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The aim of this study was to verify the response of 13 American asparagus cultivars cultivated for green spear on surface postharvest drip irrigation. Irrigation, used to compensate for periodic deficiencies in precipitation, allows for high- and good-quality crops for many species. The field experiment was carried out in 2006–2008 on a very light sandy soil in central Europe (Poland). Irrigation treatments were applied using the tensiometer indications. Water requirements of asparagus were calculated on the base of reference evapotranspiration and crop coefficients. The following evaluations were made: Height, diameter, and number of summer stalks, as well marketable yield, weight, and number of consumption green spears. Drip irrigation applied for 2 years (2006–2007) in the postharvest period had a positive effect on all studied traits in both summer stalks and green spears in 2007–2008. A significant increase in the height, number, and diameter of summer stalks, as well an increase in the marketable yield, weight, and number of green spears was observed for most of the cultivars. In general, postharvest drip irrigation of asparagus cultivated in very light sandy soil significantly contributes to the increase in productivity of American cultivars of this species.

Climate warming increases the water needs of plants. The aim of this study was to estimate the water needs of grapevines in central Poland. Water needs were calculated using the crop coefficients method. Reference evapotranspiration was assessed by the Blaney–Criddle’s equation, modified for climate conditions in Poland. Crop coefficients were assumed according to the Doorenbos and Pruitt method. Water needs were calculated using the data from four meteorological stations. Rainfall deficit with the probability occurrence of normal years, medium dry years, and very dry years was determined by the Ostromęcki’s method. Water needs of grapevines during the average growing season were estimated at 438 mm. Upward time trend in the water needs both in the period of May–October and June–August was estimated. Temporal variability in the water needs was significant for all of the provinces. These changes were mainly impacted by a significant increasing tendency in mean air temperature and less by precipitation totals that did not show a clear changing tendency. Due to climate change, vineyards will require irrigation in the near future. The use of resource-efficient irrigation requires a precise estimate of the grapevines’ water needs. The study identified the water requirements for grapevines in central Poland.

Control drainage (CD) is a common practice implemented to control the water balance of drainage fields by increasing the amount of water retained in soil. Worldwide studies suggest that climate change can reduce the effectiveness of CD solutions, but no study of CD effects has been carried out in Polish conditions yet. In this study, the DRAINMOD (Wayne Skaggs, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA) computer simulation model was used to predict the effects of CD on the time horizons of 2021&ndash, 2050 (near future) and 2071&ndash, 2100 (far future) assuming the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 emission scenario. The effectiveness of CD solutions is presented for a drainage network with spacing of 7 or 14 m. Additionally, different dates of blocking the outflow from the drainage network (1st and 15th of March and 1st and 15th of April) and different initial groundwater table conditions (0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 m) were assumed. All simulations for different variants were carried out for the same period, i.e. from 1st of March to 30th of September. The results of climate models indicated that in the area of central-western Poland in the near and far future there will be an increase in air temperatures by 1.02 and 1.97 C, respectively, and in precipitation by 5.98% and 10.15%, respectively. In addition, there will be a change in the structure of precipitation, especially with respect to the extension of rain-free periods and an increase in the amount of extreme daily precipitation. The effect of climate change will be a decrease in the mean groundwater table in the fields equipped with drainage systems from 2 to 5 cm. In addition, the number of days on which groundwater table will be above the level of the drainage network will decrease. For the drainage network with spacing of 7 m, the time of the groundwater table above the level of the drainage network will decrease by 5 and 7 days in the near and far future, respectively, while for the drainage network with spacing of 14 m, it will decrease by 4 and 7 days. Climate change will also reduce sub-surface outflow. Subsurface outflows will be smaller than those currently recorded on average by 11% and 17% and 12% and 18% for 7 m and 14 m spacing drainage networks, in the near and far future, respectively. The increase in rainfall intensity in the near and far future will result in a fivefold increase in surface outflow in comparison to the present situation. The simulations show that the greatest effectiveness of CD solutions will be achieved by starting the blocking of outflow from the drainage network on the 1st of March. The implementation of CD solutions since April in the near and far future will allow maintaining the groundwater table at the level presently observed for the conventional network (free drainage-FD).

The aim of the study was to present the concepts of water reclamation and development of post-mining areas of the Adamów Lignite Mine following the termination of its excavating operation. Reclamation procedures will accelerate the process of restoring the devastated post-mining area to the natural environment and, above all, will contribute to the increase in local water resources. It was decided to create several water reservoirs with different surface areas and capacities within the final workings of opencasts. The reservoirs are used for water retention, recreation, melioration and flood control purposes, as well as for depositing overburden from other opencast workings. In total, the construction of 5 water reservoirs will include 4 weirs, 7 monks and 3 culverts with damming as well as a number of kilometres of inflow and outflow channels. The schedule of works and expenditures of the investment amounts to PLN 14.509.512 and is divided into 5 stages, not only covering the construction of the reservoirs, but also the water and drainage infrastructure necessary for their proper operation. All constructed and planned water reservoirs (Przykona, Janiszew, Koźmin, Głowy, Adamów, Koźmin Końcowy and Władysławów) will become new permanent elements of the landscape and the hydrographic network, coupled with the catchment system of the Warta River. They will allow for increase in the retention capacity of the Adamów Lignite Mine's area from previous 32,3 million m3 to 219.6 million m3 in the perspective of 2023. They will improve the microclimate of post-mining areas and have a positive impact on lands created as a result of reclamation. They will provide retention for irrigation of adjacent agricultural areas and help reduce economic and natural losses caused by flooding. They will open recreational opportunities for residents of surrounding areas characterised by water shortages. The post-mining reservoirs, formed during mining operations, perfectly fit into the Small Retention Program. The existing and planned water bodies are the best proof for the rightness of decisions taken in the field of reclamation for water purposes. Landscape shaping during the exploitation of lignite, as practice shows, is a great opportunity for the post-mining region to create reservoirs in places where they do not occur in nature.

