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Journal of Elementology

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VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 4 - DECEMBER  2010

Renata Gaj

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION LEVEL ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF WINTER WHEAT AND ON YIELD DURING CRITICAL GROWTH STAGE

Key words: winter wheat, potassium rate, nutritional status, the beginning of shooting.

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An optimum plant crop nutrition status during critical stages of growth is one of the most important factors shaping their ability to yield. It has been assumed that plant nutrition during the spring wheat stem elongation stage has a significant influence on the growth and yield of this crop. In Poland, potassium is a critical nutrient for plant growth and yielding. In order to verify this hypothesis, three series of one factorial experiment were conducted in 2003-2005 that involved reduced rates of potassium applied to cv. Zyta winter wheat. The following rates of potassium were applied: 0, 25, 50 and 100 kg ha^–1. The assessment of wheat nutritional status was conducted at the beginning of stem elongation (BBCH30/31) using a German model called PIPPA. It had been hypothesized that this particular stage was decisive for wheat growth and yielding. Wheat plants showed deficiency in Ca, K, P and N irrespective of the applied potassium rate. Calcium and potassium deficiencies were crucial for the final grain yield. However, the relationships that occurred between nitrogen and main nutrients, i.e. pairs of nutrients such as N: P, N: K, N: Ca, showed a much better prognostic value, i.e. the relationship with grain yield, than the levels of nutrients in separation. The nitrogen content in leaves at the beginning of shooting showed its limiting effect on grain yield, provided that Ca was deficient, an event which appeared when N: Ca was wider that 34: 1. The same correlation was noticed for potassium, but there the excess of nitrogen revealed its harmful effect when the N:K ratio was above 1.0.

Krzysztof Gondek

ZINC AND CADMIUM ACCUMULATION IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) AND THE CONCENTRATION OF MOBILE FORMS OF THESE METALS IN SOIL AFTER APPLICATION OF FARMYARD MANURE AND SEWAGE SLUDGE

Key words: zinc, cadmium, maize, soil, sewage sludge, farmyard manure.

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The total content of heavy metals in soil does not indicate bioavailability of these elements after introduction of sewage sludge to soil. Determination of the rate of heavy metal mobilization from sewage sludge after its application to soil is very important for agricultural practice since it allows us to asses the rate at which these elements pass into the soil solution, which conditions their uptake by plants. This research has been conducted to assess the effect of farmyard manure and sewage sludge fertilization on the amounts of zinc and cadmium absorbed by maize and the content of their mobile forms in soil. The research consisted of a three-year pot experiment. Farmyard manure and sewage sludge fertilization resulted in larger total yields of maize biomass (for the 3-year period of the investigations) than harvested from the treatments where only mineral compounds were used as fertilizers. Irrespectively of the fertilizer dose, the total (for 3 years) amounts of zinc and cadmium absorbed by maize were the highest in the treatments where only mineral salts were added and Zn and Cd quantities taken up by maize in the first year of the experiment contributed to this result. Fertilization with farmyard manure and sewage sludge did not cause any significant mobilization of mobile zinc and cadmium forms in soil after the first year of the research. As a result of organic matter mineralization and progressing soil acidification, in the second and third year of the research, the content of mobile forms of the elements in soil increased, although to a lesser degree than under the influence of exclusively mineral treatment.

Sławomir Krzebietke, Stanisław Sienkiewicz

EFFECT OF SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH ANTHRACENE AND PYRENE ON YIELD AND ACCUMULATION OF MACRONUTRIENTS IN BUTTER LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.)

Key words: Lactuca sativa L., macronutrients, anthracene, pyrene, soil, fertilizer rates.

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Toxic compounds which belong to PAHs are generated during all types of combustion of fuels and other substances as well as a result of natural processes (mineralisation). Products which appear during the above processes eventually reach soil, where they accumulate. The objective of this study has been to evaluate the effect of anthracene and pyrene accumulated in soil on yield, concentration of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na) and their uptake by cv. Vilmorin butter lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown under the minimum and 3-fold enriched abundance of substrate. A pot experiment in four replicates was carried out twice in a greenhouse at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, in the spring of 2007 and 2008. Supplementary fertilisation was applied before planting butter lettuce. At the first rate of fertilisation, nitorgen was introduced in a full dose before planting lettuce, but at the triple rate of nutrients in substrate, it was divided into 2/3 of the dose before planting and the remaining 1/3 applied to soil 10 days after planting. Soil contamination with anthracene (ANT) and pyrene (PYR) or their mixture started 10 days after planting lettuce. Soil application of the two PAHs was performed 5 times at five-day intervals until the end of the growing season of lettuce. Determination of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Na) was accomplished with standard methods after mineralisation (H₂SO₄+H₂O₂) of the plant material dried at 60°C. The determinations were peformed in comparison to certified material (CTA-VTL-2). Increasing the abundance of substrate in nutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Na, Cl) by three-fold led to a 13.7% increase in yield of lettuce heads. The PAH compounds present in the substrate depressed lettuce yield. This tendency was more evident when anthracene rather than pyrene contaminated soil. ANT and PYR depressed the concentration of nitrogen but raised the concentration of calcium in substrate less abundant in nutrients.

Bartosz Markiewicz, Anna Golcz

EFFECT OF NITROGEN, PHOSPORUS AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION ON YIELDING AND BIOLOGICAL VALUE OF FRUITS OF AUBERGINE (SOLANUM MELONGENA L.)

Key words: aubergine,  fertilization, biological value.

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A plant growing experiment was conducted in 2002-2003 on the aubergine cultivars Epic F₁ and Solara F₁ grown in an unheated polyethylene tunnel greenhouse at the Experimental Station in Marcelin, the University of Life Sciences in Poznań. Seedlings were planted on May 15 on beds at a 0.5 × 0.5 m spacing, i.e. 4 plants m^–2, into 6 dm3 cylinders filled with a mixture, limed to pH(H₂O) = 6.5, of mineral soil (light loamy sand containing 12% clay fraction – deposited on medium-heavy loam) with highmoor peat from Lithuania (v : v = 4 : 1). Basic fertilization – pre-vegetation and top dressing with macronutrients, based on an analysis of the substrate using the universal method in 0.03 M CH₃COOH, was determined to attain the assumed levels: L (N – 200, P – 175, K – 330 mg dm^–3), S (N – 300, P – 265, K – 500 mg dm^–3), H (N – 400, P – 350, K – 665 mg dm^–3), while maintaining the N : P : K ratio at 1 : 0.9 : 1.7. The aim of this study has been to determine the effect of a fertilization level and cultivar on the yield and biological value of fruits of aubergine grown on a mixture of mineral soil with highmoor peat (v : v – 4 : 1).  The total yield, number of fruits and weight of individual fruits were determined. Significant effect was found for the fertilization level and cultivar on the total yield, mean number of fruits and weight of a single aubergine fruit. Fruits of cv. Epic F₁ aubergine contained more vitamin C than fruits of cv. Solara F₁. In both years, the solids content in fruits of the two aubergine cultivars ranged from 4.0 to 5.5 %. A higher mean dry matter content in aubergine fruits was recorded in cv. Solara F₁.

Rita Mehra, Amit Singh Thakur

ASSESSMENT OF METAL HAZARD TAKING HAIR AS AN INDICATOR OF TRACE ELEMENT EXPOSURE TO WORKERS IN OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Key words: hair, mental stress, trace elements, occupational environment, health hazards.

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The use of biological tissues as diagnostic tools of trace element level for recognising the disease status of an exposed human population is an important area of investigation. Quantitative analysis of 10 trace elements viz lead, calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, and zinc in the human body was performed using hair as biopsy material. In the present investigation, workers in a roadways workshop, locomotive workshop and Pb battery units were included as subjects. Head hair samples were collected from the nape region of the skull. Subsequent to sampling of hair, a questionnaire recommended by the World Health Organization was filled in order to obtain details about the subjects regarding occupation, duration of exposure, medical history, etc. Concentration of elements in hair was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Workers under mental stress were treated as cases and workers without any symptoms of mental stress were chosen as controls. Significant difference in concentration of lead, calcium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, copper and zinc was found in hair of subjects with mental stress than those of controls. Concentration of chromium and iron was found higher in hair of subjects with mental stress but this difference was not significant with respect to controls.

Wiera Sądej, Anna Namiotko

CONTENT OF ZINC IN PLANTS FERTILIZED WITH MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE AND URBAN GREEN WASTE COMPOSTS

Key words: municipal solid waste, urban green waste, compost, zinc, plant, soil.

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In a vegetation experiment, the effect of composts made from unsorted municipal solid waste and urban green waste on the content of zinc in plants has been analyzed. The municipal waste composts matured in heaps for 1, 3 and 6 months. They were applied in three rates: 10, 20 and 30 g kg^–1 of soil. The compost made of urban green waste aged in a pile for 6 months and was added to soil in the amount of 10 g kg^–1 of soil. It has been determined that the content of zinc in plants was varied and depended on the type and rates of compost used as well as the species of crops. Application of higher rates of composts did not invariably result in an increased concentration of zinc in plant tissues; on the contrary, in some cases the level of zinc determined in fertilized plants was lower than in the control. Much more elevated concentrations of zinc were found after the application of fresh compost made of municipal waste (maturing for one month in a heap). Fertilization of maize and barley with urban green waste compost produced a more favourable result than the application of analogous rates of municpal solid waste compost, as the plants contained less zinc. With respect to the other test plants, such as sunflower, mustard and phacelia, the application of composted green matter caused a considerable increase in the content of zinc, as compared with the treatments fertilized with composted municipal waste, at the same fertilization rates.

Przemysław Sobiech, Krzysztof Rypuła, Barbara Wojewoda-Kotwica, Sylwester Michalski

USEFULNESS OF CALCIUM-MAGNESIUM PRODUCTS IN PARTURIENT PARESIS IN HF COWS

Key words: cow, parturient paresis, calcium-magnesium, Glucalvet, Antiparen-N.

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The increased milk yield in dairy cattle has made it increasingly difficult to balance accurately the feed ration. This results in energy and mineral deficiencies as well as various homeostasis disorders including calcium and magnesium balance disorders, which in turn lead to metabolic disorders. In our study, we chose to assess the therapeutic efficacy of two most popular products of this type i.e. Glucalvet (Vetoquinol Biowet) and Antiparen-N (Vetoquinol Biowet). The study was conducted on 33 HF cows dipslaying symptoms of post-parturient paresis that occurred between 2 and 4 day postpartum. The cows were divided into two groups: group A and group B, which were administered Glucalvet and Antiparen-N, respectively. Blood samples were taken twice from the jugular vein of each animal – just before and 24 hours after drug administration. The samples were used to determine serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Cl and glucose. The average body temperature in both groups was slightly below normal and statistically significantly increased 24 hours after the intravenous infusion. The same tendency was observed for the pulse rate. The magnesium levels in the first group improved significantly after drug administration but its level was still lower than the physiological range. In the second group of animals, a slight drop in the Mg level after the Antiparen-N administration. Levels of Ca and P increased in both group of animals after the treatment. The average chloride concentration was similar for both assays. The serum glucose concentration increased significantly in both groups of animals after drug administration. Summing up, the study presented in this paper indicates that Glucalvet and Antiparen-N prove to be useful in the treatment of post-parturient paresis conditioned by Ca and Mg deficiency.

Ryszard Staniszewski, Józef Szoszkiewicz

CHANGES IN THE QUALITY OF WATER IN BRDOWSKIE LAKE IN 1997-2006

Key words: water quality indicators, phosphorus, Brdowskie Lake, Kujawskie Lakeland, Province of Wielkopolska, water level fluctuations.

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Most lakes in Poland are shallow and vulnerable to degradation mostly due to lake morphology and landscape structure. Other factors, like discharged sewage, internal loading and human activities in the watershed are also important. During studies on Brdowskie Lake, water samples were taken twice a year (spring and summer season) from the surface layer and analyses of soluble reactive phosphates, total phosphorus, nitrates, conductivity, five-day biochemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll a, dry mass of seston and Secchi depth were undertaken. Brdowskie Lake is situated in Kujawskie Lakeland and its catchment basin covers about 155.3 km². The littoral vegetation is dominated by reed bed with a minor presence of other taxa. The lake is very susceptible to degradation (morphology, agricultural lands, housing) and has several potential sources of pollution, e.g. Noteć River, a nameless stream and summer houses. In general, water quality of the lake was better during the spring season, especially in terms of chlorophyll a and dry mass of seston concentrations. In 1997-2006, the level of conductivity was very changeable with the maximum values observed in 1999-2001. Significant correlations between some parameters in certain seasons of the year were found, e.g. between chlorophyll a and Secchi depth during spring and total phosphorus and phosphates in summer. The impact of water level fluctuations on water quality parameters, like total phosphorus and chlorophyll a was observed. According to the results, the quality water in Brdowskie Lake is improving. After a biological wastewater treatment plant in the catchment had opened, the rate of salts flowing into the lake with sewage was reduced.

Sławomir Szymczyk, Jan Pawluczuk, Arkadiusz Stępień

SEASONAL VARIABILITY OF MINERAL NITROGEN IN GROUNDWATER OF HYDROGENIC SOILS

Key words: mineral nitrogen, groundwater, meadow, pasture, biogenic substances, peat-muck soil.

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Agricultural use of land on hydrogenic soils is associated with lowering the groundwater level, which intensifies the processes of organic matter mineralisation and, in effect, releases large amounts of mineral nitrogen. The aim of the study was to determine the seasonal variability of the concentrations of nitrogen mineral compounds (N-NO₂, N-NO₃ and N-NH₄) in groundwater under extensively managed peat-muck soils, situated in Wrocikowo in the Olsztyn Lakeland and in the Dymerskie Meadows in the Mrągowo Lakeland. Peat-muck soil, found at the study sites, had varied physical properties. The highest content of mineral particles (69.3%) in the muck layer was found in soil marked as MtI 120gy under turf-covered wasteland, and in the peat layer (51.5%) – in soil marked as MtII 60gy under extensively managed meadow. Groundwater taken from piezometers installed in hydrogenic soils was used as the study material. Water for chemical determinations was taken during four seasons: spring – in May, summer – in August, autumn – in November and winter – in January. The concentration of mineral forms of nitrogen in groundwater of peat-muck soil was found to depend on its type, the depth where the groundwater was found and the type of soil use. The highest concentration of mineral nitrogen was found in summer (1.62 mg dm^–3 on average), and the lowest (1.11 mg dm^–3 on average) was found in winter. The concentration of mineral nitrogen in groundwater of extensively managed peat-muck soil ranged from 0.81 to 2.27 mg dm^–3 and was found to be dependent on the type of soil rather than its use. Lowering the level of groundwater in peat-muck soil increases the concentration of mineral forms of nitrogen, especially N-NH₄. Ammonium nitrogen was the dominant form of nitrogen in the groundwater of peat-muck soil (MtII 60gy and MtI 120gy) of non-managed and extensively managed meadows, whereas nitrate nitrogen was the dominant form of the element in the MtIc 35gy soil under the meadow and the MtII bb under the pasture.

Marta Wardas, Urszula Aleksander-Kwaterczak, Szymon Jusik, Beata Hryc, Tomasz Zgoła, Marcin Sztuka, Magdalena Kaczmarska, Michał Mazurek

AN ATTEMPT TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF ANTHROPOPRESSURE ON THE ECOLOGICAL STATE OF URBANISED WATERCOURSES OF KRAKOW CONURBATION AND THE DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED*

Key words: ecological state, watercourse, sediments, macrophytes.

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Rivers and streams in cities are treated as urbanised watercourses because of their significant transformation. Their load, channeling and incorporation into the water-sewerage infrastructure are often so considerable that such watercourses can hardly be recognised as an intrinsic component of surface waters. Anthropopressure, as reflected in quantitative and qualitative degradation caused by flow regulation and economic development in the drainage basin area, makes evaluation of the impact of human activity on the aquatic environment somewhat difficult. Based on the recommendations of the Water Framework Directive, an attempt has been made to assess the ecological state of selected tributaries of the Prądnik-Białucha River within the Krakow Conurbation. Aquatic environment sampling of the Sudół Dominikański (Rozrywka) watercourse was performed (September 2005) in order to determine some physicochemical, chemical and biological parameters, paying particular attention to macrophytes. The parameters measured on site: pH, electrolytic conductivity and Eh of water and bottom sediments, and sozological observations, were subjected to analysis. In the laboratory, concentrations of heavy metals, both in water and in solid particles (sediments and suspended matter) and anions in water were determined. The environmental state of the Sudół Dominikański watercourse was compared with that in the area of the Prądnik-Białucha River valley, for which an assessment had been conducted in the previous year (September 2004).

Jadwiga Wierzbowska, Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Teresa Bowszys

EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS ON THE MINERAL BALANCE IN SPRING TRITICALE

Key words: spring triticale, mineral balance, growth regulators.

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It is assumed that progress in cultivar breeding corresponds to over 50% of the increase in cereal yields. Among possible ways of improving the success of fertilisation and, consequently, increasing yields and enhancing the mineral balance in crops is the application of growth regulators. The purpose of this study has been to assess the effect of growth regulators and their doses on the mineral balance in spring triticale. The research was based on a two-factor pot experiment, completed in four replicates. The experiment was carried out in Kick-Brauckmann pots filled with light soil of slightly acidic reaction and highly abundant in available forms of P, moderately abundant in K and poor in Mg. Mineral fertilisation per pot consisted of 1.5 g N, 2.0 g K and 0.25 g Mg. Nitrogen and potassium were applied in two rates – half the complete dose before sowing and the remaining amount as top dressing during the stem elongation phase. All the rate of magnesium was introduced to soil before sowing. Prior to sowing the tested cereal, grain of cv. Migo spring triticale was soaked for 24 hours in water (control) or in aqueous solutions of growth regulators: IBA (indole butyric acid), NAA (a-naphthaleneacetic acid), BAP (benzyl adenine): 5, 10, 20 mg dm^–3; GA3 (gibberellin acid): 20, 40, 80 mg dm^–3 and Tria (triacontanol): 0.1, 0.2, 0.2 mg dm^–3. Spring triticale was harvested in the full maturity stage. An increase in the total nitrogen concentration in grain ranged from 6% following an application of GA3 to 15% after using NAA. Owing to its increased concentration and higher yield of triticale, the accumulation of nitrogen in grain increased by about 20% in plants treated with NAA and by 15-17% when the seed material was dressed with Tria, BAP or GA3. IBA produced the weakest effect, increasing the accumulation of this nutrient in grain by just 8%. This effect was obtained mainly by improved remobilisation and transport of N from vegetative parts to grain. The contribution of grain to nitrogen accumulation varied from 63% (control) to 71-73% after an application of the tested growth regulators. Under the influence of IBA, the concentration of potassium (by 14%) and the share of straw in potassium accumulation increased. In respect of the other macronutrients, the influence of growth regulators was less evident.

Krystyna Żuk-Gołaszewska, Cezary Purwin, Barbara Pysera, Jadwiga Wierzbowska, Janusz Gołaszewski

YIELDS AND QUALITY OF GREEN FORAGE FROM RED CLOVER DI- AND TETRAPLOID FORMS

Key words: red clover, forage quality.

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The purpose of the study has been to determine the yield, chemical composition and nutritive value of green forage from di- and tetraploid forms of red clover grown in different seed density regimes. The yield of green forage was analysed in the first year of full use, in 2003 and 2004, having cut the plants in the early inflorescence phase (1st cut). In green forage samples, the following were determined: basic chemical composition, concentration of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), fibre fractions (NDF, ADF and ADL) and macronutrients (P, K, Mg, Ca, Na). The nutritive value of green forage was expressed according to the INRA 1988 system. The yield of green matter from the tetraploid cultivars Bona and Jubilatka was higher than from the diploid cultivars Krynia and Parada. The cultivar Bona distinguished itself by its highest average yield of green matter, dry matter, total protein and net energy. The dry matter content was the most variable green forage quality characteristic. In both years, green forage from the diploid cultivars contained more dry matter than the one made from the tetraploid varieties. At the same time, seed density did not have any significant influence on the differentiation of green forage yields. Green forage from the two diploid cultivars was characterised by a similar energy and protein value and a better fill unit value (better potential intake by ruminants). The concentrations of phorphorus, potassium and calcium in green forage from the diploid forms were slightly higher compared to the tetraploid forms, unlike the level of magnesium, which was slightly lower. Irrespectively of the polidy level, the concentration of macronutrients, except phosphorus, was higher in the first year of the study. Considering the nutritional requirements of animals, green forage from the analysed red clover cultivars was characterised by an inadequate level of magnesium, deficient amount of sodium and an improper Ca:P ratio. The results suggest that diploid forms of red clover can potentially generate a higher nutrititive value than tetraploid ones.

Witold Grzebisz, Katarzyna Przygocka-Cyna, Witold Szczepaniak, Jean Diatta, Jarosław Potarzycki

MAGNESIUM AS A NUTRITIONAL TOOL OF NITROGEN EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT – PLANT PRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENT

Key words: sustainable agriculture, nitrogen productivity, crop plants, magnesium, soil fertility, aluminum bio-toxicity, environment protection.

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Nowadays, the main objectives of plant crop growers aim at two targets (i) increasing food production and (ii) simultaneously, reducing the environmental impact of increasing fertilizer nitrogen consumption. On a global scale, fertilizer nitrogen recovery ranges from 33 to 50%. The required efforts stimulating production but protecting the environment focus on increasing unit productivity of fertilizer N. Magnesium, owing to its biological functions in plants, should play a much more important role In modern agriculture controlling N economy of crop plants and, consequently, nitrogen dispersion in the environment. In Poland, arable soils are generally poor in total and available magnesium. This state can be considered as indicating the necessity of applying magnesium and then maintaining a well-feed plant nutritional status of growing crops. Crops well supplied with magnesium since the beginning of their growth, as seen from studies on the response of sugar beets and maize, are in a position to increase nitrogen unit productivity. Cereals respond to Mg supply when a dressing treatment takes place just before the onset of flowering. Another factor significantly affecting fertilizer nitrogen recovery in Poland is soil pH. Acid soils fertilized with Mg contain increased soil exchangeable Mg levels, which in turn depress the pressure of toxic aluminum on growing crops. Improvement of the plant Mg nutritional status enables plants to incorporate some of potentially residual N into biomass, increasing biomass yield. It can therefore be concluded that magnesium, owing to its ameliorating function in arable soils, meets the main requirement of sustainable nitrogen management, both in agriculture and in the environment.

VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER  2010

Iryna N. Andrusishina

DIAGNOSTIC VALUES OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM FORMS DETERMINED IN HUMAN SERUM AND SALIVA

Key words: calcium, magnesium, serum, saliva, forms of elements, atomic absorption spectrometry.

