Iranian Journal Pulses Research

Abstract 1. Introduction

Drought damages agricultural crops in Iran every year. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important grain legumes cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, where rainfed production is frequently constrained by limited soil moisture and irregular rainfall distribution. Improving crop establishment and vegetative growth through appropriate planting system is considered an effective management strategy to enhance crop adaptation under rainfed conditions. Among water-saving strategies, furrow irrigation stands out as a beneficial technique for enhancing crop water productivity and achieving higher yields compared to other irrigation methods in water-scarce environments (Memon et al., 2020). Ridge-furrow rainwater harvesting (RFRH) systems are specifically employed in arid and semi-arid regions to improve soil water availability, crop yield, and water use efficiency (WUE) by modifying micro-topography to capture and store rainwater (Zhang et al., 2024). Chourasiya et al. (2018) reported that establishing chickpea using a furrow-and-ridge system, compared to flat planting, improved plant growth and significantly increased grain yield and production productivity. Similarly, a study by Patel et al. (2016) demonstrated that furrow-based planting methods, as opposed to flat planting, enhanced growth and increased both grain yield and crop residue in chickpeas. Planting system influences soil water conservation, aeration, root development, and nutrient availability, thereby affecting crop growth and physiological performance. In addition, chickpea cultivars may differ in their response to various planting systems due to genetic variability. Therefore, identifying the most suitable combination of cultivar and planting system is essential for improving chickpea growth under rainfed farming systems. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different planting systems on the morphophysiological characteristics and grain yield of chickpea cultivars and to identify suitable combinations of cultivar and planting system for improving chickpea performance under rainfed conditions.

2. Materials and Methods

The experiment was carried out during the 2023–2024 growing season at the Research Farm of the Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran. The experiment was arranged as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Experimental treatments consisted of three chickpea cultivars (Mansour, Ana, and Ata) and three planting systems including conventional flat planting, planting in 0.5-m furrows, and planting in 1-m furrows. The crop was grown under rainfed conditions, and all agronomic practices were uniformly applied throughout the growing season. Morphophysiological traits including relative water content (RWC), leaf area index (LAI), fresh plant weight, dry plant weight, number of leaflets, stem diameter, plant height, and number of secondary branches were measured at the appropriate growth stage. Data were analyzed using SAS software, and mean comparisons were performed using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level.

3. Results and Discussion

The results indicated that planting system and cultivar significantly affected most of the evaluated morphophysiological traits and grain yield. Significant interactions between cultivar and planting system were also observed for several traits. Compared with conventional flat planting, both 0.5-m and 1-m furrow planting systems improved vegetative growth, resulting in greater plant height, higher leaflet number, and improved leaf area development. The highest leaf area index was recorded in the Mansour cultivar under the 1-m furrow planting system, representing approximately an 80% increase compared with the lowest value observed in the Ana cultivar grown in the 0.5-m furrow treatment. Among the tested cultivars, Mansour consistently exhibited superior vegetative performance, particularly in terms of plant height, leaf area index, and leaflet number, whereas Ana generally produced the lowest values across most planting systems.

Grain yield also responded significantly to the interaction between cultivar and planting system. The highest grain yield was obtained from the Ata cultivar under the 1-m furrow planting system, which was approximately 57.7% higher than that recorded for the same cultivar under conventional flat planting. This result indicates that the response of chickpea cultivars to furrow planting was genotype-dependent. The favorable response of Ata to the 1-m furrow system may be associated with improved soil water availability and more favorable conditions for vegetative development and assimilate accumulation under rainfed conditions. In contrast, the relatively stable performance of Mansour across different planting systems suggests greater adaptability to varying field conditions. Overall, the results demonstrate that improvements in morphophysiological traits under furrow planting can contribute to enhanced grain production, although the magnitude of this response depends on cultivar characteristics.

4. Conclusions

The findings demonstrated that planting system is an effective agronomic practice for improving morphophysiological characteristics and grain yield of chickpea under rainfed conditions. Furrow planting, particularly the 1-m furrow system, promoted better vegetative growth than conventional flat planting. Among the evaluated cultivars, Mansour showed the greatest adaptability to different planting systems and consistently produced superior morphophysiological characteristics. However, the highest grain yield was obtained from Ata under the 1-m furrow planting system, highlighting the importance of cultivar-specific responses to planting system. Therefore, the 1-m furrow planting system, combined with a suitable cultivar such as Ata for grain production or Mansour for stable vegetative performance, can be considered a promising management option for improving chickpea production under rainfed conditions similar to those of the present study.

Abstract Introduction
Despite having a high potential for paddy fields in Northern provinces, unfortunately, most of these paddy fields are left unused for about 7 months after rice (Oryza sativa L.) harvesting. The presence of fertile soils, a long growing season, and favorable environmental conditions between rice harvest and planting the following year make these paddy fields well suited for cultivating a second crop. Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important legumes that is adapted to the climatic conditions in most Northern regions of Iran. Given the large areas of paddy fields in the North of Iran, utilizing these areas for faba bean cultivation after rice harvesting can be an effective strategy for increase land productivity, sustainable rice production, higher paddy farmers' income, achieving self-sufficiency and ensuring food security. Among legumes, faba bean has one of the highest rates of biological nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility by leaving residual nitrogen benefitting subsequent crops. The use of suitable varieties can play an important role in development and sustainability of faba bean cultivation in paddy fields. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to examine the yield and economic indices of different faba bean genotypes as a second crop in rotation after rice.

Materials and Methods
This study was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research fields of Rice Research Institute of Iran in Rasht during two cropping seasons of 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The experimental treatments included four varieties (Feyz, Barkat, Shadan and Mahta) and two promising lines of faba bean (332 and WRB1-5). In this study, traits such as number of pods, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, green pod yield, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index and protein yield were evaluated. Additionally, gross and net profit, percent of sale return, and benefit-cost ratio, were assessed to evaluate economic indices. The protein content of samples was determined by the Kjeldahl method. After measurement of the sample total nitrogen by applying factor 6.25, the seed protein content was measured. Data was analyzed using SAS 9.2 and mean comparisons were done by least significant difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level.

Results and Discussion
The results of combined analysis of variance revealed that genotype had significant effect on all studied traits. Mean comparison showed that the second year of the experiment had higher green pod yield (24518 kg.ha^-1), grain yield (5060 kg.ha^-1) and protein yield (1535 kg.ha^-1) compared to the first year. Between faba bean genotypes, the highest green pod yield with an average of 28883 and 27217 kg.ha^-1 and the highest grain yield with an average of 6025 and 5653 kg.ha^-1, respectively, were obtained from Feyz and Barkat varieties. The Shadan variety was also in the next position. The lowest green pod yield (17181 kg.ha^-1) and grain yield (3662 kg.ha^-1) was obtained in Mahta variety. The highest biological yield (18368 kg.ha^-1) and harvest index (32.8%) was related to the Feyz variety. The Mehta variety also had the lowest biological yield (11996 kg.ha^-1) and harvest index (29.1%). Among the genotypes of faba bean, Mahta variety had higher protein content (32.1%). The highest and lowest protein yield was obtained in Feyz variety (1703 kg.ha^-1) and line WRB1-5 (1016 kg.ha^-1), respectively. Based on the results of stepwise regression analysis, biological yield, pods per plant, green pod yield and seeds per pod were entered into the regression model, respectively, and explained 95% of the variation in grain yield. The analysis of the economic indices showed that the Feyz variety ranked first in terms of gross and net profits with 3012500 and 2554650 thousand rials/ha, respectively. Barkat and Shadan varieties were also ranked next. Mahta variety had the lowest gross (1464800 thousand.rials ha^-1) and net profits (1043450 thousand rials.ha^-1) among genotypes of faba bean. Feyz, Barkat and Shadan varieties with percent of sale return and benefit-cost ratio (84.8 and 6.6), (83.6 and 6.1) and (79.7 and 4.9) were ranked first to third, respectively. The lowest amount of percent of sale return and benefit-cost ratio (71.2 and 3.5, respectively) were assigned to Mahta variety.

Conclusions
Based on the results of this study, the Feyz, Barkat, and Shadan cultivars are recommended, in that order, for faba bean cultivation as a second crop in the paddy fields of Guilan province due to their superior yield performance and greater economic returns. These findings indicate that integrating faba bean into rice-based cropping systems has the potential to enhance farmers' income while promoting the sustainability of rice production.

Abstract Introduction
Given the ongoing challenges of climate change and the increasing of shortages in water resources, there is an urgent need to reconsider conventional cropping systems. Promoting the cultivation of drought-tolerant and low water‑requiring crops such as legumes can substantially contribute to agricultural sustainability and food security. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major legume adapted to arid and semi‑arid regions, playing a vital role in improving soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. It is cultivated on approximately 17 million hectares worldwide. In Iran, although a large area is dedicated to chickpea cultivation, the average yield accounts for only about 30% of its potential capacity. Factors such as inadequate agronomic management, drought, high temperatures, and severe damage from pests and diseases, especially during early growth stages are considered the main causes of low yield. Direct seeding, which has long been the conventional method of chickpea establishment, often leads to poor and nonuniform seedling emergence under water-limited and harsh environmental conditions. In this context, transplanting represents a novel and promising approach to overcome these constraints by improving seedling establishment, optimizing water use, and enhancing tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of seedling age and tray cell size on transplanting growth traits to identify effective strategies for improving transplant production and addressing challenges associated with water scarcity.

Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted in February 2024 in the Research Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The treatments included two factors: transplanting age at three levels (4, 6, and 8 weeks) and tray cell size at three different volumes (24, 38 and 60 cm³). Chickpea seeds (cv. MCC770), obtained from the Faculty’s Research Farm, were sown in trays filled with a cocopeat–perlite substrate (7:3, v/v). To produce transplants of different ages, sowing was repeated at 2- and 4-week intervals following the initial planting. Transplants were grown under greenhouse conditions at 17–23 °C with daily irrigation throughout the growth period. Nutrient application was carried out two weeks after sowing, at the two- to three-leaf stage, using a complete NPK nutrient solution (0.2%). Eight weeks after sowing, emergence percentages, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, root surface area, and root length were measured Prior to analysis, data were examined for normality and homogeneity of variances. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab software (version 20), and means were compared using the LSD test.

Results and Discussion
The interaction between transplanting age and tray cell size was significant for all measured traits. In general, the highest leaf area and shoot dry weight were observed in 8 weeks transplants, whereas in the 4 weeks exhibited the greatest root surface area and root length. Increasing transplanting age markedly reduced the emergence percentages. However, 8 weeks transplants exhibited greater leaf area and shoot dry weight than 4 weeks transplants. This pattern indicates that spatial constraints during the nursery stage induced mild stress conditions, stimulating a compensatory growth response characterized by enhanced leaf expansion to improve post-transplant establishment. Negative correlations between emergence percentages and both leaf area and shoot dry weight further confirmed this interpretation, suggesting that reduced transplants density allowed greater access to growth space and consequently promoted shoot biomass accumulation. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships among root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and leaf area, underscoring the pivotal role of root development in sustaining aboveground growth. Additionally, root surface area showed a positive correlation with emergence percentages, likely reflecting enhanced water absorption capacity in the lightweight and porous substrate. In contrast, its negative associations with leaf area and shoot dry weight suggest a shift in dry matter allocation toward root structures under spatial or resource limitations. Overall, these results highlight the necessity of maintaining a balanced root–shoot relationship to ensure vigorous chickpea seedling growth and successful transplant establishment.

Conclusions
Increasing transplanting age decreased emergence percentages but improved growth traits such as leaf area and shoot dry weight. Cell size also played a crucial role in root development and dry matter distribution among plant organs. Transplanting aged 4 weeks exhibited stronger root systems, with greater root length and surface area, making them more suitable for field transplantation. Overall, optimizing transplanting age and cell volume can enhance chickpea transplants quality by maintaining balanced root–shoot growth, hence a better establishment in the field.

