Dijlah Journal of Agriculture Sciences (DJAS) is an quarterly and Double Blind Peer Reviewed Journal publishing accepted papers in all branches of Soil, Plant Protection, Crop Science, Horticulture, Food Science, Animal Production, Economics and Agricultural Extension submitting by all scholars throughout the world.
Assessment of Soil Chemical Degradation and Salinization in Al-Suda Marsh, Southern Iraq Using Field Measurements and Sentinel-2 Spectral Indices
Al-Suda Marsh in southern Iraq is in danger of becoming uninhabitable because of a lack of water and salinization. This study combines field soil analyses with Sentinel-2 remote sensing to evaluate chemical degradation and salinity. Soil profiles from three horizons (0-60 cm) revealed clay-dominated textures, high electrical conductivity (up to 11.60 dS/m in Cgk2), elevated sulfate (46.5 mmol/L) and sodium, plus heavy metal accumulation (Fe: 1931 mg/kg surface). Spectral indices (NDVI, Moisture Index) derived from October 2022 imagery validated extensive vegetation loss and desiccation, exhibiting a strong correlation with ground data. The results show that salt and metal can move up through low-permeability clays through capillary action, which confirms that remote sensing can be used to monitor marshes. Urgent water restoration is recommended to mitigate toxicity and restore biodiversity. Samples from three horizons (0-60 cm) showed that the textures were mostly clay, the electrical conductivity was high (up to 11.60 dS/m in Cgk2), the CaCO₃ levels were high (33-41%), the organic matter levels were high (19.8-25.3%), and the heavy metals were mostly in the surface layers (Fe: 1911-1931 mg/kg; Cu: 26.9-30.3 mg/kg; Mn: 265-281 mg/kg). Spectral indices (NDVI, Moisture Index) corroborated extensive vegetation loss and desiccation, substantiating ground data spatially. These results show that marsh soils need to be restored quickly to lower salinity and metal toxicity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hasanain Mohamed Mahmood Alaboodaa, Isam Hani Hameedb, and Muntadher Hammadi Al-Budeiric https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Emissions from Al-Kut Brick Factory on the Chemical Properties of Groundwater
A field study was applied to determine the impact of brick factories in Wasit Governorate on groundwater pollution with heavy metals in the areas surrounding the factories during the period from August 25, 2023, to April 15, 2024. Water samples were collected from three locations located 250, 500, and 3000 meters from the source of pollution. Chemical analyses were performed on these samples. The results showed local and seasonal variations in the concentrations of heavy metals in the water, leading to an increase in the overall concentration of lead, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, and copper in the studied locations of the water samples near the brick factories and in a southeasterly direction. The brick factory's emissions indicate a significant level of heavy metal pollution in water samples. This pollution stems from gases and vapors emitted from the factory and their transfer to the water at the studied sites via the prevailing northwesterly winds. These metals have exceeded internationally permissible limits. Comparing our study's results for heavy metal concentrations in water samples from the studied sites with international and local standards, we find that the concentration of lead, chromium, and cobalt in the water, particularly in the southeastern direction of the brick factory, for both months exceeded the limits set by international and local organizations for all study sites, as measured by the comparison model. This is attributed to the increased concentration of these metals in the water due to emissions from the brick factory and the atmospheric transfer of heavy metals to the water in the southeasterly direction. The values ​​of lead, cadmium, chromium, cobalt and copper concentrations in the water were generally low in August 2023 compared to April 2024. This is probably due to the variation in climate metals, as the increase in wind speed and the decrease in rainfall in August caused to some extent an increase in the transport distance of the particulates resulting from the emissions of the brick factory.
Emissions, Brick Factories, Groundwater, Heavy metals
Copyright (c) 2026 Wafaa Awad Tama1, Jamal Nasser Abdul Rahman2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Mitigating Action of Cytokinins on the Water Stress Impact on Wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba)
The drought stress has been considered as one of the most important environmental factors that hamper the growth and productivity of plants particularly in medicinal and aromatic plants whose physiological functions have direct effect on the production of bioactive compounds. Artemisia herba-alba is a highly significant medicinal plant that is known to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory effects because it contains a high level of bioactive compounds which include flavonoids, phenolics, and essential oils. The study was aimed at determining the effects of the cytokinins in alleviating the unfavorable effects of water-stress on the vegetative growth and physiological phenotypes of the Artemisia herba-alba. The experiment was done through a completely randomized design (CRD), in which six treatments were taken, and they were control, drought stress, drought + BAP (0 mg L -1 ), drought + BAP (25 mg L -1 ), drought + BAP (50 mg L -1 ), and drought + kinetin (50 mg L -1 ). The various treatments of cytokinin were used as foliar sprays where the treatments included 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin used at a given concentration. The treatments were repeated 10 times. Irrigation was cut down to half field capacity to cause drought stress. Measurement of the performance of the various treatments included plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight, relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content and transpiration rate. Plants that were subjected to drought stress were found to have a significant drop in all the parameters that were measured compared to the control plants. Cytokinin application on the leaves of the drought-stressed plants led to a considerable growth in the plants and their physiological activity. Plants treated with kinetin at 50 mg L -1 had the highest plant height, biomass accumulation, leaf area, chlorophyll content and relative water content. The analysis of the data statistically showed that the differences that were seen in treatments are statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The study states that cytokinins are relevant since they can be used to enhance drought resistance in Artemisia herba-alba by assisting in enhancing the capacity of the plant to use water, as well as retain its capacity to carry out photosynthesis and to develop vegetatively. Thus, this study demonstrates that cytokinins would be applicable under certain conditions as a viable tool to alleviate drought stress in the production of medicinal plants in both dry and semi-dry environments.