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Calcium and magnesium are known to be necessary for the normal function of various systems in animal and human organisms. There are many diseases caused by abnormal concentration of electrolytes, e.g. arterial hypertension or nervous system diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Mb. Alzheimer or Mb. Parkinson. The mechanisms of homeostasis indicate only the ionized forms of these elements. It is known that ionized calcium serves as an endocellular intermediary in action of enzymes and hormones in cells. Therefore, it is very important to define levels of total and ionized forms of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in blood serum and saliva by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry and to show their diagnostic value for various pathological conditions of a human body. The 39 persons, aged 21 to 47 years take part in these investigations. The results of determinations of calcium and magnesium forms present in human serum and saliva, representing physiological states are presented. The age and daily fluctuations of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ content in serum and saliva were studied by atomic absorption spectrometry. The levels of non albumin forms of these elements were found by FAAS. The significance of determination of calcium and magnesium levels in serum and saliva under various pathological conditions (arterial hypertension and osteoporosis) was shown.

Jacek Antonkiewicz

EFFECT OF SEWAGE SLUDGE AND FURNACE WASTE ON THE CONTENT OF SELECTED ELEMENTS IN THE SWARD OF LEGUME-GRASS MIXTURE

Key words: sewage sludge, ash, Mg, Ca, K, Na, P, grass mixtures.

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Industrial landfills resulting from operations of various industries, particularly power generation, create specific habitat conditions for flora. Among the waste which may be used for recultivation of dumping heaps there is sewage sludge, which contains a considerable amount of nutrients crucial for plants. This investigation aimed at identification of the effect of sewage sludge and furnace ashes on the content of selected elements in a mixture of grass and white clover recommended for furnace ash heap recultivation. The experimental design comprised 6 treatments (each in four replications), which differed in a dose of the supplied sewage sludge and furnace ashes: 1) control (without waste admixture), 2) 200 t d.m. of sewage sludge, 3) 200 t d.m. of ash, 4) 150 t d.m. of sludge + 50 t d.m. of ash, 5) 50 t d.m. of ash + 150 t d.m. of ash, 6) 100 t d.m. of ash + 100 t d.m. of ash. The content of macroelements in plants depended on the treatment and ranged from 2.58-31.2 g Mg, 3.16-5.85 g Ca, 16.95-18.46 g K, 0.26-1.25 g Na and 2.27-3.37 g P kg^–1 d.m. Plants grown exclusively on furnace ashes had the highest content of Mg, Ca and K, whereas the highest P and Na concentrations were noted in plants cultivated exclusively on sewage sludge. While assessing the content of macroelements in the plant mixture in view of its fodder value, it was found that the content of Mg and K met the standards set for good quality feeds, the amounts of Ca and Na were below the optimum, whereas the P concentration was close to the optimum value.

Agata Bartkowiak, Jacek Długosz

THE EXCHANGEABLE CATIONS IN ALLUVIAL SOILS FORMED FROM CALCAREOUS SINTER IN THE UNISŁAWSKI BASIN

Key words: soil, cation capacity, exchangeable cations.

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The samples were taken from 7 profiles of alluvial soils formed from varied gytias on calcareous sinter. The research concerned determination of composition of exchangeable cations and basic saturation. In the analysed soils, lithologic discontinuities in the profile structure were observed. The calcareous sinter located in the lower part of the profile caused characteristic water properties and occurrence of gleyic process. The investigated soil profiles were varied in their morphological structure and physicochemical properties. Fluctuations in the content of carbonates, organic mater and non-carbonate mineral substance confirmed the existence of several cycles in the formation of these soils. The basic saturation (S) of the analysed soils ranged between 287.4 and 2238.7 mmol(+) kg^–1. The highest values were detected in gytia horizons (gyd), and the lowest ones - in gleyic horizons (G). The dominant cation in sorption complex of all horizons was calcium, and its highly differentiated content ranged from 245.3 to 2089.6 mmol(+) kg^–1. Magnesium was the second most abundant cation in sorption complex. The content of Mg²⁺ ranged from 19.4 mmol(+) kg^–1 in clay-lime gytia horizons to 143.5 mmol(+) kg^–1 in lime gytia horizons. The lowest in the content among exchangeable cations in the analysed samples was potassium (0.6-12.9 mmol(+) kg^–1). Our comparison of the divalent cation content (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) and monovalent cation content (Na⁺, K⁺) showed significant instability of the balance between these groups of cations, which was confirmed by a very wide range of the ratio (21.3-333.1) calculated between these two groups of cations. The amount of alkaline cations in the analysed soilsfollowed this order: Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺>Na⁺>K⁺.

Iwona Domagała-Świątkiewicz, Włodzimierz Sady

EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, B AND Mo AVAILABILITY IN COMMERCIALLY GROWN WHITE HEAD CABBAGE

Key words: white cabbage, nitrogen fertilization, method of N application, micronutrient content.

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The results of three-year investigations with cv. Galaxy F₁ cabbage grown commercially in an important agricultural region of South Poland are presented. The effect of the rate of ammonium sulphate and UAN (solution of ammonium nitrate + urea), the method of application (placement and broadcast technique) and foliar fertilization (urea and Supervit K) on Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, B and Mo concentrations in edible parts of cabbage were surveyed. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at the rate of 120 kg N ha^–1. With the placement fertilization method, fertilizer was applied in rows 10 cm deep and 10 cm away from each plant when seedlings were transplanted. Foliar sprayings started at the beginning of intensive leaf growth and continued during the growing season at two-week interval. The foliar nutrition with 2% urea was carried out 3 times and 1% Supervit K was applied once. The field experiment was carried out in 2005-2007 with cv. Galaxy F₁ white cabbage on silty clay soil containing 0.91-1.02% organic carbon and soil acidity pH(H₂O) 7.18-8.21 Micronutrient concentrations were below the lower range of the content reported for cabbage grown in non-contaminated areas. Ammonium sulphate significantly increased Mn and Fe concentrations in cabbage heads and decreased B and Mo content. However, the environmental factors considerably modified this tendency. The method of N application affected Mn content in cabbage in 2007 and Mo in 2006 and 2007. Slightly higher manganese and molybdenum concentrations for placement fertilization were noted. In 2005 and 2006, the placement fertilization at the rate of 75% N and supplemented foliar sprays increased Mo content in cabbage.

Anna Francke

THE EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM FERTILIZATION ON THE MACRONUTRIENT CONTENT OF PEPINO DULCE (SOLANUM MURICATUM AIT.) FRUIT

Key words: Solanum muricatum, magnesium fertilization, macronutrients.

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Pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Ait.) of the family Solanaceae is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Andes. Pepino dulce fruit can be harvested at different stages of ripeness. As the majority of vegetables of the family Solanaceae, the fruit is abundant in potassium. Since there are no fertilizer recommendations for pepino dulce grown under cover, a study was launched to determine the fertilizer requirements of this vegetable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing magnesium rates and fruit ripeness stages on macronutrient content and ratios in the fruit of pepino dulce cv. Konsuelo. A two-factorial experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted in 2005-2007, in a tall, unheated, plastic tunnel at the Experimental Garden of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Pepino dulce was propagated by cuttings taken from stock plants grown from seeds in 2004. The rooted cuttings were transferred to Kick-Brauchman pots filled with 9 dm³ mineral soil with pH 6.8. Experimental factors were as follows: I – Mg rates: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 g Mg plant^–1, II – fruit ripeness stages: ripe fruit showing a typical fully ripe color (yellowish-purple, yellow, cream), unripe green-colored fruit that has reached a typical form and size. The experiment was performed in four replications, and each replication comprised a pot with a single plant. Every pot was fertilized with 2 g N applied as CO(NH₂)₂, 3 g K applied as K₂SO₄ and increasing rates of Mg applied as MgSO₄×7 H₂O. Non-fertilized plants served as a control treatment. The plants were pruned for two stems. Fruit samples for chemical analyses were collected at full ripening (in mid-August). The concentrations of organic N, P, K, Ca and Mg in pepino fruit were determined, and the following weight ratios were calculated: Ca:P, Ca:Mg, K:Mg, K:(Ca+Mg), K:Ca. The results of chemical analyses were processed statistically by an analysis of variance (ANOVA), using Statistica 8.0 software. The highest total nitrogen and potassium levels were noted in the fruit of plants fertilized with the lowest magnesium rate (0.5 g Mg per plant), while the fruit of plants fertilized with the highest magnesium rate (1.5 g Mg per plant) accumulated the highest amounts of calcium and magnesium. The highest phosphorus content was reported in the fruit of non-fertilized plants. Fully ripe fruit contained significantly more nitrogen an magnesium, while unripe fruit had a higher content of phosphorus, potassium and calcium. An adequate Ca:Mg ratio, a narrow Ca:P ratio and wide K:Mg, K:(Ca+Mg) and K:Ca ratios were observed in all treatments.

Witold Grzebisz, Remigiusz Łukowiak, Maria Biber, Katrzyna Przygocka-Cyna

EFFECT OF MULTI-MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS APPLIED TO FOLIAGE ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF WINTER OILSEED RAPE

AND DEVELOPMENT OF YIELD FORMING ELEMENTS

Key words: oilseed rape, multi-micronutrient fertilizer, macronutrient content, yield structure elements.

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Yields of oilseed rape harvested by farmers in Poland are usually much below the attainable potential of currently cultivated varieties, mainly because of the insufficient supply of nutrients during the yield foundation period, which determines the final number of secondary branches. This situation is typical of whole Poland, but may take place even on farms where high yields are harvested, for example in 2007. In 2006, 2007 and 2008, the year effect of multi-micronutrient fertilizers on yield of seeds, elements of yield structure and macronutrient content was studied.  Multi-micronutrient fertilizers were applied twice over oilseed rape foliage during its pre-anthesis growth (BBCH45 and 53). In 2007, due to a drought in April, the harvested yields of seeds were below the country’s average. However, in each year of the study, a significant increase in the seed yield owing to the foliar application of multi-micronutrient fertilizers was found. The increase in the yield of seeds, averaged for the three years, reached 0.486 t ha^–1 for the NPK+MiMo treatment (full set of micronutrients) and 0.36 t ha^–1 for the NPK + Mi treatment (without molybdenum). The increments of the oilseed rape yield resulted from an increased number of developed secondary branches. This yield-forming element was an indirect result of the application of multi-micronutrient fertilizers, which affected the nitrogen economy by oilseed rape plants during the foundation period of their growth. At the same time, the increase in seed yield was significantly modified by the total number of developed pods, which is shaped during the yield-forming period of oilseed rape crop growth. Under conditions of the study, the magnesium content in secondary branches was found to be an element significantly correcting their number, thus increasing the yield of seeds.

Witold Grzebisz, Katrzyna Przygocka-Cyna, Remigiusz Łukowiak, Maria Biber

AN EVALUATION OF MACRONUTRIENT NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF SUGAR BEETS IN CRITICAL STAGES OF GROWTH IN RESPONSE
TO FOLIAR APPLICATION OF MULTI-MICRONUTRIENT FERTILIZERS

Key words: sugar beet, macronutrient content, critical stages of growth, DRIS indices, multi-microelement fertilizers.

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The actual yields of sugar beets harvested by farmers in Poland are much below the yielding potential of currently cultivated varieties, even when grown on fertile soils. Deficiency of micronutrients can be considered as a factor which prohibits reaching a state of nutrient balance, especially in nitrogen, by a crop. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of foliar application of multi-microelement fertilizers on a sugar beet nutritional status in early stages of canopy growth and, in turn, on yields of taproots and recoverable sugar. For this purpose, in two growing seasons, 2005 and 2006, eight field trials were set up in the region of Wielkopolska on fertile soils originated from sandy loam. A simple experimental design comprised three treatments: (1) control (a plot fertilized only with NPK), and (2) multi-microelement fertilizer composed of cations (Mi), (3) cations plus boron (MiB). It has been found that the applied micronutrient fertilizers had a significant effect, irrespectively of the field location and seasonal yield variability, on the sugar beet nutritional status, especially in terms of nitrogen. Yields of taproots have increased by 31.6% and 22.1% for the NPK+Mi and NPK+MiB treatments, respectively. Almost the same degree of increase was noted for yields of recoverable sugar. The achieved nitrogen balance at the stage of harvestable part development, as measured at BBCH43, was probably the main reason for high positive response of sugar beet crop to external supply of micronutrients. All the analyzed standards of sugar beet nutritional status, DRIS indices, responded to the investigated experimental factor, i.e., foliar application of multi-microelement fertilizer, but only those for nitrogen underwent a change from negative to positive values, thus enabling us to make a reliable yield prognosis.

Dorota Jadczak, Monika Grzeszczuk, Dominika Kosecka

QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTENT OF MINERAL COMPOUNDS IN FRUIT OF SOME CULTIVARS OF SWEET PEPPER
(CAPSICUM ANNUUM L.)

Key words: sweet pepper cultivars, quality characteristics of fruit, macro- and microelements content.

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The study was carried out in 2005–2007. The aim of the experiment was to estimate the quality and mineral compound content in sweet pepper fruits. The experimental material consisted of seven F₁ hybrids grown in the open field: ISI 56511 F₁, ISI 56503 F₁, Axel F₁, Akron F₁, Roei F₁, Elfo F₁ and Polonez F₁ (control cultivar). The fruits were harvested many times. They were collected when green and fully grown. After the harvest, the fruit quality including its mean weight, length, diameter, pericarp weight and pericarp thickness, was evaluated. In 2006-2007, the content of macro– and microelements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and nitrates was determined in the dry weight of the yield. The results were statistically evaluated by the analysis of variance. Significance of the differences was tested by Tukey’s test at p = 0.05. The biometrical traits of fruits were characteristic for each cultivar.  The highest content of dry weight was found for cultivar ISI 56511 F₁ (11.2% higher than the mean amount determined for all of the cultivars and 39.8% higher than the lowest dry matter content assessed in fruits of cultivar Roei F₁). The sweet pepper cultivars tested in the experiment differed significantly in the content of macro- and microelements. The highest content of nitrogen was determined in fruits of cultivar Polonez F₁. Fruits produced by cultivars Elfo F₁, ISI 56503 F₁ and Roei F₁ in comparison with the other cultivars were characterized by a significantly higher content of iron. The highest content of nitrates was assessed in cultivar ISI 56503 F₁ fruit.

Ireneusz M. Kowalski, Halina Protasiewicz-Fałdowska, Daria Jóźwiak-Grabysa, Wojciech Kiebzak, Daniel Zarzycki, Roman Lewandowski, Józef Szarek

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO PAIN SYNDROMES AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH DIAGNOSED IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Key words: idiopathic scoliosis, pain, adolescent girls, environmental factors.

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Idiopathic scoliosis (IS), despite multidirectional therapy, involves a significant impairment of the quality of life of the patients. It is caused by pain syndromes frequently accompanying IS, the etiology of which has not been entirely discovered. The present research on environmental factors predisposing to pain syndromes in girls with IS involved analysis of 54 girls under ambulatory care, aged 14-17 (on average 15.3-years-old ±0.99). The patients’ natural environment was analysed, including time spent in a sedentary position during the day, sleeping time, time spent on physical activity during the week, regularity of meals consumed, as well as the quantitative composition of the diet. The research also concerned the location and characteristics of ailment reported, as well as pain intensity on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). It was found that the most frequent locations of back pain were: lumbar section – in 28 persons (51.9% of the examined population), and thoracic section of the spine – in 21 persons (38.9% of the examined population). Pain occurring at the same time in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections of the spine was reported for 4 persons (7.4% of the examined population). Fifty girls (92.6%) were aware of controlling their body posture, and 23 persons (42.6%) were able to correct it. The group of girls under examination suffering from pain in the lumbar section of the spine was characterized by a longer period of retaining a sedentary position, less time dedicated to any therapeutic rehabilitation programme, higher intensity of pain, and a higher average age than the group with pain in the thoracic section of the spine. The research proved that patients with pain syndrome located in the lumbar part of the spine were characterized by more time spent in a sedentary position, less time spent on a therapeutic rehabilitation programme, higher intensity of pain and a higher average age than the group suffering from pain in the thoracic section of the spine. The lifestyles of the patients under examination and their lack of awareness of the need to control the body posture can affect the type and intensity of pain.

Sławomir Krzebietke, Stanisław Sienkiewicz

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ANTHRACENE AND PYRENE (PAH) ON YIELDS AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
OF BUTTERHEAD LETTUCE (LACTUCA SATIVA L.) GROWN UNDER VARIED ABUNDANCE OF SUBSTRATE IN NUTRIENTS

Key words: Lactuca sativa L., macronutrients, anthracene, pyrene, fertilizer rates.

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The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the effect of foliar application of PAH organic chemical compounds (anthracene, pyrene) on yield, chemical composition and uptake of nutrients by cv. Vilmorin butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Lettuce was grown under minimum and three-fold higher abundance of substrate in nutrients, as determined according to threshold amounts. A pot trial was established in four replicates and performed twice, in the spring of 2008 and 2009, in a greenhouse at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Lettuce seedlings were planted in pots containing 10 dm³ of mineral substrate. Fertilization (N, P, K, Mg, Na and Cl) was carried out prior to the planting of lettuce. Under the minimum nutrient abundance of the substrate, all the dose of nitrogen was supplied as a pre-sowing treatment, whereas when the abundance in nutrients was raised three-fold, the nitrogen dose was divided (2/3 pre-sowing and 1/3 10 days after planting). Contamination of lettuce plants with anthracene (ANT) or pyrene (PYR) and their mixture started 10 days after planting lettuce. Foliar application of either of the PAHs continued for 25 days until the vegetative growth of lettuce terminated. Determination of the concentration of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, Ca and Na) was performed using standard methods on the mineralised (H₂SO₄+H₂O₂), previously dried at 60°C lettuce plant material. The determinations were completed by referring to certified material (CTA-VTL-2). The amount of fresh mass of butterhead lettuce depended primarily on the abundance of the substrate in nutrients. The three-fold increase in the substrate’s abundance in N, P, K, Mg, Na and Cl caused an increment in the yield of lettuce head mass by 13.3%. Foliar application of ANT and PYR caused an increase in the yield of lettuce head mass. The concentration of N, K, Na, Mg, Ca and Mg in lettuce was modified first of all by the abundance of the substrate and, to a lesser degree, by the applied PAHs.

Irena Musik, Małgorzata Kiełczykowska, Anna Hordyjewska, Kazimierz Pasternak

INFLUENCE OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF SELENIUM COMPOUNDS ON TISSUE MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION IN RATS

Key words: male rats, organoselenium compounds, supplementation, magnesium.

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Magnesium and selenium belong to important bioelements. Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular macroelement, which takes part in the metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleic acids, protein and lipids. Selenium is an essential microelement, whose deficit has been stated in many different pathological states. Much research on safe and effective selenium supplementation has been performed for the last fifty years but the results still remain unsatisfactory. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of inorganic sodium selenite Na₂SeO₃ and two selenoorganic compounds synthetized at our chair on magnesium concentration in tissues of adolescent male Wistar rats. Inorganic selenite was administered as a water solution, whereas organic compounds: 4-(o-tolilo)-selenosemikarbazyd of 2-chloro- benzoic acid of a chain structure (ORG-C) and 3-(o-chlorobenzoylamino)-2-(o-tolylimino)-4-methyl-4-selenazoline of a ring structure (ORG-R) were suspended in emulsion (oil, arabic gum and water). Selenium compounds were given to rats at a dose of 5×10–4 mg Se g^–1 b.w. once a day for a period of 10 days. The control group was treated with saline. The administration was performed with use of a stomach tube. In comparison to the control group, selenium supplementation caused decrease in magnesium concentration in kidney and lung tissues, but did not cause any changes in the brain and heart muscle. In the liver and spleen it was only ring selenazoline that affected magnesium concentration, increasing it in the liver and decreasing in the spleen. In the femoral muscle it was only the selenosemicarbazide chain that exerted the significant effect causing a decrease in Mg concentration vs the control group. Selenium supplementation influences the tissue magnesium concentrations depending on tissue and structure of the supplement.  Irrespective of the administered compound, it lowered magnesium in kidneys and lungs but caused no changes in the brain and heart muscle. In the liver, spleen and femoral muscle, alterations in the magnesium concentration were dependent on the provided supplement.

Tomasz Najmowicz, Mirosław Wyszkowski, Zdzisław Ciećko

EFFECT OF SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH ARSENIC AND APPLICATION OF DIFFERENT SUBSTANCES ON THE MANGANESE CONTENT IN PLANTS

Key words: arsenic contamination, substances application, plants, manganese content.

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The aim of the study has been to determine the effect of some substances such as dolomite, loam, compost, pinewood bark, peat, lime, charcoal, natural and synthetic zeolite on reducing the impact of soil contamination with arsenic on the content of manganese in some plant species. The content of manganese in the test plants depended on the degree of soil contamination with arsenic, application of different substances as well as on the plant species and organ. Soil contamination with arsenic caused either an increase or a decrease in the content of manganese in plants depending on a plant species and organ. In the series without soil amending substances, in the arsenic contaminated objects the manganese content decreased in above-ground parts of cocksfoot and swede but increased in above-ground parts and roots of maize and yellow lupine, in roots of cocksfoot and swede and in straw and roots of spring barley. On the other hand, the highest rates of arsenic depressed the content of manganese in roots of cocksfoot, swede and spring barley. Addition of any of the aforementioned substances to contaminated soil changed the content of manganese in the plants. The most unambiguous effect of the different substances was determined in the case of above-ground parts of maize as well as above-ground parts and roots of cocksfoot, in which the manganese content fell down, and in roots of yellow lupine, grain and straw of spring barley, in which the content of manganese rose. Charcoal and loam caused the largest and synthetic zeolite led to the smallest changes in the content of manganese in plants. 

Hoang Nguyen-Duong

EFFECTS OF GLUTAMATE AND ZINC IONS ON THE CONTRACTILITY OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE PREPARATIONS

Key words: monosodium glutamate, aspartate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), GABA, zinc ions, blood vessels.

