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For an agricultural region such as the Vojvodina Province in northern Serbia, soil quality monitoring is very important. Enzymatic activities are proposed as good indicators as they respond to even the slightest changes in the soil. This study aimed to analyze the enzymatic activity levels across three different soil types in Vojvodina and to examine their connection to soil chemical properties and land use. All soil types (chernozem, vertisol, solonchak) were sampled at nine locations, each with 3 field plots. The activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, and catalase were measured in samples, as well as the selected chemical properties. Results showed differences in enzymatic activity across different soil types and land use. The most active enzymes in vertisol were acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase; in solonchak, it was alkaline phosphatase; in chernozem, it was dehydrogenase. A high correlation between enzymatic activities and certain soil chemical properties (pH reaction, organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen) was also observed, underlining the existence of a relationship between different soil components. The highest determined correlation was between acid phosphatase and pH (r=-0.7), alkaline phosphatase and total nitrogen (r=0.7), and organic matter (r=0.72); the obtained correlations were found to be statistically significant.

The conducted research aims to ascertain the variations in macro and microelement content within the soil-to-leaf relationship in small vineyards. The vineyard block (1.2 ha), located in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, planted with Grašac (Riesling Italico), was divided into 20 subplots. Each subplot served as an individual location for soil and leaf sampling. Soil samples were collected at three depths, while leaf sampling occurred at two phenophase (end of flowering and at ripening), with separation into petiole and blade parts. Vari­ability of soil physico-chemical characteristics between subplots was determinate, with the greatest variability in the 30-60 cm soil layer. The soil generally displayed low levels of organic matter and available P, K, Zn and B. Erosion processes were indicated by the spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters. Differences in nutrient contents were noted among leaf parts and phenophases, aligning with existing literature. Comparing leaf nutrient status to optimal values from literature, N and P content was found at lower limits, confirming K and B deficiencies. Identically, fertilization recommendations can be inferred from soil and foliar analyses, primarily for N, K and B. Additionally, based on soil analysis, a slight increase in P and Zn application is advisable. Established correlations among all observed variables revealed connections between soil parameters, across all depths, and nutrients in the leaf blade at the end of flowering. It is notable to say that nutrient content in soil, particularly N, K, Mn and Zn, exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with its content in the leaf blade, respectively. Further research is necessary to lay the foundation for the development of ac­curate and reliable criteria for diagnosing nutrition, not only for the whole species but also among grapevine leading varieties. Given the significant variations in nutrient requirements and accumulation among these genotypes, this research will be instrumental in ensuring op­timal nutrient supply while minimizing deficiencies or excesses.

Land consolidation (LC) is an important tool for the improvement of agriculture and rural development, which also includes environmental issues in most of the countries in Europe. This paper presents the most important results of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of land consolidation, conducted in the municipality of Vršac through a pilot project based on the EU methodology set within the project: “Strengthening Municipal Land Management in Serbia”, supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. During the summer of 2018, field survey was carried out at 90 locations, documenting the natural, semi-natural and man-made landscape elements of ecological or cultural values, assessing their quality and estimating the potential harmful environmental impacts of the land consolidation. The already existing negative impacts of intensive agriculture were also registered, such as abandonment or overgrazing of pastures and meadows, converting grasslands into arable land, soil erosion and habitat fragmentation. Although the area of LC is without natural forest and extremely poor in semi-natural elements of rural landscape, the existing entities were revealed as refuges for protected species. Some of the grassland fragments belonged to protected habitat types. The final categorization of the landscape elements was conducted in three levels. Category I landscape elements had to remain undisturbed; Category II landscape elements could be removed with obligatory ecological compensation, while the Category III landscape elements could be removed without environmental compensation. Recommendations were given pointing out the possibilities for improving the environmental characters of the area by the land consolidation process.

Four monitoring campaigns of sedimentable dust were provided from two large non-sanitary landfills (Zrenjanin and Novi Sad) in Serbia during 2021. Particle size analysis by laser diffraction and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry were carried out in order to obtain the particle size distribution (PSD) and the toxic elements (TEs) concentrations. The health risk assessment of the landfill employees was performed according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency methods based on TEs concentrations. The PSD results demonstrated that the majority of sedimentable dust samples mass were not concentrated neither within PM2.5 neither within PM10 fraction. Analysis revealed high concentration of TEs at both landfills: an extremely high concentrations of Cr and Zn in samples from Zrenjanin landfill was detected. Health risk potential of elements was as follows for both landfills: Cr > Co > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu. According to the results, maximal hazard index for landfill employees in Zrenjanin (0.197) and Novi Sad (0.113) showed that non-cancer risk was very low. For both landfill sites, cancer risk was highest for Cr (2.75×10-5 for Zrenjanin and 2.02×10-7 for Novi Sad), though still within the defined threshold for tolerable cancer risk.

