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Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) can improve phosphorus (P) nutrition and could serve as an environmentally friendly approach for sustainable crop production under P-limiting conditions. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of AM on different physiological traits and to quantify the responsiveness of different basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars to AM under low P availability. The basil cultivars ‘Genovese’, ‘Sweet Basil’, ‘Dark Opal’, and ‘Erevanskii’ were inoculated (AMI) using Rhizophagus irregularis. Photochemical efficiency and gas exchange were measured on AMI and non-inoculated (AMC) plants and, at harvest, the shoot biomass, shoot P concentration, root morphological traits, frequency of mycorrhizas in the roots (F%), and extent of root colonization (M%) were determined. Significant differences in F% and M% were found among the examined cultivars, with the highest found in ‘Dark Opal‘ and the lowest in ‘Erevanskii‘. AMI reduced the shoot biomass and increased the shoot P concentration as well as other examined root traits in ‘Genovese’ and ‘Erevanskii’, whereas it did not affect those traits in ‘Dark Opal’ and ‘Sweet Basil’, indicating differences in responsiveness to AM. AMI positively affected the gas-exchange parameters in all examined cultivars, probably due to the increased sink capacity of a bigger root system and/or AM structures within the roots.

Stony karst landscape in the Adriatic coastal area has been cultivated for centuries to grow Mediterranean crops. Shallow and less fertile soils were mostly used for rain-fed grapevine and olive production. Native grapevine cultivars are, in general, well adapted to the warm and droughty climate, but a rapid drift in weather patterns characterized mostly by long-lasting high temperature events during the growing season urges the producers to apply irrigation. This research, studying the effects of different irrigation levels on Babic grapevine performance, was carried out in two growing seasons (2015 and 2016) with contrasting weather conditions in a vineyard established on a parcel of land derived from the stony surface of a limestone plateau on the very edge of the Eastern Adriatic coast. The study evaluated the effects of different irrigation regimes based on the quantification of grapevine water use (50, 75, and 100 % of crop evapotranspiration) by measuring the total leaf area, leaf gas exchange performance, and grape yield and quality. The irrigation treatments increased the total leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, average transpiration rate, and average mesophyll CO2 concentration. The yield components and grape quality were also affected by the irrigation treatments. Positive effects of irrigation in both the experimental seasons were associated with increased yield and total soluble solids (TSS), as well as synchronized TSS and phenolic ripening. Furthermore, water stress positively affected the concentrations of anthocyanins and other polyphenols in both years of the study. In 2015, extremely high temperatures reduced the grape yield, juice yield, and anthocyanin content in grapes in non-irrigated vines as well as in all irrigation treatments. Irrigation was efficient in reducing these negative effects, except in the case of the anthocyanin content.

From 2014 to 2015 the influence of foliar application of sulphur on apple trees (Gloster cv.)was investigated in the apple orchard at the Research and Breeding Institute of Pomology in Holovousy (North-East Bohemia, Czech Republic). The experiment was based on foliar applications of fertilizers containing different forms of sulphur: elemental S0, sulphate SO4 2− and thiosulphate S2O3 2− (in combination with other macro- and microelements) and fungicides with or without sulphur: Kumulus (S0 + F) and the conventional fungicide programme (F), in the respective treatments. Apple scab incidence on leaves and fruits was investigated in each experimental year according to the relevant methodology of the OEPP/EPPO standard PP1/5(3) Venturia inaequalis. Data on the incidence of apple scab correlate with the process of pathogen life cycle and risk of infection on the given dates. The incidence of apple scab was the lowest in 2014 in treatment S0 + F (10.8 % on leaves, 2.8 % on fruits) and F (15.8 % on leaves, 6 % on fruits) where conventional fungicides were used. When compared with the other treatments these treatments were the most effective even if the incidence of scab in the individual treatments in 2015 increased by 28 to 60 % due to high infection pressure. The results confirmed the efficiency of the conventional fungicide programme (S0 + F and F) against apple scab incidence on fruits. What is more, the results were slightly better in the treatment, where the conventional fungicide programme was combined with fertilizer containing elemental S (S0 + F) in comparison with fungicides applied alone (F). The effect of the other forms of sulphur (SO4 and S2O3) on apple scab control has not been confirmed. According to the results, the application of the conventional fungicide programme (S0 + F and F) is more effective against scab incidence than the inorganic forms of sulphur alone.

