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Abstract Spent coffee grounds (SCG) as well as chicken (CES) or duck eggshells (DES) left over from the artificial hatching technology are proposed as potential soil improver and/or organic-mineral fertiliser components. Therefore, it seems interesting and necessary to evaluate the chemical composition of these wastes and their mixtures in terms of their possible use for that purpose. The study was conducted under the incubation experiment conditions using a mixture of SCG and eggshells (10:1 ratio). Macronutrients, i.e. C, N, S, were determined by the catalytic combustion method, while P, K, Mg, Ca, Na by atomic spectrometry. It was found that SCG were rich in C, N, P, and K, while eggshells in Ca, Mg, Na, and S. However, CES compared to DES were richer in deacidifying components (i.e. Ca, Mg, K). At the same time, the content of macronutrients in eggshells decreased gradually along with the embryo development. For this reason, the mixture of SCG and shells of unembryonated chicken eggs (CES I) had the best chemical and usable proprieties. To conclude, the chemical properties of the mixtures of spent coffee grounds and eggshells indicate their possible application in soil bioengineering.

Different types of pesticides are commonly used in modern agriculture. Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are sensitive indicators of environmental contamination with these substances. Exposure of honey bees to pesticides can lead to changes in their behaviour and increase mortality, so it is important to develop formulations that provide alternatives to common (‘chemical’) pesticides. The preparation Siltac EC, that has recently been developed (patent no. WO 2016/061259), shows promise as an effective substitute. This preparation is based on a physical interaction with the pest. It does not contain chemicals classified as pesticides. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the toxicity of Siltac EC to adult honeybee workers. The experiments showed that both contact and oral acute toxicity were very low and the preparation can be initially considered safe for honey bees.

Physiological, agricultural and toxicological impact of an excess of Zn in the soil is an important issue, as Zn is a heavy metal and impairs many processes of plants and animals. The novelty of this work is that it is a comprehensive approach to facilitate visualization not only of the condition of cabbage plants under Zn stress, but also prediction of the toxicity associated with consumption of such cabbages. We treated plants of two cabbage cultivars, differing in their earliness, with 50 and 200 mg Zn kg−1 soil (Zn50 and Zn200, respectively) above the natural Zn levels of 118.13 mg kg−1 soil (Zn0). Leaf cell membrane integrity, condition of the photosynthetic apparatus (reflected by relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and Fv/Fm parameter of chlorophyll a fluorescence), head biomass, and Zn bioaccumulation in the heads were analyzed. Toxicological risk was also assessed by Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) indicators. The data revealed that plants of the late cultivar were more sensitive to soil Zn than those of the early one. Detrimental effects of Zn (especially at the higher dose, Zn200) were manifested in the seedlings just after three weeks of treatment, and then reflected in the yield. We assume that, due to their fast and prolonged response to Zn, the seedlings of the late cultivar can be used as biomarkers of Zn toxicity. Although Zn plants did not indicate toxicological risk, based on DIM and HRI, Zn concentration in the soil should be taken into account prior to cabbage planting, because plants which do not reveal symptoms of injury can accumulate Zn above the permissible level.

Combating soil pathogens that disable plant emergence is among the most difficult challenges of global agriculture. Legumes, preferred in sustainable cultivation systems, are particularly sensitive to pre-emergence damping-off of seedlings. Seed dressing is therefore a very important element in the cultivation technology. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of biological (Pythium oligandrum) and chemical (carboxin + thiuram) seed dressing on the quantitative and qualitative composition of microorganisms participating in the epidemiology of this disease, under specific hydrothermal conditions and chemical properties of the soil (pH, humus, macro-, and micronutrient). Microorganism identification was done using the MALDI-TOF MS (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry) technique. Species were assigned to frequency groups, and populations of pathogens, saprophytes, and antagonists were identified. The biodiversity of these communities was expressed with Simpson’s Reciprocal, Shannon–Wiener, and Evenness (Shannon) indices. In individual variants of seed pre-treatment, the correlations between individual edaphic factors and the suppression of pre-emergence damping-off, the number of isolates obtained from infected seedlings, and the share of individual trophic groups of fungi were assessed. The main causes of pre-emergence damping-off of broad bean seedlings are Ilyonectria destructans, Globisporangium irregulare, Fusarium equiseti, Rhizoctonia solani, and Fusarium solani. Eliminating seed treatment results in a seedling mortality rate of 33.5–42.5%. The effectiveness of the chemical protection product is 44.2% and 25.9%. Carboxin and thiuram reduce the diversity of microorganisms involved in the pathogenesis of pre-emergence damping-off and limit the presence of antagonistic fungi. Under the influence of P. oligandrum, there was a five-fold increase in the population of antagonists. An increase in humus in the soil reduces the percentage of diseased broad bean seedlings.