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It was shown in this study that isolated porcine coronary arteries (PCA) contracted by depolarization with high Ko or by histamine are dose-dependently relaxed by glutamic acid, aspartic acid, N-methyl-asparate (NMDA) and g-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Zn²⁺ was also shown to relax dose-dependently PCA contractions induced by 50 mM KCl with an ED50 value of about 1.5 mM and to inhibit dose-dependently histamine-induced contractions, shifting ED50 values from 6µM to 40 µM, not affecting however corresponding cumulative concentration-response (CCR) curves established for acetylcholine-induced contractions. Furthermore, since Zn2+ ions are co-localized in many glutamatergic synapses of the central nervous system, it has been postulated in analogy to glutamate neurotoxicity that perturbations of the synaptic zinc concentrations might be a triggering factor in several cerebral diseases, such as ischemic strokes and sustained seizures. Unfortunately, little is known so far about effects of glutamate and zinc ions on the vascular tone. Although the nature of the glutamatergic receptors occurring in the blood vessels investigated in this study remains unclear, the results suggest that glutamate and Zn²⁺ ions interact with voltage-gated as well with ligand-operated Ca-channels. An interesting aspect might be the putative role of glutamate and zinc as long-term toxic agents in the early steps of the pathomechanisms leading to degenerative vascular lesions.

Roman Niedziółka, Krystyna Pieniak-Lendzion, Elżbieta Horoszewicz

CONTENT OF CHEMICAL ELEMENTS IN MUSCULAR TISSUE AND LIVER OF MALE KIDS AND RAM LAMBS IN CENTRAL-EASTERN POLAND

Key words: goat kids, ram lambs, flax seeds, muscular tissue, liver, chemical elements, heavy metals.

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The aim of the study was to estimate the content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Ca in meat and liver of male kids and ram lambs fed mixtures containing 10% of flax seeds. Castrated male kids (n = 7) of White Upgraded breed and castrated ram lambs (n = 7) of Polish Lowland sheep fattened up to about 35 kg of body weight were used as experimental material. The animals were fed mixture CJ ad libitum, supplemented with 10% of flax seeds and meadow hay as a structural supplement. Contents of the chemical elements were analysed in samples of longissimus dorsi muscle. The content of Cd (0.01 mg kg^–1) in male kid meat was lower than in ram lamb meat (p Ł 0.05). Similarly, Pb content was lower (p Ł 0.05) in male kids (0.04±0.003 mg kg^–1) than in ram lambs (0.07±0.002 mg kg^–1). Slightly lower content of Pb (by 0.01 mg kg^–1) and Cd (by 0.01 mg kg^–1) in male kid liver was determined, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Significantly larger (p Ł 0.01) Cu content (1.14±0.07 mg kg^–1) in muscular tissue of ram lambs was also stated. Male kid meat, however, was richer in Mn, Fe, Zn and Ca, with the differences tested at p Ł 0.05 and p Ł 0.01. The liver was an organ which accumulated not only Pb and Cd but also Cu, Mn and Zn both in ram lambs and male kids. Especially high level of Cu and Mn in liver was found, which could be the result of a high content of the chemical elements in mixtures. Moreover, significantly larger content of Ca (15.24±1.68 mg kg^–1) in ram lamb liver compared to male kid liver was stated. On the other hand, muscular tissue of male kids contained more Ca (21.94±1.74 mg kg^–1) than that of ram lambs. The content of chemical elements (especially heavy metals) in muscular tissue and liver was lower than the norms established by the Minister for Health and the European Committee, which prove that the tested food products were fully safe for consumption.

Mariusz Nietupski, Paweł Sowiński, Wojciech Sądej, Agnieszka Kosewska

CONTENT OF ORGANIC C AND pH OF BOG AND POST-BOG SOILS VERSUS THE PRESENCE OF GROUND BEETLES CARABIDAE
IN STARY DWÓR NEAR OLSZTYN

Key words: organic C, soil pH, Carabidae, bog soils, post-bog soils.

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The present study consisted of an evaluation of assemblages of epigeic carabid beetles (Col. Carabidae) colonizing hydrogenic soils (bog and post-bog ones), different in the soil development degree. The observations were conducted on a drained, low bog area called Stary Dwór, which today is used as a cut meadow. This is an oblong depression, filled in with (partly mucky) rush peats and situated in the sandur landscape. It lies in the mesoregion called Pojezierze Olsztyńskie (Olsztyn Lake District) near Olsztyn (UTM DE 65), about 3 km of the southern borders of the town. The field observations for determination of the soil type were conducted using soil catenas. A transect was established, which cut across different types and sub-types of bog and post-bog soils. In this paper, the authors have attempted to answer the question whether the sequence of hydrogenic soils and some parameters chosen to describe them have any influence on assemblages of epigeic carabid beetles dwelling in such habitats. Based on the results, it has been concluded that the soils present in the analyzed peat bog were characterized by the following sequence: muckous soils ® peat-muck soils ® peat soils. Their properties depended on the position in the soil relief, advancement of muck formation and content of organic carbon. It has been found out that the highest soil ash content in the surface horizons was in muckous soil (90.39%), and the lowest – in profile 3 of peat-muck soil (18.77%). The reaction of the analyzed soils ranged from slightly acidic to neutral and tended to decrease towards the centre of the depression, reaching the lowest value in peat soil. During the two years of our observations, a total of 673 individuals of Carabidae belonging to 29 species were captured. It has been determined that the type of soil as a factor significantly affected the number of captured carabid beetles, but did not influence the species abundance. The decreasing pH gradient as well as an increasing content of organic C were associated with a decreasing number of the species of carabid beeetles tolerant to moisture conditions (mesophilous species), which were being replaced by hygrophilous individuals. As the acidic reaction of soil increased and the soil content of organic matter rose, so did the abundance of mixophagous species at the expense of predatory individuals.

Anna Piotrowska, Jan Koper

SOIL B-GLUCOSIDASE ACTIVITY UNDER WINTER WHEAT CULTIVATED IN CROP ROTATION SYSTEMS DEPLETING AND ENRICHING
THE SOIL IN ORGANIC MATTER

Key words: b-glucosidase activity, farmyard manure, nitrogen fertilization, lessivé soil.

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b-glucosidase (E.C. 3.2.1.21), an enzyme involved in cellulose degradation, plays an important role in the soil organic carbon cycle. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound in the biosphere so a product of its enzymatic hydrolysis is important as an energy source for soil microorganisms. Since b-glucosidase is very sensitive to different factors, determination of its activity might be helpful in soil quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of various doses of farmyard manure (FYM) and mineral nitrogen on b-glucosidase activity in soil samples taken under winter wheat cultivated in crop rotation systems depleting soil from organic matter (A) and enriching soil in organic matter (B). Soil samples were taken in 2002 from a two-factor fertilization experiment carried out as randomized sub-blocks cropped with winter wheat cultivated on lessivé soil. The experiment was located at the Experimental Station of the Institute of Tillage and Soil Science in Grabowo on the Vistula River. All fertilization combinations included FYM (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 t ha^–1) and nitrogen fertilization (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^–1). The activity of b-glucosidase was determined according to Eivazi, Tabatabai (1988). The enzyme activity ranged 3.604-7.041 mM pNP g^–1 h^–1 in soil samples taken from crop rotation A and between 4.931-7.445 mM pNP g^–1 h^–1 in those collected from the crop rotation enriching the soil in organic matter. These data were closely related to the applied FYM and nitrogen fertilization doses. Moreover, b-glucosidase activity depended significantly on sampling dates. Enzyme activity was closely connected with soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content, which was confirmed by highly significant correlation coefficients between these parameters (r=0.611-0.770 for C_org, and r=0.844-0.912 for N_og; p<0.01 and p<0.001).

Kazimierz Pasternak, Joanna Kocot, Anna Horecka

BIOCHEMISTRY OF MAGNESIUM

Key words: magnesium, DNA repair process, enzyme, metabolic cycle, cellular respiration, calcium ion transport, potassium ion transport.

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Magnesium is essential for biochemical functions of cells. Since Mg²⁺ has a relatively low ionic radius in proportion to the size of the nucleus (0.86 versus 1.14 f A for Ca²⁺), it shows exceptional biochemical activity. Due to its physicochemical properties, intracellular magnesium can bind to the nucleus, ribosomes, cell membranes or macromolecules occurring in the cell’s cytosol. It is indispensable for the nucleus to function as a whole and for the maintenance of physical stability as well as aggregation of rybosomes into polysomes able to initiate protein synthesis. Mg²⁺ can also act as a cofactor for ribonucleic acid enzymes (ribozymes) capable of specifically recognizing and cleaving the target mRNA. As an essential cofactor in NER, BER, MMR processes, Mg²⁺ is required for the removal of DNA damage. An activator of over 300 different enzymes, magnesium participates in many metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, Krebs cycle, b-oxidation or ion transport across cell membranes. Mg²⁺ plays a key role in the regulation of functions of mitochondria, including the control of their volume, composition of ions and ATP production.

VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 2 - JUNE  2010

Ewa Brucka-Jastrzębska, Dorota Kawczuga, Mikołaj Protasowicki, Monika Rajkowska

EFFECT OF CULTURE CONDITIONS ON MAGNESIUM AND ZINC CONCENTRATIONS IN MUSCLES OF FRESHWATER FISH

Key words: common carp, rainbow trout, Siberian sturgeon, northern, grass carp, zinc, magnesium.

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The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of culture conditions and culture site on magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in freshwater fish. The study encompassed dorsal muscles in five fish species: common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) and Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt), northern pike (Esox lucius L.) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes). A total of 125 fish comprised 25 individuals of each species, aged from 6, 9, and 12 months. The fish were cultured in privately owned fish breeding ponds (Western Pomerania, Poland). For chemical and biochemical assays, samples of dorsal muscles were taken from each fish. Tissue samples were wet mineralised in concentrated HNO₃ in a CEM MDS 2000 microwave oven. Magnesium and zinc concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS) in a Jobin Yvon type JY-24 apparatus. The pursuit of the research we had an approval of the Polish Local Ethics Committee nr 9/05. The magnesium concentration in the dorsal muscles ranged from 95.3÷347.6 mg kg^–1 w.w. The highest Mg concentration was found in rainbow trout (347.6±32.2 mg kg^–1 w.w.), and the lowest in grass carp (95.3±11.3 mg kg^–1 w.w.). Zinc concentration varied from 6.7÷98.8 mg kg^–1 w.w. The highest was found in the muscles of Siberian sturgeon (98.8±0.4 mg kg^–1 w.w.), and the lowest in rainbow trout (6.7±0.7 mg kg^–1 w.w.). It was found that the breeding place significantly affected the Zn and Mg concentrations in the muscle tissue among individual freshwater fish species. The magnesium and zinc concentrations were also significantly affected by the type of feed.

Piotr Chełpiński, Katarzyna Skupień, Ireneusz Ochmian

EFFECT OF FERTILIZATION ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF CULTIVAR KENT STRAWBERRY FRUIT

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In an experiment carried out in 2006-2007, influence of different fertilizers on yield and quality of cv. Kent strawberry fruit was determined. Two combinations were tested, each consisting of 3 types of fertilizers. The control plants remained unfertilized. In both combinations, two types of multi-component fertilizers were used (T – 5% N, 5% P₂O₅, 15% K₂O and O – 10% N, 5% P₂O₅, 10% K2O) as well as one rate of ammonium nitrate to provide 50 kg N ha^–1 in the first combination and 70 kg N ha^–1 in the second one. The usage of multi-component fertilizers, especially O type resulted in an increase of cv. Kent strawberry yield. The fruit collected from the control plants and the ones fertilized with ammonium nitrate weighed less than berries obtained from plants fertilized with multi-component fertilizers. The treatment with multi-component fertilizers enhanced firmness as well as calcium, phosphorus and potassium content in fruit. The berries fertilized with higher rate of T fertilizer contained more soluble solids, total sugar and reducing sugar. Neither the type of fertilizers, nor their rate affected acidity, vitamin C, total phenol and magnesium content in berries. Higher antioxidant activity towards DPPH radicals was observed in fruit obtained from plants fertilized with lower and higher rate of ammonium nitrate. The lowest nitrogen content was observed for control berries. Practically, the differences regarding nitrogen content between the fruits of the first (50 kg N ha^–1) and second combination (70 kg N ha^–1) were negligible.

Mirosław Gabryszuk, Krzysztof Słoniewski, Ewa Metera, Tomasz Sakowski

CONTENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN MILK AND HAIR OF COWS FROM ORGANIC FARMS

Key words: cow, hair, milk, macro- and microelements, organic farms.

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The value of the routine analyses, applied until present, of whole blood, serum and urine for bioelements is limited. The blood mineral level does not often correspond to the content of minerals in the whole body because the composition of plasma results from supplementation of deficiencies by different homeostatic mechanisms. Moreover, the blood concentration of bioelements is relatively low and depends on a current diet, therefore the diagnostic value of such analytical results may be fairly small. Studies have shown that the analysis of hair and nails are an appropriate alternative for blood and urine tests or for biopsy. Chemical treatments in agriculture, animal production and food processing introduce many food contaminants into the food chain. Organic methods in agriculture are safer and therefore very important. Nutrition based on organically produced foods and anthroposophic lifestyle can play an important role in health prophylaxis The objective of this study was to determine correlations between concentrations of 29 major and trace elements in cow’s milk and hair. The experimental material consisted of 33 cows of Polish Holstein-Fresian (HF) breed from three dairy organic farms. All the farms were located in one climatic zone and under similar soil conditions. The cows were kept in traditional tied-up barns. The feeding was traditional, with ration components given separately. The cows were grazed from May to October. Depending on pasture yield and availability of other feeds, the feeding ration was supplemented with hay, straw, silage and cereals. Samples of milk and hair for analyses of minerals were collected in September, i.e. during the pasture feeding. The hair was taken from the poll. The concentration of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ge, I, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, V, Zn, Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb was determined. The content of toxic elements in milk was low and below the admissible level. The statistically significant positive correlations between concentration in milk and in hair were detected for such elements as Ba, Ge, Mo and Pb. In the case of major elements K and Mg and trace elements Al, As, Co, Fe, Hg, Se, Sr, positive correlations were observed but they were not statistically significant. Negative correlations occurred for such elements as Cr, Cu, I, Li, Ni, S, Si, Sn, V and Zn. It was only for V and Zn that they were statistically significant. Very low values (near zero) of coefficient r were observed for Ca, Cd, Li, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S and Sn. It seems that broader investigations of mineral composition of cow’s hair could be useful for establishing reference values for some elements and would make a contribution to better animals’ welfare.

Marek Gugała, Krystyna Zarzecka

THE EFFECT OF WEED CONTROL METHODS ON MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM CONTENT IN EDIBLE PEA SEEDS (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Key words: sowing density, weed control methods, pea seed yield, magnesium content, calcium content.

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A field experiment was carried out in 2006-2008 at the Experimental Farm in Zawady, owned by the University of Podlasie. The experimental design was a split-plot arrangement of treatments with three replicates. The factors examined included: factor I – three sowing densities (75, 100 and 125 plants per 1 m²), and factor II – five weed control methods (control – mechanical weed control and four herbicidebased treatments). The objective of the study was to determine the effect of weed control methods as well as sowing density on magnesium and calcium content in the seeds of edible pea (Pisum sativum L.) of Merlin cultivar. The highest seed yield was obtained in the plots where weeds were chemically controlled (Afalon Dyspersyjny 450 SC was sprayed just after sowing and followed by an application of a mixture of Basagran 600 SL + Fusilade Forte 150 EC when plants were 5 cm high). The yield from this treatment was 4.84 t ha^–1, on average. The lowest yield was harvested in the plots where weeds were mechanically controlled (the control) – on average 2.92 t ha^–1.

Variance analysis showed significant influence of weed control methods and weather conditions on magnesium and calcium contents in pea seeds. The herbicides applied in the experiment increased concentrations of the above elements compared with the control. The highest magnesium content (1.389 g kg^–1) in pea seeds was found in the plots where Afalon Dyspersyjny 450 SC was applied just after sowing at a dose of 1.5 dm³ ha^–1 and followed by a mixture of Basagran 600 SL at a dose of 2.0 dm³ ha^–1 + Fusilade Forte at a dose of 1.5 dm³ ha^–1 applied post-emergence. The highest calcium content was recorded for treatment 2, consisting of an application of Afalon Dyspersyjny 450 SC at a dose of 1.5 dm³ ha^–1 just after sowing and followed by post-emergence spraying with Basagran 600 SL at a dose of 2.0 dm³ ha^–1 – on average 0.989 g kg^–1. In turn, sowing density had no influence on the discussed characteristics although a tendency was observed towards increasing magnesium and calcium content in edible pea seeds.

Czesława Jasiewicz, Agnieszka Baran, Marek Tarnawski

EFFECT OF BOTTOM SEDIMENT ON CONTENT, BIOACCUMULATION AND TRANSLOCATION OF HEAVY METALS IN MAIZE BIOMASS

Key words: bottom sediment, heavy metals, maize.

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The research aimed to assess the effect of bottom sediment on the content, bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metals in maize biomass. The investigations were conducted in 2006-2007 as a pot experiment on light soil of the granulometric composition of weakly-loamy sand. The experimental design comprised 3 treatments: without sediment (I), a 5% sediment admixture (II) and a 10% sediment admixture to the soil (III). Bottom sediment was added to the soil in the first year of the investigations. The content of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr was determined using the ICP-EAS method in the plant material after its dry mineralization and ash solution in HNO₃. The uptake of the above-mentioned metals by maize was computed alongside their bioaccumulation and translocation coefficients. The effect of bottom sediment admixture on heavy metal concentrations in maize was determined to be varied, e.g. a 5% dose of sediment added to soil decreased the content of all the analyzed heavy metals in the biomass of maize aerial parts, whereas a 10% admixture increased the content of Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr. The values of bioaccumulation coefficients revealed that an admixture of both doses of bottom sediment led to a decreased accumulation of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and Ni (5% dose) in maize aerial biomass. Moreover, the plant more easily accumulated Zn, Cd and Cu than Cr, Ni or Pb. Permissible amounts of heavy metals in plants to be used as animal fodder were not exceeded in the maize biomass.

Monika Karaś, Barbara Baraniak

USE OF SELECTED METAL IONS FOR THE SEPARATION OF PEPTIDES ISOLATED FROM THERMALLY PROCESSED STRING BEANS

Key words: peptides, IMAC, metal ions, string beans.

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Recent years have witnessed growing interest in research on the structure and properties of proteins and peptides as physiologically active dietary components. The above has spurred a new interest in the isolation of animal, plant and microbiological peptides and investigation of their biological activity. The isolation and separation of protein and peptide mixture is not an easy procedure. Immobilised Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) is increasingly often used in this process. Affinity chromatography relies on the specific interactions between amino acids, their reactive groups in peptides and metal ions. The objective of this study was to determine whether copper and nickel ions can be used for the separation of peptides isolated from string beans than had been blanched and heated in a microwave oven. In this study, peptides extracted with 1% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) from string beans that had been blanched and heated in a microwave oven, were separated  by  chromatography on columns with copper and nickel ions immobilised through iminodiacetic acid (IDA). Peptide concentrations of the separated fractions were determined. Peptides found in string beans had similar affinity for metal ions in the Cu > Ni sequence, with selectivity in the Ni > Cu sequence. Microwave heating of string beans decreases the peptide content of extracts isolated with 1% TCA. The resulting changes are dependent on the duration of the process and the type of heating medium. Affinity chromatography with the use of metal ions immobilized to iminodiacetic acid (IDA)-Sephadex G-25 may be successfully used for the separation of peptides isolated from string beans.

Tomasz Kleiber, Andrzej Komosa

DIFFERENTIATED MICROELEMENT CONTENT IN ANTHURIUM (ANTHURIUM CULTORUM BIRDSEY) LEAVES

Key words: tropical, plant analysis, microelement, coefficient of variability, inert substrate.

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The main objective of the study was to determine the nutritional status in terms of the content of microelements, such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper and boron in several standard cultivars of anthurium (Anthurium cultorum Birdsey) called Baron, Choco, Midori, Pistache, President and Tropical. The plants were grown in expanded clay (ř 8-18 mm) using drip fertigation with standard nutrient for anthurium grown in inert substrates with the following components: N-NH₄<1.0, N-NO₃ 7.5, P 1.0, K 4.5, Ca 1.5, Mg 1.0, S-SO₄ 1.5 (mmol dm^–3), Fe 15, Mn 3.0, Zn 3.0, Cu 0.5, B 20.0, Mo 0.5 (µmol dm^–3), pH 5.5-5.7, EC 1.5-1.8 mS cm^–1. Every two months, anthurium indicator parts were sampled for chemical analyses. The indicator parts included fully developed leaves from plants after freshly cut flowers. The average microelement content in the indicator parts showed the following values
(in mg kg^–1 d.m.): Fe 47.6-58.0, Mn 36.9-45.1, Zn 60.3-67.6, Cu 5.01-6.43, B 63.5--89.0. It was found that a significant effect on the nutritional status with respect to microelements was produced by the plant cultivar type. The highest content of iron in the indicator parts was found in cv. Baron; manganese was most abundant in cv. Choco; cv. Midori was the richest in zinc and boron appeared in the highest level in cv. Pistache. Coefficients of variability (CV) of the analyzed microelements were determined. The smallest variability during 3 years of studies was shown by copper (CV 15.4-24.3%), a mean value was found in boron (CV 20.9-26.7%) and in iron (CV 25.1-31.4%), while the highest values were shown by zinc (CV 39.7-44.7%) and by manganese (CV 40.4-58.5%).

Grzegorz Mikiciuk, Małgorzata Mikiciuk

EFFECT OF POLYMER SUPERSORBENT ADDED TO MEDIUM ON THE CONTENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN STRAWBERRY LEAVES AND FRUIT

Key words: strawberry, AgroHydrogel, microelements.

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The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of polymer supersorbent AgroHydrogel, added to soil, on the content of some mineral elements in leaves and fruit of strawberry cv. Elsanta. In 2007-2008, a pot experiment set up in a system of complete randomization was carried out in four replications in a greenhouse of the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin. The experimental factor was the addition of two doses of AgoHydrogel to the medium. The two rates were 1.8 and 3.6 g dm^–3, i.e. 15 and 30 g per a Kick’s pot versus the control which was the medium with no gel. The experiment was carried out indoors. Soil moisture was measured by means of contact soil tensometers. The plants were watered with 0.5 dm³ per pot and the tensometer, fitted in the medium with 15 g of gel per pot, showed 450 hPa. The content of the elements in strawberry leaves and fruit was determined by means of the AAS method. The applied polymer supersorbent decreased the cummulation of zinc and lead in leaves and copper, nickel and lead in fruit of strawberry. This effect particularly visible in plants growing in the medium with an increased dose of hydrogel. However, the application of AgroHydrogel did not affect the content of iron, manganese, copper and nickel in leaves and manganese, zinc and iron in fruit of the analyzed variety of strawberry.

Wiesława Orowicz, Alina Wyrembska

EVALUATION OF THE CORRELATIONS BETWEEN MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION AND SELECTED SERUM LIPID COMPONENTS IN WOMEN AND MEN OF DIFFERENT AGE WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE

Key words: chronic kidney failure, magnesium, lipids.

