Nabatia

NPK Fertilizer Effects on Growth and Flowering of Chinese Carnation

Mazin Amer Owain — 2024-12-31

This study investigates the impact of varying levels of NPK chemical fertilizers on the growth and flowering of the Chinese carnation plant (Dianthus chinensis). Conducted during the 2022–2023 academic year at the University of Tikrit's College of Agriculture, the experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments: no fertilizer, high nitrogen (47% N), high phosphorus (41% P), and high potassium (43% K). Key growth metrics, including plant height, leaf count, total chlorophyll content, flower count, and floral dimensions, were measured. Results indicated significant differences between treatments. High potassium fertilizer resulted in superior vegetative growth, with the highest leaf count (38.17 leaves per plant), wet weight (28.74 g per plant), and dry weight (6.05 g per plant). It also produced the most flowers (10.66 per plant). High nitrogen fertilizer notably increased chlorophyll content (12.14 mg/g wet weight), enhancing photosynthesis efficiency. These findings demonstrate that targeted nutrient application can optimize growth and flowering in Dianthus chinensis, with high potassium levels being particularly effective. The implications of this study suggest that precise NPK management can enhance ornamental plant production, contributing to horticultural practices and commercial flower cultivation. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these fertilizers and their environmental impact.

Generative Propagation of Teak (Tectona grandis. Linn. F sp.) Using Seeding Method

Salih Soood Yagoub — 2024-12-31

In the Diyla area, fourteen ground water samples were obtained for this study in high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles that had been previously cleaned and filled with diluted HNO3. To prevent cross-contamination, the bottles were rinsed with the same water that would be used for the sample. Using normal procedures, each sample was examined for five parameters: TDS, Ca, Mg, No3, So4, and F (APHA, 1995). Using the Trimble Juno 3D Handheld, the sampling sites' geographic locations are gathered. Electrical Conductivity (EC) was used to compute Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Spectronics 21 (Model BAUSCH AND LOMB) was used to measure nitrates (NO3-) and sulphates (SO4-2). Standard AgNO3 was used to estimate chloride (Cl-), and an Orion ion analyzer with an ion-selective electrode was used to analyse fluoride (F-). With the exception of pH and EC, all the parameters are presented in mg/l. The unit of EC expression is micro Siemens/cm.

Enhancing Gardenia Leaf Nutrients via Shading, Vermicompost and Chelated Iron

Zainab Kamal Mustafa Nuftji — 2024-07-06

This study aimed to investigate the impact of shading, vermicompost, and chelated iron on the leaf content of certain elements in Gardenia jasminoides plants. Conducted at a private nursery in Erbil during the 2022 agricultural season, the experiment utilized gardenia plants propagated by cuttings and grafted onto one-year-old rootstocks. Over five months (April to October 2022), the effects of two shading levels (0% and 75% direct sunlight), vermicompost application at two levels, and chelated iron application at three levels (0, 0.1, and 0.2 g.L-1) were assessed. Results indicated that 75% shading significantly increased leaf nitrogen (1.72%) and iron content (73.94 mg.kg-1). Vermicompost at 25% significantly enhanced leaf nitrogen (1.75%), phosphorus (0.248%), potassium (1.36%), and iron (67.95 mg.kg-1). Chelated iron at 0.2 g.L-1 markedly improved leaf nitrogen (1.78%), phosphorus (0.256%), potassium (1.28%), and iron (78.45 mg.kg-1). The study utilized one-year-old uniform seedlings, grown in 15-liter pots with river loam soil, and standard care practices were followed. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at a 0.05 significance level. The findings suggest that specific shading, organic fertilizer, and chelated iron treatments can significantly enhance the nutrient content of gardenia leaves, potentially improving plant health and growth.

Phosphorus and Silicon Uptake By Corn (Zea mays L.) in Response to Silicon Application in Calcareous Soil

Jumana A. Jawad Al-Rubie — 2024-08-02

A field experiment was conducted on clay soil at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq, to investigate the impact of silicon addition on phosphorus and silicon uptake in corn plants. Silicon was applied as potassium silicate (26.5% Si2O) at 0 and 200 kg Si ha^-1 in two doses: on planting day and two weeks after planting. Phosphorus was applied as concentrated superphosphate or diammonium phosphate at 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 kg P ha^-1 on planting day. Measurements included soil available phosphorus at two stages, leaf phosphorus and silicon concentrations at two stages, grain phosphorus concentration, and the uptake and ratio of the two elements. Results showed that adding silicon increased soil available phosphorus, leading to higher phosphorus and silicon concentrations in leaves and improved uptake of both elements, along with increased grain phosphorus concentration. The Si/P uptake ratio also rose with silicon addition. Higher phosphorus levels boosted soil available phosphorus, enhancing phosphorus and silicon concentrations and uptake, and increased grain phosphorus concentration. The Si/P ratio decreased with rising phosphorus levels. Diammonium phosphate outperformed concentrated superphosphate in all uptake parameters. The study concludes that applying silicon at 200 kg Si ha^-1 can enhance phosphorus and silicon absorption. The Si/P ratio demonstrated that silicon uptake was significantly higher than phosphorus uptake, by nearly four times in some parameters. It is recommended to use silicon to treat corn plants under stress, as the plant accumulates a high amount of silicon, qualifying it as an accumulative species.

Study of Some Chemical, Physical and Microbiological Properties of Five Types of Local Iraqi Date Products and Their Impact on Green Marketing

Abdulwahab Abdulrazaq Jbara — 2024-08-02

This study aims to analyze the chemical, physical and microbiological characteristics of five varieties of local Iraqi dates, and the impact of these characteristics on the green marketing possibilities of these varieties of dates, with the aim of raising awareness about their value and enhancing their use in local and international markets. The results showed that the highest average of carbohydrates and sugars was in dates. Bream (59.81), (0.71), while the highest average in proline and protein was in the Khastawi variety (27.47), (2.54). The results also showed that the P-Value was less than 0.05, which indicates the presence of statistically significant differences between the types. Dates differ in their content of (carbohydrates, sugars, proline, and protein). As for the microbiological characteristics, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fermentation, and rotting, the study revealed the presence of microbial contamination in all samples, and the date varieties showed differences in microbial groups, where the Al-Maktoum variety had the largest number. Of the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (34,000), (2,800), while Barhi has the largest number of yeasts and molds (420), (260).