<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>There are many methods used for soil water content measurement which we can divide into direct gravimetric methods from using soil samples or indirect methods that are based on the measurement of another soil property which is dependent on soil moisture. The paper presents the findings of volumetric water content measurements with gravimetric and time domain reflectometry (TDR) methods. We focused on four variants in the field experiment in Dolná Malanta (Slovakia): control variant (B0+N0), variant with biochar at dose 20 t.ha−1 without N fertilizer (B20+N0), variant with biochar 20 t.ha−1 and N fertilizer 160 kg.ha−1 (B20+N160) and variant with biochar 20 t.ha−1 and N fertilizer 240 kg.ha−1 (B20+N240). TDR is nowadays a well-established dielectric technique to measure volumetric water content; however, its accuracy is influenced by high concentration of salts in soil. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of added N fertilizer on the measuring accuracy of HydroSense II device that is operating under the TDR principle.</abstract>

Measurement of Volumetric Water Content by Gravimetric and Time Domain Reflectometry Methods at Field Experiment with Biochar and N Fertilizer

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Increasing food demand and decreasing water resources have composed a kind of pressure to find new technologies for efficient use of water and fertilizers in agriculture. Drip irrigation can be able to save irrigation water from 30% up to 50% in case it is properly designed, installed and operated compared to surface irrigation, and it can also enable increasing crop yields and crop quality. In order to get the highest benefits using drip irrigation, some soil data (infiltration rate, soil texture and soil structure), crop characteristics (row space, plant density, canopy cover, root system, crop species, crop variety) and water resources properties (water quality, surface or well water) must be considered in drip system design, management and operation. Fertigation is basically an agricultural technique and application together with water and fertilizer to soil and/or plants. It increases both yield and fertilizer use efficiency; therefore, leaching of nutrients is prevented. In order to utilize fertigation successfully, the four main factors must be considered: (i) the consumption rate of water and nutrients throughout the growth season that result in optimal yields, (ii) response in uptake of different crops to nutrient concentration in the soil and soil solutions, (iii) monitoring for total soil water potential, nutrients concentration in soil solution and % elements in plants as a function of time and (iv) root mass and distribution in the soil for given irrigation regimes and soil types.</abstract>

Efficient Use of Water and Fertilizers in Irrigated Agriculture: Drip Irrigation and Fertigation

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The aim of the present research work was to investigate the effect of orange and cinnamon oil on the occurrence and harmfulness of <italic>Thrips tabaci</italic> Lind on onion. In 2014, the nonchemical treatment was made with Prev-B2 (the concentration of 0.4%), which contains: 4.2% of orange oil, 2.1% of boron and product Canol 70% p/p exstract of <italic>Cinnamomum zeylanicum</italic>. In 2015, only Prev-B2 product was used. The standard sprayer was used and the treatments were done: twice in 2014 and three times in 2015. The thrips were collected directly from the leaves, using standard sweeping nets. The plants were examined to find the leave damages caused by feeding thrips. In 2014, <italic>Thrips tabaci</italic> was recorded from 11 June to 19 August, whereas in 2015 from 24 June to 4 August. Over two years of observations, the highest number of thrips was collected from onion growing on control plots (not treated with any preparation). Also, the mean percentage of areas damaged on the onion leaves was significantly higher on control plots than on plots treated with cinnamon oil in 2014 and orange oil in 2015.</abstract>

Effect of Orange and Cinnamon Oil on the Occurrence and Harmfulness of <italic>Thrips tabaci</italic> Lind on Onion – Preliminary Results

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Nine selected varieties of tomatoes were grown in field experiments in order to follow up changes in the content of vitamin C, depending on the degree of the fruit ripeness. Vitamin C content of green fruit ranged from 6.74 mg (Denár) to 10.23 mg (Salus). The mean value for the varieties in the green state was 8.66 mg.100 g−1. The value of vitamin C in the semi-mature tomatoes ranged from 11.34 mg (Denár) to 14.95 mg (Darinka). The mean value for all varieties was 12.89 mg. 100 g−1. The lowest content of vitamin C was found in consumer (red) ripening tomato varieties Šejk (16.03 mg), Denár (16.32 mg) and Zámčan (16.80 mg) and the highest content of vitamin C in varieties Salus (19.43 mg) and Darinka (19.26 mg). The mean value for the nine varieties was 17.70 mg.100 g−1. In the botanical (overripe) maturity, we recorded the highest vitamin C content in the variety Salus (21.51 mg. 100 g−1). The highest increase in vitamin C was also recorded at the variety Darinka, where we registered the content of 21.32 mg.100 g−1. The lowest vitamin C content in botanical ripeness was observed in the variety Zámčan (19.44 mg.100 g−1). The average amount of vitamin C marked 20.26 g mg.100−1. The results can be concluded that the level of vitamin C is increasing by the gradual ripening of the fruits.</abstract>