The experiment concerning the effect of furnace waste on the chemical composition of maize was conducted under conditions of a three-year pot experiment. The arable soil was amended with bottom ash in the amount of 23.33 g ∙ pot-1 as well as with increasing doses of cadmium (between 3 and 15 mg ∙ kg-1 soil d.m.). Introduction of ash and cadmium in the amount from 3 to 5 mg ∙ kg-1 d.m. to the soil had a significant effect on the increase of the yield of above-ground parts and roots of maize. The application of cadmium in doses from 7 to 15 mg ∙ kg-1 caused a considerable reduction in the yield of the tested plant. It was shown that the applied furnace ash influenced the decrease in the yielding of maize. Introduction of furnace ash to cadmium contaminated soil significantly influenced the increase in the content of Na, K, Mg, Ca and Si in maize biomass and the decrease in the content of P in maize. Among the studied elements, K was translocated from the roots to the above-ground parts most efficiently, and Na and Si – least efficiently, the evidence of which are the values of the translocation factor for these elements. The research shows that ash in cadmium contaminated soil influenced immobilization of phosphorus, and thereby limited the phytoavailability of this element. It was established that the above-ground parts took up more K, Mg, Ca, P, Si with the yield while and maize roots took up more Na. The lowest uptake of the studied metals by maize was observed in the treatment where only furnace ash was applied.

This study was conducted over the period 2017–2019 in Czesławice (central Lublin region, Poland). The aim of the present study was to compare chemical soil quality parameters (soil pH, available P and K, organic carbon, and total nitrogen content) and soil enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, urease, protease) in organic and conventional farming systems. The experimental design included two crop rotations (organic and conventional) in which identical plant species were grown: sugar beet-spring barley-red clover-winter wheat-oats. The loess soil on which the experiment was conducted was characterized by the grain size distribution of silt loam, and this soil was categorized as good wheat soil complex (soil class II). The experiment was set up as a split-plot design in triplicate in plots with an area of 40 m2. Soil sampling was carried out using a soil auger within an area of 0.20 m2 (from the 0 to 20 cm layer) in each plot during the autumn period. Over the 3-year study period, it was found that the organic system contributed to an increased soil content of organic carbon and total nitrogen. Moreover, a significantly higher soil pH value and a favorable narrow C/N ratio were found under the organic system (regardless of the crop species). Under the conventional system, in turn, a higher soil phosphorus and potassium content was observed. Enzymatic tests of the soil in the five-field crop rotation proved significantly higher activity of all the enzymes studied (in particular that of dehydrogenase, protease, and urease) in the organic system relative to the conventional one, regardless of the crop plant. Among the plants grown in crop rotation, sugar beet, and red clover had the most beneficial effect on the activity of the soil enzymes, followed by oats (especially under the organic system). The activity of the studied enzymes in the organic system was positively correlated (statistically significantly) with favorable soil pH, a higher content of organic C, and total N, and C/N ratio.

This study was aimed at comparing physical soil quality parameters and soil enzymatic activity in a three-year spring wheat monoculture affected by the incorporation of biomass of selected catch crops into the soil using two systems of tillage (conventional plough tillage and conservation tillage). We tested the suitability of the following catch crop plants: white mustard, lacy phacelia, and mixed legumes (faba bean + spring vetch) and compared these to the control treatment. This research was carried out in the period 2014−2016 in Czesławice (central Lublin region, Poland). Catch crops promoted improved soil structure, soil particle-size distribution, soil bulk density, and soil moisture content. Tillage systems had a smaller impact on the soil physical parameters. Plough tillage contributed to improved soil moisture content in a deeper layer (15−20 cm). On the other hand, the above-mentioned tillage system influenced adversely soil compaction and bulk density. Catch crops caused an improvement in the soil particle size distribution, resulting in a higher percentage of the finer soil fractions. Moreover, the catch crops positively affected soil bulk density and soil compaction. The study has proven that enzymatic tests are good indicators to discriminate between soil sites under study in dependence on the catch crop and tillage system. Conservation tillage significantly stimulated the activities of the studied enzymes, especially in the topsoil layers. A particularly wide range of dehydrogenase and urease activity was obtained in the soil sown with the white mustard catch crop. The other catch crops (lacy phacelia and faba bean + spring vetch) also stimulated enzymatic activity. The obtained results show the positive role of catch crops and conservation tillage in bringing about positive changes occurring in the soil environment.

