The Journal of Natural Science Review (JNSR) (e-ISSN 3006-7804) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published quarterly by Kabul University. JNSR publishes articles in the natural science domains, including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, agriculture, and mathematics. All submissions and publications are in English to ensure broad international accessibility and readership. To ensure the integrity and impartiality of its content, JNSR employs a rigorous double-blind peer review process. Submissions undergo an initial editorial screening before being sent for external review, and authors are required to anonymize their manuscripts prior to submission; identifying details can be reinstated upon acceptance. The journal is published quarterly, with issues released in March, June, September, and December. JNSR is Indexed in several well-recognized academic indexes & databases, reflecting its commitment to global visibility and the highest academic standards. The journal continually strives to expand its indexing to enhance the discoverability and impact of published research. As a fully Open Access publication, all articles are freely available online immediately upon publication. Authors retain the Copyright to their work with first publication rights to JNSR. JNSR is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity Read more. Prospective authors are encouraged to consult the detailed Author Guidelines and Policies which provide important information regarding manuscript preparation, formatting, and ethical considerations.
Generalized Formulas for Summation and Alternating Summation of Jacobsthal and Jacobsthal – Lucas Numbers
The study was conducted at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore, to assess the impact of various bio-stimulants on the biotic resistance, quality, and storage behavior of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during the Ll, 2022-23, and R, 2023. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with nine treatments and three replications, using bio-stimulants such as humic acid, amino acids, seaweed extracts, and microbial consortia. The treatment combination of whole tubers + RDF + Humic acid at 2 mL L-1 significantly enhanced plant resistance against pests and diseases. This treatment led to the lowest aphid and cutworm populations, reduced tuber moth infestation, and minimized the incidence of early blight, late blight, and bacterial wilt compared to the control—further, the same treatment combination improved tuber quality, viz., TSS and starch content. Additionally, it resulted in lower percentage of physiological loss of weight (PLW) and sprouting during storage under room temperature, with minimal tuber rot. In contrast, the control treatment recorded the highest pest populations, disease incidence and post-harvest losses. These findings suggest that the treatment comprising whole tubers, RDF, and Humic acid at 2 ml L-1 effectively improves biotic resistance, quality, and storage behavior of potatoes under ambient conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mirwais Mansoor Kakar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessment of Public Satisfaction and Determinants of Urban Park Use in Kabul City: A Survey-Based Study
Urban and ornamental parks are essential for meeting the recreational, social, and psychological needs of city residents. Ensuring high public satisfaction with these spaces is critical for sustainable urban planning. Despite their importance, there is limited information regarding public satisfaction, current conditions, and key factors affecting parks in Kabul, Afghanistan. This study aimed to assess public satisfaction with Kabul’s parks, evaluate their current status, and identify factors influencing user satisfaction. The research was conducted in 2025 across 28 parks, involving 203 respondents through structured interviews and questionnaires. Data were collected using Kobo Toolbox and analyzed in SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Results indicated that the majority of respondents were male, aged 15–35 years, and held a bachelor’s degree. Approximately 49.8% reported moderate satisfaction, while around 40% expressed high satisfaction. Key determinants of satisfaction included park facilities, cleanliness, recreational and cultural activities, safety, management, and toilet hygiene. Correlation analyses revealed significant positive relationships between these factors and overall satisfaction, while regression analysis showed that they collectively explained 70.5% of the variance in user satisfaction (R² = 0.705, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results revealed that Bagh-e Babur and Chehelsaton Garden were identified as the most preferred and highly rated parks in Kabul City. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing comprehensive improvements in facilities, maintenance, safety, management, and amenities to enhance visitor satisfaction. Future research should examine how parks and urban green spaces support local economies and evaluate the urban value of ornamental parks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Naqibullah Momand, Masood Sayeed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Synthesis of Oxindole-Conjugated imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole as BCL-2 Inhibitors with Anticancer Activity
The anti-apoptotic protein BCL-2 is overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies and plays a pivotal role in tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and evasion of programmed cell death. Consequently, selective inhibition of BCL-2 has emerged as an attractive strategy in anticancer drug discovery. Despite the clinical success of currently available BCL-2 inhibitors, many compounds still suffer from limitations, including off-target toxicity, resistance development, and adverse hematological effects, underscoring the need for safer, more effective therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to synthesize oxindole-conjugated imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4] thiadiazoles inspired by the structural framework of Disarib, a selective BCL-2 inhibitor known for its unique BH1-domain binding mode and minimal platelet toxicity. A molecular hybridization strategy was employed to combine imidazothiadiazole and oxindole pharmacophores into a single scaffold. The target compounds were synthesized via a multistep synthetic route that involved construction of the 1,3,4-thiadiazole core, cyclization to the imidazothiadiazole framework, Vilsmeier–Haack formylation, and final condensation with substituted oxindoles. Structural characterization was accomplished using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Three derivatives were successfully obtained in good yields (80–84%) and exhibited high structural stability. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the successful formation of the desired molecular frameworks. Furthermore, the incorporation of chlorine, bromine, and methoxy substituents was expected to modulate electronic properties and enhance interactions with the BCL-2 binding site. These findings suggest that the synthesized compounds are promising candidates for the development of selective BCL-2-targeted anticancer agents and warrant further biological and pharmacological evaluation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Ali Nasiri, Ismael Ahmadi, Neamatullah Fekrat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
XGBoost for Predicting Peak Ground Acceleration Based on the NGA West2 Ground Motion Database
