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Surface waters are very important for society, as they are a source of potable water, as well a water supply for agricultural, industrial and recreational purposes. This paper presents changes in the quality of the water in the Utrata River, along its entire length, as a function of the catchment area’s land use. Water-quality measurements were carried out once a month for a total period of one year (April 2019–March 2020) at 24 measurement points. The concentrations of the following compounds were measured: total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, and chemical oxygen demand. The results were compared with the limit values specified in the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation. In order to determine the impact of land use on water quality in the Utrata River, principal component analyses (PCA) were conducted. The research demonstrated a considerably negative impact of agricultural land use and the presence of urban areas on the water quality of the Utrata River, with elevated concentrations of total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and COD, and decreasing concentrations of dissolved oxygen. The presented results point to the need for effective strategies to mitigate the adverse impact of agriculture and urbanisation on the environment and surface waters.

Selenium is a micronutrient that is important for the proper functioning of the body. The research presented in this paper investigated the impact of various methods of selenium fertilization at various stages of plant growth on its content in grain and the quality properties of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Selenium fertilization did not affect the grain yield, however, it increased the selenium content in the grain. The research results showed that the accumulation of Se depends not only on the dose of the fertilizer but also on the stage of plant growth when the element is introduced. The most effective method of fertilization proved to be seed treatment and soil application combined with the foliar application at the tillering and stem elongation stages (G + S + F1-2), as well as at the stem elongation stage alone (G + S + F2). In terms of quality characteristics, the impact of selenium fertilization was observed only in the case of the falling number and the total protein content, all the parameters allowed for the grain to be classified as suitable for bread-making. Selenium fertilization can be considered as a safe way of increasing the Se content in spring wheat, which may contribute to an increase in the technological quality of the grain and its nutritional value.

The aim of the research was to determine whether, and to what extent, a surface fire of forest areas determines changes in physical and chemical properties of the soil. The test material consisted of soil samples taken from soil profiles exposed in a burnt-out area and in an area unaffected by fire. The samples were analyzed for total organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, and also selected indicators of soil acidification. As a result of the tests, it was found that there was a decrease in the levels of organic carbon (by over 75%) and nitrogen (by 50%). A negative effect of the changes was the narrowing of the C/N ratio, a positive one – an increase in soil pH (from 3.14 to 4.67), and a several-times reduction in hydrolytic and exchangeable acidity.

Removing bottom sediment from water reservoirs and rivers can, on the one hand, be an effective method to restore lakes, and on the other - be used for plant production, ensuring the recycling of nutrients. The aim of this research was to evaluate the possibilities of using various types of bottom sediment and its impact on heavy metal content in soil and plants. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out using white mustard (Sinapis alba) as a test plant. The total content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb) was determined in soil and plant. The addition of all types of bottom sediment increased heavy metal content in the soil. The results indicate that adding bottom sediment resulted in a significant increase in plant yield in comparison to the control. The highest yield as a result of direct effect was obtained for a combination with a 5% addition of dam sediment, while as a result of residual effect, the highest yield was achieved for a mixture with a 10% addition of pond sediment. The values of the transfer factor (TF = Cplant/Csoil) indicate a high accumulation of zinc and low accumulation of lead in the plant.

Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is insufficiently present in the human diet. Increasing its content in food through appropriately matched agricultural practices may contribute to reducing Se deficit in humans. The study covered the effect of grain, soil, as well as grain and soil fertilization with selenium combined with foliar application at different stages of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) development. The fertilization involved the application of sodium selenate. Fertilization with selenium had no significant effect on the grain yield. Grain application, soil application, and grain and soil application combined with foliar application at particular development stages of the plant significantly contributed to an increase in selenium content in grain. The study showed that the accumulation of selenium in spring wheat depends on the type of fertilization and term of its application. The best method of introducing selenium into the plant is grain and soil fertilization combined with foliar application at the stage of tillering and stem elongation (G + S + F1-2) for which the highest selenium content was obtained (0.696 mg·kg−1 Se). The applied biofortification methods contributed to the increase in selenium in the grain of spring wheat.

