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Mid-rotation responses to fertilization of Pinus radiata D. Don plantations after the first or second thinning have been observed in research experiments in many regions where the species is grown. The practice is not however common in commercial plantations. This is probably because the effects of soil-site conditions on the magnitude and duration of tree and stand growth responses are not well understood. The effects of nitrogen (150 and 300 kg N.ha-1) and phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 kg P.ha-1) including common base fertilization of boron (8 kg B.ha-1) and potassium (65 kg K.ha-1) were evaluated in three mid-rotation P. radiata plantations after thinning. The plantations were located on sites with contrasting nutrient and water availability, sandy, granitic and red-clay sites, in south-central Chile. The magnitude and duration of growth response was site specific. After 8 years, the growth response to the highest dose of fertilization relative to the control was 57 m3.ha-1 (16%) at the granitic and 24 m3.ha-1 (14%) at the sandy site. No response to either nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizer was observed at the red-clay site. Nitrogen and phosphorus were limiting at both granitic and sandy sites, and high fertilization doses considering 300 kg N.ha-1 plus 40 kg P.ha-1 would ameliorate nutrient resource limitations and yield a cost-effective increment in stand volume.

The effect of short duration thermal treatments (60 and 65°C for 1 min) and low intensity high pressure treatments (15 and 30 MPa for 10 min) on the sprouting of potato tubers was applied individually and sequentially, as an attempt to achieve higher inhibitory effects. Thermal treatments only slightly reduced sprouting, evaluated by the number of sprouted tubers, number of sprouts per sprouted tuber, sprout elongation rate, and sprout length. The pressure treatments alone resulted in a slightly higher inhibitory effect compared to the thermal treatments alone. However, it was for the combined treatments when the highest inhibitory effect on sprouting was observed, particularly when potatoes were stored under controlled temperature and humidity conditions that promoted faster sprouting. The combined treatments versus the control led to a much lower number of sprouted tubers (50% vs 100%), number of sprouts per sprouted tuber (4 vs 20), sprout elongation rate (1.48 ± 0.24 mm/day vs 38.5 ± 2.80mm/day), and sprout length (71 mm vs 1542 mm). These inhibitory effects on sprouting can be of interest and potential for industrial application.

The aim of the study was to analyze how per os application of hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (22 nm) and lipid-coated silver nanoparticles (5 nm) affect the immune, redox, and lipid status of the blood of broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted on 60 chickens. The first group was the control (Group C). The chickens in Group II received a silver nanoparticle hydrocolloid (Ag-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day. The chickens in Group III received a lipid-coated silver nanoparticle hydrocolloid (AgL-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg BW per day. Blood for analysis was collected from 24- and 38-day-old chickens and several blood parameters were determined. The increase in phagocytosis and in the metabolic activity of leukocytes observed following per os administration of chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles differing in size and in the presence or absence of a lipid coating may indicate a developing inflammatory state in the organism. The decrease in haemoglobin content and antioxidant enzyme activity and the increase in the content of iron, bilirubin, and lipid peroxidation products are indicative of oxidative stress, although in the case of administration of AgL-nano the oxidation effect appears to be greater. Administration of silver nanoparticles to the chickens, particularly 5 nm lipid-coated nanoparticles, probably led to a disturbance in protein catabolism in the organism, which is evidenced by the decrease in the activity of the liver enzymes AST and ALT and the decreased concentration of the main protein metabolism products (creatinine and urea).