Pseudogley is a soil characterized by vertical texture contrast and periodic stagnation of precipitation water. Its profile is often designated as A-Eg-Btg-Cg. It is the second most frequent soil type in Croatia, found almost exclusively on non-calcareous loess sediments in the Pannonian region of the country. The aim of this research was to determine if differences in particle size distribution and basic chemical properties exist among Pseudogleys formed along the 600–1100 mm mean annual precipitation (MAP) gradient on two different relief positions (plateau and slope) across the Pannonian region of Croatia. A total of 33 soil pits were dug in natural forests. The trends observed with soil depth for particle size distribution, organic C content, pH, Ca2 +/Mg2 + ratio, and base saturation point to the predominance of top-down formation of the investigated soil profiles. Both relief and climate influenced the distribution of Pseudogleys across the Pannonian region of Croatia. The incomplete homogeneity of loess parent materials across the study region governs the variations in clay content, silt content, and cation exchange capacity among the investigated Pseudogleys. Conversely, the increase in MAP along the investigated transect caused a decrease in soil pH, base saturation, and Ca2 +/Mg2 + ratio, and the increase in organic C content along the investigated profiles. Therefore, future studies of climate impact on loess-derived soils in this region should take into account only soil chemical properties that are not directly dependent on particle size distribution. The relief position on which soil pits were situated had no effect on soil characteristics. Hence, it seems that Pseudogleys should not be systemized according to their position on plateau or on slope, as it is the case in some classification systems.

The long tradition of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Croatia has resulted in the development of many landraces, which create a valuable basis for screening different physiological traits. Studying gas exchange parameters could provide valuable information that could be useful in creating new crop germplasm with enhanced agronomic attributes. Variability of gas exchange parameters, such as the net photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), light use efficiency (LUE), and water use efficiency (WUE) were studied on the collection of 226 common bean accessions and the relationship of the gas exchange parameters with the origin and morphological traits was tested. The highest variability among all landraces was found for the WUE and gs, and lowest for the A and LUE traits, indicating high potential of these traits to be used for selection and breeding programs. Accessions of the Mesoamerican origin had higher A and LUE and lower Ci values compared to accessions of the Andean origin. Accessions with the determinate growth had higher gs and Ci values and lower A, LUE and WUE values compared to accessions with the indeterminate growth. The variance components analysis showed that the growth type has a more pronounced effect on gs, Ci and WUE, whereas the origin has a stronger impact on A and LUE. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that A separates accessions according to their origin, whereas Ci separates accessions according to their growth type. Accessions with higher Ci had lower A, indicating possibly higher rates of carboxylation per active site on the enzyme and/or higher regeneration capacity of Ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate (RuPB) in the Calvin cycle in accession with high A.

Soil is a non-renewable resource, so it should be taken care of it. High quality food with sufficient yield for a growing human population can be produced only if plant nutrients are added to the soil by fertilizers to increase soil fertility, but the fertilizers have to be used economically, with the aim of raising the nutrient content available in the soil in order to meet plants’ needs. The goal of the present investigation was to determine the effect of application of organic and mineral fertilizers as well as the effect of research environment on micronutrient content in red beet root. A field trial (2003–2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method, with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t stable manure*ha-1 , 500 and 1, 000 kg NPK 5-20-30*ha-1 ). After digestion of plant material with concentrated HNO3, iron, manganese, and zinc were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The highest average red beet root micronutrient contents (270 mg Fe*kg-1 in dry matter, 96 mg Zn*kg-1 in dry matter, and 53 mg Mn*kg-1 in dry matter) were determined in the first research environment (Brašljevica in 2003) with low potassium soil content. There was a general decreasing trend in contents of the studied micronutrients (Fe, Mn and Zn) with NPK 5-20-30 fertilization (and by application of high doses of potassium), certainly due to antagonistic activity with potassium. It is suggested to fertilize with both 500 kg NPK 5-20-30*ha-1 and microelement fertilizers.

Plant densities play an important role on plant N uptake and affecting yield quality and quantity. The main objective was to study effect of the different nitrogen levels and plant densities on N recovery and yield quality and quantity. A split-plot trial with six N levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha-1) as main factor and three in-row seed distances (25, 30 and 35 cm) was conducted on private farm near Gospić, Croatia during two growing seasons in 2009 and 2010. The total fresh tuber yield increased significantly by N application in both years and by reducing in-row seed distance in 2009, but difference between N levels was insignificant. Highest fresh tuber yield with significantly fewer portions of small sized tubers was obtained by application 150 kg N ha-1 in 2009 growth season. Significantly highest tuber yield was obtained by application 150 kg N ha-1 in combination with 35 cm in-row seed distance in 2010 growth season only. By increasing in-row seed space from 25 to 35 total fresh tuber yields increased mostly by significant decreasing portion of small sized tubers and by increasing portion of medium or large sized tubers. Nitrogen recovery increased by plant density and decreased by increasing N application levels.