The deficiency of micronutrients in the human diet is widely recognised as a global problem. The objective of this study was to assess the content of two essential minerals, iron and zinc, in milling streams of old heritage wheat cultivars that have not been produced for more than a half-century to discover potential parent lines with high mineral content for breeding. Kernel size of seven Serbian old wheat cultivars was evaluated for ash content, thousand-grain weight and share of specific kernel fractions. Three cultivars, Crnozrna, Rumska Crvenka and Stara Banatka, were selected as the most appropriate for milling and further analysis of mineral content in the milling streams. The cultivars were milled in a laboratory mill to obtain six flour and two byproduct streams. At the same time, iron and zinc content was determined on a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. After mixing all six flour streams obtained from each cultivar, three different flour types were obtained. The flour with the highest ash content was the "1100" type originating from cultivar Stara Banatka, characterized by the highest iron and zinc content (54.9 mg/kg d. b. and 5.407 mg/kg d. b., respectively). It was estimated that consumption of a daily average bread portion (166 g according to national statistical data) made from Stara Banatka flour could provide about 90% of the recommended daily intake for iron. Therefore, Stara Banatka may be a target cultivar for wheat breeders searching for high-iron parent wheat lines.

Intensive crop cultivation systems require continuous monitoring of irrigation water quality as well as the control of physical and chemical soil properties. In view of the ongoing climate change and a dramatic decrease in soil organic matter content, the use of low quality irrigation water and its adverse effects on soil, cultivated plants and irrigation equipment must not be overlooked. The aim of this paper was to evaluate general quality of irrigation water from the different water intake sources in the Vojvodina Province. The paper presents the results of irrigation water quality, collected during 2018 and 2019. The research included 140 irrigation water samples obtained from three different intake structures which collect water from wells, canals or reservoirs. Water quality was assessed using the following parameters: pH value, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), ionic balance, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) value. Water quality diagram given by the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) and FAO guidelines for interpretation water quality for irrigation was used. Additionally, the Nejgebauer classification for irrigation water, developed specifically for the area of Vojvodina, was used as a third classification. Based on the results of mineralization of the irrigation water, the following values of the observed parameters were determined: average pH of the analyzed water samples were 7.89, ranged from 7.14 to 9.01, while electrical conductivity values ranged from 0.10 to 3.50 dS/m, with an average of 0.85 dS/m. TDS analysis resulted in a wide range of values, from 112 mg/l to 2,384 mg/l, with an average of 529,22 mg/l. SAR values varied between 0.04-16.52 with a satisfactory average of 1.97. The USSL water classification produced similar results as FAO classification and RSC index