The false chinch bug, Nysius cymoides (Spinola) is a pest of sunflower attacking sunflower fields from their weedy and cultivated hosts. The effect of sunflower and wild mustard (wild host) on the life table parameters of N. cymoides was studied under laboratory conditions (24 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH, a 16:8 h (L:D) photoperiod). Data were analysed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. Developmental time (sum of incubation and nymphal periods) on wild mustard was longer than on sunflower with significant difference (P < 0.05). The adult longevity was significantly shorter on wild mustard than on sunflower. The adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP), mean fecundity and adult longevity reared on sunflower and wild mustard showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest fecundity (58.72 eggs) and the longest female longevity (68.09 days) were on sunflower and lowest fecundity (5.67 eggs) was on wild mustard. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) on sunflower was higher than that on wild mustard, as it was 0.0437 ± 0.0039 on sunflower and 0.00033 ± 0.00599 per day on wild mustard and net reproductive rate (R₀) on sunflower and wild mustard was 12.94 ± 2.77 and 1.075 ± 0.34 (offspring), respectively. The mean generation time (T) was 58.01 ± 1.59 and 56.76 ± 2.43 days, on sunflower and wild mustard, respectively. The life expectancy (e_xj), survival rate (s_xj), and cumulative reproductive rate (R_x) on sunflower were higher than wild mustard. The results showed that sunflower was more suitable host than wild mustard to N. cymoides.

This work was carried out with the objective of evaluating the ammonium (NH₄⁺) levels and emissions of ammonia (NH₃) after glyphosate application on signal grass (Urochloa decumbens). Two experiments were carried out and the following treatments were used: (1) Control - mechanic harvest with no herbicide application on signal grass; (2) Glyphosate - signal grass desiccation with the herbicide glyphosate. Ammonium (NH₄⁺); total nitrogen (N_tot) levels in plant's tissues (experiment 1) and ammonia (NH₃) emission by the plants or the soil (experiment 2) were evaluated over time, under field conditions. Signal grass desiccation with the herbicide glyphosate enhanced NH₄⁺ levels from 2-24% of the N_tot at 12 days after herbicide application. The cumulative NH₃ emission by leaves were increased from 2.8-5.3 kg/ha 30 days after herbicide application. Glyphosate application increases NH₃ losses by plant, but it does not affect the NH₃ emissions by soil, the dry mass production and N_tot in the aboveground portion of signal grass.

Horizontal structure of forest stands largely affects the competitive relationships between tree individuals and plays a significant role in the stand dynamics. The present study describes horizontal structure on nine permanent research plots (0.24-0.25 ha) in the regeneration and tree layer of autochthonous European beech (Fagus sylvatica Linnaeus) stands in the wide altitudinal gradient in protected areas in the Czech Republic and Poland. The spatial structure was classified in productive herb-rich beech sites, through acidophilic beech sites, exposed sites, to beech fragments near the timberline. The spatial pattern of tree layer was regular in the lowest parts of the altitudinal gradient of beech, random in the middle parts and aggregated in the beech forests under the hilltop phenomenon and extreme edaphic site. Nevertheless, trees in lower tree layers showed a tendency to the aggregated pattern, similarly like the strong aggregation of natural regeneration. In most cases, the parent stand had a significant negative effect on natural regeneration at a smaller distance (to 0.8-4.2 m). The spatial pattern of dead wood was mostly random. Because of the great plasticity of beech crowns, crown centroids were more regularly distributed than tree stems. The average displacement of crown centroids from the stem base was 1.5 m with the prevailing direction of 52.7% down the slope. Projected canopy cover was on average 10.7% higher compared to the canopy simulated by circular crowns.

Detailed inventory data (n = 3,930; approximately one representative sampling point per 650 ha) on soil organic carbon (SOC) to a depth of 30 cm has been used to characterize carbon content in forest soils in the Czech Republic across all altitudinal vegetation zones and forest ecological series. This data set was used to predict the most probable changes in soil carbon content in the altitudinal vegetation zones due to global warming. The mean value of the SOC content in forest soils of the Czech Republic was determined to be 62.6 ± 17.2 t.ha^-1. Under different warming scenarios the major SOC loss was observed at an altitude of 700-900 m a.s.l. Using a pessimistic emission scenario in the climatic model (i.e. predicted temperature change by +4.24°C), losses of C from forest soils in the Czech Republic, or potentially in central Europe, could be as high as 13% of the current carbon stock in forest soils.