Abstract Introduction
Global agriculture confronts critical challenges driven by population growth and the scarcity of vital resources, particularly water and soil. In Iran, these pressures are exacerbated by climatic volatility and a reliance on imported protein inputs, rendering the adoption of resilient, low-input forage legumes essential. The pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a promising candidate owing to its genetic diversity, high biomass potential, and soil-improving properties via nitrogen fixation. Nevertheless, the scarcity of improved varieties adapted to Iran's diverse climates constrains its cultivation. Successful production depends on selecting cultivars with robust vegetative growth and delayed physiological maturity to maximize dry matter accumulation. However, these traits are governed by complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental variables, such as temperature and photoperiod. Furthermore, forage quality typically declines with maturity due to lignification. Consequently, a comprehensive multi-environmental evaluation is essential to identify cultivars that achieve an optimal balance of high yield, stability, and nutritional quality. The objective of this study is to address existing knowledge gaps via a rigorous multi-year, multi-location trial that assesses agronomic performance, stability, and forage quality of distinct pea cultivars across the varied agro-ecological zones of Iran.

Materials and Methods
A field experiment was conducted across four representative locations: Karaj (cold semi-arid), Gorgan (humid Caspian), Kermanshah (cold semi-arid Mediterranean), and Parsabad (warm semi-arid temperate) during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 growing seasons. The study utilized a randomized complete block design with four replications to evaluate two imported forage pea cultivars from Turkey, namely Zerre and Gap pembesi, alongside registered cultivars (Arda, Beren and Tashkent). Agronomic management, including irrigation and weed control, was uniformly applied across all treatments in accordance with local recommendations. Evaluated traits included fresh and dry forage yield, plant height, establishment percentage, and phenological characteristics. To assess nutritional quality, random samples of approximately 500 grams were collected from the first harvest. Following drying and milling, qualitative parameters, including crude protein (CP), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total ash content, were analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS; PerCon Inframatic 8620). Statistical analysis involved a combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) across years and locations using SAS software (version 9.4). Mean comparisons were performed using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level. Additionally, GGE-biplot analysis was employed to assess cultivar stability and cultivar-by-environment interaction.

Results and Discussion
Analysis of variance revealed significant effects for location, year, cultivar, and their interactions on most traits, highlighting the substantial impact of environmental heterogeneity on forage pea performance. Descriptive statistics showed high variability in yield traits, reflecting considerable genetic diversity and environmental sensitivity. The location effect was particularly pronounced for yield; Gorgan exhibited the highest fresh and dry forage yields due to its favorable humid climate and fertile soil, while Karaj showed the lowest yields, likely due to moisture limitations and heat stress. Kermanshah and Parsabad demonstrated intermediate performance with acceptable stability. Among the cultivars, Gap pembesi distinguished itself with the highest fresh and dry yields, superior plant height, and establishment percentage. Its late-maturing phenotype extended the vegetative period, facilitating greater photosynthetic accumulation. GGE-biplot analysis confirmed its broad adaptability and general superiority. Beren ranked second, driven by vigorous vegetative growth and strong regrowth ability. Conversely, early-maturing cultivars, Tashkent and Arda, produced lower biomass. While their shorter cycle suits regions with constrained growing seasons, their yield potential was lower in this study. Zerre demonstrated a superior nutritional profile, with high CP, optimal WSC, and moderate ADF, resulting in high digestibility. In contrast, Gap pembesi exhibited higher fiber fractions, resulting in lower digestibility compared to Zerre. Tashkent exhibited the lowest nutritional quality. These findings suggest that while late-maturing cultivars like Gap pembesi are ideal for maximizing biomass, cultivars like Zerre offer superior forage quality essential for animal nutrition.

Conclusions
This comprehensive multi-environment study provides key insights into the agronomic and qualitative performance of forage pea cultivars in Iran. The observed substantial cultivar-by-environment interaction dictates the need for region-specific cultivar recommendations. Based on the integration of yield data, stability analysis, and nutritional quality assessments, Gap pembesi is identified as the superior cultivar for general cultivation. Its outstanding biomass yield, plant height, establishment rate, and wide adaptability across different climates position it as a top choice for enhancing domestic forage output. Beren is also recommended as a complementary cultivar, particularly for temperate regions, due to its vigorous vegetative growth and regrowth capacity. However, for farming systems prioritizing forage quality over sheer biomass quantity, Zerre offers a distinct advantage with its high protein content and superior digestibility. Ultimately, decisions regarding cultivar selection must be based on production targets, regional climate, and growing season duration. This study establishes a solid foundation for future breeding programs and extension services by promoting the adoption of high-yielding, stable, and qualitatively superior forage pea cultivars to ensure the sustainability of Iran's livestock sector. This study lays a solid foundation for future breeding programs and extension services, promoting the adoption of high-yielding, stable, and qualitatively superior forage pea cultivars to ensure the sustainability of Iran's livestock sector.

Abstract Introduction
Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) is one of the most important plants in the legume family, which is of great importance in the nutritional system of human societies, especially in developing countries, due to the fact that they contain about 25% protein. In recent years, biofertilizers have received increasing attention as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, particularly due to the environmental and soil-related problems associated with the excessive use of synthetic inputs. Biofertilizers can improve various soil properties while providing economic, environmental, and social benefits. Consequently, they play an important role in emerging agricultural approaches, including sustainable, organic, and biological farming systems. Biofertilizers encompass a range of biologically derived materials and processes that contribute to soil fertility and plant nutrition. In addition to organic matter derived from animal manure and plant residues, they include beneficial microorganisms involved in processes such as biological nitrogen fixation and the mobilization or increased availability of phosphorus and other essential nutrients in the soil. Through these mechanisms, biofertilizers can enhance nutrient availability, support soil health, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. Legumes are one of the most important plant sources rich in protein and are considered the second most important source of human food after cereals. These plants, by biologically fixing nitrogen, while improving soil fertility as a cover crop or in rotation with some crops, are effective in preventing soil erosion and play an important role in the sustainability of agricultural systems. Legumes are also low-demanding plants in terms of nutrient requirements, which are desirable for cultivation in low-input agricultural systems and are important from an ecological and environmental perspective in preventing land erosion and pollution. Other factors that affect crop production include planting date and cultivar. The choice of planting date is important because it determines the environmental conditions under which the plant will grow and develop. This is especially important for plants such as lentils, which are grown primarily in the spring, relying on soil moisture, and which may expose the plant to high temperatures at the end of the season.

Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted as a split factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2015-2016 crop year at Shahrekord University Research Farm. The experimental treatments included: the main factor of two planting dates (March 15, 1403 and April 15, 1404), the sub-factorial factor of two lentil cultivars (Varzaghan and Bileh-Savar) at five fertilizer levels including the application of rhizobium bacteria (Rizobium leguminosarum); the combined use of rhizobium and nitrogen fertilizer; the use of mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus mosseae); the full application of chemical fertilizers required based on soil analysis; and the control (without fertilizer application). Standard agricultural practices were applied uniformly throughout the growth period.

Results and Discussion
The results showed that the combined treatment of Rhizobium + nitrogen increased most growth and yield traits in both lentil cultivars. This treatment increased plant height, stem diameter, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, grain yield, and grain protein content. However, no significant effect was observed on protein yield. Lentils were inoculated with the bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarium, and the lighter the soil, the more significant the effect of seed inoculation with the bacteria on yield. According to studies by the Australian Grains Research Institute (MEAGRE), lentils are capable of fixing about 35 to 75 kg/ha of nitrogen. Mycorrhizal biofertilizer increased the phosphorus content of lentil grain, and it seems that mycorrhizae improve the growth, development and performance of the host plant in sustainable agricultural systems by increasing the absorption of nutrients such as nitrogen and some elements such as phosphorus, and increasing the level of water absorption. The modified variety of Bilesawar had better performance for all the mentioned traits at the planting date of March. From the higher yield of the crop at the planting date of March, it can be inferred that the sensitive vegetative and especially reproductive period of the lentil plant did not encounter high temperatures at the end of the growing season, and this had a positive effect on the podding and grain setting of the lentil plant and ultimately the biological performance of the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to use a combination of biological and chemical fertilizers such as Rhizobium + Nitrogen fertilizer at the desired level and the Bilesawar variety at the planting date of March to improve the morphophysiological characteristics of the lentil plant, not only from chemical fertilizers, but also to achieve sustainable agricultural goals and maintain the physical and chemical properties of the soil.

Conclusions
The findings of this study show that the integrated application of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers was more effective than the separate application of either type of fertilizer. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers alone has contributed to the deterioration of sustainable and organic agricultural systems in many regions of the world in recent decades. Government policies aimed at achieving high crop yields and increasing farmers’ incomes are among the major factors contributing to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and the subsequent degradation of soil and the environment. The cultivation of crops such as lentil, which can serve as a cover crop and fix atmospheric nitrogen while contributing to carbon sequestration, can substantially reduce the adverse effects associated with excessive fertilizer use and help address the challenges of cultivation in degraded agricultural soils. In addition, selecting an appropriate, high-quality cultivar and determining the optimal planting date are essential for achieving high crop yields, as inappropriate cultivar selection or planting time can impose substantial costs on farmers and significantly reduce yields.

Acknowledgements
The authors of the article would like to express their gratitude for the support of Shahrekord University, as well as the National Soil and Water Research Center for providing biofertilizers, and the Ardabil Agricultural Jihad Organization for

Abstract Introduction
Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is a valuable legume crop whose seeds contain approximately 22-25% protein, 51% carbohydrates, 10% moisture, 4% minerals (including magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, and zinc), 3% vitamins (particularly B-complex vitamins) as well as dietary fiber and antioxidants. As a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family, mung bean serves as an important source of plant-based protein in the human diet. It is also one of the legume crops well adapted to the climatic conditions of Iran. Humic acid is recognized as an environmentally friendly organic fertilizer enhancing plant growth and improving soil fertility. Evaluating the quantitative and morphological traits of local mung bean populations facilitates the identification of genetically diverse cultivars with superior agronomic performance, thereby supporting crop improvement and sustainable agricultural production. Therefore, the current research was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar application of different concentrations of humic acid on the quantitative and morphological characteristics of mung bean cultivars.

Materials and Methods
The experiment was carried out at the research farm of Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran, using a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental factors consisted of three mung bean cultivars: Arteshi (primary landrace; C₁), Malek (secondary landrace; C₂), and Omrani (breeding cultivar; C₃), as well as three levels of humic acid: 0 mg.L⁻¹ (control, distilled water only; F₁), 50 mg.L⁻¹; F₂), and 100 mg.L⁻¹; F₃). Sowing was carried out during the summer growing season on July 11. All crop management practices, including weeding and other field operations, were performed manually. Humic acid treatments were applied as foliar sprays at two growth stages: branching and flowering. Leaf nitrogen content was determined using the Kjeldahl method. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (version 9.4), and treatment means were compared using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level. Furthermore, the relationships among the traits were evaluated using simple Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and path analysis based on the correlation coefficients was performed to determine the direct and indirect effects of the traits associated with seed yield.

Results and Discussion
The analysis of variance indicated that cultivar had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on most of the evaluated traits, including the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight, pod length, plant height, height of the first branch above the soil surface, and biological yield. Furthermore, the interaction between cultivar and humic acid treatment was significant (p < 0.01) for some of the studied traits such as pod dry weight, biological yield, seed yield, and harvest index. The highest biological yield (3.2 t.ha⁻¹) was recorded in the Malek cultivar (secondary landrace) treated with 50 mg.L⁻¹ humic acid. In contrast, the highest seed yield (2.4 t.ha⁻¹) was obtained from the Omrani cultivar (breeding cultivar) treated with 100 mg.L⁻¹ humic acid. Analysis of the main effects also indicated that the Omrani cultivar outperformed the other cultivars in terms of yield components. In addition, foliar application of 100 mg.L⁻¹ humic acid increased leaf nitrogen content, 1000-seed weight, and the number of branches per plant. Overall, humic acid application exerted different effects on the evaluated mung bean cultivars, particularly with respect to the number of branches per plant, 1000-seed weight, and other traits probably through improving soil structure and its chelating properties, thereby enhancing nitrogen and phosphorus uptake.

