Irrigation
M.R. Alashti; M. Khoshravesh; F. Sadegh-Zadeh; H.M. Azamathulla
Abstract
Introduction
The rapid growth and development of urban communities, coupled with the increased industrial and economic activities in recent years, have led to the production and release of various pollutants into the environment. These pollutants have adverse effects on human health, living organisms, ...
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Introduction
The rapid growth and development of urban communities, coupled with the increased industrial and economic activities in recent years, have led to the production and release of various pollutants into the environment. These pollutants have adverse effects on human health, living organisms, and the overall environment. With limitations in water resources, insufficient rainfall, the looming risk of water crises in many countries, and the escalating pollution of surface and underground water, there is a pressing need for environmental solutions to mitigate these issues. It is important to acknowledge that wastewater often contains pollutants that may render it unsuitable for certain applications. The utilization of biochar derived from cost-effective materials and innovative technologies such as ultrasonics is one avenue that warrants exploration for enhancing water quality. In this approach, a nitrate solution is exposed to both an adsorbent and ultrasonic waves. This dual treatment induces changes in the physical and chemical properties of water, thereby offering potential improvements in water quality.
Materials and Methods
This study aimed to explore the impact of utilizing biochar derived from rice straw, which was coated with iron(III) and zinc cations, and subjected to ultrasonication, on the nitrate adsorption process from aqueous solutions. In order to produce biochar, cheap materials of rice straw were used. The chopped straw was placed in the electric furnace and heated for one hour to reach the desired temperature. Then it was kept at that temperature for 2 hours. After that, the obtained biochar was washed three times with distilled water at a ratio of 1:20 and dried in an oven at 70°C for 24 hours. In this study, two temperature levels, 350 °C and 650 °C, were used for biochar production. Based on the results from pre-tests, it was found that biochars produced at 650 °C exhibited higher nitrate removal efficiency. These biochars were then used for the continuation of the experiments. To optimize the adsorbent dose, pre-tests were conducted using doses of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1 gram of the adsorbent with 40 ml of nitrate solution. The concentrations of nitrate solution tested were 20, 45, 80, 100, 150, and 200 mg L-1. The research involved conducting experiments to determine the optimal parameters for each treatment, with three repetitions conducted in the water quality laboratory of Sari agricultural sciences and Natural Resources University during the years 2021 and 2022. The treatments comprised biochar (B), biochar and ultrasonic (BU), biochar with iron(III) coating (BF), biochar with iron(III) coating and ultrasonic (BFU), biochar with zinc coating (BZ), and biochar with zinc coating and ultrasonic (BZU). In this investigation, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were examined.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that the BF and BFU treatments exhibited a higher maximum adsorption capacity. The Freundlich isotherm demonstrated higher correlation coefficients for BF, BFU, BZ, and B, suggesting a superior fit of the Freundlich model in these treatments. The better fit of the Freundlich adsorption isotherm indicates the heterogeneity of biochar surface adsorption sites, which means that the adsorption process is not confined to a single constituent layer. Nitrate adsorption on biochar surface is probably influenced by electrostatic adsorption and ion exchange. Conversely, the BZU and BU treatments showed a better fit with the Langmuir model. In the analysis of the Freundlich isotherm, nf values revealed that BF, BFU, and BZ treatments exhibited a favorable adsorption state with a desirable curve shape. The B treatment displayed a normal adsorption state with a linear curve shape, while BU and BZU treatments showed a weak adsorption state with an unfavorable curve shape. The elevated values of adsorption capacity (KF) obtained for BF, BFU, and BZ, namely 1909.414, 1484.22, and 386.63 ((mg g-1)(L mg-1)1/n), respectively, underscore the high nitrate adsorption capacity of these treatments. Also, biochars coated with iron(III) and with iron solution concentration of 10000 mg L-1 had a very good performance in removing nitrate from aqueous solutions. The new ultrasonic technology was able to improve the performance of the tested adsorbents in a period of 5 minutes without the need to stir the mixture of biochar and nitrate solution in the obtained equilibrium times, which were between 60 and 120 minutes. Application of this technology can be effective and useful in increasing the economic benefits of using limited water resources and increasing the efficiency of water consumption.
