Neven Hassoun ^*(1) , Ali Kinjo⁽¹⁾ Jamil Abbas ⁽¹⁾ and Rabeea Ziena ⁽²⁾

(1). Department of Soil and water, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria

(2). General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Lattakia.

(*Corresponding author: Neven Hassoun. nevenhassoon80@gmail.com ).

Received: 5/10/2022           Accepted: 21/11/2022

Abstract: 

The research was conducted at Sit Kheris Agricultural Station in Latakia Agriculture Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR) in Syria, during the two seasons 2018 – 2019, The maize variety ZeamaysL.was used. Three levels of irrigation were applied (70, 80, and 90%) of the total water requirement of plant in addition to the control (100%). The experiment excuted according to Randomized Complete Block Design (RCED) with three replicates.CropWat 8.0 was calibrated using data from the seasons 2018-2019 from the 100% treatment in which conditions free of any moisture or fertility stress were applied, the slight changes made to the model during the calibration stage  achieved a significant statistical consistency between the calculated values ​​and the values The simulation for both water consumption and productivity of maize. where the values ​​of the coefficient of determination using the CropWat 8.0 model ranged between (82% – 99%), while the average values ​​of the bias errors and the absolute value errors were close to zero, and it achieved good proportions of the square root values. For the average error of RMSE (25% )as an average for the two seasons with respect to the water consumption of maize, and (31%) as the average of the two seasons for the yield of maize, although the value ( 36%) is relatively high, but the agreement was high between the real values ​​and the estimated values ​​using the CropWatmodel  according to the Willmot Index (92%).

Key words: yellow corn,water consumption, deficient irrigation, irrigation scheduling, crop growth simulation,

Full paper in Arabic:  pdf

Noha Mutwali^(1)*., Mohamad Ballal⁽²⁾, and Adel Farah⁽³⁾

(1). Forestry and Gum Arabic Research Centre, Sudan

(2). Freelancer: Natural resources’ management expert, Sudan

 (3). Soba Research Station for Reclaiming Saline and Sodic Soils, Sudan

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Noha Mutwali, email:nuhamutwali@yahoo.com)

Received:4/08/2023                            Accepted: 20/08/2022

Abstract: 

This study was conducted in July 2022 in   North Kordofan State (latitudes 11.15^o – 16.45^oN; longitudes 27.05^o – 32^oE) in western Sudan on an inherently impoverished sandy soil highly vulnerable to wind erosion. The aim of the study is to assess wind erosion and its social and environmental impacts and the use of shelterbelts as erosion control measures. Various sand traps were used for measuring the sand accumulation. Social surveys were conducted to assess the drivers of land degradation and avoiding it these reasons. The results reveal the highest soil accumulation (70.0ton ha^-1 year^-1) was obtained at the 15 cm trap height. Soil accumulation  at the 30cm and the 45cm high traps was also high (>40ton ha^-1 year^-1). The study proved that wind is blowing at different levels carrying the soil particles. Disc-ploughing on sandy soils, is the main driver of land degradation followed by overcutting of trees. However, drought, lack of improved seed and poverty are the main  constraints to agricultural production.

Key words: wind erosion, Soil accumulation, sand traps, shelterbelts. Social impacts, environmental impact.

Full paper in English: pdf

Ammar Abbas.^(1)*

(1). General commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Ammar Abbas, Email:ammarabbas1984@hotmail.com)

Received:20/09/2022          Accepted: 20/11/2022

Abstract: 

The research was conducted based on daily climatic data at Al-Basel Airport Station in Lattakia during the period 2000-2016 and included (maximum and minimum temperatures °C, average relative humidity%, wind speed m/s, solar radiation MJ/m² day) All parameters were entered into the ET0 Calculator software according to (FAO n65) publications which is based on the modified Penman-Monteith equation. Previous parameters were entered according to several possibilities (2 parameters, 3 parameters, 4 parameters) and the obtained values ​​were compared with the values ​​resulting from all inputs and the study of correlations between them to determine the parameters that give values ​​as close to accuracy as possible when all required parameters of the model cannot be obtained. The closest results were accurate by entering parameters (maximum and minimum temperature, mean relative humidity and wind speed) where the correlation coefficient was (r 0.94), and the parameters (maximum and minimum temperature, average relative humidity and solar radiation) gave a strong correlation (0.83).