Conclusions
The results demonstrated that genetic differences among mung bean cultivars significantly influenced growth, yield, and most of the measured traits. The response to humic acid was also cultivar-dependent, with significant improvements observed in several quantitative traits. Among the evaluated cultivars, the breeding cultivar (Omrani) showed superior performance in seed yield, 1000-seed weight, and plant height. Overall, the combined use of an appropriate cultivar and the optimum humic acid concentration enhanced plant growth and productivity. Therefore, foliar application of 100 mg.L⁻¹ humic acid is recommended for the Omrani cultivar to maximize yield, whereas 50 mg.L⁻¹ is more suitable for the local landraces.

Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Lorestan University for its financial support and provision of laboratory facilities for conducting this research as part of the requirements for the completion of the Master’s thesis.

Abstract Introduction
Drought stress is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Water deficit disrupts physiological and metabolic processes in plants, leading to reduced growth, impaired photosynthesis, and decreased grain yield. Drought stress also increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damages cellular membranes, decreases photosynthetic pigments, and ultimately reduces plant productivity. Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) is an important legume crop because of its high nutritional value, short growth period, and nitrogen-fixing ability. However, this crop is highly sensitive to drought stress, particularly during flowering and grain filling stages. Therefore, improving drought tolerance in mung bean is essential under water-limited conditions. The application of plant growth regulators such as paclobutrazol has been considered an effective strategy for alleviating drought-induced damage. Paclobutrazol can improve drought tolerance by enhancing plant water status, maintaining membrane stability, promoting osmotic adjustment, and strengthening antioxidant defense systems. Previous studies have also shown that triazole compounds modulate stress-responsive pathways and improve plant performance under water-deficit conditions. However, these responses may vary with cultivar and drought intensity, and the underlying physiological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological and biochemical responses of two mung bean cultivars to paclobutrazol application under drought stress.

Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted during the 2024–2025 crop year at the Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilam, Iran. The experiment was arranged as a split-plot factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of three drought stress levels (40, 80 and 120 mm evaporation from Class A evaporation pan) as the main factor and three levels of paclobutrazol foliar application (0, 30, and 80 mg.L⁻¹) along with two mung bean cultivars (Partow and Gohar) as subplot treatments. Drought stress treatments were imposed after complete seedling establishment based on cumulative evaporation from the Class A evaporation pan. Paclobutrazol was sprayed three times at 72-hour intervals. Physiological and biochemical traits including relative water content, ion leakage, chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, proline, soluble sugars, catalase activity, and ascorbate peroxidase activity were measured at the flowering stage, while grain yield was determined at maturity. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (Ver. 9.1), and mean comparisons were conducted using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% probability level.

Results and Discussion
The results indicated that increasing drought stress significantly reduced relative water content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid content, and grain yield in both mung bean cultivars. In contrast, ion leakage, proline accumulation, soluble sugars, and antioxidant enzyme activities increased under drought stress conditions. Paclobutrazol application improved physiological and biochemical characteristics in both cultivars, and the greatest positive effects were observed at 80 mg.L⁻¹. Foliar application of paclobutrazol increased relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, proline, soluble sugars, and the activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes, while reducing ion leakage under drought stress conditions. The interaction effects of drought stress, paclobutrazol, and cultivar demonstrated that cultivar Gohar showed superior performance under mild and moderate drought stress conditions in terms of most physiological traits and grain yield. In contrast, cultivar Partow exhibited greater tolerance under severe drought stress conditions through better maintenance of physiological characteristics and stronger antioxidant defense responses. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and increased accumulation of osmotic adjustment compounds in paclobutrazol-treated plants played an important role in reducing drought-induced oxidative damage, maintaining membrane stability, and improving drought tolerance.

Conclusions
Overall, drought stress adversely affected physiological traits and grain yield of mung bean plants. However, paclobutrazol application considerably alleviated the negative effects of drought stress. Foliar application of paclobutrazol, particularly at 80 mg L⁻¹, improved plant water status, enhanced antioxidant defense systems, increased osmotic adjustment compounds, and maintained membrane stability, resulting in greater drought tolerance in mung bean plants. In general, cultivar Gohar showed better overall performance in terms of physiological traits and grain yield, whereas cultivar Partow exhibited greater tolerance under severe drought stress conditions.

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to the University of Ilam and the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Sarableh for providing the facilities required for conducting this research.

Abstract Introduction
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a strategic legume crop widely cultivated for its high protein content, contribution to human and animal nutrition, and its capacity to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Despite these advantages, faba bean productivity in many semi-arid regions remains suboptimal, largely due to inefficient nutrient management practices and an overreliance on chemical fertilizers. Excessive use of mineral fertilizers not only increases production costs but also contributes to soil degradation and environmental pollution. Consequently, there is growing interest in sustainable nutrient management strategies that integrate chemical fertilizers with organic inputs and biostimulants to improve crop performance while minimizing environmental impacts. Organic biostimulants, such as humic substances and plant-derived extracts—are increasingly valued for improving soil properties, stimulating root growth, enhancing nutrient availability, and regulating key physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Humic acid, a major component of soil organic matter, plays a crucial role in improving soil structure, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient uptake efficiency. Similarly, Equilibrate Vegetative Organic (EVEO), a plant-based biostimulant, contains naturally occurring growth-promoting compounds that can enhance photosynthetic activity, metabolic efficiency, and overall plant vigor. However, information on the combined effects of these biostimulants with reduced or recommended rates of NPK fertilizers on faba bean growth and yield under semi-arid conditions remains limited.
 
Materials and Methods
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of humic acid and EVEO, applied alone or in combination with different levels of NPK fertilizers, on growth characteristics, yield components, biological yield, harvest index, and green pod yield of faba bean. The experiment was carried out during the 2018–2019 growing season at the research farm of Gonbad Kavous University, northern Iran, under semi-arid climatic conditions. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and nine nutritional treatments, including: (1) control (no fertilizer), (2) 100% recommended NPK, (3) 100% NPK + humic acid, (4) 100% NPK + EVEO, (5) 50% NPK + humic acid, (6) 50% NPK + EVEO, (7) humic acid alone, (8) EVEO alone, and (9) combined application of humic acid and EVEO without mineral fertilizer. Standard agronomic practices were applied uniformly throughout the growing period.
 
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrated that nutrient management treatments significantly affected most growth parameters, yield components, and total biomass production of faba bean. In contrast, the harvest index was not significantly influenced by the applied treatments, indicating that yield enhancement was mainly driven by increased biomass accumulation rather than changes in biomass allocation. Treatments combining organic biostimulants with mineral fertilizers consistently produced superior results compared with the control and sole mineral fertilizer treatments. Notably, the application of humic acid or EVEO in combination with 50% of the recommended NPK rate resulted in yields comparable to or higher than those obtained with the full NPK rate, highlighting the capacity of these biostimulants to improve nutrient use efficiency. The observed improvements in growth and yield attributes can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between organic biostimulants and mineral fertilizers. Humic acid likely enhanced root growth and nutrient uptake through improvements in soil structure and nutrient availability, while EVEO may have stimulated key physiological processes via its bioactive constituents. These complementary mechanisms promoted improved vegetative growth, reproductive development, and yield formation. Importantly, the ability to maintain or enhance yield with reduced mineral fertilizer inputs underscores the potential of biostimulants to support more sustainable and resource-efficient cropping systems.
 
Conclusions
The findings of this study demonstrate that integrating organic biostimulants such as humic acid and EVEO with mineral fertilizers is an effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for improving the growth, yield, and productivity of faba bean under semi-arid conditions. This integrated nutrient management approach reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers while maintaining high crop performance, thereby contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. The results provide valuable insights for faba bean cultivation in northern Iran and other regions with similar agro-ecological conditions and support the broader adoption of combined organic–inorganic fertilization strategies in sustainable crop production systems.
 
Acknowledgements
I am very grateful to the vice-chancellor for education and research of Gonbad Kavos University for the financial support of this research.

Abstract Introduction
Legumes are the second most important source of human food after cereals and are considered the primary source of plant protein due to their high protein content. In addition to providing food for humans and livestock, legumes enhance the fertility of agricultural soils when grown in rotation with other crops, owing to their symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume used for direct human consumption. Achieving high seed yield is one of the main goals of cultivating this plant, and appropriate agronomic management practices-such as determining the sowing date, row spacing, plant spacing, and providing essential nutrients-result in high biological and economic performance. Therefore, in this experiment, to find solutions to increase the yield of local beans in Guilan province, the appropriate sowing date, sowing pattern, and the effect of boron foliar application on bean growth and yield were investigated.
 
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted as a factorial experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications during the spring and summer of 2023 in the Rudbaneh section of Lahijan, Iran. The factors examined in this experiment included sowing patterns at three levels: rectangle pattern (20×31 cm), rhombus pattern (23×27 cm), and square pattern (25×25 cm), with a constant density of approximately 16 plants per square meter. Additionally, foliar application of boron at a concentration of 0.1% was compared to no boron application. These factors were evaluated in two experiments conducted on April 25^th (spring) and August 29^th (summer).
 
Results and Discussion
The results of the combined variance analysis showed that the effect of the sowing date was significant on all tested traits except for seed protein content. These traits included plant height, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, percentage of fertile pods, 100-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, seed formation rate, seed filling rate, yield formation rate, and vegetative growth rate. In contrast, sowing pattern treatments significantly affected only plant height, the number of secondary branches, and 100-seed weight, with no significant impact on the other measured traits. In comparison, boron foliar application had a significant effect on a wide range of traits, including plant height, number of pods per plant, percentage of fertile pods, 100-seed weight, biological yield, seed yield, seed formation rate, seed filling rate, yield formation rate, vegetative growth rate, and seed protein content. The results showed that seed yield at the spring sowing date averaged 348.3 g.m^-2, which was significantly higher than the summer sowing date average of 204.0 g.m^-2 (a 41% increase). Boron foliar application also significantly increased seed yield, with an average of 307.9 g.m^-2 compared to 244.5 g.m^-2 without boron (a 20% increase). However, sowing patterns had no significant effect on seed yield. The components of seed yield, including the number of pods per plant and 100-seed weight, were higher at the spring sowing date, with averages of 15.6 pods and 42.8 g, respectively. These values represented increases of 37% and 6%, respectively, compared to the summer sowing date. Boron foliar application also resulted in a 16% increase in the number of pods per plant and a 5% increase in 100-seed weight, with averages of 13.8 pods and 42.6 g, respectively, compared to no boron application. Additionally, the square sowing pattern achieved a higher 100-seed weight, averaging 41.8 g, compared to the rhombus and rectangle sowing patterns.
 
Conclusions
Based on the results of this experiment, sowing local beans of Guilan in the spring season, using the square sowing pattern, and applying boron foliar application were superior in terms of seed yield and growth indices compared to the summer sowing date, rectangle, and rhombus planting patterns, and no boron application.

