Search

We evaluated the impact of weather and fertilization treatments (Control, PK, NPK1, NPK2, and NPK3) on winter wheat grain yields in a long-term trial in Ivanovice, Czech Republic, established in 1956. A total of 15 seasons were evaluated. The mean, maximal, and minimal temperatures in Ivanovice have been significantly increasing since 1961, with annual increases of 0.04 °C, 0.03 °C, and 0.05 °C, respectively. Precipitation has been decreasing annually by −0.54 mm (trend is insignificant). Four significant correlations between weather and grain yield were recorded. There were positive correlations between mean (r = 0.7) and minimal (r = 0.5) temperatures in November and negative correlations between mean temperatures in May (r = −0.6) and June (r = −0.6). The combination of naturally fertile chernozem soil and a beneficial preceding crop (alfalfa) enables sustainable cultivation of wheat, even without mineral fertilizers. The application of mineral nitrogen (N) significantly increases wheat grain yield and yield stability. Without mineral N or with high doses of mineral N, yield stability decreases. According to two response models (quadratic and quadratic-plateau), a reasonable dose of fertilizer is 107 kg ha−1 N for modern wheat varieties, corresponding to a yield of 8.1 t ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to compare the concentrations of risk elements (As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in alluvial soil, which were measured by a portable X-ray fluorescence analyser (pXRF) in situ (FIELD) and in the laboratory (LABORATORY). Subsequently, regression equations were developed for individual elements through the method of construction of the regression model, which compare the results of pXRF with classical laboratory analysis (ICP-OES). The accuracy of the measurement, expressed by the coefficient of determination (R2), was as follows in the case of FIELD–ICP-OES: Pb (0.96), Zn (0.92), As (0.72), Mn (0.63), Cu (0.31) and Ni (0.01). In the case of LABORATORY–ICP-OES, the coefficients had values: Pb (0.99), Zn (0.98), Cu and Mn (0.89), As (0.88), Ni (0.81). A higher dependence of the relationship was recorded between LABORATORY–ICP-OES than between FIELD–ICP-OES. An excellent relationship was recorded for the elements Pb and Zn, both for FIELD and LABORATORY (R2 higher than 0.90). The elements Cu, Mn and As have a worse tightness in the relationship; however, the results of the model have shown its applicability for common use, e.g., in agricultural practice or in monitoring the quality of the environment. Based on our results, we can say that pXRF instruments can provide highly accurate results for the concentration of risk elements in the soil in real time for some elements and meet the principle of precision agriculture: an efficient, accurate and fast method of analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of organic matter in the soil, its labile (hot water extractable carbon–HWEC) and stable (soil organic carbon–SOC) form is a fundamental factor affecting soil productivity and health. The current research in soil organic matter (SOM) is focused on individual fragmented approaches and comprehensive evaluation of HWEC and SOC changes. The present state of the soil together with soil's management practices are usually monitoring today but there has not been any common model for both that has been published. Our approach should help to assess the changes in HWEC and SOC content depending on the physico-chemical properties and soil´s management practices (e.g., digestate application, livestock and mineral fertilisers, post-harvest residues, etc.). The one- and multidimensional linear regressions were used. Data were obtained from the various soil´s climatic conditions (68 localities) of the Czech Republic. The Czech farms in operating conditions were observed during the period 2008–2018. The obtained results of ll monitored experimental sites showed increasing in the SOC content, while the HWEC content has decreased. Furthermore, a decline in pH and soil´s saturation was documented by regression modelling. Mainly digestate application was responsible for this negative consequence across all soils in studied climatic regions. The multivariate linear regression models (MLR) also showed that HWEC content is significantly affected by natural soil fertility (soil type), phosphorus content (−30%), digestate application (+29%), saturation of the soil sorption complex (SEBCT, 21%) and the dose of total nitrogen (N) applied into the soil (−20%). Here we report that the labile forms (HWEC) are affected by the application of digestate (15%), the soil saturation (37%), the application of mineral potassium (−7%), soil pH (−14%) and the overall condition of the soil (−27%). The stable components (SOM) are affected by the content of HWEC (17%), soil texture 0.01–0.001mm (10%), and input of organic matter and nutrients from animal production (10%). Results also showed that the mineral fertilization has a negative effect (−14%), together with the soil depth (−11%), and the soil texture 0.25–2 mm (−21%) on SOM. Using modern statistical procedures (MRLs) it was confirmed that SOM plays an important role in maintaining resp. improving soil physical, biochemical and biological properties, which is particularly important to ensure the productivity of agroecosystems (soil quality and health) and to future food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to recommend the dose of fertilization for sugar