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The structure of the dry material plant is made up of a cell tissues system. The walls of the cells are formed by cellulose and lignin, ingredients difficult to biodegrade. Therefore, the aim of the breeders performed a variety of energy plants, providing a high yield of dry matter in the green state. This applies particularly to herbs, grown on agricultural and arable land (for example cereals, maize, sorghum, hemp, amaranthus, mallow, sugar beet, potatoes, fodder crops on arable land, permanent grassland and other). The subject of the experiment was to evaluate selected varieties of maize and sorghum and to determine the suitability of the materials on the device model for anaerobic fermentation mixed with beef slurry, and ferment from the biogas plant. Among the varieties of maize there are the significant differences in the production of biogas in the same conditions. Of the three maize varieties (Fixxif, Saxxo, Benicia), the most powerful was Saxxo.

The present study examines the relationships between the indicators of tree species and structural diversity and the quality of timber production in young even-aged forest stands with the average age below 40 years. The study is based on the forest inventory data from University Forest Enterprise Kostelec nad Černými lesy, Czech Republic, performed from 2009 to 2011. The examined young stands were recorded in 256 sample plots representing 21.2% of the enterprise area. On each sample plot, we quantified 171 partial biodiversity indicators. In total, we analysed 16,416 different variants of the relationship between the diversity indicator and the quality of timber production. The analysis revealed that similarity indicators such as the range of tree heights, Canberra distance, Bray and Curtis index, and index of species evenness and heterogeneity were the most frequent basic indicators occurring in significant correlations. The results indicate a positive relationship between the proportions of assortments in quality classes I to IV and stand diversity expressed by the number of tree species and Canberra distance.

Phenolic acids represent the most common form of phenolic compounds in the cereal grain and many other plants. The phytochemical ferulic acid is found in the leaves and seeds of many plants, but especially in cereals. It is the most abundant phenolic acid in common cereals, representing up to 90% of total phenolic compounds. Ferulic acid has been reported to have many physiological functions, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. It is an antioxidant which neutralises free radicals (superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical) which could cause oxidative damage to cell membranes and DNA. Like many other antioxidants, ferulic acid reduces the level of cholesterol and triglyceride, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

The presence of seed-borne viruses in winter squash landraces in the Black Sea region of Turkey were detected. The seed samples of landraces were tested by ELISA for Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Squash mosaic virus (SqMV), Tobacco ring spot virus (TRSV), and Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). Based on the ELISA results, 11.3% of the samples were infected with the viruses; ELISA, CMV was found at the rate of 5.1% in the winter squash samples, while incidence of ZYMV was determined as 6.2%. Moreover, none of the plants germinated from seeds were found to be infected with SqMV, TRSV, and CGMMV. This is for the first time that seed-borne viruses of winter squash landraces have been identified in the Black Sea region of Turkey.

We examined the relationships between a number of sperm characteristics (motility, concentration and pH) and sperm fertility (egg fertilisation and hatching rate) in 10 mature females and four mature males of the beluga sturgeon, Huso huso. The fish were treated with luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRH-A2), at a dose of 5-10 µg/kg of body weight (BW) by injection into the muscle between the dorsal and lateral scutes. Significant linear relationships were found between sperm pH and fertilisation rate (R² = 0.82, P < 0.01) and sperm pH and hatching rate (R² = 0.75, P < 0.05). Highly negative relationships were also observed between sperm concentration and fertilisation rate (R² =-0.71, P < 0.05) and sperm concentration and hatching rate (R² = -0.83, P < 0.01). We suggest that understanding these correlations is critical in the evaluation of sperm quality and for the preparation of media (extender) for use in sperm dilution to improve sperm motility/fertility and therefore increase fertilisation success in beluga sturgeon production.

