Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Agrotechnology, Department of Agronomy, University of Zabol, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Zabol, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Zabol, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, University of Torbat Heydarieh, Torbat Heydarieh, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), recognized as the world’s most expensive agricultural and medicinal crop, holds a pivotal role in Iran’s agricultural economy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh. After saffron harvest, the fields are typically utilized for subsequent crops like cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), offering opportunities for crop diversification and income enhancement. This study addresses the economic challenges faced by farmers in saffron-producing regions of Iran, where soil fertility decline and water scarcity necessitate sustainable crop rotation strategies. Cumin, a drought-tolerant medicinal plant with significant export value, and sesame, a resilient oilseed crop, are promising candidates for post-saffron cultivation. The research aims to compare the quantitative and qualitative performance of these crops under varying land-use histories (saffron fields vs. fallow lands), providing insights into optimizing agricultural management and boosting farmers’ livelihoods. Understanding the influence of saffron residues, potential allelopathic effects, and soil conditions on subsequent crops is critical for developing effective farming practices in these regions.
 
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted during the 2022-2023 growing season in Torbat Heydarieh and Zaveh, two key saffron-producing areas in Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. A split-plot design within a randomized complete block arrangement with three replications was employed. Main plots consisted of two prior land-use types: fields with a 5-year fallow period and fields previously cultivated with saffron (corms removed post-harvest). Subplots included two plant species: cumin and sesame. Cumin was sown at 18 kg/ha and sesame at 6 kg/ha, with seeds sourced from the Khorasan Razavi Agricultural Jihad Organization. Fertilization involved urea (400 g/plot), triple superphosphate (300 g/plot), and potassium sulfate (300 g/plot), applied in stages tailored to each crop’s growth phases. Plots measured 10 m², with 1 m spacing between subplots and 2 m between main plots. Evaluated traits included soil physical and chemical properties (e.g., pH, EC, N, P, K) before and after cultivation, yield components (e.g., seed yield, biological yield), plant growth parameters (e.g., height, seed number), and economic performance. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, organic carbon, and nutrient content. Data were statistically analyzed using SAS (version 12), with means compared via Duncan’s multiple range test at a 5% significance level.
 
Results and Discussion: Results revealed that fields previously cultivated with saffron significantly outperformed 5-year fallow lands in terms of seed yield, biological yield, and economic returns for both cumin and sesame. In saffron fields, cumin exhibited a 15.75% increase in seed yield and an 18.71% rise in biological yield compared to fallow fields, while sesame showed a 33.26% and 23.87% increase, respectively. These improvements are likely due to enhanced soil organic matter from saffron corm residues, despite potential allelopathic effects reported in prior studies. Zaveh outperformed Torbat Heydarieh across most traits, with cumin seed yield 27.25% higher and sesame 24.94% higher, possibly due to Zaveh’s more favorable soil conditions (lower salinity, moderate alkalinity). Sesame displayed a higher harvest index (20.72% in saffron fields) than cumin (36.79%), indicating greater efficiency in converting biomass to seed. However, cumin’s economic yield was nearly three times that of sesame (93.26 million IRR vs. 32.57 million IRR), driven by higher market value and yield stability. Soil analysis showed no significant post-cultivation changes, suggesting sustained fertility in saffron fields. These findings underscore the economic superiority of cumin and the positive legacy effects of saffron cultivation on subsequent crops.
 
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that cultivating cumin and sesame after saffron harvest is a viable strategy for enhancing farmer income and agricultural sustainability in Iran’s saffron regions. Cumin emerges as the more economically advantageous option due to its higher yield, income potential, and adaptability to local conditions, making it the recommended choice for post-saffron cultivation. Sesame, while less profitable, offers resilience and a higher harvest index, serving as a complementary crop in rotation systems. Saffron fields provide a superior starting point compared to fallow lands, highlighting the benefits of saffron residues for soil health. These results offer practical guidance for farmers and a foundation for future research into optimizing crop rotations in arid environments.