The paper deals with assessment of the ecochemical condition of soils within river valleys in the areas of selected cities of the Lublin region. The assessment was based on the determination of enzymatic activity and content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils located directly in river valleys and out of their range. The study was located in valleys of the most important rivers of Lublin region: Vistula, Wieprz, and Bystrzyca within the administrative borders of Kazimierz Dolny, Krasnystaw, and Lublin, respectively. The research areas were selected around busy roads and bridges with a potentially high level of anthropogenic pressure. The present research showed that the enzymatic activity of soils located in river valleys was about 1.5 times higher than in the soils beyond their reach. The determined content of PAHs in the soils from the river valleys was clearly lower than in the soils out of their range, which proves that habitat conditions of river valleys have a beneficial effect on detoxification of the soil environment.

This research study analyses the project management of agricultural facilities that protect agricultural food and public health from associated toxic hazardous landfill emissions and risks. Project management is presented by the development of a geoinformatics utility so as to improve operational management not only in food production minimizing the consumption of resources but also to improve the bio capacity development of the services and products through effective constructions minimizing risks for public health. Useful results are presented based on geoinformatics utility that develops sanitary drawings in sustainable designs minimizing risks and indoor pollution hazardous emissions in working spaces minimizing health risks.

This research study analyses the project management of agricultural facilities that protect agricultural food and public health from associated toxic hazardous landfill emissions and risks. Project management is presented by the development of a geoinformatics utility so as to improve operational management not only in food production minimizing the consumption of resources but also to improve the bio capacity development of the services and products through effective constructions minimizing risks for public health. Useful results are presented based on geoinformatics utility that develops sanitary drawings in sustainable designs minimizing risks and indoor pollution hazardous emissions in working spaces minimizing health risks.

The pot experiment was established in vegetation hall in the year 2015. Spring barley, variety KWS Irina, was grown. Two different soils – chernozem from Brno (with a low phosphorus content and alkali soil reaction – 7.37) and haplic luvisol from Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou (with a high phosphorus content and slightly acid soil reaction – 6.01) were used for comparison. The rates of phosphorus in the form of triple superphosphate (45 % P2O5) were increased from 0.3 – 0.6 – 1.2 g per pot (5 kg of soil – Mitscherlich pots). Nitrogen was applied in the form of CAN (27 % N) at a rate of 1 g N per pot in all the treatments incl. the control. Using statistical analysis, significant differences were found between the two soil types both in terms of the postharvest soil P content and yields of aboveground biomass. The content of post‑harvest soil phosphorus increased significantly with the applied rate (96 – 141 – 210 mg/kg in chernozem and 128 – 179 – 277 mg/kg in haplic luvisol). Dry matter yields of the aboveground biomass grown on chernozem were the lowest in the control treatment not fertilised with P (38.97 g per pot) and increased significantly with the P rate applied (46.02 – 47.28 g per pot), although there were no significant differences among the fertilised treatments. On haplic luvisol phosphorus fertilisation was not seen at all, demonstrating that the weight of the biomass in all the treatments was balanced (48.12 – 49.63 g per pot).