: Cytokinins; BAP; Kinetin; Artemisia herba-alba; Water stress; Physiological characteristics .
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmed Abdallah Radhi Al-Maksoosi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Molecular Identification of Fusarium solani and β-Aminobutyric Acid (BABA)-Induced Resistance in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
This study aimed to investigate the molecular diversity of the plant pathogen Fusarium solani using molecular techniques, specifically polymerase chain reaction (PCR), due to its high accuracy compared to conventional morphological identification of fungal pathogens in tomato plants. The internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS1 and ITS4) within ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were targeted for identification. Sequence analysis and comparison with reference sequences available in the NCBI GenBank database confirmed that the studied isolate represents a newly recorded isolate in Iraq, registered under the accession number (PV616682). Pathogenicity tests of F. solani showed a significant reduction in seed germination percentage of tomato cultivar Mansoura F1. Germination rates decreased to 73.33% in Petri dishes and 90.00% in plastic pots, compared to the control treatment, which recorded 100% and 96.66%, respectively. Inhibition percentages reached 26.7% in Petri dishes and 20.0% in pots, whereas the control recorded 0% and 3.34%, respectively. The results further demonstrated that treatment with β-Aminobutyric Acid (BABA) effectively induced systemic resistance in tomato plants by activating key defense-related enzymes, namely Peroxidase (POX) and Catalase (CAT). The combined treatment (F. solani + BABA) recorded the highest enzyme activity levels (2.56 and 2.45, respectively), compared to the control (1.49 and 1.38, respectively), at a significance level of 0.05.
Copyright (c) 2026 kawther alkashi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The impact of Origanum vulgare leaves aqueous extract on the Physiological and Antioxidant Factors in adult albino Female Mice
The study aimed to evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of Origanum Vulgare leaves on some physiological and antioxidant parameters on adult female mice for four weeks the results appeared increase in GSH, decrease in MDA, decrease in vitamine C, non significant increase in vit.E , dcrease in urea , non significant increase in creatinine , decrease in blood sugar increase in total protein , albumin and globulin concentration , lower in ALP.
Origanum vulgare leaves, Antioxidants parameters, Liver Enzymes
Copyright (c) 2026 Noor Mahdi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Obstacles to Farmers Apply of Modern Irrigation Techniques in Jasan District, Wasit Province, Iraq
The research aimed to identify the personal characteristics of farmers in the study area, determine the obstacles that limit the use of modern irrigation techniques, and examine the correlational and regression relationships between the studied factors influencing farmers’ adoption of modern irrigation technologies. The study targeted farmers affiliated with the Jassan Agricultural Division in Wasit Province. The research population consisted of approximately 1000 farms, from which a random sample representing about 10% was selected. Accordingly, the study sample included 100 farmers who represented the target group of the research. The results showed that the majority of the respondents were men (92%). Regarding the age variable, the highest proportion of respondents belonged to the middle-age group (53%). The findings also indicated that 58% of the respondents worked in agriculture as their main occupation, while most respondents had a high level of farming experience (75%). In addition, the annual non-agricultural income of the respondents was highest among the middle-income group (39%).The results further revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation at the 0.05 level between the dependent variable, represented by water scarcity obstacles, and several independent variables, including the level of education, the total number of family members, and annual non-agricultural income. Based on these findings, the study recommends attracting international agricultural companies specialized in modern irrigation technologies to the study area in order to support farmers and encourage them to adopt advanced water management practices.
Key words: Irrigation techniques, modern irrigation, water, Wasit
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Hashim Abdulrazzaq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolating fungus from textile wastewater and assessing their efficacy in decolorizing colors.
Textile wastewater is different because it has a lot of synthetic dyes, salts, surfactants, and dangerous organic pollutants that pose a big risk to the environment. Conventional treatment procedures are often costly and ineffectual in removing persistent azo dyes. This study evaluated the bioremediation potential of three fungal strains,Trametes versicolor, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Aspergillus nige for the treatment of textile wastewater during a 14-day period. The efficacy of decolorization and the reductions in chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS) were thoroughly assessed. T. versicolor was the most effective of the strains tested, with 93% dye decolorization and 79% COD reduction. P. chrysosporium reduced the chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 73% and the color by 86%. A. niger reduced the color by 70% and the COD by 57%. The BOD levels went down by 67%, 62%, and 49%, while the TSS levels went down by 59%, 53%, and 42% for T. versicolor, P. chrysosporium, and A. niger, respectively. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed a substantial decrease in absorbance at λmax (520–620 nm), confirming the cleavage of azo bonds and the deterioration of aromatic structures. These results highlight the considerable potential of white-rot fungi, particularly T. versicolor, as viable and environmentally friendly agents for the bioremediation of textile effluent.
