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The aim of this study was to test different soil phosphorus (P) extraction methods in relation to plant P uptake. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with spring wheat. The soils were extracted with the following methods/extractants: H₂O, CaCl₂, LiCl, iron oxide impregnated filter papers (Fe-oxide P_i), Olsen, calcium-acetate-lactate (CAL), cation and anion exchange membranes (CAEM), Mehlich 3, Bray and Kurtz II (Bray II), citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite, organic P, HCl, acid ammonium oxalate, total P. Plant P uptake was in the range of the P extracted by neutral salt solutions (CaCl₂, LiCl). P extracted with H₂O, CaCl₂ and CAEM correlated best with plant P uptake over one growing season, while several established soil P test methods, including CAL, Mehlich 3 and Bray II, did not show significant correlations. When grouping the soils according to pH, the weaker extraction methods (H₂O, CaCl₂, LiCl) showed significant correlations with plant P uptake only for the low and intermediate pH groups (pH in 1 mol/L KCl ≤ 6.6), while some of the stronger extraction methods (CAL, Mehlich 3, Bray II, dithionite, oxalate, total P) showed significant correlations only for the high pH group (> 6.6) comprised of calcareous soils. It was concluded that weaker P extraction methods, especially neutral salt solutions best predict plant-available P in the short term. However, they do not perform well for calcareous (and clayey) soils and do not account for P that may become available beyond one growing season.

Monitoring of grassland dry matter yield (DMY) is important for the economy and ecosystem management, but it is a time-consuming process. Calculating the correlation between compressed height (CH) and DMY is a faster way to estimate DMY. The aim of our study was to use CH in order to predict DMY for a meadow with different fertilization management and plant species composition. Four fertilization treatments and one unfertilized control were established in a mesophilic meadow in the Czech Republic. Using a rising plate meter (RPM), CH was measured before the first and second cuts. In addition, the cover of individual vascular plant species was estimated. Significant correlations between CH and DMY were ranging from 0.41 to 0.79 for treatments without nitrogen fertilization in the first and second cuts; for treatments with nitrogen fertilization there was a significant correlation only in the second cut. According to our results, the RPM method seems to be suitable for a rough DMY estimate for meadows with coverage of about 60% grasses, 10% legumes and 30% forbs. However, considerable changes in the cover of tall forbs (e.g. Urtica dioica L.) or tall grasses (e.g. Dactylis glomerata L.) could be the main sources of DMY estimation inaccuracy.

We here report the diagnosis and surgical outcomes of a cat and three dogs with persistent right aortic arch causing oesophageal enlargement. The chief complaint in all cases was regurgitation just after solid food intake. Barium oesophagographic examinations revealed enlarged oesophaguses cranial to the heart and strictures due to arteriosus ligament constriction of the oesophagus. Surgical correction was carried out using left fourth intercostal thoracotomy and severance of the ligamentum arteriosum. The cases frequently displayed residual clinical signs and still required modified diets after a mean follow-up period of 8.6 months, but owner satisfaction was acceptable.

Farming is treated as one of the riskiest businesses. Political decisions, especially these related to the agricultural sector, may be treated as of a great importance. As a consequence, farm owners seek to diversify their sources of income and run other strategies aiming to stabilize their earnings i.e. by off-farm activities. The paper selected key groups of the determinants of the off-farm income with the aim to evaluate the current state and to propose further steps of the detailed analysis. The authors identified the mechanisms how the particular instruments influence farmers' decisions on generating the off-farm income. It may be concluded that the significance of direct payments is still very high. Subsidies generally discourage farmers from the non-agriculture employment. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics is significant, however, the strength of this impact is determined by the additional factors like the situation in the labour market. In case of environmental determinants, it should be noted that there is a limited group of factors that may be out of control by the farm operators. The value added of the article is an attempt to identify the mechanisms how the particular instruments may influence farmers' decisions on generating the off-farm income. The article finishes with the authors' recommendations for further empirical studies.

In order to establish a clear limit between protective and harmful effects of alcohol consumption, it is necessary to define patterns of consumption. However, there is no universally recognized quantitative classification for patterns of consumption by alcohol doses. This is because the pattern of alcohol consumption does not only describe how much alcohol was consumed, but also takes into account a number of boundary conditions. This review deals with variabilities in the definitions of standard alcohol doses and patterns of alcohol consumption. These terms are being discussed with respect to the benefits and harms associated with alcohol consumption as well as the risks intrinsic to studies of such a complex phenomenon as the effect of alcoholic beverages on human health.