Conclusion
The utilization of cost-effective biochars derived from rice straw, along with the application of ultrasonic technology, can substantially decrease nitrate levels in aqueous solutions. In the case of biochar with iron(III) coating, biochar with iron(III) coating combined with ultrasonic treatment, and biochar combined with ultrasonic treatment, there is a notable affinity for nitrate to be adsorbed onto the surface of the adsorbent.
Irrigation
S. Habibi; M. Khoshravesh; R. Nouri Khajebelagh
Abstract
IntroductionIn today's world, challenges related to agriculture, food security, water and energy resources, productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions have emerged as significant issues for global societies. Through their international impacts, these challenges have led to economic, social, and environmental ...
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IntroductionIn today's world, challenges related to agriculture, food security, water and energy resources, productivity, and greenhouse gas emissions have emerged as significant issues for global societies. Through their international impacts, these challenges have led to economic, social, and environmental changes on a global scale. One of the most crucial issues that should be highlighted is the shortage of water resources. Water, as a vital factor in agriculture and food production, holds special importance. Therefore, in order to achieve sustainable agriculture, it is necessary to pay attention to the energy indicators, the efficiency of water consumption in the production of agricultural products and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In general, a combination of energy indicators, water efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture can help to develop sustainable agriculture and preserve the environment and help to provide safe and accessible food for the society. The aim of the present study was to investigate the indicators of physical water, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions on alfalfa and barley crops in two different climates: a warm and arid climate (Shahr-e-Qom Plain, Qom) and a temperate and humid climate (Sari Plain, Mazandaran). This was done to assess the impact of climate on the outcomes of these indicators. Materials and MethodsTo investigate the physical water efficiency and evaluate energy indicators in this study, major agricultural products in Sari and Sharifabad Plains, including barley and alfalfa, were analyzed using cross-sectional data from the agricultural year 2021-2022. Initially, the sample size was determined based on the Cochran formula and the Bartlett method (2001). Subsequently, sampling was carried out using a questionnaire designed by the researchers themselves. The questionnaires totaled 250 (Sari Plain: 150, Sharifabad Plain: 100), and the collected information included the amount of input consumption and production quantity. The questionnaire, designed by the researcher, was validated for validity and reliability by experts and specialists. The inputs used in the study of water efficiency and energy indicators for the mentioned products in Sari and Sharifabad Plains included person-days of human labor, machine working hours, fuel consumption of machines, the quantity of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilizers per hectare, the quantity of various chemical pesticides (herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides) per liter per hectare, the amount of water consumption in cubic meters per hectare, and the amount of seed consumption in kilograms per hectare.Results and DiscussionThe results of the descriptive statistics of input consumption in Sari and Sharifabad Plains in barley and alfalfa crops showed that the highest input consumption of manpower in the cultivation of alfalfa crops in Sharifabad Plains with an average of 225 hours per hectare, the highest amount of fertilizer consumption related to the alfalfa crop in Sharifabad Plain is related to nitrogen fertilizer with an average of 130 kg per hectare, the highest amount of fuel consumption of machinery related to alfalfa crop in Sari Plain with an average of 405 liters per hectare, the highest amount of water consumption related to alfalfa crop in Sharifabad Plains with an average of 17500 cubic meters per hectare and the highest yield of alfalfa was obtained in Sharifabad Plains with an average of 11550 kg per hectare. The obtained results indicated that the highest input energy level in Sharifabad Plain for alfalfa was 5,674.50 MJ per hectare. The results of energy efficiency indicated that alfalfa production in Shahrifabad Plain had the highest value with 0.19 kilograms per MJ, while this index for alfalfa in Sari Plain was 0.13 kilograms per MJ. Additionally, the energy efficiency for barley in Shahrifabad Plain was 0.13 kilograms per MJ, and for Sari Plain, it was 0.12 kilograms per MJ, showing a somewhat similar level. The physical water use efficiency results revealed that the highest and lowest efficiency levels were observed for barley in Sari Plain, amounting to 0.96 kilograms per cubic meter, and for alfalfa in Shahrifabad Plain, amounting to 0.57 kilograms per cubic meter, respectively. Furthermore, this index for alfalfa in Sari Plain was 0.67 kilograms per cubic meter, and for barley in Shahrifabad Plain, was 0.8 kilograms per cubic meter. The results for greenhouse gas emissions demonstrated that the level of emissions in Sari Plain was higher than Sharifabad Plain, attributed to excessive fertilizer and pesticide use in Sari Plain. The highest greenhouse gas emissions in Sari Plain for alfalfa were 2681.65 kilograms of CO2 per hectare, while in Sharifabad Plain, was 2351.85 kilograms of CO2 per hectare. ConclusionThe overall results indicated that crop performance in humid regions was not higher than in dry and semi-arid regions, and this index depends on various parameters, including water consumption and managerial considerations. However, water consumption in temperate and humid regions is significantly lower than in dry and semi-arid areas due to higher precipitation. This result is increased efficiency in temperate and humid regions.
