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Based on the analysis of the geological context and palynological studies performed on lake and bog sediments in the Southern Podlasie Lowland, a new concept of the maximum extent of the Odranian Glaciation (Saalian, MIS 6) is presented for the study area. It is depicted by the Siedlce-Łosice-Kornica zone of end moraines, which so far was considered as stadial-rank or as the Wartanian ice sheet limit. To the south of this zone, near Biała Podlaska and in the Łuków Plain, there occur numerous sites with fossil deposits of the Mazovian Interglacial (MIS 11c). Sites with new documentation, i.e., Wólka Domaszewska, Kolonia Bystrzycka, Przytulin, Hermanów, and Skrzynka are located about 30 km to the south and 60 km to the west of the Biała Podlaska area. Palynological analysis unequivocally indicates the presence of a vegetation succession characteristic of the Mazovian Interglacial. In all sites, deposits of the Mazovian Interglacial are covered by lacustrine sediments of the Liviecian Glaciation (Fuhne, MIS 11b-MIS 10) or mineral sediments of the Vistulian Glaciation (Weichselian, MIS 2) and the Holocene. The sediments infill paleolakes carved in glacial tills of the Sanian 2 Glaciation (MIS 12). The lake sediments of the Mazovian Interglacial and the overlying biogenic and mineral deposits occur in the analysed sites directly below the surface. They are never covered by glacial deposits, which suggests that the Odranian ice sheet did not cover the study area. The location of the lake and bog sites with their geological analysis allow for the precise depiction of the eastern limit of the Odranian ice sheet lobe, which in the study area correlates with the limit suggested in the late 19th century. The Odranian ice sheet did not cover Southern Podlasie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peat bog areas in southeastern Poland are a habitat for many interesting, often endangered, and rare or even new diatom species for Poland. Research conducted in the years 2022-2023 in three landscape parks (Pogórze Przemyskie Landscape Park, Południoworoztoczański Landscape Park, and Janowskie Forests Landscape Park) has allowed the identification of numerous rare and endangered species from the Pinnularia genus, including some that are new to Poland. The paper provides a detailed morphological and ecological characterization of six rare or endangered Pinnularia species, among which two were found to be new for Poland (Pinnularia lokana and P. esoxiformangusta). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article is to characterize the well-recognized early Neolithic settlement region of Targowisko in SE Poland. It is located in southern Poland, on the northern outskirts of Western Carpathians, 30 km to the east of Krakow. It functioned throughout the development of the entire Linienbandkeramik and the subsequent Malice culture, in the period from 5300 to 4500 BC. The analysis of the settlement and internal colonization processes of the region showed their dynamic nature and the relative instability of the particular microregions, typically the increased mobility of small groups of people undertaking risky colonization actions in the Targowisko area. The region also offers a rare opportunity to trace the nature of socio-cultural change on a microscale. Impulses from various cultural environments contributed to the formation of the MC, which proves its heterogeneous character and the complicated course of its genesis.

The article presents flint materials obtained from settlement site of Samborzec-Opatów group from the Tonie 9 site in Lesser Poland. The flintworking of this unit is still poorly recognized. In the literature, special attention has mainly been paid to ceramic materials, especially in studies on the genesis of this group and its relations with other taxonomic units of the Neolithic in Lesser Poland (especially with the Malice culture and later groups of the Lendziel). Therefore, it is worth introducing the specificity of Samborzec-Opatów flintworking, especially since the recently arrived inventory from the Tonie 9 site is quite numerous and relatively homogeneous. Therefore, the main goal is to present materials that can be used for further studies, e.g. those of a comparative nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TL and OSL ages obtained from two ancient kilns and gothic to baroque bricks in the SE of Poland, were compared to their presumed historical ages and discussed. The luminescence ages of ancient kilns were also matched with the results of archaeomagnetic dating. The OSL and archaeomagnetic data indicates that the ancient kilns were last used not later than ca. 280 AD. This age corresponds well to the lower limit of the postulated age of fragments of Roman type storage vessels found in the filling of kilns. The OSL data used alone can point even to the end of the phase B2 of Roman influence in Poland. The TL ages obtained from the kilns (5297 ± 256 BC, 7092 ± 423 BC) are significantly older. These bottom parts of kilns, from which samples were taken, most probably were heated to a relatively low temperature, insufficient to reset the TL signal. Most of TL ages obtained from gothic to baroque bricks do not correlate with their historical ages. Unknown and most probably varied brick moisture contents in sampled ground floor walls and cellars does not allow to precisely date these