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The general principles of ovoid shapes and their mathematical interpretation were considered concerning previous data and experience. Previously, bird egg description was carried out using the composite ovoid model. According to this model, an ovoid is considered as a set of arcs with a smooth transition between them. The studied group of eggs was named true ovoid. They differ from other forms in size of their infundibular zone radius (thick end) that is almost equal to half of the diameter (0.5D ± 0.01 ˂ ri = 0.5D).We suggested that this commonality, a priori, implies the presence of an abstract geometric model, which is a satisfactory solution and logical approach for analyzing the diversity of natural ovoids. Such a model is a system of circles passing into each other. This allows, within a single system, to assign a vendor code to each form, which involves the name, geometric shape, and quantitative parameters that can be implemented in bird taxonomy.Early, 0.01 D was chosen as the model difference value and the ratio of symmetrical eggs in the analyzed database was 1.1%. In this research, we extended the difference value to 0.05 D and this covered 6.0% of the egg shapes. This is the maximum interval at which the curvature of the polar zones does not visually differ. We revealed that the variability in the egg shapes depends on the radii of curvature of the lateral and polar arcs. The larger the radius of the lateral arches, the greater the degree of freedom for variation of the lateral arches. We supposed that our data could associate any form of bird egg with its biological content. In turn, many ovoid features relevant to other natural objects can be used in bird taxonomical study.

Soil carbon sequestration plays an important role in mitigating the anthropogenic increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Pastures and meadows are the significant localities for the deposition of soil organic carbon (SOC). The objective was the comparison of the impact of plant species and their quality on the deposition of SOC under the grasslands in 18 variants of meadows and pastures at the original unfertilized soils, the overfertilized soils by organic fertilizers in the form of excrements and the soils after the ecological regeneration by regrassing. The plots 5, 8, 9 and 10 were used on a long-term basis as old semi-natural sheep pastures from the 15 century. We took into consideration the deposits of SOC and Nt in soil. The old semi-natural pasture proved the most intensive transformation and accumulation of SOC (even 5.60%) and the highest values were measured in the depth I (0–100 mm) soil layer, the concentrations decreased along with the depth in all treatments. At these plots, there was the lowest yield of dry matter and quality (EGQ). The yield of dry matter in t.ha−1, the number of species, EGQ and C:N in the depth I with the significant impact on the species variability, which were selected by Monte-Carlo permutation test explain up to 47% of the total variability. According to the result of “forward selection” in RDA analysis, out of all significant factors, the number of species has the biggest impact on the total species variability, which represents 17% of the total variability. The total evaluation indicates that from the agricultural aspect of utilization, a more favourable quite high content of SOC was deposited at the ecologically regenerated grasslands by the additional sowing of the valuable autochthonous plant species.

The research was aimed at assessing the effect of complementary use of slurry with soil conditioners and with NPK fertilizers on the content of crude fibre fractions in the biomass of Lolium multiflorum. The studies were conducted on the basis of a two-year (2016-2017) field experiment established in three replications in a completely randomized design. The impact of slurry and its interaction with soil conditioners and with NPK fertilizers was tested on the Dukat variety of Lolium multiflorum forage grass. The results demonstrated that there was no significant effect of the treatments on the content of crude fibre and its fraction in the grass. However, ADF and ADL fibre content varied significantly across the growing seasons. In the same growing season crude fibre content as well as the content of the ADL fraction varied across three Lolium multiflorum harvests.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of distance from a road on lead and cadmium content in grass species near an expressway and to assess bioaccumulation of these elements by morphological parts of the plants. The material for the research was the following grass species in their flowering stage: Dactylis glomerata, Arrenatherum elatius, and Alopecurus pratensis. Plant samples were collected along the international E30 road, the ring-road of Siedlce, in May 2015. A 9-km road section was examined with samples collected on both sides, covering a stretch of 700 m, at the following distances from the edge of the road: 1, 5, 10, and 15 m. Five samples of each plant species and at each distance from the road were collected. Lead and cadmium concentration was determined with the AAS method. The largest amounts of Pb were absorbed by A. pratensis L. (3.843 mg kg−1DM), while the lowest by A. elatius L. (2.523 mg kg−1DM). Of the above plants, the highest amount of Cd (0.286 mg kg−1DM) was accumulated by D. glomerata L. Underground parts of the grass species accumulated greater amounts of Pb and Cd than aboveground parts. It indicates that considerable amounts of heavy metals released by expressway vehicles contaminated the soil. The highest content of Pb and Cd was found in the grass growing at a distance of 5 m from the edge of the roadway, and this applies both to underground and aboveground parts.