Aluminium (AP+) toxicity can cause inhibition of plant root growth and disturbance of its activity. A13+ can cause displacement of cations such as calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) from the apoplast of root cells and in addition can inhibit their uptake. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of toxic levels ofAl3+ on uptake and translocation ofCa2+ and Mg2+ of potato plants. Eleven potato cultivars were vegetatively grown on nutrient solutions pH 4, 0 with three different levels of toxic aluminium (0, 25, 0, 5 and 1, 0 mMAl3+ L-l), and control (without AI3+). After six days of growth, plants were divided on roots and shoots, and the concentrations of Al 3+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ of potato roots and shoots were determined. Significant differences in concentrations of AI3+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in both roots and shoots were found among potato cultivars grown on nutrient solutions with different levels of AI3+. The significantly highest concentrations of A13+ in roots and shoots were determined in plants grown on nutrient solution with 1, 0 mMAI3+ L-1, 27 213 mg kg-l of dry weight (DW) and 200, 36 mg kg-l DW, respectively. Concentrations ofCa2+ and Mg2+ in roots and shoots significantly decrease with increasing A13-! concentrations in nutrient solutions, with lowest concentrations in plants grown on solution with 1, 0 mMAI3+L-1, 0, 75 % and 1, 58 % ofCa2+ and 0, 55 % and 0, 46 % ofMg2+ in roots and shoots, respectively.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of three foliar fertilizers (Epso Salt, Megagreen and Drin) and control treatment (with no foliar fertilizer) on the chlorophyll content index, tuber size and yield of potato crop grown under water stress conditions. The experiment was conducted during three growing seasons (2005, 2006 and 2007) in the greenhouse using variety 'Courage' and arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. Foliar fertilization was carried out five times during vegetation in the period from the start of tuber formation to the stage of full tuberization. Water stress was induced at the full tuberization growth stage. There was no significant difference in chlorophyll content index in potato leaf influenced by foliar fertilizers between water stress conditions and optimum water supply. However, tuber yield was significantly reduced by an average of 15 % under water stress conditions. In addition, water stress resulted in a significantly higher number of 0-25 mm size tubers, but lower number of 50-75 mm size tubers. Foliar application of Epso Salt brought about similar tuber yields under conditions of water stress and optimum water supply. In contrast, Megagreen, Drin and control treatment achieved significantly higher tuber yield under optimum water supply when compared to water stress conditions.

Svojstva poljoprivrednih tala su pod dominantnim utjecajem agrotehničkih zahvata. Provedbom tih zahvata, neka se svojstva tla dugoročno pogoršavaju. Prenamjenom prirodnog tla u poljoprivredno, često dolazi i do pojačane erozije. Erozijom može doći do promjena u strukturi i teksturi tla, zbog kojih se mogu mijenjati i brojna druga svojstva tla. Stoga je cilj ovog rada bio istražiti u kojoj mjeri način korištenja zemljišta i nagib terena od 12% utječu na značajke pseudogleja obronačnog na obiteljskom gospodarstvu Šipek u Donjoj Zelini. Dodatni cilj bio je ispitati da li su svojstva pseudogleja na oranici izmijenjena u tolikoj mjeri, da se to tlo može svrstati u oranično semiterestrično tlo (sensu Husnjak, 2014). Sondiranjem su istražena četiri profila tla, od čega dva na gornjem, a dva na donjem dijelu padine (udaljenost između gornjeg i donjeg dijela padine bila je 50 m). Pritom je, na svakom dijelu padine, jedan profil istražen na prije tridesetak godina napuštenom poljoprivrednom zemljištu (livada), a drugi na oranici. Utvrđena su temeljna svojstva tla (morfologija tla, mehanički sastav tla, reakcija tla i parametri adsorpcijskog kompleksa tla, sadržaj humusa, sadržaj fiziološki aktivnog fosfora i kalija). Utvrđeno je da se, unatoč različitim načinima korištenja zemljišta, istražena tla međusobno razlikuju samo u ograničenoj mjeri (ponajprije u različitom sadržaju hraniva). Zaključeno je da, nakon što se tlo prestane koristiti za biljnu proizvodnju, njegova svojstva vrlo sporo dolaze u ravnotežu s prirodnim faktorima pedogeneze, tj. uvjetima okoliša. Stoga se i tlo na oranici i tlo na livadi mogu svrstati u oranično semiterestrično tlo. Zbog odnošenja materijala tijekom pedogeneze, nagib terena je uvjetovao povećanje ekološke dubine tla duž istražene padine. Naime, na gornjem dijelu obronka, na dubini tla 80-110 cm, utvrđen je stariji, znatno glinovitiji i zbijeniji horizont, u odnosu na horizonte iznad njega. Recentni tokovi materijala niz padinu općenito su neznatno utjecali na istražena svojstva tla. Stoga se može zaključiti da, u uvjetima humidne klime, na padinama dužine do oko 50 m i nagiba do oko 12%, erozija na praškasto ilovastim tlima nema uvijek značajan utjecaj na svojstva tla. Ipak, potrebno je provesti istraživanje s većim brojem opažanja (kako duž padine, tako i unutar pojedinih segmenata padine), i to na padinama različitih dužina. Također, utjecaj erozije tla treba procjenjivati pri raznovrsnim načinima korištenja zemljišta, odnosno pri različitim sustavima obrade tla., Properties of agricultural soils are dominantly affected by agro-technical interventions. These interventions lead to deterioration of some soil properties in the long run. Conversion of natural soil into agricultural soil also often leads to enhanced erosion. Erosion may induce changes in soil structure and texture, thus affecting a number of other soil properties. Hence, the aim of this study was to asses the extent to which both land use and 12% slope inclination affect properties of Pseudogley on slope at the Šipek family farm in Donja Zelina. Additional aim was to investigate whether, on ploughland, the properties of the studied Pseudogley changed to the extent that this soil could be systemized as Ploughland semi-terrestrial soil (sesu Husnjak, 2014). Four soil profiles were investigated by auger. Two of these profiles were on the upper part of the slope, and two were on the lower part of the slope (the distance between the two parts of the slope was 50 m). On both parts of the slope, one profile was on an agricultural land abandoned some 30 years ago (meadow), and the other was on a ploughland. Basic soil properties were determined (soil morphology, particle size distribution, pH and parameters of the adsorption complex, humus content, physiologically active phosphorus and potassium) contents. It was noted that the different land uses caused the soils to differ one from the other only to a limited extent (most notably, in soil nutrients contents). It was inferred that, once soil stopped being used as a ploughland, it regained balance with natural soilforming factors (i.e., with environmental conditions) very slowly. Hence, both the soil on the polughland and the soil on the meadow may be systemized as Ploughland semi-terrestrial soils. Inclination caused the increase of the ecological soil depth along the slope. Namely, due to washout during pedogenesis, on the upper part of the slope, at the depth of 80-110 cm, we observed an older, more clayey and more compacted horizon, compared with the above-lying horizons. Recent flows of material down the slope affected soil properties only slightly. It appears that, in humid climate, on slopes that are up to about 50 m long and up to about 12% inclined, erosion on silt loam soils does not always significantly impact soil properties. However, this should be confirmed by using a higher number of observations (both along the slope and within the slope segments) on slopes with differing lengths. Further, soil erosion should be assessed across various land uses, i.e., across different soil tillage systems.