Key words: ET0, evapotranspiration, model, parameter, correlation.

 Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Ali Yousif^(1)*

(1). Dept. of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University

(*Corresponding author: Dr. Ali Yousif, Email:aliabouyahia82@gmail.com).

 Received: 27/11/2022        Accepted:17/11/2022

Abstract: 

A sand pot experiment was conducted to study the response of some cultivars of chicory (Cichorium intybus, cv. Puna, Lacerta, and Forage Feast) to increasing levels of NaCl (0 – 25 – 50 – 100 mM) in the nutrient solution. The germination of seeds from Lacerta and Forage Feast was not affected by salinity at all levels on the day 12 of the experiment, while the germination percentage for variety Puna was reduce by 20% at 100 mM concentration of NaCl in the media. Despite of the reduction in growth, plants didn’t show any sign of salt stress in any of the three cultivars Puna, Lacerta, and Forage Feast used in this experiment. The reduction in leaves growth ranged between 35-40% at 100 mM NaCl in the nutrient solution which correspond to EC values of 7.5 mmohs/cm. Chicory had high concentrations of all nutrients (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and P), and salinity stress didn’t had an effect of the concentrations of K, Ca, and P in both leaves and roots tissues. Mg concentration in both leaves and roots were reduced under salt stress, but not below 0.3% in dry matter below which deficiency symptoms are expected. We concluded that chicory varieties used in this study can be classified as moderately tolerant to salinity and therefore can be grown for animal feed in salt affected area or when salt-affect water is the only source for irrigation.

Keywords: Forage chicory, Salinity, Germination, Mineral Nutrients Uptakes, Hydroponics

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Sffana Al- Kousa *⁽¹⁾, Mona Barakat ⁽¹⁾ and Sawsan Suleiman ⁽²⁾

(1). Soil and Water Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(2). Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria. Syria.

(*Corresponding author:   Sffana Al- kousa. E-Mail sffanako1994ali@gmail.com).

Received:  8/08/2022             Accepted:2/11/2022

Abstract: 

The research was carried out in Agricultural Scientific Research Center in Jableh- sanopar area in sandy soil (2020-2021), using eggplant plants (variety Nawair), in order to study the effect of hydrogel addition (0,1-0.2-0.4 g/hole) to sandy soil on water conservation and plant growth indicators. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Genstat 12 program, and a nova test to calculate LSD at 5%. Laboratory analysis of hydrogel treatment (0.1-0.2-0.4%) of sandy soil resulted in an increase in moisture content and delayed the water time loss from the soil. Field capacity increased steadily with increasing hydrogel concentration, which enhanced the amount of available water. Leaf and flower number, leaf area, branch, and root dry weight were significantly increased compared to the control. Treatment of sandy soil with hydrogel (0.1-0.2-0.4 g/hole) at field, reduced the amount of water needed to produce 1 kg of eggplant compared with the control, 0.4 g/hole was superior compared to the author treatments.

Keywords: eggplant, hydrogel, polymer, sandy soil, moisture content.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Riham Khozam *⁽¹⁾ Ghassan Shoura ⁽²⁾ and Rosa F. Karmoka ⁽³⁾

(1). Ministry of Agriculture, Damascus, Syria.

(2). University of Damascus, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Damascus, Syria.

(3). Ministry of Communication and Technology, Damascus, Syria.

(*Corresponding author: Eng. Riham Khozam, E-Mail: roreta.khozam@gmail.com)

Received: 9/08/2022           Accepted: 16/11/2022

Abstract: 

This research deals with the spatial analysis of green areas in Al. Assad Suburb in Damascus countryside through the application of several criteria, cartographic and statistical analysis for their distribution and measuring their efficiency using GIS and satellite visual information systems appropriate for the study area, and to complete all the requirements of this study, data and information were collected by Field work, which contributed to building a geographical database, much of its data was represented in many of the maps included in this study.The study also measured the Central feature, Mean center and dispersion of green areas and the direction of distribution, and the study showed the efficiency of geographic information systems in data processing using many of its functions in the spatial analysis process. The study concluded with a number of recommendations that call in its entirety to take advantage of geographic information systems as an integrated system, in the application of clear planning standards for the establishment of green areas in a way that secures a fair and ideal distribution within the fabric. Urban about the areas to be planned in the future.