Giant miscanthus is a vigorously growing energy plant, popularly used for biofuels production. It is a grass with low soil and water requirements, although its productivity largely depends on complementary irrigation, especially in the first year of cultivation. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the forecast climate changes, mainly air temperature increase, on the water needs of giant miscanthus during the growing season in 2021–2050 in the Kuyavia region (central Poland). The years 1981–2010 as the reference period were applied. The meteorological data was based on the regional climate change model RM5.1 with boundary conditions from the global ARPEGE model for the SRES A1B emission scenario. Crop evapotranspiration, calculated using the Penman-Monteith method and crop coefficients, was assumed as a measure of water needs. The study results showed that in view of the expected temperature changes, in the forecast period 2021–2050, the giant miscanthus water needs will increase by 10%. The highest monthly increase may occur in August (16%) and in September (23%). In the near future, the increase in water needs of giant miscanthus will necessitate the use of supplementary irrigation. Hence the results of this study may contribute to increasing the efficiency of water use, and thus to the rational management of irrigation treatments and plant energy resources in the Kuyavia region.

The paper presents the results of the researches carried out in 2000-2009 period in pond No. 1 catchment. The pond is located at Siemianice Experimental Forest Farm in Wielisławice forest district. This area is situated at South Wielkopolska Lowland and constitutes its southern frontier. In terms of hydrography, the object is a part of Niesób River catchment area, which is a left-bank tributary of the Prosna River. The catchment area is about 7.5 ha and the forestation is 100%. Fresh mixed broadleaved forest is the dominant area of the catchment. Fresh mixed coniferous forest stands also have a significant share in the catchment area. Moist mixed broadleaved forest stands occupy the rest of the area neighboring the No. 1 pond. Albic Arenosols (FAO1988) consist of sand (USDA) are prevalent in the area. The area of the mid-forest pond No. 1 covers about 0.13 ha. The average depth of the postglacial pond is approximately 1.0 m. It is worth noting that the average and dry years dominated in the analyzed period. The researches indicated that the groundwater level lowered by about 70 cm in this period. Retention decrease calculated for analyzed area was about 250 mm, considering the average soil porosity of about 36%.

In the paper rivers, canals and levees and the technical condition of drainage localized on them are evaluated. Research was related to the needs and scope of works performed in 2013 and 2014. To ensure technical efficiency drainage systems are subject to periodic maintenance treatments. To ensure technical efficiency drainage systems are subject to periodic maintenance treatments 2,01 millions PLN was spent on sustaining and maintains of melioration devices in the activity area of Lubuski Zarząd Melioracji i Urządzeń Wodnych. The expenses concerning rivers and channels as well as mowing and sustaining flood defences devices. The other expenses were spent on three pumping station of total yield equals 6.350 dm3·s-1 influencing on area of 4069 ha. Downward trend of work amount as the result of downward trend of spending financial means was observed at analysed area. Decrease of spending financial means was about 11% in 2013 and 2014 years. Financial means allocated on current sustaining and maintains suffice only for 30 to 40% of entire basic drainage devices.

An evaluation of current technical state of land improvement devices, functioning in the area of North Wielkopolska was the aim of the research. An attempt of the evaluation of the need of maintenance of the devices was also made in this paper. The water structures being an infrastructure under management of Piła District of Poznań WZMiUW were the subject of analysis. The evaluation was made according to the method of Kaca and Interewicz. Additionally capital spending for maintenance and exploitation of land improvement devices incurred in a period 2002–2012 were also presented in the paper.

Trends in groundwater level changes in small forest catchments located in Wielkopolska region were analysed on the basis on data collected for many years of groundwater levels observations. The observations were carried out from 2000 to 2010 hydrological year in Marianka Siemiańska and Laski forest district as well as in Puszcza Zielonka. The groundwater levels were measured in soil profiles located in different forest habitats: fresh, moist and swamp forest. Changes in groundwater level determined using the Mann-Kendall test were found to differ significantly between the catchment studied. Statistically insignificant decrease in groundwater levels was observed at all forest sites in the catchment area in Marianka Siemiańska forest district. In the catchment area of the Hutka watercourse the groundwater level showed a statistically significant decreasing tendency in Puszcza Zielonka in swamp and fresh mixed coniferous forest. It may indicate a decrease in water resources and implies the need of groundwater level monitoring. A statistically insignificant increase in groundwater level was observed in the wells in moist mixed broadleaved forest in the area of pond catchment in Laski forest district, this trend was interpreted as a result of the clearcutting made in this area.