In a one-year vegetation pot experiment, we compared the effect of digestate from a biogas station and mineral fertilisers on yield and quality parameters of kohlrabi, variety Moravia. Four treatments were used in the trial: 1) untreated control, 2) urea, 3) digestate, 4) urea, triple superphosphate, KCl, MgSO4. The N dose was the same in treatments 2–4, 1.5 g N/pot. In treatment 4 the P, K and Mg doses corresponded to those supplied in the digestate treatment (3). The weight of single kohlrabi bulbs in the unfertilised control was significantly lower (39.2%) than in the urea treatment (100%) and the other fertilised treatments. After application of digestate (treatment 3) and mineral fertilisers (treatment 4), the weight of single bulbs significantly increased by 18.6 and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the urea treatment (2). The content of ascorbic acid did not differ among the all four treatments (274–291 mg/kg). There were significant differences between all fertilised treatments (2, 3, 4) in bulb nitrate content (792, 327, 776 mg NO3−/kg fresh matter, respectively). The content of nitrates was the lowest in the unfertilised treatment – 135 mg NO3−/kg fresh matter. After digestate application the nitrate content decreased significantly, to 327 mg NO3−/kg fresh matter. We recommend the use of digestate to kohlrabi as it results in comparable or better yield and qualitative parameters of kohlrabi compared with mineral fertilizers.

W opracowaniu ukazano, jak kształtowały się poglądy dotyczące odżywiania roślin i jak powstawał fundament tej dziedziny wiedzy przyrodniczej. Przedstawiono także współczesne problemy i kierunki badań dotyczące odżywiania roślin, ukazując ich nowy wymiar, z jednej strony motywowany potrzebą wyżywienia zwiększającej się populacji, z drugiej narastającymi problemami środowiskowymi wywołanymi intensyfikacją produkcji rolniczej.

A single factor (variety) strict field experiment was carried out in 1999-2000 at the experimental station of the Department of Plant Production, Agricultural University of Krakow located at Prusy near Cracow to study the changes in selected macro-and microelement concentrations in the top parts of linseed and the uptake of these elements during vegetation at the characteristic phases of development, including also the plant parts, i.e. leaves, stems, seeds and straw. On the basis of obtained results it was demonstrated that microelement contents in the linseed top parts changed considerably with the plant growth. The levels of Cr, Zn,Cd, Fe and Mn were highest at budding, while Cr, Pb, Fe and Mn levels were lowest at full maturity phase. Linseed grown in the area unpolluted with trace elements did not reveal the ability to accumulate excessive amounts of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Fe and Mn, undesired from the usefulness for consumption point of view. Cadmium, irrespective of the examined stage of plant development, revealed high capacity for an excessive accumulation in the top parts. The contents and reciprocal ratios of macroelements in plants changed variously with their growth. The highest Na and K contents were noticed at budding phase, Ca at vegetative stage (arborescent) and Mg at the initial budding. The widest Ca:P ratio and K:(Ca+Mg) ratio occurred at budding, whereas K:Na ratio at full maturity phase. Linseed accumulated macro- and microele ments in the yield at various rates. Among the analysed elements Cd, Zn and Ni were taken up proportionally to increasing yields of linseed top part biomass.

Studies on the effect of ashes on maize were conducted as a pot experiment on mineral soil, to which between 13.33 and 800.0 g ash∙pot – 1 was added, corresponding to the doses of between 10 and 600 t∙ha – 1. The research aimed to learn the effect of diversified ash doses on the content, uptake and proportions between Fe, Co, Mn, Al and Si in maize. It was found that with increasing ash dose in soil were significantly increasing the concentration of Fe and Si in plants (Fe: 110.15–209.96 mg.kg – 1 d.m.; Si: 40.60–76.10 mg.kg – 1), whereas concentrations of Co, Mn and Al in maize were decreasing (Co: 0.30–0.11 mg. kg – 1 d.m.; Mn: 207.83–44.65 mg.kg – 1; Al: 300.09–179.80 mg.kg – 1 d.m). Higher contents of the studied elements were detected in maize roots than in its aboveground parts. Obtained yield of maize aboveground parts from the objects where solely ash was used as the substratum was characterized by the optimal content of Fe (104.61 mg.kg – 1 d.m.), but deficient concentration of Mn (29.69 mg. kg – 1 d.m.) and Co (0.01 mg.kg – 1 d.m.). In effect of growing ash doses in soil Fe:Co, Fe:Mn, Fe:Al and Mn:Co ratios were widening, whereas Fe:Si, Mn:Al, Mn:Si and Al:Si ratios were narrowing. Growing ash doses in soil influenced a decreased uptake of Co, Mn and Al and increased Si absorption by maize.

