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The purpose of this work was to evaluate hydrocephalic ventricular changes using three quantitative analysis methods. The height, area and volume of the ventricles and brain were measured in 20 Yorkshire terriers (10 normal and 10 hydrocephalic dogs) using low-field MR imaging (at 0.2 Tesla). All measurements were averaged and the relative ventricle size was defined as a percentage (percent size of the ventricle/size of the brain). The difference between normal and hydrocephalic dogs was statistically significant for the average of each ventricle as well as for the percentage value. Five hydrocephalic symptoms were identified: circling, head tilting, seizures, ataxia, and strabismus. With respect to height, area and volume of the brain/ventricle, the difference between normal and hydrocephalic dogs was not significant. The ventricle/brain with height (1D) was related to the area (2D) and volume (3D). The correlations with area and volume were as good as the ventricle/brain height ratio in the case of hydrocephalic dogs. Therefore, one-, two- and three-dimensional quantitative methods may be complementary. We expect that the stage of hydrocephalic symptoms can be classified if statistical significance for ventricular size among symptoms is determined with the analysis of a large number of hydrocephalic cases.

The aim of this study was to compare the degree of root rot damage in two large complexes of Norway spruce stands established on former agricultural land at fertile sites. The root rot infection was observed on the stump cutting area on both intended and salvage clear fellings. Stands in Kružberk area in the Nízký Jeseník Mts. established on arable land showed very poor stability and large root rot damage at the age of 40-50 years. In contrast, stands in Lužná area in the Javorníky Mts., founded on former sheep pastures, were markedly much less damaged at the age of 90-110 years and proved to be able to provide quality timber, although they were damaged by the root rot as well.

Twenty fungal species were isolated from sclerotia of ergot (Claviceps purpurea) originating from rye. In in vitro tests with the anamorphic stage of ergot (known as Sphacelia segetum) high mycoparasitic activity was exhibited only by two of them - Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum, moderate mycoparasitic activity was detected in Ulocladium sp., Clonostachys catenulata, Trichoderma hamatum, and Trichothecium roseum. In in vitro tests of mycoparasitic activity with sclerotia of the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum their rapid and total destruction was brought about only by the fungi Clonostachys rosea and Trichoderma harzianum. The viability of overwintering ergot sclerotia in the soil was influenced by their placement, age, depth of placement and treatment with a conidial suspension of the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The highest viability values were reported in fresh one-year-old sclerotia. In two-year-old sclerotia their viability was reduced and their sensitivity to microbial activity was higher. The sclerotia aged 3 years or more did not germinate and were all microbiologically degraded in the soil. More than 80% of degradation of sclerotia which were 1 to 2 years old was caused by the fungus Clonostachys rosea. The degradation of sclerotia aged 3 to 4 years was brought about by bacteria, soil edafauna (mites, nematodes) and fungi of the genera Trichoderma, Fusarium, Clonostachys, etc.

A study was conducted (I) to determine rumen degradability (in sacco) of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of the most important grass species grown in the Czech Republic, (II) to compare grass species (n = 5) according to calculated degradation parameters, and (III) to establish prediction equations for degradation parameters from chemical composition. Forty samples of the most important grass species (Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Festuca arundinacea, Felina hybrid) were harvested in 2004 and 2005 and analyzed for chemical composition, and DM and NDF in sacco degradability. Results from the in sacco method were used to calculate DM and NDF degradation parameters. Linear and stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to develop prediction equations for DM and NDF degradation parameters from nutrient concentrations. The highest DM and NDF degradation parameters were found for Lolium perenne. DM and NDF rumen degradation parameters were successfully predicted from chemical composition, with a single predictor adequate for most parameters. For all parameters R²-values increased with addition of more predictors into regression equations. Effective degradability (ED) of DM calculated at a rumen outflow rate (k) of 0.05 h^-1 was the best predicted by NDF (R² = 0.878), and ED of NDF at k = 0.02 h^-1 by crude protein (CP) (R² = 0.653).

