management, restorative methods like land reclamation and desertification control, and regulatory and policy approaches including land monitoring and legislation, to address this challenge. Sustainable land management, emphasizing soil conservation, water management, vegetation management, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, can play a significant role in preventing land degradation. Restoration of degraded land through various methods such as afforestation, seeding, the use of biotechnology and engineering structures is possible, but it requires continuous investment and effort. In addition, education and awareness-raising among farmers and local communities, development of appropriate laws and regulations, and provision of financial and technical support are key factors in the success of land degradation management programs. Restoration of degraded lands is often costly, so prevention of degradation is of utmost importance. By implementing appropriate strategies and international cooperation, land degradation can be prevented and steps can be taken towards sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_233095.html Population growth, urbanization, and the intensification of climate change have placed additional pressure on limited freshwater resources, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. In such circumstances, the lack of usable water resources has become one of the fundamental challenges in the path of sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food security in these regions. Therefore, the use of alternative sources, especially unconventional waters such as treated wastewater, agricultural drainage, treated industrial wastewater, and saline or brackish waters, as an effective and complementary solution to compensate for water shortages, has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, water resource managers, and policymakers in recent years. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the capacities, challenges, and solutions for effective exploitation of unconventional waters in water resources management and promoting sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. First, different types of unconventional waters and their quality characteristics are introduced, and then the technologies used in purification, safe application methods, and the health, environmental, and economic impacts of exploiting these resources are examined. In addition, successful experiences at the national and international levels have been analyzed, and the role of macro-policies, legal frameworks, and stakeholder participation in the optimal implementation of these strategies has been considered. The results of this research can be used as a basis for developing policies and implementation plans for the sustainable use of alternative water resources in critical climate conditions. The results of this study show that the principled, targeted, and standard-based use of unconventional water, while reducing pressure on conventional water resources, can pave the way for improving water productivity, increasing the resilience of agricultural production systems, and achieving sustainable development in water-scarce regions. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_233097.html Abstract Phosphorus is a vital, finite, and non-renewable element that plays a central role in agricultural productivity and global food security. In light of increasing population growth and the rising demand for food, the sustainable management and recovery of phosphorus, particularly from food industry waste streams, has become a global priority. Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) crystallization has recently gained attention as a promising and environmentally sustainable method for phosphorus recovery from various wastewaters, such as municipal effluents, human urine, and livestock manure. However, relatively few studies have investigated its application for nutrient recovery from dairy wastewater, despite its high phosphorus content, which originates from cleaning agents, milk residues, and other processing inputs. Discharge of untreated dairy effluents into natural ecosystems can lead to serious environmental consequences, including eutrophication of water bodies. Utilizing struvite precipitation to recover phosphorus from these effluents not only mitigates environmental impacts but also enables the production of value-added bio-based fertilizers, offering a potential revenue stream for the dairy industry. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical structure of struvite, recent advancements in recovery technologies, and the influence of operational parameters on process efficiency and product quality. Furthermore, the potential applications of struvite fertilizers and their implications for agricultural sustainability and economic viability are discussed. https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_234480.html This article comprehensively examines the role of biofertilizers, which are natural mixtures of beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, in improving the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Biofertilizers enhance plant access to nutrients by establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, serving as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. They promote long-term soil health and reduce negative environmental impacts. The review findings indicate that biofertilizers significantly improve soil physical structure (e.g., water infiltration, aeration, and reduced erosion), enhance soil chemical properties (including nitrogen fixation, increased phosphorus and potassium availability, and higher organic carbon content), and strengthen soil biological characteristics (such as increased microbial diversity, pathogen suppression, and accelerated organic matter decomposition). These positive effects lead to increased soil fertility, enhanced plant disease resistance, and overall sustainability of agricultural systems. However, the widespread adoption of biofertilizers faces several challenges. These include limited understanding among farmers, a shortage of suitable carriers, inadequate storage facilities, and adverse effects of extreme weather conditions, which impact their consistent effectiveness. Furthermore, issues like insufficient labeling and the selective effects of some biofertilizer products also hinder their broader expansion. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that biofertilizers hold significant potential as a sustainable solution for increasing agricultural productivity and preserving soil health. To overcome existing challenges and fully harness their capabilities in fostering robust and sustainable agricultural ecosystems, continued research and education are essential https://ssd.ujiroft.ac.ir/article_239378.html The present study aimed to evaluate some growth and biochemical indices of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) under the effect of foliar application of humic acid and date kernel biochar in 2014 under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was carried out as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor included two levels of humic acid (0 and 2 g/L) and the second factor was biochar at two levels (0 and 1 wt%). The growth parameters measured included shoot length, root length, shoot dry weight and biomass. The biochemical parameters included phenol, flavonoid, soluble sugar, proline and ion leakage. The results showed that the main effect of foliar application of humic acid on shoot length, shoot dry weight, phenol, flavonoid, proline and ion leakage was significant at the one percent probability level and total biomass and soluble sugar at the five percent probability level. And it had no significant effect on other traits. The main effect of biochar on shoot length, proline and ion leakage was significant at the one percent probability level and on root length at the five percent probability level and it had no significant effect on other traits. Also, the interaction of humic acid and biochar on leaf ion leakage was significant at the one percent probability level. Foliar application of two grams per liter of humic acid increased shoot length by an average of 15.92 cm, and the use of biochar increased shoot length by an average of 16.95 cm and root length by 21.74 cm compared to no treatment. Humic acid increased shoot dry weight by 48.18%, biomass by 44.56%, phenol content by 51.25%, flavonoid content by 66.11%, soluble sugar by 48%, proline by 26.43%, and leaf ion leakage by 39.6% compared to no use of humic acid. Biochar reduced proline and ion leakage by 50.92% and 19.89%, respectively, compared to no use of biochar. Also, the interaction of humic acid and biochar resulted in a 38.1% reduction in ion leakage. The results of this study showed that the use of foliar spraying of two grams per liter of humic acid and the application of one percent by weight of date kernel biochar alone can increase some growth traits of fennel plant, and also by increasing phenol and flavonoid, they develop the antioxidant defense system and prepare the plant for cellular defense. By increasing proline and reducing ion leakage in adverse environmental conditions, they can prevent cell water loss.