Abstract Introduction
Plants respond to drought by synthesizing osmo-protectants like proline and antioxidants, which help mitigate stress effects. This study was performed to evaluate effects of seed priming on yield, some morpho-physiological traits of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar under water deficit stress. Drought is a major limiting factor in bean production worldwide. Given Iran’s location in an arid and semi-arid climate and the sensitivity of bean growth stages to moisture stress, the adoption of mitigation strategies is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of seed priming on yield and some morphophysiological traits of pinto bean under water stress conditions. The experimental design included drought stress at three levels: control (50 mm evaporation), moderate stress (75 mm evaporation), and severe stress (100 mm evaporation) from a class A evaporation pan. Seed priming treatments included four levels: no priming (control), priming with distilled water, priming with 0.5 mM salicylic acid, and priming with 100 ppm gibberellic acid. Optimal priming conditions (temperature, duration, and drying time) were determined in a preliminary study. The results showed that treatments significantly affected physiological, agronomical traits and antioxidant enzyme activities. Under drought stress, severe stress caused the greatest reductions in relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids by 19%, 27%, 29%, 28%, and 28%, respectively. It also resulted in the largest decreases in pods per plant, seeds per pod, pod yield, 100-seed weight, seed yield, and biological yield, with reductions of 42%, 32%, 19%, 10%, 45%, and 15%, respectively, compared with the control. Priming with distilled water (optimal priming time, temperature, time and drying time were all determined in a pre-test), priming with 0.5 mM salicylic acid and priming with 100 ppm gibberellic acid and a new pinto bean cultivar, Koosha. In the case of priming, the gibberellic acid treatment had the highest mean RWC (60%), chlorophyll a (1.03 mg.g^-1 FW), total chlorophyll (1.63 mg.g^-1 FW), while the salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean chlorophyll b (0.61 mg.g^-1 FW). and carotenoids (2.59 mg.g^-1 FW). Regarding the interaction effects of treatments, priming reduced the negative effects of drought stress on physiological traits at all stress levels (control, mild and severe stress), such that salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean RWC, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids. In the case of priming, salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean number of pods per plant (15.82), number of seeds per pod (3.81), pod yield (0.79 g.m^-2), hundred seed weight (48.37 g), seed yield (30.1 g.m^-2) and biological yield (79.4 g.m^-2). Regarding drought stress, the most severe stress level showed the greatest reduction in the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod yield, 100-seed weight, seed yield, and biological yield, which were 42, 32, 19, 10, 45, and 15 percent, respectively, compared to the control treatment.
 
Materials and Methods
The field experiment was performed in 2019 and 2020 in the field of Markazi Province Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, located in the northern belt of Arak (latitude 34° 5’ N, longitude of 49°42’ E), at an altitude of 1757 meters above sea level and with an average annual rainfall of 230 mm. A split-plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental factors included drought stress at four levels (control, 50 mm evaporation, 75 mm evaporation, and 100 mm evaporation from the evaporation pan), and seed priming at four levels (no priming [control], priming with distilled water, priming with 0.5 mM salicylic acid, and priming with 100 ppm gibberellic acid). The optimal priming duration, temperature, and drying time were determined in a pre-test, and the Koosha cultivar was used for the experiment. Field preparation, including plowing, disking, and land leveling, was carried out in early spring of both cropping years, following standard regional practices. Before planting, all the seeds were disinfected with benomyl fungicide at a ratio of two per thousand. Seeds were sown in six rows, each 4 meters long, with 50 cm spacing between rows (Kamankesh & Shafiei, 2017). The first irrigation was done immediately after planting and the subsequent irrigations were done according to the relevant treatments based on the plant's needs and environmental conditions.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that treatments significantly affected physiological traits. Regarding priming, Gibberellic acid treatment had the highest mean RWC (60%), chlorophyll a (1.03 mg.g^-1 FW), total chlorophyll (1.63 mg.g^-1 FW), and the salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean chlorophyll b (0.61 mg.g^-1 FW), and carotenoid (2.59 mg.g^-1 FW) values. Regarding treatment interaction, priming reduced the negative effects of drought stress on physiological traits, at all drought stress levels (control, mild and severe); salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean of RWC, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids. Gibberellic acid (GA) priming significantly influences the activity of photosynthetic pigments in plants under drought stress by enhancing physiological and biochemical responses. This priming mechanism involves the regulation of key photosynthetic genes and the activation of protective pathways that mitigate stress effects. GA3 priming increases the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and chlorophyll content, which are crucial for effective photosynthesis under drought conditions (Xie et al., 2016; Fu et al., 2023). In maize, GA3 application improved photochemical efficiency and stomatal conductance, leading to better photosynthetic performance under drought stress (Fu et al., 2023). Regarding drought stress, the severe stress had the highest reduction of RWC, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids with 19, 27, 29, 28 and 28%, respectively compared to the control. Chlorophyll concentration has been known as an index to evaluate source activity, therefore a decrease in this can be considered a non-stomata limiting factor in the drought stress conditions (Hasnain et al., 2023). Chlorophyll concentration has been known as an index for evaluation of source, therefore decrease in this can be considered as a non-stomata limiting factor under drought stress conditions. There are reports of a decrease in chlorophyll under drought stress conditions. Also, it is reported that the chlorophyll content of resistant and sensitive cultivars to drought and thermal stress is reduced. However, resistant cultivars to drought and thermal stress had a high chlorophyll content (Kausar et al., 2023).
 
Conclusions
The results showed that treatments significantly affected agronomic traits. Regarding priming, Salicylic acid treatment had the highest mean pod per plant (15.82), seed per pod (3.81), pod yield (0.79 g.m^-2), 100-seed weight (48.37 g.m^-2), seed yield (30.1 g.m^-2) and biological yield (79.4 g.m^-2) values. Salicylic acid (SA) plays a crucial role in enhancing the yield of beans through various physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Its application has been shown to improve plant resilience against abiotic stresses such as waterlogging and salinity, leading to better growth and yield outcomes.

Abstract Introduction
Lentil, known as Lens culinaris Medik., is an annual legume belonging to the family Fabaceae. In 2020, lentil global production reached to 5.6 million tons when Canada located in first place with 45%, followed by India with 18%. Iran ranks 12^th in the world while has less than 1.2% share in production of this important crop. There is a high diversity of agronomic traits in lentil, the study of which is of great importance. Determining the characteristics of germplasm in terms of desired traits facilitates the creation of breeding populations designed to achieve specific goals.
 
Materials and Methods
In this study, 70 international genotypes and three control varieties (Bile-Sawar, Kimia, and Mahali) were cultivated in the first year in an augmented design with three replications for controls and in the second year in an alpha-lattice design with replication. The experiment was conducted under autumn cultivation conditions at the Dryland Agriculture Research Institute (DARI), Sararood, Kermanshah, during the crop seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The traits studied under field conditions included plant height, number of days to flowering and maturity, number of pods per plant, grain filling period, grain weight, and yield. The data were used for multivariate analysis by using GEA-R. Cluster analysis was done by Ward's method with the Euclidean distance criterion by hclust function in R software. Regarding the day to flowering and maturity with the grain filling period, lower values ​​were the selection criteria. For the other characteristics, high values ​​were desirable. Selection intensity was considered 15% for all MGIDI traits. For indexing estimation, the R item in the metan software package was used.
 
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed the difference between the genotypes and controls. For investigation significant difference among the other genotypes with the controls, the value of LSD should be the given. Based on this, for all of traits except PH, DM, and NPP, the differences were significant at the level of 1% and 5%. According to the results, there was significant variation in yield-related traits among the studied genotypes. About the plant height (genotypes G21 and G8), number of days to flowering “genotypes G13, G17 and M2, M12”, number of days to maturity “genotypes M20 and M7, M12, M33, M24, G4”, number of pods per plant “genotypes G30 and G1”, grain filling period “genotypes G32 and G4, M29”, grain weight “genotypes M24 and M31”, and yield “genotypes M22 and M26” showed a favorable situation compared to the others in the two seasons, respectively. Based on cluster analysis, two different groups (29 to 44 and 17 to 56) were formed in the two seasons, respectively, which were different from each other. In general, the Mediterranean genotypes showed better position than the globals and controls in terms of studied traits. In addition, there was a significant variation in terms of grain yield-related traits in the studied genotypes, which allows the selection of superior genotypes from among them. Results of correlation coefficient of the studied traits are also given. Yield in the first year was positively correlated with the number of days to maturity and grain weight and in the second year with plant height and number of pods per plant, and negatively correlated with other traits. The number of pods per plant, a key determinant of yield, was positively correlated with days to maturity, grain filling period, plant height, and plant weight in the first year, and with the grain filling period in the second year. Across both seasons, this trait showed negative correlations with other measured parameters. A dendrogram of cluster analysis based on the morphological and agronomic traits of the lentil genotypes is also presented.  In this dendrogram, a total of two groups were made and different genotypes were placed inside them. The number of genotypes in each group differs each season (44 to 29 and 56 to 17 in two seasons), which are shown with different colors. In this case, genotypes that were closest in terms of height, flowering and maturity period, number of pods per plant, weight, and yield were placed in one cluster, and those that were more different were placed in the opposite cluster.
 
Conclusions
According to the results of this study, the trait of pod number per plant plays an important role in lentil grain yield under autumn cultivation conditions.

Abstract Introduction
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is particularly important due to its versatility in human nutrition, animal feed, and its critical role in nutrient cycling within farming systems, owing to its ability to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen. Due to climate change, areas experiencing water scarcity are expected to increase, as precipitation becomes less frequent and its spatiotemporal patterns shift. Consequently, reduced access to water resources in agriculture is inevitable. One strategy for managing water resource use in agricultural systems is to schedule irrigation based on supplying the specific water volume required by the plant at each irrigation event. Given the varying results from different studies, there is a need for precise location-specific investigation into cowpea's response to water deficit stress. However, research has shown that applying fertilizer and adjusting of planting dates can improve crop grain yield even under water-deficient conditions, thereby mitigating the effects of drought stress on crops. This study aimed to determine the response of cowpea yield and water productivity to reduced irrigation while evaluating the potential of nutrient sources and planting dates to ameliorate the effects of water deficit.
 
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three planting dates (June 15, July 5, and July 25), three irrigation regimes (100%, 80%, and 40% of the crop’s water requirement), and four fertilizer treatments (control or no fertilizer application, application of chemical fertilizer including 100 kg.ha^-1 urea + 100 kg.ha^-1 triple superphosphate + 100 kg.ha^-1 potassium sulfate, animal manure at 30 tons.ha^-1, and compost at 30 tons.ha^-1). Planting dates were assigned to the main plots, irrigation regimes to the subplots, and fertilizer treatments to the sub-subplots. Cowpea was manually sown at the specified planting dates (according to the treatments) at a density of 20 plants per square meter. At harvest, morphological trait (plant height), grain yield and related traits (number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 1000-seed weight, grain yield, biological yield, and harvest index) were measured. Seed quality traits, including seed protein content (percentage) and protein yield, were also measured. Water use efficiency for grain production was calculated using the amount of water consumed and grain yield. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on the split-split plot design and the underlying randomized complete block design with MSTATC software. Analysis of variance of the data was performed based on the split-split plot experiment and the underlying randomized. complete block design using MSTATC software. Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey’s test.
 
Results and Discussion
The highest plant height, 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per plant, and seed yield of cowpea were obtained on the second planting date (July 5) under 100% water requirement supply and with chemical fertilizer application. However, this treatment showed no significant difference in the number of leaves per plant compared to the first planting date across all irrigation and fertilizer regimes (except for the no-fertilizer treatment under the 40% water requirement irrigation regime). The lowest plant height (61 cm) was recorded on the third planting date with 40% water requirement supply and no fertilizer application, which was not significantly different from other irrigation and fertilizer treatments at the same planting date. The difference between the highest (2845 kg.ha^-1) and the lowest (647 kg.ha^-1, recorded on July 25 with 40% water requirement supply and no fertilizer application) seed yields exceeded 400%. In other words, planting cowpea on July 25 with only 40% of its water requirement supplied and no fertilizer application results in a more than fourfold decrease in grain production. The absence of fertilizer application on July 25 resulted in cowpea seeds produced under the 40% water requirement irrigation regime being not only smaller (lower 1000-seed weight) but also having a lower protein percentage compared to other treatments. Under these conditions, seed weight decreased by more than 50%. Fertilizer application combined with reduced water consumption under the 40% water requirement irrigation regime led to the highest water use efficiency for grain production in cowpea at the second planting date (July 5). The lowest water use efficiency for grain production was observed on the third planting date under both 80% and 100% water requirement supply conditions, and fertilizer application could not improve water use efficiency at this planting date and under these irrigation regimes. Cowpea achieved the highest protein yield on the second planting date (July 5), which was not significantly different from the first planting date (June 15). The lowest protein yield was recorded on the third planting date (July 25).
 