An optimised protocol for the extraction of allergenic proteins in fish was developed. Twelve existing or modified extraction buffers were evaluated based on the amount and quality of obtained 12 kDa IgG-binding protein (major fish allergen parvalbumin) by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and ELISA. The results indicated that using DL-Dithiothreitol during the extraction process, the stability and functionality of the final extract were significantly increased. Solution 3 (containing Tris-HCl, Glycine, and DL-Dithiothreitol) yielded the highest amount of parvalbumin. The extract also induced a higher allergenic reactivity to the three tested human sera by immunoblotting. The results indicated that solution 3 provided better results in fish allergen detection and diagnosis. In conclusion, our study discovered and established solution 3 (Tris-HCl + Glycine + DTT) as the most potential buffer to overcome the conventional allergen extraction buffer and therefore it is highly recommended as a substitute optimised extraction buffer.

The aim of this paper was to quantify vertical stress distribution in silty loam soil by applying three combinations of tyre inflation pressures of front and rear wheels of a four-wheel drive tractor weighing 3560 kg. The tyres on the tractor were bias-ply, front 11.2-24 and rear 16.9-30, and inflation pressures were 67, 100, and 150% of the recommended pressure. Soil stresses were measured at 10, 30, and 50 cm depths using a stress transducer consisting of ten sensors with a 10 cm distance between sensor centres. Decrease in tyre inflation pressure resulted in a decrease of maximum soil stress at all measured depths. Tyre inflation pressures greatly influenced soil stresses measured in the topsoil. Maximum soil stress in the topsoil depth below front wheel tyres was significantly higher than that below rear wheel tyres. There were no significant differences between tyre contact areas at recommended, high, and low tyre inflation pressures.

Liquid or frozen storage of poultry semen negatively affects the sperm motility and has crucial role in reducing fertility. Phospholipids in chicken sperm membrane are composed of high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are susceptible to lipid peroxidation. One of possible ways to improve semen quality is supplementing the ration with antioxidant compounds such as melatonin. In this study, seventy-two roosters were randomly divided into three equal groups. The first group (control; Group C) was exposed to 14 h light and 10 h darkness. The second group (Group M) was exposed to the same lighting period, but in combination with melatonion supplementation (3 mg/kg body weight daily). The third group (Group L) was exposed to 24 h constant light. Semen was collected using abdominal massage and stored for 6 and 12 h at 5°C. Motility, viability, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, fertility, and hatchability were evaluated before and after storage. The results showed that the percentage of viable and motile sperms was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the control samples after 6 h storage but in Group M these parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased after 12 h. The MDA concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in Group M compared with Group C after 6 and 12 h storage. The sperm membrane lipid analysis showed that the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in Group M was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in Group C. Fertility and hatchability did not change significantly (P < 0.05) both in M and L Groups compared with C Group. Melatonin administration improved semen quality and decreased lipid peroxidation during liquid storage. It also reduced the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane lipid composition but it did not affect fertility and hatchability.

Hydrothermal carbonization is a suitable method for energy and material recovery of wet heterogeneous kitchen waste. The paper examines the ability of the process to produce stable, energy-rich material without harmful by-products from lunch leftovers, raw potatoes, creamy yogurt and raw onions. Results of the batch experiments confirm the hypothesis that waste processing results in homogenous energy-rich (> 24 MJ/kg) and carbon-rich (> 63 % wt.) material. The biochar of creamy yogurt reaches the highest lower-heating value of 31.75 MJ/kg. In terms of energy use and emission concentrations, all samples meet legal requirements for incineration in combustion devices. Phytotoxicity tests prove the harmlessness of the liquid by-product for agricultural purposes.

