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Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists 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.)

Due to the changes in the agricultural sector, there is a demand among policymakers, administration, advisors and farmers for comparisons of the economic efficiency of organic versus conventional farms and their environmental impact. The authors of the paper hypothesised that in some conditions, organic farms can reach similar productive and economic results as conventional farms and, at the same time, achieve better environmental effects. The aim of the research was to compare the production, environmental and economic effects of selected organic and conventional farms from eastern Poland (mixed, crop production, animal production). The basis for the comparative analysis was the data from 12 farms obtained using the questionnaire method (direct interview) from the years 2020 to 2021. The yields of cereals in the tested organic farms were about one-third lower than the average obtained on conventional farms. Total organic crop production in cereal units per ha was 43% of conventional production. Balances of NPK indicated surpluses or deficiency, which suggested that in both systems nutrient management should be improved and optimised. The compared groups of organic farms generally had higher economic efficiency—both with and without subsidies—than conventional farms, despite the fact that the latter obtained significantly higher incomes. Gross farm income on conventional farms was higher than on organic farms by 28%, but conventional farms had higher direct costs by 332% than organic ones. As a result, the economic efficiency of agricultural production of organic farms was higher by 59% than conventional farms. The lower level of inputs incurred on organic farms was the main factor determining their high economic efficiency. Organic farms pursuing an intensive model of agricultural production (milk production), but also with specialisation in crop production, proved to be the most economically efficient. Despite diversified production, reducing the income risk, the mixed production, both organic and conventional, in the studied set of farms turned out to be the least profitable, indicating the need to support it. It is suggested that moderate specialisation increases the efficiency of management in organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Europe-wide dynamic ammonia (NH3) emissions model has been applied for one of the large agricultural countries in Europe, and its sensitivity on the distribution of emissions among different agricultural functions was analysed by comparing with observed ammonia concentrations and by implementing all scenarios in a chemical transport model (CTM). The results suggest that the dynamic emission model is most sensitive to emission from animal manure, in particular how animal manure and its application on fields is connected to national regulations. In contrast, the model is most robust with respect to emission from buildings and storage. To incorporate the national regulations, we obtained activity information on agricultural operations at the sub-national level for Poland, information about infrastructure on storages, and current regulations on manure practice from Polish authorities. The information was implemented in the existing emission model and was connected directly with the NWP calculations from the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW). The model was used to calculate four emission scenarios with high spatial (5 km x 5 km) and temporal resolution (3 h) for the entire year 2010. In the four scenarios, we have compared the Europe-wide default model settings against (1) a scenario that focuses on emission from agricultural buildings, (2) the existing emission method used in WRF-Chem in Poland, and (3) a scenario that takes into account Polish infrastructure and agricultural regulations. The ammonia emission was implemented into the CTM FRAME and modelled ammonia concentrations was compared with measurements. The results suggest that the default setting in the dynamic model is an improvement compared to a non-dynamical emission profile. The results also show that further improvements can be obtained on the national scale by replacing the default information on manure practice with information that is connected with local practice and national regulations. Implementing a dynamical approach for simulation of ammonia emission is a viable objective for all CTM models that continue to use fixed emission profiles. Such models should handle ammonia emissions in a similar way to other climate-dependent emissions (e.g. biogenic volatile organic compounds). Our results, compared with previous results from the DEHM and the GEOS-CHEM models, suggest that implementing dynamical approaches improves simulations in general, even in areas with limited information about the location of the agricultural fields, livestock and agricultural production methods such as Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article analyzes the market for technologies used to support production processes in directed agriculture. The state of vegetable farming in Poland was analyzed and references were made to the country’s market and economic potential in relation to vegetable cultivation. Also analyzed were the directions of distribution of vegetables on a national and international scale. The vegetable farm surveyed in the case study has been cooperating with a chain of super and hyper markets for several decades. Design/methodology/approach: The subject of observation and profitability assessment included industry reports, technological flowcharts and price calculation using methods of calculating the arithmetic mean based on VAT invoices