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In literature of the recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the correlations between magnesium and blood lipids. Lipid balance disorders induced by hypomagnesaemia bring about changes in the liquidity of cellular membranes. Increased migration of lipids, in particular of VLDL and LDL, across arterial walls has been observed in hypomagnesaemia, with their consequential deposition in the internal membrane. Kidneys, apart from urine production and elimination, fulfil many other important functions in organism. They determine normal functioning of the whole organism, while disorders in their function lead to serious changes in homeostasis. Lipid balance disorders are a serious risk factor in the development of atherosclerotic lesions in patients with chronic kidney failure. The aim of this study was to examine the correlations between magnesium concentration and total cholesterol and HDL- and LDL-cholesterol contents in women and men with chronic kidney failure under and over 50 years of age. Subjects were divided into four groups: K₁ – 14 women 34-50 years old, K₂ – 14 women over 50 years old, M₁ – 17 men 30-50 years old, and M₂ – 13 men over 50 years old. Tests were made using a COBAS INTEGRA analyser. High concentration of Mg, exceeding the upper limit of reference values, was observed both in two women and men groups (K₁ – 1.26 mmol(+) kg^–1; K₂ – 1.25 mmol(+) kg^–1; M₁ – 1.13 mmol(+) kg^–1; M₂ – 1.16 mmol(+) kg^–1). Also the levels of total and HDL-cholesterol in all subjects were within physiological limits (respectively: K₁ – 4.61 and 1.23 mmol(+) kg^–1; K₂ – 4.69 and 1.29 mmol(+) kg^–1; M₁ – 3.94 and 1.20 mmol(+) kg^–1; M₂ – 3.98 and 1.16 mmol(+) kg^–1). Only the LDL-cholesterol concentration in the group of younger men was below normal limit (1.93 mmol(+) kg^–1). Small positive correlations were obtained between Mg content and that of total and LDL-cholesterol in older women and younger men groups as well as between Mg and HDL-cholesterol contents in both men groups. At the same time, a small negative correlation was obtained between Mg and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in the older men group. These correlations were statistically non-significant.

Anna Skubiszewska, Jean Bernard Diatta

APPLICATION OF GEOCHEMICAL INDICES (S : Al; Mg : Al) AND PARTITION COEFFICIENT (Kd) FOR EVALUATING RESPONSE OF CROPS TO ALUMINUM TOXICITY

Key words: winter oilseed rape, maize, aluminum toxicity, soil acidity, S : Al and Mg : Al indices, partition coefficient (Kd).

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Field trials were carried out in order to examine the role of some geochemical indices (S : Al; Mg : Al) and partition coefficient (Kd) for evaluating response of crops to aluminum toxicity under acid soil conditions. They were established in 2007/2008 at Gluszyna Lesna (52014, N and 16056, E), a 300-hectare agricultural farm near Poznan. Two different crop plants were tested: (i) winter oilseed rape, variety Cabriolet, (ii) maize, variety Anamur. The source of magnesium and sulphur was kieserite (MgSO₄�H₂O) applied at four Mg rates: 0, 25, 50, 100 kg Mg ha^–1 in the first decade of November 2007. The results revealed that the values of partition coefficient for magnesium (KdMg) decreased along with a rise in pH, although a reverse trend was observed for the partition coefficient of aluminum KdAl. Changes in S : Al indices observed at both sites along with increasing kieserite (Mg) rates suggest that S-SO₄ concentrations in soil may reduce Al toxicity. The introduction of S-SO₄ to soil may be intended to meet plant’s nutritional requirements and, simultaneously, react with exchangeable aluminum (Alex) in order to mitigate its phytotoxicity. On the other hand, the incorporated magnesium (Mg²⁺) was expected to exchange with Al³⁺ ions in the soil cation exchange complex (CEC). The values of Mg : Al indices decreased with raising kieserite rates at the oilseed rape site. Changes of Mg : Al indices observed under extremely acid soil conditions (maize site) along with increasing kieserite (Mg) rates suggest that Mg : Al cannot be treated as a direct index describing the Mgex – Alex interaction, especially at 25 and 50 kg Mg ha^–1 rates. The values of S : Al and Mg : Al indices were lower at the maize site than at the oilseed rape site because of large amounts of Alex concentrated in soil solution (amounts of Alex on the maize site were ca 3-fold higher than those determined at the oilseed rape site).

Sylwester Smoleń , Włodzimierz Sady

CEFFECT OF PLANT BIOSTIMULATION WITH PENTAKEEP V FERTILIZER AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON THE CONTENT OF MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENTS IN SPINACH

Key words: biostimulation, 5-aminolevulinic acid, macronutrients, micronutrients, mineral nutrition.

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The aim of the research was to determine the influence of foliar nutrition with Pentakeep V as well as differentiated nitrogen fertilisation on the content of macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in spinach leaves. Pentakepp V is a fertilizer containing 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), which is the direct precursor of chlorophyll in plants. In 2006-2007, a pot experiment with spinach Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Spinaker F₁ was carried out. The plants were cultivated in 60 × 40 × 20 cm containers placed in an open field under a shade-providing fabric. Containers were filled with loamy clay soil (35% of sand, 28% silt, 37% clay) with the organic matter content of 2.44% in 2006 and 2.52% in 2007. The experiment design included 2 sub-blocks: with and without foliar nutrition. The plants were sprayed twice with Pentakeep V fertilizer in a dose of 0.02% w/v (16 ml 100 dm^–3 – 3000 dm³ per 1 ha). In each sub-block, soil fertilization with nitrogen was applied: 1 – control (without N fertilization), 2 – 25 mg N dm^–3 of the soil (50% of N dose), 3 – 50 mg N dm^–3 of the soil (100% of N dose). Nitrogen fertilization was applied in the form of ammonium nitrate prior to seed sowing. Among all of the determined nutrients, a significant interaction between foliar nutrition and soil application of nitrogen was observed in the case of Ca and Fe content in spinach leaves. Foliar application of Pentakeep V decreased the content of Ca in plants without N fertilization as well as increased the amount of this element in plants fertilized with full dose of nitrogen (100% of N dose). These observations were further verified by the changes of Ca content in soil after plant cultivation. Increased uptake of Ca from soil was observed for plants treated with Pentakeep V and fertilized with the full dose of nitrogen. A higher content of this element in soil was noted after cultivation of plants receiving only Pentakeep V (without N fertilization). Specific interaction of Pentakeep V on the increased content of Fe in spinach fertilized with 50% dose of N was observed. In comparison with the control, N fertilization in both doses (regardless of the foliar nutrition) led to the decrease of the plant content of Ca, Na and Fe as well as resulted in the increased concentration of K in spinach leaves. Plants fertilized with half-dose of N were characterized by lower content of Mn but plants treated with 100 % of nitrogen had higher concentration of this element in comparison to the control. Foliar application of Pentakeep V (considered independently of N fertilization) did not significantly influence the content of these nutrients in spinach leaves. Weather conditions throughout both years of cultivation had no effect on the interaction between foliar nutrition with Pentakeep V and N fertilization on the content of analyzed nutrients.

Arkadiusz Telesiński, Beata Smolik, Ewelina Grabczyńska

FORMATION OF ADENYLATE ENERGY CHARGE (AEC) VERSUS THE FLUORINE CONTENT IN FOREST SOIL IN THE AREA AFFECTED BY EMISSION FROM POLICE CHEMICAL PLANT

Key words: fluorine, adenylate energy charge, soil, forest.

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Activity of most enzymes of the key-metabolic pathways depend on the content of adenine nucleotides, such as ATP, ADP and AMP, in cells. Based on the level of these nucleotides, the adenylate energy charge (AEC) was defined as AEC = ([ATP] + 0.5[ADP]) : ([ATP] + [ADP] + [AMP]). Theoretically, AEC values can range from 0 to 1 and represent the physiological state of a soil microbial population. Soil microorganisms and the enzymes they secrete are connected with biological processes which form soil fertility in all ecosystems, including forests. Forests are such ecological systems which are an integral complex and their dysfunction could be caused by permanent influence of anthropogenic factors, including industrial emission of gases and dusts. The aim of this study was the determination of changes in adenylate energy charge values and fluorine content in the humus layer of forest-podsol soils affected by the emission of Police Chemical Plant. During a year, soil samples were taken five times (in October 2007, February, April, June and September 2008) from five different sites Wkrzańska Forest near Węgornik, Tatynia, Tanowo, Trzeszczyn and Mścięcino. In the samples, concentration of fluorine, both water-soluble (extracted by 0.01 M CaCl₂) and potentially accessible to plants (extracted by 2 M HClO₄), was assayed by potentiometry. Additionally, the content of adenine nucleotides was assayed by chromatography. Based on the content of nucleotides, adenylate energy charge values in soil were calculated. The AEC values and fluorine content in soil depended on a distance from the emitter and the dates on which the samples were taken. In order to determine the relationships between the fluorine content and AEC values, Pearson’s correlations coefficients were calculated. Between the fluorine (both, water-soluble and plant available) content and AEC values there was a signifficant negative correlation, which could mean that AEC is a very good indicator of the fluorine content in soil.

Piotr Trojanowski, Jan Trojanowski, Józef Antonowicz, Małgorzata Bokiniec

LEAD AND CADMIUM CONTENT IN HUMAN HAIR IN CENTRAL POMERANIA (NORTHERN POLAND)

Key words: lead, cadmium, hair, personal features, environment, nourishment, chronic diseases.

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Samples of hair collected in 2004-2007 from 416 persons living in Central Pomerania were analyzed. The subjects donating hair represented a vast spectrum of age, from a ten-month-old child to a 75-year-old person. The subjects were selected randomly. Lead and cadmium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry using an ASA-3 spectrometer. The average content of the metals in the hair samples was 3.20 µg g^–1 (Pb) and 0.284 µg g^–1 (Cd). The highest concentration of lead in human hair (about 3.88 µg g^–1) was determined for the age group 61-75 years, and that of cadmium (0.406 µg g^–1) – for the age group 26-50 years. The lowest concentrations of these metals in human hair (2.07 and 0.152 µg g^–1, respectively) were determined for the age group of 0-15 years. Most hair samples (50%) contained 2.01-4.00 µg g^–1 Pb, while 45% of the samples contained 0.001-0.300 µg g^–1 of cadmium. Studying the dependence of the content of lead and cadmium in hair on the gender of subjects, it was discovered that in all age groups males had more lead and cadmium (3.79 and 0.334 µg g^–1, respectively) than females (2.63 µg g^–1 and 0.236 µg g^–1). This study has also demonstrated that the environment affects the content of the analyzed metals in hair. The average value of lead and cadmium concentrations for people living in the country were 2.39 µg g^–1 for Pb and 0.214 µg g^–1 for Cd, while for the people living in towns and cities, the respective values were 4.17 and 0.361 µg g^–1. The present study has demonstrated how nutrition affects lead and cadmium content in human hair. Among the subjects, 17% had been on some kind of a diet, predominatly easily digestible and light foods. The lowest content of these metals (on average, 2.08 µg g^–1 Pb and 0.141 µg g^–1 Cd) was found in hair of people on a diet, while the hiest levels (3.54 µg g^–1 Pb and 0.315 µg g^–1 Cd) were determined in people who did not limit consumption of meat and dairy products. Among the analyzed population, 241 persons suffered from chronic disease. The average content of lead and cadmium in hair of healthy subjects was 3.05 µg g^–1 Pb and 0.257 µg g^–1 Cd, but in patients suffering from arthrosclerosis, allergy and hyperplasia prostate the levels of lead and cadmium in hair reached the upper values of these limits. Hair of the patients who suffered from cardiovascular disease showed deificiency of these metals (on average, 1.73 µg g^–1 Pb and 0.182 µg g^–1 Cd).

Krystyna Zarzecka, Marek Gugała

CONTENT AND UPTAKE OF PHOSPHORUS AND CALCIUM WITH THE YIELD OF POTATO TUBERS DEPENDING ON CULTIVATION OPERATIONS

Key words: potato, phosphorus, calcium, content, uptake.

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In 2002-2004, a study was carried out, based on a field experiment set up on soil of very good rye complex. The experiment was designed as randomized sub-blocks with three replications. Two methods of soil tillage, conventional and simplified tillage, and seven weeding methods such as application of the following herbicides 1) control object – without herbicides, 2) Plateen 41,5 WG , 3) Plateen 41,5 WG + Fusilade Forte 150 EC, 4) Plateen 41,5 WG + Fusilade Forte 150 EC + adjuvant Atpolan 80 EC, 5) Barox 460 SL, 6) Barox 460 SL + Fusilade Forte 150 EC, 7) Barox 460 SL + Fusilade Forte 150 EC + adjuvant Atpolan 80 EC), constituted experimental factors. Phosphorus content in the tubers of cultivar Wiking potato was determined by colorimetry and calcium was tested by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method (AAS). Phosphorus and calcium content and their uptake with tubers yield significantly depended on the tillage methods and weed control methods as well as weather conditions in the study years. Potato tubers from the simplified tillage cultivation had more phosphorus than tubers whose cultivation was based on the conventional tillage, in contrast to calcium, which was more abundant in tubers from the conventional method. The herbicides significantly reduced the phosphorus content and increased the calcium content compared with the control object. Phosphorus and calcium uptake by potato was significantly higher in the conventionally tilled treatments compared with the simplified method, and in the herbicide-treated plots compared with the mechanically cultivated control treatment.

Marta Makara-Studzińska, Anna Koślak, Justyna Morylowska-Topolska, Anna Urbańska

LITHIUM THERAPY – THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MEDICINE, SIDE SYMPTOMS, COMPLICATIONS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE QUALITY OF THE LIFE IN AFFECTIVE DISEASES

Key words: lithium therapy, affective diseases.

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Lithium is a medicine of the first choice in the preventive treatment of bipolar affective disorder. It is also used to enhance the treatment of drug resistant depression. How excatly this element acts is not yet fully understood. Lithium influences the transportation of sodium via cellular membranes (sodium-potassium ATPase dependant), has an inhibitory influence on the second transmitter system (connected with phosphatidylinositol), thus probably acting as a stabiliser of inter cellular processes. Lithium does not associate with plasmatic proteins and is almost entirely excreted by kidneys. The side effects of the medicine are linked to its influence on the central nervous system and on the renal transportation of electrolytes as well as the narrow therapeutic index of the medicine, which can cause intoxication if the recommended doses are not when medical recommendations are not observed. The undesirable effects are more intensive when the level of lithium in the blood plasma increases. Among the most common side effects are stomachaches, nausea, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, polydipsia, polyuria, shaking hands, headaches, sleepiness or deterioration of memory. Complications during lithium therapy listed in literature are ataxia, dysarthria, nystagmus and extrapyramidal symptoms, but the most severe complication is lithium poisoning. Lithium can be applied for a long-term maintenance treatment, which limits recurrence of the disease and improves the patient’s family, social and occupational life. The inferior quality of life among patients with affective disease can result from the disorder itself or can develop on the somatic grounds, appear due to abuse of tobacco or alcohol, or else be a side effect of other medicines taken by the patient. Good co-operation with the patient during the therapy can lessen the pronouncement of undesirable symptoms and complications of a lithium treatment, and this in turn can improve of the quality of the patient’s life.

Marta Makara-Studzińska, Justyna Morylowska-Topolska, Anna Koślak, Ania Urbańska

BIOELEMENTS AND EATING DISORDERS – ASPECTS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Key words: anorexia nervosa, bulimia, bioelements, somatic complications

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Anorexia nervosa and bulimia are emotional disorders which are a serious hazard to the physical health or life. They most often affect girls and young women and disorganize their mental and social life. In this paper, complications caused by eating disorders as a result of deficiency or excessive loss of bioelements by an organism are reviewed along their influence on the quality of life. The symptoms of anorexia nervosa are the following: weight loss over 15% of the standard body mass for the age and height, severe fear of body weight gain despite clear evidence of weight deficiency. The main symptoms of bulimia involve uncontrolled overeating and counteracting weight gain which could occur after overeating episodes by self-induced vomitting or overuse of laxatives and diuretics. Medical complications of bulimia are related to the method and frequency of purgation, while in anorexia they are caused by starvation and weight loss. The following deviations are observed in both restrictive and bulimic forms on anorexia: hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia and sometimes also hyponatremia, hypomegnesemia and hypochloremic alkalosis. Many electrolytic and acid abnormalities are found in bulimia depending on the method for laxation (self-induced vomitting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics). Most patients adapt well for a relatively long time to low levels of potassium in plasma but sometimes the situation may cause life threatening consequences, like dysrhythmia, paralytic ileus, neuropathy, muscle weakness and paresis. Physicians and patients should understand that anorexia nervosa is a systemic disease and can affect all body organs. Full knowledge about possible complications of anorexia nervosa allows physicians to achieve precise assessment and conduct appropriate treatment of patients when the diagnosis has already been made.

VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 1 - MARCH 2010

Maysam Bacher, Małgorzata Sztanke, Krzysztof Sztanke, Kazimierz Pasternak,

PLASMA CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH FRACTURES OF LONG BONES TREATED SURGICALLY

Key words: calcium, magnesium, long bone’s fractures, surgical treatment.

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Bone fractures, especially when treated surgically, are connected with changes in the homeostasis of the elements of which bone compounds consist, as well as the ones which participate in controlling processes. Such changes influence both the fracture itself and the operative procedure. For successful treatment of broken bones, it can be crucial to bring the homeostasis of bioelements back to the normal state. Thus, the aim of this work has been to determine magnesium and calcium concentrations in plasma from patients with fractures of long bones, and to analyze changes in the examined elements depending on the time after the operative procedure, injury and patient’s age. The research was conducted on the blood of patients: 1) with long bone fractures treated surgically, 2) after a limb amputation because of a fracture or injury, 3) with long bone fractures and with multiorgan injury. With respect to the patients’ age, there were 3 groups: 1) patients aged 18-40 years, 2) patients aged 41-60 years, 3) patients older than 60 years. In the postoperative period, the patients were on a strict postoperative diet, receiving only i.v. 0.9% NaCl and 5% glucose solutions. Blood was taken from patients first directly after admittance to hospital and next on the first, third, fifth and seventh day after an operative procedure. Plasma calcium and magnesium concentrations were determined by the method of emission spectrometry with induction plasma (ICP-OES). The results were worked out statistically. The differences p<0.05 were taken into consideration as statistically significant. The research showed that in the blood plasma from patients with long bone fractures treated surgically, there were noticeable decreases of calcium and magnesium concentrations mainly on the first, third and fifth postoperative day. These changes depended on the extend of an operative procedure, but did not depend on the patients’ age. However, with respect to magnesium, its statistically significant decrease was noticed in the group of oldest patients. In the postoperative period, it is especially important to pay attention to calcium and magnesium concentrations, and for patients over 60 years of age magnesium supplementation is necessary. Maintenance of macronutrient homeostasis in an organism can be crucial for the patient’s convalescence process.

Jadwiga Bartoszewicz, Elżbieta Karp

DESORPTION OF PHOSPHATE(V) IONS FROM BROWN SOIL

Key words: phosphorus, leaching, fertilization, soil.

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The objective of the study was to determine, under laboratory conditions, the rate of phosphate (V) ions leaching down brown soil horizons under the influence of redistilled water of pH 6.2. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the effect of mineral and organic fertilization on phosphate(V) ion concentrations in brown soil horizons before and after extraction with water. The content of desorbed PO₄^3– ions was determined in percolating water samples. The results indicate that the quantity of desorbed phosphate(V) ions was affected by the type and rate of fertilization as well as by the dose of the applied solvent. The highest desorption of phosphate(V) ions from the brown soil profile was reported in the treatment fertilized with manure + PK, while the lowest desorption was observed in the plot fertilized with NPK. The maximum desorption of phosphate(V) ions was noted in soil layers at the depths of 0-25 cm and 26-50 cm. In all filtrate samples, PO₄^3– values significantly exceeded the minimum quantity required to initiate eutrophication. The highest content of phosphate(V) ions, at 64.8 mg PO₄^3– kg^–1 soil, was determined in percolating water from the treatment fertilized with slurry rate II (123.8 t ha^–1). Percolating water samples collected in the non-fertilized (control) plot were least abundant in phosphate(V) ions (21.7 mg PO₄^3– kg^–1 soil).

Maria Brzezińska, Monika Krawczyk

THE INFLUENCE OF PREGNANCY AND LACTATION ON THE MAGNESIUM AND CALCIUM CONCENTRATION IN GOATS’ BLOOD SERUM

Key words: goats, pregnancy, lactation, macroelements.

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The aim of this work was to trace differences in magnesium and calcium concentrations (both total and ionic form) between goats which were in late pregnancy and lactating goats. The study involved 30 goats. Blood samples were taken three times from each goat. Total concentrations of magnesium and calcium were determined with the colorimetric method and
(A – 1.581 mmol dm^–3; B – 2.052 mmol dm^–3; C – 2.112 mmol dm^–3). Ionic form of calcium based on using ion–selective analysis (A – 1.219 mmol dm^–3; B – 1.126 mmol dm^–3;
C – 1.123 mmol dm^–3). The study showed that mean value of both the total of calcium from each goat did not reach the reference level for this species. Ionic form of calcium was within the lever limit of the physiological norm. The content of magnesium in all the groups was within the range of reference concentrations (A – 1.051 mmol dm^–3; B – 1.165 mmol dm^–3;
C – 1.117 mmol dm^–3).

Bożena Cwalina-Ambroziak, Teresa Bowszys, Jadwiga Wierzbowska

FUNGI COLONIZING SOIL FERTILIZED WITH COMPOSTED SEWAGE SLUDGE AND MUNICIPAL WASTE

Key words: organic fertilization, zinc, manganese, soil, pathogens, saprophytes.

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A strict field experiment was conducted in 2004-2007 on grey-brown podzolic soil originating from light silty loam, which was 5.04 in pH, highly abundant in P, moderately abundant in K, Zn, Mn and very poor in Mg. The experiment was established in a random block design with four replications. In a four-year crop rotation system, the following sequence of crops was grown: industrial potato, fodder spring barley, winter oilseed rape and winter wheat. The experiment consisted of treatments with farmyard manure and composted sewage sludge (Biohum, Polepszacz, Tyrowo) as well as composted municipal waste (Dano, green waste). The manure and organic fertilizers were applied once (10 t d.m. ha^–1) or twice (2×5 t d.m. ha^–1). For comparison, unfertilized plots (control) and NPK fertilized plots were used. The phytopathological assays were completed in order to determine the effect of natural and organic fertilization on the structure of soil fungal communities. In a laboratory, soil samples were made into suspensions of the dilution from 10–2 to 10–4. Fungi were cultured for 5 days on Martin substrate in Petri dishes at 22ºC. The grown fungal colonies were calculated into g dry mass and inoculated onto agar slabs for later species identification. The results suggest positive influence of fertilization with FYM, composted sewage sludge and composted municipal waste on the chemical properties and biotic relationships in soil, i.e. on the growth of fungi which can act antagonistically towards pathogenic species, suppressing at the same time populations of pathogenic fungi. Highest counts of pathogenic fungi were found in unfertilized soil (in the control treatment). The most desirable effect was produced by FYM applied once in a dose of 10 t d.m. ha^–1.

