Fulltext search in archive

The aim of this study was to evaluate organic carbon content (SOC) in the surface layers of forest soils in the two Natural Forest Regions situated in Southwest Bohemia, namely Západočeská pahorkatina (NFR 6) and Český les (NFR 11). The study is based upon on two consecutive soil sampling campaigns during autumn 2003 and 2004. While the sampling of 2003 was inadequate to estimate bulk density, the consecutive campaign used a defined sample volume to permit an estimation of bulk density and quantification of soil organic carbon (SOC) for soil organic layers and the upper mineral horizon. The total sampling depth was 30 cm including both organic and mineral layer. SOC of organic horizon was on average 1.99 kg C/m². It differed by stand site type ranging from 0.70 to 3.04 kg C/m². The organic layer SOC was smallest under beech (1.03 kg C/m²), whereas it was higher under pine (2.19 kg C/m²) and spruce (2.09 kg C/m²). SOC in the mineral layer was in average 7.28 kg C/m². SOC differed significantly by the major tree species and reached 10.6; 5.67 and 7.5 kg C/m² for beech, pine and spruce sites, respectively. The average SOC for the total soil layer (0-30 cm) reached 9.33 kg C/m². The methodological aspects of regional estimation of SOC and the potential of utilization of the national forest inventory program are also discussed.

In a 6 years' field experiment in a podzolized heather area in Norway the effects of liming and P and Cu fertilization were tested versus changes in vegetation and soil chemistry. The vegetation altered slowly, particularly the woody species, but pronounced over years. Liming had a positive effect on all species except Deschampsia flexuosa and Vaccinium myrtillus, P tended to favour all except V. myrtillus, and Cu promoted all except Nardus stricta, V. oliginosum and V. myrtillus. Surface spreading of liming material and fertilizers caused distinct lime, phosphorus and copper effects and interactions in the soil litter layer. Liming markedly increased pH and Ca level and stimulated microbial activity, whilst the fertilizers increased P and Cu availability in soil. Cu fertilization counteracted a feared Cu deficiency when liming marginal soils. Gradually the changes penetrated into deeper soil layers. This strong chemical influence led the podzol into a cambisol cycle, characterized by retention of humus in the E layer, accompanied by a slight increase in pH, elevated levels of Kjeldahl-N, AL dissolved and exchangeable Ca, and in CEC and BS.

Low molecular weight proteins were extracted and isolated from rapeseed and analysed using the HPLC-DAD method. The separation of proteins and phenolic compounds was done on the reversed phase C₁₈ column with a gradient of acetonitrile in water. The chromatogram was characterised by two peaks of low molecular weight proteins with the retention times of 19.92 and 23.24 min. Additional three main peaks of phenolic constituents were recorded on the chromatogram. One of them with maximum of UV spectrum at 328 nm was identified as sinapic acid derivatives.

Sediment is a natural component of riverine environments and its presence in river systems is essential. However, in many ways and many places river systems and the landscape have been strongly affected by human activities which have destroyed naturally balanced sediment supply and sediment transport within catchments. As a consequence a number of severe environmental problems and failures have been identified, in particular the link between sediments and chemicals is crucial and has become a subject of major scientific interest. Sediment load and sediment concentration are therefore highly important variables that may play a key role in environment quality assessment and help to evaluate the extent of potential adverse impacts. This paper introduces a methodology to predict sediment loads and suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in large European river basins. The methodology was developed within an MSc research study that was conducted in order to improve sediment modelling in the GREAT-ER point source pollution river modelling package. Currently GREAT-ER uses suspended sediment concentration of 15 mg/l for all rivers in Europe which is an obvious oversimplification. The basic principle of the methodology to predict sediment concentration is to estimate annual sediment load at the point of interest and the amount of water that transports it. The amount of transported material is then redistributed in that corresponding water volume (using the flow characteristic) which determines sediment concentrations. Across the continent, 44 river basins belonging to major European rivers were investigated. Suspended sediment concentration data were collected from various European basins in order to obtain observed sediment yields. These were then compared against the traditional empiric sediment yield estimators. Three good approaches for sediment yield prediction were introduced based on the comparison. The three approaches were applied to predict annual sediment yields which were consequently translated into suspended sediment concentrations. SSC were predicted at 47 locations widely distributed around Europe. The verification of the methodology was carried out using data from the Czech Republic. Observed SSC were compared against the predicted ones which validated the methodology for SSC prediction.