Nickel (Ni) is an essential nutrient for animals and it has an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants. At the same time, it belongs to the group of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The aim of this study is to determine Ni concentrations in the soil-plant relationships between the main crops and agricultural land in Central Serbia. A total of 71 bulked soil samples are taken from the topsoil at the depth of 0-30 cm in an area belonging to 6 statistical districts of Central Serbia. A total of 71 seed samples are collected during harvest as an average sample of seed from each observed plot, of which 26 are corn, 19 sunflower, 17 wheat, and 9 soybean samples. Analysis of the collected samples includs the main soil parameters and Ni total and available concentrations in soil, as well as Ni total concentration in seeds. The median value of total Ni concentration in soil is 44.8 mg kg-1, close to MAC. The median nickel concentration in wheat and corn seeds is 0.5 mg kg-1, while soybean and sunflower seeds have higher median Ni content of 8.40 and 10.26 mg kg-1, respectively. Bioaccumulation factors in seeds (BAF) in the present study ranges from 0.013 (corn) to 0.256 (soybean). According to statistically significant differences, all crops have equal total NiT concentration in soil, while the available NiA concentration differs in soils under corn and sunflower cultivars. Based on Ni concentration in seed and BAF, two groups are distinguished − the group of soybeans and sunflowers with higher Ni content and the group of wheat and corn with lower Ni content in seed. The obtained differences confirm that plant species have a significant role in the bio­accumulation of Ni. The determined BAF parameter is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the total Ni content in soil in all observed crops except maize. However, the BAF parameter for maize alone is in a statistically significant negative correlation with the readily available Ni concentration in the soil. The obtained correlations indicate that higher Ni concentration in soil causes lower Ni concentration in seeds, which might be due to the activation of plant defense mechanism to preserve the reproductive organs ‒ seeds ‒ from harmful effects. Based on the obtained results, Ni concentration in seeds of the main field crops in Central Serbia is safe for feed and food usage. Increased content of Ni found in agricultural soils in Central Serbia requires constant monitoring for maintaining sustainable agriculture production.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of using microbial strains as residue decomposers and to determine the effect of these strains on chemical and microbial properties in the residue-amended soil. Greenhouse experiment consisted of eight Bacillus treatments, three Trichoderma treatments, and their combination, all applied to non-sterile chernozem soil amended with wheat straw. Incorporation of wheat straw improved soil chemical and microbial properties, while the extent of residue decom­position under microbial strains was intensified. Microbial treatments significantly affected the soil pH, the content of carbonate, total carbon, soil organic carbon, humus, and available phosphorus and potassium. Bacterial and fungal treatments also significantly influenced the total microbial number, ammonifiers, N2-fixers, fungi, actinomycetes, oligotrophs, copiotrophs, and cellulolytic microorganisms. The effect of microbial treatments varied depending on the applied strains and examined properties, with Bacillus strains being more promising residue decomposers compared to Trichoderma strains. The most effective microbial strains could be used as potential decomposers of crop residues. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31072]

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of biochar soil amendment (BSA) on chemical and microbial properties in different agricultural soils in Vojvodina Prov­ince. Short-term pot experiment consisted of five biochar application doses (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3%) and five contrasting soil types (Mollic Gleysol, Eutric Cambisol, Calcaric Fluvisol, Gleyic Chernozem, and Haplic Chernozem), planted with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The examined chemical and microbial properties were significantly influenced by soil type and interaction of experimental factors. Significant influence of biochar on the contents of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), total nitrogen (N), total carbon (C), soil organic carbon (SOC), humus and potassium (K) of the tested soils was observed. Biochar also significantly affected the number of azotobacters (AZB), fungi (FNG), actino­mycetes (ACT) and copiotrophic bacteria (CB). The effect of BSA varied depending on the applied dose, with higher values of the examined chemical and microbial parameters at higher doses of application. Further studies on using biochar in soils with low fertility will be neces­sary to establish its efficiency as an enhancer for agricultural production in Serbia. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31072]

Mercury (Hg) has been listed as a global high priority pollutant by many international organizations due to its mobility and persistence in the environments and high toxicity to organisms. This research was conducted with the aims to determine: (i) total Hg content (THg) and its spatial distribution in sediments of river Tisa along the river course, (ii) possible sources of THg and (iii) degree of THg pollution in sediments from the river Tisa through different criteria. Total Hg in the sediments ranged from 0.07 to 0.49 mg kg-1, with mean ± S.D. value of 0.26 ± 0.10 mg kg-1. The highest mean value of THg (0.30 mg kg-1) was found in the lower stream, while the lowest (0.13 mg kg-1) was found in the tributary. According to Principal Component Analyses (PCA) strong positive loading of metals in all parts of the river Tisa is mainly controlled from the same sources. These sources are related to anthropogenic activities based on calculated Enrichment Factor (EF) values. Total Hg are higher than background value. According to the Republic of Serbia official standard, THg values of river Tisa sediments were within the range of maximum permissible values. Compared with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) guideline, 80.49% of sediment samples indicated that THg in the river Tisa sediments represented minimal and possible risk towards the living organisms. Integrating the results of pollution assessment, it could be concluded that THg in river Tisa sediments in Serbia demonstrates considerable contamination according to Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contaminant Factor (CF), and high pollution risk according to Potential Environmental Risk Index (PERI).