A three-year field experiment (52.169°N, 22.280°E), in which each treatment was replicated three times, was set up in a randomised split-plot design in the autumn of 2011. The main experimental factors were soil conditioners with the trade names such as UGmax, Eko-Użyźniacz and Humus Active Papka, which were applied on their own and with mineral fertilisers. They were applied to the soil with two forage grasses: the Bora variety of Dactylis glomerata and Lolium perenne of the Info variety. The results were processed statistically with the multi-factor analysis of variance with a significance level of P≤0.05, whereas the differences between means were verified with Tukey’s test. The Statistica 12 program was used to do all the calculations. Compared to the control, soil conditioners (UGmax, Humus Active and Eko-Użyźniacz) did not reduce carbohydrate content in grass significantly. This proves that they can be applied to grass. Combination of mineral fertilisers with soil conditioners, relative to the control, resulted in about 15% increase in digestible protein content. Comparing all the plots, without the control, the ratio of non-structural carbohydrates to protein was the most favourable in the grass from plots where UGmax or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertiliser or a combination of both was applied.

Nowadays substances stimulating growth and development of different agricultural plant species are used in intensive farming. Some of such plant growth regulators are Asahi SL and Moddus 250-EC. So far the literature dealing with growth regulators has concentrated mainly on their effects on deciduous trees. Because no data are available on how those substances affect conifer trees, this paper presents description of experiments on the effects of Asahi SL and Moddus 250-EC on the increase of tree height and branch length of Picea pungens and Thuja occidentalis. The research has proved that morphological features of the plants tested in the experiment varied according to which growth regulator was used and in what month the measurements were taken. Conifer trees sprayed with Asahi SL had a bigger yearly height growth rate and bigger growth of branches than those sprayed with the stimulator Moddus 250-EC.

The study was focused on the impact of an extract of Ecklonia maxima on selected morphological features of yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex C. Lawson), prickly spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) Variety Glauca, thuja (Thuja occidentalis) variety Smaragd. The experiment was established in April 12, 2012 on the forest nursery in Ceranów. April 15, 2013 was introduced research agent in the form of a spraying an aqueous solution extract of Ecklonia maxima with trade name Kelpak SL. Biologically active compounds in the extract are plant hormones: auxin and cytokinin. There were studied increment in plant height, needle length of yellow pine, twigs length in prickly spruce and thuja. The measurements of increment in length of twigs and needles were made in each case on the same, specially marked parts of plants and have carried them on the 27th of each month beginning in May and ending in September. The results were evaluated statistically using the analysis of variance. Medium differentiations were verified by Tukey's test at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. The study showed that the diversity of traits features in the experiment was depended on the extract, the tree species and the measurement time. The best results after the extract using showed a pine and spruce. Seaweed preparation contributed to increment increased of trees height for in the pine and spruce and the needles length of pine and twigs of spruce. The species showing no reaction to the extract was thuja.

The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between application of various concentrations of Ecklonia maxima extract and development of some morphological features, the SAD index as well as selected organic compound content in Festuca pratensis and Lolium perenne. The experiment was replicated three times and the following concentrations of the extract were used: control, 0.04, 0.4, 4.0 and 40%. 40 days after the extract was sprayed on the plants the following measurements were taken: the number of shoots, the length of leaf blades, the width of the leaf base, the relative chlorophyll index SPAD, and the amount of biomass. The content of protein compounds, simple sugars, lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose were determined after the harvest. The research showed that there was a relationship between a higher concentration of the extract and a higher number of shoots, longer leaf blades and an increase in their width. In consequence of those changes the amount of biomass also increased. The plants sprayed with higher doses of extract had a higher SPAD index, a higher concentration of both protein compounds and simple sugars, and a lower concentration of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of liming and various doses of municipal sewage sludge (5, 10, and 15% of the weight of the soil) on cobalt total content and its speciation. The incubation experiment lasted 420 days and was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions. Soil was sampled after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days and then, with a break of 180 days, after 360 and 420 days. In all samples, cobalt total content was determined by means of ICP-AES (emission spectrophotometer), and fractions of this metal were measured with the seven-step Zeien and Br&uuml, mmer method, with seven of them separated: F1&ndash, easily soluble, F2&ndash, exchangeable, F3&ndash, bound to MnOx, F4&ndash, bound to organic matter, F5&ndash, bound to amorphous FeOx, F6&ndash, bound to crystalline FeOx, and F7&ndash, residual. Compared to the control, the average content of total cobalt in the soil increased more than two times in experimental units with higher doses of sewage sludge (10% and 15% of the weight of the soil). The metal was mainly bound to the residual fraction, where it constituted 40% of its total content, while in the organic fraction, its share was 20%. In the soil incubated with sludge, cobalt in mobile fractions constituted a small percentage of its total content. Liming limited the release of this metal.