The impact of low temperatures combined with higher velocity of ventilated air in winter during severe frost in a free stall barn on the development of cold stress in Holstein-Friesian breed dairy cattle was studied. The study included measurements of outside and inside air parameters and cows' milk yield. Cold stress was evaluated in three technological groups (TG) using the WCT (Wind Chill Temperature) index. During the research, significant temperature and wind velocity differences (by up to 5°C and 0.5 m/s) were recorded in three zones of the barn occupied by the individual TG. All this resulted in different values of WCT. During most severe frosts lasting for 9 days, the average air temperature in the barn was -8.9°C (the lowest value was -17.3°C). The calculated average operative temperature for cows from all TG was as follows: -7.0°C for TG1, -11.1°C for TG2, and -12.3°C for TG3. It was also observed that animals from TG2 suffered from mild cold stress, which resulted in milk yield reduction by approximately 2 kg. It was concluded that there is a strong correlation (r = 0.72-0.89 with P < 0.05) between milk production and the WCT index. The measurements of most important microclimate parameters in the barn were conducted during winter seasons over the period of 2 years. They led to the conclusion that cattle kept in free stall barns are not vulnerable to the combination of low temperature and increased air movements. Research results of the present as well as of other authors were the basis for developing a table determining operative temperature for cows depending on the temperature of the environment and air movement velocity. Yet, the calculations and analysis of results show that there is a need to improve the applied calculation formula for operative temperature during cold weather.

Field experiment was conducted on clay loam soil during winter season of 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 at the Research Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal to study the influence of sulphur (S) levels and irrigation on quality and yield of mustard (cv. Varuna, T-59). Results revealed that yield attributes and yield of crop were highest with 60 kg S/ha, mostly at par with 45 kg S/ha. Double irrigation at flower initiation (30 days after sowing (DAS)) and siliqua development stages (60 DAS) was best with respect to growth, yield attributes, yield, S uptake and oil percent in seed. Effects of both S levels and irrigations on glucosinolate and fatty acid content were non-significant except on progoitrin. The erucic:oleic acid ratio was inversely related to the subsequent increase in S doses, thereby suggesting the qualitative improvement of oil with S application. Oil percent has a negative correlation with sinigrin and gluconapin content. The uptake of S was positively correlated with oleic acid content but showed lower or even negative correlation with other fatty acids. Therefore, irrigation (twice at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) in combination with 45 kg S/ha are recommended for improving yield attributes, yield, oil percent and S uptake of Indian mustard.

Long-term experiments facilitate the observations of changes in soil properties affected by agricultural activity as well as the reactions of crops to those properties. The aim of the study was the assessment of the relationship between the soil pH as well as contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, available forms of phosphorus, potassium (K_av), magnesium (Mg_av) and the magnesium content in flag leaves (Mg_fl) in winter wheat. There was also determined the correlations between the Mg_fl content and the nitrogen (N_fl), phosphorus, potassium (K_fl) and calcium (Ca_fl) contents in those leaves. The Mg_fl content was at-the-highest-level linearly positively correlated with soil pH and its richness in Mg_av. The dependence of the Mg_fl content on soil properties and the wheat leaves chemical composition was best described by polynomial equations of the 2^nd degree, except for the K_av and K_fl contents. The Mg_fl content depending on the Mg_av content × soil pH and Mg_av × K_av interaction. The winter wheat containing more N_fl and Ca_fl and less K_fl, accumulated more Mg_fl.

Based on a long-term fertilization experiment on a light soil, a study was conducted on the impact of varied fertilization on the levels of silicon forms available in the soil. It was shown that the exchangeable silicon content in the tested soil was very low, which can have a limiting effect on crop yields. Soil pH is a factor that significantly affects the exchangeable silicon content of the soil. Therefore, under the conditions of acidic soils, liming is a treatment that increases the level of silicon forms available to plants in the soil.

Hydrothermal carbonization is one of suitable methods for energy recovery of sewage sludge and meat and bone meal. The task of the article is to determine appropriate hydrothermal carbonization process conditions and their impact on the quality of the final product - so called biochar or hydrochar. Parameters of the two main phases - initiation and polymerization - were monitored. The basic fuel properties of the final solid products of hydrothermal carbonization were determined. To produce biochar by hydrothermal carbonization, multifunctional pressure vessel with accessories was used - a batch reactor BR-300. Process parameters of hydrothermal carbonization confirm the effect of increasing temperature to increase the lower heating value (LHV). Neither calorific values of meat and bone meal (17.22 MJ/kg), nor calorific values of digested stabilized sludge (12.14 MJ/kg) showed a significant increase after undergoing processing. The effect of reaction temperature on the LHV of the final product is significantly higher than that of residence time. The results show that the main factor affecting LHV of the fuel sample is the final amount of ash. Unlike the meat and bone the hydrothermal carbonization of the stabilized wastewater sludge is one of the effective processing methods for subsequent energy use.

