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Harvest-mature fruits of the pear cv. Zaosuli (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) were stored at 1.0-1.5°C under two different experimental atmospheres. The controlled atmosphere (CA) had low oxygen (2.0%) and high CO2 (7%), while the regular atmosphere (RA) had 20.9% O2 and 0.1% CO2. Sixty-four volatile compounds were subsequently detected and quantified by solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) including 1 hydrocarbon, 16 alcohols, 15 aldehydes, 4 ketones, 15 esters, 8 terpenes, 2 lactones and 2 fatty acids. The principal component analysis of data was carried out to assess the effects of these post-harvest storage conditions in comparison to fruit stored in air at room temperature for 5 days. Thirteen compounds were found to be sufficient to differentiate the two different pear treatments, which were followed by subsequent warming to 20°C. The observed differences in the production of volatiles between the start of storage and 40 days later (RA), or 40 days later (CA), are principally due to just four compounds, namely n-hexanol, 2-furaldehyde, cis-geraniol and α-damascenone. Ethylene production is also lower in the CA treatment. The higher concentration of CO2 in the CA treatment causes a rise in respiration rates due to anaerobic respiration.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the changes of different soil sulfur forms during long-term field experiments supplied with sewage sludge (SS), farmyard manure (FYM) or mineral fertilizers. The experiment was established at three different sites with the crop rotation of potatoes, wheat and barley. Fertilizing system was based on the same nitrogen dose per the whole crop rotation. Soil samples from the beginning of the experiment (1996) and at the end of each crop rotation were analysed after all three crops harvest. Similar tendencies of changes in water extractable (Sw), adsorbed (Sads), 1 mol/L HCl estimated (SHCL) sulfur and their sum of (∑S) related to the fertilizing systems were observed among all studied sites. A decreasing tendency of ∑S in soil was observed during the experiment (except for the year 2005). The biggest decrease was always visible compared to control treatment. Mineral fertilizers (S added with superphosphate) appeared to be the best source of SHCL. Application of SS increased the Sw content in soil samples after potatoes harvest, whereas a decreasing tendency among the following crops was visible. Contents of other S forms (Sw at control, FYM and mineral fertilizers included) were usually balanced during the crop rotation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate nitrogen (N) efficiency from different organic and mineral fertilizers applied to the spring barley. Dry matter yield, N content and N uptake of spring barley from 16 years of experiments at two sites in the Czech Republic with different soil and climatic conditions were analyzed. For assessing of nitrogen efficiency nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE, kg/kg), recovery efficiency of applied N (%), agronomic efficiency of applied N (kg/kg) and summary N balances (ΣΔN, kg/ha) were observed. Six fertilization treatments were utilized: no fertilization (control); sewage sludge; farmyard manure (FYM); N in mineral fertilizers (N); NPK in mineral fertilizers (NPK) and N in mineral fertilizers + straw (N + ST). Yields were about 68% higher at NPK (S1 site) and 55% at N + ST (S2 site) in comparison with control. The highest NUtE was recorded at both locations after application of FYM. Higher NUtE from mineral fertilizers was obtained at low productive S1 site. At both sites a trend of decreasing ΣΔN over time was observed. At both sites a trend of decreasing negative N balance was observed. At lower productive site the decline of N balance was minimized for mineral fertilizers treatments in last experimental years. At higher productive site the differences between treatments with mineral nitrogen and control were lower and the decline of N balance continued over all 16 years of experiment duration.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the changes of Mehlich 3 - P, K, Ca and Mg contents in soil during a long-term field experiments with sewage sludge, farmyard manure (FYM) and mineral NPK (NPK) application, compared to the control non-fertilized treatment. The experiment was established at the Humpolec and Suchdol sites (Czech Republic). Potatoes, wheat and barley were grown in crop rotation. Fertilizing system was based on the same nitrogen dose of 330 kg N/ha per one crop rotation. Archive soil samples from the beginning of the experiment (1996) and from the end of each year's crop rotation (1999, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2011) were analyzed. In spite of the different soil-climatic conditions of the studied sites, very similar tendencies of P, K, Ca and Mg contents changes after the fertilizing systems used were observed in the soil. In case of the same nitrogen dose (330 kg N/ha), sewage sludge appeared to be better source of bioavailable soil phosphorus compared to the farmyard manure and NPK. On the contrary, FYM was a better source of bioavailable potassium and magnesium, despite the lower total magnesium content in FYM. The NPK treatment was the best long-term source of bioavailable potassium.

In field experiments over three vegetation periods (2010-2012) we studied impact of the CULTAN (controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition) method on yield and yield parameters of kernel maize. The field experiments were conducted at three sites with different soil-climatic conditions. CULTAN treatments were fertilized once with the total amount of nitrogen using an injection machine (at the canopy height of 20 cm) and compared to conventional fertilization with calcium ammonium nitrate application at pre-sowing preparations. In all treatments the amount of nitrogen was the same, 140 kg N/ha. In 2010 at Humpolec site, CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate + inhibitor of nitrification treatment gave by 20.5% higher number of ears compared to CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate treatment. In 2011 at Ivanovice all CULTAN treatments reached statistically significantly higher number of kernels per ear. The higher 1000 kernel weight at CULTAN treatments was observed in 2012 at the Ivanovice site; a statistically significant difference between conventional and CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate + inhibitor of nitrification treatment was observed. Fertilization of maize with nitrogen using the CULTAN method under the conditions of the Czech Republic provides the same yield certainty as the conventional surface application and the CULTAN method of fertilization increases the yield certainty at delayed sowing. Harvest index was statistically significantly influenced by year, fertilization treatment and site.