Copyright (c) 2026 Qusay A. Abdulameer, Iman H Gatea, Ameena G Abid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Application of Nanotechnology for Improving physical properties of Degraded soils
This study aimed to study the effects of nanotechnology on improving the physical properties of degraded soil in Dhi Qar Governorate, which faces environmental challenges such as high salt content, water shortage, and deterioration of the physical structure of the soil. Emphasis has been placed on the use of nano-materials such as nano-silica and nano-clay, improving bulk density, permeability, water conductivity and water-holding capacity of soil. Preliminary results show that nanomaterials contribute significantly to enhancing soil structural cohesion, increasing in-situ capacity, reducing permeability in sandy soil, and improving pore distribution. In addition, the use of nanotechnology has improved water use efficiency and reduced degradation caused by corrosion or erosion. The study recommends broader application of nanotechnology in affected areas in Iraq, with a focus on conducting long-term field studies to ensure effectiveness and environmental sustainability. Technology is a promising tool for achieving sustainability of agriculture and water resources in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
nanotechnology, degraded soil, sustainability techniques, soil improvement, water-holding capacity, nanoparticles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahraa KhaledKameel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Tillage Systems and Soil Mulching on Soil Temperature at Different Depths during the Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) in a Semi-Arid Environment
Soil temperature is an essential factor influencing heat transfer within agricultural fields, varying primarily according to soil management systems. This study focused to investigate and study the effect of soil preparation methods and mulch used types on soil temperature at different depths during the plant growth stages of maize in an arid area. The field experiment was conducted at the Wasit Governorate Agriculture Directorate / Agricultural research station, in the Al-Kardhiya area, using a structured panel layout. The study included five soil preparation systems: no-till, reduced tillage, straw-covered tillage, conventional tillage, and deep tillage with rotavator. Three mulch types were used: organic mulch with wood shavings, inorganic mulch with gravel, and a no-mulch treatment. Soil temperature at depths of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm was measured at regular intervals times throughout the growing season. No statistical analysis was done; description and graphical interpretation were done. The results showed that the surface layer (0 cm depth) captured the highest temperatures during the germination stage, and then gradually decreased with advancing growth stages; this is happened due to many factors such as mainly increased plant shading. Deep tillage with clotting but without mulch resulted in higher temperatures at all depths, while tillage with straw and organic mulch (wood shavings) reduced soil temperatures and increased thermal stability. The results demonstrate that integrated conservation tillage with organic mulch can mitigate soil temperature fluctuations and enhance thermal stability, providing a practical strategy for improving soil management and supporting crop production in arid regions.
Tillage system, Mulching system, Soil temperature, Straw
Copyright (c) 2026 AL-Hawraa Haider Adnan1, Jamal N. A. Al-Sadoon2, Ahmed A. G. Al-Shammary 2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
THE CONSUMPTION AWARENESS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOME ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS FOR THE RURAL POPULATION IN WASIT PROVINCE
Increase the level of awareness of local consumers is necessary with international standards of food quality and safety and methods of preserving and packaging products, which in turn affects consumer behavior. This was reflected in defining some important criteria on which the consumer is based, so the need to enhance the consumer's ability to distinguish between the different types and items offered in the market arose. The main objective of the research is to identify consumer awareness and its relationship to some economic and social factors for the rural population in Wasit province in Iraq. The research included all rural residents in a random sample of (204) respondents from rural communities (10%) randomly surveyed. The study concluded that about 37% of the respondents with limited income viewed the date of production and expiry of the food products, and about 66% of them had fallen into buying spoiled or adulterated goods, and thus about 17% turned away. To buying imported goods, about 41% of the respondents distinguish goods of good quality. It is clear that with an increase in the total monthly income of the respondents, their consumer awareness increases when they purchase food products. The significance of the test was shown statistically between the educational status of the respondents and the variables expressing consumer awareness. The statistical significance of the test was also shown between the number of sources of information of the respondents and the variables expressing their consumer awareness. The results also showed the need for the government to work on implementing all or some of the roles of protecting consumers from falling into the consumption of spoiled or adulterated goods that negatively affect their security and health, especially the roles related to the control of local markets.
Consumer awareness, rural population, Wasit, food products, commercial fraud.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Hashim Abdulrazzaq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating the activity of the moringa plant oil extract in preserving some foods
This study was conducted to evaluate the oil extract of Moringa oleifera seeds and assess its effectiveness against selected food-contaminating bacteria. The effectiveness of the oil extract in inhibiting bacteria was tested at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg/ml) against (Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, and Bacillus spp. bacterial isolates. The results indicated that the concentration of 50 mg/ml exhibited the lowest inhibitory activity, whereas 300 mg/ml showed the highest antibacterial effect. However, the concentration of 200 mg/ml demonstrated moderate inhibitory activity, with inhibition zones measuring 14, 12, and 8 mm, respectively), and (was therefore selected for application in food preservation tests involving cheese, milk, and ground meat. The effectiveness of the oil extract at a concentration of 200 mg/ml was tested in reducing the total number of aerobic bacteria in cheese, local yoghurt, and minced meat samples during storage periods of (1, 3, 5, 7, and 12 days) at (6 ± 1°C). In comparison with untreated control samples, the results showed that the oil extract at 200 mg/ml effectively reduced total aerobic bacterial counts in accordance with the Iraqi Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control specifications for soft minced meat and yoghurt intended for human consumption.