Małgorzata Gałczyńska, Marcin Kot

INFLUENCE OF ANTHROPOPRESSION ON CONCENTRATION OF BIOGENIC COMPOUNDS IN WATER OF SMALL PONDS IN FARMLAND

Key words: nitrogen, phosphorus, mid-field water ponds.

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A rapidly diminishing number and degradation of water ponds cause many negative effects in the structure of agricultural ecosystems, by limiting surface retention and increasing migration of chemical compounds from the basin. The goal of this research was to find the influence of anthropopression on the chemical composition of water in field ponds. Analysis of some chemical and physical parameters was carried out on water samples collected once a month from 5 field ponds located in the District of Pyrzyce, Commune of Żabowo, between March and October 2004. The five water ponds differed with respect to the spatial development of their surroundings and their degradation. The concentration of N-NH₄, N-NO₂ i N-NO₃ oraz PO₄^3– were measured according to the Polish Standards. The level of oxygen, temperature and water pH were measured immediately after collecting each sample of water. The analyzed field ponds were different in respect of the degree of degradation processes. What was characteristic of the five ponds was a large variation in concentrations of biogenic compounds in water, depending on the form of anthropopression and vegetation in and around the ponds. The high level of PO₄^3– and N-NH₄ in water and the succession of water plants prove that ponds 2, 3 and 4 are highly eutrophicated. Due to the extremely high concentration of PO₄^3– in the water, field pond 2, located near a former state farm, can be classified as hypertrophic. This pond also had the biggest oxygen deficit.

Krzysztof Gondek 

ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SEWAGE SLUDGE FERTILIZATION ON YIELD AND CONTENT OF NITROGEN AND SULPHUR
IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Key words: sewage sludge, maize, yielding, nitrogen, sulphur.

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The effect of sewage sludge fertilization on nitrogen and sulphur content in maize was assessed in a pot experiment conducted in 2003-2005. The experimental design comprised the following treatments in four replications on three soils: treatment without fertilizer – (0); mineral fertilization – (NPK); farmyard manure – (FYM); sewage sludge A – (SSA); a mixture of sewage sludge A with peat – (MSSA); sewage sludge B – (SSB) and a mixture of sewage sludge B with peat – (MSSB). The tests were conducted on weakly loamy sand (SI), sandy silt loam (SII) and medium silt loam (SIII), which were collected from the arable layer (0-20 cm) of ploughed land in the vicinity of Krakow. Sewage sludge which originated from two municipal mechanical and biological wastewater treatment plants, and their mixtures with peat (the materials were mixed in a 1:1 weight ratio in conversion to dry mass of organic matter) were used in the experiment. After wet mineralization of maize biomass in concentrated sulphuric acid, nitrogen was determined using Kjeldahl method in a Kjeltec II Plus apparatus. Sulphur was assessed after material mineralization in a concentrated nitric acid using the ICP–AES method in a JY 238 Ultrace apparatus. Fertilization with sewage sludge and sludge mixture with peat acted significantly better (as noted during the three-year experimental period) on maize yields than fertilization with mineral salts. In comparison with organic material and farmyard manure applied to soil, fertilization with mineral salts significantly increased nitrogen content in maize biomass. Sulphur content grew markedly in maize biomass fertilized with sewage sludge in comparison with the concentration of this element assessed in plants treated with farmyard manure. Values of the N:S ratio in aerial parts of maize from organic material treatments was within the optimal value range. The widest N:S ratio was assessed in the aerial parts and roots of maize receiving mineral fertilizers (NPK).

Janina Gospodarek, Aleksandra Nadgórska-Socha

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF LIMING AND MAGNESIUM TREATMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATED SOIL ON THE CONTENT OF MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM AND IRON IN BROAD BEANS (VCIA FABA L. SSP. MAIOR)

Key words: heavy metals, magnesium fertilization, liming, accumulation, Mg, Ca, Fe.

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Tests have been conducted to determine the effect of liming and magnesium treatment on the content of magnesium, calcium and iron in broad bean plants growing on soil polluted with such heavy metals as cadmium, lead, nickel, copper and zinc. In 2005, an experiment was conducted in the village Zagaje Stradowskie (Świętokrzyskie Province) on degraded Chernozem formed from loess, acid in reaction and containing 1.13% of organic carbon. Analyses were performed on aerial parts of cv. White Windsor broad bean (Vicia faba L. ssp. maior), cultivated in three series: on limed soil, on soil receiving magnesium fertilizers; on unlimed soil without magnesium fertilization. In each series, the plants were cultivated on the following objects: unpolluted soil with a natural content of heavy metals (control); unpolluted soil with a natural content of heavy metals and mineral fertilization (control+NPK); soil polluted with a cadmium dose 4 mg kg^–1 d.m.; soil polluted with a dose of 530 mg kg^–1 of lead; soil contaminated with a copper dose 85 mg kg^–1 d.m., soil contaminated with a dose of 1000 mg kg^–1 of zinc and soil polluted with a nickel dose 110 mg kg^–1 d.m. Liming was based on the analysis of hydrolytic acidity of soils from individual objects. The administered dose was established according to 1Hh. Magnesium treatments were identical in all objects. i.e. 20.4 mg kg^–1 soil d.m. Soil contamination with zinc or nickel leads to a considerable decrease in magnesium and calcium level in broad bean aerial parts but rises iron level. Liming rather than magnesium fertilization applied to soil polluted with heavy metals, such as zinc or nickel, contributes to balancing the content of the analyzed macronutrients in broad beans. The content of Ca, Fe and Mg in plants after liming approached the level determined in the control plants.

Jolanta Grochowska, Renata Tandyrak

WATER CHEMISTRY OF LAKE GIŁWA

Key words: lake, nutrients, preliminary production, Secchi disc visibility, eutrophication.

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The study was carried on Lake Giłwa (100.8 ha, 9.4 m), in the drainage basin of the Giłwa and Pasłęka rivers. The data obtained in the study allowed the authors to classify Lake Giłwa as a water body belonging to the third stability degree according to Patalas (1960). As evidenced in the study, Lake Giłwa is a highly eutrophic reservoir. The lake waters were characterized by a high content of nutrients, up to 1.40 mg P dm^–3 and 12.47 mg N dm^–3. The high fertility of the lake was also exhibited by the values of BOD5 reaching 7 mg O₂ dm^–3, chlorophyll a content (73 mg m^–3) and low transparency – 0.7 m. In the peak of the summer, the stagnation oxygen profile is represented by a clinograde curve typical for eutrophic lakes, while carbon dioxide distribution in the water column is shown by a „reverse” clinograde curve, also typical for fertile reservoirs. The study has revealed that the water in Lake Giłwa is well buffered, as shown by the alkalinity values, 2.5-5.0 mval dm^–3. Total hardness of the reservoir water varied from 157.1 to 278.8 mg CaCO₃ dm^–3, which is typical of hard water. The hardness was conditioned mainly by the calcium content. With the River Giłwa, the lake receives wastewater from the wastewater treatment plant in Gietrzwałd, which is manifested, for example, by the high values of electrolytic conductivity (321-476 µS cm^–1), indicating the degree of mineral pollution of the lake. Despite the wastewater input, the amount of chlorides is rather low, 20 mg Cl dm^–3 at the most.

Monika Karaś

USE OF O-PHOSPHOSERINE (OPS) FOR THE SEPARATION OF PEPTIDES ON IMMOBILIZED COPPER IONS

Key words: peptides, IMAC, metal ions, o-phosphoserine.

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Recent research into the structure and properties of proteins and peptides as physiologically active diet components has spurred a new interest in the isolation and investigation of bioactive peptides of animal, plant and microbiological origin. The isolation and separation of protein and peptide mixtures requires advanced procedures. It usually involves a multi-stage separation process on chromatographic columns with various packing. Immobilised Metal Ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) is frequently used in the complex process of obtaining peptide fractions. Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) relies on the specific interactions between amino acids, their reactive groups in proteins and peptides and „transitory” metal ions, in particular Cu²⁺. Those ions are immobilised by the chelating compound on the bed, forming specific adsorbents which bind proteins and peptides. The aim of this study was to determine whether o-phosphoserine (OPS) can be used for the immobilization of copper ions on Sephadex G25 during the separation of peptides and proteins isolated from string beans. Frozen pods of dwarf, green-podded string bean cv. Fana were used in the study. Peptide were extracted from well-homogenized string bean pods with tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5), from which high molecular weight proteins were isolated with methanol, acetone, 20% trichloroacetic acid and the Magnafloc M-22S cation flocculant. The protein and peptide content of the separated fractions was determined. The peptide content depended on the type of extract from which high molecular weight proteins were isolated. The results obtained by using OPS as a chelating agent in the separation of string bean can be recommended for analysis of plant peptides.

Jan Kucharski, Monika Tomkiel, Edyta Boros, Jadwiga Wyszkowska

THE EFFECT OF SOIL CONTAMINATION WITH DIESEL OIL AND PETROL ON THE NITRIFICATION PROCESS

Key words: diesel oil, petrol, soil, nitrification, N-NH₄, N-NO₃.

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The effect of soil contamination with diesel oil and petrol on the nitrification process was investigated in a laboratory experiment. Samples of typical brown soil developed from loamy sand, of pH of 6.6 in 1M KCl, Hh –11.38 mmol(+) kg^–1 soil, S – 77.67 mmol(+) kg^–1 soil and C_org. – 8.50 g kg^–1 were analyzed. The experiment was performed in three replications, and for each test 100 g air-dry soil sample was placed in 150 cm³ beakers. Soil samples were contaminated with diesel oil and petrol with the addition of rapeseed oil and ethanol. The source of nitrogen was ammonium sulfate in the amount of 0 and 250 mg N per kg^–1 soil. The content of N-NO₃ and N-NH₄ was determined on experimental days 14, 28 and 42. Soil moisture was kept constant at 50% capillary water capacity throughout the experiment. Fertilizer nitrogen was subject to strong immobilization in soil contaminated with diesel oil and petrol. Both pollutants strongly inhibited the nitrification process. Diesel oil had a much stronger inhibitory effect on nitrification than petrol. Rapeseed oil also proved to be a powerful inhibiting factor. On experimental day 42, diesel oil reduced ammonium cation oxidation by 99%, and petrol – by 88%.

Bogusław Makarski, Ewa Makarska

EFFECT OF ADDITION OF Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn AND LACTIC ACID TO DRINKING WATER ON CONTENT OF THESE ELEMENTS IN MUSCLES OF SLAUGHTER TURKEYS

Key words: turkeys, zinc, copper, lactic acid, breast and leg muscles.

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The study was conducted on 300 turkey cocks type BUT-9, grown under optimal conditions for this kind of poultry. The feed was a typical commercial full-dose mix for turkeys. The birds were divided into 5 experimental groups. From the 3^rd week of their life, they were given preparations with their drinking water. Group I was the control group, while drinking water for the test groups was enriched as follows: lactic acid (0.4%) for group II,  CuSO₄ in the amount of 30 mg Cu dm^–3 H₂O for group III, CuSO₄ (30 mg Cu dm^–3) and 0.4% of lactic acid for group IV and CuSO₄ in the amount of 50 mg Cu dm^–3 for group V. Application of the preparations was terminated after 3 days, when symptoms of poisoning were observed in turkey cocks of groups II and IV, alongside increased mortality rate. Samples of drinking water were taken for analyses, and from each group 10 birds were selected for slaughter to take tissue samples (breast and leg muscles). The objective of the experiments was to determine the concentration of Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe in the consumable tissues of turkey cocks. The study showed that the highest rate of mortality of turkey cocks was observed in the group that was given lactic acid with their drinking water, and these turkeys had increased levels of Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe. In none of the groups, the content of Zn in the breast muscle exceeded 20 mg kg^–1, while the concentration of copper in all experimental groups (except the control) was above the level of 10 mg kg^–1. Increased doses of copper caused an increase in the concentration of magnesium in the leg muscles, while a combination of copper supplementation with lactic acid resulted in increased accumulation of Cu in both the breast and leg muscles.

Ewa Makarska, Anna Ciołek, Wanda Kociuba

INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL FORMS ON CHANGES IN THE CONTENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN GRAIN OF NEW WINTER TRITICALE HYBRID STRAINS

Key words: triticale, hybrid strains, mineral elements.

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The paper presents a study on the content of Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe in kernels (F5 generation) of winter triticale produced by crossbreeding three maternal with two paternal forms. As maternal forms, two strains were used, IGS 5101, FDT 975, as well as cultivar Alzo. The paternal components consisted of strains LAD 122 and F 8063. Morphologically established hybrid strains were selected at the Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology of the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The component selection for crossbreeding was performed to achieve hybrids with great yield-forming potential and to improve the resistance to grain sprouting. Minerals were determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method. The results revealed differentiation in amounts of the analysed mineral components in hybrids depending on genotypes of the parental forms. Hybrid strains were usually characterized by a lower ash content in kernels than the parental forms. Among all the hybrids, strain IGS 5101 × F 8063 was distinguishable by its higher content of K, Ca, Mn, and Fe in grain versus both parental forms. It also excelled exceeded the other hybrids in respect of Ca, K and Mn. Tests on the mineral components in hybrid triticale strains indicate that it is possible to shape their levels through an appropriate selection of parental forms and selection during breeding work on X Triticosecale Wittmack genus to achieve cultivars of improved nutritional value.

Jan Meler, Bożena Grimling, Janusz Pluta

INVESTIGATION ON ADSORPTION OF FATTY AND BILE ACIDS IN THE PRESENCE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING CHROMIUM

Key words: chitosans, chromium, bioavability, adsorption, model in vitro.

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Dietary supplements contain not only macro- and microelements, but also elements which affect human metabolism. Many products available on the market contain chromium compounds together with chitosan used as a dietary supplement enhancing the digestion of lipids. The studies involved natural chitosan from krill available on the market, with the deacetylation degree of 85 to 95%, and dietary supplements containing chitosan (Vitana®, Hitec Nutrition®) as well as a product containing ionic chromium with niacin and several aminoacids – Chromdiet®). The study has determined the capability of binding fatty and bile acids by dietary supplements containing chitosan and chromium. The process of lipids and bile acids adsorption was investigated by means of a dynamic method in a biopharmaceutical model imitating in vitro conditions. The findings prove that extracts of fatty acids and bile acids undergo adsorption by various kinds of adjuvant substances found in dietary supplements, which confirms a significant effect of these polymers on the bioavailability of fatty and bile acids in a human organism. The addition of chromium to a supplement does not effect the capability of chitosan to bind fatty and bile acids. Mean adsorption of bile acids by 1 g of the polymer (chitosan, inulin, fibre) ranges from 0.9 g to 1.79 g depending on the pH (which decreases the bioavailability of lipids by 15-30%).

Mirosław Orzechowski, Sławomir Smólczyński

CONTENT OF Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu IN SOILS DEVELOPED FROM THE HOLOCENE DEPOSITS IN NORTH-EASTERN POLAND

Key words: macro- and microelements, alluvial soils, deluvial soils, mucky soils, peat-muck soils.

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Mineral alluvial and deluvial soils, mineral-organic mucky soils and organic peat-muck soils were developed from the Holocene deposits in northern Poland. The total content of Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was analysed in the following soils: alluvial soils which were formed from riverine deposits in delta and riverine landscapes, deluvial soils which were developed from slope deposits in a landscape of moraine hills and plains and in a riverine landscape as well as in mucky soils and peat-muck soils located in a landscape of moraine hills and plains and delta landscape. The aim of the paper was to determine total amount of the elements in a soil profile and catena sequence in the mentioned landscapes. Total content of analysed elements in the soils developed from the Holocene deposits varied considerably among the soil types, in a soil profile, among catena sequences and landscapes. The highest content of Fe, Mn, Mg, K, Zn and Cu was reported in alluvial soils whereas Ca reached the highest level in peat-muck soils. In the riverine landscape, the highest accumulation of total Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was stated for alluvial soils, having the lowest location in the catena. In the landscape of moraine hills and plains, total content of K, Zn and Cu was the highest in deluvial soils and mucky soils located in the lower part of the slope. The total content of Ca and P was the highest in peat-muck soils having the lowest location in the catena. Statistically significant differences in the content of Ca, Mg, K, and Cu were stated between alluvial soils in the riverine and delta landscapes. The differences in the content of analysed elements, excluding Cu, were also statistically significant between alluvial and deluvial soils. 

Hanna Siwek

SPECIATION ANALYSIS OF PHOSPHORUS IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS – COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS

Key words: bottom sediments, kettle holes, phosphorus, fractionation, multivalent metals.

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The purpose of this paper was to compare two methods of fractionation of reactive phosphorus forms (RP) in bottom sediments of polymictic water reservoirs located in rural areas. As a criterion for estimation, quantities RP extracted in analyzed fractions versus the general content of Al, Fe and Ca were used. The sediments were collected in springtime, from rural areas with different land use in the drainage basin (arable fields, uncultivated land, farmyards). The sediments were collected with a KC-Denmark core sampler for bottom sediments, which makes it possible to collect samples leaving the upper structure of 6 cm in thickness intact. After mineralization, each sample was analyzed for the general phosphorus content and a speciation analysis was performed by two methods. With the first method (M₁), the RP bonded to Al (Al_RP), Fe (Fe_RP) and Ca (Ca_RP) was determined. The second method (M₂) was applied to determine fractions of reactive phosphorus released from the sediments under reduced conditions, mainly from bonds with iron and manganese (BD_RP), adsorbed on aluminium oxides mainly Al₂O₃ and other surfaces (NaOH_RP) and apatite phosphorus and bonds with carbonates. In almost all the sediments, most RP was determined in the phosphorus fractions with Ca extracted with acid solution. For the fractions obtained via the M₁ method, more of the general RP, as well as phosphorus bonded to calcium and iron was found than for fractions obtained with the M₂ method, and the differences might be attributed to translocation of phosphorus from organic to inorganic compounds during fractioning. The fraction of reactive phosphorus determined with the M₁ method is correlated more strongly with the general content of the metal in the sediments than reactive phosphorus fractions determined with the M₂ method. The strong correlation between the content of iron and the fraction of BD_RP in mineral sediments shows that it can be an indicator of the sensitivity of sediment to changes in the redox potential.

Anetta Siwik-Ziomek, Jan Koper

CHANGES IN THE CONTENT OF SULPHATE SULPHUR AND ARYLSULPHATASE ACTIVITY IN SOIL UNDER POTATO CAUSED BY FERTILIZATION

Key words: arylsulphatase, fertilization, soil, sulphate sulphur(VI).

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Biological processes which shape soil fertility are affected by microorganisms and enzymes they produce as well as the rate of biogeochemical transformations in the cycling of elements. One of the enzymes is arylsulphatase (EC 3.1.6.1.), which hydrolyses sulphate esters with aromatic radical, releasing sulphate ions according to the equation: R-C-O-SO₃^– + H₂O ® R-C-OH + SO₄^2– + H⁺. The enzyme plays an essential role in the sulphur cycle in soil and it can be an indicator of sulphur mineralization in soil. For his study, soil was sampled from a field under potato fertilized with different doses of farmyard manure (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 t ha^–1) and mineral nitrogen (0, 45, 90, 135 kg N ha^–1). The activity of arylsulphatase was assayed according to Tabatabai and Bremner, while sulphate(VI) sulphur was determined as described by Bardsley and Lancaster. The content of organic carbon in the soil ranged from 8.168 to 10.96 g kg^–1 and depended on FYM fertilization, while the content of total nitrogen ranged from 0.889 to 1.012 g kg^–1 with an average of 0.960 g kg^–1 for FYM and mineral nitrogen doses. The effect of fertilisation on changes in the amount of sulphate sulphur and the activity of arylsulphatase in the soil were noted. The content of sulphate sulphur throughout the research ranged from 21.49 to 24.83 g kg^–1. The higher the FYM doses, the higher the content of the fraction of sulphur available to plants. The soil provided a good supply of sulphur to plants. The activity of the enzyme ranged from 0.010 to 0.024 µM pNP g^–1 h^–1. Its highest activity (an average 0.018 µM pNP g^–1 h^–1) was recorded in the samples fertilised with nitrogen at the amount of 45 kg ha^–1. Both parameters changed during the potato vegetation period.

Sławomir Smólczyński, Mirosław Orzechowski

DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMENTS IN SOILS OF MORAINE LANDSCAPE IN MASURIAN LAKELAND

Key words: macro- and microelements, moraine landscape, toposequence, eroded soils, deluvial soils, mucky soils, strongly and slightly silted peat-muck soils.

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The research was carried out in three catenas, in which the soils made a typical toposequence of the moraine landscape in Masurian Lakeland, i.e. eroded soils, deluvial soils, mucky soils as well as slightly and strongly silted peat-muck soils. The total content of Ca, Mg, K, P, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was analyzed in these soils. The amounts of soil organic matter and measured elements showed catenal variation. Mucky soils had the highest content of Mg, K, Fe and Na whereas strongly and slightly silted peat-muck soils contained the highest amounts of P, Mn, Ca and Cu. The content of Ca was positively correlated with organic matter content. The amount of Mg, K, Cu and Mn was positively correlated with the amount of clay fraction. As the studied soils are located at the bottom of a slope, downwards water flow, where mineral compounds are accumulated in deposits or dissolved in water, mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils contain high amounts of the analyzed elements. Mucky soils and silted peat-muck soils play a role of biogeochemical barriers protecting wetlands against nutrients from surrounding moraine uplands. Surface horizons of deluvial soils were depleted of the analyzed elements (excluding P) whereas AO horizons of mucky soils and Mt horizons of peat-muck soils were abundant in the measured elements (excluding Ca). Various amounts of the analyzed elements in the pedons of the catena sequences should be taken into consideration when planning land use in the moraine landscape, which has unique natural values.

Sławomir Szymczyk

INFLUENCE OF THE TYPE OF SOIL DEWATERING AND LAND USE ON THE DYNAMICS OF CONCENTRATIONS AND VOLUME OF NITROGEN DISCHARGED FROM AGRICUTLURAL AREAS

Key words: nitrogen, drains, ditches, agricultural basin, draining systems.