This paper analyses the effects of soil and foliar fertilization with sodium selenate (VI) on the selenium content in spring wheat grain. The research was carried out at the Departmental Experimental Station of the Institute of Agriculture WULS in Skierniewice in 2018 and 2019. The dose of selenium used was 5.00 g Se·ha−1 in various development stages of spring wheat. The results showed that selenium fertilisation did not affect the size of the grain yield, but both soil and foliar fertilisation significantly increased the content of selenium in wheat grain compared to the control group. The highest Se content was obtained with the method of soil fertilisation combined with the foliar application with a total dose of 10.00 g·ha-1 Se in the stem elongation phase (S + F2), and in the tillering and stem elongation phase (S + F1 + F2), which resulted in the values of 0.615 and 0.719 mg·kg−1 Se in grain, respectively. On this basis, it was concluded that the best time to carry out foliar fertilisation treatment is in the stem elongation phase (BBCH 30–39). The results show that the greatest increase in selenium content in the grain is achieved with soil and foliar fertilisation combined.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of three hemp cultivars to accumulate heavy metals under sewage sludge (SS) and phosphogypsum (PG) application. The field study was carried out from 2014 to 2016 on Luvisol (loamy sand) in Poland. The experiment scheme included five treatments&mdash, T0: the control without fertilization, T1: 170 kg N (nitrogen) ha&minus, 1 from sewage sludge, T2: 170 kg N ha&minus, 1 from sewage sludge and 100 kg ha&minus, 1 of phosphogypsum, T3: 170 kg N ha&minus, 1 from sewage sludge and 500 kg ha&minus, 1 of phosphogypsum, and T4: 170 kg N ha&minus, 1 from sewage sludge and 1000 kg ha&minus, 1 of phosphogypsum. It was found that the application of municipal sewage sludge enriched the soil with the bioavailable forms of heavy metals to the greatest extent and contributed to the highest increase in their contents in vegetative and generative organs of hemp plants. These parameters showed a phosphogypsum dose-dependent decline, which could hinder the phytoextraction process. The greatest extractions of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) from the soil treated with SS and PG were achieved by the Tygra variety, which had the highest bioconcentration factor (BCF) and biomass yield.

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of selected trace elements in soils and in the common dandelion depending on the distance from a traffic route. The study was conducted in Warsaw near one of the main roads in the suburb of Ursynów. Samples for testing were taken from the 0–25 cm layer at sites located directly alongside the roadway and at a distance of 30, 60 and 300 m from its edge. The amounts of Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd in the soils were determined by the AAS method, after extraction in HCl at a concentration of 1 mol·dm−3, and in the aboveground parts and roots of dandelion plants after wet mineralization in a mixture of HNO3 and HClO4 by the AAS method. On the basis of the results obtained, it was shown that the concentrations of the tested metals, both in the soils and in the biomass of the test plant, were highest directly at the edge of the roadway and decreased significantly with the distance away from the road. This correlation indicates a significant impact of road transport on heavy metal levels in the environment bordering a traffic route. It was also shown that dandelion plants accumulate higher amounts of heavy metals in the aboveground parts than in the roots, and the heavy metal contents in the dandelion biomass were found to be significantly positively correlated with the amounts of these elements in the soils.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the soil type and differential sulphur rates used with or without Basfoliar 36 Extra on the soil pH as well as the amount of available forms of copper, zinc and manganese based on the micro plots field experiment. Moreover, the relationship between the studied microelements was examined. The experiment was performed in two-factor design; the first-order factor was the soil type (Typic Hapludolls, Typic Hapludalfs, Typic Haplorthods, Typic Endoaquolls), while the second-order factor - fertilization with sulphur and compound fertilizer - Basfoliar 36 Extra. The plant tested was Rota cultivar maize. The use of sulphur and sulphur combined with Basfoliar 36 Extra changed the classification of the soils in terms of their pH. In the soils under study, as a result of the 10-years application of sulphur and/or foliar fertiliser with NPK fertilization as well as growing maize in monoculture showing a high uptake of macro- and micro-nutrients, there was reported a clear decrease in the content of zinc, copper and manganese, as compared with the initial content. With that in mind, one shall assume that growing maize in a 10-year monoculture is connected with an intensive use of soils, which can result in a clear deficit of the elements studied in soil.