The use of antimicrobial growth promoters has been banned in the EU. This has created an interest in alternative strategies to prevent an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota and the potential development of intestinal disorders in livestock. Essential oils (EOs) have been known to exhibit antimicrobial activity against specific microbial species and could therefore be considered one such alternative in controlling the intestinal microbial population. Under anaerobic conditions, the tested Clostridium perfringens strains were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) to carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, limonene, thymol, particularly at the higher concentration tested (500 mg/l) and to oregano oil, rosemary oil and thyme oil. Streptococcus epidermis was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most EO's tested, also mainly at the higher concentration. The tested Salmonella serovars were found to be sensitive (P < 0.05) only to high (500 mg/l) concentrations of the tested EOs. Escherichia coli was sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l). Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri were less sensitive (P < 0.05) to most of the tested EOs, while Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis and L. fermentum were relatively sensitive also at lower concentrations (5 and 50 mg/l), although growth reduction by EOs of these bacterial species was less then with the antimicrobial growth promoter avilamycin. With the exception of Salmonella and E. coli, all tested microbes were sensitive to avilamycin. Selected EOs seem to have the advantage of inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens while only moderately influencing beneficial members of the intestinal microbiota. This difference in sensitivity may strengthen the microbiota and contribute to improved animal health.

A natural poisoning case caused by ingestion of Paspalum paspaloides (Michx.) Scribner infected by Claviceps paspali in a bovine herd in Huelva (Spain) is described. This kind of intoxication, frequently described in South Africa and America is rare in Europe and this is the first description in Spain. Clinical signs, which affected 23 calves out of a total of 130 animals, consisted in a nervous syndrome characterized by tremor, hyperexcitability, incoordination, ataxia, depression and paralysis, signs that were aggravated when animals were subjected to certain types of exercises. The most relevant lesions were detected in the brain and consisted in microhaemorrhages diffused through the parenchyma of the brain, neuronal degeneration, satellitosis, neuronophagia, gliosis, and moderate neuropil degeneration in the peripheral zones of the brain.

The composition of high molecular weight (HMW-GS) and low molecular weight (LMW-GS) glutenin subunits was examined in a collection of 86 Czech registered winter wheat varieties. These proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An inter-varietal polymorphism of the HMW and LMW glutenin subunits was detected. Twenty-one different patterns for HMW were identified, and eighteen for the LMW-glutenins. The different alleles encoded at the six glutenin loci were determined. Three, six, and four alleles were observed, respectively at the Glu-A1, Glu-B1, and Glu-D1 loci (encoding high HMW-GS). Three, eight, and three alleles of LMW-GS were found, respectively, at the Glu-A3, Glu- B3, and Glu-D3 loci. The evaluated varieties were split into four categories of baking quality, and these variety groups were analyzed for the presence of different HMW-GS and LMW-GS alleles. While the alleles Glu-B1c (7+9), and Glu-D1d (5+10) were detected exclusively in bread wheat varieties, the alleles Glu-B1d (6+8), Glu-D1a (2+12), and Glu-A3e/f only occurred in those varieties that are not suitable for bread-making.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic (cattle manure) and inorganic fertilizers [composite NPK (15:15:15)] and natural zeolites on soil properties, vegetative growth and yield of apple plants grown on vertisol under Cacak conditions (Western Serbia). The results showed that the combined fertilization induced a decrease in acidity, an increase in humus content, a partial increase in total nitrogen (NTOT), and, primarily, a rise in available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels. A highly significant (P < 0.01) interactive effect of the apple cultivars and nutrients on one-year-old shoot length and trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and a significant effect (P < 0.05) on yield per tree and yield per hectare were determined.