The concept of sustainable development is currently known and used in many contexts across a wide range of industries. Nevertheless, specific approaches to achieving the strategy of sustainability can be found in the individual sectors. The beginnings of sustainable management in forestry go back to the mid-18^th century. Currently, certification systems contribute to sustainable behaviour in forests. In the Czech Republic, this concerns in particular PEFC and FSC certification systems. Both these certification systems include two different processes, forest management certification and chain of custody certification, i.e. including the wood-processing companies, where only certified wood must strictly be used. This article aims to evaluate the importance of certification for sustainable development in forestry. Given the clear superiority of the PEFC system in the Czech Republic, this paper focuses on the potential benefits for PEFC certificate holders. To determine the benefits of PEFC certification for sustainable development, a questionnaire survey was chosen. Assessment of the benefits for sustainable development depends on the subjective assessment of certification holders. The results suggest that the beneficial effect on sustainable development in forest management is clear in the forest property area of over 500 ha.

Planting grasses that require low maintenance is a good option for reducing the management input required. The objective of this study was to obtain information about turfgrass characteristics based on spaced-plant characterization and turf performance in turf plots of two selections (Paula hard fescue and Casero colonial bentgrass) recently released for public distribution by the Plant Production Area of the University of Oviedo. The plants were grown under conditions of no irrigation, no fertilizer, no pesticide application and minimal mowing over a 3-year period (2012-2014). The following morphological measurements were done in a spaced-plant nursery: heading date, plant height, inflorescence length and flag leaf length and width. The turf plots were evaluated for several traits including overall turfgrass quality (turf score), leaf texture and genetic colour. In both the spaced-plant nursery and turf trials, hard fescue genotypes displayed better morphological characteristics (narrow leaves, reduced plant height) and performed better (overall high turfgrass quality, fine leaf texture, dark green colour) than bentgrass genotypes under conditions of low maintenance. For areas in which climate, soil characteristics and management conditions are similar to those encountered in this trial, the selection of Paula hard fescue is recommended for use in low-maintenance turf settings because of the good turfgrass performance and morphological characteristics of this selection.

The transmission of infectious agents from domestic animals to humans is a matter of particular concern at present. Inoculation can enhance the defences of each individual animal but only in the short term. Certainly, it will be of immense benefit if biotechnology and genetic techniques are applied to farm animal breeding and selection programs to improve productivity, performance and health status as well as for the construction of sustainable animal production systems and promotion of animal welfare. In recent years, efforts to drive candidate genes like cytokines, haptoglobin, complement system, C-reactive protein, a 2-macroglobulin, retinol binding protein, transcortin, and etc. associated with immune traits have successfully been studied in human and different animal species. Here, we compared the molecular structure and evaluated the expression tendency of the haemolytic complement activity (HCA) of porcine candidate genes encoding the terminal complement components (TCC) C6-9. The results suggested that (1) high homology of complement genes among mammalian species may open new ways in cure/ treatment of disease; (2) Muong Khuong animals (Vietnamese potbelly pig) have a great genetic potential to improve the health status of pigs; and (3) HCA in the classical pathway can be developed further by different activation modes, with the potential improvement of animal health.

In experiments using Petri dishes in the laboratory and pots in a greenhouse and climate chamber, we examined the influence of seed treatment on emergence of poppy. Four types of fungi (Alternaria spp., Dendryphion penicillatum, Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp.) were detected on poppy seeds, with the highest infection rate being 72% for D. penicillatum. Surface disinfection decreased infection rate chiefly in D. penicillatum (by 32%) and in Alternaria spp. (by 16%). Seed treatment increased emergence by 9-10% in laboratory experiments but by only 0-6% in greenhouse experiments. Temperature plays an important role in emergence. In climate chamber experiments at a stable temperature of 12°C, the seed treatments increased emergence by 8-16%.