The Effect of Varieties and Degree of Ripeness to Vitamin C Content in Tomato Fruits

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In the light of climate changes and in order to achieve stable crop production, irrigation represents an inevitable measure. Apart from water quantity, water quality represents a matter of concern. The paper elaborates on the presence of iron and manganese, as the main factors of causing the clogging of irrigation systems. The examined well water samples were taken mainly from Serbia. Photometric methods were applied for determining iron and manganese, and sensors for pH and conductivity. The obtained values were later subjected to a classification for irrigation water and the well water samples were classified according to the given thresholds. Precise location and presentation of the obtained results were done using the Geographic information system. The research has shown that from the analysed well water, only in 6 samples iron concentrations were increased up to a level classified as “extreme restrictions,” 4 samples as “warning,” while 31 samples of water were “adequate for irrigation.” Concerning manganese, in only one sample water was classified as “extreme restrictions,” in 14 as “warning” and in 26 as “adequate for irrigation.” pH and conductivity did not coincide with elevated concentrations of iron and manganese, but in the cases of exceeding thresholds, special attention should also be paid to these parameters.</abstract>

Iron and Manganese in Well Water: Potential Risk for Irrigation Systems

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In the study regarding with tomatoes, the impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on seed germination of tomato (<italic>Solanum lycopersicum</italic> L.) after treatment before sowing, as well as the growth following electromagnetic stimulation of young plants at a time before planting in the field, and fruittraits was investigated. In the experiments conducted in two consecutive years (2012 and 2013), we followed the time of seed germination of tomato variety “Pavlina”, plant growth and the fruitsize. Magnetization of seeds and young plants was carried out in laboratory conditions, and plant growth and fruits were followed in field conditions where plants were grown on experimental plots (25.0 m2). The plants were grown in accordance with the standards of agricultural practice for tomato. At the generative phase, fruits were collected at regular intervals, and their number and weight were evaluated. Low frequency electromagnetic fields acting at the three inductance levels (20, 40 and 60 mT) and exposure of 20 minutes a day with frequency of 50 Hz, significantly influenced the germination, plant growth and fruitsize of the studied tomato variety.</abstract>

Research Of Effect Of Low Frequency Magnetic Field On Germination, Growth And Fruiting Of Field Tomatoes

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The global agriculture industry is facing never before faced issues in the form of soil degradation, water scarcity, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Among the possible remedies, applying biochar to the soil has drawn interest as a viable strategy. Although a great deal of literature has been written about the benefits and drawbacks of applying biochar initially, there is still a significant amount of research on the effects of using biochar repeatedly. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the varied effects of both the initial application (at rates of 0 t.ha−1, 10 t.ha−1, and 20 t.ha−1) and the reapplication of biochar (at rates of 0, 10, and 20 t.ha−1), especially when combined with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 108, and 162 kg.ha−1). The investigation focuses on soil properties and CO2 emissions from Haplic Luvisol in the temperate climate zone (Slovakia). The results showed that biochar generally improved soil properties, such as soil pH (KCl) (<italic>p</italic> &lt;0.05), shifting it from acidic towards moderately acidic, and generally led to a decrease in ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) content. The second level of fertilization, combined with different biochar treatments, yielded the most efficient results in physical properties such as soil temperature, bulk density (BD), and soil water content (SWC) compared to control treatments without biochar. Biochar application contributed to the reduction of both average daily CO2 emissions and cumulative CO2 emissions during the study period (April – October) in 2022 compared to the control without biochar application.
</abstract>

Exploring Biochar with N-Fertilizer Effects on Soil CO2 Emissions and Physical-Chemical Properties as a Climate Change Mitigation Tool