Earthquakes remain among the most destructive natural hazards worldwide, causing significant loss of life, economic damage, and infrastructure failures each year. Accurate prediction of peak ground acceleration (PGA), a key indicator of ground motion intensity, is fundamental to reliable seismic hazard assessment and earthquake-resistant structural design. Inaccurate or oversimplified PGA estimates can lead to unsafe structural designs or overly conservative construction costs, directly affecting public safety, infrastructure resilience, and economic sustainability. However, conventional ground motion prediction equations are typically based on predefined functional forms that may not fully capture the complex, nonlinear relationships among seismic source, path, and site parameters, leading to inaccuracies in PGA estimation. To address this limitation, this study develops an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) regression model to predict PGA using the NGA-West2 ground motion dataset from the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER). The dataset, filtered to 16,211 records, includes moment magnitude (Mw), rake angle (RA), hypocentral depth, closest rupture distance (ClstD), and average shear-wave velocity (Vs30) as input features. At the same time, the logarithm of PGA serves as the target variable. The model achieved high accuracy on both training (R² = 0.971, RMSE = 0.184) and testing (R² = 0.936, RMSE = 0.269) datasets, demonstrating excellent learning and generalization performance. Feature importance analysis identified Mw and ClstD as the dominant predictors of PGA, accounting for approximately 64% and 29% of the total contribution, respectively. The results confirm that the XGBoost model effectively models nonlinear dependencies and complex interactions among seismic parameters.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asadullah Ziar, Wahidullah Hazim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluation of Iodine Status Among 6–12-Year-Old Children and Iodized Salt Quality in Khogiani District, Afghanistan
Despite reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighting iodine deficiency in various regions of Afghanistan, empirical data for the Khogiani district remain scarce, despite clinical signs suggesting its presence. "This study aimed to assess the prevalence of iodine deficiency among children aged 6–12 years and to evaluate the quality of iodized edible salt in the Khogiani District” A cross-sectional community-based and experimental design was employed. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction (spectrophotometric method), while iodine levels in salt samples were determined via iodometric titration. The sample size was calculated using the Cochrane formula, and data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Participants were selected via convenience sampling. The overall prevalence of iodine deficiency (UIC: 50–99 µg/L) was 13%, with 1.8% of children exhibiting palpable goiter (grades 1–2). The highest deficiency rates were observed in Wazir and Pirakhel villages. Additionally, 75.1% of salt samples had inadequate iodine content (<15 ppm), with powdered salt being particularly unreliable. Mild iodine deficiency persists among children in Khogiani, and a significant proportion of iodized salt fails to meet the required standards. Public health interventions should prioritize stricter salt iodization monitoring and alternative strategies to ensure adequate iodine intake.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Ziauddin Azimi, Mirwais Zazai, Jawed Ahmad Oneeb https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of Ginger-Flavored Peach Nectar
This study was carried out in 2025 at the Horticulture Department Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan. The study aimed to investigate the influence of ginger extract on the physicochemical characteristics, sensory quality, and storage stability of peach nectar. The experiment consisted of seven treatments formulated using a combination of 65% sugar syrup and 35% natural fruit pulp. The formulations contained 94–100% peach pulp blended with 1–6% ginger extract. Each treatment was replicated three times and laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (F-CRD). Evaluated parameters included biological attributes (juice spoilage), chemical properties such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, pH, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and total sugar, as well as sensory attributes including appearance, color, flavor, taste, odor, texture, and overall acceptability. In addition, the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of the most effective formulation was calculated to determine its economic viability. The findings of the study showed that both ginger concentration and storage duration had a significant effect on the chemical and sensory quality of ginger-flavored peach nectar. During storage, TSS, total sugars, and reducing sugars increased, while pH and non-reducing sugars decreased. These changes are mainly associated with biochemical transformations occurring over time. Sensory evaluation revealed that formulations containing 1–3% ginger maintained better stability in appearance, color, taste, odor, texture, and overall acceptability throughout the storage period. In contrast, samples with higher ginger levels (4–6%) showed a decline in quality during storage. Overall, the formulation containing 2% ginger (T3) was identified as the most suitable treatment, as it demonstrated good chemical stability along with high sensory acceptance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ezatullah Ezatmand, Hamid Salari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Fruit Thinning on the Quantity and Quality of Red Delicious Apples
Apples are widely cultivated in the cold regions of Afghanistan, and the Red Delicious variety is known for its moderate vigor and high yield potential. This study, titled “Effect of Fruit Thinning on the Quantity and Quality of Red Delicious Apples,” was conducted in a private orchard in Sadokhil village, Daimirdad district, Wardak province. Fruit thinning plays a crucial role in improving fruit size, weight, and overall quality by removing excess fruits that compete for nutrients. Excessive fruit load reduces fruit quality and size; therefore, proper thinning is essential for achieving marketable fruit characteristics. The experiment evaluated different thinning levels by leaving one, two, three, four, and five fruits (control) per spur. Reducing the number of fruits per spur significantly improved fruit length, diameter, weight, firmness, and sugar content. The treatment with one fruit per spur produced the highest fruit quality; however, it resulted in a substantial reduction in total yield, causing economic loss for farmers. No significant differences were found among treatments in fruit acidity and pH. As the number of fruits per spur increased, fruit quality decreased, while total yield and the quantity of non-marketable fruits increased. Considering the balance between yield and quality, leaving two fruits per spur proved to be the most suitable option for trees with fewer spurs, as it enhanced fruit size and quality without significantly reducing total yield and increasing non-marketable fruits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nasir Ahmad Ziarmal, Ghulam Rasoul Samadi, Zabihullah Faizi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Analysis of Measles Transmission and Vaccination Coverage Effects in Afghanistan Using the SIRV Mathematical Model
In this study, the transmission dynamics of measles in Afghanistan and the effects of vaccination coverage are analyzed using an SIRV mathematical model, in which the transmission coefficient (β), the vaccination rate (v), and the basic reproduction number (R₀) play essential roles. The model's nonlinear differential equations are solved numerically using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method (RK4), and solutions are computed in the Python programming environment to accurately investigate the behavior of different population compartments over time. The basic reproduction number (R₀) is derived using the Next Generation Matrix (NGM) method. Numerical and graphical results indicate that increasing the vaccination rate (v) significantly reduces R₀ and the number of infected individuals. The findings further demonstrate that reducing the transmission coefficient and improving vaccination coverage are effective strategies for controlling measles outbreaks. In addition, the minimum vaccination coverage required for disease control is calculated. The significance of this study lies in providing a scientific and quantitative framework for understanding measles transmission dynamics and evaluating vaccination strategies in Afghanistan. Overall, the proposed model and numerical approach offer valuable insights for infectious disease analysis and support evidence-based public health policies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Said Omar Saidi, Mohammad Khan Haidary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Growth and Instability of Cotton Area, Production, and Yield in Afghanistan