Artificial reproduction with and without hormonal treatment was performed in females of the common gudgeon (Gobio gobio L.) to assess the suitability of this cyprinid species as a fish model for embryo-larval cytotoxic tests. Considering sperm immobilisation tests, the solution for tench was utilizable. The clearing solution designed for the observation of embryonic development in the European catfish was also found suitable for the common gudgeon embryos. The egg and embryonic mortality, embryonic development, hatching and survival rate were examined. Ovulation occurred in 89% of females after the application of the carp pituitary (5 mg/kg) but embryonic mortality reached nearly 100%. The highest embryonic mortality in females with hormonal treatment was observed within 24 hours of development. On the other hand, the reproduction of females without the application of hormonal stimulation was nearly completely successful with mean mortality 60%. The hatching of embryos of females without hormonal stimulation occurred (average values) 71 hours after fertilization and lasted 65 hours. Embryonic development finished within 176 hours. Our pilot study demonstrated that the eggs of common gudgeon were suitable for embryo-larval tests from the 7^th to the 8^th embryonic developmental stage.

The aim of this work was to study the presence of mycobacteria in tissue samples from four cadavers fixed with formalin, and tissue samples from a recently deceased unpreserved individual, who had a history of human tuberculosis infection, undergoing a post mortem (cause of death not related to tuberculosis). All were examined for the presence of tuberculous lesions and the specific presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and M. avium complex (MAC) members by microscopy, culture, and PCR analysis of four genomic elements (IS6110, mtp40, IS901, and IS1245). Microscopy examination after the Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture examination for the presence of mycobacteria were negative in all 22 tissue samples from the four embalmed cadavers. PCR analysis of IS6110 and mtp40 was positive in tissue samples of tuberculous lesions from the lungs of two embalmed cadavers, and from intact kidney tissue of one of these cadavers. Microscopy and culture examinations of liver and spleen tissues from the unpreserved cadaver were positive for mycobacteria. PCR analysis, specific for M. avium subsp. avium, was positive in both tissue samples with, and without tuberculous lesions.

In the course of a 3-year study the natural occurrence of storage diseases in ambient air storage with 1 to 2°C was evaluated on samples of 30 cultivars and advanced selections that were harvested from orchards with and without the use of fungicide treatments. Based upon the frequency of occurrence, bitter rot and grey mould were the most common diseases in this study followed by blue mould and brown rot. Fungicide treatments applied in the orchard with integrated plant protection reduced total fruit rotting with different cultivars two to four times. Significant losses caused by rotting usually took place in the last quarter of the normal storage life of each cultivar, but in the case of samples treated with fungicides it was mostly during the last month. Cultivars Angold, Gala, Florina, Melodie and Meteor proved to be partially resistant to the storage diseases, but the smallest shares of rotted fruits were recorded on apples of Zuzana andMelrose. Still, five advanced selections proved not to be so affected by fruit rotting asMelrose and Zuzana, from which HL 237 and HL 390 were the most remarkable. The majority of selections with resistance to storage diseases as well as Zuzana cv. contain Glockenapfel cv. in their pedigree.

"The International Year of Microcredit 2005 underscores the importance of microfinance as an integral part of our collective effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals. Sustainable access to microfinance helps to alleviate poverty by generating income…" (Kofi Anan). One of the important factors which influence disbursement of public debts in the LDCs are Microfinancing institutions. The article characterizes the progress of discharge of bankrupt from the macroeconomic point of view, and in the situation for microfinancing industry. One of the main question is when and under what conditions it is the suitable to accelerate the transformation of informal MFIs to formal institutions. In the conclusion, the basic conditions and hypothesis, which are necessary for functioning of formal MFIs, are mentioned.