Influence of CULTAN system (controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition) on the nitrogen uptake by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was observed at 5-year small-plot field experiments under conditions of the Czech Republic (central Europe). Nitrogen uptake by CULTAN-fertilized plants was more even during vegetation period probably due to delayed term of fertilizer application. Nitrogen concentration in the aboveground biomass at BBCH 51 and in straw had no effect on grain yield. Post-heading nitrogen uptake as well as contribution of nitrogen translocation to total nitrogen in grain did not differ among both nitrogen fertilization treatments. Increase in grain size of spring barley by the CULTAN system can be explained by tendency to lower number of ears per area rather than by prolonged nitrogen uptake from soil. Lower protein content in grain of CULTAN-fertilized spring barley can be caused by increase in grain retained on a 2.5 mm sieve and also decrease in total nitrogen concentration in above-ground biomass at BBCH 51. No significant effect of CULTAN treatment on nitrogen use efficiency and nitrogen uptake efficiency was recorded. Significantly higher nitrogen utilization efficiency at CULTAN treatment could be explained by lower grain protein content compared to conventional treatment.

Influence of the nitrogen injection fertilization 'controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition' (CULTAN) on winter rape yield and seed composition was studied in 2009 and 2010 at two sites with different soil-climatic conditions in the Czech Republic. Two conventional treatments consisted of fertilization using the system of divided doses applied on soil surface. Two CULTAN treatments used injection fertilization with the whole dose of nitrogen applied once in the vegetation period, in early spring at the BBCH 26 stage (6 side shoots detectable). The trial compared conventional and CULTAN treatments. The overall dose of nitrogen was 200 kg N/ha in each treatment. The seed yield in a two-year average was 4.83 t/ha at conventional and 4.80 t/ha at the CULTAN treatment. This difference was not statistically significant. The higher nitrogen content in seed was recorded mainly at CULTAN treatments at the Hněvčeves site in 2009. An inconclusively higher phosphorus content was recorded in winter rape seed fertilized with the CULTAN method at both sites in 2010. Content of K, Ca, Mg and S did not show statistically significant differences between the two treatments during both experimental years. In oiliness no differences between conventional and CULTAN methods were observed.

The Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt.) belongs to less known cultivated pomaceous fruit. Over the last two decades new cultivars have been bred in the Czech Republic. In our work the fruit of those new cultivars were analysed as far as basic nutritional characteristics were concerned. Moreover, the content of phenolic substances, antioxidant capacity and flavonoid content were determined. For comparison, the fruit of selected North American cultivars grown in the conditions of Central Europe were analysed. Besides North American cultivars also the Tisnovsky cultivar seems to be promising since both the highest content of phenolic substances (3.80 g of gallic acid equivalent/kg of fresh mass) and the highest antioxidant capacity (5.05 g of ascorbic acid equivalent - measured by the ABTS test) were recorded. In Central European cultivars there were high contents not only of pectins, but also of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and manganese as far as mineral elements were concerned.

A field experiment was conducted on a chernozem soil to estimate fertiliser N efficiency of silage maize (Zea mays L.) by the difference method as influenced by the type of N fertiliser (mineral-MF vs. sewage sludge-SS), and N rate. Eight N treatments were included (0, 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg N/ha prior to maize sowing, 60 kg N/ha at planting in MF; 120, and 240 kg N/ha in SS. The average dry mater (DM) yields were 11.2-14.8 t/ha. Average nitrogen uptakes were 88-185 kg N/ha, when the average N contents in DM were 0.8-1.25%. Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) was a relatively stable value for treatments with MF. The best use of nitrogen from MF was reached by 60 and 120 kg/ha N doses. The average values of recovery efficiency of applied N (REN) were calculated as 41-57%. The use of SS increased the yield of silage maize by 19-25% compared to control, above all first and second year after their application. Mineral-fertilizer-N equivalents (MFE) for SS were calculated as 55 and 64%.

Effects of some selected clarifying agents on the colour of red and rosé wines were investigated. Selected clarifying agents were added in various doses to young red and rosé wines. Total monomeric anthocyanins and total polyphenols were estimated in all treated wine samples, as well as the colour intensity, hues and parameters CIE L*a*b*. In accordance with our expectations, contents of anthocyanins were decreased in all samples treated with clarifying agents. The most marked loss of total monomeric anthocyanins was observed after the application of bentonite. As compared with red wine samples, the percentage losses in luminance values (i.e. in colour intensity) of rosé wines were higher and the resulting values were significantly dependent on the variety. In red wines, the content of polyphenols was very markedly decreased after the application of the highest dose of casein while in rosé wine samples the most marked decrease in the content of polyphenols was observed after the application of the preparation polyvinylpolypyrrolidon.

The experiment was carried out to observe the influence of the CULTAN method (controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition) on grain yield and yield formation of spring barley cultivar Jersey. In four-year small-plot experiment under conditions of the Czech Republic, two methods of nitrogen fertilization were used: conventional surface fertilization and local fertilizer injection rich in ammonium into soil during vegetation at BBCH 29-30 stages. Furthermore, the impact of sulphur amendment in fertilizer and increased dose of fertilizer were observed. Basic dose of nitrogen was 80 kg N/ha, increased dose 130 kg N/ha. At CULTAN treatment, same or significantly higher grain yields were obtained compared to conventional nitrogen fertilization. Grain yield at CULTAN fertilization is formed mainly on the main stem because of reduced tillering; it has the impact on significantly higher percentage of grain retained on 2.5 mm sieve. A tendency to lower protein content in grain was recorded at local injection of fertilizer compared to conventional fertilization. CULTAN-treated plants showed a lesser dependency of qualitative parameters on fertilizer dose and sulphur amendment in fertilizer. A positive influence of the CULTAN method on yield and quality of grain was observed mainly at the less fertile site.

Precise field experiments were established at 3 sites with oilseed rape under different soil-climatic conditions in the Czech Republic (Humpolec, Hněvčeves and Uhříněves) in the years 2008-2010. In this experiment, four fertilizing treatments with increasing S rate were evaluated. The contents of bioavailable (SW), adsorbed (Sads), occluded (Socl), and hydroiodic acid (HI) reducible (SHI) sulfur were measured. The contents of the fractions within the studied sites in the samples collected before fertilizers application were comparable. The SW, Sads a Socl contents did not exceed 10 mg S/kg. The SHI contents differed depending on site and year. Fertilizing using S as CaSO4 positively influenced the contents of SW, Sads, and SHI in soil. Sulfur fertilizing had also the positive tendencies to increase the winter rape yields but the differences between studied treatments were not statistically significant.