Cotton is one of the most significant industrial crops worldwide. It plays a vital role in the world's economic, political, and social affairs. The objective of this study is to evaluate the growth and instability of cotton in Afghanistan from 2009-2010 to 2024-2025.The study utilized secondary data for analysis. Compound Growth Rate (CGR) was employed to estimate growth trends, while the Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI) was used to assess instability. The analysis was conducted at both regional and national levels.The results revealed that the Herat region registered the highest and considerable growth rates in area and production of cotton during period I (2009-10 to 2016-17) and the overall period. Spin Zar (Kunduz), however, showed negative growth rates in area and production across all periods. The Helmand region registered the highest and significant growth rates in area, production, and yield during period II (2017-18 to 2024-25). Whereas, Balkh, Spin Zar (Kunduz) and Nangarhar regions in period II registered negative growth. At the national level, steady growth was observed during Period I, with 5.58, 6.50, and 0.88 percent growth in area, production, and yield, respectively. This instability may be associated with climatic variability, input supply constraints, and market fluctuations; however, these factors were not directly tested in the present study. Based on the findings, improving farmers’ access to credit and strengthening institutional support are essential to increasing cotton production and enhancing Afghanistan’s competitiveness in global markets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulbaqi Ahmadzai, Nasir Ahmad Ahmadzai, Ayaz Khan Naseri, Noorullah Halimzai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effects of Different Levels of Boron on Fruit Cracking and Quality of Sweet Cherry
Sweet Cherries (Prunus avium L.) are a highly nutritious fruit, beneficial for health due to their antioxidants (anthocyanins) and melatonin. However, fruit cracking is a serious physiological problem that causes economic losses. Boron deficiency is considered an important cause of cherry fruit cracking because it reduces skin strength and structural integrity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of boron (Boron Plus 5% w/v) on reducing fruit cracking and improving fruit quality. The experiment was conducted in 2024 in a cherry orchard located in Malang Village, Khak-e-Jabar District, Kabul Province, using an RCBD Design with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were as follows: T1 – Control; T2 – 2 mL L⁻¹; T3 – 3 mL L⁻¹; T4 – 4 mL L⁻¹; and T5 – 5 mL L⁻¹ boron foliar application. The results, analyzed using LSD at 5% significance level, indicated that boron application significantly reduced the percentage and severity of fruit cracking while improving fruit quality. Across all ripening stages, the lowest fruit cracking and the highest proportion of healthy fruits were observed in T5, whereas the control showed the poorest results. Sensory evaluation also ranked T5 as the best treatment. In summary, foliar application of boron at 5 mL L⁻¹ application of boron during three critical developmental stages effectively minimized fruit cracking and improved fruit performance. Its use is recommended under similar climatic conditions. Future research should focus on the combined use of boron with calcium and zinc, as well as comparative studies among different cherry cultivars.
Copyright (c) 2026 Matiullah Ahmadzai, Ghulam Rasoul Samadi, Zabihullah Faizi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Calcium Chloride, Oil Coating, and Wrapping Materials on Quality and Shelf Life of Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)
Apple is a strategic fruit crop in Afghanistan, produced in large quantities annually; however, postharvest losses during storage remain a major challenge both nationally and globally. This study aimed to evaluate effective and economically feasible coating treatments to maintain apple fruit quality during storage. The experiment was conducted in 2025 at the Horticulture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, Afghanistan, to assess the effects of various coatings, wrapping materials, and CaCl2 on the shelf life of apple (cv. Golden Delicious). Seven treatments (control, aloe vera gel coating, polyethylene packaging, newspaper packaging, Cacl2 1.5%, Cacl2 3%, and sunflower oil coating) were arranged in a factorial CRD design with four replications. Key physicochemical and quality parameters, including TSS, reducing and total sugars, titratable acidity, firmness, weight loss, decay loss, and physiological loss weight (PLW), were measured over a 45-day storage period. Results indicated that both coating type and storage duration significantly influenced fruit quality. Sunflower oil coating (T7) demonstrated superior performance by maintaining biochemical stability and minimizing weight loss (416.34), PLW (48.08) and decay (416.34), followed by aloe vera gel (T2), which also preserved chemical properties and reduced losses. Conversely, polyethylene packaging (T3) and 3% CaCl2 (T6) showed the highest deterioration in quality attributes. Overall, edible coatings effectively reduced respiration, moisture loss, and metabolic activity, thereby extending shelf life. Based on these findings, sunflower oil and aloe vera gel are recommended as cost-effective postharvest treatments. Further research is suggested to evaluate their effectiveness on freshly harvested fruits of other apple cultivars under different storage conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aimal Shabir, Rahmat Gul Hassanzai, Mohammadullah Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Development of Functional Apple Nectar Enriched with Ginger Extract
Consumer demand for functional fruit beverages with improved sensory quality and health benefits is increasing; however, limited research has focused on standardizing ginger-flavored apple nectar under local processing and storage conditions in Afghanistan. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate ginger-flavored apple nectar and determine the optimum level of ginger extract for physicochemical stability and consumer acceptability during storage. The experiment was conducted in 2025 at the Horticulture Department Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University. Apple juice was blended with ginger extract at different concentrations (0–7%) to prepare eight nectar treatments according to Codex standards. The products were pasteurized, bottled, and stored under ambient conditions for 90 days. Physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes were evaluated at monthly intervals using a factorial completely randomized design with three replications. The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications, and data were analyzed using STAR software. Results revealed that both ginger concentration and storage period significantly affected the nectar's quality attributes. Moderate incorporation of ginger improved sensory and functional properties, while higher concentrations negatively influenced acceptability. Among all treatments, nectar containing 2% ginger extract exhibited the best overall performance in terms of physicochemical stability and sensory attributes throughout storage. The study concludes that ginger-flavored apple nectar standardized with 2% ginger extract has good storage stability, enhanced quality characteristics, and high consumer acceptability, making it
Copyright (c) 2026 Nasir Ahmad Omari, Hamid Salari https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Honey Adulteration and Contamination: Impacts on Nutritional and Medicinal Value
Honey has long been recognized for its complex nutritional composition and therapeutic potential, attributable to its naturally occurring vitamins, antioxidants, and other bioactive constituents. In recent years, however, concerns about adulteration and contamination have intensified, raising serious questions about the quality and authenticity of honey available on the market. This systematic review synthesizes global evidence on honey adulteration and contamination, evaluates how these practices affect the nutritional profile and pharmacological properties of honey, and discusses their implications for the honey-producing sectors, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and conflict-affected areas. Many such countries face constraints, including weak regulatory enforcement, limited quality-control systems, and inadequate analytical laboratory capacity, which collectively impede sectoral growth and competitiveness. Drawing on a broad range of peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, the review discusses common adulterants (including sugar syrups and artificial sweeteners) and contaminants (such as pesticides, heavy metals, and antibiotic residues). It also assesses the applicability and performance of analytical methods, including chromatographic, spectroscopic, and molecular-based techniques, for detecting these quality defects. Importantly, no primary laboratory studies quantifying adulteration and contamination in Afghan honey were identified; therefore, information on Afghanistan is used only as a qualitative, contextual example rather than as a source of analytical data. The evidence indicates that uncontrolled adulteration and contamination not only compromise honey’s therapeutic efficacy but also erode consumer confidence and undermine market sustainability. To support long-term sectoral development, the review highlights the need for more robust regulatory frameworks, targeted investment in quality-assurance and testing infrastructure, and structured technical training for beekeepers and honey processors in low- and middle-income settings