Susceptibility of new host trees is an essential prerequisite for the alien pathogens. Today, an acute problem in Europe is ash dieback, caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Among the possible invasion routes of this fungus to Europe from its natural range in easternmost Asia, an arrival alongside the unbroken, passing the whole Eurasia chain of ranges of ash species should not be ignored, at least not before the determination of the western extent of the natural range of the pathogen. We established that in Estonia the ash species Fraxinus sogdiana, growing naturally in the "bottleneck" of that belt, in Central Asia, is susceptible to H. fraxineus. It is the first record of H. fraxineus on a Central Asian ash species.

The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for the haematological profile of alpacas on the basis of a large population of clinically healthy animals, and to determine the influence of sex, age and season on these indicators. Blood samples were collected from 243 alpacas (53 males and 156 females over six months of age and 34 crias - 12 males and 22 females - under six months of age). The selected farms were located in Central Europe (Czech Republic and Germany). We determined 13 haematological indicators. Comparison of the results was performed with respect to the sex of animals and for the older group also with regard to the season and to the feeding period. We found no highly significant (P > 0.001) differences between males and females. We did find highly significant differences (P < 0.001) between the group of crias under six months of age and the older alpacas (mean corpuscular volume - MCV, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration - MCHC, red cell distribution width - RDW, white blood cell count - WBC, neutrophil count). Based on our findings we suggest that for some indicators different reference intervals (esp. WBC and differential cell counts) be used for the two above mentioned age groups. We found some highly significant differences (P < 0.001) in haematological indicators in the older group of alpacas between the summer and winter feeding period (haemoglobin concentration, MCHC). Clinical laboratory diagnosis may be improved by the use of age-based and season-based haematological reference values.

Long-term field experiments are important for assessing the yield response of crops to different tillage systems and pre-crops. An experiment was established in 1996 in Raasdorf (Austria) on a chernozem with four tillage treatments (mouldboard ploughing (MP), no-till (NT), deep conservation tillage and shallow conservation tillage) and two crop rotations. Winter wheat yields were generally at similar levels with all four tillage systems in most years between 1998 and 2012. Yields increased with higher amounts of rainfall during the vegetation period (from October until June) with the smallest increase among tillage treatments in NT. This indicates that MP can be superior to NT regarding yield at higher amounts of rainfall. Pre-crops considerably influenced winter wheat with higher yields after maize, soybean and winter wheat than after sugar beet. In one year with high rainfall, a tillage × pre-crop interaction showed that yields were lower after maize in NT than in other tillage systems whereas yields after sugar beet tended to be higher with NT in years with low rainfall.

The main objective of the study is to compare the organisational culture of the selected companies in the manufacturing sector and to identify and measure the perceived organisational culture and its various dimensions. 70 responses to a 4 point scale questionnaire based on the OCTAPACE profile developed by Udai Pareek were obtained from 2 organisations in the NCR. The result shows that the executives and non- executives perceive the culture differently. The study helps in identifying the weaker aspects of culture in terms of values and beliefs that prevail in the organisation. Once the diagnosis of the culture is done to identify how much each item is valued, the management gets an opportunity to work upon the identified weaker aspects, on the basis of the degree of correlation between the various elements of the OCTAPACE profile for developing and maintaining a better organisational culture to achieve the desired performance and to sustain competition in the long run.

This paper documents the development of soil conditions in the set of 32 permanent research plots in the Krkonoše (Giant) Mts. These plots represent an altitudinal gradient covering the ecosystems of beech, mixed beech-spruce and spruce stands. In all plots, representing the site conditions of the highest areas of the mountain range, standard soil pits were prepared and the soil sampling was performed in autumn of years 1980, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2009. The results reflect extreme site conditions, soil acidification, large scale surface liming and in minor extent also different tree species composition of the stands. The general type of the soil-genesis is represented by the podzolisation, overlapping the other soil-genetic factors, including the tree species composition. Nevertheless, this development is mostly expressed in the spruce stands. The beech dominance and/or co-dominance are reflected especially by more efficient N-cycling, higher pH, S and V values and fluctuation and lower extractable Al3+ content. More efficient cycling in beech ecosystems is insignificantly documented for plant available phosphorus, calcium and magnesium contents; on the contrary higher dynamics for iron ions was registered in the spruce stands. The long-term soil dynamics with a hysteresis (evident on the base of ordination analysis) can be divided into some periods - processes of acidification (typical in the 1980's samples), liming (main effect in 1993 and 1998) and regeneration (2003, 2009). Other features, important for the soil development, are probably related to the vegetation change, but this relation is not statistically significant.

