Search

The studies of the meadow-chernozem soil of the Omsk region, showed that biological products are effective when used for spring wheat by seed treatment. When comparing their action, it was noted that a greater effect was obtained from the use of the variants Azotobacterin+Phosphobacterin and Azotobacterin+Phosphobacterin+Humate K. The improvement of the nutritional conditions of plants when applying biological fertilizers and biological products has a positive effect on the content of the number of amino acids in the grain, which without fertilizers increases from 9.59% up to a maximum of 9.92% with Humat K.

This article presents a study of disturbed fir stands in the foothills of the Eastern Sayan. The research was conducted through field surveys on temporary research plots. The data obtained were used to establish the distribution pattern of trees based on natural diameter classes. A comparative analysis of the data was carried out with standard series of distribution of the number of trees of fir forests by Falaleev. The study revealed variations in tree distribution, which could be attributed to dissimilarities in data collection techniques, as well as the condition of the forest stand following pest invasion.

The present study examines the dynamics of the areas experiencing outbreaks of pests classified as "quarantine" in Krasnoyarsk Krai between 2007 and 2023. It can be observed that the forest's health is deteriorating year on year, as the area affected by these pests increases. The coniferous forests of Krasnoyarsk Krai are most at risk from the Siberian moth and the four-eyed fir bark beetle, which cause significant disturbances to forest ecosystems, resulting in substantial environmental and economic damage. There are several shortcomings in the forest management system with regard to forest protection. These include the lack of effective methodologies for assessing the state of forests following extensive damage by pests, as well as the limitation of monitoring information received in the region.

The production of Oriental tobacco has a significant role for the social status of Bulgarian farmers and the economic priorities of the regions. The demand for tobaccos that are truly competitive on the international market has forced the dominant production of Krumovgrad ecotype varieties in the country. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the quality profile of Oriental tobacco of Krumovgrad ecotype (variety Krumovgrad 90), as a significant part of the commodity segment of the Basma variety group. The study was carried out with tobaccos, produced in 10 micro regions of the Nevrokop region, 2019 crop year. Cured leaves were assessed in terms of chemical, visual and sensory quality, and the tobaccos were finally rated according to their complex quality manifestation (based on the achieved “quality index” value). The technological assessment of the quality profile of the studied Oriental tobacco of ecotype Krumovgrad proved that there were significant differences in cured leaf quality between the tobacco samples representing the same variety and crop year but grown in different areas. As a result from the complex quality evaluation procedure, the best rated was the tobacco produced in Godeshevo micro region, followed by those from Kornitsa, Furgovo and Ablanitsa. The data obtained by the study could be useful from the point of view of the technological processing of cured tobacco leaves and the objective of obtaining uniform batches of Krumovgrad ecotype tobacco within the commodity segment.

The production of “marketable” tobacco is decisive in the pReferences of local farmers towards certain varieties of Virginia and Burley tobaccos. The aim of the study was to complete a comparative technological evaluation of the quality potential of introduced and local varieties of Virginia flue-cured and Burley air-cured tobaccos in Bulgaria. The investigation was conducted with tobaccos from 2018 crop year and included 4 varieties of Virginia flue-cured and 2 varieties of Burley tobacco (local and introduced), grown in different regions of Southern and Northern Bulgaria. The complex assessment of tobacco quality was based on leaf and smoke chemical indicators, external leaf quality elements and smoking performance of the studied tobaccos. The final rating was achieved by referring to the value of the calculated “quality indices”. Two of the local varieties, V 0454 from region Parvomay and PVH 19 from Central Northern Bulgaria were rated the best in the complex evaluation of the FCV tobaccos. A better complex expression of quality was found in the introduced (trial) variety Burley N compared to the local Burley 1317 in Southern Bulgaria region.