The fruit of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtchatica (Sevast.) Pojark.) belongs to the fruit of great value because of itsunique chemical composition. The aim of our measurement of this fruit species was to select the cultivars which could be the most suitable food supplement in relation to strengthening human immunity system. The comparison of the fruit of 12 cultivars was made. The highest contents of polyphenolic substances were recorded in the cultivar Zolushka with the value of 9.03 g of gallic acid/kg fresh mass. In particular cultivars the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test was performed to determine antioxidant activity which ranged from 6.59-10.17 g of ascorbic acid equivalent/kg fresh mass. For comparison, scavenging activity of reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide) was determined by using a 25% methanolic extract of fruit of particular cultivars. Antioxidant potential was also assessed using the rat liver slice model. The highest values of scavenging activity were found in the cultivars Zolushka, Goluboe vreteno, and Gerda. The cultivars Zolushka, Goluboe vreteno, and Gerda had also high values of flavonoids. The presented results may be used when popularizing this fruit species and also when studying the properties of new food and genetic resources.

In a small-plot trial, grass hybrids Perseus (loloid) and Felina (festucoid) were compared in a mixture with red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and their reactions to surface application of nitrogen fertilizers or injection into soil according to CULTAN method were investigated. Both fertilizer application methods were used with three levels of nitrogen. Mixtures containing the Felina hybrid had higher yields (12.1 t/ha) compared to the Perseus hybrid (11.0 t/ha), and they also showed higher clover abundance. Increasing dosage of nitrogen resulted in slightly higher yield, whereas the trend in clover abundance was opposite. Nitrogen injection resulted in slightly higher dry matter yields and slightly higher clover abundance as compared to surface fertilization. The N content in the grass-clover mixture was balanced for both types of fertilizer application and did not change significantly with increasing dosage of fertilizer. A slightly higher N content was observed at the Felina hybrid treatments; the dependence of this element on clover abundance in the mixture was set up to 50%.

Mixture of plants (Festulolium: Trifolium pretense L.) was grown in the pot experiment with different forms of nitrogen nutrition. The fertilizers (ammonium sulphate or calcium nitrate or ammonium nitrate) were applied conventionally or according to the CULTAN method (Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition). The absolute growth rate (AGR) and contents of free asparagine and proline in the aboveground biomass were determined. Additional nitrogen increased the dry weight of biomass and AGR of the plants treated with sidedress application in comparison with plants treated with the CULTAN method. The results suggest increased levels of free proline in CULTAN-treated plants while those of asparagine did not increase. The significance of these observations to the loss of potential yield and the relationship between methods of application is considered.

The effect of nitrogen nutrition on phytosterol and amino acid content in aboveground biomass of maize (Zea mays L.) was investigated in a pot experiment. For cultivation of maize plants nitrogen dose (2 or 4 g N/pot) was applied in the form of ammonium nitrate (AN) for control treatments or urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN). UAN solution was applied according to the CULTAN method (Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition). The content of amino acids as important nitrogen-containing compounds in plant biomass was affected by nitrogen nutrition. An increase of glutamine and asparagine levels in maize aboveground biomass was observed after UAN solution application. The results of free β-sitosterol analyses by HPLC showed its 94% increasing concentration after UAN application in contrast to AN treatments. Our results confirmed that sterol interconversions are controlled by environmental conditions and they are involved in the regulation of membrane properties in response to changing growth conditions.

In long-term stationary experiments under different soil-climatic conditions, an influence of mineral and organic fertilization on yield of winter wheat, spring barley and potato tubers was evaluated. Statistically significantly lowest grain yields of winter wheat (4.00 t/ha) and spring barley (2.81 t/ha) were obtained in non-fertilized plots at all experimental sites. In the case of potatoes, the lowest yield of dry matter (5.71 t/ha) was recorded in the control plot, but the result was not statistically significant. The manure-fertilized plot gave the average yield of wheat higher by 30%, of barley by 22%. Application of sewage sludge resulted in wheat yield higher by 41% and barley yield higher by 26% over control. On average, application of sewage sludge and manure increased the yield of potatoes by 30% over control. The highest yield was obtained after application of mineral fertilizers; average yield increased by 59, 50 and 36% in winter wheat, spring barley and potatoes, respectively. No statistically significant differences among the plots with mineral fertilizers were observed. At different sites, the yield of studied crops varied; however, the effect of fertilization on yield increments was similar at all experimental sites except for Lukavec. It is the site with the lowest natural soil fertility, and it showed the highest effect of the applied fertilizers.

The CULTAN (Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition) system is based on one-time injection of the whole dose of nitrogen required for the vegetation period. The effect of this method on yield and grain quality of winter wheat was observed in a 2-year small-plot trial at 4 different experimental sites in the Czech Republic. The experiment comprised two treatments with the total amount of nitrogen applied during fertilization of 150 kg N/ha. At the CULTAN treatment the whole dose was applied all at once using the GFI 3A injection machine (Maschinen und Antriebstechnik GmbH Güstrow), whereas at the control treatment, the dose was divided into three applications. The average grain yield of winter wheat in 2007 was 9.56 t/ha (control) and 8.78 t/ha (CULTAN); in 2008 it was 9.91 t/ha (control) and 9.63 t/ha (CULTAN). The differences in 2008 were not statistically significant. The contents of nitrogen and gluten were significantly lower at CULTAN treatment in both years. The values of falling number, Zeleny test and bulk density were generally similar at both treatments.