Utjecaj reakcije tla na dinamiku kationskog odnosa (K/Ca+Mg) u lišću vinove loze istraživan je u razdoblju 2009-2010. godine na vinogradarskoj podregiji Plešivica. Istraživanja su provedena na sorti Souvignon bijeli (podloga SO4). Formirano je 9 pokusnih parcela u pravilnom kvadratnom rasporedu 3 x 3, a svaka od njih uključivala je 2 reda sa po 20 trsova, na dva lokaliteta: Rečki gaj (distrični kambisol, pseudoglej – pHKCl 3, 65–4, 35) i Borička (rendzina na laporu – pHKCl 7, 30–7, 35). Reakcija tla utvrđena je na početku vegetacije na obje lokacije, dok su za utvrđivanje dinamike kationskog odnosa u lišću vinove loze uzorci biljnog materijala uzimani tri puta tijekom vegetacije: u fazi cvatnje, fazi šare i u berbi. U berbi su uzeti i uzorci grožđa te su u moštu određeni količina šećera i ukupne kiseline. U obje godine istraživanja, u svim fazama vegetacije, utvrđen je širi odnos K/Ca+Mg na kiselom tlu (2009. god.: 0, 21-0, 48, 2010. god: 0, 34-0, 87) u odnosu na alkalno tlo (2009. god.: 0, 14-0, 31 ; 2010. god.: 0, 22-0, 59). Najveće vrijednosti odnosa (K/Ca+Mg) utvrđene su u fazi cvatnje, a padaju prema fazi berbe i na kiselom i na alkalnom tlu. Veće količine šećera u moštu utvrđene su na alkalnom tlu (23, 07- 28, 32 % Brixa) u odnosu na kiselo tlo (20, 50–26, 11 % Brixa), dok su količine ukupnih kiselina bile veće u moštu na kiselom tlu (4, 96–7, 26 g L-1) u odnosu na alkalno tlo (4, 33–6, 77 g L-1), u obje godine istraživanja.