provided by the surveyed business entity. The presentation and detailed examination of available data took the form of tables and bar charts which were justified descriptively. The source of information for this paper was the subject literature, statistical data and many studies of the Central Statistical Office and Eurostat, reports in the industry section, an interview with the owner of a vegetable farm, an analysis of financial documents made available by the business in question as well as the author’s own observation. The business’s characteristics, revenues, costs and sales market were examined. Also, the machine park of the surveyed business and the level of employment therein were analyzed over the years. Findings: The surveyed farm produces goods for over 10 months a year, which significantly affects the continuity of supplying the customer with fresh vegetables. The article presents the characteristics of the farm and analyzes the production possibilities for individual vegetables. Manufacturing large quantities of goods requires an adequate supply of warehouse space, vegetable processing halls and the necessary human resources. The surveyed farm has been recording a steady increase in investment opportunities as well as introduction and improvement of recycling and ecological activities. Research limitations/implications: The analysis was limited to one vegetable farm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrological assessment of the Vistula River basin in the near future will be a key element in the development of strategies to adapt agriculture to climate change. The Vistula River basin covers 61% of Poland's area (190,062 km2) and is mainly used for agricultural production. The aim of this study is to assess the water balance of the Vistula River basin from the perspective of 2050 based on the analysis of two climate scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, and the three climate models ICHEC-EC-EARTH_KNMI-RACMO22E (A), ICHEC-EC-EARTH_DMI-HIRHAM5 (B), and ICHEC-EC-EARTH_SMHI-RCA4 (C). This paper presents the steps in the development of the SWAT model and the results of the hydrological analysis of the Vistula catchment. Calibration and validation of the model were carried out using the SUFI-2 algorithm in the SWAT-CUP programme for 2013–2018. The data used to calibrate the SWAT model are monthly flow measurements [m3/s] from the measurement station in Tczew, located near the estuary of the Vistula basin to the Baltic Sea. The summary result of the work is the results of modelling the flow of the Vistula River catchment for different climate scenarios in the 2020–2050 perspective. The average annual precipitation for all projections in 2021–2030, 2031–2040, and 2041–2050 will be higher by up to 22% (763 mm) (RCP 8.5.C for 2041–2050) compared to the 2013–2018 simulation years (624 mm). The average annual temperature for most climate projections for 2021–2030 will fall to as low as 8.7 °C (RCP 4.5.B) compared to the 2013–2018 simulation period (9.2 °C). In contrast, for all projections in 2031–2040 and 2041–2050, the average annual temperature will increase to as much as 10.3 °C (RCP 8.5.C). The simulation results for the climate projections (2020–2050) indicate that there are no clear trends of change in the water management of the Vistula River basin for the coming decades. According to scenarios RCP 4.5.A, RCP 8.5.A, and RCP 8.5.B, the annual sums of potential evapotranspiration show a slight downward trend. On the other hand, for the RCP 8.5.C and RCP 4.5.C projections and the climate change scenario RCP 4.5.B, the results obtained show a slight upward trend in the annual sum of potential evapotranspiration. For the overall evapotranspiration and potential evapotranspiration assessment for all climate projections analysed, the annual evapotranspiration total shows a clear increase compared to the 2013–2018 baseline period. The average annual actual evapotranspiration for all projections in 2021–2030, 2031–2040, and 2041–2050 will increase up to 467 mm (RCP 4.5.A—2021–2030) compared to the 2013–2018 simulation period of 401 mm. The average annual potential evapotranspiration for all projections in 2021–2030, 2031–2040, and 2041–2050 will increase up to 755 mm (RCP 8.5.C—2031–2040) compared to the 2013–2018 simulation period—616 mm. The analysis of the total runoff in all climate models for the RCP 4.5 scenario shows that the annual average total runoff tends to decrease. The results of the simulations carried out for the RCP 8.5 scenario, which are generally characterised by an increase in total runoff in subsequent years, are different. When analysing annual total runoff on a regional basis, it appears that for most of the climate projections analysed (except for the RCP 8.5.A scenario), annual runoff will be lower, especially in the lowlands in the central part of the Vistula basin. In regions where the increase in precipitation is greatest in the north-western and southern basins, higher total runoff should be expected. The analysis of the total runoff in all climate models for the RCP 4.5 scenario shows that the annual average total runoff tends to decrease. The results of the simulations carried out for the RCP 8.5 scenario, which are generally characterised by an increase in total runoff in subsequent years, are different. When analysing annual total runoff on a regional basis, it appears that for most of the climate projections analysed (except for the RCP 8.5.A scenario), annual runoff will be lower, especially in the lowlands in the central part of the Vistula basin. In regions where the increase in precipitation is greatest in the north-western and southern basins, higher total runoff should be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists 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.)