Simple balance of Cd input by different treatments and removal by agricultural crops was investigated in an ongoing precise long-term field experiment with application of sewage sludge (SS), farmyard manure (FYM), and mineral fertilizers (NPK). Potatoes, wheat and barley were grown in a rotation at 4 experimental sites of the Czech Republic with the aim to assess the risk of Cd accumulation in soil and plants under different soil and climate conditions. The results showed significant differences in Cd content of the input materials used, and in Cd inputs to soils under different fertilization managements. Three applications of sewage sludge during 1996-2005 resulted in total addition of 110 g Cd/ha into soil, which was by one order of magnitude higher than Cd addition in FYM or NPK treatments. From the total amount of sludge-borne Cd, only small portion was removed by harvests of crops (approximately 3.5%). Soil conditions significantly affected Cd input-removal balance. The highest Cd removals were obtained on soils with the lowest pH. The highest Cd removal was achieved by potato tubers followed by wheat and barley plants. The results showed that the risk of Cd accumulation in soils is high, especially with repeated sludge applications.

The aim of this work was to estimate the changes in contents of different sulfur (S) fractions in soils under conditions of lowering inputs of S from emissions together with the influence of application of manure and mineral fertilizers. Soil samples from long-term field experiments were used for this purpose. The samples were taken from 10 sites from precise long-term field experiments with different soil-climatic conditions in the Czech Republic. The samples were analyzed using the following fractionation: (i) water soluble S (H2O extracts), (ii) sorbed S (0.032M NaH2PO4 extracts) and (iii) S occluded with carbonates (1M HCl extract). Furthermore, the concentration of total S (Stot) and organic S (Sorg) was determined. Soil samples were taken in the years 1981 and 2007. During 26 years a decrease of Stot by about 3-8%, water soluble S by 65-68% and sorbed S by 39-44% were observed in the topsoil of the evaluated soils. Furthermore, a low increase in the content of organic S was observed. The estimated ratio of Sorg reached 78.7-80.9% from Stot in the year 1981 and 87.7-89.8% in 2007. Farmyard manure (40 t/ha) applied every 4 years did not have a significant influence on S fractions and Stot contents in soils; intensive S fertilizing increased Stot and mobile S forms contents in soils. Very close correlations were obtained especially between Stot and water soluble S and organic S.

Soil samples (from Czech and German long-term field experiments) were used to estimate different soil phosphorus (P) fractions. More than 200 topsoil (0-30 cm) samples from different fertilizing treatments were taken. These were analyzed for P in soil solution (PCaCl2) [0.01M CaCl2 extract], exchangeable sorbed P (Pex) [anion exchange (AE) membranes] and bioavailable P [Doppel-Lactat and Mehlich 3 (PDL and PM3)]. Other fractions analyzed were total inorganic (Pin), total (PM-tot) and organic (Porg) P [fractionation after Marks], P sorbed on Fe and Al (PFeAl) [fractionation after Schwertmann] and residual P (Par) [aqua regia extract]. Comparison of medians appeared to be better for evaluating extraction abilities. Phosphorus fractions were in the following order: (Par = 100%); PCaCl2 (0.2%) < Pex (9%) < PDL (10%) < PM3 (16%) < Pin (24%) < Porg (37%) < PFeAl (55%) < PM-tot (59%). Low amounts of Pin, Porg and PM-tot did not verify the applicability of the Marks' fractionation for the set of studied soils. Close correlations at P ≤ 0.001 were found for all methods for estimating the fractions of bioavailable phosphates (PCaCl2, Pex, PDL and PM3). Statistically significant relations were observed between Pin with Par, PM-tot and PFeAl.

Content of N and C in soil were investigated in a long-term field experiment under different systems of N fertilization. Chernozem and Cambisol were extracted using hot water (Nhws, Chws) and 0.01M CaCl2 (NCaCl2, CDOC). The Ct/Nt ratio in Chernozem was 9.6:1 and in Cambisol 6.1:1. The lowest Ct/Nt ratio in both experiments was found in the control treatment. Results showed that C and N compounds are less stable in Cambisol, which leads to a higher rate of mineralization. In the Chernozem, Nhws formed 3.66% from the total N content in the soil whereas NCaCl2 formed only 0.82%. Chws formed 2.98% and CDOC 0.34% from total C content. Cambisol contains 4.81% of Nhws and 0.84% of NCaCl2 from the total N amount and 5.76% of Chws and 0.70% of CDOC from the total C content, respectively. Nitrogen extracted by 0.01M CaCl2 formed only 22.4% of N extractable by hot water in Chernozem and 17.5% in Cambisol. The lowest C/N ratios were obtained after the CaCl2 extraction (3.0-6.2:1). The application of manure increased the content of soil organic N and C compared to the sewage sludge treatments.

Spatial variability of total soil nitrogen and sulphur content has been observed in two plots (I - 54 ha and II - 32 ha). Soil samples were taken from the topsoil in a regular grid, which was localised by GPS (individual sampling points were 80 m apart); subsequently total soil N and S contents were analysed. The average N content in plot I was 0.16%; in plot II it was 0.12%. The content of S in plots I and II was 0.09% and 0.08%, respectively. Spatial variability of total N differed in separate parts of the plots. A higher variability was recorded in plot I, where the coefficient of variation (CV) was 15.7%, whereas in plot II it was only 11.1%. However, sulphur showed only little variability, and thus its coefficient of variation was low (2.5 a 2.3% in plots I and II, respectively). A positive and mostly conclusive relationship has been observed between the N content of soil and the crop yield. This effect was more significant in plot II. The S content in soil showed no correlation with yield. Furthermore, positive correlations were observed between field altitude, soil moisture and crop yield in both plots.