Potato is grown worldwide, in some cases in very acid soils. Aluminum (Al) is a major limiting factor for crop productivity in acid soils. Al toxicity was studied mainly on plant roots, while less attention was given to its effects on leaves. Al tolerance observed in solution cultures has rarely been correlated with Al tolerance in acid soils. Al tolerance was assessed in 12 potato cultivars grown in nutrient solutions containing 0, 25, and 50 μmol Al L−1 by its relative root elongation (RRE). The effect of acid soil with high level of exchangeable Al on leaf mineral content, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency (WUE), and light use efficiency (LUE) was studied on cultivars, with the greatest differences in RRE (cv. Tresor, 63.1 and 42.5% and cv. Canberra, 23.3 and 19.2%, for the 25 and 50 μmol Al L−1 treatments, respectively), grown for 49 days after planting (DAP) in acid and limed soil. Growth in acid soil significantly reduced concentrations of nitrogen (−18.51%) and magnesium (−27.17%) in the leaves in cv. Canberra and concentrations of potassium and copper in both cultivars. Canberra grown in acid soil showed a significant decrease in chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate, from 28 to 49 DAP, and in transpiration rate and LUE when averaged across all measurements, while cv. Tresor was not affected. Physiological disorders observed on leaves of plants grown in acid soil can be correlated with the differences in Al tolerance observed in nutrient solutions.

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj folijarnih gnojiva na sadržaj suhe tvari i koncentraciju mineralnih elemenata u gomolju krumpira. Pokusi s tri tretmana folijarne gnojidbe (Epso Salt, Drin i Megagreen) te kontrolom (bez primjene folijarnih gnojiva) provedeni su u tri ponavljanja po shemi slučajno-bloknog rasporeda u plasteniku Agronomskog fakulteta tijekom vegetacijskih sezona 2006. i 2007. Folijarna gnojidba provedena je pet puta tijekom vegetacijskih sezona, u intervalima od deset dana, u razdoblju od faze inicijacije gomolja do faze fiziološke zrelosti. Sadržaj suhe tvari značajno se razlikovao pod utjecajem folijarnih tretmana u pojedinim vegetacijskim sezonama. U vegetacijskoj sezoni 2007. značajno veći sadržaj suhe tvari u gomolju ostvaren je kod tretmana Megagreen u odnosu na kontrolu. U 2006. sadržaj suhe tvari u gomolju krumpira nije bio pod utjecajem folijarnih tretmana. Najveća koncentracija dušika u gomolju utvrđena je kod tretmana Epso Salt u odnosu na kontrolu. Utjecaj folijarnih tretmana na koncentraciju fosfora, kalija i magnezija u gomolju nije bio značajan. Koncentracija kalcija u gomolju značajno je varirala pod utjecajem folijarnih tretmana u vegetacijskim sezonama. U 2006. najveću koncentraciju kalcija u gomolju ostvarila je kontrola, dok je u 2007. najveća koncentracija kalcija u gomolju utvrđena kod tretmana Epso Salt., The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foliar fertilizers on dry matter content and concentration of mineral elements in potato tubers. The experiments with three foliar fertilization treatments (Epso Salt, Drin and Megagreen) and control (without application of foliar fertilizers) were carried out in three replications and arranged in a randomized complete block design. The experiments were conducted in the greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture during the vegetation seasons 2006 and 2007. Foliar fertilization was carried out five times during the vegetation seasons in ten-day intervals, in the period from the beginning of tuber formation to the stage of full tuberization. Dry matter content differed significantly under the influence of foliar treatments in different vegetation seasons. Significantly higher dry matter content in potato tubers was achieved in 2007 by Megagreen treatment compared to control. In 2006, dry matter content in potato tubers was not affected by foliar treatments. Significantly the highest concentration of nitrogen in tubers was found in Epso Salt treatment compared to control. The effect of foliar treatments on concentration of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in tubers was not significant. The concentration of calcium in tubers significantly varied under the influence of foliar treatments in vegetation seasons. In 2006 the highest concentration of calcium in tubers achieved control, while in 2007 the highest concentration of calcium in tubers was determined in Epso Salt treatment.