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Studies on the dynamics of concentrations and discharge of nitrogen load through draining systems were carried out in Olsztyn Lake District (Pojezierze Olsztyńskie) from 1994 to 2007. For the tests, three basins were selected: an agricultural basin drained with a drainage system, an agricultural and forested basin drained with a network of ditches and drains, and an agriculrual basin with a large forest cover (ca 30%), drained with ditches. The discharge of water through the draining facilities was measured every two weeks, and once a month, N-NO₃, N-NO₂, N-NH₄ as well as Kjeldahl nitrogen were determined. It has been demonstrated that the volume of discharged water carried away through draining systems depends primarily on the amount and distribution of atmospheric precipitation, epsecially during the winter half-year. The dynamics of concentrations and loads of nitrogen in water discharged via draining systems varied with time and depended not only on the amount and distribution of precipitation over a year and in the multi-year period, but also on the type of land use in a given basin and a draining system.  It was also found out that intensive rainfall in summer only slightly increased the discharge of water from the basinm drained with the drainage system. The load of total nitrogen flowing away through the draining systems from agricultural basins was closely connected with the amount of discharged water and water levels of mineral nitrogen compounds, especially N-NO₃. The highest nitrogen loss from drained areas appeared in spring, which was associated with the seasonal character of water outflow, culmunating in March-April. The highest concentration of total nitrogen (16.69 mg dm^–3) was determined in water discharged through the network of ditches and drains, but due to a more intensive dewatering of soils, a higher total nitrogen load (on average 33% more) was discharged through drains. Per 1 ha of an agricultural basin, the annual outflow of total nitrogen was up to 13.13 kg, including 12.04 kg of mineral nitrogen.

Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Mirosław Kucharski, Jan Kucharski

ACTIVITY OF B-GLUCOSIDASE, ARYLSULFATASE AND PHOSPHATASES IN SOIL CONTAMINATED WITH COPPER

Key words: copper, b-glucosidase, phosphatase, arylsulfatase, resistance rate, soil contamination with copper.

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A pot experiment was carried out to determine the effect of soil (loamy sand and sandy loam) contamination with copper doses of 0, 150, 450 mg Cu kg^-1 d.m. soil on the activity of b-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and arylsulfatase (EC 3.1.6.1) in soil. The resistance of these enzymes to copper pollution was also estimated. Soil samples were contaminated with copper chloride. The experiment was carried out in five replications, in two series. The first series was performed on uncropped soil and the second one – on cropped soil. The experimental plants were oat, spring rape and yellow lupine. The activity of soil enzymes was determined in the analyzed samples on the 25^th and the 50^th day of the experiment. The results of the experiment showed that copper contamination in doses of 150 mg to 450 mg kg^-1 soil significantly inhibits soil’s biochemical activity. The sensitivity of the tested enzymes to copper was determined in the following order: alkaline phosphatase > arylsulfatase > acid phosphatase > b-glucosidase. The resistance of the above enzymes to copper depended on the cultivated plant species, soil type and the type of soil use and management. In samples of sandy loam, copper induced the smallest change in the activity of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, and in loamy sand – in the activity of arylsulfatase and acid phosphatase. In uncropped soil, copper was the least effective in changing the activity of arylsulfatase and acid phosphatase. All of the tested enzymes were less resistant to copper contamination in cropped than in uncropped soil. In soil planted with oat, b-glucosidase was the most resistant and arylsulfatase was the least resistant enzyme to copper contamination. In samples sown with spring rape, the analogous enzymes were arylsulfatase and alkaline phosphatase. In yellow lupine treatments, alkaline phosphatase was the most and b-glucosidase was the least resistant enzyme.

VOLUME 14 - NUMBER 4 - DECEMBER 2009

Marzena S. Brodowska, Adam Kaczor

THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS FORMS OF SULPHUR AND NITROGEN ON CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM CONTENT AND UPTAKE IN SPRING WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) AND COCKSFOOT (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L.)

Key words: calcium content, magnesium content, uptake, form of sulphur, nitrogen fertilization, spring wheat, cocksfoot.

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The study assessed the effect of various forms of sulphur (Na₂S₂O₃, elemental S and Na₂SO₄) and nitrogen (UAN-30, NH₄NO₃) on calcium and magnesium content and uptake in spring wheat and cocksfoot. A two-year pot experiment was conducted on soil material of clayey silt granulometric composition. Before the experiment, the soil was characterized by slight acidity and low content of assimilable forms of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur. The results show that the experimental factors caused noticeable variation in the content and uptake of calcium and magnesium in spring wheat and cocksfoot. Among the sulphur fertilizers, the greatest increase in calcium and magnesium content and uptake was produced by application of sodium sulphate. The increase in calcium and magnesium uptake was more marked in the case of plants fertilized with nitrogen in the form of ammonium nitrate. The effect of nitrogen fertilization on the analyzed parameters also depended on the species of plant. Wheat grown in the series with ammonium nitrate was characterized by higher Ca and Mg content and uptake than plants fertilized with nitrogen in the form of liquid UAN 30. Calcium uptake by wheat fertilized with NH₄NO₃ was on average 15% higher for grain and 9% higher for straw compared to wheat fertilized with UAN 30. As for magnesium, the increase was 24.5% and 18%, respectively. Concerning cocksfoot, fertilization with UAN 30 had a greater affect on content and uptake of the analyzed nutrients than ammonium nitrate.

Maria Brzezińska, Monika Krawczyk,

CHANGES OF THE MINERAL PROFILE OF SERUM OF GOATS IN VARIOUS PHYSIOLOGICAL STATES

Key words: goats, breeding season, pregnancy, lactation, macroelements.

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The aim of this work was to obtain comparative evaluation of the content of calcium (both the total and ionic forms), magnesium and phosphorus in the blood serum of goats during three physiological states characterized by much instability of the mineral balance. The study involved 15 goats, divided into 3 groups in different physiological states (breeding season, pregnancy, lactation period). The study showed that the mean content of the ionic form of calcium (A,D – 1.210; B,E – 1.135; C,F – 1.115) and total calcium (A,D –1.640; B,E – 2.075; C,F – 2.045) in all the groups was within the range reference concentrations. It can be thought that the low content of calcium was caused by its deficiency in fodder and unstable hormonal balance (pregnancy and lactation period). The reason why the mean content of calcium did not reach the reference level for this species was a high content of P (A,D – 1.650; B,E – 2.040; C,F – 2.125) and Mg (A,D – 0.970; B,E – 1.415; C,F – 0.990) in blood serum.

Piotr Chohura, Eugeniusz Kołota, Andrzej Komosa

EFFECT OF FERTILIZATION WITH FE CHELATES ON THE STATE OF IRON NUTRITION OF GREENHOUSE TOMATO

Key words: greenhouse tomato, fertilization, chelates, index parts, iron uptake.

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A greenhouse experiment aimed at investigating the effect of four chelates, differing in percentage of Fe content and the kind of Fe bonding ligand: Fe 8 Forte (EDTA+HEEDTA), Fe 9 Premium (DTPA), Fe 13 Top (EDTA) and Librel Fe DP7 (DTPA), on the state of iron nutrition of Merkury F1 cultivar greenhouse tomato grown traditionally in peat substrate. The second factor was iron content in the growing medium, which was established to reach the following levels: 50, 75 and 100 mg Fe dm^-3, while in the control object Fe values ranged 17.9 Fe dm^-3 (after peat liming). The experiment was established in a two-factorial design with three replications including four plants cultivated on one plot. The iron content was assayed in plant index parts according to the ASA method. On the basis of the results, significant differences were found in the state of greenhouse tomato nutrition under the influence of the examined iron chelates. The highest content of iron in tomato leaves was determined when chelate Fe 9 Premium (DTPA) was used, which points to the fact that it was the best source of Fe. The lowest iron level was recorded after the application of Fe 13 Top (EDTA). The highest mean Fe content for the years and dates of analyses appeared in leaves of plants cultivated in the growing medium containing 75 mg Fe dm^-3. In June, after the plants began to yield, there was a considerable decrease in the Fe content in plant index parts in comparison to the stage of fruit maturation and the end of yielding. The study did not demonstrate any symptoms of phytotoxicity or visible disorders regarding tomato growth and development due to the examined Fe chelates introduced in the doses of 32.1, 57.1 and 82.1 mg Fe dm^-3 to the substrate, whose initial Fe concentration after peat liming was on average 17.9 mg Fe dm^-3.

Adam Kaczor, Marzena S. Brodowska

YIELD OF COCKSFOOT (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L.) AND ITS NITROGEN AND SULPHUR CONTENT AFTER FERTILIZATION WITH VARIOUS FORMS OF THESE NUTRIENTS

Key words: form of sulphur, nitrogen fertilization, sulphur content, nitrogen content, cocksfoot.

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This study has analyzed the effect of fertilization with various forms of nitrogen and sulphur on cocksfoot yield and on the content of these nutrients in the plant. The study was based on a strict experiment conducted on soil material from the arable layer of brown soil of clayey silt granulometric composition. The soil used in the experiment was characterized by slight acidity and low content of assimilable forms of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and sulphur. The results indicate that the experimental factors caused significant variation in cocksfoot yield. Significant variations in yield also occurred as a result of the interaction between these factors. The highest yields were obtained where nitrogen was applied in the liquid form (UAN-30) and sulphur was applied in the form of Na₂SO₄. Significant increases in yield after application of elemental sulphur were not observed until the second cut was harvested, which clearly indicates that this is a slow-acting fertilizer. Fertilization with various forms of nitrogen and sulphur also caused marked variation in total S content, total N content and N-NO₃ in the plants. Total sulphur content – depending on the experimental object and on the time of harvest – ranged from 1.37 to 3.15 g S kg^-1, while total nitrogen content ranged from 29.06 to 38.72 g N kg^-1. The data obtained indicate that sulphur content in plants that were not fertilized with this nutrient was much lower than is considered optimal for grasses. This explains the effect of sulphur on yield observed in the experiment. Fertilization with sulphur also had a beneficial effect on nitrogen metabolism, manifested as a more than twofold decrease in nitrate nitrogen in the plants fertilized with sulphur.

Dorota Kalembasa, Anna Majchrowska-Safaryan, Krzysztof Pakuła

PROFILE DIFFERENTIATION OF LEAD AND CHROMIUM FRACTIONS FOUND IN SOILS LOCALIZED ON A MORAINE SLOPE

Key words: sequential extraction, Zeien and Brümmer’s method, fractions, lead, chromium, moraine slope.

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In order to evaluate a potential threat to soil environment by heavy metals, it is important to separate and determine their fractions by means of sequential extraction. The research aimed at evaluating the total content of lead and chromium as well as their fractions in soils localized on a moraine slope in the Siedlce Heights (transects A and B). Sequential fractionation of these elements was carried out according to Zeien and Brümmer’s method. Chemical analyses revealed varied contents of seven lead and chromium fractions in the soils. The largest amounts of both heavy metals were mostly recorded in the residual fraction (F₇), and those of lead also in the organic fraction (F₄). The least lead was found in the exchangeable fraction (F₂) (it was not detected in easily soluble fraction F₁), while the least chromium appeared in the easily soluble (F₁) and organic fractions (F₄). Statistical processing revealed that the examined lead and chromium fractions generally depended on separated fractions, total contents of these metals, and some properties of analyzed soils.

Dorota Kalembasa, Elżbieta Malinowska

THE YIELD AND CONTENT OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN BIOMASS OF MISCANTHUS SACCHARIFLORUS (MAXIM.) HACK. AND IN SOIL IN THE THIRD YEAR OF A POT EXPERIMENT

Key words: Miscanthus sacchariflorus, biomass, fertilization, sewage sludge, trace elements.

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In the third year of a pot experiment (in a greenhouse), the carryover influence of fertilization with fresh sewage sludge and, for comparison, mineral fertilization on the content and uptake of Fe, Mn, Mo, B, Ba, Sr, As, Sn, Li, and Ti by the biomass of Miscanthus sacchariflorus grass. The yield of silver-grass biomass was evaluated on the basis of two harvests (June and December). Trace elements in the tested grass as well as in the soil (after harvest) were determined by means of the ICP-AES technique after sample combustion in a muffle furnace. Significant influence of sewage sludge fertilization on yield of silver-grass biomass was found. Grass harvested in autumn contained higher contents of some analyzed trace elements (Fe, Mn, Sr, Ba, and Ti) than that harvested in summer. The uptake of trace elements uptake by the silver-grass biomass was higher from the objects fertilized with sewage sludge than the ones receiving mineral fertilization. After three years of cultivation, the soil contained more Fe, Mn, Ba, Sr, Ti, B, and Li as compared to the content before the experiment.

Anna Karczewska, Bernard Gałka, Karolina Kocan

A CARRYOVER EFFECT OF THE CHELATING AGENTS EDTA AND EDDS APPLIED TO SOILS ON THE UPTAKE OF COPPER AND IRON BY MAIZE IN THE SECOND YEAR OF A POT EXPERIMENT

Key words: soil, phytoextraction, complexing, chelator, EDTA, EDDS, copper, iron.

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A pot experiment was established in 2006 to examine whether induced phytoextraction can remove copper from soils polluted with emissions from copper smelters. Two soils tested in the experiment were sand and loam in texture, and contained 620 and 510 mg kg^-1 Cu, respectively. Maize was used as a testing plant. Two chelating agents: EDTA and biodagradable EDDS were introduced into the soils at the rates of  0.2; 0.5 and 1.0 mmol kg^-1 to intensify the process of Cu phytoextraction. The results that have been already published indicated that application of both chelators caused increase in Cu uptake by plants in 2006, although the concentrations of Cu in biomass were far below those required for effective phytoextraction. Additionally, both chelators caused intensive leaching of metals from soils. This paper focuses on the carryover effects observed in the subsequent year, 2007, certainly caused by the application of chelators. EDTA, particularly when applied at the highest rate, caused considerable deterioration of plant growth, reduction of plant yields and increased uptake of Cu by plants grown in both soils. The plants showed unquestionable effects of copper phytotoxicity. In the plots where EDDS was applied, a small decrease in yield was observed in the case of plants grown on sandy soil, whereas in plants grown on loamy soil a significant increase in plant yields and decrease in Cu concentrations in shoot biomass occurred compared with the control plots. Cu and Fe concentrations in plant shoots were positively correlated with each other, and the plants with the highest concentrations of Cu also contained the highest concentrations of Fe. Application of the chelating agents, particularly EDTA, in 2006 caused a long-lasting increase of Cu and Fe solubility in soil, and plant uptake of those elements in 2007 correlated positively with soil concentrations of soluble metal forms, extracted with 1 mol dm^-3 NH₄NO₃ and 0.01 mol dm^-3 CaCl₂.

Małgorzata Kwiecień, Anna Winiarska-Mieczan

EFFECT OF ADDITION OF HERBS ON BODY WEIGHT AND ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE TIBIA BONES OF BROILER CHICKENS

Key words: broiler chicken, herb, tibia bones, physical and chemical parameters.

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Bones, even after their growth has been completed, react to both external and internal factors which include feeding. The process of bone mineralization, including limb bones, is a very important index of the effectiveness and quality of feeding procedures, aswell as a measure of the organism’s health status. Antibiotics, which used to be very popular growth stimulators in feeding, have recently been replaced with natural feed additives, namely herbs. Although the usefulness of herbs has been known for a long time, little information has been found so far concerning their use in animal feeding and effect on the physical parameters and the chemical composition of the bones chickens. The aim of the present work was to determine a potential influence of herbs added to chickens’ diets on the body weight, chosen physical parameters of tibia bones: their weight, length and the content of the basic mineral components of the bone. The experiment was conducted on 210 broiler chickens of the Ross 308 line, divided into seven feeding groups: the control group (I – a mixture containing an antibiotic) and six experimental ones (II – hops, III – lime, IV – lemon balm, V – pansy, VI – peppermint, VII – nettle). In the bone samples, their weight, length, and the chemical composition of ash: Ca, Mg and P were determined. The results obtained in the present study reveal that an addition of nettle or lemon balm to the mixtures led to an increase in the body weight of broiler chickens. An addition of hops (II) to the mixtures led to a decrease in the length of the bones. An addition of lemon balm, pansy, peppermint or nettle to the mixtures had a negative effect on the level of Mg in the bones.

 Joanna Majkowska-Gadomska

MINERAL CONTENT OF MELON FRUIT (CUCUMIS MELO L.)

Key words: melon, cultivars, cultivation methods, chemical composition.

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Melons are highly demanding, thermophilous plants, which is why they are unpopular among fruit growers. Melon cultivation requires special treatment methods for the improvement of microclimatic conditions. Seven Polish melon cultivars are presently grown on the domestic market. They are well adapted to the local climate. The growth rate, vigor, fruit shape, fruit size, rind color and flesh thickness of those cultivars vary. The objective of this study was to determine the mineral content of edible parts of four field-grown melon cultivars in the Warmia region (NE Poland). This study discusses the mineral content of melon fruit subject to the investigated cultivar and cultivation method. In Poland, melon production is difficult and unreliable. The main problem is the selection of an appropriate cultivar and cultivation method. The analyzed material consisted of four Polish melon cultivars: Malaga F₁, Melba, Oliwin, Seledyn F₁, grown in a field experiment without protective cover, under polyethylene (PE) sheet cover, under non-woven polypropylene (PP) cover, with soil mulching, as well as with soil mulching under PE sheet cover or nonwoven PP cover. The highest concentrations of total N, K, Ca and Cu were determined in melon fruit of cv. Oliwin. Significant variations in total nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the edible parts of melon plants were noted subject to the applied cultivation method. Cucumis melo L. grown in the control treatment without protective cover was marked by significantly higher levels of total nitrogen and phosphorus in the fruit, compared with fruit grown with the use of other cultivation methods. The results of this study indicate that the fruit of melon plants cv. Seledyn grown in mulched soil under non-woven PP cover was characterized by the most favorable Ca:Mg and Ca:P ratios in comparison with fruit from the remaining treatments.

Agnieszka Medyńska, Cezary Kabała, Tadeusz Chodak, Paweł Jezierski

CONCETRATION OF COPPER, ZINC, LEAD AND CADMIUM IN PLANTS CULTIVATED IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF ŻELAZNY MOST COPPER ORE TAILINGS IMPOUNDMENT

Key words: tailings impoundment, trace elements, cereals, potato.

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Regular monitoring of soil and plants in the surroundings of Żelazny Most tailings impoundment has been held since 1996. The results presented in this paper refer to potatoes and grains of cereals such as wheat, barley, triticale and oats, which are the most popular crops planted in that area in 2004-2006. The average content of heavy metals in 2006 in cereals and potatoes was approximately: Cu – 3.7 and 1.3 mg kg^-1 of fresh mass; Zn – 20.6 and 3.5 mg kg^-1; Pb – 0.14 and 0.04 mg kg^-1; Cd – 0.055 and 0.011 mg kg^-1, respectively. All those concentrations are well below threshold limit values accepted in Poland. No significant differences in Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations between the tested cereals were found. Zinc concentration in wheat and oat was significantly lower than in barley and triticale. The copper ore tailings impoundment in Żelazny Most, although very large, at present has no negative impact on the quality of crops and species of cereals and pasture plants cropped in its surroundings.

Barbara Murawska, Ewa Spychaj-Fabisiak

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM FERTILISATION ON THE CONTENT OF IONS IN THE SOIL SOLUTION

Key words: fertilisation, ions, salt indicator.

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The aim of the present research was to evaluate whether or not, and to what extent, exclusive mineral fertilisation affects the content of water-soluble ions determining the soil salinity. The soil was sampled from the arable layer of a multi-year field experiment carried out in 1974-2007. The research involved differentiated nitrogen fertilisation (factor I, n=3) and potassium fertilisation (factor II, n=4). The content of water-soluble ions was defined in water extract, in the soil to water ratio of 1:5; cations K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ were determined with the method of emission spectrometry and Mg²⁺ – with atomic absorption. Anions were analysed with the argentometric (Cl^-) and nephelometric (SO₄^2-) methods. In addition, electrolytic conductivity (R) was tested with the conductometric method, based on which the salt concentration in the solution (C) and the ionic strength (I) were calculated. The present results were statistically verified. The prolonged application of intensive nitrogen and potassium fertilisation (32 years) significantly differentiated the content of cations: K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ as well as anions: Cl^- and SO₄^2- in soil solution. The contents of K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ in the soil solutions differed and fell within the range of (mean value) 0.136-0.507 (0.281) K⁺, 0.398-0.555 (0.472) Na⁺, 1-2.192 (1.350) Ca²⁺ and 0.211- 0.365 (0.272) Mg²⁺ mmol(+) kg^-1. The highest nitrogen dose significantly limited the concentration of SO₄^2- in the soil solution, while the different doses of potassium did not result in such significant changes in the concentration of the above ions. The content of chlorine ions in the soil solution did not depend significantly on differentiated nitrogen and potassium fertilisation. No effect of the long-term mineral fertilisation on soil salinity was noted.

Barbara Patorczyk-Pytlik

THE CONTENT OF SELENIUM IN SOME SPECIES OF MEADOW PLANTS

Key words: Se, soils, grasses, herbs.

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The aim of the investigation carried out in 2006-2007 was to assess differences between 5 grass species and 5 species of plants belonging to meadow herbs in their ability to accumulate selenium. According to the results, among the grass species, the samples of Arrhenatherum elatuis L. had the highest average Se content (46 µg Se kg^-1 d.m.), and the lowest average Se amount was found in Holcus lanatus L. (24 µg Se kg^-1 d.m.). The content of Se in meadow weeds (70 µg Se×kg-1 d.m.) was approximately twice as high as in grasses (32 µg Se kg^-1 dm.). Among this group of plants, the highest Se accumulation occurred in Equisetum arvense L. (103 µg Se kg^-1 dm.) and the lowest – in Taraxacum officinale (59 µg Se kg^-1 dm.). Both in grasses and in meadow weeds, the Se content significantly depended on the amount of this element in soils. In the following species: Dactylis glomerata L., Arrhenatherum elatius L., Poa pratensis L. and Taraxacum officinale, the amount of accumulated Se was also conditioned by the soil’s abundance in organic and total C.

Barbara Patorczyk-Pytlik, Grzegorz Kulczycki

CONTENT OF SELENIUM IN ARABLE SOILS NEAR WROCLAW

Key words: Se, soil properties.