Spruces (Picea spp.) are considered to be the primary host trees of the double-spined bark beetle Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg, 1836), but occurrences on pines (Pinus spp.) are often reported. This paper documents the first recorded successful development of I. duplicatus on Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) (Mirbel) Franco. Two densely infested Douglas fir trees were found in a forest dominated by Norway spruce (Picea abies) (L.) H. Karst., close to the village of Valšovice (Czech Republic). Ips duplicatus is an oligophagous species that attacks different coniferous tree species but was not previously reported to develop on Douglas fir. The infestation of Douglas fir recorded in the present study was most likely promoted by a large population of I. duplicatus in the studied region combined with a local lack of primary host trees as a consequence of bark beetle outbreak.

The water of the breads was replaced with phenolic aqueous extracts from chicory, cabbage, celery, fennel, olive leaf, or grape marc wastes obtained through microwave-assisted extraction. The highest phenolic concentrations were found in the grape marc and in the bread enriched with it. The highest antioxidant activity values were measured in the crust of bread produced with the grape marc extract and in the crumb of bread with olive leaf extract. Generally, the replacement of water caused significant decreases of the specific volume, the shift of the crumb colour towards redder and yellower tones, and modification of gustatory and tactile attributes.

The occurrence of fungal pathogens, associated with cumin production of Turkey, was determined during 2011 and 2012. A total of 379 isolates were classified as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumini, F. solani, F. acuminatum, F. equiseti, F. sambucinum, F. avenaceum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria burnsii, A. alternata, A. infectoria, Embellisia sp., and Rhizoctonia solani. Pathogenicity tests showed that F. oxysporum f.sp. cumini, F. solani, F. equiseti, M. phaseolina, A. burnsii, and A. alternata were highly pathogenic. A. burnsii and F. oxysporum f.sp. cumini were the major risk factors for cumin cultivation in Turkey. To our knowledge, this is the first report on F. oxysporum f.sp. cumini, F. solani, F. equiseti, M. phaseolina, and A. alternata in Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of orally administered borax on milk yield and on several blood variables related to metabolism in early lactation in Austrian Simmental cows (Fleckvieh). Twenty primiparous cows were selected at parturition and then assigned to one of two groups, the control group or the borax group. The study lasted for four weeks. Borax was administered orally at 0.2 mg/kg/day (Boron group) to all treatment cows shortly after the noon milking, whereas cows in the control group were not treated. All cows consumed the same diet. All feeds in the diet were analysed for crude cellulose, protein, ether extract, ash, and dry matter according to the Weende Analysis Systems, in addition to ADF and NDF, according to Van Soest. Blood samples were collected from all cows via the vena jugularis on lactation Days 0, 7, 15, 21 and 28 and analysed for the following: serum boron (B), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), total cholesterol (TChol), high density lipids (HDL), total protein (TP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), creatine (CRE), uric acid (UA), glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) concentrations. Serum B concentration was higher in the borax group than in the control group at Weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the experiment. Serum B concentration did not change in the control group during these weeks, but it gradually increased in the borax group week by week (P < 0.05). Borax administration increased serum TP and decreased the serum UA concentration at Week 4, and decreased serum HDL concentration at Week 3 of the experiment. Serum TChol, BHBA, and BUN concentrations increased (P < 0.05), while NEFA decreased (P < 0.05) after parturition in both groups. The BHBA concentration gradually increased in the control group, but it began to decrease in the borax group during the final week of the experiment. Moreover, milk yield did not differ between the groups for 14 weeks. The results indicate that borax administration did not have any negative effects on the health of Austrian Simmental (Fleckvieh) cows during early lactation. However, studies of longer duration are needed to reveal the effectiveness of borax administration with respect to early lactation in cows.