Agricultural production is the main area of human activity that affects both food security and well-being, as well as the environment, in which people live. The modern economy tries to combine economic and environmental goals, because uncontrolled intensive production growth can lead to irreversible changes in the environment. This paper addresses the issue of evaluating one of the methods in search of the golden mean of sustainable agricultural production, on the example of the potato-microbiome interaction leading to the development of an innovative strategy of potato breeding and production. The aim was to apprise the economic and environmental effects of innovative potato cultivation with the use of beneficial microorganisms in Poland based on the field data. The data for the analyses were obtained from experimental field work carried out in 2021–2022 under the PotatoMetaBiome project. The analysis of the collected data allowed us to conclude that from the economic point of view, the most profitable was the strategy that included the use of practices based on synthetic means of production (with mineral fertilizers and chemical protection). On the other hand, the use of innovative preparations with beneficial microorganisms slightly increased the profitability in relation to the strategy without means of production and with the use of synthetic means of production. At the same time, it had the least negative impact on the environment than other agricultural practices. The obtained results indicate that the use of beneficial microorganisms may be a viable alternative agricultural strategy in potato production. It allows farmers to obtain satisfactory economic results while maintaining the environmental regime. Their use, however, requires further research in terms of the impact on the economics and organisation of agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of producer organizations (POs) in enhancing the efficiency of agricultural production and empowering farmers within the agro-food supply chain has gained significant attention among scholars and policymakers. These organizations play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by farmers, such as market volatility, limited access to resources, and unequal bargaining power. The primary objective of this paper is to delve into the selection criteria employed by POs and classify them accordingly. By doing so, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how the member selection process evolves over time and to highlight any divergences between POs that are actively operating and those that have ceased their operations. By contrasting the selection processes of active POs with those that have discontinued their operations, we hope to uncover potential reasons for the success of these entities. To accomplish this, our study focuses on a sample of 70 producer organizations composed of fruit and vegetable growers situated in two voivodships in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every type of agricultural production is a burden for the natural environment. The paper's objective is to assess the energy use efficiency, GHG emissions, and provide an economic analysis of buckwheat production for Central Europe (Poland). The analysis and comparison involved two production systems: low-input and high-input ones. The experiment involved three varieties of buckwheat, Panda, Volma, and Mancan. The yields for analysis were obtained from the field experiment which was set up in 3k-p fractional design was applied in two replications in which at the same time five factors were tested (A—variety, B—mineral fertilisation, C—sowing rate, D—weed control, E—growth regulator). A quartile was used as a statistical tool to select production systems. A high-input buckwheat production regime required, on average, 74.00% more energy than a low-input system. The total mean energy input for three varieties ranged from 7532.7 to 13,106.9 MJ ha−1 for low- and high-input systems, respectively. The results show that the energy use efficiency, specific energy, and net energy gain for the low-input system were on average 1.51, 9.6 MJ kg−1, and 3878.8 MJ ha−1, respectively, for the investigated varieties. For the high-input system, it was 1.35, 10.9 MJ kg−1, 4529.9 MJ ha−1, respectively. The total CO2 equivalent emissions during buckwheat production were higher for the high-input system than for the low-input system by more than 40%. The economic analysis demonstrated that the high-input system had better economic efficiency (without EU payment), 1.01 on average, than the low-input system, 1.07 on average. The international literature does not offer research on energy analysis for the production of common buckwheat and GHG emissions. The findings of this study demonstrate how the production systems affect energy and economic efficiency as well as GHG emissions. The authors suggest further research in Europe and globally, particularly on the energy use efficiency and GHG emissions in the production of common buckwheat, to verify the present results and improve production technologies (reduce inputs and costs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was a comparative assessment of the agricultural sector of Poland and Ukraine, considering their productive potential and its efficient utilisation. The source material was data from FAOSTAT database for the period from 2010 to 2020. Based on these, a number of indicators were calculated. The production potential was evaluated based on the resources of production factors and the relationship between them, cropland per capita and the importance of agriculture to the economy, while its efficiency was measured according to the value of agricultural output, gross value added and land and labour productivity. The study showed that, in the analysed period, Ukraine featured a higher agricultural production potential determined by land and labour resources. In addition, this sector was more significant to the national economy than in Poland as in 2020 it engaged approx. 17% of all labour resources (9.5% in Poland) and generated more than 9% of gross value added (2.7% in Poland). However, the utilisation of land and labour resources was considerably less effective in Ukraine than in Poland. In the analysed years, land productivity in Poland was nearly four times higher than in Ukraine, while the level of labour productivity was two times higher in Poland. Since Poland is among the European Union's member states featuring the lowest labour productivity in agriculture, its level in Ukraine should be evaluated as very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists / Roczniki Naukowe Stowarzyszenia Ekonomistow Rolnictwa & Agrobiznesu is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists 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.)