The effect of osmotic stress on oxidative injury, compatible solutes content and water relations was investigated in two maize cultivars (Zea mays L. cv. Ankora - drought-sensitive and cv. Nova - drought-tolerant). Relative water content in leaves of both cultivars decreased after drought treatment, leaf water loss of sensitive cv. Ankora was higher than that of cv. Nova. The 24 h water stress induced by 0.3M sorbitol (-1.4 MPa) resulted in a damage of cell membranes. Lipid peroxidation rose in all studied organs of cv. Ankora and electrolyte leakage in roots of cv. Ankora was much higher than in cv. Nova. Similarly, proline content increased significantly in all studied organs of cv. Ankora. Content of soluble sugars increased in all studied organs of both cultivars, but the mesocotyl of cv. Nova accumulated the highest amount of sugars. The electrolyte leakage was the highest in the roots of both cultivars. Osmotic stress had deep influence predominantly on the roots of both cultivars. It is apparent that stress impact on the drought-sensitive cv. Ankora was deeper than on the drought-tolerant cv. Nova.

An experimental stand was established as a monoculture by planting Norway spruce on a clear-felled area in 1925. In 1958, a research thinning experiment was established there. Control plots and the study of their development without anthropic interventions are of interest in particular. The spruce monoculture nearly disintegrated and the stand-forming role was taken over by species which occurred there originally as admixed ones. The stand became sparser and it was associated with the spontaneous regeneration of broadleaves. Out of the eight control plots three plots were selected differing significantly in stocking and extent of natural regeneration. The development of regeneration was studied in detail on these plots. The undergrowth consisted of 24 woody species in a total number of 6,000 individuals per hectare and about two thirds of them belonged to trees. The results of the study show a possibility to convert a spruce monoculture to a broadleaved commercial forest using the spontaneous regeneration of trees.

The effects of soil conditioners Frisol, TerraCottem, Bi-algeen, and fertilisers Silvamix Forte and Cererit on the welfare of Austrian pine were observed in a seven-year experiment on Loket spoil bank. Simultaneously the economic aspects of growing the Austrian pine until the stage of established plantation were examined. The application of products one year and a half after planting did not cause seedling mortality. The elongation growth of young plants conditioned by the application of Silvamix Forte and Frisol was statistically significant whereas these effects manifested themselves in the second year: they persisted till the end of the experiment for Silvamix Forte, and for three years in total for Frisol. The other products - TerraCottem, Bi-algeen and Cererit - also showed generally better, though statistically insignificant results as compared to those of the control plants. The elongation growth for all products culminated in the fifth year and then declined. The stem diameter growth for the best products reached its maximum in the second year. Regarding the overall height growth after seven years, the average number of the highest plants on the experiment location was on plots treated with Silvamix Forte; these plants exceeded the control plants by 46.2 cm. Pines treated with Frisol were higher by 23.4 cm. However, the application of soil conditioners and fertilisers to the given location proved economically ineffective because there was no need to improve the soil at the location, the same applies to mowing and hoeing since almost no forest weed grew there and the substrate surface remained well-aerated and porous.

Symptoms of viral infection were observed on plants of pepper, cv. OL 228, raised from commercial seeds of Czech origin in a greenhouse in the year 2002. Infected plants showed mosaic or mottling on leaves, and necrotic depressions on fruits. Straight, rod-shaped viral particles of about 300 nm, indicating a tobamovirus infection, were found by electron microscope. ELISA produced negative reactions for Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) but positive reactions with an antiserum to Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). In biological characterisation using pepper cultivars with the L1, L2, L3 and L4 tobamovirus resistance genes it was found that the Czech isolate of PMMoV belongs to pathotype P1.2. This is the first report of PMMoV in the Czech Republic. Its distribution, however, may still be limited as a survey did not reveal other infections in the main pepper producing areas. As PMMoV spreads with infected seeds, the possibility of its chemical deactivation by NaOH was tested and confirmed.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of different pelleting temperature on tibia mineralization, calcium, phosphorus content of serum and growth performance of broilers fed phytase-supplemented diets. The basal experimental diet type was typical maize-soybean meal. The basal diet was supplemented with a microbial 6-phytase (Novo CT: coated thermostable granulate, from Novo Nordisk A/S,Denmark) at 500 Phytase Units (FTU) per kg of feed before pelleting. The diets were pelleted at 65, 75, or 85°C except the basal mash diet as the control. The experimental diets were used from 0 to 6 weeks of age of birds. Dry matter, crude ash, Ca, total P, Na, K and Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu contents of tibia were not affected by the pelleting temperature. No effects of pelleting temperatures on Ca content in the serum were found out. However, P content in the serum was increased by feeding the diet pelleted at 65°C as compared to the control and other treatments. Pelleting at 65 and 75°C had a significant positive effect on body weights and body weight gains of broilers. It was concluded that the best pelleting temperature was 65°C. It is to note that the temperature of 85°C damages enzymatic activity.