Caprylic acid (CA) and Yucca schidigera (YS) extract have many functional and nutritional properties that may have applications in animal nutrition. These beneficial effects include improvement of growth performance, immunity and anti-microbial activity. This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary supplementation with CA and YS extract on growth performance, relative organ weight, meat quality, blood characteristics and caecal microbial shedding in broilers. In total, 672 one-day-old Ross 308 (BW of 34.05 ± 0.21 g) mixed-sex broiler chicks were allotted randomly into three dietary treatment groups with 14 replicate pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen. The experiment lasted for five weeks and dietary treatments were as follows: (1) PC, basal diet; (2) PC, basal diet + 44 mg/kg of avilamycin; and (3) CAY100 (basal diet + 100 mg/kg CA + 100 mg/kg YS extract). Chicks fed the CAY100 diet exhibited improved overall body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI), and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with those fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). Compared with the NC and PC treatments, mortality was decreased in chicks fed the CAY100 diet during the finisher phase and also overall. Broilers fed the CAY100 diet exhibited increased (P < 0.05) relative organ weight of bursa of Fabricius, compared with the PC diet and demonstrated decreased relative organ weight of the gizzard compared with those fed the NC diet. The relative organ weight of the liver, spleen, breast, and abdominal fat was unaffected by any of the dietary supplements tested. The breast meat redness (a*) was reduced (P < 0.05) in the CAY100 diet compared with the NC and PC diets. White blood cell (WBC) counts were increased in the CAY100 treatment compared with the NC treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the CAY100 diet resulted in improved lymphocyte counts compared with the PC and NC diets (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the CAY100 diet exhibited reduced caecal E. coli counts compared with those fed the NC diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the CAY extract-supplemented diet improved growth performance, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and reduced mortality rate, breast muscle a* and caecal E. coli counts in broiler chickens.

Cereal/legume intercropping may improve resource use efficiency in agroecosystems and increase yield per unit surface area and yield stability. Two field bean (Vicia faba L.) and four barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars were mono- and intercropped (additive design) in a 2-year lysimeter experiment on a sandy loam soil. The aim was to test the effect of the cropping system on dry matter and N yield of forage, the residual effect on the subsequent ryegrass crop (Lolium multiflorum Lam. westerwoldicum), and NO₃-N leaching in the rotation. Land equivalent ratios were 1.65 for dry matter and 1.67 for N yield, indicating a clear advantage of the intercrop over sole crops. Both species suffered from competition, especially in terms of N resources, but barley was less affected. Nitrate leaching was the lowest from intercrop. Preceding crop significantly affected dry matter, N content and NO₃-N leaching of ryegrass. Field bean sole crop gave the highest benefits to ryegrass in terms of forage dry matter and N content, but also the highest NO₃-N leaching, followed by the intercrop and the barley sole crop. Barley/field bean intercropping may be an effective strategy to reduce land requirements, N leaching losses and fertilizer inputs, thereby increasing the sustainability of farming systems.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sulphur (S) fertilization on macronutrient concentrations in the roots, straw and oil cake of white mustard and Indian mustard. The experiment was conducted in northeastern Poland (2006-2008). The highest content of N, P, K, Mg and S was noted in the oil cake of both mustard species. Sulphur fertilization increased S concentrations and had no effect on Mg concentrations in the roots of white mustard and Indian mustard. Sulphur fertilizers applied to soil significantly increased the content of N, K and Ca in the roots of Indian mustard, whereas they had no significant effect on the content of N, P and Ca, and decreased K concentrations in the roots of white mustard. Sulphur fertilization led to a significant decrease in N content, and an increase in the content of K and Ca in the straw of both mustard species. Sulphur fertilization significantly decreased P concentrations and increased S concentrations in the oil cake of both mustard species. In response to S fertilization, the content of N and K decreased in the oil cake of Indian mustard, but did not change significantly in the oil cake of white mustard. Therefore, S fertilization significantly differentiated the fertilizing value of post-harvest residues and the feeding value of white mustard and Indian mustard seeds.