Copyright (c) 2026 Javed Rahimi, Ayaz Khan Naseri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Numerical Modeling of Nonlinear Scalar Wave Propagation in a One-Dimensional Elastic Media: Energy Spectrum and Waveform Analysis
This study numerically investigated nonlinear scalar wave propagation in a one-dimensional elastic medium using a discrete chain of coupled oscillators. Linear elastic models proved inadequate for capturing amplitude-dependent effects seen in seismic waves, nonlinear acoustics, and heterogeneous materials. To overcome this limitation, two nonlinear extensions of the classical wave equation were developed: an asymmetric quadratic strain-gradient model and a symmetric formulation intended to maintain waveform symmetry and improve numerical stability. The governing equations were solved with an explicit finite-difference time-domain scheme employing high-order five-point spatial discretization, while stability was preserved through the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy condition. Simulations with weak nonlinearity revealed clear departures from linear behavior, such as waveform distortion, vertical asymmetry, spectral broadening, and partial reflection. Spectral analysis detected secondary frequency components at approximately 3.8 Hz, 6.5 Hz, and 8.8 Hz—absent in linear cases—indicating nonlinear energy transfer to higher harmonics. Comparative evaluation demonstrated that the symmetric model offered superior numerical stability and preserved waveform symmetry. The findings confirmed that even mild elastic nonlinearity substantially modified wave evolution and energy distribution. The proposed framework established a reliable foundation for future work, including extensions to higher-dimensional models and incorporation of more realistic material properties. This research addressed a key gap by providing detailed insights into nonlinear mechanisms affecting waveform symmetry and energy spectra, with potential benefits for enhanced seismic hazard prediction and acoustic signal processing in engineering.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Rozie Haqmal, Farsila Payandi, Ehsanul Haq Yar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli Isolated from Table Eggs in Kabul City, Afghanistan
A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2025 to assess the prevalence of Escherichia coli contamination in table eggs sold throughout Kabul and to characterize the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles of the isolated strains. A total of 150 eggs were collected systematically from various retail outlets, including supermarkets and local markets. To determine the contamination source, eggshells and internal contents were cultured separately. Presumptive E. coli colonies were confirmed using standard biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility was subsequently evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against a panel of six clinically relevant antibiotics. The findings revealed that E. coli was present on 43.3% of eggshells and in 18.0% of egg contents, suggesting potential failures in handling and storage practices. Notably, contamination rates were significantly higher in eggs from local production systems than in those from commercial sources. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated high levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including tetracycline (76.9%), ampicillin (69.2%), and sulfamethoxazole (61.5%). Critically, multidrug resistance (MDR), defined as resistance to three or more drug classes, was observed in 57.7% of all isolates, with a significantly higher rate in isolates from local eggs (68.4%). This study reveals a high prevalence of E. coli contamination in eggs sold in Kabul, with the isolates displaying alarming levels of AMR and MDR. The findings underscore an urgent need to implement improved hygiene practices across the entire egg supply chain and to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship policies to safeguard public health in Afghanistan.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ezatullah Jaheed, Sayed Arif Ahmadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative Depth-Dose Analysis for Prostate Cancer BNCT Using MIT and BMRR Epithermal Neutron Spectra Reactors
This research concentrated on dose assessments for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) as a possible definitive treatment for prostate cancer. BNCT functions by precisely targeting boron-10 ) ) to cancerous cells, which, when they absorb thermal neutrons, emit high-energy particles—primarily alpha particles and lithium nuclei—that destroy tumor cells while preserving adjacent healthy tissue. This study assessed the depth-dose distribution within the prostate tumor and adjacent tissues using Monte Carlo simulations with the MCNP and Geant4 codes. These instruments simulate the motion and interactions of neutrons and secondary particles in tissue to accurately predict dose distributions. The simulations employed epithermal neutron spectra from the MIT and BMRR reactors, which are ideal for BNCT, as epithermal neutrons can penetrate deeper into tissue before slowing to thermal energies where boron-10 capture occurs. The findings indicated that the boron-10 concentration, neutron flux, and the configuration of the epithermal neutron spectrum highly influence the depth-dose within the prostate. The estimated total dose in the prostate was 0.03–0.08 (Gy/s). The research additionally measured the dose and energy distributions of secondary particles generated during nuclear interactions, which are crucial for evaluating tumor control and effects on normal tissue. The results suggest that BNCT holds considerable promise as a treatment for prostate cancer, providing precise tumor irradiation and minimizing harm to adjacent tissues.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajab Ali Khawari, Dawood Mirzaee, Noor Mohammad Azizi, Ihsanul Haq Yar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Analysis of Free Vibrations of Homogeneous Rectangular Thin Plates Using the Finite Difference Method (FDM)
This study presents a numerical investigation of the free vibration behavior of homogeneous rectangular thin plates, formulated within the Kirchhoff–Love plate theory using the Finite Difference Method (FDM). Dimensionless natural frequencies for the first three vibration modes were computed under various classical boundary conditions—fully clamped (CCCC), supported (SSSS), and mixed (CSCS)—across multiple grid discretizations. The analysis focuses on the convergence of natural frequencies with grid refinement and the influence of boundary constraints on vibration characteristics. The proposed FDM framework employs central difference schemes for derivative approximations, ensuring high accuracy, numerical stability, and rapid convergence, with minimal change in computed frequencies beyond moderate grid sizes. Comparative results with existing studies confirm the approach's reliability and effectiveness. The findings reveal that boundary conditions significantly influence both mode shapes and frequencies. Fully clamped plates exhibit the greatest stiffness, producing the highest natural frequencies, while supported configurations yield lower frequency responses. Mixed boundary conditions produce intermediate behaviors, demonstrating the sensitivity of vibration characteristics to edge constraints. Overall, the findings provide essential insights into the structural design, optimization, and stability assessment of plate structures in engineering applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ghaniullah Safi, Noorullah Noori, Abdul Wakil Baidar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Standardizing Recipe for Pomegranate and Apple Blended Nectar