beet under currently unstable weather conditions, we analysed beetroot and top yields, sugar content (SC), and the effect of fertilization on soil chemistry over a three-year period (2016–2018). All three years were characterized by different weather conditions. The year 2016 was very warm and very dry. The year 2017 was warm with normal precipitation. The year 2018 was extraordinary warm and very dry. We compared the following ten fertilization treatments: unfertilized control, farmyard manure (FYM), mineral fertilizers NPK1–4, and FYM + NPK1–4. The applications of FYM, NPK, and FYM + NPK resulted in significantly higher yields of beetroots and tops as compared with the control, while no significant differences were recorded among FYM, NPK, and FYM + NPK treatments. The SC was not affected by the fertilization. The application of NPK resulted in a lower pH value, while the highest values were recorded for the control and FYM treatments. The application of FYM + NPK increased the content of organic carbon (Corg) in the soil, the total content of nitrogen (Ntot), and P and K concentrations. According to the results of the linear-plateau model, the recommended dose of N is 112 kg ha−1, corresponding to a beetroot yield of 66 t ha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers must adapt to the changes brought about by the changing climate and market requirements. These adaptations are associated with fertilization—the availability of organic manures and mineral fertilizers and crop rotations. What is the effect of organic manures on wheat and soil? Is it necessary to apply mineral phosphorus P and potassium (K) fertilizers to the wheat? These questions are frequently asked in workshops in different growing areas. To provide a relevant answer on this issue, we evaluated how farmyard manure (FYM), mineral nitrogen (N) applied without phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers, and application of NPK affected grain yield, grain quality, and soil properties under different soil-climate conditions (Ivanovice—Chernozem, Caslav—Phaeozem, Lukavec—Cambisol) between 2015 and 2018. The FYM significantly increased grain yield even after three years since being applied and incorporated into the soil in all localities, but its application didnot affect grain quality. In the soil, the FYM significantly increased total nitrogen Nt, P, and K content in all localities and oxidable carbon Cox content in two localities. Mineral nitrogen significantly affected grain yield and quality and increased concentrations of soil N and C, but decreased pH in Caslav. Application of mineral P and K wasnot connected with a positive effect on grain yield and quality, but increased the concentration of these elements in the soil, preventing depletion of these elements from the soil. Maximal yields were recorded when 70–98 kg N ha−1 was applied in Ivanovice, 55–72 kg N ha−1 in Caslav, and 155 kg N ha−1 in Lukavec. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The character of parent material, organic matter and climatic conditions are the crucial factors of pedogenesis. They directly influence the intensity of weathering, transformation processes, elements release and geochemical cycles. The mineral transformation in a profile of the recent soil developed on loess (Haplic Luvisols, Siltic, Epidystric, Ochric) was studied. The land area Litovelské Pomoraví was chosen because of the stability of soil‐forming factors such as topography, relief, vegetation and climate. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) quantitative analysis of the fine earth (<2 mm) and XRD analysis of clay (<2 μm) and the fine clay fraction (<0.2 μm) were applied. The obtained results showed the most significant differences between the argic horizons (Bt1 and Bt2) and other soil horizons. The lower content of quartz and feldspars and higher content of dioctahedral micas and phyllosilicates in both Bt horizons was observed. It was assumed the clay illuviation/lessivage process was preceded by long‐term leaching of carbonate in humid continental conditions during almost the whole Holocene. The distribution of the clay fraction correlates with the distribution of phyllosilicates through the profile. Major clay minerals in the clay fraction (<2 μm) were illite and kaolinite, smectite, chlorite, vermiculite and several types of mixed‐layered phases. The analysis of the finer clay fraction (<0.2 μm) identified the new phase hydroxy‐interlayered minerals as the product of illite (vermiculite) weathering in humid continental conditions. Highlights: Clay mineralogy of Haplic Luvisols on loess was studied.XRD analysis identified the new phase of hydroxy‐interlayered minerals.Increasing of smectites, dioctahedral micas, and goethite as a result of clay illuviation/lessivage process was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global carbon storage in soils is widely discussed today because of climate uncertainty and maintaining sustainable agricultural production. Human intervention in agricultural or energy production poses many changes in soil management, which highly affects soil quality/health. Permanent grasslands fulfil a wide range of ecosystem functions and have a high potential for increasing arable land. Today, grasslands are becoming more and more intensively used, fertilized and disturbed. Optimizing their management is essential to maintain a resilient and stable ecosystem. The produced biomass is used as a forage or for energy production. We aimed at the