Food loss is a serious global problem, particularly in developed countries; in the European Union, approximately 20% of the food produced each year is wasted. Food losses occur in the entire agri-food chain, starting from primary production, through post-harvest operations and storage, processing, distribution and consumption. The paper presents the results of studies on the evaluation of food losses at the stage of primary production (agricultural production) of consumer cereals in Poland in the context of their impact on the environment and ensuring food security. It was shown that the amount of food losses in the first link of the agri-food chain in the cereal sector in 2017–2018 was on average 219.6 thousand tonnes per year. The level of losses per farm averaged 0.91 tonnes, which accounted for 1.7% of total production. The weight of consumer grain waste at the primary production stage, calculated on the basis of the results of food losses and taking into account the grain management methods, amounted to an average of 117.24 thousand tonnes/year, which accounted for 23.08% of all food waste generated at the primary production stage. By relating the amount of food losses in the primary production of consumer cereals in Poland to the assumed emission factor, it was calculated that food losses at the stage of production of consumer cereals during a year are responsible for the emission of 0.608 million tonnes of CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the spatial differentiation of particulates emission resulting from agricultural production in Poland. Some indicators of emission have been verified and adjusted to the Polish conditions. The paper estimates PM2.5 (particulate matter, aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm) and PM10 (particulate matter, aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µm) emission resulting from agricultural production and agricultural soil. The findings of the research conducted by the Institute of Ecology of Industrial Areas in Katowice in cooperation with the Institute for Chemical Processing of Coal in Zabrze were the main source of those alterations. Data concerning particular sources of emission also come from the information provided by the Central Statistical Office in Warsaw, the Bank of Local Data 2017. The estimation of PM2.5 and PM10 emission was conducted based on the structure of sources of emission resulting from agriculture contained in "EMEP/EEA Emission Inventory Guidebook" in accordance with the Tier 2 method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists 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 increase in demand for food and the need to predict the impact of a warming climate on vegetation makes it critical that the best tools for assessing crop production are found. Chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) has been proposed as a direct indicator of photosynthesis and plant condition. The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility of estimating ChlF from spectral vegetation indices derived from Sentinel-2, in order to monitor crop stress and investigate ChlF changes in response to surface temperatures and meteorological observations. The regressions between thirty three Sentinel-2-derived VIs, and ChlF measured on the ground were evaluated in order to estimate the best predictors of ChlF. The r-Pearson correlation and polynomial linear regression were used. For maize, the highest correlation between ChlF and VIs were found for NDII (r=0.65) and for SIPI (r=−0.68). The weakest relationship between VIs and ChlF were found for sugar beets. Despite this, it should be noted that the highest correlation for sugar beets appeared for EVI (r=0.45) and S2REP (r=0.43). The results of this study indicate the need for a synergy of low and high resolution satellite data that will enable a more detailed analysis for estimating fluorescence and its relation to climatic conditions, environmental aspects, and VIs derived from satellite images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the current state of foreign trade in agri-food products based on the use of techniques and methods of statistical analysis. It was found that the export of these goods is developing most dynamically, as a result of which, starting from 2014, agricultural and food industry products become the main export product of Ukraine, and its share in the total export of goods reached 45.1% in 2020, which is much higher than a similar indicator for developed countries and indicates the presence of serious problems in other sectors of the economy. It was also noted that the export of these products provides the largest surplus in comparison with other goods, which affects the state of the country's trade balance. During the analysis, it was revealed that the basis of agri-food exports is plant products, mainly cereals and oilseeds, the sales of which are growing both absolutely and relatively, which indicates the predominantly raw nature of this type of activity. The study of the reasons for this nature of the commodity structure of the export of agri-food products shows that they are hidden in the peculiarities of domestic production. In agriculture, crop production is mainly growing. Livestock production, on the other hand, grows very slowly. There are serious problems in the food industry - insufficient production volumes, a limited range of products, and product quality, which is inferior to foreign goods, which explains the growth of imports of food products. A comparative analysis of the commodity structure of Ukraine and, less often, European countries shows that our competitors in the world market in their export policy are guided by the export of livestock products and finished food products, that is, products with high added value. In Poland and France, the sale of only these goods significantly exceeds the entire agri-food export of Ukraine. The paper emphasizes that the main way to improve the commodity structure is to increase responsible food production, which will increase the export of these products, reduce imports and increase the positive balance. On the basis of the conducted study, recommendations have been presented to improve the efficiency of foreign trade in agri-food products in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each developed area in which there are various objects is characterized by specific structures that together form a broadly understood spatial structure. It covers spatial and natural objects as well as those resulting from human activities. Unfortunately, the spatial structure of the Polish countryside seems to be increasingly unfavourable. Rural areas in different regions of Poland are characterized by different spatial parameters. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out detailed research and analysis enabling the selection of appropriate factors describing the area under study in terms of determining the urgency of undertaking comprehensive land consolidation and exchange works, as rural areas in Poland need deep structural changes related to agricultural production, farm size, shaping land layout, demographic, spatial and institutional structure. The selection of factors describing the examined villages was made on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of the natural, social and economic conditions of the villages on the basis of data obtained from the Land and Property Register of the County Office in Opoczno and data from the Żarnów commune. The research results will allow the selection of the most important factors characterizing the spatial structure of the research area. The purpose of the paper is to identify the spatial and technical parameters of agricultural lands in the villages of Central Poland on the example of the Żarnów commune, which will be the starting point for determining the needs of land consolidation works in 41 villages of the Żarnów commune, located in the Opoczno poviat, the Łódź voivodship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annals of the Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists is the property of Polish Association of Agricultural & Agribusiness Economists 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.)