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The material for this study consisted of 60 soil samples collected from the arable layer of cultivated fields located in the vicinity of Wrocław. The samples varied in their properties and reflected a whole range of soil types to be found in the region of Lower Silesia. The examinations proved that selenium content in arable soils near Wroclaw ranged from 81 to 449 µg kg^-1 and the average value of Se content in these soils was 202 µg kg^-1. The lowest Se content appeared in sandy soils (174 µg kg^-1), while the highest value was found in loamy soils. The mean value of Se content calculated for this group of soils was 228 µg kg^-1. Selenium content in soils varied to a high degree (V=42%). The value lower than 100 µg kg^-1, assumed as a critical one for the quality of plant yield, was recorded for 4 samples, while in 33 soil samples the Se content fell in the range of 101-200 µg kg^-1 and in 14 samples it ranged from 201 to 300 µg kg^-1. Only 9 soils out of these subjected to investigation characterized selenium value higher than 300 µg kg^-1, i.e. the value regarded as medium soil fertility. Se content in soils was highly correlated with their content of silt and clay, as well as colloidal parts and also with the amount of C and total content of such chemical elements as P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni.

Elżbieta Pisulewska, Ryszard Poradowski, Jacek Antonkiewicz, Robert Witkowicz

THE EFFECT OF VARIABLE MINERAL FERTILIZATION ON YIELD AND GRAIN MINERAL COMPOSITION OF COVERED AND NAKED OAT CULTIVARS

Key words: oats, fertilizing, yield, chemical composition.

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Among the cereals grown in Poland, oat grain contains the highest amount of ash, composed of macro- and microelements. It has been suggested that applying increased levels of mineral fertilization, to newer cultivars of oat could have an impact on their grain yield and mineral composition. A two-factorial (2x2) field experiment was conducted for three years (1999-2001) in the south of Poland. The experiment involved two cultivars of oat, i.e. the covered cultivar Dukat and the naked cultivar Akt, and two fertilization levels, i.e. low (30 kg N, 30 kg P₂O₅ and 45 kg K₂O ha^-1) and high (60 kg N, 60 kg P₂O₅ and 90 K₂O ha^-1). There was no significant difference in grain yield between the studied cultivars. On the other hand, the high NPK level increased the content of Mg and Fe in the grain of Akt. At the same time, there were no significant differences in the grain content of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn between Dukat and Akt. Overall, the high level of mineral fertilizing decreased the grain content of microelements as a result of dilution effect. The content of Cu and Zn in oat grain was suitable for human consumption according to the IUNG-PIB standards. Generally, it was shown that cv. Akt was richer in mineral elements, especially in P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, than cv. Dukat.

Anna Podleśna

EFFECT OF FERTILIZATION ON CONTENT AND UPTAKE OF CHLORINE BY OILSEED RAPE UNDER POT EXPERIMENT CONDITIONS

Key words: nitrogen, chlorine doses, yielding, dynamic of chlorine uptake.

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At present, chlorine counts as one of the elements which are essential for growth and development of plants because it plays an important role in main physiological processes as well as in plant protection against diseases. In Poland, the problem of chlorine shortage does not appear, therefore there are no studies on its present concentration and accumulation in field crops. However, the content of chlorine in plants and their tolerance to its excess in soil are varied. Under conditions of its high availability in the environment, its excessive accumulation is possible because chlorine is easily taken up from soil and directly from air. The aim of this study has been to find out the concentration and accumulation of chlorine in winter oilseed rape organs in dependence on N and Cl supply from the flowering up to the full maturity phase. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of IUNG-PIB, in Mitscherlich pots, where winter oilseed rape was cultivated. The first experimental factor was nitrogen fertilization (1.4 and 2.8 g pot^-1) and the second was chlorine application (0, 0.47, 0.97 and 1.42 g pot^-1). Chlorine concentration in plants was dependent on N dose, which caused its decrease, and on Cl dose, which resulted in its increase. The most abundant in chlorine were leaves while flowers and developing siliques contained the least of this element. Chlorine accumulated mainly in rape leaves. The accumulation of chlorine in oilseed rape increased under higher plant supply in N and Cl. The experimental plants showed a moderate supply in Cl, except the object fertilized with the highest dose of chlorine.

Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Sławomir Krzebietke, Teresa Wojnowska, Piotr Żarczyński, Małgorzata Omilian

EFFECT OF LONG-TERM DIFFERENTIATED FERTILIZATION WITH FARMYARD MANURE AND MINERAL FERTILIZERS ON THE CONTENT OF AVAILABLE FORMS OF P, K AND Mg IN SOIL

Key words: available nutrients (P, K, Mg), multi-year experiment, farmyard manure, mineral fertilization.

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The investigations were carried out in 2002-2005, on proper grey-brown podsoilic soil originating from light loam (class IIIa in the soil valuation system, very good rye complex), on the basis of a two-factor experiment established in 1986 according to the random block design with four replications. The arable horizon of the soil, before the experiment, was characterized by slightly acidic reaction (pH1 mol KCl dm^-3 was 6.2) and the concentrations of available nutrients were as follows: 100.0 mg K, 53.2 mg Mg and 41.3 mg P kg^-1 of soil. Soil samples for chemical tests were collected from the arable layer after harvesting crops grown in a rotation: sugar beet, spring barley, maize and spring wheat. The content of available forms of phosphorus and potassium were determined by Egner-Riehm method (DL), and that of manganese using Schachtschabel’s method. The purpose of the study has been to determine the influence of mineral fertilization with or without FYM on the content of available macronutrients in soil. The statistical analysis of the results have shown a significant influence of manure on the level of available P, K and Mg in the tested soil. When both FYM and mineral fertilizers were introduced to soil, its abundance in available magnesium was 2.6-fold higher than after mineral fertilization alone had been applied. FYM raised nearly 3-fold the content of available forms of potassium in soil compared to the content found when only mineral fertilization was used.

Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Teresa Wojnowska, Sławomir Krzebietke, Jadwiga Wierzbowska, Piotr Żarczyński

CONTENT OF AVAILABLE FORMS OF SOME MICRONUTRIENTS IN SOIL AFTER LONG-TERM DIFFERENTIATED FERTILIZATION

Key words: manure, mineral fertilizers, available forms of Cu, Zn and Mn in soil.

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The objective of this study has been to follow modifications in the content of Cu, Zn and Mn in the topmost layer of soil which had been fertilized for many years with farmyard manure and mineral fertilizers or with mineral fertilizers alone. Soil samples were collected in 2002-2005 from a trial established in 1986 on proper brown podsolic soil, according to the random block design with four replication. The first factor consisted of organic fertilization (manure applied every two years or without manure). The second factor involved different rates of mineral fertilization. Rates of nutrients in the mineral fertilizers were identical in both experimental series – with or without manure. In each year, the same crop was grown on both fields, in a crop rotation system: sugar beet (2002), spring barley (2003), maize (2004) and spring wheat (2005). Plant available forms of nutrients were extracted from soil in 1 mol HCl dm^-3 solution. After extraction, the content of metals was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results underwent statistical processing using analysis of variance for a two-factor experiment. The content of available forms of copper, zinc and manganese in soil regularly amended with manure was evidently higher than analogous concentrations determined in soil receiving only mineral fertilization since 1986. Manure most strongly improved the concentration of Cu (nearly 1.7-fold), while producing the weakest influence on manganese (over 1.3-fold more). In absolute values, however, the increase in availability of manganese was the highest, reaching on average 52 mg kg^-1 of soil. Differentiated mineral fertilization with nitrogen or potassium as well as manganese and liming to a lesser extent than manure modified the availability of Cu, Zn and Mn in soil. Among these nutrients, nitrogen most often increased the content of plant assimilable forms of metals in soil, which may have been caused by its acidifying influence.

Małgorzata Skwierawska, Lucyna Zawartka

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES AND FORMS OF SULPHUR ON CONTENT OF AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS IN SOIL

Key words: fertilization, sulphate sulphur, elementary sulphur, available phosphorus, soil.

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A three-year field experiment was conducted in Byszwałd near Lubawa in 2000-2002. The aim of this study has been to determine the influence of increasing rates of sulphur on the dynamics of available phosphorus in soil at two horizons: 0-40 and 40-80 cm. The trial was set up on acid brown soil of the granulometric composition of heavy loamy sand. The initial soil had the following properties: pH_KCl = 5.30, mineral nitrogen 24.0, sulphate sulphur 4.10, available phosphorus 34.5 and potassium 110.0 mg kg^-1 of soil. Three levels of sulphur fertilization were applied: 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^-1 in the sulphate form (S-SO₄) and as elementary sulphur (S-S0). During the whole duration of the field trials, the results demonstrating the effect of fertilization with different forms and rates of sulphur on the content and transfer of available phosphorus in soil were inconsistent. Only the dose of 120 kg ha^-1 S-SO₄ caused a significant increase in the concentration of available sulphur in soil in the 0-40 and 40-80 cm layers. All the rates of elementary sulphur as well as 40 and 80 kg ha^-1 sulphate sulphur caused little less but an increasing tendency in the content of phosphorus in soil. The effect of elementary sulphur became apparent as late as the third year of the trials. The effect of the doses of 40 and 80 kg ha^-1 of sulphur on properties of soil depended on the form of sulphur, duration of the experiment.

Jarosław Waroszewski, Cezary Kabała, Katarzyna Szopka

TRACE ELEMENTS IN SOILS OF UPPER ZONE OF SPRUCE FOREST ON SZRENICA MOUNT AND THE KOWARSKI GRZBIET RANGE IN THE KARKONOSZE MOUNTAINS

Key words: soils, trace elements, upper spruce-zone, the Karkonosze Mountains.

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New regular examination of soil contamination with trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cu) in the upper zone of spruce forest in the western (Mount Szrenica) and eastern (Kowarski Grzbiet range) Karkonosze Mountains was carried out as part of the monitoring network of forest ecosystems in the Karkonosze Mountains National Park. Soil samples were taken at the following three depths: forest litter (the whole layer), 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. Clearly raised concentrations of lead were found, particularly in forest litter (mean 83.2 mg kg^-1) and in horizons 0-10 cm (mean 73.3 mg kg^-1). Copper and zinc occurred in smaller amounts, in the ectohumus layer 47.5 mg Zn kg^-1 and 23.8 mg Cu kg^-1 (mean concentrations), and in the layer 0-10 cm – 33.7 mg Zn kg^-1 and 19.9 mg Cu kg^-1. Zinc and copper concentrations in soils of the upper spruce forest zone did not increase with altitude above mean sea level, and were slightly higher in the eastern part of Karkonosze Mts. (the Kowarski Grzbiet). Concentrations of lead were apparently higher in the western part of the Karkosze Mts. and increased with altitude AMSL.

Anna Wójcikowska-Kapusta, Bożena Niemczuk

COPPER SPECIATION IN DIFFERENT-TYPE SOIL PROFILES

Key words: rendzina, Haplic Arenosols, lessive soil, forms of copper.

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Determination of the total content of metals in soils does not give enough information about their mobility and potential uptake by plants. The influence of heavy metals on plants depends on the type and form of a metal as well as properties of soil. The aim of the research was to evaluate the influence of soil type (Rendzic Leptosols, Haplic Luvisols, Haplic Arenosols) on the content and speciation of copper in soil profiles. The research was carried out in two physiographical regions: Lublin Upland and Sandomierska Valley. Samples were collected once from individual genetics horizons, in total from 30 typological differentiated soil profiles, made from chalk marl, loess and sands. Speciation analysis of copper was carried out with the use of a three-stage sequential method of fractionation, which can isolate four fractions with BCR: fraction I – forms soluble in water, exchangeable and bounded with calcium carbonate, extractable with CH₃COOH; fraction II – forms bound with free Fe and Mn oxides, extractable with NH₂OHHCl; fraction III – forms complexed with organic matter, hot extractable with 30% H₂O₂ and next the mineralization products reextractable with CH₃COONH₄; fraction IV – residual forms (residue), i.e. the difference between the total content and the sum of three fractions I – III. The speciation analysis indicated that in all the examined soil types, the residual form showed the largest share of copper in its total content, followed by forms bounded with organic matter and, containing the smallest proportion of copper, the soluble, exchangeable and bound with calcium carbonate forms. In rendzinas and lessive soils, the content of fraction IV in the humus horizons was significantly higher than in the parent rock, whereas in Haplic Arenosols the host rock was richer in this copper form than the humus horizons.

VOLUME 14 - NUMBER 3 - SEPTEMBER 2009

Jacek Alberski, Stanisław Grzegorczyk, Adam Kozikowski, Marzena Olszewska

HABITAT OCCURRENCE AND NUTRITION VALUE OF ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM L. IN GRASSLANDS

Key words: habitat, soil category, nutrition value, Achillea millefolium.

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In 1998-2000, in the area of Olsztyn Lake District, 33 plant communities on semi-natural grasslands with a high percentage of Achillea millefolium L. were analyzed. The analyzed objects were located on very light, light, medium and heavy mineral soils. The species composition was evaluated with Braun-Blanquet method. Soil samples were collected for chemicals analyses. In dry matter of Achillea millefolium L. the content of crude protein, crude fibre, crude ash and macroelements was determined. Meadow-pasture communities with high percentage of Achillea millefolium L. in sward are floristically very valuable, particularly those located on light and medium soils. Irrespective of soil type, Achillea millefolium L. was accompanied by Poa pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Trifolium repens, Vicia cracca, Heracleum sibiricum and Taraxacum officinale. The heavy soils had a higher content of  P, K, Mg, Ca and Na, whereas very light soils contained more humus. Achillea millefolium L. contained 110-121 g kg^-1 crude protein, 249-309 g kg^-1 crude fibre and 97-123 g kg^-1crude ash, much P, K and Ca irrespective of soil type and much Mg (3.1 g kg^-1) on very light soils.

Ewa Brucka-Jastrzębska, Dorota Kawczuga, Monika Rajkowska, Mikołaj Protasowicki

LEVELS OF MICROELEMENTS (Cu, Zn, Fe) AND MACROELEMENTS (Mg, Ca) IN FRESHWATER FISH

Key words: freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L., Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, Acipenser baeri Brandt, macroelements, microelements.

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The paper evaluates the effect of culture conditions and culture site on levels of certain microelements (Zn, Cu, Fe) and macroelements (Mg, Ca) in three species of freshwater fish: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum), common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), and Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt). The study involved 90 individuals of freshwater fish aged from 6 to 12 months. Samples of blood, liver, kidney, gills, skin and muscles were collected from each fish and subjected to chemical assay of Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Fe with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry in a JY-24 Jobin Yvon apparatus. The study revealed that culture site had statistically significant impact on levels of the examined elements among the three fish species. Mg content in kidney and skin was significantly higher in carp than in sturgeon. Similar regularities were observed for Ca content in skin and Zn content in kidney. Liver and kidney levels of Fe and Cu were significantly lower in carp than in rainbow trout. Of all the three examined fish species, rainbow trout had the highest skin levels of Ca and Mg, and the highest blood level of Fe. The results indicate that culture site and culture conditions exerted significant influence on levels of macro- and microelements in freshwater fish.

Anna Iżewska

THE IMPACT OF MANURE, MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE AND COMPOST PREPARED FROM MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE ON CROP YIELD AND CONTENT OF Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd IN SPRING RAPE AND SPRING TRITICALE

Key words: manure, sewage sludge, compost prepared from sewage sludge, spring rape, spring triticale, bioaccumulation indexes.

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The aim of the research was to estimate the impact of manure, municipal sewage sludge and compost prepared from municipal sewage sludge on crop yield and content of microelements (Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni) as well as Pb, and Cd in spring rape and spring triticale and also to specify the bioaccumulation indexes of microelements in test plants. A pot experiment was set up in the Vegetation Hall of the University of Agriculture in Szczecin 2006. Manure, raw sewage sludge and compost prepared from sewage sludge with the GWDA method were used. The pot experiment was set up with the split plot method in three repetitions. Objects of the first factor were types of fertilizers (manure, municipal sewage sludge and compost prepared from sewage sludge) and objects of the second factor were the doses of individual fertilizers introduced to soil in conversion to the amount of incorporated nitrogen (85 and 170 kg N ha^-1 i.e. 0.26 and 0.52 g N per pot). The results indicate that the best yields of spring rape seeds and spring triticale grains were obtained from the object fertilized with a double dose of sewage sludge. Fertilization with manure, sewage sludge and compost prepared from sewage sludge increased the content of microelements as well as Pb and Cd in seeds and grains of the test plants. These contents did not exceed permissible values for industrial plants. The calculated bioaccumulation indexes of microelements indicate that spring rape and spring triticale were accumulating moderate amounts of manganese and zinc.

Anna Iżewska, Edward Krzywy, Czesław Wołoszyk

EVALUATION OF IMPACT OF FERTILIZATION WITH MANURE, MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE AND COMPOST PREPARED FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE ON CONTENT OF Mn, Zn, Cu, AND Pb, Cd IN LIGHT SOIL

Key words: manure, sewage sludge, sewage sludge compost , light soil.

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The aim of the research was to estimate the impact of fertilizing with manure, sewage sludge and compost prepared from sewage sludge on the content of total and soluble forms of Mn, Zn, Cu as well as Pb and Cd in light soil. A pot experiment was set up with the split plot method in 2006. The first factor objects were types of fertilizers: manure, municipal sewage sludge, compost prepared from sewage sludge. The second factor consisted of doses of manure and organic fertilizers incorporated into the soil, expressed as amounts of nitrogen (0.26 and 0.52 g N per pot). In the second year mineral fertilizing was applied in a dose of 0.30 g N pot^-1 and 0.72 g K pot^-1. Soil used in the experiment was taken from Ap level and had grain size distribution of light loamy sand. The soil was acidic (pH in 1 mol KCl dm^-3 – 5.13) and moderately abundant in available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. The content of microelements in soil before the experiment was below the permissible concentrations given in the Ordinance of the Minister of Environment of 9.09.2002 on quality standards of soils and ground (Journal of Law, 2002, no. 165 item 1359). As regards the contamination of soil with Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, the content of these heavy metals,  according to IUNG classification, was 0, which stands for natural content, although the content of Cd was raised up to Io. It has been found out that fertilizing with manure, sewage sludge and compost prepared from sewage sludge increased, in direct and successive effect, the content of total and soluble in 1 mol HCl dm^-3 forms of microelements. In the case of soil fertilized with organic fertilizers, first degree contamination with cadmium and nickel occurred (exceeding natural content in soil). The application of manure and sewage sludge, in turn, raised the content of lead. On the basis of the mean share of soluble forms in the total content in soil from objects fertilized with organic fertilizers, the microelements could be ranked as follows: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Mn > Zn in the first year of the research,  and  Cd > Pb > Cu > Mn > Zn > Ni in the second year.

Józef Koc, Marcin Duda

THE ROLE OF STORAGE RESERVOIRS IN REDUCING CALCIUM MIGRATION FROM AGRICULTURAL CATCHMENTS

Key words: storage reservoir, agricultural catchment, calcium.

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This study was conducted on a storage reservoir situated in a valley, in the lower course of the Sząbruk stream in north-eastern Poland, the Olsztyn Lakeland mesoregion. The catchment area of the Sząbruk stream consists of an agricultural and an afforested part. A storage reservoir is found in the lower part of the Sząbruk stream valley. The reservoir was built 25 years ago. It is enclosed by a dike and equipped with an outlet box. Outflows from the reservoir pass through the terminal segment of the Sząbruk stream to Lake Wulpińskie.The results of the experiment indicate that the calcium content of water evacuated from the catchment was determined by the type and intensity of catchment use, ranging from 22.3 mg Ca dm^-3 to 178 mg Ca dm^-3. The highest calcium concentrations, 113 mg Ca dm^-3 on average, were noted in the agricultural catchment connected to a drainage network; lower levels, 78.7 mg Ca dm^-3, were found in farming areas drained via ditches, while the lowest Ca content in water, 38.7 mg Ca dm^-3 on average, was determined in outflows from afforested catchments. Calcium concentrations were lower during the growing season in all studied catchment types. The calcium load discharged from the catchment dependnded on the catchment management. The highest calcium loss per area unit was observed in the drained agricultural catchment (76.6 kg Ca ha^-1 year^-1), followed by the catchment drained via ditches (56.3 Ca ha^-1 year^-1) and the afforested catchment (31.8 Ca ha^-1 year^-1). Despite the inflow of calcium-rich drainage water, calcium concentrations decreased by 11%, from 56.8 mg Ca dm^-3 to 50.3 mg Ca dm^-3, after the stream’s waters passed through the storage reservoir. An increase in Ca levels was noted in the girdling ditch. The flow of water through the ditch minimizes sedimentation, and higher quantities of Ca were supplied with drainage water. The reservoir accumulated 242.4 kg Ca per ha in the course of one year, mostly in the growing season (83%). The above indicates high involvement of biological processes. The reservoir fulfilled the role of a barrier inhibiting calcium loss from the catchment.

Jan Kucharski, Małgorzata Baćmaga, Jadwiga Wyszkowska

EFFECT OF HERBICIDES ON THE COURSE OF AMMONIFICATION IN SOIL

Key words: soil pollution, herbicides, ammonification, amino acids.

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A laboratory experiment has been performed to determine the effect of soil pollution with the herbicides: Harpun 500 SC, Faworyt 300 SL, Akord 180 OF and Mocarz 75 WG on the course of ammonification. The soil material for the experiment consisted of loamy sand of pH 6.5. The experiment comprised five replications. Soil samples in particular objects were polluted with the herbicides at rates corresponding to the dose recommended by the manufacturer: 0 – control, 1 – a dose recommended by the producer, and the rates 50-, 100-, 150- and 200-fold higher than the recommended dose. Next, nitrogen was introduced to soil in the form of L-aspartic acid, DL-alanine, L-arginine and urea in the amounts of 0 and 300 mg N kg^-1 soil. Having been thoroughly mixed with the additional substances, the soil was brought to moisture equal 60% capillary water capacity and incubated for 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours at 25ºC. The study has demonstrated that the course of ammonification depended on the type and rate of a herbicide added to soil, type of an organic compound undergoing ammonification and duration of the trial. L-arginine was ammonified most rapidly, while ammonification of L-aspartic acid lasted the longest. Among the tested herbicides, the strongest inhibitory effect on ammonification process was produced by Mocarz 75 WG, which continued to exert negative influence on mineralisation of organic substances for 36 hours. The other preparations did not have such a considerable effect on the quantities of ammonified nitrogen.

Teresa Majewska, Dariusz Mikulski, Tomasz Siwik

SILICA GRIT, CHARCOAL AND HARDWOOD ASH IN TURKEY NUTRITION

Key words: silica grit, charcoal, hardwood ash, performance, slaughter quality, turkeys.