The reflection of soil properties in the health condition of forest stands is connected with synergy of stressors that influence the forest existence. In the Krušné hory Mts. (Czech Republic, Europe) methods of full-area site mechanized preparation before reforestation were applied on existing ecotopes of the air polluted clear-cut area and the uniform relief of windrows was established. The hypothesis whether the soil in the windrows could be directly used for local cultivations as a substrate suitable for forest tree species growth was examined. The influence of three machines (digger, bulldozer and cultivator) used for the windrow cultivation was monitored in relation to soil properties. The state of the properties of prepared sites was compared with retained windrows and control plots with scarification. The effects of mechanized soil preparation before reforestation were different according to the concrete ecological factors of the given sites. The influences of individual means of mechanization on concrete soil properties were determined as locally differentiated. The windrow cultivation led to an increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC) especially due to an increase in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ content. Locally it led to the stabilization of N-NH₄ content. The optimization of soil physical properties was connected with the state of C_ox. The mechanized windrow cultivation did not optimize either C/N ratio or maximum capillary capacity (Θ_MCC) or porosity (p). The mechanized windrow cultivation in the conditions of decreased air pollution load generally appears as a good technology for revitalization of degraded sites because it provided more optimal trophic conditions for the forest tree species growth than windrows or sites with completed scarification.

Temporal changes in the concentrations of plant-available phosphorus (P) in soil (Olsen-P), total soil-P and P activation coefficient (the ratio of Olsen-P to residual-P (i.e. an approximation to total-P)) were measured in plots that received consistent inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus organic fertilizers annually. Maize and winter wheat crops were grown in rotation for 24 years. Olsen-P and P activation coefficient declined significantly in the earlier years (< 12 years) for treatments that did not include any P fertilizer, and increased over the same period for the P-fertilized treatments. The rates of change in the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient values were positively related to P balance. In the later years, the Olsen-P and P activation coefficient plateau values were positively related to the P balance.

Biosolids are organic fertilisers derived from treated and stabilised sewage sludge that increase soil fertility and supply nitrogen to crops over a long period, but can also increase the risk of nitrogen (N) leaching. In this work, spring barley was grown in lysimeters filled with soil amended with biosolids, and with and without mineral N fertilisation. Biomass and the N concentration and content of shoots and roots were determined at flowering and maturity, and the N remobilization was calculated during grain filling. Drainage water was collected and analysed for N leaching. Biosolids increased soil porosity and soil nitrate, and positively affected the growth and N uptake of barley. Compared to mineral fertilisers, biosolids produced 18% higher vegetative biomass and 40% higher grain yield. During grain filling, both N uptake and N remobilization were higher with biosolids, which increased the grain N content by 32%. Nitrogen loss in leachates was 1.2% of plant uptake with mineral fertilisers and 1.7% with biosolids. Thus, soil fertilisation with biosolids greatly benefits spring barley, only slightly increasing N leaching.

Soil structure is a key determinant of many soil environmental processes and is essential for supporting terrestrial ecosystem productivity. Management of arable soils plays a significant role in forming and maintaining their structure. Between 1994 and 2011, we studied the influence of soil tillage and fertilisation regimes on the stability of soil structure of loamy Haplic Luvisol in a replicated long-term field experiment in the Dolná Malanta locality (Slovakia). Soil samples were repeatedly collected from plots exposed to the following treatments: conventional tillage (CT) and minimum tillage (MT) combined with conventional (NPK) and crop residue-enhanced fertilisation (CR+NPK). MT resulted in an increase of critical soil organic matter content (St) by 7% in comparison with CT. Addition of crop residues and NPK fertilisers significantly increased St values (by 7%) in comparison with NPK-only treatments. Soil tillage and fertilisation did not have any significant impact on other parameters of soil structure such as dry sieving mean weight diameters (MWD), mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates (MWD_WSA), vulnerability coefficient (Kv), stability index of water-stable aggregates (Sw), index of crusting (Ic), contents of water-stable macro- (WSA_ma) and micro-aggregates (WSA_mi). Ic was correlated with organic matter content in all combinations of treatments. Surprisingly, humus quality did not interact with soil management practices to affect soil structure parameters. Higher sums of base cations, CEC and base saturation (Bs) were linked to higher Sw values, however higher values of hydrolytic acidity (Ha) resulted in lower aggregate stability in CT treatments. Higher content of K⁺ was responsible for higher values of MWD_WSA and MWD in CT. In MT, contents of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ were significantly correlated with contents of WSA_mi and WSA_ma. Higher contents of Na⁺ negatively affected St values and positive correlations were detected between Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ and Ic in NPK treatments.