An assessment was conducted on the health of dark coniferous stands in the Biryusinskoe forestry. The study is of great significance in light of the environmental degradation caused by the invasive four-eyed fir bark beetle (Polygraphus proximus Blandford). The findings revealed that the firdominated stands are severely weakened or dying in the study area. The decline and dieback of fir stands are primarily caused by the invasive foureyed fir bark beetle and other negative impacts. The text discusses the main factors contributing to this issue. The data obtained indicate that Alekseev's method of assessing forest health provides a more detailed and accurate description of the state of forests.

The aim of the current study was to assess the quality level of Oriental tobaccos from the market sector of the “Basmi” variety group from different production areas in Bulgaria. Tobaccos from Krumovgrad and Greek Basma ecotypes (varieties “Krumovgrad 90”, “Krumovgrad 58”, “Krumovgrad 78”, and “Basma”, respectively) were investigated, all farmer-produced (2019 crop year) in seven tobacco regions. The investigation followed a procedure validated for monitoring the quality of Bulgarian tobaccos, incorporating four evaluation steps – chemical indices of tobacco and tobacco smoke, expert and smoking assessment, and final rating by a complex quality index. Statistically significant differences were observed between the compared tobaccos (variety and region based) within the two ecotypes. For Krumovgrad ecotype, the final rating of the compared tobaccos revealed the best complex quality indicators in varieties “Krumovgrad 78” from Kardzhali (micro-region Patitza), “Krumovgrad 58” from Haskovo-Harmanli (Stambolovo) and “Krumovgrad 58” from Ivaylovgrad (Belopoltzi). With the best quality level within ecotype Basma were the tobaccos produced in Svilengrad (micro-region Raykova mogila) and Momchilgrad (Chorbadzhiysko) regions. The results from the study substantiate the annual monitoring of the quality level of Bulgarian Oriental tobaccos and provide data, which have potential importance for the national tobacco sector.

The current investigation includes technological assessment and interpretation of the profile of tobaccos, tobacco derivatives and smoking products illegally distributed in Bulgaria, as officially provided for expertise in the Tobacco and Tobacco Products Institute (TTPI) by external contractors (legitimate state structures) in 2021. The physical and chemical properties of the tobacco objects, depending on their nature, were determined according to standardized methods. The biggest share in the analyses (139 in total) took the determination of tobacco cut width (39%) and particle size fractionation (37%), which supported the observation that the illicit tobacco market in Bulgaria is recently dominated by cut tobacco for hand-rolled cigarettes. In the cut tobacco predominated long and medium-sized strands, but in widely varying proportions (42.27-81.78% and 9.98-38.46%, respectively), with cut width in 0.59-1.06 mm range. The sieve analysis and the expert examination of the tobacco derivatives revealed that they were undoubtedly technological tobacco waste, and, respectively, that accentuated data must be communicated to consumers about the risks associated with the smoking of such tobacco articles. It was found that all illicitly traded fine-cut tobacco blends produced considerably higher tar (12.25-16.05 mg/cig) and CO (12.74-16.94 mg/cig) emissions than the limits set for conventional cigarettes.

Afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. The aim of the research is to study the growth dynamics of pine forests on abandoned farmlands. The average biometric parameters of the model trees indicate that the young stands in the study area are approaching the 20th age. Significant relationships were revealed between morphological parameters, which shows the sustainability of young trees growth dynamics. Carbon sequestration rate in young pine stands is high in low-density stands growing on abandoned farmlands where trees diameter increment rate is high. The height increment rate in the studied pine stands is 1.0-1.5 m lower than in natural high-density forests.