In Europe, Rumex obtusifolius L. is the most problematic grassland weed species, especially under the conditions of organic farming. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the effectiveness of repeated mechanical weeding of R. obtusifolius from the permanent sward, cut two or three times per year, by digging the plants out from 5 cm below the soil surface, and (2) to test the effect of nutrient availability on the effectiveness of mechanical weeding. In 2007, the manipulative experiment was established on permanent grassland infested by R. obtusifolius using the following fertilizer treatments: control, P, N, NP and NPK. Plants of R. obtusifolius were removed eight times during three vegetation seasons. No significant decrease in the density of R. obtusifolius was recorded after three vegetation seasons and density was not significantly affected by fertilizer treatment. The cover of R. obtusifolius decreased slightly, but significantly, over the study period from 7.5% to 4.5%. The cover of R. obtusifolius was only marginally affected by fertilizer treatment. Mechanical weeding by digging the plants out from 5 cm below the ground is not a sufficient method of control for R. obtusifolius in infested fertile grasslands, even when applied eight times during three vegetation seasons.

The goal of this study was to compare the growing degree-days (GDD) and predictive equations for alfalfa quality (PEAQ) for the prediction of lucerne quality and to test their accuracy and suitability in the first cut period in Central Bohemia. Several additional stand parameters were verified in order to increase the accuracy of the quality estimate under these environmental conditions. In 2004-2007, the measurement and sampling were repeatedly realized from the late vegetative to the early bloom stage in six replications. For the GDD model across the years, the obtained R² for NDF, ADF and CP were 0.40, 0.57 and 0.65, respectively. It seems that the forage quality response to accumulated GDD was related to the stand development and it could be the reason for low R² across all the years. For the PEAQ model, R² were 0.62, 0.92, and 0.85, respectively. Similarly like in the GDD model, the effect of stand development across the years on changes in the slopes of equations was observed. The accuracy of the model combination was not higher in comparison with the PEAQ model. The count of stems per plant, density of stems per m², dry matter yield and average stem weight improved the NDF content prediction within a four-year period. In these models, variables which represent the stand development should be taken into account.

In March 2010, a 3.5-month-old Korean native calf was anatomized and two nematode worms were detected in the thoracic cavity. The worms were identified and classified by light and scanning electron microscopy on the basis of features at the anterior and posterior parts of the worms. The worms were female Setaria digitata and Setaria marshalli and numerous eggs which contained microfilaria were detected in the uterus of both species. The body lengths of the S. digitata and S. marshalli were 78 mm and 117 mm, respectively. Mosquitoes act as the vector for Setaria nematodes but these are inactivated in winter in Korea. Therefore, we concluded that this case represented setariasis with congenital infection occurring during the summer prenatal stage of life.

The paper shows difficulties in the evaluation of the forest status when considering forests with different height structure (uneven-aged forests). It is the main problem in categorizing such forests. Concerning the actual forest management conception in Slovakia, it is assumed that the area of forests with close-to-nature management system will increase. It leads to more structured forests, as for the tree species, age, height, as well as the spatial structure. The typical vertically homogeneous forests account for only 50% of all Slovak forests, according to results from the National Forest Inventory in Slovakia (NFI SR). During the processing of NFI data the stands were divided into 2 classes as follows: (i) vertically homogeneous stands, which are classified into nine growth stages; (ii) vertically heterogeneous stands, which are classified into two growth stages (lower and advanced), and stands in the process of regeneration. New approaches are not based on the visual subjective estimation of forest homogeneity, but on objective analyses of measured values from inventory plots (tree heights, diameters, and age). The paper shows a new approach to the classification of forest stands on an example of the variability of measured heights on inventory plots from NFI.

The article describes the concentration process, structural changes and competitiveness in the German agri-food sector over the last decade. This descriptive analysis aims to outline the developments at the individual stages of the food chain and to identify the challenges the sector will face in the upcoming years. The study is based mainly on the data published by the German Statistical Office and the ZMP1, and the evaluation of the primary and secondary literature sources. The data shows that small and medium-sized enterprises were sustainable alongside the large ones and have played an important role in the German agriculture and food processing sectors in the recent years. Various business strategies can be expected to make the coexistence of small and large-scale enterprises also possible in the future.