One of the refinement methods for estimating the parameters of phosphorus dynamics in soil is the construction of sorption isotherms in dependence on changes of exchangeable sorbed phosphorus in soil (ΔQ) and changes of phosphorus amount in soil solution (ΔI). Regression analysis allows to calculate equilibrium concentration (cequ) and phosphorus buffering capacity (BC). The mentioned analyses were realised on soils from the long-term field experiments of the Czech University of Life Sciences (CULS) in Prague and Crop Research Institute (CRI) in Ruzyně, Czech Republic. The influence of different organic fertilisers compared to the control (not amended) treatment was tested. For the evaluating of parameters, the root and logarithmic functions were used. The lowest cequ of the logarithmic function was always found on not amended treatment. Low amounts were found in the treatments amended with barley straw as well. The highest amounts were found in soil after potatoes cropping fertilised with farmyard manure (FYM). In the FYM variant fertilised with 70 kg P/ha, the cequ value reached 0.45 mg P/l. Both treatments fertilised with sewage sludge (720 kg P/ha and 240 kg P/ha) showed similar values of about 0.25 mg P/l. A different trend was found for the phosphorus buffering capacity (BC); this was the highest at the control treatment and at the treatment fertilised with straw. The lowest BC was observed in both soils after potatoes fertilised with FYM, where it reached 61 mg P/kg and 65 mg P/kg, respectively. Similar trends were found when evaluating root function.

A prerequisite to use organic fertilizers in a sustainable way is to quantify the amount of phosphorus and potassium available for plants that could be taken up by a crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate direct and subsequent influence of organic fertilizers addition (poultry manure and two types of composts) on the changes of bioavailability of phosphorus and potassium in soil and their accumulation in the aboveground oat biomass (Avena sativa L.) during three years. The available phosphorus and potassium contents in soil had a degressive trend during the years of experiment. The lowest contents of these elements in soil were found in all treatments in the last year of the experiment. The plants took up the least P and K after application of compost derived from predominant sewage sludge portion. A stronger correlation (R = 0.88; P < 0.05) was found between available content of K in soil treated with organic fertilizers and K content in the aboveground biomass of oat than in the case of P (R = 0.45; P < 0.05).

Microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon were studied in long-term field experiments with continuous cultivation of silage maize and with crop rotation. A positive effect of organic fertilizers on the microbial biomass nitrogen and the carbon content in soil was observed. Statistically significant effect of organic fertilizers on the higher content of microbial biomass C and N was established in the first year after their application. During the application the content of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen decreased, but there were higher biomass C and N contents compared to control, even without statistical significance. A negative effect on microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content in soil came from the application of mineral nitrogen fertilizers in experiments with maize. Statistically significant effect of mineral N fertilizers was observed after their application. In the course of the N fertilizers application the content of microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen was lower than control. No statistically significant effects of mineral nitrogen fertilizers on the microbial biomass nitrogen and carbon content were observed in field experiments with crop rotation over the eight years of experiment duration. The higher effect of mineral and organic fertilizers application on the changes in microbial biomass C and N was reported in experiments with continuous cultivation of maize compared to experiments with crop rotation.

The changes of mobile sulphur (S) contents were investigated in the plant rhizosphere using precise model experiments with rhizoboxes. The tested plants were winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), winter rape (Brassica napus L.) and white lupine (Lupinus albus L.). In this experiment, a Cambisol from a precise field experiment treated with sewage sludge or manure was used. Total extractable S concentration and mineral S (S-SO2-4) concentration in the water extract were higher in the plant rhizosphere (< 6 mm from the root) compared to the so-called bulk soil (> 6 mm). The contents of total extractable S0 decreased in order: lupine (5-35 mg/kg) > rape (4-18 mg/kg) > wheat (1.5-3 mg/kg). The same order was observed for mineral S- SO2-4where the contents in soil extracts were 1-10 mg/kg, 2-7 mg/kg, and 0.5-3 mg/kg, respectively. The highest total extractable S and mineral S (S- SO2-4) contents were found in the treatments fertilized with organic fertilizers. In the case of rape and wheat the arylsulphatase (ARS) activity was higher in the rhizosphere compared to the bulk soil; the opposite was recorded for lupine. It was acknowledged that the ARS activity was higher in the treatments fertilized with organic fertilizers (manure or sewage sludge) with all three tested plants. The highest determined ARS activity was found after wheat cultivation, the lowest after the lupine cultivation. The organic sulphur content followed an opposite tendency (lupine > rape > wheat).

A gradual increase of phosphorus (P) concentrations in combination with organic and mineral fertilizers was applied to clayey soils at six precise experimental field sites with different climatic conditions within the Czech Republic. Soil samples were collected after the harvest of barley. Readily available P concentrations were determined using water and 0.01M CaCl2 extractions, mobile phosphate contents were determined using the extraction procedures Mehlich 3 and Olsen. Furthermore, P uptake by barley plants was assessed. All selected procedures showed that increasing concentrations of applied P increased the mobile and readily available P contents in soils. Phosphorus uptake by barley plants ranged between 9.00 and 14.5 kg/ha and increased P application resulted in increased P concentrations in plants. Statistical analyses were performed using the Spearman test. The closest relationship was obtained for P uptake by plants and the water extraction (r = 0.81). Significant relationships were also obtained for plant uptake and the Mehlich 3 and CaCl2 methods (r = 0.40 and 0.36, respectively). There was no statistical dependence between P uptake and the Olsen method (r = 0.25). Regression analysis was expressed best as linear regression. The closest relationship was found for water extracts and P uptake by plants (with a determination coefficient of 65%). Determination coefficients for P uptake and other methods used were significantly lower (max. 20%).

Model experiments using rhizoboxes were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of different plants (wheat, rape) on the changes in water extractable contents of P, the pH/H2O value and the activity of acidic and alkaline phosphatase in soil of plant rhizosphere. For this experiment, a Cambisol with different long-term fertilizing systems was used: (i) control (with no fertilizer application), (ii) sewage sludge, and (iii) manure. A lower content of water-soluble P was observed in close vicinities of root surfaces (up to 2 mm) at all the studied variants. The control (non-treated) variant reflected a significantly lower content of water-soluble P in the rhizosphere compared to the fertilized ones. The activities of the acidic and alkaline phosphatases were significantly higher in the rhizosphere compared to the bulk soil (soil outside the rhizosphere). The long-term application of organic fertilizers significantly increased phosphatase activity; the activity of the acidic phosphatase was significantly higher in the rhizosphere of rape plants compared to wheat. The variant treated with manure exhibited an increased activity of both the acidic and alkaline phosphatases compared to the variant treated with sewage sludge. In the case of the variant treated long-term with sewage sludge, the portion of inorganic P to total soil P content proportionally increased compared to the manure-treated variant. Soil of the rape rhizosphere showed a trend of lower pH/H2O value of all variants, whereas the wheat rhizosphere showed an opposite pH tendency.