Conclusions
Considering growth- and seed-related traits (plant height, number of leaves per plant, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index) as well as seed quality (protein content and yield), planting on July 5th with 100% water supply and chemical fertilization is recommended as the optimal treatment for achieving the highest grain and protein yield in cowpea. However, in the cases of water scarcity, the water supply for cowpea can be reduced to 80% of its requirement. In this scenario, by applying chemical fertilizer, a satisfactory grain yield (approximately 2450 kg per hectare, with about a 14% decrease compared to supplying 100% of the water requirement) and a protein yield comparable to that obtained with 100% water supply and chemical fertilizer application can be obtained.

Abstract Introduction
Lentil (Lens culinaris), as one of the oldest cultivated legumes in the world, holds a special position in ensuring food security and maintaining the sustainability of agricultural systems, particularly under dry and semi-arid conditions. The reduction of biodiversity in continuous monocrop systems have numerous negative effects on production factors, including soil, water, and the overall agro-ecosystem. Therefore, adopting appropriate crop rotations is essential to reduce the disadvantages of continuous cropping to achieve sustainable production. Lentil, due to its ability to biologically fix atmospheric nitrogen, not only requires less nitrogen fertilizer but also improves soil fertility for subsequent crops. However, the placement of lentil in a suitable crop rotation is equally important for lentil itself, since preceding crops influence weed populations, disease incidence, residual soil moisture, and soil structure, all of which affect lentil growth and productivity. Intensive farming and monocropping systems have imposed significant environmental costs with direct impacts on the health of natural ecosystems. This highlights the importance of considering environmental aspects in crop production. In other words, crop production systems should aim to maintain optimal yields while minimizing environmental burdens. Based on previous studies, crops such as wheat, rapeseed, rye, maize, potato, and barley have been suggested as potential candidates for inclusion in lentil-based rotations. However, these recommendations have mainly focused on their effects on grain yield, while the possible environmental impacts of growing these crops have not been considered. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to compare the environmental impacts of the proposed rotation crops with lentil and to identify those with the lowest negative impacts on the environment. The aim is to design sustainable lentil crop rotation programs that ensure desirable grain yields while minimizing the environmental footprint of this important food crop.
 
Materials and Methods
To compare the environmental impacts of seven alternative crop rotations with lentil (including wheat, barley, rye, maize, rapeseed, potato, and chickpea), SimaPro software (version 9.5) was employed. Each crop was defined as an independent process within the software environment, and data related to inputs, yields, and transportation were extracted from the Ecoinvent database using the allocation approach. This database is recognized as the most comprehensive global reference for life cycle assessment studies, providing global average values that enable comparability of results with international studies. Moreover, it saves time and costs while providing access to data that are otherwise very difficult to measure in the field. For environmental impact assessment, the ReCiPe 2016 Endpoint (v1.08) method was applied. This method aggregates a wide range of impacts into three endpoint categories: human health, ecosystem quality, and resource consumption. Such aggregation facilitates easier interpretation of results and decision-making while offering a comprehensive and integrated view of environmental performance. To quantitatively compare the impacts of each rotation option, the data were processed using the relative normalization method. In this method, the impact value of each crop within a category is expressed as a percentage relative to the highest value in that category. This provides a clear visual way to identify alternatives with the highest and lowest environmental impacts. Finally, an inventory of emissions and the impact values of each crop across the three categories was compiled, forming the basis for selecting the most sustainable lentil rotation option.
 
Results and Discussion
Except for the effect of rye on water consumption in dryland ecosystems (which was negative), the impacts of other crops (as well as the other categories for rye) were positive. The negative value associated with rye cultivation indicates an overall favorable effect of this crop in terms of water use, as it avoids higher water consumption compared with other cropping options in the domains of water use and dryland ecosystems. According to the results, rye and barley caused the greatest environmental damage in terms of human health, while rapeseed and potato had the lowest impacts and were therefore the most favorable crops in this respect. The difference between rye and potato and rapeseed in the human health category was 48% and 65%, respectively. In addition, rye, rapeseed, and barley exerted the most negative environmental impacts on ecosystems, whereas potato had the lowest impact in this category. The findings of the present study demonstrated that all the examined crops had their greatest environmental impacts on human health, as this category accounted for the largest share of environmental effects across all crops. Following human health, the ecosystem category was the second most affected, while the impacts on the resources category were negligible. Therefore, it can be concluded that in assessing the environmental impacts of rye, barley, rapeseed, potato, maize, and wheat in rotation with lentil, particular attention should be given to their effects on human health.
 
Conclusions
The greatest environmental impact of the crops proposed for rotation with lentil was observed in the human health category, while their impacts related to resource consumption were minimal. Among the studied crops, rye and barley imposed the highest burdens on human health, whereas rapeseed and potato had the lowest impacts. Therefore, to reduce the environmental load in lentil-based crop rotations, it is recommended to avoid including rye and barley as much as possible, and instead to incorporate rapeseed and potato. Accordingly, a four-year environmentally sustainable rotation plan can be suggested as rapeseed–lentil–potato–lentil.

Abstract Introduction
Legumes hold a special position in sustainable agriculture and the global cropping pattern. These plants, by establishing symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Rhizobium, are capable of converting atmospheric molecular nitrogen into a form absorbable by the plant. This characteristic, while reducing dependence on nitrogenous chemical fertilizers, leads to improved soil fertility and increased productivity in crop rotation. Among legumes, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is of particular importance due to its unique physiological and nutritional characteristics. This species, traditionally cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions such as northern Khuzestan, is an ideal option for cultivation under climate change conditions due to its favorable adaptation to environmental stresses (drought and heat). The high nutritional value of this crop (18-32% protein and essential amino acids) has made it a cost-effective substitute for animal protein sources. Plant hormones, as key signaling molecules, play a decisive role in modulating physiological processes and enhancing the performance efficiency of plants. Auxins, particularly indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), are effective in nitrogen fixation through increasing cell dimensions, vascular differentiation, and nodulation. Cytokinins also determine final yield by stimulating cell division, inhibiting leaf senescence, and regulating the transfer of photosynthetic materials to storage organs. The interaction of these two hormones in regulating the source-sink ratio and allocation of photosynthates to seeds is of particular importance. The innovation of this research lies in investigating the interactive effects of different levels of auxin and cytokinin on the morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of cowpea cultivars (Mashhad, Mahali, and Arabic) under the climatic conditions of Dezful. Despite scattered studies on the individual effects of these hormones, there is no comprehensive information regarding the optimal concentrations for their combined application and the differential response of cultivars. This research is designed with the aim of quantifying the growth and reproductive responses of cultivars to the combined application of auxin and cytokinin and identifying the best cultivar-hormone combination for sustainable yield increase.
 
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted during two crop years (2021-2022) at the Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in Dezful. The experiment was designed as a factorial split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots consisted of three cowpea cultivars (Mashhad, Mahali, and Arabic), and sub-plots included factorial combinations of three auxin concentrations (0, 200, and 400 mg.L^-1) and three cytokinin concentrations (0, 100, and 200 mg.L^-1). Each experimental plot comprised 10 planting rows, 10 meters long, with a row spacing of 75 cm and a plant spacing of 20 cm.
Hormone foliar application was performed at the beginning of the flowering stage (60 days after planting). Measured traits included grain yield, biological yield, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, and 100-seed weight. Combined analysis of variance for the data from two crop years was performed considering the year effect as a random factor and the effects of cultivar, auxin, cytokinin, and their interactions as fixed factors. Means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at a five percent probability level using SAS software (version 9.2). Correlation coefficients between traits were calculated using Pearson's method in SPSS software (version 26), and graphs were drawn using Excel software (version 2013).
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the combined application of auxin 400 mg.L^-1 and cytokinin 200 mg.L^-1 resulted in superior performance in most traits compared to control treatments and individual hormone applications. The highest number of seeds per pod (12.7), pod length (16.7 cm), number of branches (14), and grain yield (2346 kg.ha^-1) were observed in the Mashhad cultivar, while the highest number of pods per plant (45.6) and biological yield (5226 kg.ha^-1) were observed in the Mahali cultivar under the same treatment. On average, hormone application caused a 24% increase in grain yield, with the Mashhad cultivar showing the greatest response. Combined analysis of variance showed that the three-way interaction (cultivar × auxin × cytokinin) was significant for biological yield, number of branches, number of pods per plant, and 100-seed weight. Two-way interactions were significant for grain yield, pod length, and number of seeds per pod. The highest grain yield (2346 kg.ha^-1) was obtained from the treatment of Mashhad cultivar with auxin 400 mg.L^-1 and cytokinin 200 mg.L^-1 (V1A2C2). This treatment also resulted in maximum biological yield (5661 kg.ha^-1), number of branches (12.8), number of pods per plant (45.6), pod length (16.0 cm), and number of seeds per pod (12.7). The lowest values were observed in the control treatment of the Arabic cultivar. It appears that the application of auxin and cytokinin, by improving hormonal balance, increasing photosynthetic efficiency, and optimizing source-sink relationships, has led to increased pod formation, improved seed growth, and ultimately enhanced yield. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between grain yield and biological yield (r = 0.75) and between the number of pods per plant and biological yield (r = 0.72). Pod length had a very strong correlation with the number of seeds per pod (r = 0.88) and 100-seed weight (r = 0.89).
 
Conclusions
The results indicated that the combined foliar application of the plant hormones auxin and cytokinin had a significant effect on improving the morphological traits, yield components, and grain yield of cowpea. The Mashhad cultivar showed the greatest positive response to hormone application, and the treatment of auxin 400 mg.L^-1 along with cytokinin 200 mg.L^-1 on this cultivar was identified as the most effective combination for maximizing yield impact. Therefore, the combined application of these hormones at the mentioned concentrations on high-potential cultivars like Mashhad can be recommended as an effective strategy to enhance cowpea productivity in regions similar to the climatic conditions of northern Khuzestan province.
 
Acknowledgement
The authors express their gratitude to the Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in Dezful for their support in conducting this research.

Abstract Introduction
Legumes are the second most important group of cultivated crops after cereals, accounting for approximately 27% of global plant production. According to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad, the average yield of rainfed lentil in Iran is 485 kg.ha⁻^¹. Globally, lentil is cultivated on more than five million hectares, with a total production exceeding 5.6 million tons and an average yield of 1,305 kg.ha⁻^¹. The lentil crop (Lens culinaris Medik.), after chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), ranks second in terms of cultivated area in Iran, covering approximately 132,034 hectares, more than 90% of which is grown under rainfed conditions. Seed germination is one of the earliest physiological processes in plants. This process has numerous implications for the development of post-germination traits, ecological niche occupation, and the geographical distribution of plant species. Seed germination begins with water uptake and is completed by the emergence of the radicle. In most species, the radicle emerges first, and the seed is therefore considered germinated. According to the definition of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA, 2009), seed vigour is the sum of seed characteristics that determine the potential level of activity and performance of seed germination and seedling emergence of an individual seed or a seed lot. This study aimed to compare and select superior lentil genotypes based on germination indices, stress tolerance, and seed viability, in order to identify those with better establishment, higher adaptability, and potential for high yield under field conditions.
 