This study was carried out during 2024–2025 at the Laboratory of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul University, Afghanistan, with the objective of developing a blended pomegranate–apple nectar of acceptable quality and economic feasibility. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and eleven treatments representing different juice blending ratios. The study assessed chemical properties (TSS, sugars, acidity, and pH), biological stability, sensory attributes, and economic performance of the nectar during storage. The results indicated that increasing storage duration led to a gradual rise in total soluble solids (TSS), reducing sugars, total sugars, and acidity, while pH and non-reducing sugars decreased. The application of sodium benzoate along with proper sterilization and pasteurization effectively prevented microbial spoilage throughout the storage period. Sensory evaluation demonstrated a general decline in appearance, flavor, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability with prolonged storage, with the highest scores recorded at the initial stage and the lowest after 90 days. Blends containing higher proportions of apple juice consistently showed better sensory quality. Among the treatments, T11 (100% apple juice) achieved the highest scores for appearance, color, and aroma, whereas T10 (10% pomegranate and 90% apple juice) ranked highest for flavor, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability. Economic analysis revealed that T10 generated a net return of 1.57 AFN per AFN invested. Therefore, T10 is recommended as the most suitable formulation for blended pomegranate–apple nectar production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Atiqullah Muslim, Hamid Salari, Mohammadullah Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Rabies in Kandahar Province
Rabies is an acute and fatal viral zoonotic disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected animals. Globally, approximately 60,000 human deaths occur annually, and the mortality rate in humans approaches 100% once clinical symptoms appear. In Afghanistan, rabies-related morbidity and mortality remain significant. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2024 to assess rabies prevalence in Kandahar City and surrounding areas. During this period, 524 human dog-bite cases suspected of rabies exposure were recorded in Kandahar Province, with 16.7% from urban areas and 83.3% from rural communities. Males accounted for over 71% of cases, and 75.1% were individuals aged 5 or older, while 24.2% were children under 5. All exposures were from dog bites; no cases involved other animals. Key risk factors identified included limited knowledge (20% unaware of rabies), difficulty accessing vaccination services, presence of unvaccinated dogs and cats, and limited healthcare availability in rural areas. Rural communities and young children were at the highest risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced public education, expanded animal vaccination programs, and improved healthcare access, particularly in underserved regions. Targeted interventions to address knowledge gaps, promote preventive practices, and improve healthcare availability are critical to reducing rabies incidence in Kandahar Province.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Fahim Sarwary, Mohammad Dawood, Mahboobullah, Aminullah Noor, Ahmadullah Zahir https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Quantity and Quality of Seedless (Keshmishi) Grapes
Table grapes are among the most commercially significant non-climacteric fruits worldwide. In Afghanistan, grapes and raisins represent the most valuable perennial fruit crop, with annual production exceeding 1.1 million tons. However, seedless varieties like Keshmishi often produce small berries, limiting their market value. Gibberellic acid (GA₃), a widely available plant growth regulator, is commonly used to enhance berry size, but improper application can negatively affect grape quality and yield. This study investigated the optimal concentration and timing of GA₃ application to improve the quality and yield of Keshmishi grapes in a commercial vineyard in Esfandeh village, Ghazni province. Six treatments were tested, including different concentrations (20–60 ppm) applied at various phenological stages. Results showed that a 30 ppm GA₃ application after flowering significantly increased yield to 36.75 MT/ha—an improvement of 11.5 MT, or 45.5%, over the untreated/control. This treatment also produced larger, well-compacted bunches with minimal adverse effects. Applications at other stages or at higher concentrations did not significantly affect the yield. The study recommends post-flowering application of 30 ppm GA₃ for optimal results. Further research across different cultivars and economic analysis of treatment costs is advised to support broader application in commercial viticulture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Najihullah Saiq, Ghulam Rasoul Samadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Influence of Black Cumin and Coriander Seed Powders on Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency, and Economic Evaluation of Broiler Chickens
This study evaluated the effects of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed powders as natural growth-promoting feed additives on Ross 308 broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted using a CRD design with four treatments and three replications, from August 12 to November 17, 2022, at a local farm in Sharana, Paktika Province, Afghanistan. Parameters measured included feed intake, live body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and economic value. The results showed that supplementation with black cumin and coriander seed powder significantly improved broiler performance. Feed intake, live body weight, and weight gain increased, while FCR decreased. Economically, significant differences were observed among treatments, with Treatments 2 and 4 performing the best. T4 (2% black cumin + 2% coriander) achieved the highest feed intake (1019 g), live body weight (1641.8 g), weight gain (544.4 g), lowest FCR (1.87), and highest benefit–cost ratio (BCR =1.12 AFN). LSD analysis revealed no significant difference between T2 and T4. However, T4 was considered optimal as it not only enhanced performance but also improved the nutritional quality of broiler meat and yielded a high economic return. Based on these findings, T4 is recommended as the most effective dietary supplementation strategy. Future studies are suggested to explore the effects of higher inclusion levels of black cumin and coriander seed powder on other broiler breeds over varying durations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Bilal Hilal, Mir Hatem Niazi, Abdul Majid Bandarkhil , Hikmatullah Langar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Novel, Cost-Effective Post-Doping Method to Produce Nitrogen-Doped Activated Carbon from Rice Husk for CO2 Adsorption
Nitrogen-doped activated carbon (N-doped AC) from agricultural waste offers a low-cost route to solid sorbents for post-combustion CO2 capture. However, there are limited straightforward and scale-up methods available to produce N-doped AC with large surface area, high nitrogen content, and strong CO2 adsorption. Thus, this study aims to synthesize rice husk derived N-doped AC, by optimizing the surface morphology and nitrogen functionality to enhance CO2 Capture efficiency and to quantifies adsorption, correlating the gains with BET surface area and microporosity. Rice husk was carbonized via pyrrole-assisted pyrolysis at 450 for 45 min with a 90 min dwell, the carbonized rice husk was then activated chemically using a 4:1 ratio of KOH to carbonized rice husk, heated to 800 at a ramp rate of 10 per min under a flow of N2 gas at 150 ml/min for 80 min, Subsequently, N-doping was performed by immersing the activated carbon in a urea solution with a mass ratio of 4:1:3 (urea solution to AC to KOH) at 200 for 4 hours. The obtained N-doped AC exhibits a remarkable surface area of 2986.6 m²/g and a significantly enhanced CO₂ adsorption capacity of 6.5 mmol/g under ambient conditions. Incorporating approximately 6% nitrogen into the carbon structure optimizes its porosity and structural properties. The integrated carbonization, activation, urea post-doping sequence provides a reproducible pathway to high performance, waste derived CO2 sorbents, highlighting rice husk as a viable feedstock and underscoring the synergistic roles of micro/mesoporosity and nitrogen functionalities in boosting physisorption dominated CO2 capture.