This paper aims to understand the state of adjustment processes and dynamic structure in Polish agriculture. A dynamic cost frontier model using the shadow cost approach is formulated to decompose cost efficiency into allocative and technical efficiencies. The dynamic cost efficiency model is developed into a more general context with a multiple quasi-fixed factor case. The model is empirically implemented using a panel data set of 1,380 Polish farms over the period 2004-2007. Due to regional differences and a wide variety of farm specializations, farms are categorized into two regions and five types of farm production specializations. The estimation results confirm our observation that adjustment was rather sluggish, implying that adjustment costs were considerably high. According to this study, it will take up to 30 years for Polish farmers to reach their optimal level of capital and land input. Allocative and technical efficiency widely differ across regions. Moreover, efficiencies prove rather stable over time and among farm specializations, although the results indicate that the regions with larger farms performed slightly better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooperative movement in Poland has a long but difficult history, which has caused farmers to have an aversion to cooperatives. Nonetheless, in the early 1990s, the first farmers' cooperative marketing organizations, which were called agricultural producer groups, appeared in the market. These groups are bottom-up, voluntary organizations the primary purpose of which is to jointly sell their members' output. In this paper, it is investigated why the new forms of governance, namely cooperative arrangements, were chosen, and we evaluate the implications of these choices on the market success of these groups. Empirical data were collected from 62 producer groups in one Polish province. We found that the groups were typically functioning as associations, unions, and limited liability companies. The factors that had an impact on the choices made were the number of members and the specific investment per member. Additionally, if the initial investment level was low, not only set-up and operational costs but also tax considerations played a role in the decision. Therefore, we argue that the new bottom-up cooperatives, which are theoretically suitable when the start-up capital is high or the number of members is large, will gradually be recognized and accepted in the market despite the fact that these cooperatives have a "bad reputation" caused by the socialist legacy. The new cooperative development trend confirms this argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous and endogenous factors influencing the condition of agriculture in mountain areas of Podkarpackie voivodeship were presented. The scope of the research includes the determination of characteristic features, limitations in agricultural production, deficits and development opportunities as well as ways of using/reinforcing existing trends in the agri-food sector in the aspect of mountain farming development in the areas of Podkarpackie voivodeship. Preservation of agricultural production in this valuable natural area is very important due to the numerous social, economic, environmental, but also cultural functions performed by agriculture and farms here. Departure of inhabitants from agriculture may cause irreversible negative phenomena resulting in reduction of landscape attractiveness and consequently tourist attractiveness. Mountain areas have development opportunities which should be utilised by coordinating actions at the regional and macro-regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Water & Land Development is the property of Polish Academy of Sciences 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.)

Based on the analysis of statistical data, the average area under cultivation and average yields of barley in Poland in 2010-2020 were calculated. Barley is one of the most important cereals grown in Poland. Its cultivation area occupied an average of 920,595 ha in these years, with average yields of 3.66 Mg·ha-1. Barley is a cereal grown mainly as a spring cereal. The average area under spring species in these years accounted for 95% (875,771 ha) of the total area under this cereal, and the average yield of spring varieties was 3.60 Mg·ha-1. In order to estimate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and ammonia (NH3), the sources of emissions - inorganic fertilisers, fuel consumption - were analysed for selected barley cultivation technologies, differentiated by yield level, and variant model production technologies were developed to obtain projected yields. Emissions were calculated for individual greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4 and CO2) and they were recalculated according to the greenhouse potential of each gas (GWP - global warming potential) to be able to compare the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions for the analysed variants. Greenhouse gas emissions for cultivation technology ranged from 134.53 to 136.48 kg CO2eq for 1 Mg yield. A more accurate Tier 2 method was used to estimate NH3 emissions, taking into account soil conditions and climate zone. The estimated ammonia emissions from the application of mineral fertilisers were from 0.99 kg to 2.35 kg for 1 Mg yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews selected systems and technological variants of biogas production. Biogas installations and methods of biogas production were characterized in terms of control and measurement. The required technical and technological criteria for biogas production and treatment were indicated. The conditions of biorefining in the context of the generation of new products were analysed. Based on the amount of manure produced in pig production, the potential of biogas production in Poland was indicated based on the visualization of the biogas production potential by poviats in Poland. The substrate in the form of slurry, manure and other agricultural waste for the production of agricultural biogas in Poland was analysed quantitatively. The economic aspects in the agricultural biogas plant sector were revealed, indicating the operation of the economies of scale for this industry sector. An example of a pilot biogas production for anaerobic digestion using pig slurry is presented. The paper presents preliminary results of experimental studies on the course of changes in the biogas volume flow for the average daily production of agricultural biogas and the qualitative composition of agricultural biogas produced from pig slurry. The results of the measurements show