The effect of environmental conditions on hatching indices of poultry eggs is sufficiently important that new methods for their improvement are sought, among others through exposing the eggs during hatching to an artificially generated magnetic field of variable frequency. Hatching eggs in this study came from Pharaoh quail in the 4th month of laying. The flock was kept under optimum microclimate conditions and fed a complete feed mix containing 21% total protein and 11.7 MJ ME. The eggs (n = 150), after weighing, were divided into 3 groups equal in respect of numbers: control (I) and two experimental (II and III). The eggs of group II and III were exposed to the action of variable magnetic field of the same intensity but different times of application. The highest percentage of dead embryos during incubation in relation to fertilised eggs was found in control group (11.36%), while the smallest was from group II (4.17%). The highest value of hatching indices calculated in relation to fertilised eggs was found in group II (91.6%), while the smallest was in group III (83.7%) with 86.3% in control group. The results point to the possibility of increasing egg hatchability indices through the use of additional variable magnetic field. The chicks hatched from eggs exposed to the action of this experimental agent had similar body weight. The average weight of one-day-old chicks ranged from 7.82 g (group II) to 8.05 g (group III). In the last week of rearing, mean body weight in both sexes was similar and ranged from 168 (group I) to 172 g (group III) in males, and from 186 g (group I) to 199 g (group III) in females; these differences were not statistically significant. The females of group III reached sexual maturity at 41 days, this being one and three days (non-significantly) earlier than birds in group I and II.

Concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in porcine and bovine kidney, liver, lung, muscle and adipose tissue samples, and in eyeballs (lens and vitreous humour) in fattener pigs and cows. The total average PAH concentrations in individual organs were: 5.4, 6.3 (kidney); 3.8, 2.7 (liver); 4.6, 5.4 (lung); 3.6, 5.1 (muscle tissue); 0.05, 0.11 (adipose tissue); 57.9, 16.3 (lens) and 14, 6.4 (vitreous humour) for pigs and cows in ng/g of wet weight, respectively. Phenanthrene, naphthalene, pyrene and fluoranthene were predominant PAH present in samples. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found among distribution of PAH in animal bodies from several localities with various PAH exposure or between their levels in porcine and bovine organs and tissues, except for eyeballs. On the contrary, significant variations of PAH concentrations (P < 0.01) were found between species in the same tissues from the same stable. The highest total concentrations of PAH were found in porcine and bovine lenses. Analyses of porcine and/or bovine lenses for PAH content could be used for determination of animal exposure to these compounds.

The effects of different levels of bud loading on the yield and some leaf and fruit characteristics in Hayward cultivar (A. deliciosa) in the province of Ordu, Turkey were examined during two growing seasons in 2000-2001. Six years old kiwifruit vines were pruned to carry the loads of 120, 180, 240 or 300 buds/vine on the canes with 12 buds. The study determined probable total leaf area (PTLA), probable total leaf number (PTLN), probable total leaf weight (PTLW) and yield per vine. Mean fruit weight (MFW) and soluble solid contents (SSC, %) of fruits were expressed. In addition, unit leaf area/100 g fruit weight (ULA/FW) was calculated. Leaf characteristics were examined in 3 periods of the growing season. Correlations between yield, leaf and fruit characteristics and treatments were determined. The result of the experiment, namely mean leaf area (MLA), mean leaf weight (MLW), PTLA, PTLN, PTLW ranged between 185.51-194.17 cm², 7.98-8.67 g, 21.047-58.61 m²/vine, 1,129.6-3,035.3 number/vine, 9.04-25.68 kg/vine, respectively. The mean yields of vines loaded with 120 and 300 buds were 34.84 and 100.96 kg/vine (12.19 and 35.34 ton/ha), respectively. Mean leaf area and mean leaf weight increased with increasing levels of bud loading, whereas MFW and ULA/FW decreased. There was a negative relationship between MFW, SSC and yield, and a positive relationship between MLA, PTLA and yield. ULA/FW ratio was between 581.88-611.54 cm² according to the bud loading level. Fruit size diminished as a consequence of dense canopies in both levels of bud loading (120 and 300 buds/vine). Unit leaf area per fruit weight ranged between 581.88-611.54 cm²/100 g, with respect to the bud loading applications. Increasing levels of bud loading resulted in reduced ULA/FW ratio and affected yield and some leaf and fruit characteristics.