In 2005, 2006 and 2008 the virulence of wheat leaf rust population was studied on Thatcher near-isogenic lines with Lr1, Lr2a, Lr2b, Lr2c, Lr3a, Lr9, Lr10, Lr13, Lr15, Lr17, Lr19, Lr21, Lr23, Lr24, Lr26 and Lr28. Samples of leaf rust (141 in total) were obtained from different parts of Slovakia. Resistance gene Lr9 was effective to all tested isolates except three isolates from 2008. No virulence was found to Lr19 and genes Lr24 and Lr28 were also highly effective. Low incidence of virulence to Lr2a was observed. Sixty-five winter wheat cultivars registered in Slovakia were tested with seven leaf rust isolates in the greenhouse. Cultivar Bona Dea was the most resistant of all.

Aluminium (Al) mobilisation in the forest soils is a serious problem due to the soil acidification. The rate and magnitude of leaching of Al and other elements and compounds from soils can be examined by means of percolation experiments. Aluminium elutriation was studied under laboratory conditions using undisturbed samples of forest topsoil from the Paličník area in the Jizera Mountains (Czech Republic), which originated under two different vegetation covers: European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Ponding infiltration was performed using three subsequently applied solutions. KCl solution was used to simulate the soil solution. Solutions with sulphates and nitrates addition (of two different pH values) were used to simulate acid rainfall. Passing liquid phase was analysed with respect to Al content and aluminium speciation. Differences were found in Al content and transport between different soils under spruce and beech covers. The soil sample under the spruce forest (SF sample) had a higher initial Al content than the soil sample under the beech forest (BF sample). As a result, the aluminium leaching from the spruce soil sample and the final content of water-extractable Al in the soil (Al content after the leaching experiment) were higher compared to the beech soil sample. This suggests that Al mobility and potential toxicity in the beech forest are grater than those in the spruce monoculture when studied in the acidification endangered areas.

Yields of winter wheat, winter rape and oats were evaluated in the field; the field was divided into the site-specific zones and treated with variable doses of nitrogen fertilizer in years 2004-2006. Measurements of the yields were carried out with a yield monitor placed in a combine harvester. The measured data were processed into the yield maps by means of ArcGIS 9.2 software. Variable application of fertilizer should balance yield potential of the field. Generally, total yield variability on the field after the application of various doses of experimental fertilizer was similar in the years 2004 (11.3%), 2005 (14.7%) and 2006 (11.7%) in comparison with the year 2003 (25.02%). Variable application of nitrogen in the site-specific zones, created on the basis of the yield levels, decreased the yield variability in comparison with the uniform dose. Different doses of nitrogen fertilizer also enabled to increase utilization of production potential of the experimental field.

The objective of this study was to assess the sperm membrane integrity in extended boar semen during storage time using specific spectrum laboratory methods. Boar semen was diluted with the long-term liquid commercial extenders Androhep (A), Androstar (AS), Androstar plus (AS⁺), LD and M III and was stored up to 96 h. The sperm membrane integrity was evaluated by motility, viable spermatozoa, short hypoosmotic swelling test (sHOST) and by the activity of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Negative changes in the quality of sperm membrane in relation to storage time were observed after 48 h for sHOST, after 72 h for viable spermatozoa and after 72 h for motility. The percentage of viable spermatozoa was decreased by 0.27% each hour. A statistically significant difference between extenders A and LD was observed in sHOST after 72 h and 96 h storage (P < 0.05). The AST activity did not show any statistically significant differences in extenders and in storage time. In overall assessment Androhep was the best of the tested extenders, followed by AS, AS⁺, M III and LD in terms of motility, viable spermatozoa and sHOST. The correlations among laboratory methods were highly significant (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the results documented that the sperm membrane integrity was statistically significantly affected by extenders and storage time (P < 0.001). Boar semen quality was the best in extender A. sHOST is a very sensitive and relatively simple method for the assessment of sperm membrane integrity in diluted semen.