Whole kernels of cereals are the most important source of magnesium. This mineral has several positive effects on human health. However, the human body cannot absorb 100% of magnesium from plant sources during digestion. Additionally, the wheat flour milling process usually produces refined flour with a substantially lower content of magnesium. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of milling of two wheat cultivars on total and soluble magnesium distribution in milling fractions, with the purpose of creating wheat bread with a precisely defined magnesium content. Ash content, thousand grain weight (TGW), and kernel size were analysed in five wheat cultivars. Two most statistically distinguished wheat cultivars according to these analyses (Moma and Todorka) were milled in a laboratory mill to gain as many flour fractions as possible (eleven). Magnesium was extracted from the flour and its content was measured by inductively coupled plasma. The results showed that the level of soluble magnesium in refined white flours (T-500 with ash content between 0.46-0.60d.m.%) is approximately 17% and is available for uptake in the human body. Also, by milling the Moma cultivar in an industrial mill with a capacity of 100 t per day gave 6.6 t more brown flour (T-1000 with ash content between 1.05-1.15 d.m.%) than the Todorka cultivar. Furthermore, the daily consumption of brown bread (produced from brown flour) in Serbia would satisfy about 60% of the daily magnesium requirements. [Projects of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31066 and Grant no. TR31007]

Mercury (Hg) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are components of household dust and are a risk for human health. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Hg and PTEs in household dust in individual housing facilities in the town of Šid, Serbia and their correlation to the content of the elements found in the surrounding garden soil. Total of 64 samples of household dust were collected from 16 locations of individual housing facilities on 4 occasions. Samples of surrounding yard and garden soil were simultaneously collected. None of the 64 analysed soil samples exceeded the threshold limit (TL) prescribed by law for non-agricultural soil, which is 0.3 mg kg-1 DM. Content of Hg in household dust was much higher than in the surrounding soil and ranged from 0.005 to 1.566 mg kg-1 DM. The resulting values of PTEs (As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in household dust had a significantly higher range than in the soil. Contents of Hg, B, Cu, and Zn were much higher in household dust than in the soil. According to the results of correlations of the analysed elements in household dust and surrounding soil, and according to the analysed locations, direct effect of Hg and PTEs contents on the content of the same elements in household dust was not confirmed.

The study monitored microbial abundance and dehydrogenase activity in chernozem soil under different cropping systems. Soil samples were taken from the long-term trials Crop Rotations and IOSDV, at the Rimski Šančevi experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. The soil samples were collected in two years from ten cropping systems at three sampling depths. Number of the examined microbial groups was assessed by the indirect dilution method, while dehydrogenase enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Number of the tested microbial groups and dehydrogenase activity varied significantly depending on the cropping system and year of study, while sampling depth significantly affected enzyme activity. The highest number of microorganisms was obtained in non-agricultural soil and unfertilized soil under 2-year and 3-year rotation, while the highest dehydrogenase activity was recorded in non-agricultural soil and soil under wheat grown in monoculture.

Urban gardening is an activity that has been rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to point out the common mistakes in cultivation practices made by producers on small city areas. Total of 96 individual plots under vegetable crops were sampled (56 from garden plots of the city of Novi Sad, and 40 from field plots in the suburbs). There was no significant difference in the content of organic matter between these two groups of tested soils. The contents of readily available P2O5 and K2O were significantly higher in garden soil than in the field plots for production of vegetables. According to the content of pseudototal copper, 39% of samples belonged to the category of critical concentration and/or above MAC in the urban soil. Obtained results prove the pollution of small area gardens due to high anthropogenic effect of excessive use of mineral fertilizers and copper-based fungicides.

Aim of the study was to examine the effects of soil use on soil microbial properties at five locations in Central Serbia. The study included 42 samples of soil under certified organic system, 8 samples under conventional system, and 30 samples of abandoned soils. The number of examined microbial groups was assessed using the indirect dilution method followed by plating of soil suspension on different selective media, while dehydrogenase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. The number and activity of microorganisms at the tested plots primarily depended on the soil pH. The acidic soil reaction caused more rapid fungal growth and lower presence of actinomycetes and Azotobacter sp. There were no significant alterations in the number of microorganisms, ammonifiers and fungi under the specific soil use system. Significantly higher dehydrogenase activity was recorded in the abandoned soils and soils under organic systems compared to the conventional farming.