impact of long-term grassland liming on the total content of soil organic carbon (SOC), humic substances (CHS), and microbial biomass (Cmic). Furthermore, soil reaction and available nutrient content were evaluated. Soil samples were collected from a split-plot field experiment at Mendel University in Brno (locality Kameničky). The soil was classified as Dystric Planosol Siltic, medium textured, strongly acidic, with high soil organic carbon content. The yearly liming rate was 1.4 t/ha CaO. The linkage between the soil pH, SOC, Cmic, and available nutrient content was evaluated by the multivariate exploratory techniques and regression models. Results showed that long-term liming affects both soil biota and carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination with PCBs and PAHs in adjacent forest plots, characterized by a distinct composition in tree species (spruce only, mixed and beech only), was analyzed to investigate the influence of ecosystem type on contaminant mobility in soil under very similar climate and exposure conditions. Physical-chemical properties and contaminant concentrations in litter (L), organic (F, H) and mineral (A, B) soil horizons were analyzed. Contaminant distribution in the soil core varied both in relation to forest type and contaminant group/properties. Contaminant mobility in soil was assessed by examining the ratios of total organic carbon (TOC)-standardized concentrations across soil horizons (Enrichment factors, EF TOC ) and the relationship between EF TOC and the octanol-water equilibrium partitioning coefficient ( K OW ). Contaminant distribution appeared to be highly unsteady, with pedogenic/biogeochemical drivers controlling contaminant mobility in organic layers and leaching controlling accumulation in mineral layers. Lighter PCBs displayed higher mobility in all forest types primarily controlled by leaching and, to a minor extent, diffusion. Pedogenic processes controlling the formation of soil horizons were found to be crucial drivers of PAHs and heavier PCBs distribution. All contaminants appeared to be more mobile in the soil of the broadleaved plot, followed by mixed canopy and spruce forest. Increasing proportion of deciduous broadleaf species in the forest can thus lead to faster degradation or the faster leaching of PAHs and PCBs. The composition of humic substances was found to be a better descriptor of contaminant concentration than TOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 50% of agricultural land is threatened by water erosion in the Czech Republic. With respect to soil erosion, maize (Zea mays L.) belongs to the most problematic crops; one of the possibilities to increase protection against erosion is intercropping. In this study, we attempted to find out the effects of individual intercrops and their mixtures (sown 4--6 weeks after sowing maize) or a mixed culture (maize plus lupine) on the soil losses and surface runoff in the period 2019--2021. The study was realised in a sugar beet growing region (Haplic Luvisol); a field rainfall simulator was used. From the used variants with Lolium perenne L., Trifolium repens L., Vicia villosa Roth, Lolium multiflorum Lam., Festuca arundinacea Schreb., Triticum aestivum L. or a mixture (Vicia villosa plus a Trifolium hybrid diploid), the variants with Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Vicia villosa or Vicia villosa plus the Trifolium hybrid diploid, established between the maize rows (hybrid maize, cultivar Walterinio) on May 27, were the most efficient in case of both the soil losses and runoff reductions in the year 2019. For example, Triticum aestivum between the maize rows mostly reduced the soil losses and the surface runoff was similar (or higher) compared with the control (maize without any intercrop). The variant with Trifolium repens had mostly higher (or similar) soil loss values (compared with the control); in this variant, the runoff was lower compared with the control. We proved our hypothesis with regards to the higher reduction in the soil losses than with the runoff in the variant with Lolium perenne. The results from the years 2020 (the used variants with Lolium multiflorum, Secale cereale L., Trifolium incarnatum L., Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., Lolium multiflorum plus Trifolium incarnatum, Lolium multiflorum plus Vicia pannonica Crantz) and 2021 (the variants with Lolium multiflorum, Lolium multiflorum -- early sowing, Secale cereale, Trifolium incarnatum, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Lolium multiflorum plus Trifolium incarnatum, a mixed culture = maize plus Lupinus albus L.) showed the variants with Trifolium incarnatum, the mixture (Lolium multiflorum plus Trifolium incarnatum), Phacelia tanacetifolia (in the year 2020) or the mixture (Lolium multiflorum plus Trifolium incarnatum) and a mixed culture (maize plus Lupinus albus) (2021) had the most positive effect -- the soil loss and surface runoff values were lower when the maize was > 2 m compared with the maize < 1 m. The results obtained in the period 2019--2021 showed the grasses were the most efficient in decreasing the soil losses when the maize was < 1 m and when the maize was > 2 m with the used mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study analyses the activity of cambium and the increment of wood during one growing season of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in the central part (region) of the Drahanská vrchovina, Czech Republic. The research plot