bricks using the TL signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "The Early Neolithic Cultural Transformation in the Targowisko Settlement Region, SE Poland" deals with the cultural change in the early Neolithic settlement region of Targowisko in southeastern Poland. The study examines various aspects such as settlement phases, the function of "pseudo-ditches," and the organization of the settlement space. Fundamental cultural changes have been identified, particularly in terms of symbolism, while continuity mainly concerns everyday objects. The results suggest a connection between the late Linearbandkeramik (LBK) and the Middle Culture (MC). The study shows that there was continuity of settlement in the region, although sociocultural and genetic aspects changed. Remains of cereal crops were also found, indicating continued agricultural activity. The results demonstrate that the cultural change in the Targowisko settlement region was complex and requires further investigation. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this short article is to present the results of archaeobotanical analysis of macroscopic plant remains obtained in 2018-2019, during the test excavations carried out on three selected sites from Targowisko settlement region (Brzezie 40, Targowisko 16 and 14-15). Thanks to the field research strategy adopted, chronologically compact plant remains were obtained from objects included in the house structures, coming from narrow time horizons, equal to the operation time of individual Linienbandkeramik houses from the beginning of the Želiezovce phase (Brzezie 40 and Targowisko 16) and the phase of the classic Malice culture (Targowisko 14-15). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents flint materials obtained from domestic facilities from the late phase of Linienbandkeramik from the Brzezie 40 and Targowisko 16 sites and the classic phase of the Malice culture from the 14-15 Targowisko site. These complexes contain relatively few monuments. Their advantage, however, is that they belong to chronologically compact groups. Since the relics of the discovered houses are spatially isolated from other settlement structures, it can be assumed that the set of flint artifacts belonging to them is relatively homogeneous. Thanks to this, they can contribute considerably to the discussion on the processes of cultural heterogenization and the origin of post-LBK cultures, including the Malice culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to identify the species composition and quantitative and qualitative structure of ground beetles inhabiting conventional potato cultivations. The study was conducted over the 2008 and 2011-2013 period in eleven localities in the Subcarpathian region (Podkarpacie). Beetles were captured using Barber pitfall traps. A total of 7406 beetles were caught, which were classified in 29 genera and 54 species. Small zoophages proved to be the most numerously represented trophic group, whereas the species that were caught as greatest numbers at the study sites were as follows: Harpalus rufipes, Pterostichus melanarius, and Poecilus cupreus. The obtained results demonstrate that anthropogenic factors affect both the trophic structure of ground beetle populations and their habitat preferences. At the same time, species with wide ecological tolerance and lower susceptibility to anthropogenic pressure were promoted. It was also shown that the maintenance and appropriate management of diverse biocoenoses in agricultural space contribute to increased diversity of Carabidae found in agrarian areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Lietuvos Archeologija is the property of Lithuanian Institute of History and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lipnik site 5, from which a storage pit dated to the Middle Bronze Age (ca. 1400–1100) was studied, gave more than 70 plant taxa in the extraordinarily well-preserved charred assemblage. In the paper, a detailed description of selected plants is presented followed by environmental interpretation. Acorns (Quercus) dominated in volume and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) in the number of specimens. The first large find of that late incomer north of the Carpathian Mountains is presented here. The pit users also used hulled wheat (einkorn, emmer, and spelt); barley; and probably peas. In the pit, a large number of grassland plants were noted accompanied by a very few remains of aquatic (Elatine) and forest herbaceous plants (Astrantia major). Weeds and ruderal plants were also present. The composition of plant remains is very unusual for this type of archeological feature, suggesting a mixed type of food strategy for its users, dominated by plant gathering and animal husbandry. The site is located in a newly settled ecotone zone, on the margin of fertile loess areas and mountain foothills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Late Pleistocene loess-palaeosol sequence in Tyszowce (Sokal Plateau-Ridge, SE Poland) has been analysed for major elements (Si, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Al, Ti and P) in order to determine its chemical composition, stratigraphy and degree of chemical weathering. For the investigation, a total number of 85 loess and soil samples were tested. The vertical differentiation of chemical composition is strongly correlated with the variability of pedo- and lithostratigraphic