Copyright (c) 2026 Reza Joia, Naseer Mukhlis, Abdulraouf Rashid, Meiram Atamanov, Azizullah Yosufi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Different Levels Salicylic Acid, Humic Acid, and Complete Fertilizer on the Yield of Saffron
Foliar application of salicylic acid, humic acid, and complete fertilizers was evaluated for their effects on flower and corm yield of saffron (Crocus sativa L.) in a three-year field experiment conducted during 2020–2021. Although nutrient management and plant growth regulators are known to influence saffron productivity, limited field-based evidence exists regarding their combined effects under local agro-ecological conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the individual and interactive effects of salicylic acid, humic acid, and different fertilizer sources on saffron flower yield and corm production. The experiment was arranged in a factorial design within a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included three levels of salicylic acid and five fertilizer regimes: control, Saffron Magic liquid fertilizer, complete fertilizer (20–20–20), humic acid + Saffron Magic, and complete fertilizer (20–20–20) + humic acid. Foliar sprays were applied at two growth stages. Results showed that salicylic acid had no significant effect on flower yield, stigma dry weight, stigma length, corm length, or total corm weight. Fertilizer treatments significantly affected flower number, with the highest value (54.76 flowers per square meter) recorded under simple fertilizer application. The interaction between salicylic acid and fertilizer was not significant for most traits. However, total corm weight increased in Saffron Magic, complete fertilizer (20–20–20), and Saffron Magic + humic acid treatments compared with the control. These findings emphasize the importance of optimized foliar fertilization strategies to improve saffron productivity and nutrient management efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Reza Shahin, Naseer Mukhlis, Naseer Mukhlis, Hossein Mohammadi, Reza Joia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effect of Fruit Thinning on Quantity and Quality of Apricot Fruit "Blenheim Cv Clone #7359"
Optimizing fruit thinning strategies requires a balanced regulation of source–sink relationships; however, limited information is available on the combined effects of fruit spacing and fruit-to-leaf ratio (FLR) under semi-arid conditions. This study evaluated the interactive influence of fruit spacing and FLR on yield components and fruit quality of apricot using a factorial experiment arranged in a RCBD design. The trial was conducted during the 2025 growing season at the Badam Bagh Research Farm, Kabul, Afghanistan. Two factors were tested at five levels each: fruit spacing (control, 5, 7.5, 10, and 12.5 cm) and FLR (control, 25, 30, 35, and 40 leaves per fruit). Growth, yield, physicochemical attributes (fruit size, weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, firmness), and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Data were analysed using STAR software. Fruit spacing significantly influenced most yield and quality parameters, whereas FLR showed limited effects. A spacing of 10 cm markedly enhanced fruit weight, largest diameter, firmness, total soluble solids, and acidity compared with the control, while a spacing of 12.5 cm maximized fruit length. No significant interaction effects were observed for most traits, and FLR significantly affected only fruit flavour. These findings indicate that moderate fruit spacing (10 cm) effectively improves apricot productivity and quality by optimizing assimilate distribution under Kabul agro-climatic conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Akhter mohammad Doranai , Ghulam Rasoul Samadi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The The Role of Horticulture in Sustainable Rural Development: Apple Orchard Case Study in Qades, Afghanistan
Rural development through agricultural diversification has become increasingly critical for sustainable economic growth in developing nations. This study examines the role of apple Orchards in promoting sustainable rural development in Qades district, Badghis province, Afghanistan. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 295 farmers selected through stratified random sampling from a population of 1,280 apple orchardists. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using correlation analysis, multiple regression, and ANOVA. Results indicate significant positive impacts of apple cultivation on rural development indicators. Seventy percent of respondents reported an increase in household income, while 68% identified apple orchards as a source of sustainable employment. Infrastructure improvements were reported by 72% of participants. Strong positive correlations were found between attitude toward apple orchards establishment and orchard size (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) and annual income (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that orchard size, education level, and farming experience collectively explain 89.2% of the variance in annual income (R² = 0.892, F = 252.3, p < 0.001). Major challenges include water scarcity (reported by 72% of farmers), climate variability, and limited access to financial services. The study concludes that apple orchards serve as an effective catalyst for rural development but require targeted interventions to address water management, farmer education, and market access to maximize their potential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Naser Orfany, Moazam Haqmal, Agha Mohammad Tawakali https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Investigation The Cause of Drought Condition Over Afghanistan With Consideration Of Climate Trends And Indices
Global warming significantly intensifies drought conditions, posing severe threats to vulnerable, agriculturally dependent nations like Afghanistan. Existing research often lacks a systematic framework for selecting and validating representative extreme climate indices (ECIs) to accurately capture regional hydroclimatic variability in data-scarce environments. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between drought severity and extreme temperature and precipitation events across Afghanistan during the period 1975–2014. Methodologically, twenty-seven ETCCDI-defined ECIs were initially examined. A robust subset of eight representative indices was systematically selected through correlation analysis and Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) diagnostics, ensuring VIF values below 2.0 to minimize multicollinearity. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, characterized drought. The Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator were applied to determine the statistical significance (P < 0.05) and magnitude of long-term trends, followed by correlation analysis. Results indicate that temperature-related ECIs exhibit consistent and statistically significant upward trends across Afghanistan, with TX90P and TN90P increasing by 2-4% per decade. These temperature indices showed strong negative correlations with SPEI, ranging from approximately -0.5 to -0.65, directly linking rising temperatures to intensified drought. The SPEI itself revealed a statistically significant decreasing trend (P < 0.05), notably shifting from near-zero values pre-1999 to consistently below -1 for lower elevations post-1999. Conversely, precipitation-related ECIs displayed no significant long-term variation and exhibited only weak, inconsistent correlations with SPEI (0.0 to 0.25), confirming their lesser role. These findings underscore the dominant influence of temperature extremes on Afghanistan's drought development.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Sami Kohistani, Hasibullah Jahish, Zabihullah Rasoli, Mohammad Akram Faizy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Arsenic and Physicochemical Contaminations in Groundwater Wells in Kabul, Afghanistan
Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water in semi-arid regions; however, integrated assessments of arsenic (As) contamination alongside key physicochemical parameters remain limited in the study area. Therefore, this study was conducted to measure the concentration of As, salinity, electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) in 21 wells across 4 districts of Kabul city. Groundwater samples were collected from selected sites and analyzed for As, salinity, EC, temperature, pH, and TDS, and compared with World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines to determine suitability for consumption. Arsenic concentrations exhibited pronounced spatial variability, ranging from 0 to 25 mg/L, with all detected values exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 0.01 mg/L by several orders of magnitude. The highest As concentration (25 mg/L) was recorded in the Areba antenna area, indicating a critical contamination hotspot. Salinity values ranged from 0 to 1.9 ppt, while EC ranged from 111 to 3630 µS/cm; 75% of sampled sites exceeded the WHO permissible limit for EC. TDS concentrations ranged from 710.4 to 2323.2 mg/L, with 79% of samples surpassing the recommended drinking water limit. Groundwater pH remained within the WHO guideline range (7.1–8.1), yet these neutral-to-alkaline conditions likely enhanced As mobilization. The combined results indicate widespread mineralization and severe As contamination, rendering much of the groundwater unsuitable for direct consumption without treatment. These findings underscore the urgent need for policy interventions, including systematic groundwater monitoring, arsenic mitigation strategies, and the provision of alternative, safe water supplies to protect local communities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faizanulhaq Shams, Naweedullah Amin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Effects of NPK and Zn Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield Attributes of Barley
Abegaz, A. 2008. Indigenous soil nutrient supply and effects of fertilizer application on yield, N, P and K uptake, recovery and use efficiency of barley in three soils of Teghane, the Northern Highlands of Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research 3(10): 688–699. Link Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook. (2016-17). Agriculture development in Afghanistan, Statistical Yearbook. 2016-17, pp 177–97. Agha, J., Dass, A., Rajanna, G.A., Sarkar, S.K. and Rana, K.S. (2016). Influence of varying nitrogen levels on performance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under semi-arid hot climate of Kandahar, Afghanistan. Annals of Agricultural Research 37(4): 347–352. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/AAR/article/view/69988 Aghdam, S.M. and Samadiyan, F. (2014). Effect of nitrogen and cultivars on some traits of barley. International Journal of advanced Biological and Biomedical Research 2(2): 295–299. https://www.ijabbr.com/article_7080.html Alam, M.Z., Haider, S.A. and Paul, N.K. (2004). Study of diversity estimates of yield and yield related characters in response to nitrogen fertilizers of barley genotypes. Bangladesh Journal of Genetics and Biotechnology 5(1): 19–21. https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJGB/article/view/420 Alazmani, A. (2014). The study of different levels of nitrogen on yield and yield components of barley genotypes. Journal of Advanced Botany and Zoology 2(2): 1–3. Link Ali, E.A. (2011). Impact of nitrogen application time on grain and protein yields as well as nitrogen use efficiency of some two–row barley cultivars in sandy soil. American Eurasian Journal of Agriculture and Environment of Science 10(3):425–433. http://www.idosi.org/aejaes/jaes10(3)/20.pdf Arora, S. and Singh, M. (2004). Interaction effect of zinc and nitrogen on growth and yield of barley on Typic Ustipsamments. Asian Journal of Plant Sciences 3(1):101–103. Link Goudar, P., Singh, S., Rajanna, G.A. and Bhat, N.V. (2020). Influence of nitrogen fertilizers on wheat yield and wild-oat competition — A review. Annals of Agricultural Research 41 (4): 331–338. Link Hameed, M.A. (2011). Response of barley cultivars to nitrogen fertilizer with sprinkler irrigation under sandy soil conditions. Egyptian Journal of Agronomy 33(2):141–154. Link Haytowitz, D.B. and Pehrsson, P.R., 2018. USDA’s National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program (NFNAP) produce high-quality data for USDA food composition databases: Two decades of collaboration. Food chemistry 238 :134–138. Link Heba, M.N., Rana, D.S., Choudhary, A.K., Dass, A., Rajanna, G.A. and Pande, P. (2021). Improving productivity, quality and biofortification in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through sulfur and zinc nutrition in alluvial soils of the semi-arid region of India. Journal of Plant Nutrition 44(8): 1151–1174. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C5&q=Heba%2C+M.N.%2C+Rana%2C+D.S.%2C+Choudhary%2C+A.K.%2C+Dass%2C+A.%2C+Rajanna%2C+G.A.+and+Pande%2C+P.+%282021%29.+Improving+productivity%2C+quality+and+biofortification+in+groundnut+%28Arachis+hypogaea+L.%29+through+sulfur+and+zinc+nutrition+in+alluvial+soils+of+the+semi-arid+region+of+India.+Journal+of+Plant+Nutrition+44%288%29%3A+1151%E2%80%931174.&btnG="> Link Kumar, S., Sewhag, M., Shweta, Devi, U. and Neelam. (2020). Growth and phenology of barley as influenced by various nutrient management practices. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 9(7): 3920–3927. Link Omran, A.H. Dass, A., Jahish, F., Dhar, S., Choudhary, A.K. and Rajanna, G.A., 2018. Response of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) to phosphorus and nitrogen application in Kandahar region of Afghanistan. Annals of Agricultural Research39(1): 57–62. Link Rajanna, G.A., Dhindwal, A.S. and Nanwal, R.K. (2017). Effect of irrigation schedules on plant – water relations, root, grain yield and water productivity of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] under various crop establishment techniques. Cereal Research Communications 45(1): 166–177. Link Rajanna, G.A., Dhindwal, A.S., Narender, Patil, M.D. and Shivakumar, L. (2018). Alleviating moisture stress under irrigation scheduling and crop establishment techniques on productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under semi-arid conditions of western India. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 88 (3): 372–378. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.5555/20193283295 Rana K S, Choudhary A K, Sepat S, Bana R S and Dass A. (2014). Methodological and Analytical Agronomy, ISBN: 978-93-83168-07-1. An IARI, New Delhi publication, p 276. Link Rana, D.S., Dass, A., Rajanna, G.A. and Choudhary, A.K. (2018). Fertilizer phosphorus solubility effects on Indian mustard–maize and wheat–soybean cropping systems productivity. Agronomy Journal, 110 (6): 2608–2618. https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj2018.04.0256Digital Object Identifier (DOI) Rashid, A. and Khan, R. (2007). Comparative effect of varieties and fertilizer levels on barley. International Journal of Agriculture and Biology 10(1): 124–126. https://www.fspublishers.org/published_papers/20955_..pdf Schmidt, S.B., George, T.S., Brown, L.K., Booth, A., Wishart, J., Hedley, P.E., Martin, P., Russell, J. and Husted, S. (2019). Ancient barley landraces adapted to marginal soils demonstrate exceptional tolerance to manganese limitation. Annals of Botany 123: 831–843. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6526322/ Sharma, K., Ahmed, S.B., Signal, S.K. and Pandey, R.N. (2011). Response of barley nitrogen and phosphorus levels under cold arid region of Ladakh India. Agricultural Science Digests Research Journal 31(4): 301–304. Link Srivastava, P.C., Rawat, D., Pachauri, S.P. and Shrivastava, M. (2015). Strategies for enhancing zinc efficiency in crop plants. (In) Nutrient Use Efficiency: from Basics to Advances (pp. 87–101). Springer, New Delhi. https:// 10.1007/978-81-322-2169-2_7 Tigre, W., Worku, W. and Haile, W. (2014). Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer levels on growth and development of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) at Bore District, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia. American Journal of Life Sciences 2(5): 2 https:// 10.11648/j.ajls.20140205.12
Copyright (c) 2026 Wakil Ahmad Seerat, Abdullah Hamim, Mohibullah Hamdard, Mohammad Sadiq Salihi, Abdul Qadir Latifee, Karamatullah Fazil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Production and Export Performance of Afghan Saffron over the Past Decade
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), widely known as “red gold,” is one of the most valuable agricultural commodities and plays a significant role in rural livelihoods, export earnings, and economic diversification in Afghanistan. The study examined the production and export performance of Afghan saffron, using secondary data on area, production, productivity, and exports from 2014–15 to 2023–24. To evaluate trends in production and exports, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methods were employed. The coefficient of variation (CV) and the Cuddy–Della Valle (CDV) instability index were used to assess instability. Additionally, Markov Chain Analysis was applied to examine trade direction. The results indicated that the cultivated area, production, and export value of Afghan saffron increased significantly at annual growth rates of 29.07, 22.59, and 23.78 per cent, respectively. In contrast, productivity declined at an annual rate of -5.02 per cent, which was statistically non-significant. These findings suggest that production growth was driven primarily by quantitative expansion, with no significant improvement in production efficiency. The highest fluctuation was observed in productivity, followed by area, production, and export value. Saudi Arabia was recognized as the most stable market for Afghan saffron, followed by India. Ultimately, the results underscore the importance of focusing on increasing productivity, enhancing quality, and expanding export markets to achieve sustainable growth.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Hussain Alizadah, Sayed Abull Hassan Hosainy, Sunatullah Ghafori https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Influence of Different Land Configuration And Phosphorus Fertilizer Application On Growth And Yields Of Black–Eyed Bean
A field experiment was carried out in Nawa-i-Barakzai District of Helmand province, Afghanistan, during the spring season (April, 30–August, 5) of 2025, to study the influence of different land configuration and phosphorus fertilizer application on growth parameters and yields performance of black–eyed bean (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Nawa-i-Barakzai District, Helmand province, arid region of Afghanistan. The treatments consisted of three land configuration treatments, viz. broadcast, line sown and raised bed planting method, allocated to main plots and four levels of phosphorus fertilization, viz. 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5/ha, in subplots. The experiment was conducted in a three-time replicated split plot. The result revealed that different land configuration significantly influenced growth parameters like plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation above–ground/plant, root dry weight/plant, number of nodules/plant at maximum flowering stage and tape root length/plant at maximum flowering stage. Numerically higher values for these parameters were observed under the raised bed planting method. furthermore the , raised bed planting method significantly recorded the highest plant height (53.5 cm), leaf area (494.0 cm2), leaf area index (1.77), dry matter accumulation above–ground (41.4 g)/plant, root dry weight (2470.8 mg)/plant, number of nodules (2.39)/plant at maximum flowering stage and tape root length (25.0 cm) at maximum flowering stage. These improvements ultimately led to significantly higher yield attributes, seed yield and stover yield. Similarly higher seed and stover yields were also associated with the raised bed planting method. Among the phosphorus fertilizer application levels, application of 60 kg P2O5/ha, resulted in the highest values of all growth parameters, which led to significantly higher yield attributes, seed yield (2.18 t/ha) and stover yield (6.10 t/ha) compared to all other phosphorus levels.
Copyright (c) 2026 Feroz Babazoi, Omran Abdul Hadi, Niamatullah Fida https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0