Keywords

Abbott, L. K., & Murphy, M. V. (2003). Soil Biological Fertility: A Key to Sustainable Land Use in Agriculture. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Abdulahi, A. (2016). Effect of different crop rotations on grain yield and some agronomic traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in dryland conditions of Kermanshah.‏ [in Persian with English Summary]
Ahmadi, N., Zeinli, H., & Larizadeh, H. (2013). The effect of salinity stress and salicylic acid on the quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron. The First National Conference on the Application of Medicinal Plants in Lifestyle and Traditional Medicine, Torbat Heydarieh. [in Persian with English Summary]
Ahmadian, A., Arzmajou, E., & Badi'i Khayrabadi, M. (2017). Saffron and Important Medicinal Plants of the World. Torbat Heydarieh: Cheshmandaz-e Qotb Publications. [in Persian]
Ali, S. (2025). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as a promising complementary treatment for depression: A review of basic and clinical studies. Journal of Saffron Research, 12(2), 208–226. https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.8449.1250
Allmaras, R. R., Fritz, V. A., Pfleger, F. L., & Copeland, S. M. (2003). Impaired Internal Drainage and Aphanomyceseuteiches Root Rot of Pea Caused by Soil Compaction in a Fine Textured Soil. Soil Tillage Research, 70, 41–52.
Aminifard, M. H., Khaksari Moghadam, A., Bayat, H. H., & Fallahi, H. R. (2025). Investigating the effect of different levels of manure and sulfur on vegetative growth and yield of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Journal of Saffron Research, 12(2), 256–274. https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2025.8373.1244
Darbaghshahi, M. N., Khajebashi, S. M., Banitaba, S. A., & Dehdashti, S. M. (2009). Effects of planting method, density and depth on yield and production period of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Isfahan Region. Seed and Plant, 24(4). [in Persian with English Summary]
Dilip, K., Ajumdar, M., & Roy, S. (1991). Response of summer sesame (Sesamum indicum) to irrigation, row spacing and plant population. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 37, 758-762. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-037X.1991.tb00953.x
Drury, C. F., Zhang, T. Q., & Kay, B. D. (2003). The Nonlimiting and Least Limiting Water Ranges for Soil Nitrogen Mineralization. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 67, 1388–1404.
Eghbali, S. H., Rashed, M. M., Nasiri, M. M., & Kazerouni, M. E. (2008). Allelopathic potential of shoot and corm of saffron residues on wheat, rye, vetch and bean. The Third National Saffron Conference*, Mashhad, Iran. [in Persian]
Esfandiari, T., Saberi, M., & Mollafilabi, A. (2009). Effects of planting date and irrigation date on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 853, 47-52. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.853.4
Fazlara, A., Sadeghi, E., & Rostami, S. P. (2012). Study on the antibacterial effects of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on Listeria monocytogenes in Iranian white cheese. [in Persian with English Summary]
Food and Agriculture Organization Statistical Databases (FAOSTAT). (2015). FAOSTAT Provides Free Access to Food and Agriculture Data for Over 245 Countries and Territories and Covers All FAO Regional Groupings. Available at: http://faostat.fao.org/ [accessed December 19, 2016].
Frenzel, T., Rischen, T., & Fischer, K. (2022). Humid grassland fallows promote spider diversity in a traditionally managed landscape. Basic and Applied Ecology, 63, 59–70.
Gad, H. A., Hamza, A. F., & Abdelgaleil, S. A. (2022). Chemical composition and fumigant toxicity of essential oils from ten aromatic plants growing in Egypt against different stages of confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 1-10.
Gao, J., Sheshukov, A. Y., Yen, H., Kastens, J. H., & Peterson, D. L. (2017). Impacts of incorporating dominant crop rotation patterns as primary land use change on hydrologic model performance. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 247, 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2017.06.019
Ghanbari Moheb Seraj, R., Behnamian, M., Ahmadikhah, A., Shariati, V., & Dezhsetan, S. (2021). Chitosan and salicylic acid regulate morpho-physiological and phytochemical parameters and improve water-deficit tolerance in milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.). Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 43, 1-17.
Gresta, F., Santonoceto, C., & Avola, G. (2016). Crop rotation as an effective strategy for saffron (Crocus sativus L.) cultivation. Scientia Horticulturae, 211, 34-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2016.08.007
Haghighi, M. H. M., & Khosravi, A. (2014). Effects of anti-aflatoxin of essential oils of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioiedes and Nigella sativa. Koomesh, 15(3).