Moringa oil, inhibition, bacteria, contaminating food.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suha Mohamed Ibrahim1, Salwan Sufyan Ibrahi2, Safauldeen Adnan3, and Amel Hussein Ali4 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Effect of Thermal Insulation on Honey Bee hives Activity
A study was aimed to determine the effect of thermal insulation on bee colony activity from April 26th to May 30th, during which temperatures ranged from 32°C to 45°C. Three treatments were used: the first used fiberglass insulation and a wooden box containing a Lancaster hive; the second used a white-painted wooden hive containing a Lancaster hive; and the third served as a control, consisting solely of a Lancaster hive. The results showed that the first treatment was superior in both the thermal insulation properties of the air surrounding the hive and the temperature inside the hive. It also increased the area of ​​brood, honey, and pollen by 32.50, 1214, 426, and 220 square meters, respectively. The final weight of the hives was 22.7, 21.70, and 16 kg, respectively. The average number of frames per hive was 6.882, 6.716, and 6.049, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hassnen T. Kareem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Zinnia (Zinnia Elegans L.) Response to Foliar Spray of Triacontanol and Zinc Sulfate
The experimental study was conducted during the spring season of 2023 in Ghosn Nursery for Flower Production in Diyala Governorate to study the impact of foliar spraying with Triacontanol and Zinc on the growth and flowering of zinnia plants. The experiment was designed according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment (4×4). The first stage in the experiment included planting seeds in cork plates containing peat moss; one seed was planted in each eye. The findings of this study can be concluded that foliar spraying with triacontanol and Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) has significant superiority in all studied traits. The concentration of 18 mgL-1 and 3 g L-1 of triacontanol and Zinc sulfate concentration respectively, was superior in all studied traits. This pioneering investigation explores applying zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) as a targeted supplement, optimizing Zinnia growth and flowering. In addition to focusing specifically on the companying effect of triacontanol and ZnSO4 doses and holistically evaluating Zinnia performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Assma N. Badri11, Hind Y. Abduljaleel2, Zahraa Z. Al-Janabi3, Israa R. Abbas4, and Ahmed N. Ghazi5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The effect of adding different levels of NPK using GIS systems in some areas of Dhi Qar and Wasit
The study was conducted in the governorates of Wasit and Dhi Qar, with two sites selected in each. Wasit Governorate included Al-Hay District and Al-Muwafaqiyah Sub-district, while Dhi Qar Governorate included Al-Qal'ah District and Al-Fajr District. The soils in each site varied in some of their physical and chemical properties. Only nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers were applied to all the study fields. Samples were taken from the fields before planting for the required analyses. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to predict certain soil fertility parameters and produce a fertility map for each area. Based on fertility assessment and using the standard multiplication method, soil properties affecting crop fertility were identified. This method, adapted from the Sys method for soil assessment, was used to determine the soil properties that influence fertility for crop cultivation. Furthermore, the final fertility map was correlated with wheat yield for each area, and a database of soil properties was built with minimal effort and cost. Therefore, the study results indicated the existence of three soil types in terms of fertility assessment in the study areas. The highly fertile and infertile soil types were not observed in the study areas. The fertile soil type comprised 30% of the soil in Al-Hayy, 30% in Al-Muwafaqiyah, and 20% in Al-Qalaa, but was not observed in Al-Fajr. This type is characterized by its high NPK content. The moderately fertile soil type comprised 40% of the soil in Al-Hayy, 30% in Al-Muwafaqiyah, 50% in Al-Qalaa, and 60% in Al-Fajr. This type is characterized by its good NPK content. The low-fertility soil type comprised 30% of the soil in Al-Hayy, 40% in Al-Muwafaqiyah, 30% in Al-Qalaa, and 40% in Al-Fajr. This type is characterized by its medium NPK content.
Ali Hassoun Abbas Al-Khafaji and Kahraman Hussein Habeeb
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating the role of bio-inoculations and organic fertilization in the vegetative characteristics of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).
A field experiment was conducted in one of the fields of Al-Amin area in Dhi Qar Governorate/Al Rifai District during the winter season of 2023-2024, to evaluate the effect of bacterial inoculation (Pseudomonas fluorescens), fungal inoculation (Trichoderma harzianum), and organic fertilization (wheat straw compost) on the growth and yield of rapeseed Brassica napus L. cultivar Bactol. The experiment was conducted as a simple one-way experiment within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates, each containing 12 randomly distributed treatments. The bacterial inoculum, P. fluorescens, was added at two levels (0 and 12 mL/hole), designated B0 and B1 respectively. Similarly, the fungal inoculum, T. harzianum*, was added at two levels (0 and 5 g/hole), designated F0 and F1 respectively. Their phosphate solubility in solid and liquid media was tested. Wheat straw compost was applied at three levels (0, 15, and 30 µg/h), designated O0, O1, and O2 respectively. The results showed that the treatment with the addition of 5 g of T. harzianum* was effective. The F1 variety achieved the highest average plant height (305.16 cm) and the dual treatment of fungus and 30 µg of organic fertilizer (F1O2) achieved the highest averages for leaf area (507.83 cm²) and stem diameter (2.98 cm). The triple treatment of bacterial and fungal inoculant and 15 µg of organic fertilizer (B1F1O1) showed the highest rates for chlorophyll (48.47 SPAD), number of secondary branches (87.44), and dry weight (215.77 g).