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the radiation exposure level of surgeons performing C-arm guided small animal orthopaedic surgery using thermoluminescent dosimeters located inside and outside personnel shielding devices at major body parts. A prospective study was conducted to measure the radiation exposure dose of individuals in three positions (first assistant, operating surgeon and anaesthesiologist) using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed inside and outside protective devices. The lead equivalent protective devices included panorama mask, thyroid shield, apron and arm shield placed at five anatomic sites (eye, thyroid, breast, gonad and hand). Radiation exposure was measured during 12 surgical procedures with mean kVp of 51 and mean mAs of 1.6. The equivalent doses for thyroid, breast and gonad (outside/inside in mSv) were 1.75/0.58, 2.01/0.13 and 3.03/0.11, respectively, for the first assistant and 1.69/1.46, 4.82/0.35 and 5.25/0.22 for the operating surgeon. The dose of eye, thyroid, breast, gonad and arm for the anaesthesiologist were 0.61/0.51, 0.35/0.3, 0.67/0.34, 0.72/0.29 and 0.62/0.35, respectively. The exposure dose to gonads outside the lead protection showed the highest values in all participants. With lead protection, there was a significant reduction in the exposure dose to the gonads (first assistant, 96%; operating surgeon, 96%; anaesthesiologist, 60%). These results suggest that a radiation shield is essential in veterinary surgery with C-arms, particularly for gonad protection. In addition, these results demonstrate that exposure dose decreases with increasing distance from the C-arm machine.

Soils of forest ecosystems can release or consume methane (CH₄) depending on their specific hydrological regime. Our study reported the consumption of CH₄ by soil in a lowland broadleaf mixed temperate forest in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). The motivation of our study was to determine the importance of CH₄ fluxes in context of carbon dioxide (CO₂) fluxes of a broadleaf mixed forest. CH₄ and CO₂ emissions from the soil were measured during the 2016 vegetation season on a long transect applying the chamber technique. The average daily consumption of atmospheric CH₄ by the forest soil ranged from 0.83 to 1.15 mg CH₄-C/m²/day. This consumption of CH₄ during summer and autumn periods was not significantly affected by soil temperature and soil moisture. However, during spring period the consumption of CH₄ was positively significantly affected by soil temperature and moisture. Estimated amount of carbon (CH₄-C) consumed by the forest soil makes up a very small part of carbon (CO₂-C) participated in the ecosystem carbon cycle.

The influence of the cultivation of a single crop (potato or winter rye) on mite assemblages was evaluated. Both crops were cultivated in a long-term monoculture (90 years). The response of mites to fertilisation treatment (mineral with manure or mineral alone) was also studied. It was hypothesised that the density of mites as a community and the density of particular mite groups are higher in winter rye crop in comparison with potato. Secondly, the fertilisation with manure is more beneficial for mites than the use of mineral fertilisers alone, both in winter rye and potato crops. Results showed significantly higher mite abundance in potato, mainly due to Prostigmata dominance. Oribatida and Gamasida groups were significantly more numerous in winter rye. The fertilisation type, except for the suborder Astigmata, had no significant influence on the mite community.