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The objective of this study was to determine whether silica grit is a necessary dietary additive for turkeys raised in intensive production farms, and whether it can be replaced by other supplements such as charcoal or hardwood ash. The conclusions were formulated based on performance results, blood hematological and biochemical indices, the slaughter quality of turkeys, as well as on the chemical and physicochemical properties of turkey meat. The experimental material comprised 360 male Big 6 heavy-type turkeys randomly divided into 4 treatments and raised on litter until 20 weeks of age. Birds of all treatments were fed identical complete pelleted basal diets. The experimental factors were various feed supplements in each group. The control treatment was fed a diet without supplements. The diets for experimental groups were supplemented with silica grit (SG), charcoal (CH) or hardwood ash (HA) in the amount of 0.3% of the administered feed mix. Dietary supplements were administered from the first day of life until the end of the rearing period. No significant changes in blood hematological and biochemical indices of turkeys were observed. Silica grit (SG) had an adverse effect on the performance results of turkeys, while the addition of both CH and HA had a highly beneficial impact. The best results were reported in respect of charcoal. The treatment fed a diet supplemented with CH was characterized by the lowest mortality rate of 4.4%, i.e. half that observed in the control group, body weight higher by 3.9% and rearing efficiency index higher by 9.7%.

Roman Niedziółka, Krystyna Pieniak-Lendzion, Elżbieta Horoszewicz

A STUDY ON BIOACCUMULATION OF SELECTED METALS IN MEAT AND INTERNAL ORGANS OF INTENSTIVELY FED KID GOATS

Key words: goat kids, meat, liver, kidneys, bioaccumulation, elements.

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Owing to its wholesomeness and good taste, meat of goats and lambs is an increasingly more important in human nutrition. It is characterized by excellent nutritive value and high digestibility. It is also relatively rich in mineral compounds. The aim of this study has been to determine the content of some elements in muscles, liver and kidneys of male and felame kid goats, fattened to 150 day of life. The animals received full-ration mixture containing 169 g total protein and 6.0 MJ net energy. The mixture was given ad libitum and supplemented with meadow hay as bulk feed. During the whole period of fattening, the animals were kept under the conventional housing system. Samples for analysis were taken from adductor femoris muscles, liver and kidneys. The muscle tissue of the analysed male goats contained less Cd (0.002 mg kg^-1 ± 0.004) than that of the female goats (0.003 mg kg^-1 ± 0.001). In turn, the level Pb was lower in the female goats (0.019 mg kg^-1 versus 0.026 mg kg^-1 in male goats), although the difference was statistically non-significant.  In the internal organs, more Cd occurred in kidneys than in the liver, unlike Pb. The concentration Pb was higher in kidneys of the male than female goats (0.073 mg kg^-1 ± 0.02), whereas the level of this element the liver was identical in both groups (0.084 mg kg^-1). In the muscule tissue, the sex differentiated the content of Fe (p = 0.01) as well as Mg and Zn (p = 0.05). The liver accumulated not only Pb and Cd, but also Cu and Zn. The concentration Cu in the liver of female goats was higher (146.79 mg kg^-1 at p = 0.01) than in male goats by about 50 mg kg^-1. High disproportions between the sexes in the content of Fe in the liver were observed: 36.30 mg kg^-1 for female goats and 21.99 mg kg-1 for male goats (p = 0,01). In kidneys, however, the concentration of Ca was very high, particularly for female goats particularly (81.01 ± 26.55 mg kg^-1). 

Ireneusz Ochmian, Józef Grajkowski, Grzegorz Mikiciuk, Krystyna Ostrowska, Piotr Chełpiński

MINERAL COMPOSITION OF HIGH BLUEBERRY LEAVES AND FRUITS DEPENDING ON SUBSTRATE TYPE USED FOR CULTIVATION

Key words: highbush blueberry, macro-, microelements, substrates, leaves, fruit.

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In 2004-2006, an experiment was established at the Experimental Station Rajkowo belonging to the Agricultural University (West Pomeranian University of Technology) in Szczecin. High blueberry bushes were planted in an alkaline reaction (pH 7.1) heavy soil using three different substrates. The bushes were planted in trenches filled with peat, cocoa husk and sawdust. The fertilization of the plants was limited to a sole nitrogen supply (30 kg N ha^-1), because chemical analyses of both the soil and the substrates showed high and/or moderate content of other nutrients. In order to decrease cocoa husk reaction and to maintain the reaction of peat and sawdust, the bushes were irrigated with H₂SO₄ acidified water up to pH 2.5-3.5. The bed prepared of cocoa husk was characterized by the highest N (23.8 mg 100 g^-1), Zn content (51.6 mg kg^-1), and pH (5.0). On the other hand, sawdust substrate had the lowest salinity (0.35 g NaCl kg^-1). Sawdust substrate showed the highest level of Mn (56.5 mg kg^-1) and Cu (7.4 mg kg^-1) and the lowest of Ca (83 mg 100 g^-1), whereas, peat substrate showed the highest salinity (0.87 g NaCl kg^-1) and the lowest pH (3.8). The usage of cocoa husk substrate resulted in the highest content of N (23.6), K (6.9 g kg^-1) and Mn (104.5 mg kg^-1) in cv. Sierra blueberry leaves as well as N (16.0) and K (6.5 g kg^-1) in berries. The plants grown in sawdust substrate showed the highest level of Ca (1.75 g kg^-1), Cu (3.2) and Zn (12.4 mg kg^-1), in the leaves as well as S (1.7) and Cu (3.5 mg kg^-1) in berries.

Krzysztof Pakuła, Dorota Kalembasa

DISTRIBIUTION OF NICKEL FRACTIONS IN FOREST LUVISOLS IN THE SOUTH PODLASIE LOWLAND

Keywords: sequential extraction, nickel fractions, Luvisols, forest.

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Sequential extraction methods enable identification of chemical fractions of heavy metals in soil environment as well as evaluation of their availability and potential toxicity to biotic elements of a trophic chain. The study aimed at separating nickel fractions from particular genetic horizons of forest Luvisols by means of three sequential extraction methods (modified Tessier’s, Zeien and Brümmer’s as well as Hedley’s with Tiessen and Moir’s modifications methods), and to compare the metal content in four fractions: easily soluble, exchangeable, organic, and residual, along with their distribution within studied soils’ profiles. Nickel concentrations in the examined fractions varied: the largest amounts of the heavy metal (regardless of the analytical procedure applied) were found in residual fraction Fresid (mineral horizons) and organic fraction Forg (forest litter horizons – Ol), while the smallest ones occurred in easily soluble fraction F1 (all genetic horizons). Statistical processing revealed significant dependences between the four nickel fractions as well as between the fractions and selected properties of analyzed soils (except soil pH and total nickel content Nit).

Mirosław Pięta, Krzysztof Patkowski

THE CONTENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS IN TWO LAMB GENOTYPES DEPENDENT ON THE SYSTEM OF MAINTENANCE

Key words: sheep, maintenance system, lambs, genotype, macroelements, microelements.

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The aim of the study was to determine the content of macro- and microelements in the blood serum and in the longissimus dorsi muscle (Musculus longissimus dorsi – Mld) of lambs, dependent on the system of maintenance of the lambs with their mothers, the genotype and the year of research. Lambs were reared together with their mothers in two maintenance systems: indoor system in a sheep fold and outdoor system in the open air with unlimited access to pasture. The lambs were of two genotypes: PLS (Polish Lowland sheep Uhruska variety) and BCP (the synthetic prolific meat line sheep). The concentration of elements in the blood serum was estimated in the second and third month of life, as well as in the Mld, after slaughter of the lambs at a weight of 25-28 kg. The results of the study show that the mineral compositions of blood change with the lamb’s age and related method of feeding. The system of maintenance had a modifying effect on the calcium, copper and zinc content in the blood serum, especially in the third month of the lambs’ life. It was noted that the copper content in the longissimus dorsi muscle in the lambs kept with their mothers in the outdoor system was higher compared to the lambs kept indoors. A similar tendency was observed in the content of mineral elements in the blood serum and in the longissimus dorsi muscle, dependent on the genotype and maintenance system. The concentration of elements (except sodium) in the blood serum in the lambs comprised within the reference values set for adult sheep.

Janusz F. Pomianowski, Teresa Majewska, Jerzy Borowski, Wacław Mozolewski

EFFECT OF VARIOUS DOSES OF OAT ADDED TO A FEED MIXTURE ON THE CONTENTS OF SELECTED MINERALS IN TURKEY MEAT

Key words: turkey meat, mineral components, feed mixtures.

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Owing to its high protein and low fat content, turkey meat is regarded as dietetic. It also has a beneficial composition in terms of amino acid and mineral content. The study involved an analysis of selected elements: zinc, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus in breast muscles of male turkeys BIG 6 fed on fodder with various content of oatmeal (0%; 5% and 10%). The content of selected elements was determined in previously mineralised samples: zinc, magnesium and calcium – by AAS, using a UNICAM 939AAA Solar flame atomic absorption spectrometer; sodium and potassium – by flame photometry with a Carl Zeiss Jena FLAPHO 4 flame photometer, and phosphorus – by colorimetric measurement with the hydroquinone reagent at a wavelength of 610 nm. The results were processed with a single-factor analysis of variance with the Statistica 8pl computer program, and the significance of differences was determined with Duncan’s test. Oatmeal application in the analysed doses in turkey feeding has been shown to reduce the content of the elements under study in turkey meat. The differences for the analysed elements have not been shown to be statistically significant (P = 0.05), except for sodium, whose content – unlike that of other elements – grew with the oatmeal content in the fodder

Małgorzata Stanosz, Stanisław Stanosz, Andrzej Puchalski

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF FLUORIDE, MODIFIED TRANSDERMAL REPLACEMENT HORMONE THERAPY AND SUPPLEMENT HORMONE THERAPY ON UNMANAGEABLE OSTEOPOROSIS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Key words: osteoporosis, fluoride, osteocalcin, modified hormone replacement therapy, hormone supplement therapy.

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The study was conducted on 40 women in the early postmenopausal period, aged 52.3±3.1 years with primary osteoporosis unmanageable in treatment, divided into 2 groups based on a randomized list. Group I (n-20) was administered orally fluoride 0.25 mg kg-1 24 h^-1 with modified transdermal hormone therapy/HRT, and group II (n-20) was administered orally fluoride and supplement hormonal therapy (HST) in 21 therapeutic cycle. The serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC), procollagen (PICP), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), prolactin basic (PRL) and prolactin after metoclopramide (PRL/ MCP) 4 times by using radioimmunoassy methods, before treatment and after 1, 3, 12 months of treatment. Bone mineral density (BMD) L2 – L4 was determined before treatment and at 12 month with a dualenergy x-ray absorptiometry scanner (Lunar DPX-1Q). In group I women receiving fluoride and transdermal HRT IGF-1 increased significantly while the concentrations of OC and PICP significantly decreased after 3 and 12 months of treatment but no statistically significant changes in the PRL concentration occurred. In group II women receiving orally fluoride and HST, a significant decrease in the concentration of IGF-1, OC after 3 and 12 months and a significant increase in the concentration of PRL and PRL/MCP after 1, 3 and 12 months of treatment compared with the baseline values appeared. The concentration of type I procolagen (PICP) showed no statistically significant changes. Increase in bone mineral density was statistically significant L1, L2 (p < 0.05), L3, L4 (p < 0.01) compared with the baseline in the group receiving transdermal HRT. In women receiving fluoride and orally HST increase in the bone mineral density for L1 and L2 was non-insignificant, whereas for L3 and L4 it was significantly higher compared with the baseline (p < 0.05).

Adam Szewczuk, Andrzej Komosa, Ewelina Gudarowska

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT POTASSIUM SOIL LEVELS AND FORMS OF POTASSIUM FERTILIZERS ON MICRO-ELEMETAL NUTRION STATUS OF APPLE TREES IN EARLY FRUITION PERIOD

Key words: apple trees, potassium fertilizers, chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, microelements.

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The experiment was established in the spring of 1999 on grey brown podsolic soil formed from boulder clay. Apple trees of cv. Golden Delicious were planted on rootstock at 3.5 1.2 m (2381 trees ha^-1). The first factor in the experiment consisted of the levels of potassium in the arable soil layer: 120, 160 and 200 mg K kg^-1 of soil d.m., on the basis of annual chemical analyses and determined by universal method. The second factor comprised three forms of potassium fertilizers: potassium chloride (KCl-60%), potassium sulphate (K₂SO₄) and potassium nitrate (KNO₃). Each year the analyses of macro- and microelements in the soil and leaves were made. The increase in available potassium levels from 120 to 200 mg K kg^-1 of soil d.m did not have influence on the content of available forms of iron, manganese, zinc, copper and boron in the herbicide fallow strips in the tree rows or in the arable (0-20 cm) and subarable (20-40 cm) soil layers. Application of potassium sulphate fertilizer caused a significant increase in the content of zinc in herbicide strips in both soil layers compared with potassium chloride and potassium nitrate. Different potassium fertilizer forms did not cause any significant changes in amounts of available forms of iron, manganese, copper and boron. The increase in available potassium levels from 120 to 200 mg K kg^-1 of soil d.m significantly reduced the content of manganese in leaves of trees. However, no significant influence on the content of iron, zinc, copper and boron in leaves of apple trees was found.

Monika Szewczyk, Kazimierz Pasternak, Andrzej Andrzejwski, Andrzej Dąbrowski, Grzegorz Wallner

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION IN PLASMA AND TISSUES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY FOR STOMACH AND LARGE INTESTINE CANCER

Key words: magnesium, stomach cancer, large intestine cancer, hypomagnesemia, surgery.

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Digestive system neoplasms pose a serious health problem both in Poland and abroad. Neoplasms are frequently considered to be caused by impaired homeostasis in the human body. Development of neoplasms may be linked to disturbances in concentration of elements, including magnesium as a major intracellular cation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of magnesium in plasma and tissue samples taken from patients suffering from neoplasms of the stomach or the large intestine. The study involved 35 patients, including 20 affected by stomach cancer and 15 suffering from large intestine cancer. The patients were in the age rage of 36-77. The material included blood samples taken from patients before and seven days after surgery, as well as samples of cancerous and healthy tissues. The colorimetric method with a Genesis spectrophotometer was used for determination of magnesium concentration. A statistically significant difference was observed between plasma magnesium concentration in patients affected by stomach cancer and the normal range. Elevated values of magnesium concentration measured on the seventh day after the procedure as compared to the concentration before the procedure was noted, however, the difference was statistically insignificant. No significant differences were observed in magnesium concentration measured before and after the procedure, or in comparison to the normal range in patients with large intestine cancer. Determination of tissue magnesium showed that magnesium concentration was higher in cancerous than in healthy tissue. Obtained results demonstrate that magnesium homeostasis is impaired in patients, which may be important in the pathoghenesis of digestive system neoplasms.

Anna Winiarska-Mieczan

ASSESSMENT OF INFANT EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND CADMIUM CONTENT IN INFANT FORMULAS

Keywods: child, infant formula, cadmium, lead.

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Infants and little children are the highest risk group as far as the exposition to toxic metals is concerned. Newly born babies do not have effectively functioning regulatory mechanisms and the absorption of mineral elements, including toxic ones, is higher than in older children and adults. Separate, more rigorous requirements have been determined for food products for infant nutrition. Special attention is required in the case of toxic metals, including lead and cadmium, which are regarded as particularly harmful to the organism. The objective of the present work was to establish the content of lead and cadmium in powdered milk used in the nutrition of infants in the first months of their lives. Moreover, on the basis of surveys, the popularity of using milk replacement formulas was determined, as well as factors affecting this situation. All the examined preparations were labelled as “a special nutrition product”. They had been purchased in different groceries in Lublin in October 2007, all before their use-by date. The shares of Pb and Cd were marked in the samples. It was demonstrated that only two preparations did not comply with the recommendations regarding the content of cadmium, while in the other samples the maximum value was not exceeded. It was also noted that the analysed preparations were not safe for babies as far as the content of lead was concerned. At the same time, it was observed that as many as 87% babies were breast-fed, which is a positive phenomenon, whereas 40% women used combined nutrition for their children (breast feeding alternately with powdered milk). The choice of a particular preparation resulted in the first place from the doctor’s recommendations, and next from babies’ preferences and friends’ opinions.

Anna Winiarska-Mieczan, Marta Tupaj

EVALUATION OF THE MINERAL COMPOSITION OF INFANT FORMULAS

Key words: child, infant formula, mineral components.

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The composition of modified milk for babies is based on the model of breast milk. Milk replacement formulas are produced on the basis of cow’s milk so it is necessary to modify all the nutrients in order to make them resemble most closely the model. Determination of babies’ nutritional requirements is based on the knowledge of women’s breast milk, which is regarded the best possible food in the first period of infant life. The concentration of mineral elements in breast milk is low and the total content of ash amounts to 0.2 g dl^-1. The content of sodium, potassium and chlorine is three times as low as in cow’s milk. The source of individual elements for babies is their food, though some elements are provided in drinking water and supplements. Typically, mineral elements are absorbed more effectively in the periods of intensive growth. It should be remembered that the mineral elements found in breast milk are characterised by much higher bioavailability than those present in modified milk. The major requirement for modified milk to be registered and authorised for sale in Poland is the conformity of its mineral composition with international recommendations. The objective of the present work was to establish the content of mineral components in powdered milk used in the nutrition of infants in the first months of their lives. All the examined preparations were labelled as “a special nutrition product”. They were purchased in different groceries in Lublin in October 2007, all before their use-by date. The shares of Mg, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mn, Na, Fe and K were marked in the samples. It was demonstrated that all the examined milk samples contained much more Ca and Cu in comparison to recommended norms, whereas they were deficient in Mg and Mn.

Czesław Wołoszyk, Anna Iżewska, Ewa Krzywy-Gawrońska

CONTENT, UPTAKE AND UTILIZATION BY PLANTS OF COPPER, MANGANESE AND ZINC FROM MUNICIPAL SEWAGE SLUDGE AND WHEAT STRAW

Key words: sewage sludge, wheat straw, test plants, copper, manganese, zinc.

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In a two-factor pot experiment, which was conducted 2004-2005, the direct and successive impact was estimated of mixed application of different doses of municipal sewage sludge (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% d.m. of sewage sludge relative to 6 kg d.m. soil in pot) and a constant dose of wheat straw (30 g d.m. per pot), with and without supplemental mineral fertilization with nitrogen and NPK, on the content, uptake and utilization of copper, manganese and zinc by test plants. The soil used in the experiment was brown acid incomplete soil (good rye complex) and the test plant in the first year of research was grass – Festulolium, which was harvested four times, and in the second year – common sunflower and blue phacelia. In mean object samples of Festulolium, common sunflower and phacelia, content of copper, manganese and zinc was marked with the ASA method after mineralization in a mixture of nitric(V) and perchloric acid(VII). Rising doses of municipal sewage sludge with addition of a fixed dose of wheat straw, both in direct and successive effect, increased the content of copper, manganese and zinc in test plants. The increase in the weighted mean (from four swaths) content of copper in Festulolium, in comparison with the control object, varied from 8.04 to 59.8%, manganese from 21.8 to 68.8% and zinc from 19.4 to 59.1%. In the second year, the mean increase in the content of copper in common sunflower from objects fertilized with sewage sludge and straw varied from 8.7 to 30.3% and in phacelia from 6.1 to 12.6%. By analogy, the mean content of manganese rose from 23.3 to 59.5% and from 5.9 to 33.1% and the content of zinc from 33.2 to 50.3% and from 15.9 to 37.9%. Mineral fertilization with N and NPK, in comparison with the object without that fertilization, in both years of the experiment, increased the mean content of all microelements in test plants, with the increase being larger after  NPK than N fertilization. The uptake of microelements by plants from sewage sludge and straw, in most cases, was increasing along with the increase of the doses of sewage sludge. In the total uptake of individual microelements, about 2/3 were atken up by Festulolium and the remaining 1/3 by phacelia. Utilization of individual microelements from sewage sludge and straw was considerably diverse. IIn the two years, test plants utilized manganese mostly (on average 58.2%), less zinc (on average 5.54%) and to the smallest degree copper (on average 3.03%).

Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Mirosław Kucharski, Jan Kucharski, Agata Borowik

ACTIVITY OF DEHYDROGENASES, CATALASE AND UREASE IN COPPER POLLUTED SOIL

Key words: copper, enzymatic activity, tolerance index, vulnerability index, soil contamination with copper.

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Copper is a life essential element. However, in excess it can be destructive to metabolism of microbial, plant, animal and human cells. Thus, an understanding of all conditions associated with the effect produced by copper on natural environment is vital. The purpose of the present study has been to evaluate the effect of soil contamination with copper on the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase and urease as well as to determine the tolerance of these enzymes to excessive amounts of copper in soil. The variable factors of the experiment consisted of:

1)      soil type: loamy sand and sandy loam;

2)      copper pollution rate in mg kg^-1 d.m. of soil: 0, 150, 450;

3)      soil use: unseeded and seeded soil;

4)      crop species: barley, spring oilseed rape and yellow lupine;

5)      dates of enzymatic analyses: 25 and 50 day.

The results have revealed that copper pollution, within the rates of 150 to 450 mg kg^-1 d.m. of soil, significantly inhibits the activity of dehydrogeanses, urease and catalase, with catalase being the most tolerant to excessive copper, unlike dehydrogeneases, which were the most sensitive enzymes. Urease was found to be intermediate in the response to copper. Dehydrogenases, urease and catalase are the least tolerant to the inhibitory effect of copper in soil under spring oilseed rape, being the most tolerant to the pollution in soil under oats. Copper produces stronger inhibitory effect on soil enzymes in unseeded than in seeded soil. The negative effect of excess copper in soil persists and, instead of diminishing, the longer copper remains in soil, the stronger effect it yields. Dehydrognases and catalase are less tolerant to copper in sandy loam than in loamy sand, unlike urease, which was more tolerant to the pollutant in loamy sand than in sandy loam. Tolerance of plants to soil contamination with copper is a species-specific trait. Among the tested crops, yellow lupine was the least tolerant whereas spring oilseed rape was the most tolerant to copper contamination.

Elżbieta Sacała

ROLE OF SILICON IN PLANT RESISTANCE TO WATER STRESS

Key words: silicic acid, Si uptake, water stress, drought, salinity, resistance.

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Agricultural productivity is strongly affected by different abiotic stresses, among which water stress is the major environmental constraint limiting plants growth. The primary reason for water stress is drought or high salt concentration in soil (salinity). Because both of these stress factors lead to numerous physiological and biochemical changes in plants and result in serious loss in yields, there is a pressing need for finding the effective ways for increasing crops’ resistance to stress factors. One of the alternative methods involving alleviation of negative stress effects might be application of silicon as a fertiliser (root or foli