a clear influence of the hydrodynamic mixing system of the substrate for the evaluation of the biogas flow through the adhesive bed in the context of agricultural biogas production in the range (1-14) m³ d-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper presents a study on the middle reaches of the Ina River. Select physical and chemical indicators were analyzed in order to evaluate water quality. It was determined that the studied river was subjected to strong anthropopressure, and factors declassifying river water included CODCr, TP, general hardness, and alcalinity. A high level of biogenic elements was additionally increased by pollution discharged to the river in the proximity of a factory specializing in agricultural production and processing food and agricultural produce near the town of Stargard Szczecinski. The process of self-purification was noted, which can be considered as a factor modifying changes and dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus in the studied river, leading to an internal enrichment with biogenic elements. Those processes were multi-directional as confirmed by PCA analysis, where component 1 accounted for just 36.7% of the total variance, and the total variance exceeding 90.0% was only noted for 7 components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector can play an important role in the transformation of the energy economy in Poland. Special attention in this paper has been paid to the development of the agricultural biogas market in Poland. The considerations mainly concern organizational and economic aspects. Agricultural biogas plant represents the circular cycle of matter and energy. It enables the establishment of low-carbon, resource-efficient links between the agriculture and energy sectors. This is an important element of the circular economy, where waste from agricultural production and the agri-food industry, coming from renewable resources, is transformed into goods with a higher added value. The social and economic needs of the present generation and future generations are considered. The paper presented the characteristics of the Polish market, i.e., the number of entities, the number and location of plants, as well as the production volumes. Analyses were performed in the area of raw materials used to produce agricultural biogas. The analyses were carried out between 2011 and 2018. According to analyses, the potential of the agricultural biogas market in Poland is currently being used to a small extent. It is necessary not only to provide institutional support but also to increase the awareness of farmers and managers in agri-food companies of the possibility of using production waste for energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW 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.)

Land consolidation in rural areas is greatly influenced by a number of social, agricultural, and economic factors. They extend the time and complicate activities related to the implementation of this project. Land consolidation is a huge investment, requiring a good and up-to-date map. Up-to-date data that reflects reality are the basis for good and efficient land consolidation in rural areas. To improve the creation of a land consolidation project, the most appropriate solution would be to place all the necessary data to create a land consolidation project on "geoportals" websites. Providing data on the websites of geoportals in Poland and Finland in the form of a map portal would enable both visual and substantive analysis of spatial changes in rural areas. Therefore, this article pursues two main scientific goals. The first purpose of this article is to analyze the history and scope of land consolidation in Poland and Finland in order to learn the specifics of land consolidation in a given country. Comparisons and analyses were made on the basis of the authors' experience in Poland and Finland with land consolidation in the areas described. The second scientific goal of the article is to compare the availability of geospatial data in the context of the methodology of performing land consolidation in rural areas, which leads to increased energy efficiency in agricultural production by reducing the need for energy, especially fuel for agricultural machinery. The results from the table with a list of geoportals in Poland and Finland are a summary of the data available for free. Thanks to it, land consolidation contractors around the world will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with and perhaps use this data when creating a rural land consolidation project. Good land consolidation planning will lead to effective and economical use of rural space. This is part of the 2030/2050 strategy. Reducing agricultural production costs, lower fuel consumption, and a smaller carbon footprint. This is what Poland and Finland are striving for as countries belonging to the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cover crops is aimed at sustaining soil health and productivity in the context of agricultural intensification and accompanying soil degradation. While cover crops have been extensively studied in field production systems, limited research has been conducted concerning their application in high-tunnel vegetable production. This study aimed to assess the effects of turnip (Brassica napus subsp. napobrassica (L.) Jafri) and swede Brassica rapa subsp. Rapifera Metzg) cover crops (CCs) on soil physicochemical and biological properties in an organic high tunnel system in southern Poland in 2017-2019. The planting sequence was as follows: winter cover crops/pumpkin/romaine lettuce/broad bean/chilli pepper. Soil analyses included measurements of bulk density, water capacity, soil aggregation, soil organic carbon (SOC), available soil nutrients, as well as microbial abundance and diversity. Rape crops produced a higher aboveground dry biomass (4.11 t ha-1) than swede (2.85 t ha-1), and the N content in their biomass was 101 kg N ha-1 and 75 kg N ha-1, respectively. The results presented that CC residue significantly contributed to soil organic carbon stock, retention of plant-available nitrogen, and improvement of soil physical properties, especially wet aggregate stability. Soils with the highest SOC concentrations were associated with the highest bacterial and fungal abundance. The most significant number of mesophilic bacteria was detected in the soil where turnip was grown as a cover crop (7.6 × 107 cfu g-1 DM soil). Moreover, a higher abundance of the tested nitrogen cycle bacteria was found in the soils after CC cultivation compared to the control soils, particularly bacteria reducing NH4+-N and