Irrigation
M. Khoshravesh; M. Pourgholam-Amiji; F. Emami Ghara
Abstract
Introduction
Considering the value of water in agriculture and the limitation of this important and vital resource and the existence of intermittent droughts in the country, saving in consumption and optimal use of available water seems necessary. Today, utilizing saltwater is considered one of the ...
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Introduction
Considering the value of water in agriculture and the limitation of this important and vital resource and the existence of intermittent droughts in the country, saving in consumption and optimal use of available water seems necessary. Today, utilizing saltwater is considered one of the practical and effective approaches to minimize water consumption while achieving acceptable economic performance. Given the scarcity of freshwater sources, the utilization of unconventional water for strawberry cultivation holds significant economic importance. Through the application of innovative technologies, such as magnetic technology, the modification of these water sources can lead to increased quantitative and qualitative yields of agricultural products. Salinity stress, which alters the water and nutrient absorption patterns, directly impacts the plant's yield in terms of both quantity and quality. Strawberry is an important commercial product, and the quantitative and qualitative increase of its yield is emphasized from different aspects. The purpose of this research is to the effect of salinity stress under the influence of a magnetic field on the yield and yield components of the strawberry plant.
Materials and Methods
The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of salinity stress under the influence of magnetic fields on the yield and yield components of strawberry plants. The factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2021 and 2022 in Neka city. The control treatment included full irrigation in all stages of plant growth with normal water (non-magnetic). The treatments include the type of irrigation water at two levels (Non-Magnetic Water (W1) and Magnetic Water (W2)), and water salinity was at three levels (0.86 dS/m (S1), 20 mM sodium chloride (S2), and 40 mM sodium chloride (S3). The strawberry plant of the Silva cultivar was cultivated in 3 x 4-meter plots with a row spacing of 40 cm and a between the spacing of 40 cm. Magnetization of irrigation water was created by passing water through a permanent magnet with a magnetic field intensity of 0.3 Tesla. The salt used for salinity stress was laboratory sodium chloride. The used irrigation method was drip (tape), and the amount of irrigation water and irrigation cycle was done according to the needs of the plant. Soil moisture monitoring was used to calculate the amount of applied water.
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of the irrigation water type and different levels of water salinity on the length, diameter, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, biomass and plant yield was significant at the 1% probability level. The effect of water salinity on the number of fruits per plant was significant at the 1% probability level and on the fruit length and fruit diameter at the 5% probability level. The interaction effect of irrigation water type and water salinity was also significant at the probability level of 1%. On average, during two years of strawberry cultivation with the application of a magnetic field, the length, diameter, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, biomass, and plant yield were increased by 9.76, 14.14, 23.05, 27.60, 27.08, and 28.36% respectively. The introduction of 20 and 40 mM sodium chloride resulted in a decrease in the physical characteristics of strawberry fruit and overall yield. The most significant reduction was observed in the number of fruits per plant at the salinity level of 40 mM sodium chloride, exhibiting a 56.69% decrease compared to the control treatment.
Conclusion
The growth of population and expansion of agriculture on one hand and the demand for more harvesting from limited water resources on the other hand, make it necessary to increase water productivity. Lack of water and competition for water resources has caused research to be done in order to reduce water consumption and preserve its resources. Therefore, searching for ways to reduce consumption and preserve water resources is of great importance. One of these methods is using magnetic water. The results of the research showed that the use of magnetic water technology caused a significant increase in the yield and yield components of strawberries compared to the control treatment. In addition, the salinity level of irrigation water had a significant impact on the yield and yield components of strawberries, with the highest yield observed in the treatment without salinity stress when using magnetic water technology. The findings of this study indicate that the application of magnetic water technology can enable the use of low salinity levels and lead to improved strawberry yield.
