Bogdan Szostak

Soybean is widely used as food. Genetic factors, as well as agrotechnical procedures, affect the yield and quality of soybeans. The subject of our research was the synchronization between soil N supply (from both mineralization and fertilization) and crop N demand. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the cultivar and nitrogen application on the seed yield and mineral content in soybeans. Two non-GMO soybean cultivars (Amandine and Merlin) and four mineral nitrogen fertilizers ((A) N 0, control; (B) N 30:0, 30 kg N ha⁻¹ before sowing; (C) N 0:30, 30 kg N ha⁻¹ at BBCH 73–75; (D) N 30:30, 30 kg N ha⁻¹ before sowing and 30 kg N ha⁻¹ at BBCH 73–75) were tested. The highest soybean yield was obtained following nitrogen application at a rate of 60 kg ha⁻¹. The genetic factor was found to significantly influence the content of some macronutrients (P, K, and Mg) and micronutrients (Cu, Mn, and Fe). In general, the Merlin cultivar had better macronutrient parameters except nitrogen, while Amandine had a higher content of Cu and Fe. Nitrogen fertilization decreased the content of P, K, and Zn in the soybeans but significantly increased the content of Ca, Mg, Cu, and Mn.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a three-year application of digestate from an agricultural biogas plant on the physicochemical properties of highly acidic pH_KCl 4.4 ± 0.23, silty loam soils with low macronutrient content and on the yield and nutritional value of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass harvested for green fodder. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) O (control)—no fertilisation, (2) NPK—mineral fertilisation with (in kg ha⁻¹) 150 N, 53.0 P and 105 K, (3) biogas digestate at 30 m³ ha⁻¹ and (4) biogas digestate at 60 m³ ha⁻¹. The higher application rate of biogas digestate significantly reduced soil acidity to pH_KCl 4.9 ± 0.18 and improved its sorption properties. It also increased the soil organic matter content from 5.6 ± 0.21 to 6.4 ± 0.22 g C_org kg⁻¹ and of K and Zn. The higher level of biogas digestate significantly increased switchgrass yield to 5.15 ± 0.26 t ha⁻¹. The lower application rate of biogas digestate resulted in forage yield of 4.30 ± 0.20 t ha⁻¹ comparable to that obtained after mineral fertilisation (4.33 ± 0.22 t ha⁻¹). Following application of mineral fertilisers and the higher level of biogas digestate, the number of panicles per plant (150 ± 2.49–157 ± 0.6.17), panicle height (107 ± 1.98–114 ± 2.08), crude ash content (61.2 ± 0.43–65.5 ± 0.38) and protein content (106 ± 0.59–92 ± 1.11) in the switchgrass biomass from the first cut were higher than in the case of unfertilised soil (110 ± 3.81, 93 ± 1.32, 55.5 ± 0.40, 80.3 ± 0.37). The use of mineral fertilisers and biogas digestate increased the content of protein, P and Mg in biomass from the second cut. The results suggest that the use of digestate improved the physicochemical properties of highly acidic soil and increased the yield of switchgrass forage without diminishing its nutritional value.

According to the assumptions of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD, the share of biofuels in the global transport sector is estimated to reach 15–23% by 2050. The triticale can be used to produce bioethanol. The appropriate production process should generate as much renewable energy as possible per production unit. Plant production can be carried out in various tillage systems and using appropriate doses of nitrogen fertilization. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of traditional tillage system (TRD) and reduced (RED) tillage technology and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha−1) on grain and bioethanol yield of spring triticale. The field experiment was performed in the south east of Poland (50°42′ N, 23°15′ E) on medium dystrophic typical brown soil. Based on research and calculations, the TRD system and between 40 and 80 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer are recommended for use in the cultivation of triticale for bioethanol production purposes. Such a variant will ensure a sufficient yield of grain (5.190 and 5.803 t ha−1), starch (3.462 and 3.871 t ha−1) and bioethanol (2487.3 and 2780.7 L ha−1) and good agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer (16.96 and 12.15 L of bioethanol per 1 kg of nitrogen (N) applied). The best ratio of energy efficiency of bioethanol production (EROI—Energy Return on (Energy) Investment or “net energy”) was recorded for the TRD system (1.138:1) and for the N fertilizer at 40 kg N ha−1 (1.144:1).