Clonal propagation is widely used for Acacia breeding and commercial planting. When a large number of clones are handled, problems with mixings are commonly confronted. Detection of admixture in Acacia clones based on morphology particularly at seedling stage is not feasible. However, molecular markers are commonly used to test the genetic fidelity of planting materials. This paper reports the detection of mislabelling in Acacia clonal progenies using a sequence tagged microsatellite (STMS) genetic marker system. Progenies from two mapping populations were clonally propagated and field planted for phenotypic and genotypic evaluation at three locations in Malaysia: (a) Forest Research Institute Malaysia field station at Segamat, Johor, (b) Borneo Tree Seeds and Seedlings Supplies Sdn, Bhd. (BTS) field trial site at Bintulu, Sarawak and (c) Asiaprima RCF field trial site at Lancang, Pahang. During field planting mislabelling was reported at Segamat, Johor and similar was suspected for Bintulu, Sarawak. Screening revealed mislabelling events in both populations. A total of 18.52% mislabelling incidences were detected from both sites, of which 17.39% of mislabelling was detected for fibre length cross and 20% for wood density cross. The assignment test efficiently reestablished the mislabelled ramets to the respective clones. Future studies should be focused on the utilization of a higher number of markers, e.g. SSR or SNPs to increase a discrimination power. A high number of SNPs can be generated within a short period of time compared to SSR, but SNPs could be cost inhibitory. Multiplexing microsatellite combinations along with sample bulking will further reduce the processing time when screening large populations. The use of assignment test would efficiently assign mislabelled individuals to the respective clones. It is concluded that checking for mislabelling is imperative for future breeding and for analyses such as QTL mapping where a correlation between genotypic and phenotypic data is determined.

A nine-year-old, female Shih Tzu dog was referred to Chonnam National University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with a non-weight bearing lameness, pain in the right forelimb, increased appetite, and dermatological changes. A complete transverse fracture of the right ulnar trochlear notch was detected on survey radiographs. Cushing's disease was diagnosed using the adrenocorticotropic hormone test. The fracture site was repaired using an intramedullary (IM) pin, a 2.0 miniplate and screws, and 1 mg of bone forming peptide-1 (BFP-1) was applied to the fracture site. Post-operative radiographs were performed immediately, and at two and 17 weeks after the first surgery. After the first surgery, the patient fell from the bed, and the IM pin was broken. Thus, a second surgery was performed, and the broken IM pin was removed. To stimulate bone healing, we applied Matrigel containing 3 mg of BFP-1 to the fracture site 20 weeks after the first surgery. A narrowed fracture gap was seen radiographically three weeks after the second surgery, and a hard callus was observed on the cranial fracture line at eight weeks. Bone mineral density at the fracture site increased at 16 weeks. Gradual fracture healing was observed on radiographs over the 35 week period following the second surgery.

Genetic variation within and among fifteen Trifolium species represented by 157 accessions was assessed using morphological and isozyme markers. Most of morphometric characters contributed to the discrimination of the species. No significant relationship between the environment of the collection site and morphological features was detected. The two isozyme systems analysed, esterase (EST) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), proved polymorphic. Phenotype diversity of isozyme markers ranged from 0.07 to 0.61 with an average of 0.31 based on the polymorphic information content. The pairwise Jaccard's similarity coefficient ranged between 0.10 and 0.60, indicating that the collection represents genetically diverse species. A considerable number of species-specific zymograms were detected which can be used for the species identification. The clustering pattern of isozyme markers was incongruent with the groupings based on quantitative traits. The rich isozyme variability present among the Algerian clover species indicates that they can provide good gene resources for breeding.

The usefulness of compression anastomotic clips (CAC) for small bowel anastomosis in animals was evaluated. Implants made of nickel-titanium alloy (NiTi) in the form of elliptical double-coil springs with one-way and two-way shape memory were applied. The studied animals were subjected to jejunal resection and side-to-side bowel anastomosis with the use of CACs. The experiment was conducted on 10 pigs divided into three groups. The speed and ease of the surgical procedure, implant excretion time and leak tightness were evaluated by macroscopic observations and X-ray examinations. Tissue samples from the anastomotic site were subjected to histopathological analysis. The applied method was characterised by tight connections between fused tissue, the absence of complications and ease of use. The results of the study indicate that shape memory NiTi clips are a promising tool in veterinary gastrointestinal surgery.

This project used the recorded machine utilisation of two machines (harvester and forwarder) by MultiDATs in pine plantations of Southern Tasmania (Australia) to verify the impact of site conditions on utilisation rates over a long study period. The parameters of site conditions included type of forest operations, stand age, site productivity, ground slope and forwarding distance. The correlation ratio between each parameter and machine utilisation was low and not significant at a significance level of 0.05. Harvester's utilisation rate varied from 48.6% to 100.3% while it averaged at 77.3%. Forwarder's utilisation in this case varied from 47.8% to 96.5%. The average rate for forwarder in this study was 81.1%. The long-term machine utilisation rates can be applied by the operation management to control the current level of machine utilisation and to calculate the machine hourly cost accurately to obtain unit harvesting costs.