Materials and Methods
To compare and select the best genotypes in terms of germination traits and growth indices, an experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications in the laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. The experimental treatments consisted of 12 promising lentil genotypes, including Varzeqan 6, Varzeqan 7, Nir D, Nir C, Boukan Karim Beigi, Naqadeh Mosalman, Khalkhal Sheikh Janlou, Mohagharloo, Namin B, Pardis, Bilesavar, and Sana. It should be noted that the seeds used in this study were obtained from the local seed populations of the Agricultural Research, Education, and Natural Resources Center of Ardabil Province. Sowing operations were carried out immediately after confirming the viability and health of the received seeds. For the experiment, 48 Petri dishes with a diameter of 9 cm and a depth of 1.6 cm were prepared. Twenty-five seeds from each genotype were placed in each Petri dish containing filter paper, with four replications, and five milliliters of distilled water were added to each dish. The Petri dishes were then transferred to a germinator set at 25 °C. Counting of germinated seeds began 24 hours after transfer to the germinator and was performed three times a day (every 8 hours) for 14 days. Seeds were considered germinated when the radicle had emerged at least 2 mm from the seed coat. Germination indices were calculated using the Germin software. Seed vigour of the genotypes was assessed using accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests, and finally, the Seed vigour index was determined. At the end of the fourteenth day, to measure radicle and plumule lengths as well as fresh and dry weights of seedlings, ten seedlings were randomly selected from each Petri dish and evaluated. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software (version 16), and mean comparisons were conducted using Duncan’s multiple range test at the 5% probability level. Figures and graphs were prepared using Microsoft Excel.
 
Results and Discussion
The Pardis genotype exhibited the highest germination percentage (98%), whereas the Nir C genotype showed the lowest germination percentage and germination rate (75% and 0.023 seeds per day, respectively). To determine seed vigour, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests were applied, followed by evaluation of the seed vigour index relationship. Under the accelerated aging test, the lowest reduction in germination percentage (10%) was observed in the Pardis and Nir C genotypes, while the highest reduction in germination percentage (25%) was obtained in the Mohagherloo genotype. The electrical conductivity test indicated that the Sana genotype, due to greater leakage of solutes from the seeds, had the highest electrical conductivity (68.98 µS.cm⁻¹.g⁻¹), whereas the Nir D and Varzeghan 7 genotypes showed lower electrical conductivity values (26.37 and 26.84 µS.cm⁻¹.g⁻¹, respectively). The Sana genotype was classified as having weak vigour, while the Nir D and Varzeghan 7 genotypes were categorized as genotypes with good vigour. The highest vigour index (671.60) and radicle length (4.74 cm) were observed in the Sana genotype. The Bukan–Karim Beigi genotype had the highest seedling dry weight (0.064 g).
 
Conclusions
According to the results, the highest germination percentage was observed in the Pardis genotype, while the Nir C genotype showed a lower germination percentage and germination rate. Since the seed vigour index alone is not sufficient to predict actual seed performance, accelerated aging and electrical conductivity tests were conducted. After the accelerated aging test, the lowest reduction in germination percentage (10%) was observed in the Pardis and Nir C genotypes, whereas the highest reduction in germination percentage (25%) was observed in the Mohagherloo genotype, indicating that the vigour of the Mohagherloo genotype decreased under high temperature and humidity conditions. The electrical conductivity test, which measures the extent of electrolyte leakage from seeds into water, showed that the Mohagherloo genotype had relatively weak seed vigour. Based on germination percentage and seedling growth (seed vigour index), the highest seed vigour was observed in the Bilesavar genotype, and the highest seedling dry weight was recorded in the Bukan Karim Beigi genotype. Due to the direct effect of the seed vigour index on seedling length, the Bilesavar genotype exhibited the greatest radicle length. Therefore, the Nir D, Varzeghan 6, Varzeghan 7, and Nir C genotypes can be recommended for further studies under the Ardabil climatic conditions; however, to confirm these results, both greenhouse and field evaluations are also required.

Abstract Introduction
Mixed cropping is one of the components of sustainable agriculture, if done correctly and the appropriate plant species are selected, it increases yield, improves economic efficiency, preserves natural resources, increases the efficiency of resource use in organic farming and it can be useful in pest, diseases and weeds control. Mixed cropping of oilseeds and legumes is a type of mixed cropping systems that increases the performance of the mixed components, reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer compared to pure cultivation, increases the efficiency of the consumption of nutrients and water, and causes disruption of specific host diseases. According to the fact that the two plants, bean and sesame have an acceptable time of simultaneous cultivation, therefore it seems that the Mixed cropping of these two plants can achieve the benefits of a mixed cultivation system and increase the productivity of production in the management of weeds. Based on the conducted research, the mixture of oilseeds and legumes increases the performance of the components of the mixture, and on the other hand, due to the potential of nitrogen biofixation in legumes, it reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer compared to their pure cultivation and significantly suppresses facilitate weeding. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the weed control methods on yield and land equation ratio under the influence of mixed cropping bean and sesame.
 
Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted as a 6×3 factorial in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2019-2020 in a farm of Hossein Abad village at Shirvan- Iran. The treatments included different ratios of sesame: bean at 6 levels (100:0, 25:100, 50:100, 75:100, 100:100 and 0:100) at the optimum bean and sesame density (40 pl. m^-2) and weed control methods in three levels including the use of trifluralin herbicide (960 a.i ha^-1) mixed with the soil surface two weeks before planting, and hand weeding 35 and 55 days after planting (DAP). Irrigation was done by drip irrigation every week until seed filling stage. When the sesame seeds were at the physiological ripening stage and the pods of the bean plant were yellow, harvesting was done from an area of ​​one square meter on 24 September. After drying the harvested plants in the open air, their biomass and seed yield were measured and the land equation ratio (LER) was determined.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that in all bean and sesame mixed cropping ratios, especially the 75:100 ratio, hand weeding treatments had a higher LER compared to the trifluralin herbicide application treatment. The highest bean grain yield (336.16 g.m^-2) and biomass (953.68 g.m^-2) and the highest sesame grain yield (252.68 g.m^-2) and biomass (average 860.88 g.m^-2) were observed in pure bean sesame cultivation + use of trifluralin. However, in all bean and sesame mixed cropping treatments, LER was higher than monoculture treatments. The highest LER (1.80) was observed in the hand weeding treatment 55 days after planting in the 75:100 (sesame:bean) mixed cropping  ratio. Therefore, the aforementioned treatment can be useful and recommended in weed management as well as increasing yield and biomass in bean and sesame mixed cropping systems.
 
Conclusions
According to the results of this research, mixed cropping of sesame and beans with a ratio of 75:100 (sesame:bean) + 55 DAP can be useful and recommended in this mixed cropping  system and it’s weed management in Shirvan-Iran conditions. However, in pure cultivation of beans and sesame, the use of trifluralin has better results.

Abstract Introduction
Salinity stress is one of the limiting factors for plant growth and production in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The use of potassium silicate as the second most common element in soil is one of the strategies used to reduce the effects of environmental stresses such as salinity. Considering the increasing challenge of water and soil salinity and its limiting effects on the growth, development, and production of faba bean, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of potassium silicate on improving germination and growth indices, and to determine the tolerance threshold of faba bean seeds to salinity stress.
 
Materials and Methods
A factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with four replications at the Laboratory of Ilam University, Iran, in 2024. The experimental factors were included potassium silicate at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg.l^-1) and five levels of salinity stress (0, 1, 4, 8, and 10 dS.m^-1). The germination criterion was the protrugen of a radicle length up to 2 mm. At the end of the experiment, germination indices (germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor index) and seedling growth (root and seedling dry weight and length) were measured.
 
Results and Discussion
The application of potassium silicate under non-salinity stress conditions (salinity of 0 and 1 dS.m^-1) had no significant effect on the germination percentage of faba bean seeds; however, the germination percentage increased by 20.7, 23.8, and 26.7 percent with the application of 150 mg.l^-1 of potassium silicate under salinity stress conditions of 4, 8, and 10 dS.m^-1, respectively. The germination rate of faba bean seeds under non-salt stress conditions was not affected by pretreatment with potassium silicate. The germination rate of faba bean seeds with application of 150 mg.l^-1 of potassium silicate under salinity stress conditions of 8 and 10 dS.m^-1 was 23.9 and 26.7 percent higher than without its application, respectively. Under non-salinity stress conditions, application of 100 mg l^-1 potassium silicate increased the vigor index of faba bean seeds by 25.4% compared to the control. Under salinity stress conditions of 8 dS.m^-1, application of 50 and 150 mg l^-1 potassium silicate improved the vigor index of faba bean seeds by 73.7% and 79.0%, respectively. Salinity stress at levels of 1, 4, 8, and 10 dS.m^-1 reduced the length of faba bean rootlets by 21.8, 39.7, 44.2, and 60.0%, respectively, compared to the absence of salinity stress. The highest shoot dry weight (0.414 g.plant^-1) was observed with the application of 100 mg.l^-1 potassium silicate under non-salt stress conditions, which was 8.5% higher compared to the control. Under 10 dS.m^-1 salt stress conditions, the application of 100 and 150 mg.l^-1 potassium silicate improved the shoot dry weight of faba bean by 86.5 and 66.5% compared to the control. The highest root dry weight (0.419 g.plant^-1) was observed with the application of 100 mg.l^-1 potassium silicate under no salt stress conditions, which was 11.5% higher compared to control. Under 10 dS.m^-1 salt stress conditions, the application of 100 and 150 mg l^-1 potassium silicate improved the dry weight of faba bean root by 60.1 and 65.6% compared to the control. According to the Moss and Hoffman’s equation, the tolerance threshold to salinity stress in faba bean based on relative germination without the application of potassium silicate was 0.52 and its decreasing slope was 5.48. The threshold of tolerance to salinity stress in faba bean with the application of 50, 100, and 150 mg.l^-1 of potassium silicate was 0.62, 0.22, and 1.32 and its decreasing slope was 5.5, 93.4, and 22.4, respectively. Based on the three-parameter sigmoid model, the salinity stress that reduced bean seed germination by 50% by applying different amounts of 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg.l^-1 of potassium silicate was 8.75, 9.41, 9.38, and 10.10 dS.m^-1, respectively.
 
Conclusions
It can be concluded that the faba bean plant is sensitive to salinitySeed priming with potassium silicate at concentrations of 100 and 150 mg.l⁻¹ effectively mitigates salt stress in faba bean and significantly enhances the plant's tolerance to salinity.

Abstract Introduction
Salinity stress is one of the most vital abiotic stresses which limits the production of crops. In recent decades, the area under chickpea cultivation in Iran has tripled, but unfortunately, its yield has decreased from 610 to 500 Kg per hectare. The main reason for this reduction is the allocation of marginal lands under rain-fed conditions to chickpea cultivation. However, environmental stresses are the most critical factors of yield loss that can decrease chickpeas production significantly. The growth of chickpea is susceptible to salinity, and salinity stress affects their yield by affecting plant growth and symbiotic bacteria. Considering the current extent of salt-affected lands in Iran and in order to maintain and increase the area under chickpea cultivation, it is necessary to select the salt-tolerant genotypes. Therefore, this study was carried out to determining the salinity tolerance threshold of Kabuli -type chickpea genotypes.
 
Materials and Methods
The experiment was a split-plot randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates at the research greenhouse of the faculty of agriculture of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2020. Chickpea germplasm, including 70 Kabuli type chickpea genotypes, were provided from the Mashhad chickpea collection at the Research Center for Plant Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Two weeks after seed planting, the salinity treatments included 12 and 16 dS.m^-1 sodium chloride and 0.5 dS.m^-1 (tap water) as control was applied. The recirculating nutrient system was applied, the nutrient solution was replaced weekly, and the salinity of nutrient solution was adjusted daily, but no acidity adjustments were made in the Hoagland solution. The plant height was measured before and after four weeks of applying salinity stress, and then the difference in plant height was calculated. Four weeks after salinity application, survival percentage, leaves survival, plant height, leaf electrolyte leakage, osmotic potential, shoot dry weight, and Na to K ratio were measured. Salinity tolerance indexes, including stress tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), and stress tolerance index (STI), were calculated based on the shoot dry weight and separately for 12 and 16 dS.m^-1 compared to the control treatment. Data were analyzed using Minitab 16 software, and the mean comparison was performed by Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% probability level. Interrelationship among different traits was calculated using Pearson's correlation analysis. STATISTICA 8.0 and SPSS 27 soft wares also performed a cluster analysis (based on Euclidean distance) and principal component analysis (PCA).
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that for the salinity levels of 12 and 16 dS.m^-1, 65 and 28 genotypes had a survival between 76 -100%, respectively. With the decrease in the survival percentage in 16 dS.m^-1, the average percentage of leaf survival also decreased. With increased salinity levels from 12 to 16 dS.m^-1, electrolyte leakage in the survival range of 76 -100, 51 -75, and 26 -50% increased by 8, 25, and 12%, respectively. With increased salinity levels from 12 to 16 dS.m^-1, in survival ranges of 0 -25, 26 -50, 51 -75, and 76 -100%, shoot dry weight decreased by 15, 11, 36, and 14%. With increased salinity levels from 12 to 16 dS.m^-1, the shoot Na to K ratio in the survival range of 26-50% did not change, and in the survival range of 0 -25, 51 -75 and 76 -100%, it increased two and nine times and 22% respectively. The highest average shoot Na to K ratio was also observed within the survival range of 0 -25%. In 12 and 16 dS.m^-1, two genotypes, MCC1467 and MCC1394, were superior to other genotypes in most studied traits. The genotypes of the third cluster had a higher relative advantage for salinity tolerance.
 