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of soil type and forage crops on the content of magnesium in soil and roughages, as well as forage quality regarding Mg content for the prevention of animal disease ‘tetany’. The trial was carried out on chernozem and humogley under alfalfa and red clover. Samples for determination of Mg content in plant and total Mg content in soil were digested using the apparatus Milestone Ethos 1. The content of Mg was determined using the apparatus ICP-OES Vista Pro-Axial Varian. The average total Mg content in soil of the tested sites was 0.64%. Total Mg content in chernozem was higher than in humogley. A higher total Mg content was in the deeper horizon. A significant positive correlation was found between total Mg content in soil and soil pH as well as the content of CaCO3. The average Mg content in forage crops was 0.28%. A higher Mg content in the dry matter was observed in crops grown on humogley. Mg content was significantly higher in red clover. There was no risk for the occurrence of animal disease ‘tetany’ regarding Mg content in crops, because the ratio K/(Ca+Mg) was below 2.2, and K and Mg content in the dry matter of crops was below the critical value. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR31072: Stanje, tendencije i mogućnosti povećanja plodnosti poljoprivrednog zemljišta u Vojvodini]

The Tri Morave wine region is the largest wine growing region in Serbia with nine vineyard regions and a total surface area of 286,929.90 ha. It includes the areas around three big rivers in Central Serbia; the wide lower basin of the Zapadna Morava River, the lower basin of the Južna Morava River and the wider upper basin of the Velika Morava River. The unique terroir of this region is reflected in the diversity of altitudes and terrain inclination that gives it its specific character and recognition and provides an excellent basis for producing wines with geographical indication. The main goal of this paper is to present all of the essential elements of terroir in this region as well as their interaction and influence on grapevines and wine production.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of soil type and forage crops on the content of manganese (Mn) in roughages, and forage quality regarding Mn content. The trial was carried out on chernozem and humogley under alfalfa and red clover. Samples for determination of Mn content in plant and total Mn content in soil were digested using the apparatus Milestone Ethos 1 and for Mn determination on ICP-OES Vista Pro-Axial Varian. Average total Mn content in soil of the tested sites was 473.1 mg/kg. Total Mn content in chernozem was higher than in humogley. Average Mn content in forage crops was 28.7 mg/kg. Dry matter Mn content was lower in crops grown on humogley. Mn content was significantly higher in red clover. Significant positive correlation was found between total Mn content in soil and Mn content in crops. Mn concentration in crops was below critical and toxic value.

To enhance understanding of edaphic conditions in serpentine habitats, a thorough investigation of chemical and mechanical properties of three soils from disjunct ultramafic outcrops in the central Balkans was undertaken. Soil from a nearby chemically-contrasting limestone habitat was also analyzed. Three plant species differently associated with serpentine (Halacsya sendtneri, Cheilanthes marantae, and Seseli rigidum) were references for site and soil selection. Twenty elements were scanned for, and fourteen were measured in seven sequentially-extracted soil fractions. Quantified soil properties also included: pH, levels of free CaCO3, organic matter, P2O5, K2O, N, C, S, cation exchange capacity, total organic carbon, field capacity and soil mechanical composition. The usual harsh components for plant growth in serpentine soil such as elevated Mg:Ca ratio, high levels of Ni, Cr, or Co, were significantly lower in the available fractions. There was a significant positive correlation of organic matter and field capacity, with most available Ca (70-80%) found in the mobile, rather than the organically-bound fraction. This showed that a more favorable Mg:Ca ratio is highly dependent upon a higher field capacity, which is also in accordance with a more developed vegetation. Increasing the availability of metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg, Ni, Zn) in a more developed serpentine grassland and forest vegetation, occurred only simultaneously with decrease of the Mg:Ca ratio and rise in other factors of fertility (N, P, K). Progressive development of ecosystem complexity therefore raised the availability of metals, but also reduced harsh Mg:Ca ratio disproportion, boosted levels of nutrients and raised soil field capacity. Principal components analysis confirmed that the main differences among serpentine habitats lay primarily in factors of fertility. The common habitat which hosts all three reference species offers intermediate conditions in a plant habitat selection gradient. Comparing serpentine with limestone showed ample difference in total content and availability of most of the surveyed elements, but very few differences in other chemical properties. The fragility of soil and ecosystem, and biological value of serpentine habitats demand intensive research and protection of these diversity and endemism hotspots of the Balkan Peninsula.