In 2011 a study was carried out analyzing the effects of road traffic on bioaccumulation of zinc and copper in selected species of dicotyledonous plants growing on adjacent grasslands. To do the research the plants were sampled from the 9-km-long Siedlce bypass, a part of the international route E-30. They were collected during the flowering stage, at following distances from the road: 1, 5, 10, 15 m. The content of zinc and copper was determined with the AAS method, with dry mineralisation done before. The highest concentration of the elements, regardless of the distance from the road, was found in Taraxacum spec. Among the tested plants, the lowest zinc content was in Vicia cracca, and the lowest copper content in Rumex acetosa. The limit for copper content was exceeded in Taraxacum spec. and, slightly, in Achillea millefolium growing at the roadside, closest to the roadway.

The aim of this paper is to analyze yield variation of Dactylis glomerata and Festuca pratensis varieties grown on organic and mineral soil. This paper has drawn on two field experiments set up and carried out between 2010 and 2013. The experiment was conducted in two experimental stations: one in the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in Krzyżewo and the other in the Experimental Stations for Variety Testing in Uhinin. The experiment in Krzyżewo was set up on ploughed soil, with spring barley as a forecrop. In Uhnin the experimental plots were located on peat meadow. The experimental plots were sown with varieties of Dactylis glomerata: Niva, Tukan, Amila, Crown Royale and with varieties of Festuca pratensis: Limosa, Pasja, Anturka, Amelka. The full exploitation of Dactylis glomerata varieties was due between 2012 and 2013, whereas for Festuca pratensis it was due between 2011 and 2012. In the experimental plots with the varieties of Dactylis glomerata the grass was harvested six times a year and chemical analysis of the biomass was done taking dry matter only from five cuts. The varieties of Festuca pratensis were harvested four times. Each year in the course of the experiment fresh and dry matter of each cut were weighed. The grass species and their varieties as well as the particular mowing and kind of soil where the grass was grown have an impact on the yield. On mineral soil the yield of Dactylis glomerata was higher than Festuca pratensis. On organic soil the yield of both species was similar. During the two years of experiment the highest yield among Festuca pratensis varieties was noted for Amelka whereas among varieties of Dactylis glomerata the yield was similar and differences were not statistically significant.

The effect of traffic on the content of lead and cadmium in grass morphological parts-leaves, shoots, and inflorescences-was studied. The samples were taken on a part of the European route E30 (Siedlce by road). The following plants were tested: Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, and Alopecurus pratensis. During the flowering of grasses, the plant material was collected at distances of 1, 5, 10, and 15 m from the edge of the road, on the strip of road with a length of 9 km. In the collected plant parts, the content of lead and cadmium using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method was determined. The effect of distance from the road on the content of lead and cadmium was evaluated using regression equations. Average lead content in the above parts of tested grass species was 3.56, while cadmium 0.307 mg kg(-1) dry matter (DM). Lead content in plants of Alopecurus pratensis (average 4.11 mg kg(-1) DM) was significantly higher than in other grasses. The lowest cadmium content, significantly different from the other species, was found in plants of Arrhenatherum elatius (0.251 mg kg(-1) DM). Distance of sampling sites from the roadway significantly affects the differences in the content of cadmium and lead in plants. Analyzed aboveground plant organs of studied grasses were significantly different in contents of lead and cadmium. There were species differences in the proportions of cadmium concentration in various organs of plants. The obtained results indicate the possibility of species composition selection of grassland sward in areas with a higher risk of heavy metals associated with dust sedimentation.

The experiment was organized in four replicants in arrangement split-plot with plots having a surface equal 9 m 2 . The basic fertilization was applied under the first re growth. It was a mixture of unary fertilizers (ammonium nitrate, superphosphate, potassic salt) or polifoska. One form of supplementary fertilization was applied under the second and third regrowth. It was the stable form of fertilizer applied to soil. This form of supplemented nitrogen gave respectively: 50 kg N·ha -l ; 80 kg N·ha -l ; 110 kg N·ha -1 per each moving. During the vegetation season three movings were harvested. From each movings the sampIes of green matter were taken for chemical analyses, i.e. total protein content, soluble carbohydrates and net energy (NEL). The obtained results showed large differences in fodder quality of the meadow sward fertilized with three doses of nitrogen.