A. Kiani; A. Hezarjaribi; T. Dehghan; M. Khoshravesh
Abstract
Introduction: Water scarcity is one of the major problems for crop production. Using drip irrigation as an effective method in the efficient use of water is expanding in arid and semi-arid regions. One of the problems in under pressure irrigation during use of saline, unconventional and waste is emitters ...
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Introduction: Water scarcity is one of the major problems for crop production. Using drip irrigation as an effective method in the efficient use of water is expanding in arid and semi-arid regions. One of the problems in under pressure irrigation during use of saline, unconventional and waste is emitters clogging. There are several ways to prevent particle deposits in pipes and clogging of emitters. Generally, conventional methods are divided into two categories: physical and chemical methods. In physical method, suspended solids and inorganic materials are removed using particles sediment sand and disc filters. In the chemical method the pH drops by adding acid to water resulting in the dissolution of carbonate sediments. With chlorine handling, organisms (i.e. algae, fungi and bacteria) that are the main causes of biological clogging are destroyed. However, the application of these methods is not successful in all cases. It has been observed that the emitters have gradually become obstructed. Magnetic water is obtained by passing water through permanent magnets or through the electromagnets installed in or on a feed pipeline. When a fluid passes through the magnetized field, its structure and some physical characteristic such as density, salt solution capacity, and deposition ratio of solid particles will be changed. An experimental study showed that a relatively weak magnetic influence increases the viscosity of water and consequently causes stronger hydrogen bonds under the magnetic field.There exist very few documented research projects related to the magnetization of water technology and its application to agricultural issues in general and emitter clogging in drip irrigation method, in particular. This technology is already used in some countries, especially in the Persian Gulf states. This research was designed and implemented aimed at increasing knowledge about the application of magnetic technology and its effects on emitters clogging in the drip irrigation system.
Materials and Methods: A field experiment was carried out in 2011 in Gorgan Agricultural Research Station to study emitter clogging in drip irrigation using magnetic, non-magnetic and acidic water under salinity condition. The geographical location of the farm was 36° 55′ N, 54° 25′ E and 13.3 m above mean sea level with annual rainfall 400-450 mm. The experiment was laid out with a split plot in a complete randomized block design with three replications. The treatments included three treatments of the management of emitters clogging including, magnetized water (M), non-magnetized water (N) and acidic water (A) plus using three water quality levels namely, well water (S1), saline waters 7 (S2) and 14 (S3) dS m-1. Two methods were simultaneously used to magnetize water. In the first method, an electromagnet was installed around the sub-main pipe before the flow of water to the laterals. The amount of power required to magnetize the irrigation water was 0.03 kW-h of electricity per m3 of water. In the second method, the permanent magnets (ceramic magnets) were installed around the sub-main pipe before the laterals. In the second method the power requirement was 0.3 Tesla. To assess the emitter clogging, discharge and its variations as a function of time, emission uniformity, uniformity coefficient, and coefficient of variation were estimated and analyzed.
Results and Discussion: The results of variance analysis showed that the effect of different irrigation management in irrigation system (N, M and A treatments) and different levels of water quality on all parameters were significant. Statistical comparison showed that in all cases there were no significant differences between magnetized water and non-magnetized water treatments. However, acidic water was statistically different from the two types of water mentioned. Both magnetic and conventional indices were examined in this study. However, no significant difference was observed. But in all cases, using magnetic water is advantageous compared with using non-magnetized water. The overall results have shown that the use of magnetized water in this study, in the non-saline water condition, does not offer a relatively higher advantage compared to the use of non-magnetized water.
Conclusion: For saline water, insignificant differences were observed between magnetic and non-magnetic water treatments, however magnetic water was slightly preferable. Most of the indicators that were assessed showed that acid water treatment was significantly different from magnetic and non-magnetic water treatments. Thus, acid water treatment is not preferable. Emitter clogging with increase of time and the salinity level of irrigation water increased; the greatest difference between the treatments occurred in S3 and the last irrigation treatments. Magnetic water up to salinity level of 7 dS m-1, had no effect on the flow rate and thus on the emitter clogging. However, when using saline irrigation water and also with the increase of time, emitter clogging in magnetic water treatment was lower compared with non-magnetic treatment.
Keywords: Emitters clogging, Magnetized water, Saline water