Soil properties can be affected by heavy equipment used for skidding but these impacts vary greatly with site conditions and operational practices. We assessed the effects of ground-based skidding on site disturbance and soil physical properties. We also tested the effects of skid trail slope and traffic frequency on soil compaction, total porosity, and moisture content. On average, about 30% of all harvested area was disturbed to varying levels. Intact forest floor (undisturbed) and light slash were the dominant surface conditions, covering an average of 68.9% of harvested area. Deep disturbed soils accounted for only just over 1.1% of observations. Results showed that dry bulk density, total porosity and moisture content were affected considerably on skid trails by traffic frequency and skid trail slope. Measurements of soil properties in the surface layer (0-10 cm) showed that bulk density is 57% higher and total porosity is 31% lower on the skid trail compared to the undisturbed area. Average moisture content has been measured as 35% on the skid trail versus 47% in the undisturbed area.

We developed optimal models for predicting the aboveground biomass of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) applicable to the national forest inventory data of the Czech Republic. The models were based on a data set of 81 beech trees collected in 19 stands that represent a wide range of stand and site conditions. The relationship between biomass and tree dimensions (diameter D, height H) was modelled using non-linear regression equations with one (D) or two (D, H) independent variables and two or three parameters (D2, DH2, DH3 models). Subsequently additional predictor variables, i.e. tree age, site index and altitude, were added to the basic models. The inclusion of tree age (T) and altitude (A) in the basic DH2 model resulted in the best model for aboveground biomass (DH2AT model). The altitude (A) and site index (S) were important predictors for stem biomass estimate (DH3AS model). Similarly, branch biomass was predicted in the best way by four-variable model DH2AS.

The changes of soil pH in long-term 14-year field experiments with different fertilizing systems are described. The field experiments were located at four sites of the Czech Republic with different soil and climatic conditions (Červený Újezd, Hněvčeves, Lukavec, and Prague-Suchdol). At each site, the same fertilizing systems and crop rotation (potatoes - winter wheat - spring barley) were established. Six experimental treatments were applied to crop rotation: (1) unfertilized treatments (control); treatments with organic fertilization: (2) farmyard manure (FYM), (3) sewage sludge (SS); treatments with mineral fertilizers: (4) nitrogen (N), (5) nitrogen with straw application (N + straw), and (6) nitrogen with phosphorus and potassium (NPK). The long-term effect of fertilizers significantly depends on soil conditions. At the site Prague-Suchdol minimal differences in the soil pH were observed by all treatments. This is caused by the high buffering capacity of Chernozems against the soil acidification. At Červený Újezd (Haplic Luvisol), Hněvčeves (Haplic Luvisol), and Lukavec (Stagnic Cambisol) sites, soil pH decreased by all treatments. Only at Hněvčeves site the soil pH did not change with N treatment. The highest soil pH decrease in the treatment with NPK (ΔpH -0.89) and N + straw (ΔpH -0.70) was observed at Hněvčeves site. By the treatments FYM and SS the highest decrease was registered at Červený Újezd (ΔpH of about -0.30 and -0.63, respectively). The highest decrease in control treatment (ΔpH of about -0.63) was observed at Lukavec site. The results showed that to evaluate long-term soil pH changes a whole complex of factors must be examined.

A young speckled alder (Alnus incana [L.] Moench) stand was planted on a tract clear-felled due to air pollution and located on a summit plateau of the Jizerské hory Mts. (Central Europe, Czech Republic) at an altitude of 950 m a.s.l. The aim of the experiment was to test the suitability of Alnus incana to form preparatory stands covering the site and thus enabling the reintroduction of more sensitive target species. A potential of Alnus incana to respond to slow-release fertilizing was tested as well. The control treatment showed sufficient growth dynamics, nevertheless, the fertilization significantly promoted the growth (documented by height, height increment and stem-base diameter). If some limitations of alder such as high light requirements are respected, the speckled alder can be recommended as a suitable species for preparatory stands even in the 7^th and 8^th altitudinal (vegetation) zones, especially when fertilized.