The enhanced use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has a strong impact on business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships as well as the way the key business processes are conducted. It can save costs and time, enable businesses to reach a wider market and to respond more quickly to the customer demands. These benefits open up new ways of doing international business. The policy objective is to encourage the integration of e-business into normal business by promoting the take-up of e-business services. Information and communication technologies are necessary to be seen as a tool for the increase of prosperity and competitiveness.

Uptake of mineral nutrients in chickpea cultivars might be an important response in drought tolerance. An experiment under controlled conditions was carried out to study the genotypic response of 11 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars to drought and its relations with N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and B uptake and uptake efficiency. Plants were grown either optimal or drought stress implemented at pre- (early drought stress, EDS) and post-anthesis (late drought stress, LDS) stages. Growth reduction of the cultivars as a response to drought significantly differed. The results of the study indicated that EDS had less detrimental effects on growth and nutrient uptake than LDS conditions. In general, drought tolerant chickpea cultivars accumulated more N, P, K, Ca, Zn, Mn and B in both drought stress treatments except for Zn and Mn uptake in LDS treatment. The total nutrient uptake efficiency of the cultivars were also very significantly correlated with the growth reduction ration (GR) both in EDS and LDS treatments giving correlation coefficients (r) of -7859 and -0.7678, p < 0.01, respectively.

In this paper we present recent findings about the beech bark necrotic disease in selected localities situated in the mountain ranges Vitosha and Stara planina in Bulgaria. The resulting values of necrotic disease expressed by the necrotisation index (I_SN) ranged from 0.72 to 1.12. In Slovakia such low values of I_SN were obtained only for seven out of 52 examined localities. The I_SN results are more favourable than the results obtained using the same methods for four localities situated in Northern Hungary (I_SN values ranging from 1.11 to 1.18). The results of monitoring of three selected biotic vectors of beech necrotic disease were follows: the focus of occurrence of the species Bucculatrix ulmella was in submountain beech forests. Considerable affinity to lower situated sites was found in Ectoedemia liebwerdella. We also found that the boundary of the occurrence of this species is approximately at 1,000 m a.s.l. The frequency values of Cryptococcus fagi were significantly influenced by the altitude. In four out of six localities we recorded the occurrence of three species of the genus Nectria: Nectria cosmariospora, Nectria galligena and Nectria coccinea.

The reaction of 50 winter wheat cultivars/lines to artificial infection with Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (PTR) races 1, 3, and 6 was studied under greenhouse conditions. The set of tested cultivars/lines included predominantly cultivars registered in the Czech Republic and some new breeding lines. A high level of resistance to P. tritici-repentis was detected in the cultivars Clarus, Rheia, Cubus, SHMK WW 14-92, Šárka, Vlasta and Dromos (SWS 799.14953), susceptible reactions were observed in the cultivars Caphorn, Corsaire, Karolinum, Heroldo (PBIS 00/91), Hedvika, Biscay, Svitava, Barroko (PBIS 00/140) to all three races tested. The majority of the tested cultivars possess a moderate level of resistance to PTRraces 1, 3, and 6. Significant differences were proved not only in the reaction of the tested cultivars but also in the aggressiveness of the three used isolates.

Breed effects on live weight gain, slaughter characteristics and carcass composition were compared in Aberdeen Angus, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental bulls. The experiment extended over 2 years and involved totally 96 animals. The target slaughter live weights were determined 550 kg for earlier maturing breeds Aberdeen Angus and Hereford and 630 kg for later maturing breeds Charolais and Simmental. Charolais and Simmental gained more rapidly (P < 0.05) than Aberdeen Angus while Hereford were intermediate. Hereford had lower (P < 0.05) dressing percentage than the other breeds. Percentages of grade I meat were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Charolais and Simmental. The highest percentage of separable fat was recorded in Hereford (P < 0.05). Charolais and Simmental had lower (P < 0.05) thickness of subcutaneous fat over MLLT than Aberdeen Angus andHereford. The later maturing bulls generally tended to achieve higher live weight gains during the experiment, produced less fat and had higher percentage of meat from high priced joints in comparison with earlier maturing animals.