The increased consumption of roll-your-own (RYO) cigarettes and water pipe (hookah), both globally and in Bulgaria, necessitated the current investigation aimed at the assessment of heavy metal levels in the tobacco blends used in those products. The concentrations of Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were determined by AAS in five brands of RYO tobacco (R1-R5) and seven brands of water pipe tobacco (W1- W7), all distributed on Bulgarian market. The average heavy metal contents (mg/kg) in the two types of tobacco blends, RYO and water pipe, respectively, were as follows: Mn - 214.20 and 37.89; Zn - 31.90 and 134.87; Cu - 12.06 and 10.07; Cd - 0.80 and 1.33; Pb - 1.60 and 3.57; Ni - 1.36 and 0.80. RYO cigarette tobaccos contained higher concentration of Mn, Cu and Ni, while water pipe tobaccos - Zn, Cd and Pb. Strong correlations were found between Cu and Zn (r=0.81), Cu and Cd (r=0.90) in RYO tobacco blends, and between Cu and Zn (r=0.86) - in water pipe blends, respectively. The results from the study give reason to recommend that this information be provided to the consumers, who consider the regarded tobacco products as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes.

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), an exotic fruit gaining popularity in Bulgaria, has been recognized as a highly functional food, but has also the potential to be a resource for the fragrance and cosmetic industries. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the resinoid (a type of traditional aromatic products) obtained from locally-produced fruit (variety “Plovdiv”) for use in cosmetics, by revealing its volatile composition and characterizing the properties of an author-developed resinoid- enriched cosmetic cream. The resinoid (yield 58.78% DW) was a dark-orange viscous mass, with fruity, caramel notes and smoke accords odor. The GC-MS analysis identified 44 volatiles (98.69%), representing carbohydrates, alcohols, acids, along with minor miscellaneous compounds. A cosmetic cream (O/W emulsion) was developed, incorporating fruit resinoid (1.00%) as an active ingredient, compared to a control sample. Resinoid inclusion affected positively the sensory and physico-chemical properties of the cosmetic cream (color, odor, pH, stability). The studied emulsions had the rheological behavior of pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids, and resinoid presence reduced cream viscosity. It could be concluded that Cape gooseberry fruit resinoid had the potential to be a reasonable ingredient in cosmetic preparations; of course, further research is needed to assess its complex effects.

There is a noteworthy methodological approach which is based on the system model of argumentation (SMA) proposed by V.N. Bryushinkin. Argumentation theory is used to reconstruct the implicit presuppositions of philosophical systems or their fragments. The results of a comparative analysis of philosophical and legal texts by Immanuel Kant and Vladimir Solovyov are presented as well as the reconstruction of their world models performed by Bryushinkin using the SMA. A summary is given of Bryushinkin’s reconstruction of Kant’s and Solovyov’s arguments concerning the law of retribution (the death penalty). The SMA methodology is shown to highlight differences between the views of the two philosophers on the death penalty, rooted in variations between their world models. Bryushinkin’s reconstruction of the world models of Kant and Solovyov, based on fragments of their texts on specific problems of the philosophy of law (punishment and retribution, the death penalty), provides insights into their fundamental ideas on relations between society and the individual and the values underlying these relations. The SMA seems an elegant and rational methodological tool for philosophical text interpretation. We introduce the concepts of world model and philosophical thinking style to describe unique ways to express meanings in a text.

The integrated influence of trade, technological and production fundamentals that shape the market of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco in Bulgaria objectifies the need of systematic surveys on the quality of the tobacco varieties represented in the country. Therefore, current investigation regarded the quality level of PVH19 and Niki tobacco varieties in the regions of South and North Bulgaria (labeled conditionally as “local”), as well as that of two introduced varieties, H9 (Hungary) and V (Greece). The basic indicators of FCV tobacco quality were analyzed (leaf and smoke chemical composition, external leaf quality elements, smoking quality), and the final evaluation was completed by determining the complex “quality index score”. The results from the study revealed differences in tobacco quality formation, both on a region and variety basis, in terms of leaf and smoke chemical composition, expert and smoking assessment. The final rating of the studied varieties by the complex evaluation procedure was as follows: the best quality level was found for the H9 variety introduced for the region of Plovdiv, followed by PVH19 variety from the same region, the next were PVH19 (Parvomay) and V (Central North Bulgaria) varieties, and the lowest rated was the local Niki variety (Central North Bulgaria).

