Volume 27 (2016): Issue 3 (September 2016)

The aim of this research was to assess the relationships between exchangeable and water-soluble cations in forest soil types. Three dominant soil types were distinguished on studied plots: Haplic Podzol, Dystric Arenosol and Dystric Cambisol. Ca, Mg, K, Na and Al in soil sorption complex and soil water extracts were determined. The differentiation of the ionic composition of soil sorption complex and soil water extracts within a soil type and amongst soil types was presented. The sum of cations in the soil and water extracts was the highest in Dystric Cambisol and the lowest in Haplic Podzol. Ca is a dominant cation in soil and soil water extracts in organic horizon, whilst Al is dominant in mineral soil horizons. The Ca/Al and the base cations to Al (BC/Al) molar ratios increased in the sequence of soils: Haplic Podzol < Dystric Arenosol < Dystric Cambisol. The parent material, soil-forming processes and vegetation cover affected the Ca/Al and BC/Al ratios.

In Poland, in recent years, there has been a great interest in growing spelt wheat. This is dictated not only by an increasing demand for food with higher healthy properties and unique taste, but also by a possibility of attracting farmers’ attention to this cereal as an alternative crop, with smaller requirements regarding the use of fertilization, as compared with common wheat. The aim of this study was to carry out the assessment of value of some technological characters of grain and flour of spelt wheat depending on different fertilizations with nitrogen (I factor, n=3, 25 and 50 kg N∙ha⁻¹ + control treatment) and foliar application of microelements (II factor, n=4, Mn, Cu, combined fertilization with Mn and Cu + control treatment). Based on the performed study, it was found that fertilization with nitrogen, microelements and their interaction had, on average for years, a significant effect on the values of technological characters. Introduction of 25 kg N·ha⁻¹ caused an increase in the value of falling number, whereas total protein content, wet gluten content and sedimentation value increased as a result of increasing nitrogen rates up to a level of 50 kg·ha⁻¹. Of the variants of fertilization with microelements, the highest values of the analysed baking indices were found in the effects of combined foliar application of copper and manganese.

The factors that affect the value of parsley for consumption include its taste, flavour and dietary utility (vitamins C and E, β-carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron, raw fibre, proteins) as well as the content of hazardous substances, especially nitrogen compounds. A study was carried out in 2013–2015 to determine the effect of the cultivation technology and storage on the safety of parsley intended for processing. The study material was taken from an experiment where the following fertilisers were applied to the ground: nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N∙ha⁻¹) and magnesium (0; 30 kg Mg∙ha⁻¹). Parsley roots were stored for six months in a storage room at +1°C and RH 95%. The content of nitrates (V) and (III) was determined by the ion selective method immediately after the harvest and after storage in parsley roots.

The highest levels of nitrates (V) and (III) were found in parsley roots in the cultivation option where nitrogen for fertilisation was applied at the greatest amount, i.e. 120 kg N ha⁻¹ and magnesium at 30 kg Mg∙ha⁻¹. Regardless of the measures applied during the vegetation period, prolonged storage of parsley resulted in a decreased content of nitrates (V) and (III) in its roots. The limit for nitrogen content and the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for nitrates (1.0%) and nitrites (4.5%) were not exceeded in the cultivar under study.

After the implementation of a new waste management system, in which recycling is the most dominating process, landfill disposal still appears to be the most popular method of waste management in Poland, in which waste undergoes gradual decomposition and the influence of climate conditions, for example, air and atmospheric fallout, leads to the production of leachate and biogas emissions, which contribute to continual threats to the natural environment and humans. The above-mentioned threats can be limited by applying suitable techniques of waste treatment before its disposal. A technology that is oriented to these aims is a mechanical biological treatment (MBT) before disposal.

The above-mentioned technology results is waste stabilisation and reduction of pollutant emissions. Additionally, it allows to increase the recovery of materials for recycling and to reduce the mass of waste. Finally, it is environmentally friendly.

The objective of the conducted analysis is the opinion of adolescents completing secondary schools concerning genetically modified organisms (GMO) and determination of the relationship between the level of knowledge concerning GMO, and evaluation of the safety of their use in industry and agriculture.

The scope of problems undertaken was elaborated based on the survey studies conducted on a group of 500 adolescents completing secondary schools from the Lublin Region, including 250 attending general profile secondary schools and 250 from agricultural technical schools. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey, using the questionnaire technique. The results of the study showed that the respondents perceived both positive and negative aspects of producing genetically modified (GM) products. These evaluations were significantly related with the respondents’ level of knowledge concerning GMO. The higher the level of knowledge, the more positive the evaluations of the adolescents concerning the cultivation and breeding of GMO, and more frequent indications that the consumption of products manufactured from these organisms is safe.

The authors examine a very important issue concerning the concept of public consciousness and ecological consciousness of a human. They present ecological consciousness through indicating its level and factors that determine it. They discuss questions connected to shaping ecological consciousness in teachings of Saint John Paul II, sustainable development, eco-philosophy, and pro-ecological attitudes.