Çınarlı Stream within the borders of Hafik district of Sivas city is famous for its natural beauties and rich water resource. By passing through a steep valley, Çınarlı stream reaches at forages exhibiting gypsum characteristic of Çınarlı Village. It supplies the irrigation water needs of Koşutdere and near villages where it merges with Koç Stream, and then mixes into Kızılırmak within the borders of Hafik district. Çınarlı Stream satisfies table and usage water requirements of Çınarlı, Bahçecik and Koşutdere villages, besides supplying the irrigation water for fertile agricultural lands near them. In this study, by observing the water quality of Çınarlı Stream via physico-chemical methods by taking samples from 6 stations on stream and analyzing these samples between October 2011 and September 2013, it has been aimed to determine and record the monthly and seasonal changes in water quality, to determine the quality criteria in accordance with Water Pollution and Control Regulation (WPCR), and to create a data base for further studies in Çınarlı Stream, where no other study has been carried out.

The aim of this study is to reveal allelopathic effects and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Ganoderma lucidum in Zorkun plateau (Osmaniye). It was determined that methanolic extract of G. lucidum has significantly phytotoxic effect by increasing the doses (1, 2, 4, 8 mg/mL) on Hordeum vulgare and Triticum aestivum. Total phenol and flavonoid amounts of G. lucidum were 114.55 mg/kg and 8.95 mg/kg, respectively. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), scavenging activity (60%, 91% and 92%), reducing power (0.83, 1.43 and 2.23 Abs), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity (48%, 55% and 70%) of this mushroom at the different concentrations (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL) were determined, respectively. However, H2O2 scavenging activity of the different concentrations (0.0156-0.125 mg/mL) was found as 18%, 56%, 60% and 86%, respectively. Based on these findings, it can suggest that G. lucidum methanolic extract has significantly phytotoxic effect and antioxidant activity. The present study is the first report on the phytotoxic effects and antioxidant activities of G. lucidum which consumed and collected from Amanos Mountains.

The purpose of the study is to compare Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS) for adopters and non-adopters of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) in the Bafra district of Samsun, Turkey. The main materials of this study are the data obtained from a survey and interview with adopters and non-adopters of GAPs in Bafra district. The research data were collected from 77 farmers contained both adopters and non-adopters of GAPs. Statistical analysis, such as Chi-square and t-test was used. The study results presented the socio-economic characteristics of farmers. There was a significant difference between adopters and non-adopters of GAPs, according to household size, organizational membership, farm size, livestock and crop production. Meanwhile, the information sources such as a district agricultural manager/personnel, adviser of the farmers’ union association (GAPs) and pesticide/fertilizer dealers were preferred the main sources of agricultural information for adopters of GAPs. However, it recommended that information sources like research institute, university and cooperatives needs to be improved by strengthening their way of information dissemination. In terms of usefulness of AKIS for this study, it seems that this system was insufficient to analyze this study. Even though the functions of this system are essent ial elements, they are insufficient for establishing a network of complex innovation-oriented institutional arrangements. In the future, this study suggests to analyze GAPs it needs to use Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) approach, because this system have many interaction networks that can facilitate the researchers to reach the innovation easily to the intended farmers.

The phytotoxic impact of safflower extracts prepared by different plant parts like stem and root of it on germination and seedling growth of plants like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were studied. Root and stem extracts of safflower at 2.5, 5 and 10% concentrations were obtained from safflower residuals after harvest of the plants. Mean germination time and percentage, root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight of seedlings were investigated. Essential oil composition of both root and stem extracts were determined. Results indicated that extract doses significantly influenced mean germination time of sunflower and chickpea. Germination time of wheat and barley also decreased with the increasing extract doses. The other growing parameters of all crops were also decreased with extract doses. The main essential oil compound of root extract was 1-Pentadecene (47.78%) followed by 2-Naphthalenemethanol (33.07%). The main essential oil compound of stem extract was 2-Naphthalenemethanol (49.15%) followed by Lauryl alcohol (22.26%). Root and stem extracts of safflower showed different effects. Stem extract mostly had severe impact on sunflower while root extract had this impact on wheat and barley. Consequently, removing stem parts of the safflower from field could reduce the amount of secondary metabolites released from the plant parts.

In this study, genetic parameters, macro environmental factors and genetic, phenotypic and environmental trends for actual and 305 day milk yield of Brown Swiss cattle reared in Research Farm of Agricultural College at Atatürk University were estimated. Estimated breeding values that were used for calculation of the genetic trend and genetic parameters were estimated by using MTDFREML computer package program. Environmental factors affecting on actual and 305day milk yields were analysed by using Harvey statistic package program. While effects of the years and parities on the actual and 305-day milk yields were highly significant, the influence of the calving season was found to be insignificant. Environmental and phenotypic trends for actual and 305-day milk yields were determined as -33.2 kg and -29.0 kg; and -27.8±19.1 kg/year and -25.9±8.7 kg/year respectively. Genetic trends for actual and 305-day milk yields were calculated as 5.4±3.8 kg and 3.1±3.4 kg. Heritability’s for actual and 305-day milk yields were 0.21±0.12 and 0.16±0.14 respectively. Repeatability values for actual and 305-day milk yield were found as 0.29 and 0.33 respectively.