Conclusions
In general, the results showed the diversity between chickpea genotypes under salinity stress. In 12 and 16 dS.m^-1 salinity, MCC1467 and MCC1394 were superior to other genotypes in most studied traits. In saline conditions plant survival had a positive and strong correlation with leaf survival. In the saline condition, genotypes that can maintain their normal physiological function can maintain and expand more leaf area, which ultimately leads to more biomass production. The genotypes of the third cluster had a more advantage for salinity tolerance. Due to this study being conducted in greenhouse conditions, it is recommended to check the salinity tolerance of superior genotypes in field conditions.

Abstract Introduction
Drought is one of the most important non-living stresses that has an adverse effect on crop production and their quality and leads to osmotic, ionic, and nutritional limitations as well as growth delay, metabolic disorders and oxidative stress in plants. Iran has a dry and semi-arid climate and the occurrence of drought stress during the growth period of plants is inevitable. Presently, the production of legumes in the country is mostly under rainfed conditions and drought stress is one of the main factors reducing the yield of legumes. Mung bean is a small grain of valuable legume. Evaluation of the performance of different cultivars is considered a starting point in identifying drought-resistant cultivars. Cycocel is one of the most important growth retarders for tampering with growth and performance. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of cycocel on quantitative traits of mung bean (Vigna radiata) genotypes under water deficit conditions.
 
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effect of foliar application with cycocel and water requirements on quantitative traits of mung bean (Vigna radiata) genotypes, experiental desing of split-split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in research farm of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Experimental factors included 3 levels of drought (non-stress, mild stress, and severe stress), 3 levels of cycocel foliar spraying (0, 400, and 800 mg/L), and 2 levels of mung bean cultivars (Hendi landrace and Zarbakhsh). Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4 and comparing the means was based on the LSD method at a 5% probability level.
 
Results and Discussion
The experimental results showed that the effect of drought stress, cycocel, genotype, and the interaction of drought stress and cycocel as well as drought stress and genotype on the number of pods per plant were significant. The results showed that drought stress reduced the number of pods in the plant and cycocel increased it. The number of pods in the plant of the Hendi landrace genotype decreased more than that of the Zarbakhsh genotype due to drought stress. Also, drought stress, cycocel, genotype, and the interaction of drought stress and cycocel as well as drought stress and genotype on the number of seeds in the pod, were significant. The results showed that cycocel increased the number of seeds per pod, while drought stress decreased the number of pods per plant. It was also found that at all levels of drought stress, the Zarbakhsh genotype had more seeds in pods than the Hendi landrace genotype. Drought stress, cycocel, genotype, and the interaction of drought stress and cycocel as well as drought stress and genotype had a significant effect on the 1000-seed weight. The results showed that the 1000-seed weight increased due to the application of cycocel, while drought stress decreased this trait. In addition, it was observed that the 1000-seed weight of the Hendi landrace genotype decreased more than the Zarbakhsh genotype due to drought stress. Drought stress, cycocel, genotype, and interaction between drought stress and cycocel had a significant effect on grain yield. The results showed that the grain yield in the Zarbakhsh genotype was significantly higher than in the Hendi landrace genotype. It was also observed that drought stress decreased and the application of cycocel increased grain yield. Drought stress, cycocel, and genotype had a significant effect on biological performance. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in biological yield. The use of cycocel increased the biological performance and increasing the concentration of this substance increased the biological performance. The results of variance analysis of data showed that the effect of drought stress, cycocel, genotype, and the interaction of drought stress and cycocel, drought stress and genotype as well as cycocel and genotype on harvest index were significant. In addition, it was observed that the harvest index of the Hendi landrace genotype decreased more than the Zarbakhsh genotype due to drought stress.
 
Conclusions
According to the results of this study in the presence of drought stress, it showed a decrease in yield and its components. Among the studied mung bean cultivars, the Zarbakhsh cultivar showed superiority in tolerance to water shortage conditions compared to other cultivars. The use of cycocel reduced the negative effects of drought stress on the plant. It appeared that the use of cycocel under drought stress conditions improved the plant better plants performance.

Abstract Introduction
Weeds are one of the most problematic factors in chickpea production systems and chemical control of weeds is limited in Iran because of registered selective herbicides for this crop are not available for farmers. In this situation, optimizing of herbicide application (especially soil-applied herbicides) is one way that can help farmers to combat with weeds. Incorporated By Sowing (IBS) is one of the best way for optimizing of non-selective soil herbicides application in crops. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the possibility application of non-selective soil-applied herbicides in directed planting of chickpea via IBS.
 
Material and Methods
Application possibility of non-selective herbicides in directed sowing of chickpea was evaluated in Ardabil and Zanjan in 2020. The treatments were arranged in a strip plot experiment with randomized complete block design and 3 replications. The vertical factor was herbicide application (including: trifluralin, metribuzin, pendimethalin, imazethapyr, and their combination with (phenmedipham+desmedipham+ethofumesate), and also oxyfluorfen and weedy and weed free controls. Horizontal factor was incorporated by sowing (IBS) methods (including: incorporate by seed planter and cultivator+seed planter). Seed germination of chickpea, weed density and biomass and chickpea grain yield were evaluated 30 days after herbicide application and in the end of chickpea growth.
 
Results and Discussion
IBS methods did not have a significant impact on weed and chickpea density and biomass. Therefore, the use of a cultivator before seed planting is only recommended when the seedbed is inadequately prepared or if pre-planting weed control has not been effectively executed. In contrast, herbicides had significant effects on weeds population and chickpea in experimental locations. In Ardabil, pendimetalin and pendimetalin + (phenmedipham + desmedipham + ethofumesate) were the only treatments that had low efficacy on weeds (with 48.9 and 51.7 % weed biomass reduction respectively) and other treatments had no significant difference in 30 days after herbicides application. In the end of growing season, the highest weeds biomass reduction (in compared with control) were recorded in trifluralin, metribuzin and imazethapyr in combination with (phenmedipham + desmedipham + ethofumesate) and oxyfluorfen (with 84, 83, 80 and 70 of control (%) respectively). In Zanjan, single application of trifluralin and metribuzin and their combination with (phenmedipham + desmedipham + ethofumesate) and combination of imazethapyr with (phenmedipham + desmedipham + ethofumesate) had the highest weed control with 79, 71, 78.6 and 75.5 % respectively. In contrast with Ardabil, the lowest weed control efficacy was recorded in oxyfluorfen plots (22.4%). Grain yield of chickpea was also high in trifluralin + (phenmedipham + desmedipham + ethofumesate) and was low in imazethapyr in Zanjan and Ardabil.
 
Conclusions
Application of soil herbicides (including: Metribuzin and Trifluralin) in chickpea is possible only if, farmers use them just before sowing and incorporate the herbicides into the seedbed during the sowing process.

Abstract Introduction
Common pea is an annual crop of the legominosae family with the capability of biological nitrogen fixation, and as such it has an important role in increasing productivity of field soil and is commonly used in crop rotation programs. This crop has high nutritional value due to high concentrations of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Sustainability, in terms of obtaining maximum crop productivity from a system while maintaining conservation of its resources, is one of the most important components of an agricultural system. There is a close relationship between agriculture and energy, so that energy has a direct effect on the efficiency of crop production. Agricultural systems need to be evaluated in terms of input and output energy, so that based on that, the amount of energy consumed for product production per unit area can be determined. In essence, assessing the sustainability of production in agricultural systems involves considering the balance between energy input and output. Consequently, the identification and effective management of input energy become pivotal factors in enhancing the overall energy efficiency of a production system. The current research was carried out to evaluate energy consumption and production in a common pea dry land farming system to reach the best possible improvement of energy balance.
 
Materials and Methods
Evaluation of the energy balance of a common pea dry land farming system and the effect of a complementary irrigation on total energy efficiency was determined from values for energy inputs and outputs including seed, pesticide (liquid herbicide), human labor (men and women), machinery, diesel fuel and grain yield per unit area. Energy inputs were determined from questionnaires completed by farmers. Farmers were asked to provide the information on their cultivation system including technical specifications for type of machinery used, including motor capacity, total land area, planting and harvesting method, crop yield per unit area, number of workers, amount of seed, amounts of fertilizer and pesticides. Energy efficiency of the system was evaluated by calculating the energy ratio and net output energy.
 
Results and Discussion
Results showed that the highest energy input belonged to diesel fuel, followed by seed. Distances between the input of diesel fuel and other inputs were high, where 87% (12724 MJ.ha^-1) of total consumed energy was allocated to diesel fuel. Grain yield of the common pea production system with and without complementary irrigation were 863 Kg.ha^-1 and 645 Kg.ha^-1, produced by consuming 14488 MJ.ha^-1 and 14679 MJ.ha^-1, respectively. In other words, complementary irrigation resulted in more input energy and grain yield. In the current research, complementary irrigation caused a considerable improvement in grain yield that resulted in higher output energy. Complementary irrigation increased input energy from 14589 MJ.ha^-1 to 14679 MJ.ha^-1 (60 MJ.ha^-1was added) (Figure 2), but evaluations of energy ratio and net output energy revealed the positive effect of complementary irrigation on energy efficiency.
 
Conclusions
The dry land farming system for common peas exhibited low energy efficiency, primarily attributed to diminished grain production. Notably, diesel fuel consumption represented the highest energy input. While some essential production activities inevitably lead to increased input energy, it is recognized that managing inputs may not always guarantee improved energy efficiency. However, the experiment demonstrated that introducing complementary irrigation during the flowering stage of common peas resulted in an enhanced energy efficiency for the system.

Abstract Introduction
The practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field is called intercropping and it is a common feature in traditional farming of small landholders. It provides farmers with a variety of returns from land and labor, often increases the efficiency with which scarce resources are used, and reduces the failure risk of a single crop that is susceptible to environmental and economic fluctuation. There is another important way that without incurring additional costs and use of water and fertilizer could result in higher production. This approach is increasing agricultural production per unit area by growing more than one crop in a year. Intercropping will be successful when competition for sources is less than competition within a species. Plants in the mixture can be chosen in a way that a species benefits from environmental changes caused by other species in mixed cultures directly. Intercropping inhibits the growth and development of weeds and leads to increased production. Since the system will reduce pesticide use, environmental pollution will be also less proportionally. The objective of the present study was to study some traits of chickpea (plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, and plant yield,) under application of nitrogen and planting pattern of chickpea and quinoa.
 
Materials and Methods
In order to study the effect of nitrogen and intercropping ratios of chickpea and quinoa on some traits of chickpeas, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete Block design (RCBD) was conducted with three replications at Gonbad Kavous University farm during the 2020-2021 growing season. Nitrogen factor was included three levels of non-application and application of 25 and 50 kg N/ha and the treatments of planting pattern were included 9 levels of sole cropping of chickpea, 67 % chickpea + 33 % quinoa, 50% chickpea + 50% quinoa, 33% chickpea + 67% quinoa, 100% chickpea + 33% quinoa, 100% chickpea + 50 % quinoa, 100% chickpea + 67% quinoa, 100% chickpea + 100% quinoa and sole cropping of quinoa. In sole cropping, the distance between the plants on the row for chickpea and quinoa was 10 cm. The operation of harvesting the entire plot was done by removing the border rows and half a meter from both sides of the middle rows. For analysis variance of data software of SAS Ver.9.1.3 was used and treatment mean differences were separated by the least significant difference (LSD) test at the 0.05 probability level.
 