The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of starter diet containing 10% of treated rape cake (TRC) with a reduced glucosinolate content on calf growth, development and health. The experiment included 45 calves allocated into 3 groups. After the colostrum period (5 days) the calves were fed 4 l of pooled fresh milk per calf/day and one of the starters ad libitum. The control group (S) was fed Standard starter with components with a standard nutrient content including fibre. Comparative group T was fed Telstar starter, which contained whole maize kernels and protein pellets. Experimental group G was fed Grant starter containing 10% of treated rape cake. The calves were fed hay ad libitum from 10 weeks of age. The average starter consumption (calf/day) over a 90-day feeding period was 1.34, 1.72 and 1.45 kg of the Standard, Telstar and Grant diet, respectively. An insignificantly higher body weight of calves was recorded for the Grant group at the end of the experimental period. When the calculated indices were compared, it was obvious that the weight gains obtained with experimental starters Grant and comparative Telstar were by 4.0% higher and by 5.4% lower, respectively, than in the control group Standard. No significant changes in the parameters of nitrogen, energy, lipid and mineral metabolism, health status, hepatic parenchyma and thyroid function were observed throughout the experimental period. The diet based on experimental starter Grant had no adverse effect on the ruminal fermentation in calves. It may therefore be concluded that the starter diet with 10% content of treated rape cake had no adverse effect on calf growth and performance.

This paper presents the latest information about the supply of iodine to meet its requirements in hens of laying type, on the basis of iodine content in egg yolk and about the importance of eggs as an iodine source in human nutrition. The Sandell-Kolthoff method was applied to determine iodine content in the yolk of eggs from 9 large flocks (54 eggs) and 16 small flocks (96 eggs) in 2004, and from 10 large flocks (135 eggs) and 15 small flocks (114 eggs) in 2005. Iodine content was also determined in the albumen of 70 eggs. In 2004, the iodine content in the yolk of eggs from large flocks was 1 014.1 ± 356.6 while in 2005 it amounted to 1 663.8 ± 1 179.7 µg/kg fresh matter (P < 0.01); the respective values for the yolk of eggs from small flocks in 2004 and 2005 were 307.1 ± 255.7 and 519.5 ± 508.2 µg/kg fresh matter (P < 0.01). Compared to 1996, in 2005, the iodine content in yolk increased by 123.7% in large flocks, and by 19.2% in small flocks. The iodine content in albumen was 16.2 ± 9.7 µg/kg fresh matter, and it accounted for 2.6-5.0% of the total iodine content in 1 egg. The correlation coefficient between iodine contents in yolk and albumen was r = 0.67. In the Czech Republic, 1 egg from large flocks contains on average 31.2 µg iodine while 1 egg from small flocks contains 10.0 µg. Eggs from large flocks cover 7-14% and from small flocks 2.2-4.4% of the daily iodine requirement in adults. Iodine concentrations exceeding 2 500 µg/kg yolk fresh matter in large flocks were measured between week 32 and 60 of the laying cycle and with daily intake of 0.116-0.132 mg iodine per hen.