NO3--N. These findings highlight the importance of cover crop management practices in high tunnels, as they influence the composition of the total bacterial community and the abundance of N-cycling microbial guilds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of environmental resources is aimed at ensuring the continuity of ecosystem services for future generations and maintaining ecosystem integrity. Given the extensive reliance of agriculture on the environment, it is crucial to identify factors that impact the quality of ecosystem services (ESs), which can be regulated at large and heterogeneous national or European scales. This research, conducted within the Polish use case of the AGRICORE project, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of establishing indicators depicted in three ES categories, which can be shaped under the actions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The study was conducted based on national sources, mostly the database of the Central Statistical Office. The analyses of regression showed a significant impact of selected agricultural productivity factors on the key performance indicators (KPIs) assessing the level of selected ESs. The yield of cereal grains, which quantitatively expresses the potential of current crop production, depended to the greatest extent (r = 0.81) on a comprehensive indicator of the agricultural production space suitability, as well as on the rise of the level of nitrogen fertilization (r = 0.68), and also on the reduced share of permanent grassland in the agricultural area (r = −0.53). It was proved that in territorial units, in which the level of nitrogen fertilization per 1 ha was greater, the share of soils with favorable pH > 5.5 was also greater. The gross nitrogen balance had a positive and significant correlation with the level of investment subsidies (r = 0.86), the share of agricultural land in the total area (r = 0.67), and the level of nitrogen fertilization (r = 0.66). Notably, there were positive correlations between the level of environmental subsidies and the increase in forestation (r = 0.68) and also between air quality and the share of cereals in the sowing structure (r = 0.86). Additionally, the impact of agricultural productivity factors on cultural eco-services was found, e.g., the share of ecological land had a positive impact on the number of natural monuments, the area of nature reserves, the number of agritourists, and agritourism nights, while the share of cereals in the sowing structure negatively correlated with the most of analyzed cultural indicators. These results are useful for the development of a module for the ABM model that employs the desired environmental parameters to provide different assessments of the impact of selected agricultural productivity factors and ecosystem services on the economic farm status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research Papers of the Wroclaw University of Economics / Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wroclawiu is the property of Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny we Wroclawiu 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.)

Copyright of Economics & Environment / Ekonomia i Środowisko is the property of Fundacja Ekonomistow Srodowiska i Zasobow Naturalnych 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.)

Among the many different applications of geothermal energy, its use for agricultural production purposes is noteworthy. The use of geothermal water in greenhouse cultivation is the most modern form of production; it enables the implementation of the production cycle throughout the year while reducing energy costs. In this paper, based on basic heat transfer relations, the heat demand of modern greenhouse constructions was determined. The monthly and year-round heat demand was determined for facilities with diversified heights of the side walls. Depending on the type of unit of greenhouse area analysed (1 ha), the calculated annual heat demand ranged from 11.05 to 12.46 TJ. Based on data on the geothermal energy potential in Poland, investment costs and payback periods were determined for the analysed locations. The locations of the facilities were selected based on traditions of plant cultivation in the greenhouse facilities and the availability of geothermal energy. The analysis showed that, under the adopted conditions, without additional co-financing, and in one of the considered locations, the investment will result in positive financial effects after 15 years. In the case of co-financing, at the level of currently existing values, all locations—irrespective of the assumed period of exploitation—showed satisfactory financial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic milk production is an environmentally friendly production system based on local forage and a ban on using chemical fertilizers and certain other rules. Organic milk is considered to be healthier and is gaining attention worldwide. The market for organic products is increasing. The aim of the paper was to analyze changes in the development of organic dairy production in Poland in the context of the EU. We analyzed the changes on the European Union (EU) level and the Poland level. To analyze the changes in organic milk production on European Union level, we used the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA). Our results show that both organic milk production and the farm area used for organic production will increase. Moreover, we analyzed the organic dairy farms running rural accountancy within the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in Poland in the years 2007–2018. We used tabular and graphic methods to present the data. In the analysis the methods of correlation and regression were used. Germany, France, Austria, and Great Britain are the countries with the largest numbers of organic dairy cows. Our prognosis examined the development of organic milk production in the European Union (EU). The number of cows on dairy organic farms will increase in most countries in the EU. Then, we analyzed the impact of the chosen factors on three dependent variables: organic milk production, total production of organic dairy farms, and income from family farms. The most important independent variables were cow numbers, the value of fixed assets, the value of current assets, long-term debt, and short-term debt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chronosequence approach was applied to evaluate the effects of silver birch succession on soil organic matter (SOM). The studies covered five plots (arable field [AF], fallow [FA] and three birch stands aged 8, 33 and 40 