Filters
A Case Study on the Effect of Foliar Nitrogen Fertilization on the Microbiological and Biochemical State of the Soil and the Uptake of Macro- and Microelements by Winter Triticale (Triticosecale)
Due to the increasing demand for food, the agricultural sector is facing a huge challenge related to its production without having a negative impact on the environment. The above issues are regulated by the current EU policy, indicating the need to conduct plant production by the European Green Deal strategy (2020), based on reducing the use of chemical plant-protection products by 50% and reducing the level of mineral fertilization by 20% by 2030. Using appropriate techniques of applying mineral fertilizers, which have a positive effect on the development and activity of soil microorganisms, the availability of nutrients in the soil can be increased while reducing fertilizer applications. This study aims to show whether the use of foliar nitrogen fertilizers in combination with sulfur in a two-year field experiment with triticale stimulates the multiplication of selected groups of microorganisms and the level of soil enzymatic activity. In addition, effects on the content of available forms of nutrients in the soil, triticale yield, and total nutrient uptake were analyzed. It is shown that the applied foliar fertilizers enriched with sulfur, compared to fertilization with ammonium nitrate, contributed to a 100% increase in the number of analyzed groups of microorganisms, urease, and alkaline phosphatase activity; a 44% increase in dehydrogenase activity; and a 15% increase in acid phosphatase activity. The hybrid application technique, with reduced doses of nitrogen fertilizers enriched with sulfur by 20 and 25%, resulted in grain yields exceeding 8 t/ha. Moreover, compared to conventional fertilization based on ammonium nitrate, an increase in the grain yield of triticale was obtained in the range of 16 to 24%, as well as an increase in the accumulation of nutrients in the plant. It is shown that foliar fertilization is a promising alternative to standard fertilization techniques.
The Use of a New Ionic Derivative of Salicylic Acid in Sugar Beet Cultivation
The need for sustainable development in the context of pesticide use has been recognized by the European Union. The “Farm to Fork Strategy” indicates a goal of 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030. To address this challenge, we used the concept of ionic liquids to modify known resistance inducers, i.e., a group of substances whose action is indicated as an alternative to fungicides. A new, patented substance developed by us, which is a choline 3,5-dichlorosalicylate, has been tested in the context of its use in sugar beet cultivation with the aim of controlling Cercospora leaf spot (CLS). The results suggest that the use of this substance in combination with one fungicide treatment reduces disease infection and produces yields very similar to the use of a standard protection program assuming the use of two fungicides. Such results provide the basis for further development of 3,5-dichlorosalicylate in terms of its use in agriculture. Thanks to its use, it was possible to resign from one fungicide treatment, while maintaining protection against CLS and yields at the same level as for the full fungicide protection program. Such an approach is in line with European Union policies.
Comparison of magnitude and kinetics of interactions with free radicals for infusions obtained from plant mixtures in different weight ratio of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) herbs and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flowers using EPR method
Neutralization of free radicals by an infusion obtained from a mixture of plant raw materials suitable for supporting lactation
Identifying and understanding novel ecosystem functions: a scientific approach to nature restoration law
Human activity causes changes in habitat conditions. Where habitat conditions have been significantly altered by human activities, novel ecosystems emerge. This paper aims to analyse novel ecosystem parameters, particularly in relation to biodiversity and restoration law. It presents the role of novel ecosystems in ecosystem functioning and their significance within urban-industrial landscapes. Based on extensive literature reviews, that these ecosystems have been a subject of scientific interest for many years. However, comprehensive knowledge of these ecosystems still needs to be broadened. An interdisciplinary approach to their management is essential. The European Union (EU) has implemented various legislative and policy measures aimed at restoring and conserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity across different members states. Key initiatives include the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, EU Habitats Directive, and EU Funding Programs, all of which promote sustainable development and strengthen restoration laws. Only a proper identification and understanding of novel ecosystems and their ecological processes can contribute to implementing relevant legal actions. In the urban industry landscape, the poor mineral post-mining habitat sites have the unique potential to harbor and develop biodiversity hot spots in densely populated areas. Many of these sites with very harsh habitat conditions that have been left to spontaneous processes going on have become protected sites with outstanding biodiversity established (e.g., Bytom city). Such examples in Silesia (S Poland) provide proof that such solutions should be a constant element of the post-mining site management plans.