The economic evaluation for the production of fruit juice from the Africa star apple otherwise known as ‘Agbalumo’ in the south western part of Nigeria was evaluated using the NPV (Net Present value) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return) methods assuming a uniform cash flow over a 10-year plant life. Sensitivity analysis was conducted by varying the number of production days (330, 300 and 250 days) at 100% plant capacity and varying the plant capacity (100, 85 and 70%) for a 330-day production schedule. Some components of the operating cost reduced with number of days and plant capacities. The production cost and product cost per unit increased with either plant capacity utilization or the number of days. It was observed that product cost/ 500ml Tetra Pak of Agbalumo juice at 85% and 70% stood at ₦37.48 while payback time/profitability percent had better index at 300 and 250 days compared to 330 days of plant operation. The results further indicated that the plant should not be operated for less than 250 days and plant capacity utilization of 70% in the year. Flexibility in the plant capacity utilization in the range of 70%-85% for 330 days shows a good economic performance as well as result of the NPV and IRR for this operating condition.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of use organo-mineral fertilizers and poultry manure on yield and quality of seed tubers different potatoes varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.). The study was designed in three replicated completely randomized block factorial design with eight potato cultivars (Madaline, Provento, Marfona, Agata, Arizona, Mustang, Rumba and Saviola) and including three different fertilizer as Hexaferm organo-mineral (%20 organics, 8-21-0+Zn), compost (1 t da-1) and fermented poultry manure (1 t da-1). In order to determine the effect of fertilizer forms on the yield and quality characteristics of different varieties of potatoes were examined features like output time of the tuber, output rates, plant height, stem number per hill, tuber yield per hill, total tuber yield, cracks tuber yield, dry matter content, starch content and specific gravity. Used fertilizers have no significant effect on output time of the tuber, output rates, plant height, stem number per hill, total tuber yield, dry matter content, starch content and specific gravity of varieties. The difference observed in terms of output time of the tuber, output rates, plant height, stem number per hill between the varieties was insignificant. The difference between the average tuber yield per hill, total tuber yield, cracks tuber yield, dry matter content, starch content and specific gravity of varieties were significant. Similarly, the fertilizers had a significant effect on the average tuber yield per hill of varieties . The significant interactions were found on traits average tuber yield per hill and average specific gravity between Fertilizer x Varieties. As a result, considered economically the fermented and compost poultry manure can be used instead of organo-mineral fertilizers in the production of seed potatoes.

This study examined kinetic modeling of the detoxification induced by dechlorination of laccase enzyme obtained from Trametes versicolor which is a white rot fungi strain and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol which is a toxic chlorinated phenolic compound. In the evaluation of the kinetics of detoxification induced by dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol used as substrate, the Systat 10 software package which is a statistics program was used while two-substrate solution environment was used to explain the kinetic behavior of the dechlorination. It was observed as a result of experiments and statistical analysis that Moser equation is the optimal kinetic model. Given the statistical data obtained and the graph, the dual-substrate model was found to be compatible with the experimental data. The bio-kinetic parameter values obtained for the model that identifies enzymatic dechlorination kinetics were calculated as Vmax =9.341 ppmO2/min, Ks =38.254 g/L, Ko =20.747 ppm, R = 1.895 and N = 1.233. In the literature, no studies were found on kinetic modeling for the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and through this study, we have been first to conduct a study on kinetic modeling of the degradation induced by enzymatic dechlorination of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol. The GC/MS analysis results showed that the chlorophenolic compound used throughout the enzymatic dechlorination performed with laccase enzyme was degraded 80% to 100%. Based on the GC/MS analysis results, the conclusion that the enzyme responsible for the dechlorination was laccase was also found to support the findings available in literature.

It is necessary for developing strategies of integrated fertilization for crops to maximize production of crops and reducing the risk of pollution from chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the objectives of this study to evaluate the impact of bio-organic, chemical nitrogen on seed quality of canola. A study was conducted for two consecutive years (2005 to 2006) at the Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Egypt. Bio fertilizer (control and bio-fertilizer), compost (control, 6, 12 and 18 ton ha-1) and chemical nitrogen (control, 36, 72 and 108 kg N ha-1). The result indicated that, bio-fertilizer was significantly effects on protein % and iodine value except oil percent was decreased. On the other hand, the Maximum values oil and protein were recorded by using compost fertilizer at (18 ton ha-1). In respect to chemical fertilizer, adding nitrogen affected significantly on protein % and the maximum value was obtained at (108 N ha-1) while, oil percent and iodine value were decreased. Interestingly, it is clear that from results that cultivar belongs to canola (LEAR that contains < 2% erucic acid) and a nitrogen source has almost slight effect on oil physical properties. Totally, the interaction among treatments application compost (6ton ha-1) and (72 N kg ha-1) with combined bio- fertilizer was achieved suitable oil percent and could be improve canola seed yield and quality and environment would have a better condition.

Water is a basic need in order to survive all living beings. The functional use of water through the ages of living space formatted directed, has a significant influence on environmental design. In addition to the use of water for various purposes has refreshing climatic features, to create a living suitable environment for all living things and has the visual aesthetics features, to become an indispensable element in the landscape has provided. Despite the abundance of recreational activities, humans are mostly enjoyed water-based recreational activities. Water-based recreation is no doubt that the increase of needs. Naturally, the water surface provides great advantages in terms of recreation. Water in recreational areas, both inland and coastal water-based activities is an important element. For example, streams, lakes, ponds and dams’ coast, walking, cycling, water sports, picnics, etc. for recreational activities are indispensable elements of life. Core zone and buffer zone of Kure Mountains National Park is a rich area in underground and surface water resources. Canyons, waterfalls, sinkholes and water resources increase the recreational use potential of the area and these unique natural resources in national park make a difference compared to other areas. In this study, recreation potential of water resources in the Kure Mountains National Park was determined in accordance with suitability assessment, in this context national park was evaluated according to the land capability classes, view, vegetation, slope, current land use, recreational infrastructure, water resources, topography and the proximity to the road factors and suitability map was produced. Suggestions for active and passive recreational activities can be done in the appropriate spaces for recreation have been developed.