In several cases ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) proved to be an efficient mobilising amendment during chemically enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metals. The presence of Fe-(hydr)oxides and their dissolution after the addition of EDTA can limit the phytoextraction of the targeted heavy metals due to the high stability of the formed Fe(III)EDTA complexes. This study has focused on the influence of Fe- and Mn-oxides and hydroxides dissolution on heavy metal uptake by Zea mays in a two-year EDTA-enhanced phytoextraction process. Incubation experiments and speciation modelling proved the increased concentrations of Mn and Fe through the dissolution of Mn-and Fe-(hydr)oxides. Furthermore, increased Fe and Mn accumulation was observed in maize plants after the second year of the phytoextraction process. Therefore, the presence of Mn- and especially Fe-(hydr)oxides proved to be a limiting factor during EDTA-enhanced phytoextraction of heavy metals from contaminated soils.

The glutamate kinase activity was investigated as a plant stress response to Cd, Zn, As or sewage sludge application to soil in the pot and field experiments with spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Allosteric regulation of glutamate kinase activity by free proline creates a possibility for an increase in glutamic acid content due to the synthesis of glutathione and phytochelatines in plant cells. For this reason the high rates of As, Cd and Zn applied into soil strongly decreased the glutamate kinase activity. Allosteric regulation of the glutamate kinase activity did not inhibit the synthesis of proline and hydroxyproline under stress condition caused by organic pollutants after application of sewage sludge. Formed proline was bound to stress proteins and therefore glutamate kinase activity was not inhibited.

The influence of N-S fertilizers on the copper content in the inter oilseed rape plants was studied in field experiments. The evaluation involved two treatments of a single rate for the first spring fertilizer application with 100 kg N/ha in the AN treatment (nitrochalk) and 100 kg N/ha + 50 kg S/ha in the ANS treatment (ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate). A positive influence of the ANS fertilizer on the copper contents in different parts of plants was determined. The highest Cu concentrations were determined in the leaves and inflorescences, the lowest ones occurred in the stem. The concentration of Cu ranged within the interval of 1.56-8.75 mg Cu/kg of dry matter depending on the growth period and the part of the plant. No differences in copper content were determined in the seeds of individual treatment. The highest uptake in the above-ground parts of the plants was recorded in the green pod period and amounted to 57.4 g Cu/ha for the ANS treatment.

This paper deals with the results of studies on changes in the content of total anthocyanins depending on their fermentative maceration from grapes of traditional Moravian cultivars (Blauer Portugieser, Saint Laurent and Blaufrankisch). Colouring matters were macerated in the course of alcoholic fermentation either in a closed rotary tank or in an open tank with a periodically plunging pulp cap. The losses resulting from adsorption of anthocyanins on yeast biomass were quantified. Concentration losses of anthocyanins were also observed in the course of fermentation of musts made of teinturier grape cultivars Alibernet and Neronet, when the skins of berries were separated. The process of fermentative maceration of anthocyanins from grape skins consisted of three dynamically different stages. In the stage with the exponential increase in the content of anthocyanins no significant differences were observed between the closed rotary tank technique and the open tank technique with periodic plunging of pulp cap. It was demonstrated that the losses of anthocyanins took place during the whole process of fermentation. The correlation between the anthocyanin losses and the production of yeast biomass was statistically highly significant.

The effect of N-S fertilizers on the molybdenum content in oilseed rape plants was investigated in precision field trials. Evaluation was carried out on unfertilized control and two treatments of single fertilizer rates in the first spring fertilizer application, using 100 kg N/ha in AN treatment (nitrochalk) and 100 kg N/ha + 50 kg S/ha in ANS treatment (ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate). The results confirmed the significance of sulphur fertilization for the winter oilseed rape plant's cultivation technology, even on fertile soils in the CzechRepublic. The control treatment produced a yield of 3.7 t/ha, while in the AN treatment the yield was 49% higher, and the ANS treatment was 60% higher. An antagonistic relationship between the sulphate and molybdenum anions in their absorption by the plants was demonstrated. The molybdenum content in the flowering period of the plants was determined in mg/kg as follows - in the ANS treatment: 0.17 in root, 0.12 in stem, 1.56 in upper leaves, 0.90 in lower leaves, and 1.17 in the flower petals. Higher and statistically more significant molybdenum levels were determined in the AN treatment: 0.21 in the root, 0.19 in the stem, 2.40 in the upper leaves, 1.72 in the lower leaves, and 1.50 mg/kg in the flower petals. The total above-ground biomass of the plants in the flowering period had accumulated molybdenum at 6.06 g/ha in the ANS treatment, and 8.44 g/ha in the AN treatment.

Cadmium mobility in sewage sludge amended by four types of ameliorative materials (lime, limestone, bentonite and zeolite) incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions for eight months was studied in the experiment. The most statistically significant decrease of available Cd extracted by 0.01 mol/l CaCl2 was recorded in sludge between second and fourth months of incubation. As most effective stabilizers were found limestone and bentonite added into the sludge incubated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions respectively. The presence of air reduced Cd mobility in individual sludges more than lack of air. Cadmium was separated by sequential extraction into five fractions as water soluble, exchangeable, bound with Fe and Mn oxides, organically bound, and residual fraction. Sequential analysis showed decrease of Cd in exchangeable and oxide fractions in sludge treated by lime and limestone at the end of aerobic incubation. Cadmium was found in water soluble and exchangeable fractions in small portion, even so its content in these fractions was higher than determined in slighter 0.01 mol/l CaCl2 solution.