Najm Abd Yasser, Kahraman Hussein Habeeb and Jawadayn Talib Alkooranee
Preparation of fertility assessment maps for some soils in Wasit Governorate using Kriging-cokriging technology
The study was applied in Wasit Governorate at three sites: the first in Al-Ahrar District (45.5051995°E - 32.339372°N), the second in Al-Nu'maniyah District (45.5629394°E - 32.336812°N), and the third in Al-Aziziyah District (45.061348°E - 32.911836°N). All required chemical and physical analyses for soil fertility assessment were performed on the study sites, as the soils in each site exhibited varying characteristics. The (GIS) and Kriging-cokriging technology were used to predict some soil fertility parameters and produce a fertility map for each region using the standard multiplication method using the following attributes: percentage of exchangeable sodium, electrical conductivity, soil reactivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and texture. In addition, a database of soil attributes was built with minimal effort and cost. The results of the study indicated the presence of four soil classes in terms of fertility evaluation in the study areas, as the very fertile soil class did not appear, and the infertile soil class appeared once in the study areas. The fertile soil class F2 reached 40% in the Al-Ahrar region, 20% in the Al-Nu’maniyah region, and 20% in the Al-Aziziyah region. This soil type is characterized by a clayey-silty texture, good organic matter, neutral pH, good NPK content, high CEC values, moderate lime content, low ESP content, and low salinity (EC). The medium-fertility soil type F3 appeared at 40% in the Al-Ahrar area, 60% in the Al-Nu'maniyah area, and 33.33% in the Al Aziziyah area. This type is characterized by a clayey-silty texture, moderate organic matter, neutral pH, good NPK content, high CEC values, moderate lime content, low ESP content, and low salinity (EC). The low-fertility soil type F4 reached 20% in the Al-Ahrar area, 20% in the Al-Nu'maniyah area, and 40% in the Al-Aziziyah area. This variety is characterized by the following features: it contains a clayey silt, clayey, and sandy mixture texture; relatively poor organic matter; neutral pH; good NPK content; average CEC values; average lime content; relatively high ESP content; and moderate salinity (Ec).
Hussein Saeed Hussein and Kahraman Hussein Habib
The Effect of adding different levels of sulfur on the growth of canola Brassica napus L.
An experiment was conducted in the fields of Al-Shuhaymiya district, Wasit Governorate, during the 2021-2022 winter growing season. Agricultural sulfur was added at different levels, along with the bacterium Thiobacillus thioparus, to investigate the soil pH and its effect on the growth of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). A factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design (RCBD). The experiment included two factors: the first factor was the addition of four sulfur concentrations (0%, 12%, 24%, and 36%), and the second factor was the addition of two levels of T. thioparus bacteria (5 ml and 10 ml of bacteria per planting hole). Three replicates were performed for all treatments, which were randomly distributed among the treatments, resulting in a total of 36 experimental units. Rapeseed seeds were sown on October 20, 2021. The results showed that the treatment with 36% sulfur and 10 ml/hole of T. thioparus bacteria resulted in the highest average number of bacterial colonies in the field experiment after 30 days of germination, which is considered the peak growth of T. thioparus bacteria. This reached 1866.66 x 10⁴ cells/g of soil, compared to 1066.66 x 10⁴ cells/g in the control treatment. The results also showed that the treatment with 36% sulfur and 10 ml/hole of T. thioparus bacteria at harvest time resulted in the greatest decrease in soil pH within the experiment, reaching 6.89 compared to 7.86 in the control treatment. Furthermore, the treatment with 36% sulfur and 10 ml/hole of T. thioparus bacteria recorded the highest level of available sulfur in the soil at harvest time, reaching 42 mg/kg of soil in the field experiment, compared to the control treatment. 20.44 mg/kg of soil. The treatment of adding 36% sulfur and 10 ml/hole of T. thioparus bacteria recorded the highest concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in rapeseed plants, where the NPK concentration rates reached 3.81, 0.85 and 2.66% respectively in the field experiment, while the NPK rates in the control treatment were 1.13, 0.51 and 1.20% respectively.
Ahmed Abbas AL-Gharani, Kahraman Hussein Habeeb and Jawadayn Talib Alkooranee
A study of population abundance, development of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, (Coleoptera:Bruchidae) in Wasit Province
The cowpea beetle is a widespread insect and a major pest of legumes, both in the field and in storage, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and indeed wherever legumes are grown or stored. The aim of study was estimate of population abundance, development of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, in Wasit Province. The percentage of infestation varied according to weather conditions. Different types of insect pests were found. It was found that population of insects increase with increasing humidity and decreasing temperatures, while multiple infestations were found, including (Bruchus rufimanus Boh, Liriomyza trifolii.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Study effect of Al-Zubaidia Electric Station in soil polution with heavy metals with different locations and wards in Wasit Province
To study the pollutions with some heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cr), a field study was applied to determine the effect of the Al-Zubaidia Electric Station in Wasit Province on soil pollutions by heavy metals in some area surroundings the industrials. Samples collected for three locations including 400, 900 and 1800 m away from pollutions sources, and the fourth site (control) was from the northwestern. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-50) and (50-75) cm from southeastern, and northwestern areas. The result found an increase in total concentrations rate of heavy metals for lead, nickel and chromium in studied sites in the southeastern of the industrial at a depth of (50-0) cm, which is 400 m away from the asphalt industrial. These metals have exceeded the globally permissible limits, especially in the southern direction compared to the soil of the distant sites in the northwestern direction, especially at Depth (50-75) cm. Human activities were the main sources of the increase in pollutions standards values (CF and PLI). The CF values indicated the occurrence of large to very large pollution, especially in southeastern compared to northwestern areas, which recorded lower values.For PLI values, it indicated the occurrence of deterioration of the studied soils, especially in the southeastern area of the soils close to the laboratories. Therefore, the study recommends not to cultivate in the soils close to the Al-Zubaidia Electric Station and to use modern methods to reduce the gas emissions.