The study was based on soil samples taken after the long-term fertilizer experiment (1974–2014) where different doses of nitrogen and potassium were applied. The experiment was located at the Research Station of the UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The long-term application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers leads to changes in the concentration of mercury, soil acidification, reduction in total organic carbon, total nitrogen as well as affluence of available nutrients (P, K, Mg) and increased mobility of copper and zinc. The significant positive correlation between total mercury content in the soil and the content of N-NO3, Zn, N-NH4 and the hydrolytic acidity value were stated.

The effects of mineral and organic fertilization on the contents of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, B and Mo in soil and in the soil solution as well as on availability of these elements for crops were investigated in the long-term field trial. The highest contents of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in soil and soil solution were observed in the treatment with the lowest pH (NPK). In this same combination the content of B and Mo was the lowest. The concentration of Zn, B and Fe in the soil solution significantly increased under farmyard manure application. Liming significantly decreased contents extractable by 1 mol/L HCl forms of Mn and Zn and significantly increase the content of Mo in the soil. Regardless of fertilization applied, microelement concentrations in the soil solution are sufficient for fulfilling nutritional needs of plants cultivated during the trial.

In view of modern worldwide research carried out in the context of broadly understood soil chemistry and monitoring of the natural environment, the methods of assessing the risk of Zn contamination in soil and agricultural crops based on the analyses of Zn concentration in the soil solution have gained more recognition. Accordingly, research on the evaluation of the effects of selected soil properties on changes in solid/solution partitioning coefficient (K d), the total concentration and activity of zinc in the soil solution was undertaken in this study. The study was based on the microplot field experiment. Investigated soil factors were as follows: soil texture, pH, organic carbon content and the degree of Zn contamination. The results indicated that zinc activity in the soil solutions was very high and comparable to the total concentration of zinc. The investigated soil properties significantly influenced the K d, the total concentration of zinc, as well as the concentration of Zn2+ in the soil solution. The total concentration and activity of zinc in the soil solution increased with increasing Zn content in the soil and rising soil acidity, while they decreased with increasing the content of organic carbon and clay particles. The values of K d increased significantly with rising soil pH and total Zn content and decreased with increasing soil organic content. Observed K d values were significantly higher in soil with 13 % clay than in soil with 7 % clay.

Celem pracy była ocena zmian stężenia Cu i Zn oraz określenie procentowego udziału poszczególnych form tych pierwiastków w roztworze glebowym. Badania prowadzono w warunkach wieloletniego doświadczenia nawozowego zlokalizowa- nego w Stacji Doświadczalnej Wydziału Rolnictwa i Biologii SGGW w Skierniewicach. Roztwór glebowy pozyskano metodą pod- ciśnieniową. Poszczególne, możliwe do wystąpienia formy miedzi i cynku w roztworze glebowym obliczono przy wykorzystaniu programu komputerowego MINTEQA2. Uzyskane wyniki badań wskazują, że stężenie Cu i Zn w roztworze glebowym zwiększa się pod wpływem wyłącznego nawożenia mineralnego (NPK). W warunkach stosowania obornika (CaNPK+FYM) zmniejsza się stęże- nie miedzi, a zwiększa stężenie cynku w roztworze glebowy m w stosunku do obiektów' o wyłącznym naw ożeniu mineralnym (NPK, CaNPK). Wapnowanie było czynnikiem wpływającym na zmniejszenie stężenia obydw u badanych pierwiastków w roztworze glebo- wym. Wyniki analizy numerycznej roztw oru glebowego wykazały, że niezależnie od nawożenia dominującą formą miedzi w roztwo- rze glebowym były kompleksy metalo-organiczne. Ich udział w całkow itym stężeniu Cu w roztworze glebowym stanow ił od 76,5 do 85,2%. Pod względem malejącego udziału w roztworze glebowy m poszczególne formy miedzi można uszeregować następująco: kompleksy miedzi z materią organiczną >wolne jony Cu2+ >kompleksy miedzi z węglanami. Natomiast główną formą cynku w roztworze glebowym były wolne jony Zn2+, których udział w ogólnym stężeniu cynku w roztworze glebowym wynosił od 76,9 do 86,4%. Szereg malejącego udziału poszczególnych form cynku w roztworze glebowym przedstawia się następująco: wolne jony Zn2+ >kompleksy Zn z materią organiczną>kompleksy cynku z chlorkami >kompleksy z węglanami.