The Biostimulation Activity of Two Novel Benzothiadiazole Derivatives in the Tomato Cultivation
Biostimulants are gaining more and more attention in modern agriculture. As follows from the definition, their role is aimed at influencing the plant’s metabolism, which results in increasing the quantitative and qualitative parameters describing the yield. Significant attention should be paid to biostimulants increasing the content of health-promoting substances contained in plants. Treatments with biostimulants should be properly incorporated into existing plant protection schemes, which, of course, requires detailed research in this area. However, reliable research on active substances contained in biostimulants should be made first, and the activity of a given biostimulant must be proven. This work presents the results of a field experiment in tomato cultivation for two new active substances belonging to the group of benzothiadiazoles. The results indicate a positive effect on plant yield and, above all, on the lycopene content in tomato fruits. Increasing the lycopene content in fruit is of key significance, as it opens up opportunities for these active substances to be incorporated into new plant protection programs.
Effect of UVA radiation on interactions of infusions obtained from teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) with free radicals
Porównanie właściwości antyoksydacyjnych ekstraktów roślinnych z surowców leczniczych pozyskanych z siedlisk zaburzonych na przykładzie gatunków z rodziny Ericaceae
Niniejsza praca przedstawia wstępny kierunek badań nad możliwością wykorzystania siedlisk zaburzonych, jakimi są nasypy i strefy przeciwpożarowe linii kolejowych na siedliska zastępcze dla cennych gatunków leczniczych flory naczyniowej oraz jako potencjalnego źródła surowca leczniczego o działaniu antyoksydacyjnym. Właściwości przeciwutleniające wodnych ekstraktów z liści mącznicy lekarskiej Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, borówki brusznicy Vaccinium vitis-idaea i borówki czarnej Vaccinium myrtillus zbadano za pomocą wolnych rodników DPPH, spektroskopii EPR i spektrofotometrii UV-Vis. Potwierdzono silniejsze właściwości przeciwutleniające ekstraktów wodnych uzyskanych z surowców roślinnych pozyskanych z siedlisk zaburzonych w pasie przeciwpożarowym linii kolejowej. Napary uzyskane z surowców roślinnych pozyskanych z siedlisk zaburzonych neutralizowały wolne rodniki silniej niż napary z odpowiednich aptecznych surowców kontrolnych. Najsilniejsze właściwości przeciwutleniające stwierdzono w przypadku naparu z Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, a najsłabsze w przypadku naparu z Vaccinium myrtillus. Wykazano także, że w przypadku siedlisk zaburzonych napar z Arctostaphylos uva-ursi najszybciej wygasza wolne rodniki, natomiast najwolniej oddziałuje z wolnymi rodnikami napar z Vaccinium vitis-idaea. Uzyskane wyniki spektroskopowe wskazują na potencjalne możliwości wykorzystania naturalnych surowców pochodzących z siedlisk zaburzonych, o zwiększonej ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV, do produkcji ekstraktów leczniczych o silnych właściwościach przeciwutleniających.
Sustainable Solutions for Arid Regions: Harnessing Aquaponics Water to Enhance Soil Quality in Egypt
Dual use of water for fish and crop production could be a promising approach to improve irrigation under arid conditions. A watercress pot study was carried out to assess the effects of irrigation by catfish and tilapia aquaculture water on the sandy soil properties as well as the growth parameters of watercress with various combinations of artificial NPK fertilizers at El-Minia Governorate of Egypt (28°18′16″ N latitude and 30°34′38″ E longitude). Catfish aquaculture water had the greatest phytoplankton abundance at 83,762 units (×104/L), while the minimum number of phytoplankton existed in tilapia aquaculture water, recorded at 14,873 units (×104/L). There were significant average changes that varied from 120 to 237 (×104 cfu/mL−1) in total bacterial counts in tilapia and catfish waters. Watercress growth quality parameters closely paralleled at all NPK application rates, indicating that the highest quality plants were produced in pots receiving 25% of the recommended levels and irrigated with catfish aquaculture water. Nitrate concentrations of watercress plants were determined under pollution levels established by the European Commission for leafy and tuber vegetables. In conclusion, the use of microbial and phytoplankton-rich aquaculture water to irrigate vegetables and as fertilizer can maintain a balanced soil ecosystem.