β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is the dominant non-casein whey protein found in milk of bovine and of most ruminants. The amino acid sequence of β-LG along with its 3-dimensional structure illustrates linkage with the lipocalin superfamily. Preliminary studies in goats indicated that milk yield can be influenced by polymorphism in genes coding for whey proteins. The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the incidence of functional polymorphisms in the exonic and intronic portions of β-LG gene in native Saudi goat breeds (Ardi, Habsi and Harri). Blood samples were collected from 300 animals (100 for each breed) and genomic DNA was extracted using QIAamp DNA extraction kit. A fragment of the β-LG gene from exon 7 to 3' flanking region was amplified with pairs of specific primers. Subsequent digestion with Sac II restriction endonuclease revealed two alleles (A and B) and three different banding patterns or genotypes, i.e. AA, AB, and BB. The statistical analysis showed that β-LG AA genotype had higher milk yield than β-LG AB and β-LG BB genotypes. Nucleotide sequencing of the selected β-LG fragments was done and submitted to GenBank NCBI (Accession Nos. KJ544248, KJ588275, KJ588276, KJ783455, KJ783456, KJ874959, and KP269078). Two already established SNPs in exon 7 (+4601 and +4603) and one fresh SNP in the 3' UTR region were detected in the β-LG fragments with designated AA genotype. The exonic SNPs, i.e. +4601 (G/A) and +4603 (G/C), were found within the Sac II restriction site and accountable for generating the AA genotypic patterns. Hence, the allele characterized by the substitution G>A has been sub-designated as AA^A, while the one characterized by the substitution G>C as AA^C. The polymorphisms in exon 7 did not produce any amino acid substitution.

The individual tree growth models are important decision-making tools in forestry. Age dependent and age independent individual tree basal area growth models were developed for Chir pine (Pinus roxberghii Sarg.) in one of the western districts, Rukum district, in Nepal. Data from thirty-five destructively sampled trees, which were representative of all possible stand densities, site productivities, age classes, and size classes of Chir pine forests in the district, were used. Sample trees were felled and diameters and ages were measured on the cut surface of the stump (at 30 cm above the ground). Since measurements from the same stump of a tree were strongly correlated, the autoregressive error structure modelling approach was applied while specifying the model in order to reduce bias. All parameter estimates of the models were significant (P < 0. 01) and the models described most of the variations of basal area growth (R²_adj > 0.86). Residual graphs showed no serious systematic bias for all observed age classes and diameter classes. The age independent growth model showed relatively better fit statistics (R²_adj = 0.8751, RMSE = 4.8494) than its age dependent counterpart (R²_adj = 0.8668, RMSE = 5.0158). Because of being more precise and simpler, the age independent model is recommended to apply to both even-aged and uneven-aged stands of Chir pine in the district.

In field experiments over three vegetation periods (2010-2012) we studied impact of the CULTAN (controlled uptake long term ammonium nutrition) method on yield and yield parameters of kernel maize. The field experiments were conducted at three sites with different soil-climatic conditions. CULTAN treatments were fertilized once with the total amount of nitrogen using an injection machine (at the canopy height of 20 cm) and compared to conventional fertilization with calcium ammonium nitrate application at pre-sowing preparations. In all treatments the amount of nitrogen was the same, 140 kg N/ha. In 2010 at Humpolec site, CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate + inhibitor of nitrification treatment gave by 20.5% higher number of ears compared to CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate treatment. In 2011 at Ivanovice all CULTAN treatments reached statistically significantly higher number of kernels per ear. The higher 1000 kernel weight at CULTAN treatments was observed in 2012 at the Ivanovice site; a statistically significant difference between conventional and CULTAN urea ammonium nitrate + inhibitor of nitrification treatment was observed. Fertilization of maize with nitrogen using the CULTAN method under the conditions of the Czech Republic provides the same yield certainty as the conventional surface application and the CULTAN method of fertilization increases the yield certainty at delayed sowing. Harvest index was statistically significantly influenced by year, fertilization treatment and site.

Soildegradationis aserious and widespread problemin Albania. Itmanifests itselfin manyformsandcauses arange ofeffects. The aim of this study was to analyze the economic losses from soil erosion and compaction in relationship to agriculture in Albania. On-site effects of these two degradative processes affect farmers directly through reducingproductionand increasingthe costsof farming. Calculation ofeconomic losses was performed by using the replacement and lost production methods. According to our assessments, the wheat and maize yield losses due to the soil compaction are112 164 tons or US$ 40.2 million, and the plant nutrient losses due to the water erosion are 69 609 tons or US$ 98million. Economic losses from the erosion and compaction in the agricultural area in Albania are at least US$ 138.2 million per year or about 5.5% of the agricultural GDP. Based on the assessed economic losses from soil degradation, it can be concluded that the soil conservation in Albania is economically viable.