A field trial with four potato cultivars (Faluka, Manitou, Madeleine and Stirling) was conducted in two consecutive years (2012 and 2013) at a laboratory field of Biotechnical Faculty in Ljubljana. The aim of the study was to evaluate different requirements of the selected cultivars in regard to the ridge and tuber cluster. The following parameters were defined and monitored: area of the form surrounding the tubers (ellipse), cross-sectional area of the ridge, vertical and horizontal tuber span in the ridge, the length of semi-axes (a) and (b) of the ellipse, minimum distance of tubers and ellipse from the outer ridge side. The results of 2012 trial indicated that the minimal ellipse method defining the ellipse was not satisfactory as statistical significance was limited due to a large volume of vacant space in the ridge not occupied by potato tubers. Therefore, the mathematical model was upgraded in 2013 and a physical parameter (tuber mass) was incorporated in the equation to better depict the tuber cluster. The trials were designed as a randomized block with five repetitions. The largest ellipse, horizontal tuber span in the ridge and the longest semi-axis (a) were recorded for the cv. Manitou resulting in the highest yield. However, no statistical differences were recorded in the horizontal tuber span, the length of the semi-axis (a) or cross-sectional area of the ridge among cultivars analysed. It was determined that different cultivars require specific growth space in the potato ridge. Moreover, the newly developed method proved efficient for determining growth requirements of potato tubers in the ridge.

This paper analyses the development of agricultural foreign trade in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic with the aim of uncovering the changes that have impacted the Central European agricultural trade over the ten year period (1999-2008). It issues from the results of the analysis of agricultural trade in the aforementioned countries, which has changed dramatically in terms of the commodity structure, the territorial structure and primarily the value structure. The main changes to have caused most of the changes to the individual characteristics of agricultural foreign trade in the particular countries under analysis are the process of the EU enlargementy, the adoption of obligations to ensue from the EU membership and the concentration in the internal market of the EU countries. We can see the actual changes in the commodity and territorial structure of the trade carried out in the individual countries under analysis. The changes which have occurred resulted in a dominant share of the member countries of the EU 27 in the agricultural trade of the individual countries under analysis.

The cooperative movement in Poland has a long but difficult history, which has caused farmers to have an aversion to cooperatives. Nonetheless, in the early 1990s, the first farmers' cooperative marketing organizations, which were called agricultural producer groups, appeared in the market. These groups are bottom-up, voluntary organizations the primary purpose of which is to jointly sell their members' output. In this paper, it is investigated why the new forms of governance, namely cooperative arrangements, were chosen, and we evaluate the implications of these choices on the market success of these groups. Empirical data were collected from 62 producer groups in one Polish province. We found that the groups were typically functioning as associations, unions, and limited liability companies. The factors that had an impact on the choices made were the number of members and the specific investment per member. Additionally, if the initial investment level was low, not only set-up and operational costs but also tax considerations played a role in the decision. Therefore, we argue that the new bottom-up cooperatives, which are theoretically suitable when the start-up capital is high or the number of members is large, will gradually be recognized and accepted in the market despite the fact that these cooperatives have a "bad reputation" caused by the socialist legacy. The new cooperative development trend confirms this argument.

Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity of intestinal bacteria (including lactobacilli) is one of the indirect ways of decreasing a cholesterol level in human body. Tested Lactobacillus strains were isolated from various sources (faeces of fully breast-fed infants, cow's colostrum, cow's raw milk cheeses, and cow's raw milk) and identified by genotypic and phenotypic methods. All strains, including three commercial probiotic strains and six culture collection strains, were subsequently tested for their BSH activity via two methods - thin layer chromatography (TLC) and plate assay. Among all the 59 Lactobacillus strains, 15 strains were shown to be BSH positive by TLC method and only 8 of them by plate assay. Most of the BSH positive strains (9 strains) were isolated from faeces. Differences between BSH activities for sodium salts of cholyltaurine and cholylglycine were demonstrated. The TLC method was shown to be more sensitive compared to the plate assay for BSH activity determination.