The aim of the study was to assess the ability of recovery in common carp after nitrite poisoning and to distinguish the difference in nitrite poisoning of carp at two different chloride concentrations in water. Two groups of carp (group 1 and 2) were exposed to environmental nitrite concentration of 1.45 mmol/l NO₂^- at different chloride concentrations (group 1: 0.31 mmol/l Cl^- and group 2: 3.73 mmol/l Cl^-) for 48 hours. After that, they were transferred into nitrite-free water. In the group 1 mortality of 51% occurred during nitrite exposure and further 11% mortality was observed after 24 h in nitrite free water. No mortality occurred in group 2 and control. Nitrite and methaemoglobin concentrations (MetHb) markedly increased in group 1 (plasma: 10.5 ± 1.90 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 3.5 ± 1.15 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 1.5 ± 0.37 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 93 ± 6.1%) compared with control (plasma: 0.05 ± 0.04 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 0.02 ± 0.01 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 0.04 ± 0.01 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 3 ± 2.9%). After 24 h in nitrite-free water, the values mildly decreased but not significantly (plasma: 5.1 ± 1.49 mmol/l NO₂^-, liver: 1.8 ± 0.65 mmol/kg NO₂^-, muscle: 0.8 ± 0.23 mmol/kg NO₂^-, and MetHb: 84 ± 11.2%). After next 120 h the values decreased significantly and were compared with those found in the control group (traces of nitrite, MetHb: 3 ± 2.1%). Nitrite exposure caused also increase in plasma K⁺ (3.8 ± 0.29 mmol/l), ammonia (230 ± 92 µmol/l), urea (1.7 ± 0.28 mmol/l) and uric acid concentration (66 ± 54 µmol/l) in group 1. On the other hand, values of haematocrit, erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration were markedly lower than control values. Most changes were corrected by the end of the recovery period, only plasma potassium concentration dropped bellow the control values. Nearly no changes were found in the group 2 compared with the control during the whole experiment duration. This shows the positive effect of chlorides on the fish resistance against nitrites.

The present study addresses the characteristics of the frequency and segregation of alleles determining the SNP 775C>T polymorphism within the bovine ITGB2 gene in the Black-and-White cattle population as well as in two endemic breeds of Polish Red and Polish White-Back cattle population qualified to the international programme of genetic resource diversity preservation in farm animals. The SNP 775C>T polymorphism revealed three amplified restriction fragments of 31 bp, 77 bp and 108 bp, forming three genotypes CC (31 bp, 77 bp), CT (31 bp, 77 bp, 108 bp) and TT (108 bp). A group of randomly selected Black-and-White cows was characterized by a negligible percentage of homozygous genotypes TT (5.1%) and by a prevailing percentage of heterozygous CT (60.1%) and homozygous CC (34.8%). In contrast, the between breeds analysis revealed that cows involved in the programme of genetic diversity preservation had a high prevalence of homozygotes CC (Polish Red - 55.9%, Polish White-Back - 60.0%), and a low percentage of homozygotes TT (Polish Red - 8.8%, Polish White-Back - 5.7%) in comparison with the Black-and-White cattle population. The degree of homozygosity in groups of Polish White-Back cows (65.7%) and Polish Red cows (64.7%) was remarkably higher than that of the Black-and-White cows (39.9%).

At present, the professionals in the industry and farming still miss comparative technical data indicating the potential of agricultural vehicles and mobile machinery to inflict compaction damage upon the cultivated soil. Harmful compaction means especially the increase of soil bulk density above a critical level required for efficient plant production. In general, it seems reasonable to restrict the excessive soil compaction by loaded wheels starting from the design of farm power and machinery, which means to provide technical data on the compaction potential of tyres. This paper presents the technique of tyre rating by means of the index Compaction Capacity (CC), which simply reflects the compaction potential of any individual tyre contained in a tyre catalogue within the whole range of loads and inflation pressures.

Land market in the Czech Republic is monitored by the Research Institute of Agricultural Economics on the sample of 24 districts (1/3 of the CR). Land prices depend on the area, culture and region of the plot. Sales of small plots (up to 1 ha) prevail. These plots are usually purchased for non-agricultural use and their prices are many times higher than prices of large plots (above 5 ha) which are usually bought for agricultural purpose. Land market is not well developed, only 0.2-0.4% of the monitored area is sold each year. But in the last years, it is increasing. Compared with land prices in the west EU countries, land market prices in the CR are low.

Measurement of the ammonia emissions by two different types of sensors (PHOTO ACOUSTICS analyzer INNOVA and SOLID STATE sensor SP-53) was carried out in laboratory with one material of litter, wood-shavings (with dry or wet material). The initial ammonia concentration and humidity of material were changed. The output data of these sensors were continually saved a processed. A small difference was found out between the output data of these sensors. The difference depends not only on ammonia concentration and humidity of material but also on the duration time from the beginning of measurement. All experiments of ammonia concentration were carried out with three initial values of humidity and ammonia concentrations within used material. The decrease of ammonia concentration (its velocity) in investigated material has been measured with laboratory device and registered for twelve or more hours during each experiment.