Mahdi Wasmey Seheib Alaidi1 and Asmaa Hussein Allawe 2
Copyright (c) 2025 Mahdi Wasmey Seheib Alaidi1 and Asmaa Hussein Allawe 2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Planting Dates and Potassium Application on Wheat Tolerance to Irrigation with Saline Water
The experiment investigated the effects of planting dates, irrigation water quality, and potassium fertilizer levels on wheat growth, yield, and selected soil chemical and physical properties under saline irrigation conditions. The study was conducted during the 2024–2025 agricultural season in Al-Akhd area, Al-Rifai District, Dhi Qar Governorate. The field was prepared using standard plowing and leveling practices, and the experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a split–split plot arrangement and four replications. Planting dates were assigned to main plots, irrigation water quality (fresh and saline) to subplots, and potassium fertilizer levels (0, 60, and 120 kg ha⁻¹ as potassium sulfate) to sub-subplots. Wheat cultivar Nazar was planted on two dates, while recommended nitrogen and phosphorus rates were applied uniformly. Potassium was added according to treatment levels. Results showed that the early planting date (November 1) numerically exceeded the late date in most traits, including number of spikes and grains per spike, although differences were not statistically significant. Planting dates had no significant effect on plant height, 1000-grain weight, or harvest index. Potassium fertilization had a significant positive effect on number of spikes, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and harvest index, with increases observed as potassium levels increased from K0 to K2. However, the number of grains per spike decreased significantly with higher potassium levels. Fresh irrigation water showed numerical superiority over saline water in most traits, though differences were generally non-significant. The highest grain yield was obtained under early planting with fresh water, while the lowest occurred under late planting with saline water. Overall, potassium fertilization was the most influential factor in improving wheat performance under saline irrigation conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahra Ahmad Hassan1, Abdul Kareem Hassan Odhafa2, Nabil Raheem Lahmod3 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of vitamin E and calcium oxide nanoparticles in yield of wheat irrigated with saline water
Abstract: Afield experiment was carried out during 2024 growing season ,to investigate the influence of foliar application of vitamin E and concentration of( 0,100,200) mg.l-1 in addition to Calcium oxide nanoparticles ( 0,50,100) mg.l-1 on yield wheat prameters of to salt stress( Nacl )at three levels (0,4, 8)ds.m-1 .the experiment was conducted in factorial Randomized completely Blook Design (R.C.B.D) whith three replicates and means were compared Duncan s test at probability of 0.05. Results indicated that salt stress(Nacl) levels from 0 to 8 ds.m-1 reduced significantly the average of growth yield parameters (Number of spikelets ,weight of 1000 grian , grian yield ,biological yield ).Moreover , application of vitamin E and Calcium oxide nanoparticles increased significantly the average of growth yield parameters above,and had reduced the adverse effect of salt stress particulary 200 mg.l vitamin E and 100 mg.l -1 Calcium oxide nanoparticles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noor Sabre Nasser1, Wisam malik dawood 1 and Hassan Abudl-razaq Ali Al-saady2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Functional Yogurt with Increased Fiber: Chemical and Textural Modifications Induced by Oat Powder Fortification
This work investigates the chemical composition, texture properties, rheology, and morphology of stirred yogurt as influenced by oat powder fortification. The yogurt samples were supplemented with 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% oat powder and then analyzed over time. The chemical composition revealed an increase in total solids, dietary fiber, ash values with oat powder addition, while the concentration of proteins decreased because of the dilution factor. The pH values remained unaffected by oat fortification; thus, oat powder supplementation did not affect the fermentation process and its rate. Textural analysis showed significant improvements in yogurt hardness and cohesiveness at high oat powder concentrations. Water holding capacities showed significant dose-dependent increase, thus leading to moisture retention and syneresis inhibition. The results were supported by FT-IR spectroscopy and revealed polysaccharide embedding in yogurt matrices without affecting proteins. Viscosity showed non-linear behavior; thus, yogurt samples supplemented with high oat fiber concentration (5%) regained their flowability by virtue of polysaccharide networks. Consequently, oat powder fortification at 3-5% concentration could be an interesting approach in designing high fiber-added functional yogurt products having better composition and characteristics.
oat-fortified yogurt, fiber, viscosity, FTIR
Copyright (c) 2026 Dyar Hassan Hama Kawani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of adding magnesium sulfate fertilizer on the growth and yield of three varieties of Zea Mays L.