A six year old crossbred male dog presented with non-pigmented, pale pink, unhaired, ulcerative tumor of the medial canthus and upper eyelid region. As treatment, surgery was proposed. During the surgery complete excision of the tumor was performed. The extent of skin loss, especially in the upper eyelid required plastic reconstruction by pedicle flap transposition. The soft skin of the cheek was chosen as a graft donor site. The postoperative period proceeded without any complications and ended with successful engraftment. The soft cheek skin did not impede movement of the upper eyelid. Histopathological examination indicated histiocytoma and tumor-free excisional margins were confirmed. There has been no recurrence during the subsequent 12 month period.

The soft palate plays a critical role in the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing. Congenitally cleft soft palates (palatoschisis) in calves are rare and pose a serious challenge for surgical correction due to high complication rates. The main obstacles to repairing palate defects are obtaining complicated access to the soft palate, and reducing the tension on the repair so that the sutures hold. A 21 day old female Simmental calf was submitted to our clinic with a history of frequent episodes of coughing and milk dripping from its nostrils after suckling. After clinical examination, a congenital cleft palate was diagnosed. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia. First, lateral buccotomy was performed to improve the intraoral approach. The palatal defect was repaired using polypropylene mesh and palatal mucosal flap. An oesophageal tube was placed and anchored to the skin using a Chinese finger trap suture technique. Antibiotic treatment was continued through seven days and a transoesophageal feeding tube was fitted at the end of the surgery allowing the calf to be fed with milk during the postoperative period. Postoperatively, the caudal aspect of the repair broke down resulting in persistent mild bilateral nasal discharge. A combination of the two described techniques can be a good option for resolving palatal defects. However, adequate exposure and repair are still difficult to achieve and these approaches often result in serious postoperative complications.

Coarse woody debris (CWD) is an important structural and functional component in forests in Northern Iran. In this study we determine the temporal patterns of CWD in Kheyroud Forests by examining the CWD volume in different decay classes and size classes along a chronosequence of secondary forest succession. The volume of CWD followed the general "U-shaped" temporal trend: the highest in the late successional forest (51.25 m³.ha^-1), lowest in the middle successional forest (25.95 m³.ha^-1) and intermediate in the early successional forest (37.05 m³.ha^-1). The late successional forest had a larger amount of logs, snags and stumps than the other two forests. In contrast, the snag volume did not differ between the late and middle successional forest. CWD in decay classes III and V was greater in the late successional forest than that in the other two forests, while CWD in decay classes II and I did not differ among the three successional forests. CWD in class II and I was significantly higher in the early successional forest than that in the middle successional forest. In the early and middle successional forests, CWD in early decay class was dominated by Carpinus betulus L. followed by Fagus orientalis Lipsky. In the late successional forest, CWD in early decay class was dominated by Fagus orientalis while CWD in the late decay class was dominated by Carpinus betulus. While forest succession had a large influence on the amount of CWD in different decay classes, it had no effect on CWD distribution among the different size classes. Our results suggest that both anthropogenic and natural disturbances have had a long-term effect on the distribution of CWD among three forests.