Acute colic in horses, especially presentations requiring surgical correction, such as large colon volvulus, very often involves defective or excess platelet activation. The PFA-100 is a new point-of-care analyser that evaluates platelet function by measuring closure time (CT) in the whole blood of healthy horses in a standardised manner. However, there are no reports on platelet function in horses with colic measured by the PFA-100. The aim of the present study was to investigate platelet function in a group of horses suffering ascending colon displacement (ACD) and who underwent surgery compared to a group of control (C) horses. Thirty ACD cases and twenty untreated clinically healthy control horses were included. Blood samples were collected from the ACD horses prior to and 24, 48 and 72 h after laparotomy. Red blood cell count (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC), total plasma protein (TP) concentration, platelet count (PLT), platelet volume (MPV) and ADP closure time (CT-ADP) were measured. CT was determined on a PFA-100® device using collagen/ADP cartridges. There were no significant differences in RBC, PLT and MPV between C and ACD horses pre-operatively. Reduced PLT was observed in the post-operative period. The mean CT-ADP of C horses was 96.43 ± 12.53 and 91.43 ± 2.51 seconds in the ACD group prior to surgery. CT-ADP was changed after surgery whereby CT-ADP time was more than doubled. We conclude that the PFA-100^® can be used to detect platelet function defects in horses.

For at least 25 years, processes involving structural changes have been growing more and more intense in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, with these processes including a decline in the number of small farms. The main aim of this paper is to present the mechanisms involved in, as well as barriers to and costs preventing the exit of farms from agriculture, including those that make it difficult to transfer production resources which are being released to other companies. This research takes the form of an overview and is based on the output of new institutional economics, and on transaction cost and rent-seeking theories in particular. The most frequent difficulties encountered in the process of exit from farming include low profitability of production and the shortage of capital among potential buyers, while the lack of sellers' financial resources and the necessity of incurring expenses related to preparing and finalising the sale of resources held by them (the actual transaction costs related to closing down farms) are frequently overlooked. The most important barriers preventing the complete liquidation of farms are the inherent transaction costs categorised as expenses, as well as the emotional costs and costs of alternatives, which are difficult to evaluate and estimate. The following notions are particularly helpful in explaining barriers to exit from farming: the concept of transaction costs and rent-seeking theory, which are both a part of the stream of thought of new institutional economics.

Relation between wheat (Triticum aestivum) nutritional status determined at the beginning of stem elongation and during anthesis, respectively, and available content of phosphorus (P-M3) and zinc (Zn-M3) determined by the Mehlich 3 extractant was studied. Both one-year pot experiment with spring wheat and two-year on-farm trials with winter wheat were run on various calcareous soils (pH values of 7.18-7.94, median 7.80, P-M3 1-289 ppm, median 54, and Zn-M3 2-14 ppm, median 4), in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). Phosphorus nutrition index (ratio of phosphorus concentration in shoot biomass to critical phosphorus concentration - P_c) was calculated using the Belanger et al.'s model: P_c = -0.677 + 0.221N - 0.00292N(2), where both phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were expressed in g/kg shoot dry matter. Unlike phosphorus concentration in shoot biomass, phosphorus nutrition index significantly correlated with P-M3 content in soil. Optimal values of the phosphorus nutrition index were recorded if P-M3 was 51-68 ppm. Zinc concentration in shoot biomass more strongly correlated with P:Zn ratio (M3) in soil compared to Zn-M3 content in soil. P:Zn ratio in shoot biomass of 130:1 did not lead to phosphorus deficiency and corresponded to P:Zn (M3) ratio in soil of 9.3:1-14.3:1.

The objective of this study was to calculate economic weights for ten current breeding objective traits and for four new traits characterising claw health and feed efficiency in Czech Holstein cattle and to investigate the impact of different selection indices on the genetic responses for these traits. Economic weights were estimated using a bio-economic model, while applying actual (2017) and predicted (2025) production and economic circumstances. For the actual situation, the economic weights of claw disease incidence were -100.1 € per case, and those of daily residual feed intake in cows, breeding heifers, and fattened animals were -79.37, -37.16, and -6.33 €/kg dry matter intake per day, respectively. In the predicted situation, the marginal economic weights for claw disease and feed efficiency traits increased on average by 38% and 20%, respectively. The new traits, claw disease incidence and daily residual feed intake, were gradually added to the 17 current Holstein selection index traits to improve the new traits. Constructing a comprehensive index with 21 traits and applying the general principles of the selection index theory, a favourable annual genetic selection response was obtained for the new traits (-0.008 cases of claw disease incidence and -0.006 kg of daily residual feed intake across all cattle categories), keeping the annual selection response of the most important current breeding objective traits at a satisfactory level (e.g., 73 kg of milk yield per lactation, 0.016% of milk fat). Claw health and feed efficiency should be defined as new breeding objectives and new selection index traits of local dairy population.