Trave se koriste za stvaranje bogatih i kvalitetnih travnjaka. Kod proizvodnje travnog busena (tepiha) važan faktor je dobro razvijen korijen koji služi za opskrbu biljke vodom i hranjivim elementima, ali i zato što, kad je dobro razvijen i rasprostranjen na dubini 3-5cm, omogućava lakše rezanje traka jer onemogućava rasipanje tla te time olakšava pakiranje, transport i postavljanje samih traka. Glavnina korijena trave nalazi se na 3-10cm dubine. Nejednaka raspodjela vode i hraniva u tlu uzrokuje promjene u morfologiji i distribuciji korijenovog sustava. Zbog važnosti korijenovog sustava u proizvodnji travnog busen (tepiha), cilj rada bio je istražiti kako gnojidba različitim gnojivima utječe na njegov rast i razvoj, prvenstveno oplošje. U tu svrhu je u tvrtki “„Hortikultura Ćustić“ u Botincu, proveden poljski gnojidbeni pokus s travnim busenom metodom latinskog kvadrata s pet tretmana kako slijedi: a) kontrola – negnojeno [kont]; b) 100gm-2 NPK 15-15-15 predsjetveno [NPK]; c) 100gm-2 NPK 15-15-15 uz 15gm-2 KAN-a predsjetveno, te tri prihrane s po 15gm-2 KAN-a [NPK+KAN]; d) 100gm-2 NPK 15-15-15 uz 15gm-2 amonijevog sulfata predsjetveno te tri prihrane s po 15gm-2 amonijevog sulfata [NPK+AS]; e) 100gm-2 NPK 15-15-15 uz 10Lm-2 kiselog litvanijskog treseta predsjetveno [NPK+tres]. Sjeme trave izravno je sijano na tlo i utisnuto valjkom. Uzorkovanje korijena provedeno je u četiri navrata valjkastom sondom od nehrđajućeg inoksa promjera 5cm, kreiranoj upravo za tu namjenu, na tri dubine. Korijen je odvojen od čestica tla, skeniran na Epson perfection V700 skeneru upravljan WinRhizo softverom. Podaci su obrađeni uz pomoć statističkog programskog paketa SAS System for Win Ver. 9.1. Temeljem rezultata istraživanja o oplošju korijena sugerira se gnojidba sa 100gm-2 NPK 15-15-15 u kombinaciji s 15gm-2 KAN-a predsjetveno i s mjesečnim prihranama s po 15g0m-2 KAN-a jer je takva gnojidba rezultirala povoljnim oplošjem korijena koji može osigurati dovoljno hraniva za kvalitetan i lijep izgled nadzemnog dijela što je pokazala i vizualna dijagnostika na terenu., Grasses are used to create rich and high-quality lawn. For the production of turfgrass important factor is the well-developed root that supplies the plant with water and nutrient elements, but also when it is well developed and wide spread in depth 3-5 cm allows easier cutting turfgrass stripes of lawn, in order to prevent wasting of soil and packaging, transporting and setting the strips. The majority of grass roots is in between 3-10 cm below the soil surface. Unequal distribution of water and nutrients in the soil causes a change in morphology and distribution of root system. Because of the importance of the root system in the production of turfgrass, the aim of this study was to investigate effects of different fertilization on growth and development of turfgrass. For this purpose, in the company “Horticultura Ćustić” in Botinec, the field fertilization experiment was conducted with turfgrass by Latin square method with five treatments as follows: a) control-unfertilized [cont]; b) 100 g m-2 NPK15-15-15 before sowing [NPK]; c) 100 g m-2 NPK15-15- 15 with 15 g m-2 KAN before sowing, and three applications of topdressing with 15 g m-2 KAN [NPK+KAN]; d) 100 g m-2 NPK15-15-15 with 15 g m-2 ammonium sulfate before sowing and three applications of topdressing with 15 g m-2 ammonium sulfate [NPK+AS]; e) 100 g m-2 NPK15-15-15 with 10 L m-2 Lithuanian acid peat before sowing [NPK+peat]. Grass seed was sown directly on the soil, and pressed into the ground with a roller. Root sampling was conducted on four occasions with cylindrical probe 5 cm in diameter stainless inox, created precisely for this purpose, in 3 depths. The root was separated from the soil particles, scanned on Epson Perfection V700 scanner driven by WinRhizo software. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SAS System for WinVer.9.1. Based on the results of research on root surface area we suggest fertilizing with 100 g m-2 15-15-15 NPK in combination with 15 g m-2 KAN before sowing and monthly topdressing with 15 g m-2 KAN because such fertilization can provide enough nutrients for good quality and beautiful appearance of turfgrass revealed by visual diagnosis in the field.

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi utjecaj folijarnih gnojiva na prinos i broj gomolja krumpira te strukturu gomolja po broju i masi. Dvogodišnji pokusi s tri tretmana folijarne gnojidbe (Epso Salt, Drin i Megagreen) te kontrolom provedeni su u tri ponavljanja po shemi randomiziranog split-plot dizajna. Folijarna gnojidba provedena je pet puta tijekom vegetacije u razdoblju od faze inicijacije gomolja do faze fiziološke zrelosti. Kod tretmana Megagreen i kontrole utvrđen je značajno veći prinos gomolja krumpira u odnosu na ostale tretmane. Nije utvrđen bitan utjecaj nijednog tretmana na broj i masu gomolja veličine 0-25 i 25-50 mm. U usporedbi s kontrolom, tretman Drin rezultirao je u značajno manjem broju i masi gomolja veličine > 50 mm u odnosu na kontrolu. Nisu utvrđene bitne razlike u broju i masi gomolja veličine > 50 mm između tretmana Epso Salt i Megagreen u odnosu na kontrolu., The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foliar fertilizers on yield and tuber number of potato and tuber structure by number and weight. Two-years experiments with three foliar fertilization treatments (Epso Salt, Drin and Megagreen) and control were conducted in three replications and arranged in a randomized split-plot design. Foliar fertilization was carried out five times during vegetation in the period from the start of tuber formation to the stage of full tuberization. Treatment Megagreen and control had significantly higher yield of potato tubers compared to other treatments. There was no significant effect of any treatments on the number and weight of 0-25 and 25-50 mm size tubers. Significantly lower number and weight of > 50 mm size tubers were found in Drin treatment compared to control. There were no significant differences in the number and weight of > 50 mm size tubers between the Epso Salt and Megagreen compared to control.

Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) have often been used to study the ecological effects of different agricultural measures. The present study was conducted in 2004 and 2005 on 22 corn fields located in the central and east parts of Croatia. The ground beetle fauna was studied during the whole growing season by placing 3 pitfall traps in each of the 9 corn fields in 2004 and the 13 corn fields in 2005. For each field agricultural practices were recorded. Traps were checked, every two weeks. All ground beetles were identified to species level. Pterostichus melanarius (IIIiger, 1798) and Pseudoophonus rufipes (De Geer, 1774), two common species in crop fields, were analysed to determine species distribution and abundance. In 2004, 3322 Carabidae belonging to 16 different ground beetle species were identified . In 2005, 1061 specimens belonging to 24 species were collected. P. melanarius was found in 7 out of 8 localities in 2004 and in all 13 localities in 2005. The dominance of this species varied from 7.69% to 36% in 2004 and from 5% to 95% in 2005. This species was designated as dominant at 2 localities in 2004 and 2 localities in 2005 while at all other localities it was designated as eudominant. P. rufipes has been found in 7 localities in 2004 and in 12 localities in 2005. The dominance of this species varied from 47% to 73% in 2004 and from 1.56% to 74.45% in 2005. This species was designated as eudominant at all localities in 2004 and in 11 localities in 2005 while at one locality in 2005 it was designated as subdominant. P. melanarius was a constant species in both years with a frequency index of 71.8% in 2004 and 66% in 2005, respectively. P. rufipes was a constant species in 2004 with a frequency index of 71.8% and an accessory species in 2005 with a frequency index of 44%. The impact of climatic conditions (temperatures and rainfall), agricultural practices (previous crop) and field maintenance (insecticide application and use of manure) on individual numbers of collected ground beetles is discussed., Istraživanja vezana na trčke (Coleoptera, Carabidae) često se provode radi utvrđivanja ekoloških učinaka različitih agrotehničkih mjera. Godine 2004. i 2005. na 22 lokaliteta smještena u središnjem i istočnom dijelu Hrvatske obavljena su istraživanja vezana na porodicu trčaka. U svako od 9 polja kukuruza u 2004. i 13 polja u 2005. postavljene su tri lovne posude. Posude su postavljene tijekom svibnja, pražnjene su svaka dva tjedna, a istraživanje je trajalo do kraja vegetacijske sezone. Svi uhvaćeni primjerci iz porodice Carabidae determinirani su do vrste. Ukupan broj determiniranih vrsta, broj svih jedinki te broj jedinki Pterostichus melanarius i Pseudoophonus rufipes bili su osnova za utvrđivanje dominantnosti i učestalosti tih dviju vrsta. Ukupno je u 2004. utvrđeno 3322 primjeraka, pripadnika 16 različitih vrsta trčaka. U 2005. utvrđen je 1061 primjerak iz 24 vrste. Vrsta P. melanarius nađena je na sedam lokaliteta u 2004. i na svih 13 lokaliteta u 2005. Dominantnost ove vrste kretala se od 7,69 % do 36 % u 2004., te od 5 % do 95 % u 2005. godini, te je označena kao dominantna na dva lokaliteta u 2004. i na dva lokaliteta u 2005., a na ostalim je lokalitetima eudominantna. P. rufipes nađen je na sedam lokaliteta u 2004. i na 12 lokaliteta u 2005. godini. Dominantnost se kretala od 47 % do 73 % u 2004., te od 1,53 % do 74,45 % u 2005. godini. Na svim lokalitetima u 2004. i na 11 lokaliteta u 2005. bila je eudominantna, a na jednom je lokalitetu u 2005. bila subdominantna. Vrsta P. melanarius konstantna je u obje godine s indeksom frekvencije od 71,8 % u 2004. i 66 % u 2005. godini. P. rufipes bio je konstantan u 2004. s indeksom frekvencije od 71,8 % i akcesoran u 2005. s indeksom frekvencije od 44 %. Zabilježen je utjecaj klimatskih uvjeta (temperatura i padalina) te agronomske prakse (predusjev, primjena insekticida i korištenje organskih gnojiva) na broj prikupljenih trčaka.