units. The loess-palaeosol sequence in Tyszowce is geochemically distinct from other loess presented in the worldwide literature. The profile is generally enriched with silica while other chemical elements are relatively depleted. The contents of the major elements, except Si, are lower in relation to the Global Average Loess (GAL) composition. Weathering indices, such as Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) or K/Al molar ratio and A-CN-K diagram, imply weak to moderate weathering of the source material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Our paper demonstrates how two-dimensional density models can deliver critical constraints that permit construction and validation of geological models in an underconstrained subcropped fold-and-thrust belt. As a case study, we use a newly discovered thrust-and-fold belt developed above the margin of the East European Craton (EEC) in SE Poland. A geological model constructed using gravity data resolved the basement-cover interface and a top-Cambrian horizon. This model was used as a framework for cross-section construction employing at this step also borehole and seismic evidence. Two cross-sections were created to address a source of uncertainty related to non-uniqueness of gravity modelling with different emphasis on gravimetric vs geological evidence. Model 1 strictly obeys the top-Cambrian derived from gravity modelling that was treated as an envelope of deeper structures. Model 2 allowed for local departures from the gravity model, especially in the case of conflicts with formation thicknesses. The comparison between the present structure and restorations allowed for separating effects of Caledonian and Variscan shortening. Although the fit of both models to the gravity data is satisfactory, model 2 better complies to geological constraints, resolving the long-discussed problem concerning the distribution and intensity of Caledonian tectonics across the SW periphery of the EEC. Highlights • Density models provided first-order geometries that were fitted by section balancing. • Two solutions were created with different weighting of gravity vs geological evidence. • Extent of Caledonian tectonics across the Teisseyre-Tornquist Zone was constrained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of ACTA Scientiarum Polonorum Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria is the property of Poznan University of Life Sciences Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents morphological and ecological characteristics of Prestauroneis tumida Levkov recorded for the first time in Poland. The diatom Prestauroneis tumida Levkov was found in the microbenthos of the Czarna Staszowska River (left tributary of the Vistula River, south-eastern Poland). This diatom species was present in the upper section of the river (sampling sites: 1 - Drogowle, 2 - Raków) where saprobic state varied from oligosaprobic to beta-mesosaprobic. Dimensions of the valve were as follows: length 30-44 µm, width 8-11 µm and 13-16 striae in 10 µm. Our research updates the morphological diversity data such as measurements of valves in terms of width and the number of striae. The accompanying species of Prestauroneis tumida belonged to the group of good water quality indicators, from oligo- to mesosaprobic ones. Some of the identified species were indicators of alkaline, calcium-rich waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the research on Usnea florida in the Polish Eastern Carpathians. Three new sites of this species have been found in the Bieszczady National Park at an altitude of 800-880 m. U. florida grows on the bark of Fagus sylvatica, Populus tremula and Betula sp. The historical sites of this species in the Western Bieszczady Mts. have not been confirmed. In Poland U. florida has also been recorded in the Białowieża Forest and Gdańskie Pomerania.

The aim of the present study was to describe the distribution of xerothermic species of vascular plants in the lower San River valley and the relationship between their density and the intensity of selected environmental (natural and anthropogenic) factors. Xerothermic species occurred more frequently in the present valley floor compared to the glacial terrace. Within the present valley, the highest density was observed in the floodplain. The examined species also occurred more often on steep slopes of the valley, at the margins of the present valley terraces, and in the area of occurrence of aeolian sands. Moreover, a positive correlation has been found between the number of xerothermic species and the area of polyhemeroby ecosystems. The distribution of xero- and thermophilous species is determined by natural edaphic and geomorphological factors as well as anthropogenic ones (land use, lowering of the groundwater level as a result of river regulation).

The distribution of the genus Orobanche in SE Poland is presented. The study area stretches between the Vistula and the Bug rivers, and comprises the Polish areas of the Lublin-Lwów Upland, the Wołyń Upland and the southern part of Polesie. Eight species of the genus Orobanche: O. alba, O. alsatica, O. arenaria, O. caryophyllacea, O. elatior, O. lutea, O. pallidiflora, O. picridis, were collected during floristic investigations conducted between 1999 and 2010. The hosts, abundance and habitat preferences at the localities are given and a supplemented map of the distribution in SE Poland is included.