The determination of a range of boron concentration in the soil solution, evaluation of the effect of physicochemical soil properties on boron concentration in the soil solution as well verification whether boron quantity in the soil solution is sufficient for nutritional needs of selected plants cultivated in Poland were comprised. Av erage boron concentration in the soil solution of Poland’s cultivated soils ranges from 0.59 to 5.07 µmol/L and is differentiated by physico-chemical properties of soil. Taking into account decreasing effects of soil properties on the increase of boron concentration in the soil solution, the soil properties can be arranged as follows: organic C > soil abundance in available boron > soil texture > soil pH. The minimum boron quantity observed in the soil solu tion of Poland’s cultivated soils was not sufficient to fulfil nutritional needs of the plants. The maximum boron quantity observed secured nutritional needs of cereals and potatoes but not those of rape plants and sugar beets. Based on the study it can be concluded that the measurement of the concentration of boron in the soil solution can be used in the diagnosis of deficiency of this element for crops.

Application of large amounts of NaCl to control slippery roads in winter leads to soil salinity and consequently to ionic imbalances, changes in pH, changes in physicochemical properties of the soil and the death of roadside trees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of salt stress on the content of microelements in the leaves of roadside trees and on the health trees. The subject of research were trees of the Crimean linden (Tilia ‘Euchlora’) growing in the median strip of one of the main streets in Warsaw. The roadside trees contained much higher amounts of Cl and Na than trees in a park (control). There was a significant correlation between the Cl and Na content in leaves of the trees and their health state. As the content of these elements increased, the health condition of leaves clearly deteriorated. There was no significant effect of soil salinity on the micronutrient content in leaves. The content of Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn in linden tree leaves were on levels considered normal, with values not indicative of any deficiency or toxicity. The presence of Fe and Zn in leaves had no significant effect on the health of leaves of the trees. A statistically significant negative relationship was found between the index of leaf damage and their content of Cu and Mn. This means that a higher degree of leaf damage corresponded to a lower content of Cu and Mn. Based on regression analysis, it was estimated an increase in the Cl content in soil solution by approximately 1000 mg dm -3 caused an average 0.2% increase in the Cl content in leaves.

The numerical speciation analysis relies on quantitative assessment of concentrations of different forms of an element in soil solution (free ions, complex ions, neutral complexes), which have different abilities to react (ion activity). The reactivity affects the element’s mobility and bioavailability. This method can be employed to estimate potential bioavailability and toxicity of a given element. This study was undertaken to evaluaate effects of selected soil properties on changes in the total concentration of copper (Cu) and percentages of particular forms of this element in soil solution. The study was based on a microplot experiment. The investigated factors were the soil texture, pH, organic carbon content and degree of soil copper contamination. Soil solutions were obtained with the vacuum displacement method. The concentration of copper in soil solution was determined with the ICP method, and the percentages of particular copper forms in the total copper concentration were calculated with the MINTEQA 2 software. It was found that copper in the analysed soil solutions occurred mainly in the form of metalorganic complexes. The increasing soil acidity was correlated with an increased percentage of free copper ions and copper complexes with organic matter. Simultaneously, the share of bonds with carbonates, sulfates and hydroxyl groups decreased. A decrease in the percentage of Cu 2+ free ions in the soil solution was observed in response to an increasing organic carbon content, while the percentage of copper complexes with organic matter rose. The degree of soil copper contamination and soil texture had no influence on the percentages of different copper forms in the soil solution.

The study was carried out to asses the influence of soil mineral fertilization, manure application and soil liming on changes in the concentration of microelements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in soil solution. The tests were performed on samples of sandy soil collected from long-term fertilization experiments being conducted on lessive soil of the granulometric structure of clayish sand. Soil solution was prepared with the suction method. The concentration of microelements in soil solution was determined by means of the ICP method. The results showed an increase in Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu and a decrease in B and Mo in soil solution when soil was fertilized with nitrogen. The concentration of microelements in soil solution was not significantly influenced when soil was fertilized with phosphorous and potassium. Liming had a significant effect on a decrease in the concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu and an increase in B and Mo in soil solution. Soil application of manure significantly increased the concentration of microelements in soil solution.