Keywords: spatial analysis, green areas, Al. Assad Suburb, GIS.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Riad Qara Fallah* ⁽¹⁾ and Rasha Khaddam ⁽¹⁾

(1). Department of Geography,Tishreen University,Latakia,Syria.     

(*Corresponding author: Riad Qara Fallah. E-Mail riadqarafallah@gmail.com,Phone:).

Received:  24/05/2022        Accepted: 17/11/2022

Abstract: 

The research aims to determine the amount of linear regression of rainfall amounts and their annual and seasonal changes in the Syrian Badia during 51 years, and to compare precipitation rates during the period 1970-2000 with the period 2001-2020. The results showed a statistically significant decline in the general trend of annual rainfall by a maximum of 98.9 mm during the entire study. Period Seasonally, the regression lines declined significantly, and the winter and spring regression lines were the most prominent, and the period 2001-2020 witnessed a decline in the rate of precipitation compared to the period 1970-2000 and was mostly not statistically significant. The spatial distribution maps indicated a decrease in precipitation over all of the Badia area, except for an increase in the southwestern part by 12 mm in the spring and winter seasons, while precipitation increased in the eastern regions and declined over all regions in the fall during the period 2001-2020 compared to the period 1970-2000.

Keywords: Precipitation change, Climate change, Syrian Badia.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Bushra Hasan^*(1) and Amal Dayoub⁽¹⁾

(1). Dept. of Environmental Prevention Higher Institution of Environmental Researches, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria

(*corresponding author: Eng. Bushra Hasan, E-mail: bushrahasan987@gmail.com ).

Received: 12/09/2022         Accepted: 17/11/2022

Abstract: 

This study was conducted with the aim of revealing the effect of some soil physical and chemical characteristics on the spread of helminth eggs in two different sites in Ghenieri, Jableh between 2021-2022. The results showed that there was contamination with helminths eggs which is higher than the permissible limit according to the standards set by World Health Organization, enumeration of eggs reached 2.65 and 1.76 eggs / 1g in the studied sites S1 and S2, respectively. Seven types of eggs belonging to worms were isolated and identified: Ascaris sp (40.14%), Ancylostoma duodonale (4.99%), Hookworms (4.99%), Enterobius vermicularis (19.96%) and Fasciola hepatica (4,99%) Taenia sp. (14.97%) and Hymenolepis nana (9.98%), the most common were Ascaris eggs. Cysts of parasitic protozoa were also observed. The results also showed an increase in enumeration of eggs in S1 with high clay content, organic matter, moisture and high pH compared to the site S2 with high sandy content and low organic matter and low humidity.

Full paper in Arabic:  pdf

Bushra Alajoze^(*) and Ghiath Alloush⁽¹⁽

(1). Department of Soil and Water Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding Author, Bushra Alajoze:  bushraa.alajoze@gmail.com)

Received: 12/09/2022         Accepted: 18/11/2022

Abstract: 