The Bulgarian Grey Cattle (BGC) and Shorthorn Rhodopean Cattle (SRC) are indigenous breeds from the Balkan Peninsula region. The Balkans, as part of Southeast Europe, is a crucial civilization crossroad of cultures, people, and livestock. This region is considered the civilization "cradle" of prehistoric times (around 6500 BC). The aim of the present study is to reveal the genetic profile and population structure of BGC and SRC according to displacement loop control region. The results showed that these ancient cattle breeds belong to the common T1, T2, and T3 haplogroups. Within the BGC population the T3a sub-haplogroup was predominant (about 80% - 31/39) with haplotypes BGC-4.1 (33% - 13/39) and BGC-4.2 (about 40% - 16/39). Mitochondrial DNA analysis of SRC population showed a heterogeneous structure consisting of five basic haplo- and sub-haplogroups, all based on twelve haplotypes with equal frequencies. Based on 173G polymorphic site newly named sub-haplogroup T3c was proposed. A detailed comparative analysis with other Balkan cattle populations was performed. Data showed multiple haplotype mtDNA profile with no phylogenetic relationships within.

Two forested catchments in the Bohemian Forest (Šumava Mts.) were investigated according to the species composition of herb layer and aboveground plant biomass. The bark-beetle gradation was observed in the Plešné Lake catchment during this study. The community dynamics depends mainly on the altitudinal zone of the site. Variability in the species composition was more pronounced in the sites of natural broadleaved mixed forests than in the sites of natural Norway spruce forests. Three processes were recorded after the tree layer damage: tree regeneration (very rapid), appearance of some species typical of the clear-cuts (only limited, mainly after windthrows) and disappearance of some species (limited, probably for a short time only). The aboveground biomass was variable. Some relations to the canopy decline were observed for Vaccinium myrtillus. The stock changes depend on the population features of this species and can differ (increase or decrease) according to individual localities.

Effects of floral herbivory (grazing flowers) by slugs on production and quality of seeds of herbaceous plants have been rarely quantified. We studied consequences of grazing by an invasive slug Arion lusitanicus (Mabille) for inflorescences of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wiggers). In May 2008, a grassy site in Prague-Ruzyně (Czech Republic) was densely populated by dandelion inflorescences. Of the 40% of the flowers grazed by the slug, 70% died before seed dispersal and seed was eaten from 10% of the closed mature inflorescences. Viability of seeds from inflorescences that survived slug grazing was not affected. In addition to seedling predation, grazing of flowers may be an important source of dandelion mortality at sites where this slug is abundant.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the impacts of different logging intensities after five years from logging including non-logged, low (3.4 felled stems per hectare), medium (5.2 felled stems per hectare) and high (7.1 felled stems per hectare) treatments on stem density, basal area, canopy cover, and forest biodiversity indices. The study area was located in northern Iran. Data was collected on a set of 120 circular plots with 5 m radius from both non-logged and logging areas. Stem density, basal area, and percentage of canopy cover were measured. Biodiversity study was done by measuring two diversity indices including Simpson's and Shannon-Wiener's, two richness indices including Margalef's and Menhinick's and two evenness indices including Pielou's and Hill's indices. The results indicated that the treatment with the medium logging intensity was found to cause the highest amount of positive effects on stem density, basal area, and biodiversity indices. It is concluded that harvesting intensity should be limited to a medium level (approximately 5 felled trees per hectare) during each logging operation to improve forest biodiversity indices.

Sugar beet yield loss was predicted from early observations of weed density, relative weed cover, and weed biomass using non-linear regression models. Six field experiments were conducted in Germany and in the Russian Federation in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Average weed densities varied from 20 to 131 with typical weed species compositions for sugar beet fields at both locations. Sugar beet yielded higher in Germany and relative yield losses were lower than in Russia. Data of weed density, relative weed cover, weed biomass and relative yield loss fitted well to the non-linear regression models. Competitive weed species such as Chenopodium album and Amaranthus retroflexus caused more than 80% yield loss. Relative weed cover regression models provided more accurate predictions of sugar beet yield losses than weed biomass and weed density.