Vegetation data (70 relevés) of ephemeral wetlands collected in both permanent and temporal water basins were analyzed. Numerical classification of the data revealed two distinct subsets, the first comprised communities of Eleocharition ovatae Philippi 1968 alliance, the second combined communities dominated by Alisma lanceolatum, Isolepis supina or Elatine alsinastrum (Alisma lanceolatum group). Phytocoenoses of Eleocharition ovatae were widely distributed in the study area and developed, most frequently, on exposed bottoms of fishponds. This group could be divided into four types of communities. Patches representing Alisma lanceolatum group were found only in mid-field depressions periodically filled with water and concentrated in Volhynian Upland. In this group, two lower vegetation units were distinguished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to examine the water quality using three diatom indices SPI, GDI and TDI. The material for the study was collected during four seasons from autumn 2010 to summer 2011, from four sampling sites located on the Wisłoka River, in the town of Dębica and the surrounding area. The Wisłoka at all selected sites was characterized by alkaline or close to neutral pH (pH 6.5-7.7). Electrolytic conductivity ranged from 364 to 480 μS cm-1. The Wisłoka at the selected sites in the urban area and in the surrounding areas was characterized by high diatom species richness. The total of 238 taxa from 53 genera were recorded, of which the most numerous were: Nitzschia (44), Navicula (33) and Gomphonema (12). Achnanthidium minutissimum var. minutissimum, Amphora pediculus, Navicula gregaria, N. lanceolata, and Nitzschia dissipata ssp. dissipata were usually the dominant species. Chemical parameters indicated very good quality of water. However, the diatom indices used to assess the water quality, classified the studied water into a group corresponding to quality class III or IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last 40 years of the twentieth century, as a result of the growth in the exploitation and industrial processing of sulphur, the northern part of the Sandomierz Basin was one of the most polluted areas of Poland. Forests growing in this region, predominantly the Scots pine, offered an opportunity to analyse the degradation of the environment during that period using the dendrochronological method. The study was based on 814 samples, taken from 53 research surfaces belonging to nine linear transects. The investigations demonstrated that the highest reduction in growth occurred during the years 1970-1990. After that period, a considerable improvement in the condition of the pine trees was observed in most of the research plots. The spatial schedule of the trees with reductions reveals a clear relationship with the distance from the emitter i.e. the reductions were significantly lower in more distant sites. A distinct weakening of the trees is also indicated by missing rings, recorded in the years: 1964, 1974, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1985, 1990, and 2002. A definite impact on the condition of the tree stands was also due to the cone of depression around the Jeziórko mine, the post-flotation landfills, as well as pollution on a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrophytes and selected physical-chemical water properties were studied in 17 post-mining lakes of Jeziórko Sulphur Mine - one of the largest borehole sulphur mines in the world. Artificial lakes were constructed in subsidence depressions during the reclamation process of mining fields. They were characterized by high mineralization - conductivity ranged from 723 to 2295 μS/cm. The reaction was near neutral, or more frequently, slightly alkaline. Concentrations of phosphorus and organic matter were low. In the group of hydrophytes, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Najas marina, Utricularia vulgaris, Eleocharis acicularis, Potamogeton pectinatus, Potamogeton natans and Potamogeton pusillus were frequently dominant. In several lakes, large macroscopic algae dominated - charophytes forming large, dense Chara meadows. In marsh communities, Phragmites australis was the most expansive. Reclamation process had a positive effect on diversity, some of the species found in the study area are regionally rare, including one species which is threatened in Poland (Najas minor). No alien species were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecological Engineering / Inżynieria Ekologiczna is the property of Polish Society of Ecological Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study area was a small lowland river valley (the Łęg river) located in the south-east of Poland. The object of investigation was the macrophytes of 10 river lakes with corresponding active river channel stretches of the same length as the cut-offs. The aim was to check the difference in species diversity between cut-off and active river channels. The second aim was to test the following hypothesis: vegetation of river lake has been shaped under the influence of contiguous river stretch which has left a measurable mark in species abundance and composition. To test this, we checked whether a cut-off channel's flora is more similar to flora of the contiguous river stretch, than to flora of a farther river stretch. During the course of the study it was found that the average species richness was approximately two times higher in the cut-off channels than in the river stretches. The number of the species exclusive for the river lakes was nine times higher in comparison with the river's exclusives (not found in the cut-offs). The Shannon diversity index definitely spoke in favor of the river lakes. These results clearly show the significance of river lakes in maintaining biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems in a small river valley. We did not confirm our hypothesis concerning floristic relation between an active channel and its cut-offs. The floristic similarity between a given cut-off channel and the contiguous active river channel stretch is not stronger