A field experiment was conducted in the autumn season (August 4, 2021) in Dhi Qar Governorate/Qalat Sukkar District, which is (100 km) north of the center of Nasiriyah city at an altitude of (15 m) above sea level. The research aimed to investigate the effect of magnesium fertilization on the availability of nutrients in the soil. The experiment was implemented according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and a factorial experiment with three replicates for three varieties of yellow corn, each of which was treated with four treatments, namely the addition of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4.H2O), and at four levels (soil fertilization T1, foliar fertilization T2, soil+ foliar fertilization T3, and control T0). The treatments were distributed across (12) experimental units measuring (4 x 3) m². Each experimental unit comprised (4 rows, 4 m long, with a spacing of 70 cm between rows, 20 cm between planting holes, and a spacing of (2 m²) between experimental units, (1 m²) between varieties, and (2 m²) between replicates. (3 seeds) were placed in each hole. Thinning was then carried out 3 weeks after planting. Data were collected according to the analysis of variance (ANOVA) table, and the means were tested using the least significant difference (LSD) test at a probability level of 0.05. The most important results are summarized as follows: The T3 fertilization treatment (the combined soil and foliar fertilization treatment) significantly outperformed the other treatments in soil pH, soil magnesium, soil sulfur, soil nitrogen, soil phosphorus, and soil potassium (6.83 mg, 263.6 mg, respectively). 12.43 mg kg-1 soil, 15.19 mg kg-1 soil, 11.85 mg kg-1 soil, 196.9 mg kg-1 soil, respectively, while the T2 treatment (foliar fertilization) significantly outperformed both soil nitrogen and soil potassium, giving the highest averages of (17.82 mg kg-1 soil, 171.8 mg kg-1 soil, respectively).
Osama I. Al-Khuilidi, Kahraman H. Habeeb, Saleh Hadi Al-Salem
Compared the measure and predicted saturated hydraulic conductivity by Soilpar2 for some soils
Eight locations, four of them at the university of Mosul (L1, L2, L7and L8), Al-Shalalat (L3), Baybokh (L4), Khorsobad (L5) and Al-phathlia (L6) were chosen different in vegetation cover at Nineveh governorate. To determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity and compared with saturated hydraulic conductivity by using Soilpar2 program at four depth. soil samples were collected and air dry, then sieved by 2 mm sieve. Physical and chemical properties were determined. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was determined by Constant head method. Soilpar2 was used to predicted Saturated hydraulic conductivity by using Jabro, Jaynes-Tyler and Puckett. Jabro and Jaynes-Tyler methods were depend on soil particles, bulk density and soil depth. While Puckett methods depend on clay percentage and soil depth. Result reveal that the values of Saturated hydraulic conductivity predicted by Jabro were closed to the measure Saturated hydraulic conductivity. The reason was related to soil texture which effect on both measure and predicted hydraulic conductivity. While the values predicted by Jaynes-Tyler were closed to the measure values at L1, L2 and L3. The reason for that related to the lower clay percentage and higher sand percentage. On the other hand, the values of hydraulic conductivity predicted Puckett were closed to the measure values at locations were contents high clay particles
Tahani Shukr Mahmoud and Hisham Mahmoud Hassan
The effect of organic matter, potassium fertilizer levels, and irrigation water salinity on some thermodynamic parameters during the growth stages of yellow corn
A field experiment was conducted in a sandy loam soil at one of the fields of the College of Agriculture, Wasit University, in Al-Kut District, Wasit Governorate, during the autumn season of 2023. The experiment was a factorial experiment using a split-plot arrangement and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment included three factors: the first factor was two levels of irrigation water salinity (1.26 and 4 dS/m⁻¹), designated S1 and S2 respectively; the second factor was the application of potassium fertilizer (potassium sulfate) at three application levels (0, 50, and 100 kg ha⁻¹), designated K0, K1, and K2 respectively; and the third factor was the application of organic fertilizer (sheep manure) at three application levels (0, 10, and 20 tons ha⁻¹), designated M0, M1, and M2 respectively. Yellow corn seeds of the Baghdad-3 variety were planted on 1/8/2023. Plant samples were taken during the crop growth stages at three planting dates, i.e., after 40, 80 and 120 days from planting. The results showed that the S1M2K2 combination achieved the highest values for all thermodynamic parameters of potassium, ionic strength, ionic activity, activity coefficient and free energy, compared to the S2M0K0 combination, which gave the lowest values for all thermodynamic parameters. By estimating the thermodynamic parameters, the availability of potassium to the soil was determined, as it was moderately available for potassium during the 40 and 80 days from planting dates to soils suffering from a deficiency in potassium availability during the crop maturation stages, i.e., after 120 days from planting. Thus, the thermodynamic criteria were distinguished by very high accuracy and efficiency in their results compared to the results of the traditional chemical criterion, and were more accurate in describing the availability of potassium in the study samples in the short and long term.
Elham Bidallah Jabr Al-Quraishi, Abdulkarim Hassan Adhafa, Laith Salim Salman Al-Shahmani
Isolation Identification and Biocontrol of Fusarium Oxysporum Affecting Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
This study was conducted to isolate and identify the Fusarium oxysporum fungi, the causal agent of wilt in the ornamental plant Zambia Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, in Basra Governorate. The study involved morphological and molecular identification of the fungus, testing its pathogenicity on Zambia plants, and identifying the most effective biological control agents against it. These agents included the fungi Trichoderma viride, T. longibrachiatum, an aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves, and an alcoholic extract of M.oleifera leaves. The results showed that F. oxysporum caused a severe infection rate85.5%, Invitro T. viride exhibited 93.7% inhibition of the pathogen, and T. longibrachiatum 96.2%. The aqueous extract of M.oleifera leaves showed 56.2% inhibition against the pathogen. The results also indicated the superiority of the alcoholic extract of M.oleifera leaves, which demonstrated 98.7% inhibition against the pathogen. In-vivo experiments the pots experiment, the aqueous extract gave the best results fordisease resistance, reached 33.3%, while the alcoholic extract reached 62.5%. Treatments using the fungi T. longibrachiatum and T. viride were similar in reducing the severity of infection, at 41.2% and 41.6% respectively.