The research aim was to determine the influence of different organic and mineral fertilization treatments and post-harvest treatments on the content of nitrogen and crude proteins in the edible part of beetroot (Beta vulgaris var. conditiva). A field trial (2003-2005) was set up in a hilly part of Croatia according to the Latin square method with four types of fertilization (control, 50 t ha-1 stable manure, 500 and 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30), while treatments involved harvested fresh beetroot and stored fresh beetroot. The highest dry weight (DW) content was determined in climatologically favourable 2004 (average 14.8% DW) and in the treatment with 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30 (15.6% DW) in harvested beetroot. In 2004 and 2005, the highest levels of nitrogen and crude proteins in harvested beetroot were determined in the treatment with 1000 kg ha-1 NPK 5-20-30 (2.41 and 2.43 g N kg-1 in fresh weight and 15.07 and 15.21 g crude proteins kg-1 in fresh weight, respectively). Regardless of fertilization treatment or studied year, nitrogen and crude protein contents were higher in stored than in harvested beetroot, by 12% on average. The lowest crude protein content was determined in treatment with stable manure what confirmed that protein content decreased by organic fertilization. It can be concluded that beetroot lost some water during the storage period, which increased its content of nitrogen and crude proteins in fresh weight and thus increased the nutritional quality of beetroot as a functional food.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume crop. In Croatia, many different common bean landraces are grown mostly on small farms and in kitchen gardens. The aim of this research was to determine and compare nutrient content of Croatian common bean landraces and to test the existence of the relationship between common bean nutrient content with origin of accessions. A total of 226 common bean accessions from all over Croatia were collected, grown in unreplicated field trial at the experimental field in Zagreb, harvested and analyzed for nutrient content. Results showed high nutrient content, but clear difference between Mesoamerican and Andean gene pool regards the nutrient profile of Croatian common bean landraces was not determined. Regardless of gene pool, the average nutrient content in dry weight of Croatian common bean landraces was in range: 3.13–3.92% N, 0.49–0.57% P, 1.38–1.66% K, 0.34–0.42% Ca, 0.17–0.2% Mg, 63.75–75.77 mg Fe∙kg-1, 13.55–19.94 mg Mn∙kg-1 and 24.98–29.32 mg Zn∙kg-1. Present research provides a solid basis for future breeding programs and improvement of common bean traits., Grah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) važna je kultura iz porodice mahunarki. U Hrvatskoj, različiti tradicijski kultivari graha pretežito se uzgajaju na malim gospodarstvima i u povrtnjacima. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi i usporediti količinu hranivih tvari u hrvatskim tradicijskim kultivarima graha, te utvrditi postojanje povezanosti količine hranivih tvari i podrijetla primki. Ukupno je prikupljeno 226 primki graha, iz cijele Hrvatske, koje su uzgojene u poljskom pokusu bez ponavljanja na pokušalištu u Zagrebu. Nakon berbe izvršena je analiza na količinu hranivih tvari. Rezultati su pokazali značajnu količinu hranivih tvari, ali jasne razlike, temeljem određenih količina hraniva u hrvatskim tradicijskim kultivarima graha, nisu utvrđene između kultivara mezoameričkog i andskog porijekla. Neovisno o porijeklu kultivara, prosječna količina hranivih tvari u suhoj tvari hrvatskih tradicijskih kultivara graha bila je u sljedećim rasponima: 3,13–3,92% N, 0,49–0,57% P, 1,38–1,66% K, 0,34–0,42% Ca, 0,17–0,2% Mg, 63,75-75,77 mg Fe∙kg-1, 13,55–19,94 mg Mn∙kg-1 i 24,98–29,32 mg Zn∙kg-1. Provedeno istraživanje predstavlja dobar temelj za buduća istraživanja s ciljem oplemenjivanja i poboljšanja svojstava graha.

Root architectural traits are of fundamental importance for plant performance, especially under unfavorable soil conditions. This study examined the effect of aluminum (Al) toxicity in different growing media (nutrient solutions and soil) on root architecture of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with different Al tolerances. Seedlings were grown in acidic and limed soil and in two contrasting nutrient solutions. Root systems of soil-grown plants were scanned using x-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) while that of nutrient solution–grown plants were assesses using WinRhizo, 3 and 5 days after planting (DAP), respectively. Aluminum caused significant reduction of all examined root traits (number of seminal roots, root length, length of the longest seminal root, root surface area, and root volume). Growth in acidic soil caused significant reduction in root length, length of the longest seminal root, and root surface area at 5 DAP. Soil-grown plants produced a larger root system compared to plants grown in nutrient solutions. Aluminum toxicity–induced differences of root traits were also found between different nutrient solutions. Beside the well-known reduction of root length, Al toxicity had a profound effect on other root architectural traits. X-ray µCT has revealed root architectural changes under specific conditions of acidic, Al-toxic soil. Differences obtained in Al-induced effects on root architecture between different nutrient solutions as well as between different growing systems emphasize the need for further study of root architecture, especially under specific conditions of Al toxicity in acidic soils.