Major and minor compounds in a traditional Mexican spirit, young mezcal from Agave angustifolia Haw. and Agave potatorum Zucc., were characterised using gas chromatography and solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A large variability in both mezcal samples was detected in the content of methanol, higher alcohols, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate. However, their values were below the maximum concentration permitted by the Mexican Standards. The minor compounds identified by mass spectrometry included alcohols, esters, ketones, acids, and furanes. The similarities found between mezcal from Agave angustifolia and Agave potatorum may be due to their processing methods. In addition, mezcals contain unique compounds that can be used as markers to identify the products of different origins.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Pb), soil texture (sandy, loam and clay) and incubation periods (7, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days) on soil respiration (CO₂ evolution) during sugarcane trash decomposition in laboratory conditions of the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow, India. Surface soils (0-15 cm) were collected from agricultural fields and crop residue of sugarcane trash (Saccharum officinarum L.) was taken in the institute farm. Crop residue (10 t/ha) and heavy metals (10, 50, 100, 1000 μg/g) were mixed and incubated at 30°C ± 2°C in an incubator. The rate of soil respiration (CO₂ evolution) decreased with increasing heavy metals concentration. During the 120 days, the toxicity decreased but still remained significant. Maximum soil respiration was recorded at 7 days of incubation period; further, it decreased with increasing incubation period. The highest drop of soil respiration rate was caused by addition of 1000 μg/g Cd, Cr and Pb levels. Clay soils evolved maximum CO₂ followed by loam and sandy soil.

The present study was aimed at determining the origin, course and distribution of the celiac artery in eight adult red falcons, using a latex injection and dissection method. The celiac artery was ascertained to originate from the aorta at the level of the last 2-3 costae. The celiac artery was determined to split into two main branches, namely, left branch of the celiac artery and right branch of the celiac artery, in between the proventriculus and gizzard, and in the proximity of the lien. Prior to the indicated bifurcation, the celiac artery was observed to give off an esophageal artery and superior proventricular artery. In seven of the red falcons examined, splenic arteries, varying from two to four in number, were determined to spring from the celiac artery. Both the left and right hepatic arteries were ascertained to stem from the left branch of the celiac artery. The terminal branch of the left branch of the celiac artery, namely, the left gastric artery, was determined to have a fan-like distribution to the left surface of the gaster. The artery of the gall bladder was demonstrated to emanate from the left branch of the celiac artery in all of the red falcons examined, excluding one. The right branch of the celiac artery was determined to ramify into its terminal branches, namely, the right inferior gastric artery, ileocecal artery, pancreaticoduodenal artery, duodenojejunal artery and gastroduodenal artery, in the proximity of the pylorus which constitutes the gastro-duodenal passage.

An 8-hour-old Andalusian colt was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Cordoba due to weakness, lateral recumbence, diarrhoea and absent sucking reflex. At admission the foal was obnubilated, with cold limbs, pale mucous membranes, tachycardia and diarrhoea. Laboratory results revealed increased hematocrit and total protein concentration, hyperfibrinogenemia, leukopenia, azoetemia, hypertrygliceridemia and a decreased IgG level. A diagnose of failure of passive transfer of immunoglobulins and hyperlipaemia was made. On the third day of hospitalization the foal presented painful and swollen joints, abdominal distension and fever. The ultrasonographic study at this point showed abundant hypoechogenic free fluid content in the peritoneal cavity. Abdominocentesis demonstrated a high peritoneal creatinine:serum creatinine ratio. Culture of the peritoneal fluid was Clostridium spp. positive. Necropsy revealed a tear in the internal umbilical remnant. The final diagnosis was uroperitoneum secondary to rupture of the urachus associated with a Clostridium spp. infection. New emerging aetiologies responsible for uroperitoneum, either by septic urachitis or omphalophlebitis, are emerging. Nonetheless, cases of uroperitoneum induced by Clostridium spp. infection are rare and constitute a new and important finding for equine neonatal medicine. In addition, the hyperlipaemic status in this animal could be a plausible cause leading to septicemia and subsequent uroperitoneum.

Soluble lipase (Lipozyme CALB L) was immobilized by covalent bond to chitosan pellets prepared from Aspergillus niger mycelium. This immobilized enzyme was compared with commercial immobilized lipase of the same origin (Novozym 435). Novozym 435 is also lipase CALB L commercially immobilized by sorption on poly-(methyl acrylate). Novozym 435 shows much higher conversion of rendering plant fat in methanol under optimum conditions, having, at the same time, lower optimum temperature and lower stability at higher temperature. Lipozyme CALB L immobilized on chitosan leads to a low conversion, regardless its higher thermal stability. Novozym 435 gives conversion of about 50% of theoretical value, which is in good accordance with basically catalyzed transesterification of rendering plant fat described elsewhere. Lipozyme CALB L immobilized on chitosan gives conversion of about 10% of theoretical value only. The use of Novozym 435 in two-step system (enzyme-acid) seems to be more convenient compared with traditional two-step system (base-acid)