was situated at an altitude of 630ma.s.l. The following parameters were studied: the beginning and end of cambial activity, differentiation of wood fibres and vessels and the total increment of wood during the growing season in six trees. Samples were taken during the growing season of 2010 in weekly intervals from the beginning of April to the end of October. The dormant cambium consisted of 5.3 cells on average; their number rose gradually after reactivation. The maximum number of cells (10 to 14, 9.1 on average) in the cambial zone persisted for 8 weeks; in mid-August the cambium ended its division activity, while the differentiation process continued till mid-September. The first fully lignified vessels were formed 5 to 6 weeks after their formation in the cambial zone. Vessels and adjacent wood fibres were the first elements to become fully lignified. The maximum production of cells (wood increment) was recorded from June 11 to June 24. 57% of the total ring width was formed in June. The mean ring width calculated by means of Gompertz function is 1777 µm (ranging from 1226 µm to 2423 µm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is one of the most important cereals growing in the Czech Republic. In this paper, we have evaluated how different fertilizer treatments (Control, N1—30 kg ha−1 N, N2—60 kg ha−1 N, NPK1—30, 60, 80 kg ha−1, respectively, NPK2—60, 60, 80, and NPK3—90, 60, 80) affected spring barley grain yield under different soil-climate conditions (Caslav-degraded Chernozem, Ivanovice-Chernozem, Lukavec-Cambisol) between the years 2013 and 2016. The agronomic efficiency (AE) and the effect of the fertilizer treatments (Control, N2, NPK2) on soil properties (pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cox, Nt) were also evaluated. The spring barley grain yield was significantly affected by the fertilizer treatment and soil-climate conditions. Two different models (quadratic and linear-plateau) provided the maximum and reasonable doses of N, according to the soil-climate conditions. Application of mineral P and K slightly increased the AE. The regular application of mineral P and K fertilizers led to an increase in the P and K concentration in the soil, which maintains soil fertility and prevents soil depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the soil productivity is challenged by the increasing biotic threat to plants and microorganisms, by the resistance to agrochemicals, and by the declining soil health. Soil management strategy is, therefore, aimed at erosion prevention and the minimisation of soil organic matter losses. A key factor in an agroecosystem is the appropriate biological stability. It is essential not only at present, but also for further sustainable agriculture. This study was based on the hypothesis that afforestation and conversion from arable land to permanent grassland improves the organic matter status and biological stability in the agroecosystem. The experiment was conducted from 2014 to 2018 in the Uhřice bio-corridor (Kroměříž region, the Czech Republic). Haplic Luvisol has been investigated for its basic biological and chemical properties after the arable land was converted to a natural vegetation system. The afforested segment (F), permanent grassland segment (G), and arable land segment (A) have been sampled in the upper soil horizon (0-0.30 m). Standard analytical methods were applied for the determination of the basic soil properties. A principal component analysis and factor analysis were used for interpreting the connection between the parameters of the soil organic carbon, the humic substances, the humic acids, and the fulvic acids, the agrochemical properties of the soil (the pH, the content of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, etc.), and the soil biological properties (basal soil respiration (BSR), the ratios of the N/BSR, NG/BSR, etc.). After five years of investigation, the differences in the studied parameters were evident. The factor analysis and multivariate exploratory techniques showed that the soil properties were grouped based on the management into three different categories - F, G and A. The different land use directly influenced the quality and stability of the humic substances, basal soil respiration, and carbon and nitrogen utilisation. In comparison to the arable land, the forest and grassland were considered to have a higher accumulation potential of carbon and nitrogen. A negative correlation between the soil basal respiration (r = -0.95); total nitrogen (r = -0.93); total organic carbon (Cox) content (r = -0.82); and partial Ca (r = -0.82) was found. A positive correlation (r = 0.80) between the humic substances (C-HS) and soil reaction (pH) was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) belongs among the most important agriculture crops all over the world. The conventional way of cultivating maize with wide row spacing does not have a soil conservation effect and significantly contributes to water erosion and surface run-off. In our research, we tested the soil conservation technology (strip-till into grass cover) which took place in 2016 and 2017 in the location of Central Bohemia. The impact of a strip-till system of maize into grass cover on reducing the soil loss due to erosion was verified on the area of 21 m² using a rainfall simulator. During the research, 70 measurements were realised. The strip-till was compared to fallow land, conventional cultivation and no-till methods. Profound differences were found in