The study was conducted in the years 1999–2001 in a meadow with the following fertilizer combinations: control object (without fertilizer), NPK mineral fertilization, fertilizing with manure, manure with NPK fertilization, fertilizing with spent mushroom substrate; spent mushroom substrate with NPK fertilization. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of permanent grassland fertilization both with spent mushroom substrate and the one supplemented with NPK on the uptaking of manganese, copper and zinc by the meadow sward. After the cultivation of mushrooms, in comparison to the standard manure, the substrate used in the experiment was characterized by more than twice higher amount of manganese and zinc. However, the amount of copper in the organic materials was similar. In spite of having supplied lager amount of manganese, zinc and similar amount of copper to the mushrooms substrate, it caused the reduction of the uptake of the elements in the meadow sward. In spite of supplying larger amounts of manganese, zinc and copper the reduction of their uptaking by meadow sward was observed in comparison to manure mushroom substrate. This may be connected with a slightly alkaline reaction of the soil environment, thus limiting the uptake of the studied micronutrients.

A study on the cultivation of Festulolium braunii cv. 'Felopa' was carried out using polyurethane rings with a diameter of 36 cm and a height of 40 cm, which were sunk into the ground to a depth of 30 cm and filled with soil material. In this experiment, Kelpak SL was used as a bioregulator. It consists of natural plant hormones such as auxins (11 mg in dm3) and cytokinins (0.03 mg in dm3). The experimental factors were as follows: A1-control; A2 – 20% solution of the growth regulator; A3 – 40% solution; and A4 – 60% solution. The preparation was applied to all three regrowths in the form of spray, at a rate of 3 cm3 ring-1, at the stem elongation stage. The full period of this experiment was in the years 2010–2011. During this time, detailed investigations were carried out on aboveground biomass yield (g DM ring-1), number of shoots (pcs ring-1), leaf blade length (cm), width of the leaf blade base (mm), leaf greenness index (SPAD). The study showed a significant effect of the growth regulator on the formation of Festulolium braunii biomass. However, its highest effectiveness was observed when the 60% solution was applied.

The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg) is a perennial plant often found in large concentrations in the sward of natural meadows. This species expands quickly, displacing other species. In literature there is a lack of data relating to the effect of common dandelion on plants growing in its vicinity. It is also not known why this species creates large clusters. Perhaps it competes with different plants through the allelopathic effect. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of water extracts from leaves and roots of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as well as soil extracts from the root layer of this species on seed germination and the initial growth of Lolium westerwoldicum R.Br. The investigated material comprised leaves and roots of Taraxacum officinale. The germination biotest most often used in experiments was applied. The seeds germination energy of westerwolds ryegrass was most inhibited by plant extracts prepared from roots and leaves of Taraxacum officinale. The germination ability of seeds of Lolium westerwoldicum was the highest in the treatments in which soil extracts were applied; however, the value of this feature was limited to a larger extent by the plant extracts from leaves of Taraxacum officinale than from roots. Higher concentrations of both soil and plant solutions had an inhibitory effect both on root growth and the growth of the leaf sheath and leaves of westerwolds ryegrass. The results of the tested parameters can confirm the allelopathic effect of Taraxacum officinale on germination and initial growth of Lolium westerwoldicum, and especially that of extracts prepared from leaves.

W latach 1999–2001 w ścisłym doświadczeniu polowym badano reakcje runi łąkowej na nawożenie roztworami mocznika o 20, 30 i 40% stężeniu, w odniesieniu do nawożenia saletrą amonową w formie stałej. Badania prowadzono w aspekcie efektywności nawożenia azotem runi łąkowej. Uzyskane w pracy wyniki wskazują, że wzrastające dawki azotu w sposób istotny zwiększały pobranie azotu z plonem roślin. Najwięcej tego składnika pobrała ruń nawożona 40% roztworem mocznika. Efektywność rolnicza i fizjologiczna nawożenia runi azotem istotnie malała wraz ze wzrostem dawki azotu. Ponadto większą efektywność rolniczą i mniejszą efektywność fizjologiczną uzyskano pod wpływem stosowania płynnej formy nawozu. Wykorzystanie azotu z nawozów nie zmieniało się istotnie pod wpływem zastosowanych w doświadczeniu dawek azotu. Natomiast dolistne stosowanie azotu zwiększało wykorzystanie tego składnika w stosunku do nawożenia stałą formą nawozu. Wykorzystanie azotu z roztworu mocznika było o 8,1% większe niż z saletry amonowej.