A hydroponic experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during (April-May 2021) at Tishreen University (tomato, cv. Bestona F1) using Nutrient Culture System. The study included different (NO₃^–:NH₄⁺) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100). The experiment lasted for 24 days during which nutrient solutions were changed twice a week. At harvest, plants were separated into shoots and roots, and fresh samples were taken for measurements of nitrate reductase activity (NRA) both actual and potential). Subsamples of fresh roots were also taken for measurement of root length. The remaining shoots and roots were oven-dried and weighed. Total N and soluble NO₃^– and NH₄⁺ in shoots and roots tissue were measured. N uptake values were used to calculate inflow (I, mg/m root length/day) and specific accumulation rate in the shoots (SAcR, mg/g shoot DM/day).  The results have demonstrated that plants (100% NO₃^–) had better dry matter accumulation. Moreover, using the combination of 25:75 and 0:100 (NO₃^–:NH₄⁺) decreased shoot dry matter by 36% and 75.5% respectively. The presence of 25% ammonium in the nutrient solution enhanced roots development reaching 260 m/plant, and was superior to (203-70 m/plant) in the 100% nitrate and 100% ammonium treatments, respectively. Nitrogen concentration ranged from 43-68 mg N/g DM in roots compared to 35-42 mg/g DM in the shoots. Nitrogen forms (NO₃^–:NH₄⁺), and their ratios did not influence N translocation to the shoots (SAcR), which was consistent with Inflow rates. High free nitrate concentrations were in the in the shoots 100% nitrate treatment (1.25 mg NO₃^– -N/g DM), and decreased by 20% and 80% in the 25% and100% ammonium treatments, respectively. This may indicates that NO3- was not stored in the vacuoles. Nitrogen assimilation is an expression of nitrogen investments in biochemical processes in the plants, and may explain growth enhancement in NO₃^– -fed plants.  NRA values were high in the roots of 100:0 (NO₃^–:NH₄⁺) treatment, and decreases gradually with increasing NH₄⁺ concentration in the nutrient solution up to 100% NH₄⁺. Similarly, potential (NRA) was inhibited with increasing NH₄⁺ in the nutrient solution, This is may be due to ammonium toxic to NR enzyme, or inhibition of formation of the enzyme in the presence of high NH₄ concentrations..

Key words: Nutrient Culture, tomato, NO₃ and NH₄ nutrition, N uptake, N assimilation, Nitrate reductase enzyme.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf

Bashar Tobo^*(1)_,  Hikmat Abass⁽¹⁾ , Wael Ali^{(1 )} and Ahmad Mahmoud⁽²⁾

(1). Postgraduate student (Doctorate) Department of Ecology and Forestry, Faculty of Agriculture, Tishreen University, Latakia, Syria.

 (2).General Commission for Scientific Agriculture Research, Latakia, Syria.

(*Corresponding author:   Bashar Tobo, Email:  bashar.tobo33@gmail.com). 

Received: 23/08/2022         Accepted: 17/11/2022

Abstract: 

This research was carried out in the Shuh forest in Slonfeh – ​​Lattakia governorate in the Syrian coastal mountains region, which is one of the most important threatened forest ecosystems in Syria. The aim of this research is to estimate the growth and wood yield of Abies cilicica trees located in the Cedar and Fir Reserve in Lattakia Governorate and to establish a database for the Cilician fir forest (diameters – heights – wood stocks) using traditional inventories. The field measurements were carried out in the winter of 2020, and (46) circular sample plots (with an area of ​​400 square meters) were taken to cover all variations in the forest. The mean diameter of trees (1239 trees) in all plots was 22.5 ± 42.6 cm, and the mean height was 8.7 ± 22.7 m. The highest value of basal area and woody stock were in the southwestern exposure, with a value of 70.4 m2/ha and 883.8 m3/ha with a tree density of 487 trees/ha, followed by the western exposure with a value of 57.1 m2/ha in basal area and 655.8 m3/ha in woody stock with a tree density of 518 trees/ha, followed by the northwestern exposure with 56.4 m2/ha in basal area and 651.4 m3/ha in woody stock 529 trees/ha respectively. While the lowest value in basal area was ​​37.2 m2/ha and in woody stock was 374.8 m3/ha in the northern exposure with a tree density of 525 trees/ha, followed by the eastern exposure with a value of 34.8 m2/ha in basal area and 358 m3/ha in woody stock and tree density of 514 trees/ha respectively. The value of the mean annual increment in each of the southwestern, western and northwestern exposure outperformed its counterparts in the eastern and northern exposure, while the value of the mean annual increment in the northwestern exposure was 5.1 m3/h/year respectively. The lowest value of the mean annual increment was in the eastern and northern exposure, with a value of 3.2 m3/h/year in the northern exposure, and a value of 3 m3/h/year in the eastern exposure.

key words: Abies Cilicica, Cedar and Fir Reserve, wood productivity,  mean annual increment, exposure, Syria.

Full paper in Arabic: pdf