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis variance showed that planting pattern and nitrogen had a significant effect on plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, and plant yield chickpea and also plant height, number of seeds per plant, 1000-seed weight, and plant yield quinoa. Plant height in additive intercropping was more than in replacement intercropping but the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, seed weight per plant, and pods weight per plant in replacement treatments and sole cropping of chickpea was more than additive treatments. Nitrogen application increased all traits. Plant yield of quinoa in replacement intercropping of 33% quinoa instead of chickpea was greater than other treatments. However, the plant yield of chickpea in sole cropping of chickpea and replacement intercropping of 33% quinoa instead of chickpeas with 14.11 and 13.26 respectively, which was greater than other treatments.
 
Conclusions
Plant height in additive intercropping treatments was more than in replacement intercropping but the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, plant yield, and plant dry weight in replacement treatments and sole cropping of chickpea was more than additive treatments.

Abstract Introduction
Dust storms are meteorological phenomena that usually occur in arid and semi-arid regions with an annual rainfall of less than 200 to 250 mm when strong winds blow with a high speed. Dust particles affect plants growth and development directly by depositing in shoot or indirectly by changing soil chemical properties (Maletsika et al., 2015). The interference of weeds with the mungbean (Vigna radiate) plant is one of the important factors limiting the production capacity of this crop, which leads to a decrease in yield and an increase in production costs. The competition between crops and weeds becomes more complicated when coincide with environmental stresses like soil dust. Compared to crops, weeds are more resistant to environmental stresses and have a high capacity to absorb more water and nutrients. The aim of this research was to evaluate the competitive balance between lambsquarters and mungbean under soil dust conditions in order to manage production of this crop with lambsquarters under soil dust conditions.
 
Materials and Methods
The pot experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture of Ilam University, Iran in spring of 2022. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments were included soil dust at two levels (0 and 60 g dust.m^-3 of air) and replacement planting pattern at five levels (mungbean monoculture, lambsquarters monoculture, alternative intercropping of 75% mungbean + 25% lambsquarters, 50% mungbean + 50% lambsquarters and 25% mungbean + 75% lambsquarters). Totally, four plants per pots were sown. The measured traits were included physiological characteristics such as photosynthetic pigments, photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf area, plant height, stem diameter, biological yield and grain yield components of mungbean and inflorescence yield of lambsquarters.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that soil dust has no significant effect on the morpho-physiological characteristics of lambsquarters weed, while it decreased the photosynthesis rate, leaf relative water content, leaf area, plant height, number of pods per plant, biological yield and grain yield of mungbean by 26.1, 9.7, 10.6, 19.3, 14.8, 24 and 23.2%, respectively. The highest amount of chlorophyll in mungbean leaves (4.65 mg g^-1 fresh weight of leaves) was obtained in the intercropping patterns of 75% mungbean + 25% lambsquarters and monoculture of mungbean under no dust conditions. The highest photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf area and number of pods in mungbean plant were observed in monoculture and planting pattern of 75% mungbean + 25% lambsquarters. The highest seeds number per plant (10.4 and 10.1) was observed in monoculture of mungbean and planting pattern of 75% mungbean + 25% lambsquarters under the no dust condition, which was 30.5 and 65.8 percent higher compared to dust treatment, respectively. The lowest seed number per plant (3.3) was obtained in 25% mungbean + 75% lambsquarters. Under both dust and no dust conditions in all plant patterns, the actual mungbean seed yield was lower than the expected yield and the changes in curve of mungbean yield was concave; but the actual yield of lambsquarters was more than the expected lambsquarters inflorescence yield, and the curve was convex suggesting a commensalism relationship for lambsquarters and amensalism relationship for mungbean. The relative crowding coefficient and the competition ratio under both conditions of dust and in different planting patterns were obtained for lambsquarters weed, were greater than one, which indicates the superiority of lambsquarters competitive ability compared to mungbean. The aggressivity index of lambsquarters under dusty conditions was higher than under dust-free conditions, which shows that lambsquarters weed has more competitive capacity under environmental stress conditions including soil dust. The results also showed that the mungbean plant has a greater potential to absorb dust than the lambsquarters weed, which is due to the presence of trichome in mungbean leaves surface. In general, in this experiment the lambsquarters dominated the mungbean plant in competition for water and nutritional resources and had better growth compared to mungbean in different planting patterns.
 
Conclusion
In the presence of dust, lambsquarters weed may have higher efficiency to use environmental resources due to its higher adaptability compared to the mungbean and causes decreasing in the yield of crop plants including mungbean. The interactive effect of dust and the interference from lambsquarters caused a significant decrease in mungbean yield. Therefore, the management of lambsquarters under dusty conditions is of important value.

Abstract Introduction
Documenting the production process in agriculture includes gathering all the information and activities that show the production process of a product from the stage of seed bed preparation to harvesting. In this view, the farm is considered as a production unit, and all processes from the time of preparation of this production unit for cultivation until the product leaves the farm after harvesting are included in the scope of documentation. Considering that the management of the production process in agricultural systems has a significant effect on the quantity of yield, production efficiency, the efficiency of input consumption and finally the environmental effects of production, monitoring and improving the processes leading to the production of agricultural products in order to reduce the challenges associated with agricultural management in Agricultural systems are inevitable. From a scientific point of view, it is possible to improve such management processes by using various techniques, among which continuous improvement and re-engineering of processes are among the most important ones. Golestan province is considered one of the most important areas for the production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in the country due to the climate and soil conditions, therefore, without a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural operations, it is difficult to take steps to meet the needs of farmers and eliminate production obstacles. In this study, it is tried that all the researchers and farmers become familiar with the production process of faba bean in Golestan province in an integrated and documented manner and this research is a basis for effective planning to meet the needs of farmers, reduce the consumption of inputs and reduce the environmental effects by changing the method it will be farm management.
 
Materials and Methods
This research was carried out in two crop years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 in Golestan province and in Gorgan, Aliabad Katul and Aqqola cities. To document the production and analyze the performance gap, 445 farms that had sufficient diversity in different aspects, including farm management, were selected, and all information related to the farm and production management was collected using questionnaires, observations and measurements. In each region, every year, different fields were examined in terms of agricultural management factors, and observations related to the field, planting, planting and harvesting were recorded. In order to analyze the data, absolute and cumulative frequency distribution was used. In these investigations, the scope of changes and the method of performing each management operation performed in the bean farms and also the proportion of farmers who used different methods of each of these management operations were determined.
 
Results and Discussion
The results showed that soybeans are cultivated more than other crops (41%) before faba bean. Faba bean is planted in these areas between 14 October and 25 November. In these areas, 97% of farmers use reversible plows (one to two times) to prepare the bean planting bed. The amount of seed used is in the range of 60 to 100 kg.ha^-1, and in 56% of the fields it is planted with a linear machine, in 43% with a row machine, and in 2% by hand spraying and then mixing the seeds with the soil using a disc. According to the distribution of rainfall in the region, 92% of faba bean cultivation is carried out under rainfed condition. Farmers use 0 to 115 kg.ha^-1 of pure nitrogen fertilizers, 0 to 96 kg ha^-1 of pure phosphorus and 0 to 72 kg.ha^-1 of pure potassium fertilizers to meet their fertilizer needs. Investigations showed that pesticides were used in 338 out of 445 farms, herbicides were used in 356 farms, and fungicides were used in 293 farms, and the number of times pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides were used varied between 1 and 3 times. Faba bean is harvested in these areas from late April to early June, depending on weather conditions, planting date and variety. The yield of faba bean varied from 780 to 4187 kg.ha^-1.
 
Conclusions
The results of this research can clarify the details of the faba bean production process for students and researchers to carry out future projects and also provide information on the common consumption of inputs to those interested and be useful in the implementation of growth and yield simulation plans under common conditions by means of average crop plants.

Abstract Introduction
In contemporary agriculture, the monoculture system of cereal crops is prevalent. Legumes are the most important plant family for crop rotation and sustainable agriculture due to their nitrogen fixing capabilities. Rainfed agricultural ecosystems are the largest food-producing biomes globally, with water scarcity and fluctuating rainfall being the most significant limiting factors for crop production. The growing demand for freshwater resources will increase the agricultural sector's vulnerability under future climate conditions, restricting production. Kermanshah province, where 78.4% of the land is arid, faces unique weather conditions and is particularly affected by drought stress. In rainfed farming systems, a suitable solution to conserve water at the farm scale is to create a suitable planting bed. The most common method of seed bed preparation among farmers is the normal flat planting method. The flat planting method, which is easy to prepare, is associated with a series of basic problems, such as reducing the efficiency of water use, reducing the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use, reducing plant establishment, and the soil capping. Preparing the planting bed by changing the physical conditions of the seed bed, i.e. the thermal, humidity, ventilation and resistance characteristics of the soil, can affect the seedling emergence and the growth of the plant. By creating a ridge and furrow bed and nylon mulch, the soil moisture can be saved for different stages of plant growth.
 
Materials and Methods
The current research was carried out in the research Farm, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University during the cropping years of 2019 and 2020 as a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks with three replications. The treatments included nylon mulch (without nylon, nylon on the plant and nylon on the soil) and the method of planting in the bed (flat planting, planting in a 50 cm furrow, planting in a 100 cm furrow). The dimensions of each of the experimental plots were 2 m x 2m. In each plot, there were four rows of cultivation at a distance of half a meter, and the distance between the plants on each row was 10 cm. The distance between the experimental plots was one and a half meters. The traits studied included nitrogen use efficiency, leaf specific weight, leaf area index, stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, number of leaves per plant, plant height, dry weight of broadleaf weed, dry weight of narrow leaf weed, crude protein of green seed, and leaf greenness index. After Bartlett's test, the results showed that the dry weight of broad-leaved weeds, the dry weight of narrow-leaved weeds, seed protein and leaf greenness can be analyzed as a combined analysis of variance over two years, and the rest of the traits can be analyzed separately in each year. The data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.1 and the mean of the treatments were compared with the LSD method at a probability level of 5%.
 
Results and Discussion
According to the results of analysis of variance per year, plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, specific leaf weight and nitrogen consumption efficiency (first year) and specific weight leaf (second year) were affected by the double interaction of nylon and planting bed. The combined analysis of variance showed that broadleaf weed dry weight and leaf greenness were affected by the triple interaction effect of year, nylon and planting bed. According to the mean comparison results (first year), the highest and lowest leaf area index values were obtained in the treatment of nylon on the plant with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.82) and treatment without nylon with planting in a 50 cm furrow (3.26), respectively. The highest and lowest efficiency of nitrogen use were related to the treatment of nylon on soil with planting in a 50 cm furrow (152 kg.kg^-1) and treatment of without nylon and flat planting (81 kg.kg^-1), respectively. According to the comparison of the mean of the combined analysis of variance, the highest dry weight of broadleaf weeds was obtained in the treatment of the first year, nylon on the plant and flat planting (489 kg.ha^-1), and the lowest in the treatment of the first year, nylon on soil and planting in a 100 cm furrow (71 kg.ha^-1).
 
Conclusions
In this study, the plastic cover on the soil had the highest nitrogen use efficiency and the lowest weed growth due to weed suppresion. These two factors are acceptable reasons for increasing the growth under treatment of plastic cover on the soil. In line with the report of various studies, the treatment of planting in the 50 cm furrow floor reduced the drought stress and increased the growth of the plant by affecting the available water, and this drought stress reduction was more evident in the second year due to the low amount of rainfall.