Hosseini, M., Kachooei, F., & Lahooti, M. (2004). Preliminary investigation of saffron allelopathy. The Third National Saffron Conference, Mashhad. [in Persian]
Khajepour, M. R. (2008). Principles and Fundamentals of Agronomy (3rd ed.). Isfahan: Jihad Daneshgahi Publications, Industrial University of Isfahan. [in Persian]
Khalil, H. P. S. A., Hossain, M. S., Rosamah, E., Azli, N. A., Saddon, N., Davoudpoura, Y., Islam, M. N., & Dungani, R. (2015). The role of soil properties and it’s interaction towards quality plant fiber: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 43, 1006–1015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2014.11.099
Koochaki, A., Tabrizi, L., Jahani, M., & Mohammadabadi, A. A. (2012). An evaluation of the effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) corm planting rate and pattern on the crop's performance. Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science, 42(4), 379-391. [in Persian with English Summary]
Li, H., Zhang, Y., Sun, Y., Liu, P., Zhang, Q., Wang, X., Wang, R., & Li, J. (2023). Long-term effects of optimised fertilization, tillage and crop rotation on soil fertility, crop yield and economic profit on the Loess Plateau. European Journal of Agronomy, 143, 126731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eja.2022.126731
Mohammadi, F. (2011). Economic evaluation of production and export situation of saffron and cumin. Agricultural Economics and Development Congress, Iran. [in Persian]
Mohammadkhani, F., Pouryousef, M., & Yousefi, A. R. (2023). Growth and production response in saffron-chickpea intercropping under different irrigation regimes. Industrial Crops and Products, 193, 116256. https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2023.123456
Najeeb, U., Mirza, M. Y., Jilani, G., Mubashir, A. K., & Zhou, W. J. (2012). Sesame. In S. K. Gupta (Ed.), Technological Innovations in Major World Oil Crops, Volume 1: Breeding. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-0356-2_1
Passaris, N., Flower, K. C., Ward, P. R., & Cordingley, N. (2021). Effect of crop rotation diversity and windrow burning of residue on soil chemical composition under long-term no-tillage. Soil and Tillage Research, 213, 105153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2021.105153.
Pieri, C., Dumanski, J., Hamblin, A., & Young, A. (1995). Land Quality Indicators. World Bank Discussion Papers, 315.
Pishvaei, S., Nooripoor, M., & Ahmadvand, M. (2023). Explaining the effects of saffron cultivation in Mukhtar region of Boyerahmad County. Journal of Saffron Research, 11(2), 201–220. https://doi.org/10.22077/jsr.2023.6081.1205
Ranjbar, A., Emami, H., Khorasani, R., & Karimi Karoyeh, A. R. (2016). Soil quality assessments in some Iranian saffron fields. Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 18(3), 865-878.
Rezvani Moghaddam, P., Mohammadabadi, A. A., Fallahi, H. R., & Aghhavani Shajari, M. (2014). The effect of nutritional management on flower yield and corm growth in cultivated saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Journal of Horticultural Science, 28(3), 427-434. [in Persian with English Summary]
Rostami, M., Mohammadparast, B., & Golfam, R. (2015). The effect of different levels of salinity stress on some physiological characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Journal of Saffron Agronomy and Technology, 3(3), 179-193. [in Persian with English Summary]
Soheili, R., Ahmad Nazemi, H. R., Khazaee, H. R., & Nasiri Mahallati, M. (2010). The effect of planting dates on the yield and yield components of four native cumin (Cuminum cyminum) ecotypes. Iranian Journal of Field Crops Research, 8(5), 772-783. [in Persian with English Summary]
Stamatiadis, S., Doran, J. W., & Kettler, T. (1999). Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Soil Quality Changes Resulting from Injection of Liquid Sewage Sludge. Applied Soil Ecology, 12, 263–272.
Thippeswamy, N. B., & Naidu, K. A. (2005). Antioxidant potency of cumin varieties—cumin, black cumin and bitter cumin—on antioxidant systems. European Food Research and Technology, 220, 472-476.
Ti, J., Yang, Y., Pu, L., Wen, X., Yin, X., & Chen, F. (2021). Ecological compensation for winter wheat fallow and impact assessment of winter fallow on water sustainability and food security on the North China Plain. Journal of Cleaner Production, 328, 129431.
Toivonen, M., Huusela, E., Hyvönen, T., Marjamäki, P., Järvinen, A., & Kuussaari, M. (2022). Effects of crop type and production method on arable biodiversity in boreal farmland. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 337, 10806. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12523
Yang, R., Shen, Y., Kong, X., Ge, B., Sun, X., & Cao, M. (2024). Effects of Diverse Crop Rotation Sequences on Rice Growth, Yield, and Soil Properties: A Field Study in Gewu Station. Plants, 13(23), 3273.‏ https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233273.