than the similarity between this lake and more distant river stretches. The cause of such a state of affairs may be high natural dynamics of investigated habitats and anthropogenic transformation of the river valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distribution and habitat preferences of 55 river corridor plant species were analyzed on a local scale in the valley of a medium-size regulated river. The analysis was based on the results of a detailed mapping on a 50 km-long section of the Lower San River valley (366 cartogram cells of 1 square km). Selected species were divided into two groups: (1) strictly and (2) loosely confined to river corridors. River corridor plants were found throughout the valley (river channel, active and historical floodplain, older terraces, slopes); however, their frequency was diverse in particular areas. The highest concentrations were observed on the floodplain. Their number decreased towards the border areas of the valley. Species which were less confined to rivers were found more frequently in the valley (one species occupied, on average, 12.9% of grid cells), than plants strictly confined to the river system (one species occupied, on average, 5.9% of grid cells); however, the ranges of species of the second group were more restricted to the Holocene part of the valley, especially to the floodplain. River corridor plants were, ecologically, a highly diversified group. In the San river valley, they were found in riparian forests, pioneer ephemeral communities on the banks of water bodies, dry grasslands, meadows and old river beds; a lot of them grew in ruderal habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the studies conducted in 2007-2012 in south-eastern Poland, 56 diatom taxa were found from the Pinnularia genus. Pinnularia brebissonii (Kützing) Rabenhorst, P. obscura Krasske, P. viridiformis Krammer, P. lundii Hustedt, and P. viridis (Nitzsch) Ehrenberg occurred at most of the investigated sites. Eighteen taxa were considered as new to Polish flora. Some taxa are very rare in Poland and Europe and are found in only a few localities. Eight taxa are listed on the Polish Red List of Algae, including six taxa classified as endangered (E): P. nobilis (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg, P. nodosa (Ehrenberg) W. Smith, P. subrupestris Hantzsch, P. schoenfelderii Krammer, P. subgibba Krammer and P. viridiformis Krammer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geochemical record of human impact within three archaeological sites in SE Poland was analysed. The total levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and P were defined. The content of the studied elements was found to be higher than the determined geochemical background. In all cases, significantly higher concentrations (2–3 times) of trace metals were found in sediments filling small depressions and foot-slope locations. These concentrations were often higher than in the profiles within the archaeological objects. The vertical distributions of elements were also different from soil profiles located on flat surfaces. The study thus confirms that microtopography and soil erosion may impact (diversify) the initial horizontal and vertical variation of geochemistry of soils within archaeological sites caused by human activity. This should be taken into account when using geochemical prospecting in archaeological studies in areas with varied topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-proxy analysis (sedimentological, palaeobotanical, geochemical data and results of radiocarbon dating) of the biogenic sediments from a small mire ecosystem in the Sandomierz Basin (SE Poland) is presented. The ecosystem contains a full hydroseral sequence from minerotrophic to ombrotrophic wetland. It is one of the few sites in this region which is so thoroughly investigated in terms of the palaeoenvironmental record. Changes in the water supply of the mire area, and consequently the changes in the plant and sediment succession, were well correlated with the regional tendencies in precipitation and temperature during the Late Glacial/Holocene transition and in the Holocene. Human impact is very well recorded in pollen diagram from the Subboreal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within Lubelskie province (SE Poland) are several regions notable for groups of landforms unique in Poland. In this paper, tourists' assessments of the geomorphological heritage of the region have been analysed. The most interesting sites, from both the scientific and touristic points of view and also proposed for the national list of geomorphosites, were chosen for the study. The evaluation by tourists was carried out by means of an Internet survey with 693 answers collected over 6 weeks. The sites visited most frequently by the respondents are loess gullies and river valleys with small waterfalls. The sites were mostly visited during car trips and as part of walking excursions during a long-term stay. The main motivation for visiting the surveyed sites was the aesthetic value of the landscape. The respondents sought information, mainly on the Web, about nature, culture and tourist attractions. The results of the survey indicate a need for further promotion of the geotouristic values of lesser-known sites in Lubelskie province and this will also enable tourism to be better managed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Maastrichtian was a time of a high variability in the climate/ocean system. Most studies on Maastrichtian palaeoenvironment fluxes have been based on evidence from the open ocean realm or from outcrops in the Tethyan realm. We have investigated epicontinental carbonate-rich sediments of Maastrichtian age of the Lublin-Lviv Syncline (SE Poland and western Ukraine). Our study is focused on the population changes of planktonic foraminifers from 21 Maastrichtian outcrop successions and one borehole section. Quantitative and qualitative studies of planktonic foraminifers show long-term foraminiferal changes that make it possible to reconstruct climatic changes and a sea-level curve for the latest Campanian and Maastrichtian from the high-latitude epicontinental sea. A significant regression is inferred for the latest Campanian and earliest Maastrichtian. The highest sea level is noted in the earliest Late Maastrichtian. It coincides with a migration of the benthic and planktonic foraminiferal fauna that was probably triggered by a cooling episode. The cooler episodes correlated with a eustatic sea-level highstand during that time, suggesting that sea level was the most likely mechanism causing a change of global circulation; this temperature drop could be the cause of the mid-Maastrichtian event. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Land cover is one of the most changeable environment components in time and space. The type, intensity and spatial distribution of land use forms result directly from the actual and former character of agriculture. In this study, an attempt was made to assess the impact of loess relief on the spatial diversity of land use patch features. The research was carried out within three test areas covering a total of about 100km2. The test areas are located within the loess areas of SE Poland. Spatial analyses were carried out using GIS software. Eight landscape metrics were used; altogether 170 averaged parameters (based on almost 13,000 patches) were calculated. In general, the patterns were similar in all three test areas, bigger slopes favour occurrence of larger land use mosaic. Observed land use diversity is as a form of adaptation of agriculture to the existing geomorphological conditions (soil erosion threat). The implementation of land consolidation programmes is very low in loess areas, which results besides social and economic aspects from the occurrence of a diverse mosaic of fields and varied topography. That is why loess areas require special land consolidation programmes taking into account specific geomorphological conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Agricultural areas of SE Poland are characterised by small, family-owned agricultural holdings. Poland's accession to the EU has resulted in an increased availability of funds needed to change traditional agriculture practices. A question thus arises: should we preserve the economically unfavourable land use mosaic occurring here (more than 30 patches per square kilometre)? The study analyses the structure of the land cover using three test areas covering 100 km. The main objective is to propose solutions that should be part of the model procedure within the system of agricultural use of loess areas in the future. The authors also attempts to determine whether traditional agroforestry can be a method for the agricultural use of these areas. Based on an analysis of maps for landforms, geology and land cover and landscape structure, the authors also propose guidelines to be considered in spatial agricultural management. The main output of the paper is a set of several maps together with quantitative descriptions and statistical analysis. The improvement of the area's landscape structure and the reduction of erosion risk, necessitate afforestation encompassing between 4.9 and 6.5% of the test areas. The implementation of land consolidation programmes should preserve the existing land use mosaic (traditional agroforestry) in areas threatened by erosion (9.0-15.4% of the area). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pollen diagram from Tarnowiec concentrates on human impact on vegetation, and is supported by the archaeological background. The earliest evidence of human activities dated at ca. 6500 B.P. was probably connected with the Neolithic Linearbandkeramik culture. Further periods of settlement are recorded at ca. 5200 B.P. and at 4800 B.P. The next very distinct period of intensification in human impact at ca. 4200-3800 B.P. was most certainly connected with the presence of the Corded Ware culture. The next period of settlement occurred during the late Bronze Age, in connection with the development of the Lusatian culture from ca. 3200 B.P. but is recorded only faintly in the pollen diagram. The next colonization phase at ca. 2600 B.P. is possibly the result of Scythian invasions. The widest expansion of human impact came during the period of Roman influence. After this, anthropogenic indicators decreased during the Migration period. The youngest part of the pollen diagram reveals an intensification of anthropogenic indicators connected with early Medieval settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six transects were established on the edges of two deciduous forests near Krosno (Carpathian Foothills) to compare the species richness pattern of vascular plants, bryophytes and fungi. The transects had the shape of a cross with one arm 10 m along the forest edge and the other across the edge, 50 m into the forest interior and 12 m into the grassland. They consisted of 2×2 quadrats. The strongest edge effects were recorded for bryophyte, shrub and tree species richness, the weakest for herbaceous plant species richness. Overall vascular plant species richness and herbaceous species richness were higher in grassland than in the forest and peaked in grassland, 3 m from the forest edge. The shrub species richness was highest 1 m from the edge (in the forest) and the tree species richness 3 m from edge. Bryophyte species richness had roughly the same level across the grassland and within the first several meters of the forest, except for the 2 m zone on the edge itself where species richnes was as low as in the forest interior. Fungi species richness was low in the grassland and on the forest edge and rose dramaticaly a few meters from the edge, ramaining at the same level within the forest. The species composition across the forest-grassland border was analysed using detrended correspondence analysis. It revealed that in the case of bryophytes the increase in species richness did not correspond to a change in species composition, such as might have been caused by a general increase in bryophyte density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]