This study is based on the work of M.J. Malakouti of the Soil and Water Research Institute (SWRI) of Iran. Other contributors to the study were R. Khodaie (Public Relations and International Affairs Office, SWRI), R. Rikhtehgar and his colleagues (Statistics and Information Technology Office), A. Khalafi (Agronomy Department, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture), I. Kalantari (Advisor to the President of Iran and the General Secretary of Farmers House), M. Baybordi, H. Amirmokri and M. Nafici, (all three Advisors, SWRI), A. Moameni (Soil Genesis and Classification), M. S. Ardakani (Researcher, SWRI), A. Keshavarz (Seed and Plant Improvement Research Institute), D. Salajegheh (Fertilizer Producers Society), R. Arjmandi (Central Organization of Iranian Rural Production Cooperatives-COIRPC), Cheraghali (Iranian Rural Cooperative), A. Jabalameli, and B. Motasharezadeh (Agricultural Support Services Company-ASSC), S. Asadzadeh (Clerk).
The study benefited from the contributions of K. Isherwood (consultant FAO), J. Poulisse and T. van den Bergen (FAO).
The background photograph (barley) is from the FAO Media FAO/ 23196/O. Tuillier as well as the pomegranate photograph FAO/23429/ J. Boethling. The citrus photograph is from EcoPort (Arnoldo Mondadori S.p.A.) and the pistachio photograph is from J.M. Malakouti.