valuation of 22 dwarfing and semi-dwarfing apple rootstocks for several scion cultivars was conducted on fertile soil in the years 1995-2010. It was found that most of the new rootstocks performed similarly to M.9 EMLA with respect to vigour, yield, cropping efficiency and fruit mass. These rootstocks would not be, therefore, a good replacement for M.9 in Polish climatic conditions. The most promising rootstock was B 9 and some of its derivatives, e.g., B 146, B 396, P 59 and P 60. However, their suitability may be limited to particular cultivars grown under similar soil conditions.

A 7-year-old intact male Rottweiler dog was evaluated for recurrent dysphagia and regurgitation. Physical examination was unremarkable and routine blood works were within normal limits. Computed tomography revealed a defined lesion in the caudal mediastinum arising from the oesophagus. The lesion was excised using intercostal thoracotomy and the histological diagnosis was oesophageal duplication cyst. The dog recovered uneventfully and at a 3-year follow-up no clinical signs were reported. Although extremely rare, oesophageal duplication cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of chronic regurgitation and dysphagia associated with evidence of an oesophageal lesion.

Organic farming has become a topic that receives an increasing academic as well as popular attention. This study examines the financial differences between the organic and conventional farmers, as well as their income volatility. Based on the Student's t-test, the regression analysis and the matched-pair investigation on a sample of Czech 291 organic and 4045 conventional farmers over the period 2009-2013, the study indicates that the organic agricultural companies outperform the conventional companies in the terms of profitability. However, their asset turnover is considerably lower. No evidence of different income volatility has been found.

Sixty-five Czech Meligethes populations were tested against lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos-ethyl in 2014. In 2015, totally sixty Meligethes populations, some of which sampled also in Slovakia, were tested against the two insecticides. Adult vial tests by IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) were used for testing (No. 011 v. 3 for lambda-cyhalothrin and No. 025 for chlorpyrifos-ethyl). For each of the tested populations the LC₅₀, LC₉₀, and in 2015 also LC₉₅ values were determined for both these insecticides. Correlation analyses were made with transformed (log10 transformation) LC values. No significant correlation was recorded between the LC₅₀ values. Contrary to that, significant (P < 0.05) negative (r values for negative) correlations were recorded between the LC₉₀ and LC₉₅ values. Pyrethroid resistance in pollen beetle populations should indicate their slightly higher susceptibility to chlorpyrifos-ethyl.

Potato yields and infestation by P. infestans are related to the supply of potassium. Potassium was applied as soil fertilisation combined with split foliar applications or only as split foliar treatments at a maximum dose of 150 kg/ha K₂O in both strategies, Lord and Ditta cultivars were used. Additionally, water spraying was included as an alternative treatment in order to maintain uniform moisture in the rows of plants. Plants fertilised with foliar spraying only were more infested than plants fertilised with combined methods. The fertiliser increased the protection impact of copper treatments against P. infestans. This may suggest a possible synergistic effect in reducing the symptoms of the disease, however not always statistically significant in both cultivars. Plants sprayed with water but without soil application of fertiliser showed a statistically significantly higher infestation rate, both in Lord and Ditta cultivars, compared to plants with soil application of fertiliser but without watering.