During December 2009 snow was collected at twenty two locations across the urban area of Novi Sad, directly from roads and from traffic islands near crossroads. The total metal concentration was determined for each of ten metals (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn) using the ICP-OES analytical technique. The metal found to have the lowest concentration was Ni (0.0265 mg dm-3). The metal with the highest concentration was Na (10786 mg dm-3), which is a consequence of sodium chloride being used as de-icing salt on the roads. The metal with the second highest concentration at all locations was Ca; this was most likely the result of soil dust. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients between analyzed metals were calculated to determine how concentrations of metals were related. A cluster analysis was carried out on the obtained data sets, using both hierarchical and partitioning methods in order to identify associations among metals and/or locations. It was shown that traffic density was not the most important factor that caused differences between the concentrations of the metals in samples.

The concentration of Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the root and aboveground organs of three halophyte species (Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima and Salsola soda) as well as in the soil where they grew from maritime and inland saline areas were investigated. The aim of our research was to evaluate the capability of some halophyte species to absorb different cations and to find if there exists differentiation of salt accumulation between populations from inland and maritime saline areas. In five analyzed localities (Tivatska solila, Ulcinj salina, Slano Kopovo, Melenci, Okanj), external Na+ concentrations exceeded other investigated cations. Our investigated halophytes accumulate more Na+ than the Mg2+, Ca2+ and K+ and more cations were recorded in aboveground organs than in the root. Populations from maritime saline area generally had higher cation concentrations than plants from inland saline area. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173002]

Soil samples in disturbed state were taken in order to control fertility and monitor contents of harmful and hazardous substances in Vojvodina soils and possibilities of soil degradation in general. Moderately contaminated soils were selected for examination. Microbial activity in contaminated soil and the impact of harmful and hazardous substances (pesticides) on soil microorganisms were observed and most resistant microorganisms were isolated. Vegetation experiments were organized to study the effect of chelating agents EDTA and EDDS on copper adoption and translocation in rapeseed and sunflower. Importance of some ions in the complexation of copper chelators and their undesirable effects on copper uptake were established. Field trials were organized to study the effect of hydrogel on water uptakes by plants, increase in rate and the increase in rate of removal of hazardous and harmful substances from soil solution. At all phases of the project, we monitored the effectiveness of soil bioremediation soils by means of the application of chelating agents, stimulative preparations such as hydrogel and certain microorganisms. It effectiveness was measured in terms of plant growth rate and intensity in removal of hazardous and harmful substances from contaminated soil.

In order to establish the current status and assess the impact of agriculture in the area planned to be included into the envisaged environmental network, we analyzed the arable soil, pasture soil and sediments for the content of heavy metals. Out of a total 38 analyzed soil and sediment samples, only 2 were found to contain heavy metals in concentrations higher than the MAC for agriculture soil. An increased concentration of copper (189.1 mg/kg) was recorded in a sample of vineyard soil and increased nickel concentrations were recorded in one sample of pasture soil (60.9 mg/kg). Further research showed that the high Ni concentrations were of the geochemical origin, while the high Cu was of anthropogenic origin. Out of a total 10 sediment samples analyzed according to Dutch criteria for threshold values, increased concentrations of Cu and Zn were found in one sample, and high concentrations of Ni were found in 4 samples. At the same time, the heavy metal contents in the analyzed sediments were much below the anticipated remediation values.

This paper presents the results of 30 representative samples of alluvial-diluvial soils of Srem region of Serbia. The following basic chemical properties were examined: active soil acidity (pH in H2O), substitutional acidity (pH in 1M KCl), CaCO3 content, humus content, total nitrogen content, and content of available forms of phosphorus and potassium. The paper shows the characteristics, origins, behaviour and content of total and available nickel in the soil. Average value of total nickel in the analyzed soil samples was above the MAC 115.95 mg kg-1, while the mean value of available nickel was 1.484 mg kg-1. The share of available nickel in total nickel is a good indicator of the origin of soil contamination. Having identified a low percentage of readily available nickel in total nickel (an average of 1.36%), we can conclude that the content of Ni in the soils of Srem is of natural origin and that there is no threat that this element would enter the food chain.