The studies aimed at identification of various ash doses effect on the amount of yield and concentrations of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and Ni in maize. The studies were conducted as a pot experiment on mineral soil, to which ash doses of between 13.33 and 800.0 g∙pot – 1 were supplied in proportions corresponding to quantities between 10 and 600 t∙ha – 1. The amount of maize yield was diversified and depending on the treatment ranged between 35.59–121.64 g d.m.∙pot–1. Ash dose of 13.33 g.pot–1 significantly affected an increase in maize yield, while the dose over 26.67 g.pot–1 and equivalent to over 20 t.ha–1 applied to the soil markedly declined maize yield. Element concentrations in maize was diversified, depending on the treatment and plant part, and fluctuated from 0.32–3.48 mg Cr; 13.45–341.19 mg Zn; 0.50–5.02 mg Pb; 1.83–22.10 mg Cu; 0.02–1.71 mg Cd and 0.15–6.07 mg Ni∙kg–1d.m. It was found that with increasing ash dose Cr and Cu content increased systematically, whereas Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni concentrations in maize decreased. The content of investigated heavy metals in maize aboveground parts fulfilled the norms for good quality fodder. Under the influence of growing ash doses added to the soil a regularly declining Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni uptake by maize aboveground parts was observed.

The studies conducted from 1997 to 1999 in a vegetation hall were performed as a pot experiment on ordinary silt soil. Jerusalem artichoke, maize, Sida hermaphrodita Rusby, amaranth and hemp were used as indicator plants. The results confirmed, great diversification of the element contents which depends not only on the species but also on the part of individual plants. Analysis of the data revealed also another dependence: increased concentration of heavy metals in the soil corresponded to a higher content of heavy metals in the plants. Significant differences in this respect were observed for the plant species grown in unpolluted or differently contaminated soil.

Do biologicznego zagospodarowania skały popiołowej zaleca się wykorzystywanie komunalnych osadów ściekowych, które są zasobne w materię organiczną oraz makroelementy i mikroelementy niezbędne dla roślin. Celem przeprowadzonych badań było poznanie wpływu wzrastających dodatków komunalnych osadów ściekowych na wielkość plonu oraz pobieranie K, Ca, Mg, Na i P przez mieszankę traw wykorzystywaną do biologicznego zagospodarowania składowiska odpadów paleniskowych. Schemat doświadczenia obejmował 5 obiektów, różniących się dawką komunalnych osadów ściekowych stosowanych na 1 hektar: I. obiekt kontrolny; II. 25 Mg s.m.; III. 50 Mg s.m.; IV. 75 Mg s.m.; V. 100 Mg s.m. Zastosowany osad ściekowy spowodował zwiększenie plonu mieszanki traw. Zawartość K, Ca, Mg, Na i P w mieszance zależała istotnie od dawki osadu ściekowego. Wzrastające dawki osadu ściekowego powodowały istotne zwiększanie zawartości tych makroskładników w biomasie mieszanki. Stwierdzono, że wzrastające dawki osadu ściekowego w jeszcze większym stopniu różnicowały pobieranie makroskładników przez mieszankę traw, powodując zwiększenie ich ilości odprowadzanej z plonem. Zawartość badanych pierwiastków w tej mieszance oceniono pod względem wartości paszowej. Stwierdzono, że zawartość tych pierwiastków w mieszance traw uprawianej wyłącznie na popiele mieściła się poniżej wartości optymalnych, natomiast po zastosowaniu największej dawki osadu ściekowego zawartości makroskładników w roślinach osiągnęły wartości optymalne

Ash disposal sites should be covered by a vegetation mantle immediately after they have been formed in order to protect them against water and wind erosion and to ensure an aesthetic view of the countryside. The vegetal cover of scarps and terraces of disposal sites and ash heaps plays a most important role in biological reclamation of disposal site. Botanical composition was affected by the kind of used waste. Utilization of municipal sludge was beneficial for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) growth, whereas the use of ash was more advantageous for red fescue (Festuca rubra). Among all sown plants tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) was the most susceptible species to biological recultivation of furnace ash fertilized with sludge. A high diversification of reclamation mixture yielding depending on sludge and ash dose was found. The yield of reclamation mixture ranged between 0.15 and 11.81 t/ha-1, depending on the object. The highest reclamation mixture yield was generated on the object where sludge was used with ash in 3/4:1/4 weight ratio, and the lowest was obtained on the object where only ash addition was applied.