the soil loss between the treatments. There was a decrease in the soil loss of about 98% in the strip-till compared to the conventional cultivation. Moreover, the surface run-off was reduced by 79%. The ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) models of the log-transformed soil loss on the surface run-off and treatment were highly significant (P < 10-15). The measurement results clearly demonstrate the positive effect of the strip-till into the grass on the surface run-off and soil loss. This positive soil conservation effect was observed even in springtime, as well as the rest of the season. Using a grass cover for establishing the maize significantly contributes to the soil conservation on the land threatened by erosion and offers farmers a suitable way of farming when growing maize. Strip-tilling is a technology that has great potential in sustainable farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the agricultural management and climatic changes within the past 25 years have had a serious impact on soil organic matter content and contribute to different carbon storage in the soil. Prediction of soil carbon pool, validation, and quantification of different models is important for sustainable agriculture in the future and for this purpose a long-term monitoring data set is required. RothC-26.3 model was applied for carbon stock simulation within two different climatic scenarios (hot-dry with rapid temperature increasing and warm-dry with less rapid temperature increasing). Ten years experimental data set have been received from conventional and organic farming of experimental plots of Mendel University School Enterprise (locality Vatín, Czech-Moravian Highland). Average annual temperature in this area is 6.9°C, average annual precipitation 621 mm, and altitude 530 m above sea level. Soil was classified as Eutric Cambisol, sandy loam textured, with middle organic carbon content. Its cumulative potential was assessed as high. Results showed linear correlation between carbon stock and climatic scenario, and mostly temperature and type of soil management has influenced carbon stock. In spite of lower organic carbon inputs under organic farming this was less depending on climatic changes. Conventional farming showed higher carbon stock during decades 2000-2100 because of higher carbon input. Besides conventional farming was more affected by temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the agricultural management and climatic changes within the past 25 years have had a serious impact on soil organic matter content and contribute to different carbon storage in the soil. Prediction of soil carbon pool, validation, and quantification of different models is important for sustainable agriculture in the future and for this purpose a long-term monitoring data set is required. RothC-26.3 model was applied for carbon stock simulation within two different climatic scenarios (hot-dry with rapid temperature increasing and warm-dry with less rapid temperature increasing). Ten years experimental data set have been received from conventional and organic farming of experimental plots of Mendel University School Enterprise (locality Vatín, Czech-Moravian Highland). Average annual temperature in this area is 6.9°C, average annual precipitation 621 mm, and altitude 530 m above sea level. Soil was classified as Eutric Cambisol, sandy loam textured, with middle organic carbon content. Its cumulative potential was assessed as high. Results showed linear correlation between carbon stock and climatic scenario, and mostly temperature and type of soil management has influenced carbon stock. In spite of lower organic carbon inputs under organic farming this was less depending on climatic changes. Conventional farming showed higher carbon stock during decades 2000-2100 because of higher carbon input. Besides conventional farming was more affected by temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum Schrank and Triticum spelt L. nowadays offer an alternative to Triticum aestivum L. We analyzed grain and straw yield, yielding parameters, chemical composition and bakery quality of these species and compared them with modern T. aestivum at three sites with different soil-climate conditions. The average grain yield varied from 0.41 t ha−1 (T. monococcum) to 5.17 t ha−1 (T. aestivum), straw yield varied from 1.50 t ha−1 (T. dicoccum) to 5.83 t ha−1 (T. aestivum). The yielding parameters and chemical composition of the grain were significantly influenced by soil-climate conditions and wheat species. The highest average crude protein content was recorded in T. spelta (20.55%), while the lowest in T. aestivum (11.20%). The Zeleny's sedimentation test ranged from 9.0 ml (T. monococcum) to 34.5 ml (T. aestivum) and the value of the Gluten index varied from 7.45 (T. dicoccum) to 89.75 (T. aestivum). According to the results, ancient wheat species provides lower grain and straw yields, higher protein content and mineral concentrations. Concentration of proteins and grain's baking quality strongly depends on wheat species and soil-climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of local weather conditions on intra-annual wood formation dynamics and wood structure of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) from a temperate location in the Czech Republic in two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, characterized by different amounts of precipitation. Microcores were taken at weekly intervals and transverse