The paper presents the results of soil fertility analysis for different crop growing areas of Vojvodina, Serbia. The analysis was conducted on a total of 76,868 plowland samples, accounting for 87% of the total number of samples tested in a larger project. On average, the neutral soil reaction, which is the most favorable type of reaction for crop production, was found in one quarter of all samples in our study. The percentage of samples with such reaction ranged from 12.6% (northern Bačka) to 46.5% (northern Srem). Looking at the free CaCO3 content by area, the highest mean value (10.54%) and proportions of calcareous (30.6%) and highly calcareous (53.1%) samples were found in northern Bačka, while the lowest values of these parameters were recorded in northern Srem. When it comes to the soil humus content, all three areas of Srem were found to be mostly slightly humic, as according to our analysis they had between 72.1 and 83.3% of samples that were slightly humic and only a small proportion (16.2-27.3%) of samples that are characterized as humic. Considering the readily available phosphorus content in Vojvodina as a whole, our analysis has shown that only one third of the soils in the province have an optimum supply of this element. What is of concern is that a considerable proportion of our samples were determined to be either very poor (6.9%) or poor (15.5%) in phosphorus, while about 7% had harmful or toxic levels of this macronutrient. In the case of the levels of readily available potassium, the largest number of the samples had either an optimum or high supply of the element. The sum of such samples ranged from 77.4 to 94.1% depending on the area.

In view of the topicality of the subject of soil protection from degradation, the paper discusses some basic considerations concerning soil genesis, pedogenetic processes, and soil degradation caused by human activity in Serbia. It can be said that at present the main processes connected with soil loss and soil degradation in Serbia are as follows: 1) change in the intended use of the soil (soil loss and damage due to industrial, mining, and power-producing activities) 2) loss of soil organic matter, 3) acidification and salinization of soil, 4) different forms of soil contaminations (as a result of the excessive use of agrochemicals, heavy metals, industrial pollution, etc.), 5) aeolian and water erosion, and 6) compaction and other types of physical degradation of agricultural soil. The most important aspects of soil protection from degradation are preventive measures, the identification of potential dangers, and the finding of ways to overcome them. Only usage of systematic monitoring of soil quality and other tools provide proper results in the protection of the soil from degradation.

The aim of this work was to investigate genetic specificity of sunflower nutrition with microelements. Therefore, concentrations of essential (Zn, B, Mn, Cu, Fe and Ni) and non-essential (Cr, Al, Cd, As, Pb and Ba) micronutrients were analyzed. Five sunflower hybrids the most grown in Serbia and different populations of wild sunflower species originating from North America: Helianthus neglectus Heiser (3), Helianthus agrophyllus T&G (3), Helianthus petiolaris Nutt. (2), Helianthus annuus L. (4) were included in the experiment. Populations of wild sunflower species and hybrids differed significantly with respect to the concentration of analyzed elements. Manganese concentration was significantly higher in hybrids than in wild species. In all genotypes Fe, B and Mn had the highest concentration. Coefficient of variation of microelement concentration depended on genotype and particular element. In wild populations, for essential microelements, it was between 3.7 and 59.5, whereas in hybrids it varied from 10.0 to 48.8. Coefficient of variation of concentration of non-essential microelements in wild populations varied from 7.7 to 73.8, and in hybrids from 15.1 to 48.8. Average coefficient of variation in both wild species and hybrids was the lowest for Mn and Pb. It was the highest for Cr, Ni, and Zn in hybrids and for Cd, Ni, and Cr in wild species. The results suggest that genetic specificity with respect to uptake of microelements in wild species and hybrids is highly expressed. Broad genetic variability of concentrations of microelements in wild species and hybrids indicate that their reactions to deficiency and/or excess of those elements probably are not the same either. This finding may be used in breeding process aimed specifically at improvement of tolerance and capacity to accumulate microelements in sunflower. Phytoremediation technology designed to reduce the amount of microelements in the soil could thus be advanced by utilization of such plants.

Soil profiles have been dug in locations registered in a soil map of Vojvodina Province as solonchaks in order to assess the microbial activity down the soil profile. Unfavourable physical and chemical properties of the studied solonchak and solonetz soils (such as increased salt content, high pH, low humus content) significantly affected their microbial properties. Solonchak soils are characterized by an exceptionally low microbial activity and high numbers of certain groups of microorganisms in the saline surface horizon. Number of microorganisms and dehydrogenase activity improved with depth, to achieve highest values in the transitional BC horizon at the average depth of 60 cm, which can be associated with soil chemical properties becoming favorable for microbial organisms. High numbers of microbes were recorded only for the average number of actinomycetes, which is an indicator of alkaline environment. The number of actinomycetes declined with soil profile depth. .