Lighvan cheese from ewe and goat milk was produced according to a traditional protocol, and with the addition of 9 log₁₀ cfu/g fresh cells of Bifidobacterium lactis subsp. animalis. Probiotic Lighvan cheese was studied to determine the survival of B. lactis subsp. animalis and biochemical changes during 60 days of ripening of probiotic Lighvan cheese. Lipolysis level and organoleptic assessments were analysed. B. lactis subsp. animalis cells survived in cheese samples at concentrations up to 6.84 log₁₀ cfu/g for at least 60 days of storage time. The lipolysis level increased continuously until the end of the ripening period.The ripening stage was the main factor affecting the cheese sensory properties.

The article demonstrates a multilevel method of soil degradation analysis on land within South Moravia (Czech Republic (CZ)), in the Hodonín region, which is among the highest producing agricultural regions in CZ. The analysis takes a top-down approach, from a regional scale, through cadastres, to individual blocks of land. In the initial (rough) phase, selection was based on the Soil Degradation Model created for the Czech Republic, which classifies the extent of soil degradation to a cadastral level. Within the chosen region, the Čejkovice cadastre is the most burdened in terms of the combination of various degradation factors, and was therefore chosen for a further level of analysis in the form of remote sensing. The results of remote sensing and image classification identify areas with a high level of water erosion, which is the most significant degradation factor within CZ. Pedological research was then carried out in these identified areas. The results of both approaches were compared, and showed significant differences between erosional areas and depositional areas of slopes, which confirms their suitability for the given form of research and analysis. A combination of the given general (Degradation Model) and more detailed methods (erosion modelling, image classification and soil sample analysis) can find practical application in the optimization of farm production in the rural landscape.

In a two-year pot experiment, the effect of five growing media on the growth, flowering, decorative value of Pelargonium peltatum cv. Maxime as well as on their uptake of the nutrients and heavy metals were studied. The media were prepared from four composts (made from: sewage sludge 70% or 35%, potato pulp 35%, straw 30% or sawdust 30%) and peat in 1:1, V:V ratio. In the 1^st year of research 7-month-old composts and in the 2^nd year 18-month-old composts were used. Plants cultivated in 7-month-old composts showed better growth-related parameters, created more inflorescences and were more decorative than those cultivated in 18-month-old ones. The medium with compost consisting of 70% sewage sludge and 30% straw gave the best results. Composts application increased nutrients and heavy metals content in pelargonium leaves. Heavy metals content was definitely lower than the value considered toxic to plants.

The boron (B) availability and uptake were studied in relation to different phosphorus rates applied into soils in a three-year field experiment (2015-2017). The experiment was carried out at the experimental station at Humpolec (Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Czech Republic). Three rates of phosphorus (20-40-80 kg P/ha) were applied as triple superphosphate. The crop rotation was spring barley-winter oilseed rape-winter wheat. No systematic fertilization with B was used and the response of natural boron soil content to the different phosphorus supply was studied. The crop yields, B content in plants, B-uptake, and content of B (extracted by Mehlich 3 and NH₄ acetate methods) were determined. Spring barley and winter wheat B uptake was about one order of magnitude lower in comparison with oilseed rape. Significant differences in B content in soils, in crop tissues and B-uptake, were found mainly under higher phosphorus doses (40 and 80 kg P/ha). NH₄ acetate method showed better correlations between P and B contents in soils than Mehlich 3 method from the second experimental year. The P-fertilization may affect negatively the B-uptake by plants, particularly if the highly nutrient demanding crop is grown.

SYBR Green real-time or quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) is a suitable system in which to establish a multiplex method to detect allergenic ingredients in food. In this study, a triplex Q-PCR method was developed to detect trace amounts of peanut, soybean and sesame in processed food. Specific PCR primer sets were designed and the concentration of the primers used in the triplex PCR was optimised. The triplex method showed high specificity and sensitivity which were similar to those of the simplex method, and it was applied for the detection of allergenic ingredients in commercially available processed food. The results demonstrate that the developed triplex Q-PCR is a quick, reliable and efficient method for the detection of allergenic ingredients in processed food.