The paper presents the results of the researches carried out in the catchments of pond No 1 and No 6. The ponds are located in Siemianice Experimental Farm, belonging to “Lasy Rychtalskie” Promotional Forest Complex, in Wielisławice (pond No 1) and Laski forestry (pond No 6). The researches were carried out in two hydrological years 2010/2011 and 2012/2013. The years had different precipitation. The area of catchment of pond No 1 is about 7.5 ha and its forestation totals 100%. Whereas catchment area of pond No 6 is about 37 ha. The forestation of this pond is about 40% and the rest are arable areas. The analyzed pond No 1 and 6, have mild scarps, and they are natural pond melting out. The area of pond No 1 is 0.13 ha, whereas pond No 6 is 0.35 ha, and averages depths of both ponds are 1.0 m and 1.4 m. The results confirmed a connection between water in ponds and groundwater in neighboring areas. In some periods water of ponds supply surrounding areas and in some periods on the contrary – groundwater supply water in ponds. Correlation coefficient (from 0.43 to 0.96) calculated for relation between water levels in ponds and groundwater were statistically significant for the level α=0.01 in analyzed hydrological years.

State of water-drainage infrastructure affects the conditions for sustainable development of rural areas. Irrigation-drainage systems for governing water relations in soils of the valley areas consist of a system of rivers, canals and ditches with impoundment structure. The considerable neglect in the maintenance of existing water-drainage infrastructure resulted in their recapitalization. The most important way to restore the efficiency of their proper functioning should be their correct and timely maintenance. The study evaluated the need for maintenance of basic drainage structures in the district of Stargard. The study covered the years 2010–2012.

The paper presents the results of researches carried out in the middle part of Pizza Zielonka forest complex. The aim was the evaluation of retention changes at wetlands and mid-forest ponds. The object of the study was the catchment of the Trojanka watercourse, considering from the origin to the cross-section of Zielonka Lake. The catchment is located in in the central part of the Wielkopolska region, approximatelly 20 km on the North-East of Poznań. The area of this forestall catchment is about 223 ha. In the paper an analysis of the results from three hydrological years was presented. The results of the years 1987 (wet year), 2003 (dry year) and 2009 (medium year) were analysed against meteorological conditions. Retention capacity in each wetlands, as well as the possibility of water retention in the Trojanka watercourse was calculated. The researches confirmed significant meteorological conditions influence the amount of retentioned water. The calculated capacity of retentioned water was 15 852 m3 considering the total area of wetland and swamp (8,58 ha) and precipitation sum of 555 mm. 18% increase of water capacity was observed in wet year (1987) In this year the sum of precipitation was 100 mm higher than multiyear average sum. Meanwhile 62% decrease of water capacity was observed in dry year (2003), when the precipitation sum was 208 mm lower than multiyear average one.

In an attempt to assess the needs of the modernization of the North Channel of Obra, the construction began in 1852. The condition of drainage occurring on this course coming generally from the early 20th century and is unsatisfactory. This is the result of longstanding neglect and lack of maintenance. The first modernization works started in 1986. Undergoing on the North Channel of Obra are primarily made in the framework of four tasks, which was the regulation of the water course on a length of approximately 35 km 8 dams were built and 9 dams were demolished. The cost of upgrading the North Channel of The Obra was significantly different, what is the result of the works. They include the cost of reconstruction of the drainage channels, and the reconstruction of hydraulic structures. At this work, in addition to the needs assessment of the North Channel of Obra, further modernization needs were indicated.

The paper presents the results of the effects of control drainage (CD) on the groundwater table and subsurface outflow in Central Poland. The hydrologic model DRAINMOD was used to simulate soil water balance with drain spacing of 7 and 14 m, different initial groundwater Table 40, 60 and 80 cm b.s.l., and dates at the beginning of control drainage of 1 March, 15 March, 1 April, and 15 April. The CD restricts flow at the drain outlet to maintain a water table during the growing season. Simulations were made for the periods from March to September for the years 2014, 2017, and 2018, which were average, wet, and dry, respectively. The simulations showed a significant influence of the initial groundwater tables and date blocking the outflow from the drainage network on the obtained results. In the conditions of central Poland, the use of CD is rational only when it is started between 1 and 15 March. In this case, the groundwater table can be increased from 10 to 33 cm (7 m spacing) and from 10 to 41 cm (14 m spacing) in relation to the conventional system (free drainage&mdash, FD). In the case of blocking the outflow on 1 March, the reduction is about 80% on average in the period from March to September. With a delay in blocking the outflow, the impact of CDs decreases and ranges from 8% to 50%. Studies have shown that the proper use of the drainage network infrastructure complies with the idea of sustainable development, as it allows efficient water management, by reduction of the outflow and, thus, nitrates from agricultural areas. Furthermore, CD solutions can contribute to mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture by reducing drought and flood risk.