Bioremediation, fungi, Copper, Nickel, Incubation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zahraa A. Majeed1 and Anna D. Khamas2 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The allelopathic effect of sunflower residues on the growth of salt-stressed wheat plants
A plastic pot experiment was done in a private nursery in Baquba, the center of Diyala Governorate, during the 2024-2025 growing season. Using three replicates and two variables in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the experiment aimed to determine the effect of sunflower residues from three parts (roots, stems, and leaves) on the germination and growth characteristics of wheat seedlings under salt stress. Concentrations of 0, 6, 9, and 12 dS/m⁻¹ of NaCl were used. The results showed a significant decrease in the average values ​​of the studied traits with increasing concentrations of NaCl, particularly at 12 dS/m⁻¹. This concentration led to a decrease in germination percentage (46.2%), plant height (53.2%), and the number of branches per plant (19.6%), as well as in the other studied traits. The results indicated that adding sunflower residues to the soil yielded the best results for the studied traits, especially the leaf residues, as they showed the greatest increase in germination percentage and number of branches per plant. Branching in the plant is 8.8% and 37%, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 1 Suha Mohammed Alwan and 1Wissam Malik Dawood https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of NPK fertilizer, Wood vinegar and Trichoderma hamatum fungus on damping-off disease of tomato seedlings caused by Fusarium solani
Fusarium solani induced damping-off is an important limiting factor for tomato production in Iraq, and leads to severe epidemics with large stand losses. This research aimed to test the efficacy of organic NPK fertilizer, wood vinegar and bio-control fungus Trichoderma hamatum either sole or coupled application against disease incidence and seedling performance. The NPK fertilizer (18 g pot⁻¹) was the best fertilizer treatment and resulted in the highest level of germination rate (80.55%), least seed rot incidence (19.45%) and minimum seedling mortality (9.63%). It also possessed better growth characteristics both among all endophytes tested, such as maximum height of seedling (6.602 cm), shoot dry weight (0.7657 g) and root dry weight (0.06214 g). Among wood vinegar concentrations, the 2% level was the most effective with germination (84.44%) and seed rot (15.56%) both reduced and lower percentage of seedling mortality (7.04%), as well as better growth attributes (seedling height 6.587 cm; shoot dry weight 0.7717 g; root dry weight 0.06237 g). With respect to fungal ratios, the T3:F0 treatment (pure T. hamatum) exhibited the best performance resulting in the highest germination percentage (91.67%), lowest seed rot incidence (8.33%) and most vigorous growth of seedlings (height 6.785 cm; shoot dry weight 0.8460 g; root dry weight 0.07582 g). In conclusion, T. hamatum and 2% wood vinegar combined with NPK at 18 g were observed to substantially contribute to disease control and the improvement of seedling vigor under our experimental condition, suggesting that these appeared promising in integrated management of tomato damping-off.
Copyright (c) 2026 Layth Shakir Abdullah1, Jamal Hussein Kadhim2, and Ameer Kh Yeaser3 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Estimating the quantity of Maillard reaction products in baby biscuits
The Maillard reaction is a non-enzymatic reaction that occurs between reducing sugars and free amines in food products. This reaction alters sensory properties and leads to adverse health consequences due to the production of mutagenic compounds and the resulting lysine deficiency. Numerous attempts have been made to control the Maillard reaction in recent decades. Estimating Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in children's biscuits involves quantifying specific compounds, such as furosene and HMF, using analytical techniques like chromatography. Key factors influencing MRP levels include processing conditions (temperature, humidity and pH), storage duration and conditions, and ingredient composition (fat and protein content). The presence and accumulation of these products, particularly during storage, are crucial for assessing potential health effects on children.
Maillard reaction, baby biscuits, HMF, furosene
Copyright (c) 2026 Rawaa Q. AL-Mayahi, Mohammed Jameel Mohammed and Ahmed I.A. ALnazzal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Study UVI, ozone Column and AOD and Investigate the Change in Its values Between a Dust Storm Day and a Calm Day Over Baghdad in 2021
This study examines the daily variations and interactions of aerosol optical depth (AOD), total vertical ozone (O₃), and UV index (UVI) in 2021 to assess their impact on surface UV radiation. The findings indicate that aerosol loading has a major impact on UV transmission, and that greater AOD values diminish surface UVI by increasing scattering and absorption. However, when solar radiation is significant, aerosol absorption may indirectly contribute to ozone generation by boosting lower troposphere temperature. Total vertical ozone continues to serve an important protective role by reducing UV light, and seasonal ozone depletion is regularly related with increased UVI levels. Spring was characterized by moderate to high UVI, as well as increases in AOD and O₃, indicating enhanced photochemical activity. In contrast, summer has reduced aerosol and ozone loads, resulting in generally steady ultraviolet (UV) values that are mostly controlled by humidity and cloud cover. Winter, on the other hand, is distinguished by a consistent reduction in UV light, little photochemistry, and decreased aerosol concentrations. UV radiation has been demonstrated to correlate with both aerosol optical characteristics and ozone column height, indicating its value as an indicator for monitoring air quality, detecting climatic feedback mechanisms, and calculating the danger of human UV exposure. During a dust storm, the number of aerosols in the atmosphere increases dramatically. These particles in the air help to absorb and disperse sunlight. As a result, the AOD increases considerably during a dust storm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nagham T. Ibraheem https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0