A prototype of electronic nose (e-nose) with the gas sensor system for evaluation of fresh chicken meat freshness was developed. In this paper a rapid, simple and not expensive system for fresh chicken meat spoilage detection was investigated that provides objective and reliable results. Quality changes in fresh chicken meat during storage were monitored by the metal oxide sensor (MOS) system and compared with the results of traditional chemical measurements. Gas sensor selection was tested for evaluation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) mainly representing meat spoilage.The study demonstrated that a correlation coefficient (R² = 0.89) between e-nose signals and traditional chemical method was high. These results prove that the developed e-nose prototype has a potential for assessing fresh chicken meat freshness and allows discriminating meat into fresh, unsafe and spoiled.

Soil microorganisms play a main role in the nutrient cycle and they also play an important role in soil health. This article studies the influence of three rates of biochar (0.5, 1 and 3%) in comparison with control (0 biochar) in two different soils (Valečov and Čistá) on soil microbiota activities. The biochar was prepared from 80% of digestate from Zea mays L. and 20% of cellulose fibres by pyrolysis (470°C, 17 min). The biochar ability to influence microbial processes in soil was determined by respiration and nitrification tests. There were no significant differences between basal respiration of control samples and biochar-amended samples. Basal respiration in the Valečov soil reached average amounts from 1.32 to 1.52 mg CO₂/h/100 g. In the Čistá soil, basal respiration reached average amounts from 1.40 to 1.49 mg CO₂/h/100 g. No significant differences were proved also in nitrification tests of both soils. Nitrifying potential was the highest in 3% rate of biochar amendment. There were no negative changes in the measured soil parameters. CO₂ efflux was not higher in biochar-amended soil.

Mehlich 3 is an extractant used worldwide for extracting bioavailable nutrients in soils; however, its extraction abilities for sulfur (S) are still not well described. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare the results of Mehlich 3 determined soil S fraction (S_M3) with the results of sulfur fractionation, mainly focusing on bioavailable S (S_av - sum of water-extractable (S_w) and adsorbed (S_ads) sulfur). Air dried soil samples from commonly used agricultural soils were chosen for the analyses. The following S fractions were determined: (i) S_w; (ii) S_ads; (iii) S_av; (iv) 1 mol/L HCl extractable (S_HCl); (v) estersulfate (S_es); (vi) organic (S_org) and (vii) total (S_tot). The median value of S_M3 (18.3 mg/kg) was similar to S_av (17.9 mg/kg). From the correlation and regression analysis it is clear that S_M3 results are in close relationship with S_av form. On the other hand, the relationships between S_M3 and organic S (including S_HCl) were very weak. Based on the obtained results it can be concluded that Mehlich 3 method has a good potential to determine bioavailable sulfur in commonly used agricultural soils. However, especially the plant response should be further studied to confirm this theory.

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential changes in intraocular pressure in spontaneously breathing dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy with capnoperitoneum. Twenty bitches undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were enrolled in a prospective clinical trial. The dogs were under general anaesthesia and were breathing spontaneously throughout the entire period of the procedure. Capnoperitoneum was then established with an intra-abdominal pressure setting of 10 mmHg. Collected data included intraocular pressure, pupil size, heart rate, respiratory frequency, systolic and diastolic arterial pressure, end-tidal CO₂, oxygen saturation of haemoglobin and tidal volume. Data were recorded 5 min before starting CO₂-insufflation (baseline), after capnoperitoneum establishment (T0), and at further 5-min intervals (T5, T10, T15, T20, T25, T30). Compared to baseline, pupil size was increased at T30 (P = 0.03) and respiratory frequency at T25 (P < 0.01) and T30 (P = 0.02). No other significant changes were found regarding intraocular pressure. Our data show that the induction of an intra-abdominal pressure of 10 mmHg for a 30-min laparoscopy with the use of medetomidine-butorfanol-propofol-isoflurane in spontaneously breathing dogs in the horizontal position does not result in any important changes in intraocular pressure or end-tidal CO₂.