The study presented in this paper deals with heavy metals content in vineyard soils from 44 individual producers' lots from Vojvodina province, as well as detailed analyses of heavy metals content in vineyards from 3 sites (Sremski Karlovci, Banoštor and Vršac) in comparison with the control sample. Vojvodinian vineyard soils are generally not contaminated with heavy metals, with the exception of copper due to long-term intensive application of copper-based fungicide. In soil of 44 small vineyards, local contamination with Cr and Zn was found on one locality each, and geochemical origin Ni content higher than MAC in 9 samples from Fruška gora. Based on the second part of this study, content of all heavy metals, excluding Cu, was below MAC. However, in comparison to control sample, the content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb was higher in vineyard soils at due to antropogenic influence and application of agro-chemicals. The highest concentration of Cu 336 mg kg-1 was noted in Petrovaradin in surface layer of soil, which is three times the value of MAC (100 mg kg-1). Out of total 226 analysed samples from all depths, 44 samples exceeded MAC value. It is especially unfavourable that 23 % of all analysed vineyard soils surface layers are in critical concentration zone (>60 mg kg-1) and 33 % exceed MAC, which shows that more than half of analysed Vojvodina vineyards are in need of monitoring, risk assessment and reduction of copper-based chemicals application. .

Different modes of hydrogel application were tested on yield and yield components in production of early cabbage on chernozem soil at Rimski Šančevi. Also, its effect on soil chemical properties, soil water-physical features and soil microbiological activity were observed. There were four variants in this trial: control - without hydrogel, gel - swelled hydrogel incorporated into planting holes, dust - dry hydrogel dust incorporated into planting holes, dust - dry hydrogel dust scattered on soil surface in bands and incorporated. As for the observed features (whole plant weight, head diameter and cabbage yield) statistically significant differences were found between gel and other variants. The highest yield was with gel (55.85 t ha-1) and lowest with bands (39.78 t ha-1). Cabbage yield in gel variant is higher than in control by 18.98%. Yield was insignificantly decreased (1.02%) in dust variant incorporated into planting holes as compared to control. Application of hydrogel did not significantly impact soil properties nor distribution of tested groups of microorganisms and activity of dehydrogenase enzymes. .

Levels of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb obtained by analysis of inorganic and organic fertilizers available on the Serbian market are discussed in this paper. The first estimation of the heavy metal input in soils due to use of phosphate fertilizers is also given. The heavy metal contents of all analysed inorganic fertilizers were below the MAC according to the current Serbian regulations. Elevated concentrations of Ni were detected in two and a high Cr concentration in one sample of the substrates. The average (theoretical) heavy metal input in Serbian soils was calculated based on the application of 20 kg ha-1 P2O5 per year. The calculated heavy metal input was lower than European average and it is similar to the inputs recorded in Finland and Denmark. .

In the agroclimatic conditions of the Vojvodina Province, the application of an economic water regime and modern technology is necessary for stable and intensive potato production. A two-year experiment on calcareous chernozem was carried out to determine how irrigation and different pre-irrigation soil moisture affect potato yield and distribution of tuber fraction in the potato yield. The block-design trial had four replicates and was adapted for sprinkler irrigation conditions. It included four treatments: irrigation with pre-irrigation moisture levels of 60 % of field water capacity (FC), irrigation with pre-irrigation moisture levels of 70 % (FC), irrigation with pre-irrigation moisture levels of 80% (FC), and a non-irrigated control treatment. Irrigation significantly increased the yield of potato, which increased from 37.27 % to 75.86 %. Under irrigation, the percentage of small fractions decreased in favour of the 55 mm one, or fractions above the 45-55 mm range. On average, irrigated treatments produced significantly more tubers than the conditions of natural water supply. .

An analysis of over 77,000 samples of plowland in AP Vojvodina indicated that 39% of the samples belong to the category of low humus soils with the organic matter content ranging from 1% to 3%. The category of soils well provided with humus (3% to 5%) included 60% of the analyzed plowland of Vojvodina. The obtained results are in contradiction with the natural potential of high quality land of Vojvodina and they are consequence of inadequate agricultural practices, insufficient application of organic fertilizers, excessive removal and burning of harvest residues. Organic matter content in Vojvodina soils is under strong anthropogenic influence, and it is not advisable to remove harvest residues and use them as biomass without prior soil analysis. Based on the analysis of organic matter content in agricultural soils in individual municipalities of AP Vojvodina, it is feasible to select locations with quality soils, where it would be possible to construct plants for energy production from harvest residues, while securing minimum transportation costs and preserving the soil quality.