For characterization of the ability of crops to reflect changing soil properties after the addition of ameliorative materials into the soil both pot and rhizobox experiments were provided. In the pot experiment, the influence of the addition of lime and limestone into contaminated Cambisol containing 7.14 mg Cd/kg, 2174 mg Pb/kg, and 270 mg Zn/kg on element availability for spring wheat was tested. The ameliorative materials were added into the pots containing 5 kg of soil in amount of 3 g CaO, and 5.36 g CaCO3 per kg of the soil. Soil pH reached up to 7.3 in lime treatments compared to 5.7 in control soil. Mobile portion of soil elements (0.01 mol/l CaCl2 extractable) dropped by 80% for Zn, 50% for Cd, and 20% for Pb, respectively. In both straw and grains of wheat reduced content of elements was observed in limed pots compared to the control ones. For a detailed characterization of the influence of root exudates on the strength of developed complexes in comparison with the bulk soil, short-term rhizobox experiment was set up under identical soil and lime treatments. Generally, the results of rhizobox experiment confirmed the findings from the pot experiment discussed above. Content of elements in shoots and roots of wheat dropped mainly in the case of Cd and Pb. Soil mobile portion of all three tested elements introduced clear depletion curve in control treatment, both limed treatments showed high stability of element complexes almost unaffected by wheat roots.

The role of titanium (Ti) in plant metabolism is not so far fully clear. Many positive beneficial effects as well as a few adverse effects of Ti application are described in literature. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of Ti foliar applications alone or in combination with Mg on the yield and accumulation of essential cations in consumable portions of frequently grown agricultural crops (potatoes, winter wheat and spring barley) grown under reduced and optimum nitrogen availability in field conditions. Nitrogen side dress fertilization significantly affected the investigated parameters, especially yield and N content. The effect of foliar Ti applications was substantially influenced by the nutrient N status of the individual plants. The plant response to Ti applications was almost negligible under N deficiency. At N treated plots the responses were much clearer but not many significant differences were found confirming high soil buffering capacity and many counteracting effects under field conditions.

The effect of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) on the growth of radish and the content of As compounds in roots and leaves of the radish were investigated. Radish was grown in pots in three soils (Fluvisols, Chernozems and Luvisols) amended with 20 mg As/kg of soil in form of DMA. Behavior and transformations of DMA in the soils differed depending on the individual soil type. In the first season, plants grew up at Luvisols only. In the second season the plants were able to grow at Luvisols and Chernozems, too. The roots and leaves of radish from Luvisols had DMA as the dominant arsenic compound present (~ 90% in the extract) in the first season. In the roots of the subsequently growing radish DMA accounted for 20% and arsenite for most of the total arsenic in the extract. In the leaves of the second-crop of radish DMA remained the dominant arsenic compound (~ 60% in the extract) with arsenate and arsenite for the remaining 40%. Roots and leaves of radish grown in Chernozems and Luvisols had a similar pattern of arsenic compounds. Soil properties significantly affected transformation of As species in the soils. At Fluvisols was the lowest As immobilization and about 98% was found as DMA after two years of experiments in the other two soils was higher As immobilization and DMA was recovered to inorganic As (V) - 31% in Luvisols and 78% in Chernozems.

The Příbram region belongs to the most polluted areas in the Czech Republic. Atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements from lead smelter represents the main source of contamination in this region. In this study, the most polluted location intensively used for agriculture situated northeast from the source of contamination was investigated. The individual sampling points were positioned by GPS and representative samples were taken from 0-60 cm split into three20 cmlayers. In the soil samples total Pb and Cd contents, plant available contents of these toxic elements and soil pH were determined. The total Cd content at the investigated site reached up to 13 mg/kg and Pb up to 2500 mg/kgin the top layer. The concentration of both elements decreases with depth and in the 40-60 cm layer the maximum content of only 6 mg Cd/kg and 400 mg Pb/kg was found. The plant available the content of Pb and Cd in the soil is related to the pH value. The correlation coefficient of exponential regression for Cd is -0.799 and for Pb is -0.787. The obtained data was processed by Surfer 7 software resulting in digital maps of horizontal and vertical contamination of this location. This observation confirmed the airborne source of soil contamination. However, some of the individual sampling points suggested local geogenic contamination of the soil where more detailed further research is required.

The objective was to follow losses of the concentration of total anthocyanin pigments in red and rosé wines clarified with various doses of two commercial types of bentonite and to perform a sensory and analytical evaluation of differences in colour intensity of clarified and non-clarified wines. The loss of anthocyanins increased with the increasing doses of bentonite but statistically significant differences existed only between doses of 0.5 and 1.5 g/l. Not the type of bentonite but its dose showed an important effect on the extent of changes in colour intensity of wine. A sensory evaluation of colour intensity showed that in rosé and red wines doses of 0.5 g/l and 1.5 g/l, respectively, reduced significantly the intensity of wine colour as compared with non-clarified samples.

Microbial biomass nitrogen and extractable organic nitrogen in extractions by 0.05M K2SO4 and 0.01M CaCl2 were studied in a long-term experiment with successive growing of silage maize. The highest content of microbial biomass nitrogen was measured for manure treatment, by 38-133% higher than for the control. In treatments with applications of mineral nitrogen fertilizers microbial biomass N was lower on average by 22-30% against the control. Extractable organic nitrogen was also lower in treatments with mineral N fertilizers compared to the control: by 23% in ammonium sulphate treatment and by 29% in DAM. The highest content of extractable organic nitrogen was determined for manure treatment. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.44-0.9) between microbial biomass nitrogen and extractable organic nitrogen in the extractions by 0.01M CaCl2 and 0.05M K2SO4.