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The principle of sustainable fertilisation in modern agriculture, which ensures that the soil is maintained in a fertile state requires the search for alternatives to manure fertilisation for products based on humic substances to increase the organic matter content of soils.The advantage of leonardite over conventional natural and organic fertilisers is mainly due to its high content of organic matter and humic substances (humic and fulvic acids). Leonardite, due to the presence of humic acids in it, can be suitable for soil amendment and yield of barley. In the conducted studies, the yield increase after adding Rosahumus fertilizer to the soil at a rate of 6 kg.ha−1 + NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potasssium) was found to be 11% compared to the control (NPK).There were no changes in the Corg. content of the soil as a result of the application of Rosahumus fertilizer with NPK. The fertilizer only slightly modified the fractional composition of humus. In the future, we should expect an increase in the use of leonardite-derived humic substances in fertilizers and soil conditioners to stabilize soil organic matter.
</abstract>

The Use of Products from Leonardite to Improve Soil Quality in Condition of Climate Change

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Global environmental issues shift crop production to the new conditions. This increases all kinds of biotic and abiotic stresses, beside others also plant diseases. Such changes are also in Kazakhstan where potato production is dramatically increasing, and crop is growing in regions with continental climate. Problems with potato virus type Y (PVY) need cultivars with better resistance. Introduction of silencing small interfering RNA (siRNA) is new technology. <italic>In vitro</italic> experiment was done on potato (<italic>Solanium tuberosum</italic> L.) local cultivar Izolda. Results show significant effect of siRNA in decreasing mortality and occurrence of PVY symptoms and allow expansion of potato cultivation to continental climate conditions, where are faced with new virus problems.
</abstract>

A Case Study of RNA-Silencing Resistance against Potato Virus (PVY) in Condition of Climate Change

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a significant role in climate change. Its content can be modified by soil management practices, however, the effect of mineral fertilization on SOC is not clear. For this reason, a long-term effect of gradually increasing rates of NPK fertilizers on changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) in bulk soil and in water-stable aggregates (WSA) in soils with sandy loam and loamy sand texture at two experimental sites (Skierniewice, Poland, and Dražovce, Slovakia) was quantified. In both sites, soil samples were collected from the following treatments: NF – no fertilization, NPK1 and NPK2 – 1st level and 2nd level of NPK fertilization, respectively. The results showed that 100-year long application of NPK1 increased total carbon (TC) and SOC content by 24%, while NPK2 decreased it by 5% compared to NF at the Skierniewice site. The content of water-stable macroaggregates (WSAma) increased because of NPK application. In NPK1, the content of WSAma was higher and the content of water-stable microaggregates (WSAmi) was lower than in NPK2 or NF. However, as a result of NPK application, the content of agronomically favorable WSAma in size fraction 0.5–3 mm was reduced by 8 and 24% in NPK1 and NPK2, respectively, compared to NF. Overall, SOC in WSAma was lower than in bulk soil. The SOC in WSAma in NF, NPK1 and NPK2 treatments was 6.51, 7.77 and 5.89 g.kg−1, respectively. Similar tendency of SOC in WSAma 0.5–3 mm was observed (NF: 6.12 g.kg−1, NPK1: 7.35 g.kg−1, and NPK2: 6.88 g.kg−1). The SOC in WSAmi in NF, NPK1 and NPK2 was 8.33, 7.39 and 7.24 g.kg−1, respectively. At Dražovce site, TC content decreased significantly due to the graded rates of NPK, not because of SOC mineralization but as a result of carbonate dissolution for a period of 14 years. The carbonate content decreased from 20 g.kg−1 in NF to 6.5 g.kg-1 in NPK1 and 3.0 g.kg-1 in NPK2, while SOC did not change significantly: (NF: 23.8 g.kg−1, NPK1: 25.9 g.kg−1, and NPK2: 23.4 g.kg−1). In NPK1, the WSAma content was reduced significantly when compared to NPK2 and NF treatments. No significant difference was observed between NF and NPK2. On the contrary, the content of WSAma 0.5–3 mm significantly increased when compared to NF and NPK1. No difference was observed between NF and NPK1. Lower SOC content was found in WSA than in the bulk soil. Overall, higher SOC content was observed in WSAma when compared with WSAmi. The application of NPK1 and NPK2 increased SOC in WSAma as well as in WSAma 0.5–3 mm. The effect was more significant in NPK1 than NPK2 treatments when compared to NF.
</abstract>