The fine root biomass represents 3,372 kg/ha in the intermediate stage of the beech virgin forest with different admixture of goat willow, where the vast majority of this biomass is located in the uppermost mineral soil layer 0-10 cm. The variability of the fine root biomass calculated from 35 sample points represents approximately 90% of the mean value and reaches the highest value within the humus layer. The total fine root length investigated in 10 cm thick soil layers decreases with increasing soil depth. A significant linear relationship between the fine root length (calculated per 1 cm thick soil layer and 1 m² of stand area) and the soil depth was confirmed, although the correlation is rather weak. The number of root tips decreases with increasing soil depth faster than the root length. As the number of tips per 1 cm of root length remains in the finest diameter class without significant changes, the reason is above all a decreased proportion of the finest root class (diameter up to 0.5 mm) from the total fine root length within the particular soil layer.

The article describes natural, combined and artificial regeneration on 38 permanent research plots in both Czech and Polish part of the Krkonoše Mts. The attention is paid to species composition, spatial (horizontal and vertical) and age structure of forest regeneration according to different stand and site conditions. Concerning the structure and dynamics of forest stands and their regeneration, the potential and prospects of regeneration according to particular developmental stages and stand types (beech stands; mixed stands: spruce-beech, fir-beech, spruce-fir-beech; spruce stands, stands in the ecotone of the upper forest limit and relict pine woods) were evaluated. In many aspects the plots show several similarities, nevertheless the regeneration in different site and stand conditions show clear differences in dynamics of development. The main differences are result of different ecological conditions, environmental limits and biological characteristics of dominant tree species.

The CULTAN (Controlled Uptake Long Term Ammonium Nutrition) system is based on one-time injection of the whole dose of nitrogen required for the vegetation period. The effect of this method on yield and grain quality of winter wheat was observed in a 2-year small-plot trial at 4 different experimental sites in the Czech Republic. The experiment comprised two treatments with the total amount of nitrogen applied during fertilization of 150 kg N/ha. At the CULTAN treatment the whole dose was applied all at once using the GFI 3A injection machine (Maschinen und Antriebstechnik GmbH Güstrow), whereas at the control treatment, the dose was divided into three applications. The average grain yield of winter wheat in 2007 was 9.56 t/ha (control) and 8.78 t/ha (CULTAN); in 2008 it was 9.91 t/ha (control) and 9.63 t/ha (CULTAN). The differences in 2008 were not statistically significant. The contents of nitrogen and gluten were significantly lower at CULTAN treatment in both years. The values of falling number, Zeleny test and bulk density were generally similar at both treatments.

Soil water content under no fertilizer (NF), fertilizer (F) (N:30; P₂O₅: 45 kg/ha), and fertilizer plus pig manure (FO) (N:30; P₂O₅: 45 kg/ha; pig manure 15 000 kg/ha in 2003; and 30 000 kg/ha in 2004 and 2005) treatments was measured using neutron probe instrument for a period three years in a long term field experiment in order to investigate the impact of different fertilization treatments on Haploborolls soil water content. Fertilization had significant effects on the soil water content. FO treatment had greater soil water content in 10 cm depth than F treatment with average 9.9% increase (P < 0.05) but lower than NF treatment; however, in the depth from 30 to 90 cm, there was no water content difference between F and FO treatments. Treatment with organic amendments reduced total soil water content on the long term experiment basis. Across the three years, no fertilizer treatment had total soil water content higher by 1.2% and 3.1% than fertilizer treatment and fertilizer plus pig manure treatment within 10 to 210 cm soil profile in most of the months, respectively.