sections of cambial and xylem tissue were prepared for light microscopic observation. Air temperature and soil moisture content were measured daily at the research plot. Tree-ring formation patterns and vessel features showed different responses to climatic factors in the two years. In 2010, the onset of cambial cell production occurred almost 10 days later than in 2011, when a considerably reduced amount of rainfall was already observed in the winter and spring months, as shown in Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) values. Lack of precipitation in 2011 caused premature cessation of cambial cell division and markedly narrower annual xylem increments. Vessel density and water conductive area were higher in 2011 than in 2010. Average vessel size in general did not change. In response to local weather conditions, beech controls its hydraulic conductivity mainly by changing the number of vessels and tree growth rate, followed by vessel size. The lower sensitivity of vessel diameter to hydrological alterations confirms previous studies by other authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to test and evaluate the efficiency of a new modified method of organic matter evaluation. It allows the assessment of the quality and quantity of the primary soil organic matter and the stable organic fractions separately. The new method was tested in six soil samples of different localities in the Czech Republic. This method is based on observing reaction kinetics during the oxidation of soil organic matter and measuring the cation-exchange capacity of stable organic fractions. The results were compared with classical methods, which rely on the isolation of humic substances, determination of the content of humic acids and fulvic acids and their ratio CHA:CFA, quotient E4/6, and fractionation of soil organic matter according to resistance to oxidation. It turned out that the results of the new modified method are more sensitive in comparison with the results obtained by classical procedures. The linear regression demonstrated the dependence between the amounts of soil organic matter determined by the classical method compared with the modified method. Moreover, the new modified method was found to be faster and not demanding on laboratory equipment. The new method has been improved to be easily repeatable, and some shortcomings of the previous method were eliminated. Based on our results and other recent studies, the modified method may be recommended for the practical evaluation of soil organic matter conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of black carbon (BC) are described very differently in the literature, even when determined by the same methodological procedure. To clarify this discrepancy, BC was investigated in the clay Cambisols of southern Bohemia, Czech Republic, in groups of soils with lower and higher deposition of its atmospheric fallout. The BC determination was performed according to a modified method of Kuhlbusch and Crutzen (1995). The amount of the free light fraction, the occluded light fraction of soil organic matter and its ratio, the amount of heavy soil fraction DF, and its soil organic matter DFOM were determined. Other soil characteristics were identified. It was found that there are two very different types of BC in soils. Historical BC from biomass fires, and new, anthropogenic, from the furnace and transport fumes. Historical BC has a significant effect on the organic matter of the heavy soil fraction, on the ratio of the free and occluded soil organic matter fraction, and the number of water-resistant soil aggregates. Anthropogenic BC does not have this effect. Because this form of BC is not significantly stabilized by the colloidal mineral fraction, it is necessary to take general data on BC's high stability and resistance to mineralization in the soil with circumspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive livestock production in Mediterranean climate conditions and acidic soils requires animal feed supplementation. This occurs during the summer and, frequently, also in the autumn and winter, depending on the prevailing rainfall patterns. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dolomitic limestone application and of tree canopy on availability, quality, and floristic composition of a permanent pasture, grazed by sheep. At the end of autumn, winter, and spring of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 pasture green and dry matter production (GM and DM, respectively), crude protein (CP), and fiber (neutral detergent fiber) were monitored in 24 sampling points. Half of these points were located in areas amended with dolomitic limestone (COR) and half in unamended areas (UCOR). In each of these, half of the sampling points were located under tree canopy (UTC) and half outside tree canopy (OTC). Pasture floristic composition was monitored in spring 2020. The results show, in autumn, a positive and significant effect (i) of soil pH amendment on pasture DM and CP daily growth rate (kg·ha−1·day−1) (+28.8% and +42.6%, respectively), and (ii) of tree canopy on pasture CP daily growth rate (+26.4%). Both factors affect pasture floristic composition. Pasture species were identified as potential bio-indicators, characteristic of each field area. These results show the practical interest of the soil pH correction to reduce the animal supplementation needs in the critical autumn period in the Mediterranean montado ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultivation of energy crops is a part of modern agriculture. In particular, maize (Zea mays L.) is widely grown in central Europe. However, in terms of erosion risk and high demands on fertilization and protection against diseases and pests, its growing is not environmentally friendly. Therefore, possibilities of utilization of other more environmentally friendly energy crops have been examined at present. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of various fertilization (mineral, digestate, control) on the yields of tall wheatgrass (TWG) (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus) and reed canary grass (RCG) (Phalaris arundinacea L.) cultivated in a long-term field experiment on the experimental site in Czech Republic. The energy profit from cultivation of these crops and its protective anti-erosion effect were evaluated. The average yields ranged from 4.6 (RCG, mineral fertilization) to 7.4 t/ha (TWG, digestate fertilization). The more profitable species was tall wheatgrass, the biomass of which also had the higher heating value. The energy profit ranged from 80 GJ/ha (RCG, control variant and mineral fertilization) to 133 GJ/ha (TWG, digestate and mineral fertilization). It has been found that the tested plants excel in anti-erosion effect and could therefore be a suitable alternative to maize, especially in less-favored areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mineral fertilization reduced nutritive value under increased forage productivity. • Long-term manure fertilization improved nutritive value of leaves and stems. • Soil conditions under long-term manure fertilization reduced drought stress of lucerne plants. • Fertilization explained 38 % of variability of lucerne forage quality. • Half of fertilization effect could be contributed simply by changes in canopy structure. Fertilization management influences not only productivity but also the nutritive value of forage legumes. However, there have been few studies about these effects in long-term fertilization experiments. Our objectives were: (i) to compare the effects of mineral fertilization and organic manure on lucerne forage yield and leaf and stem nutritive value over a 2-year period following 60 years of different fertilization managements, and (ii) to investigate relationships among canopy structure traits and forage nutritive value in association with these fertilization treatments. The long-term fertilization experiment was established with four replications in the Czech Republic in 1955. Three levels of mineral N, P and K application (0:0:0, 39:24:109 and 91:31:146) were investigated, each with and without farmyard manure, resulting in six treatments. Lucerne stands were established in 2012 and 2013 in two strips. Forage yield was measured in two cuts in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Canopy structure traits and forage nutritive value (crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and NDF digestibility (NDFD) were analysed in the first cut in each year. Intensive mineral fertilization reduced lucerne nutritive value through a reduction in stem NDFD (-6%) and leaf weight ratio (-10 %) under higher forage productivity (+10 % of annual yield). Manure fertilization improved nutritive value of leaves and stems, with an associated increase in whole plant nutritive value as leaf proportion was maintained with increased yield (+8%). This positive response could be attributed to a soil environment effect: greater root development in soil that had received long-term manure fertilization probably reduced forage lignification and maintained leaf proportion in association with reduced drought stress. Long-term manure fertilization demonstrated potential for improvement of lucerne nutritive value despite the negative relationships between increased plant growth under higher nutrient supply and forage nutritive value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental friendly agricultural management has an urgent need for finding a sustainable strategy for the usage of different by-products from bioenergy production. These are either used as soil amendments or fertilizers. This study is aimed at evaluating if and how soil organic matter changes after the application of biochar, compost, and digestate. A pot experiment was conducted with Haplic Cambisol (low range arable soil) in Phytotron CLF PlantMaster (Wertingen, Germany). The chemical composition of isolated humic acids (HA) was determined by an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). FT-IR spectroscopy and CHNS analysis were used for detailed chemical and optical characterization. Soil magnetic properties - radical concentration, g-parameters of radicals, and iron ions were evaluated by EPR spectroscopy. The results showed that amending arable soil with biochar, digestate and compost results in chemical and structural changes of humic substances. The radicals originated in biochar and digestate are built-in to the structure of the humic acid, which was confirmed by EPR g-parameter values. Despite a relatively high concentration of paramagnetic metal ions Fe and Mn the effect of semiquinone radical quenching was not observed. That suggests a conclusion that metal ions of studied amendments are binding in HA structure and did not disturb natural radical processes in the soil. It was also concluded that the effect of applied material depends mainly on its chemical properties and the soil type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]