A Properly Chosen Rate of NPK Fertilizers Has a Positive Effect on C Sequestration in Sandy Soils in the Conditions of a Changing Climate

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Evapotranspiration affects uncertain changes in volumetric soil moisture content (θ) of earth surface, which is considerably controlled by temporal variability of weather parameters like rainfall and ambient temperature. Accurate measurement of temporal variation and spatial distribution of θ in a particular land is very challenging. Numerical modelling with any suitable computer code might be useful in such cases. Thus, Hydrus 2D modelling of θ variation in the soil at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar is undertaken as main objective of present study to investigate soil moisture dynamics in top surface layer. For the study, the θ in OUAT land was measured daily by 5 TM water content sensor for the duration of two years spanning from January 2021 to December 2022. Meteorological data for these 2 years are collected from a nearby weather station at OUAT and used for calculating evapotranspiration (ET) based on five different well known ET models. Soil hydraulic parameters of OUAT land were also evaluated by laboratory investigation. The evapotranspiration so calculated along with precipitation and materials properties were then assigned as the inputs in Hydrus 2D simulations. The simulated results are found to be in good agreement with field observations. It is proven by Pearson’s coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) which are found to be 0.83 and 0.84 respectively. The soil moisture simulation was the most accurate only when measured soil parameters along with atmospheric boundary involving Penman-Monteith (PM) ET model were considered as model inputs.
</abstract>

Effect of Evapotranspiration on Soil Moisture Dynamics in Top Surface Layer of a Loamy Land in Climate Change Condition

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) model (version 9.5) was applied to predict the differences in transpiration and photosynthesis rates of perennial grasses (red clover and timothy), and autotrophic respiration of a sandy Spodosol. The input parameters for two growing seasons (from 1st of May to 31st of August in 2010 and 2015) contrasting in meteorological conditions were used in the modeling experiment. In 2010, the mean air temperature of the period was 14.1 ±3.3 °C and the total precipitation – 0.1796 m, while in 2015 the mean air temperature was 16.8 ±5.5 °C and the total precipitation – 0.538 m. These meteorological parameters were unfavorable for plants in 2010 and favorable in 2015. The results have shown that the DNDC model adequately predicted the weather-induced differences in total and mean transpiration rates of perennial grasses: 0.12204 m. and 0.00099 ±0.00040 m.day−1, respectively, under favorable meteorological conditions of 2015 and 0.05969 m. and 0.00049 ±0.00035 m.day−1, respectively, under unfavorable meteorological conditions of 2010. Dynamics of daily transpiration rates of plants was significantly (<italic>r</italic> = 0.34 <italic>p</italic> &lt;0.001) correlated with soil water content only under unfavorable meteorological conditions. Mean values of simulated photosynthesis rates were equal to 84.4 ±27.9 kg.C.ha−1.day−1 in 2015 and 52.3 ±23.4 kg.C.ha-1.day−1 in 2010. There were significant differences (<italic>p</italic> &lt;0.001) in the mean values of photosynthesis rates between the two weather scenarios. The results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) have shown that the rates of autotrophic respiration were significantly (<italic>p</italic> &lt;0.001) higher under favorable (8.14 ±2.25 kg.C.ha−1.day−1) than under unfavorable (5.17 ±2.19 kg.C.ha−1.day−1) meteorological conditions.
</abstract>

Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change-induced Variations in Air Temperature and Precipitation on Plant Physiological and Soil Microbial Processes with DNDC Model