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sulphur and molybdenum fertilization on the yield and chemical composition of common bean seeds. A field experiment was conducted in southeastern Poland in 2012–2014. The scheme of the study included the following treatments: O-control, Mo-molybdenum (100 g·ha⁻¹), SBS-sulphur before sowing (50 kg·ha⁻¹), SFA-sulphur foliar application (50 kg·ha⁻¹), Mo + SBS-molybdenum (100 g·ha⁻¹) and sulphur before sowing (50 kg·ha⁻¹), and Mo + SFA-molybdenum (100 g·ha⁻¹) and sulphur foliar application (50 kg·ha⁻¹). After harvesting, the following determinations were made in bean seeds: content of nitrogen, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, methionine, and cysteine. Application of Mo increased seed yield and protein and methionine content, as well as the content and uptake of P, Mg, and Ca in common bean seeds. Sulphur application had a positive effect on seed yield (13.6% increase) and protein content. Moreover, sulphur improved the biological value of protein by increasing the content of methionine, cysteine, and some macroelements. The most beneficial effects were obtained when both molybdenum and sulphur were used in fertilization. Considering the yield-producing effect and the impact on the biological quality of protein, sulphur fertilization should be included in the crop management for the common bean.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of strip cropping on the content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in maize. A field experiment was conducted during 2008–2010 in South Poland. The two cropping methods of maize were studied: sole cropping and strip cropping with common bean and spring barley. Maize was harvested in two different cycle stages: for silage in milky-wax phase and for grain in full maturity phase. Strip cropping significantly increased the accumulation of Mg and Ca by maize biomass and grain. However, the phosphorus content was higher only in maize grain. The row position in the strip influenced the macronutrients content in maize biomass and in grain. The placement adjacent to the bean resulted in higher Ca and Mg content in maize biomass and in grain. The phosphorus content in maize grain was also significantly higher in neighbouring rows with common bean strip. The least amounts of P and N were found in maize from the row adjacent to the barley strip. The results obtained indicated that strip cropping of maize with appropriate plant species, especially pulses, that is, common bean, seems to be an effective way to biofortify maize grain with Ca, especially in regions where it is the staple food. Furthermore, this may mitigate the deficiency of Mg and Ca in maize forage.

He effect of naked oats used for gilts on the state of their reproductive organs and selected reproductive indicators of sows. The study was carried out on 180 Polish Landrace gilts. The animals were assigned to three groups, two experimental and one control, with 60 individuals in each. The gilts were fed complete mixed rations in amounts consistent with the norms given in SwineFeeding Standards (1993).The mixture fed to the experimental groups contained 40% (D1) and 20% (D2) naked oats of the Akt variety. Sexual activity was observed in the gilts during the second and third oestrus. The standing reflex was tested twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, and its duration was determined by timing the positive reaction to a boar, to touch and to mounting

Open Access Agricultural Journals published by Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information

The study evaluated ejaculates of cross-bred boars produced by reciprocal cross-breeding of the breeds Duroc and Pietrain, as well as the effect of the season o...

The study was carried out on 180 Polish Landrace gilts. Three gilts were selected from each of 60 litters. When their body weight had reached about 30 kg, the gilts were divided into three groups, two experimental and one control, with 60 individuals per group. The mixture fed to the experimental groups contained 40 % (D1) and 20 % (D2) naked oats of the Akt variety. Sexual activity was observed in the gilts during the first, second and third oestrus. The occurrence of the standing reflex was tested twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, and its duration was determined by timing the positive reaction to a boar, to touch and to mounting. The first oestrus occurred earliest in the experimental gilts (group D1) at an average age of 178.2 days, i.e. 8.7 days earlier than in the control group. Analysis of the 17-β-estradiol level in the blood serum of the experimental gilts showed that the feed rations containing naked oats had a beneficial effect on the secretion of this hormone.