The effect of different systems of N fertilization on nitrogen balance and N transformation in the soil was studied in long-term stationary experiments (1991-2002) with successive growing of maize. Average dry matter yield for the control without fertilization in the period 1991-2002 was 11.67 t of dry matter per ha, which was by 2-2.9 t less than for fertilization treatments. Statistically significant differences between the control and fertilization treatments were determined for the first time in the 4th experimental year. Average nitrogen uptake by the aboveground biomass was116 kgN/ha for the control, 162-170 kg N/ha for fertilization treatments. All experimental treatments had a negative balance of N inputs and outputs, and it was -1394 kg N/ha for the control (for 12 experimental years). After the application of mineral fertilizers, a lower content of total carbon and nitrogen was measured in the topsoil compared to the control and treatments with organic fertilization. The changes in the nitrogen regime of soil were characterized by the content of extractable nitrogen and carbon in extractions by 0.01M CaCl2. With respect to the content of mineral nitrogen and easily extractable organic nitrogen and carbon in the topsoil the control was most stable followed by farmyard manure treatment. Soil lysimeters were installed in these experiments (depth60 cm, size0.2 m2). For an eight-year period (1994/2002)11.78 kgN-NO3-/ha were determined in lysimetric waters. These values for fertilization treatments ranged from 21.0 to58.2 kgN-NO3-/ha. Straw application reduced nitrate contents in lysimetric waters.

Zinc distribution in the main soil fractions and zinc accumulation in potatoes, maize, wheat and barley after different soil treatments (basic sludge rate, triple sludge rate, NPK, NPK + inorganic Zn) were investigated in a field experiment conducted at five localities of the Czech Republic (Červený Újezd, Hněvčeves, Humpolec, Lukavec, Suchdol) with different soil and climatic conditions. Three soil types were investigated in the experiment: clay-loamy Chernozems, loamy Luvisols, clay-loamy Luvisols and two loamy Cambisols. Sequential analyses provided an overview of soil Zn distribution in the following fractions: exchangeable, Fe-Mn oxide, organic and residual ones. The sludge and inorganic Zn addition supported Zn mobility growth and higher Zn retention in Fe-Mn oxides in all tested soils. The influence of the above-mentioned treatments on higher Zn association with soil organic compounds was not explicitly found. Potatoes, wheat and barley accumulated more Zn after its addition into the soils by sludge and inorganic salt. By contrast, Zn content in maize decreased with higher input of Zn into the soil. The highest Zn concentrations were usually observed in plants grown on both Cambisols.

Partial characterization of iron binding compounds in spinach above ground biomass and differences between binding of Cd, Zn and Fe in spinach biomass were investigated on two soils treated by sewage sludge in model pot experiment. After application of sludge to both soils, Cd and Zn accumulation in spinach biomass was increased in sludge treatments. Total Fe content in biomass showed opposite trend with these treatments and was decreased 2.5-2.7 fold. Results of sequential analysis of spinach biomass showed lower portions of iron in all individual fractions of both sewage sludge treatments compared to control treatments. The largest differences in iron content between control and sludge treatments were determined in ethyl acetate fraction. While majorities of Cd and Zn were found in fractions methanol + H2O and H2O and methanol + H2O + HCl, iron content determined in these two fractions was only 7-8% in control treatments and 15-20% in sludge treatments of total iron. In fraction, Fe portion was 87.7-90.7% in treatments without sludge and 76.1-83.5% in sludge treatments in spinach biomass. Results showed tighter iron binding to plant cell membranes in contrast to cadmium and zinc.

The effect of addition of treated sewage sludge on the accumulation of Zn in plants was tested in pot experiment. The additions of eight months preincubated sewage sludge at temperature of 20°C under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with addition of peat and straw were tested. Two different combinations were designed: first consisted of 50% sludge + 35% peat and 15% straw, and second was made of 50% sludge + 5% peat and 45% straw (expressed as dry matter). Three different soils Chernozems, Luvisols, and Fluvisols and three sludges were tested in the experiment. Oat (cv. Pan) was planted as experimental crop. All treatments were fertilized by NPK. Green biomass of oat was harvested and analyzed. At treatments with addition of both composted sludges pH dropped down causing higher mobility of Zn in sewage sludge. Oat grown in these treatments contained higher amount of Zn compared to untreated soils. The application of anaerobically treated sludge led to increased Zn content in biomass compared to aerobically incubated one. Predominant effect on Zn accumulation in plants was determined by tested soil. The highest content was determined in plants grown on Fluvisols. The biomass yield was more affected by source of sewage sludge than by the soil type used. Treatments amended by anaerobically incubated sludge showed tendency to higher biomass production due to their higher content of nitrogen and carbon.

The effect of sewage sludge application on three soils of different properties (Chernozems - location Suchdol, Luvisols - location Červený Újezd and Cambisols - location Humpolec) was investigated in pot experiment and the accumulation of Zn in above ground biomass of oat as well as availability of Zn released by 0.01 mol/l CaCl2 was evaluated. Stabilised sewage sludge was obtained from three wastewater factories in Czech Republic. Sewage sludge has been preincubated with addition of limestone and lime (7% of Ca w/w of sludge dry solid) in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and tested in pot experiment. The highest Zn mobility reduction was found at Humpolec soil. Sludge amended by lime and limestone reduced available Zn content in this soil (at sludge III by 86% after limestone and by 71% after lime application). Considerable reduction of Zn in plant showed in Humpolec soil treated by sludge with lime (by 20% compared with soil treated by nonincubated sludge - control) and limestone (by 30% after anaerobic incubation compared to control). The positive incubation and treatment effect was not confirmed in the other soils. Available Zn in Humpolec soil showed the strongest correlation among all soils with total Zn content in plant (at aerobic treatment R2 = 0.66 and at anaerobic R2 = 0.83).

Analytic measurement data acquired by an SFE/CGC analysis were compared with sensory evaluation of two wines from South Moravia. The sensory descriptive analysis showed a large variation in sensory quality from neutral character to full expression of the variety. Whereas the cluster analysis of volatiles was sufficient for differentiating both wines, the sensory observation data based on seven descriptors did not suffice either for bouquet or flavour characteristic. The descriptor citrus could be related to analytically established substances whose statistical significance was supported by a stepwise multiple analysis. The possibility of recognising vine cultivars via sensory descriptors is statistically feasible only by nutty and caramel descriptors in the case of bouquet and by big fruit for flavour.