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>One-year field experiment with spring barley (<italic>Hordeum vulgare</italic> L.) was carried out to evaluate the effect of biochar amendment on the pH of Orthic Luvisol at the research site located in western Slovakia (lat. 48° 19′ 00″; lon. 18° 09′ 00″). Biochar with higher pH (8.8) was applied to slightly acidic soils with the initial pH at 5.6. The field experiment consisted of control, 10 and 20 t ha−1 (B0, B10, B20) of biochar application to soils combined with three levels of nitrogen fertilization (0, 40 and 80 kg N ha−1) (N0, N40, N80). The soil pH (KCl) at depth 0–10 cm was measured once a month (March – October, 2014). Application of both biochar rates (10 and 20 t ha−1) increased pH (in all months) with the magnitude of 0.13–1.09 units in all three fertilization levels (0, 40 and 80 kg N ha−1) compared to the control one. However, the significant increase (<italic>p</italic> &lt;0.05) was found only in the treatment B10N0 (3 of 8 measurement events) and B20N0 (6 of 8 measurements) when no nitrogen was applied and in the treatment B20N80 (5 of 8 measurements) when 80 kg of nitrogen was applied. According to this, the biochar incorporation to soil can be suggested as a possible way to ameliorate soils and may be effective in increasing soil pH.</abstract>

Testing Biochar As a Possible Way To Ameliorate Slightly Acidic Soil At The Research Field Located In The Danubian Lowland

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In this paper we investigate the effects of biochar alone and its reapplication and combination with N-fertilizer (1) on the soil pH, and (2) sorption parameters. The soil samples were taken during growing period in 2018 from plots with different biochar (first application in 2014 – A, reapplication in 2018 – B) at application rates: 0 t.ha−1 (B0 control), 10 t.ha−1 (B10) and 20 t.ha−1 (B20) and different nitrogen fertilization: N0 (no nitrogen) and N40 (40 kg.ha−1). Our results showed that the first application of biochar at the rate of 20 t.ha−1 (B20A) without N-fertilizer significantly increased the values of soil pH in H2O, soil pH in KCl, the sum of base cations (SBC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to control (B0). Similar effects were observed also after reapplication of biochar (B10B). All investigated parameters in fertilized control treatment (B0N40) were worst and the first application, as well as the reapplication of biochar with N, caused significant increase of soil pH in H2O, soil pH in KCl, SBC, CEC, BS and decrease of hydrolytic acidity.</abstract>

Effects of Biochar and its Reapplication on Soil pH and Sorption Properties of Silt Loam Haplic Luvisol

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The study was aimed at analyzing chemical composition, and biological and antibiofilm activity of <italic>Salvia officinalis</italic> L. essential oil (EO) with MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. The main compounds of <italic>S. officinalis</italic> EO were a-thujone 24.6%, camphor 20.6%, 1,8-cineole 12.1%, and a-humulene 5.8%. Free radical scavenging activity was medium high. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against <italic>Bacillus subtilis</italic>. Changes in the biofilm structure confirmed the inhibitory action of <italic>S. officinalis</italic> and the most pronounced effect was observed in <italic>B. subtilis</italic> biofilm. The highest inhibition <italic>in situ</italic> in antimicrobial activity was 78.45% at 125 µ.L−1 on apple for <italic>B. subtilis</italic>.
</abstract>

Chemical composition and biological activity of <italic>Salvia officinalis</italic> essential oil

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Evidence shows that maintaining a relationship with nature is essential for human health and wellbeing. This is of great importance when migration to urban areas is increasing globally and the need for nature as well as green and blue spaces as a source of recreation and relaxation is highly regarded for the health and wellbeing of local communities. Sustainable urban development and alternative design solutions to address urban compactness and densification are becoming increasingly important tools to counteract the adverse effects of urban sprawl. In the context of the highly compact bicultural capital city of Wellington, Aotearoa-New Zealand, this paper examines the effects of urban densification and compact city development in urban green spaces. It explores how architecture and landscape architecture can transform urban environments into desirable places to live and capitalise on the potentials of interstitial spaces, outdated zoning and changing land-use. To achieve that, it looks at green and blue infrastructure design solutions and opportunities that foster sustainable intensification and by offering new views for health and wellbeing that improve the social, cultural and environmental health of the city.</abstract>

Improving Community Health and Wellbeing Through Multi-Functional Green Infrastructure in Cities Undergoing Densification

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Acta Horticulturae et Regiotecturae

The Scientific Journal for Horticulture, Landscape Engineering and Architecture

 Acta horticulturae et regiotecturae (AHR) is a peer reviewed, open access, scholarly journal aimed at presenting and disseminating the latest, up-to-date results of scientific...

 Acta horticulturae et regiotecturae (AHR) is a peer reviewed, open access, scholarly journal aimed at presenting and disseminating the...