The seeds of Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) remain as a by-product from juice production, but they can also be a potential resource of valuable nutrients. The objective of this study was to analyze the phytonutrient composition of the seeds isolated from fruit at two maturity stages unsuitable for regular realization (unripe and under-ripe), with the aim of identifying the possibility for utilization of such non-standard or discarded agricultural production. The results showed about 3-time lower oil content in the unripe seeds than in the under-ripe seeds (6.60% vs. 21.75%), but no significant differences in the content of protein (18.44% and 17.83%) and cellulose (26.63% and 26.14%). The total tocopherol content slightly decreased with the progress of fruit maturity (from 8354 mg/kg to 7118 mg/kg). Significant changes in the amino acid composition were found only with regard to aspartic acid, glutamic acid, tyrosine and methionine. The content of macro and micro minerals was lower in the under-ripe seeds (about 1.5-2-time). The results from this baseline study suggested that the seeds from both unripe and under-ripe fruit could also be considered for nutritive purposes (animal feed, food products).

The scientific and practical problems of deterioration of the soil fertility of apple tree plantations under drip irrigation with mineralized waters are discussed. A significant decrease in soil biodiversity was revealed, depending on the duration of cultivation of fruit plantations. A prerequisite for biologization is an objective assessment of the availability of soil nutrients under droppers, which will reduce the load on the environment as a result of the rational use of fertilizers. The necessity of biologization of garden farming and reduction of soil fatigue is actualized. The ways of solving the problem of soil fatigue and reducing the fertility of chernozem soils in fruit plantations of areas of forced use of drip irrigation with mineralized waters are outlined.

In this article are presented the results of studying the similarities and differences in the trends of changes of the agroclimatic conditions of the main viticulture zones of the Krasnodar region according to the data of the Temryuk, Anapa and Taman weather stations. The average values of heat and water supply indicators for two thirty-year (1961-1990, 1991-2020) and three twenty-year averaging periods (1961-1980, 1981-2000, 2001-2020) were obtained. Statistically significant changes in the average agroclimatic indicators were noted. The connection of the course of indicators between weather stations is determined, especially a close connection is noted in the indicators of Anapa and Temryuk. The values of linear trends in 1991-2020 for Anapa and Temryuk are calculated. Statistically significant trends are the growth of the accumulated air temperature above +10 °C in Anapa and Temryuk, a decrease in the moisture coefficient and an increase in the dryness index in Temryuk.

The moisture sorption capacity of tobacco seeds is decisive for their safe long-term storage; therefore, the analysis of the sorption isotherms, in a wide temperature and water activity range, is essential for seed quality maintenance in storage. In this study, the equilibrium sorption isotherms of tobacco (N. tabacum L.) seeds, “Kroumovgrad 90” variety of Oriental tobacco, were determined. The experimental data were obtained by the static gravimetric method at different temperatures and water activities. Sorption isotherms showed a typical Type II sigmoidal profile, with a significant hysteresis effect and a decrease of seed sorption capacity with the increase of temperature. The best fitting with tobacco seed sorption isotherms were the modified Chung-Pfost (desorption) and Oswin (adsorption) models. The monolayer moisture content, important for the safe storage of tobacco seeds, was also determined. The outcomes from the study might be of practical use in tobacco seed conditioning and storage design.

In this study, the thermodynamic characteristics of tobacco seeds were investigated, based on experimental data from equilibrium moisture isotherms at desorption. An empirical exponential relationship was found for the decrease of the net isosteric heat and the differential entropy, based on the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, in response to the increase in moisture content; the values of the two parameters varied from 31.09 to 1.46 kJ.mol-1 and from 91.53 to 4.29 J.mol-1.K-1, respectively. The linear relationship between the enthalpy and the entropy in the moisture desoption of tobacco seeds supported the validity of the enthalpy-entropy theory. The value of Gibbs free energy was positive and the harmonic temperature (297.5 K) was lower than the isosteric temperature (339.6 K). The outcomes from the study provide for the deeper insight into the process of moisture desorption of tobacco seeds.