The aim of this paper was to assess residue content of plant protection products in selected herbs: Achillea millefolium L., Cichorium intybus L., Equisetum arvense L., Polygonum persicaria L., Plantago lanceolata L., and Plantago major L. The study comprises herbs growing in their natural habitat, 1 and 10 m away from crop fields. The herbs, 30 plants of each species, were sampled during the flowering stage between 1 and 20 July 2014. Pesticide residue content was measured with the QuECHERS method in the dry matter of leaves, stalks, and inflorescence, all mixed together. Out of six herb species growing close to wheat and maize fields, pesticide residues were found in three species: A. millefolium L., E. arvense L., and P. lanceolata L. Most plants containing the residues grew 1 m away from the wheat field. Two active substances of fungicides were found: diphenylamine and tebuconazole, and one active substance of insecticides: chlorpyrifos-ethyl. Those substances are illegal to use on herbal plants. Samples of E. arvense L. and P. lanceolata L. contained two active substances each, which constituted 10 % of all samples, while A. millefolium L. contained one substance, which is 6.6 % of all samples.

The study concerned the number of microorganisms colonizing the humus layer and under plough soil from the cultivation of perennial ryegrass mixtures with red clover, which were fed by biostimulant based on the phytohormones and different doses of nitrogen. Nitrogen was applied at four levels-control (no nitrogen), 50, 100 and 150 kg N∙ha-1, biostimulant in two combinations - with and without preparation. Soil material to assess the size of individual groups of microorganisms was collected from each experimental plot in autumn 2010 from the humus (0-20 cm) and under plough layers (20-40 cm). The analysis of soil samples for a total number of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology IUNG-PIB in Pulawy. Results of studies have shown that more colonies of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were colonized the humus horizon. Biostimulant application in this cultivation led to a decrease of the total number of colonies of the all soil microorganisms groups but improved the ratio of bacteria to fungi. Increasing doses of mineral nitrogen by the limiting of the bacteria number and intensive development of soil fungi, helped to narrow the B/F ratio.

In offered research, we propose to observe diurnal soaring birds to check, whether there the positions of birds in formations are such, that the wing tip interval and depth meet the predictions of aerodynamic theory for achievement of maximal conservation of energy or predictions of the hypothesis of communication. We also can estimate, whether adverse conditions of a wind influence the ability of birds to support formation. We can assume that windy conditions during flight might make precision flight more difficult by inducing both unpredictable bird and vortex positions. To this, we need to found change in wing-tip spacing variation with increasing wind speed, suggesting or rejecting that in high winds bird skeins maintained similar variation to that on calm days. The interrelation between variation of mean depth and wind speed should prove this hypothesis. Little is known about the importance of depth, but in high winds the vortex is likely to break up more rapidly and its location become unpredictable the further back a bird flies; therefore, a shift towards skeins with more regular depths at high wind speeds may compensate for the unpredictability of the vortex locations. Any significant relationship between the standard deviation of wing-tip spacing and wind speed suggests that wind has a major effect on optimal positioning. Results of proposed study will be used also as the auxiliary tool in radar research of bird migration, namely in research of flight features of soaring birds. It is extremely important to determine all pertinent characteristics of flock for model species, namely flocking birds. Kew words: birds, flock, radar, flight

In the pot experiment, conducted in a phytotron at a constant temperature 22°C and artificial lighting, the effectiveness of growth regulator concentrations on the inhibition of shoot growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) was evaluated. In the study, a single growth inhibitor, with the trade name Flordimex SL 420 (active substance: ethephon, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid), was applied in varying concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30%. In the experimental series, every 3 days in the period from 7 May to 6 June 2008, 10 measurements were performed. Empirical data were statistically evaluated. In the experiment with perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot, it was found that 30% of inhibitor concentration used inhibited the growth of shoots in the grass species studied.

A case of Schilder's Diffuse Sclerosis diagnosed clinically as schizophrenia is reported. Asymmetrical diffuse demyelination of the white substance of the frontal lobes and patchy demyelination, more or less sharply delineated, in the brain stem was found. The suggestion is that the clinical course of the diffuse sclerosis with almost exclusively psychiatric symptoms is closely related to the predominant frontal localisation of the neuropathological process.