years), and all located in the same complex of Brunic Arenosols in central Poland. The O and A horizons of the soils were sampled and analysed using the standard procedures in soil science. It was found that the birch succession was accompanied by dynamic changes in the stock and quality of the SOM. The transition from AF to FA soils did not significantly change the content or pool of SOM in the A horizon; however, it did modify its fractional composition and internal structure. This was reflected by an increase in the humic acids content and a decrease in the fulvic acid, as well as in the values of the elemental and 13C-NMR analyses. Rapid losses in the SOM content and stock in the A horizon were recorded after entering the silver birch. The soils under the young birches were characterised by lower contents of low-molecular humus fractions, which are more susceptible to microbial degradation, than the FA soils. In addition, the birch succession contributed to a lower internal oxidation of the humic acids and an increase in the content of aliphatic structures in their molecules. The next stages of succession were characterised by gradually increasing SOM contents and stocks, accompanied by the increasing internal oxidation and maturity of the humic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poland, like other countries in the world, increasingly experiences the ongoing climate change that is a critical yield-limiting factor. The use of biostimulants in agriculture has shown tremendous potential in combating climate change-induced stresses such as drought, temperature stress, etc. They could be a promising tool in the current crop production scenario. Biostimulants are organic compounds, microbes, or amalgamation of both that could regulate plant growth behavior through molecular alteration and physiological, biochemical, and anatomical modulations. They can promote plant growth under various environmental stresses because they have a positive effect, in particular, on plant growth and resistance. There are many products of this type available on the market, including those of natural origin, which are part of the Integrated Pest Management. The ecotoxicity of chemical plant protection products, the negative effects of their use, and the change in regulations make it recommended to use low-risk chemicals and non-chemical methods, that involve the least risk to health and the environment, and at the same time ensure effective and efficient protection of crops. Natural origin biocomponents obtained by the supercritical CO2 extraction of plant material or by fermentation process in bioreactors were tested. Common maize (Zea mays L.) was selected as a test plant for growth tests at climate chambers. Results showed that the only supernatant (fermentation broth) obtained with the Paenibacillus bacteria (S2) had a positive effect on the germination index (GI > 100%) of maize seeds, compared to the obtained plant seed extracts from the crop of the legume family (Fabaceae) (E3) and from the crop of the smartweed family (Polygonaceae) (E9) (GI < 100%). The extracts E3, S1 (supernatant obtained with the use of bacteria from the genus Enterobacter) and S2 used as a single product and in combination with UAN+S, under optimal conditions of the experiment, had a positive effect on the maize root weight compared to the untreated, while under drought stress, a decrease in the root weight was observed. Moreover, on the basis of the conducted research, differences in the mycelial growth of selected fungi were found. The applied biocomponent S2 of microbial origin extract (supernatant 2) showed a mycelial growth-limiting effect on all tested Fusarium fungi isolated from the corn cobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the paper was to determine surface water resources of an agricultural watershed representative for the areas of intensive crop production in the Kujawy region. This area is characterised by the lowest average annual precipitation in Poland and high water demands related to the intensive crop production. Hydrological studies were carried out in 2007-2011 in the upper Zgłowiączka River watershed located in the eastern part of the analysed region. Over 90% of the study area is used as an arable land. Water velocity in the river bed and water level were measured at the outlet of the watershed in the river cross-section Samszyce. The upper Zgłowiączka River has a snow-rainfall hydrological regime, strongly modified by anthropogenic activities related to the intensive crop production and installation of subsurface drainage system. The study period was characterised by very large temporal variability of hydrological conditions. The mean annual outflow coefficient amounted to 18% and varied highly in time: from 3% in the average years to 62% in the abnormally wet 2011. Average discharge ( SSQ) in the Samszyce river cross-section was equal to 0.25 m3·s−1, and the mean unit outflow - to 3.2 dm3·s−1·km−2. The results of the study show that disposable surface water resources of the Kujawy region are very small, especially in the summer half-year. Thus, their utilization as a potential source of water for crop irrigation can be taken into account only, if water excesses will be retained within the watershed and used in conjunction with groundwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important characteristic of the European Union's rural development policy is a continuous re-focusing from problems involving solely individual actions to problems involving collective actions. In this paper, we investigate factors encouraging positive solutions to coordination problems in rural areas by having a closer look at social interactions between individuals who decided to engage in collective action of participating in agricultural producer groups. Using a unique dataset from Poland, we differentiate between three types of organisations governing collaborative actions: groups with family bonds, groups based on acquaintanceships and groups without those two kinds of social ties. Our analysis provides some evidence that farmers who attach more weight to trust and cooperation organise producer groups around kinship and acquaintanceship relations. Further, we document that groups based on these two types of interactions seem to be smaller than groups which use impersonal mechanisms to solve commitment problems. Finally, we provide some evidence that using kinship or acquaintanceship relationships enables cooperation between heterogeneous farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Oeconomia is the property of Wydawnictwo SGGW 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.)