Current Agronomy

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Agricultural resilience and agricultural sustainability – which is which?
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Berbeć, Adam Kleofas
Agricultural sustainability and agricultural resilience are two related concepts focus on maintaining the productivity and functionality of agricultural systems. Agricultural sustainability, a part of sustainable development, focuses on the long-term viability of agricultural practices, with conservation and efficient use of natural resources, the promotion of biodiversity and the enhancement of ecosystem services delivery to ensure the continued productivity of agricultural systems as central point of the concept. Agricultural sustainability seeks to balance the environmental goals with economic and social aspects of agricultural operations. Agricultural resilience is a narrower concept, focusing mostly on the ability of agricultural systems to withstand and recover from specific external disturbances (negative effects of climate change, market fluctuations). The interconnections between two concepts are currently under-explored. Agricultural resilience must be seen through the lens of a specific context or challenge to which it responds. Both concepts are essential for developing agricultural systems that can thrive in the face of evolving challenges and contribute to food security, environmental protection and economic stability. Agricultural sustainability provides a foundation for resilience, while improved agricultural resilience can contribute to long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. At the same time not all sustainable agricultural systems are resilient to specific shocks and stresses, and vice-versa. The aim of the study was to identify similarities and differences between the concepts of agricultural sustainability and resilience, with particular reference to their interaction.
Agriculturally important groups of microorganisms – microbial enhancement of nutrient availability
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Woźniak, Małgorzata; Siebielec, Sylwia
The increased dependence of modern agriculture on excessive use of agrochemicals and mineral fertilizers, combined with the effects of climate change, will contribute significantly to environmental degradation and loss of soil quality. Consequently, current trends are based on the search for sustainable agricultural practices, in line with the pro-environmental elements of European policy, to reduce energy use and environmental problems, and to provide an adequate supply of high quality, healthy food for an ever growing world population. The production of healthy food is entirely dependent on the availability of nutrients, so the use of biofertilizers with microorganisms is one of the best ways to supplement and increase the availability of nutrients necessary for proper plant growth and yield. Microorganisms are a powerful tool that can provide significant benefits to crops for sustainable agriculture. The aim of this pa-per is therefore to review the literature on some of the most important groups of microorganisms that are components of biofertilisers. These are those that increase nutrient availability: atmospheric nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, phosphorus-solubilising microorgan-isms and potassium-solubilising microorganisms. This review therefore distinguishes between different groups of microorganisms and their plant growth promoting mechanisms by which they exert their yield enhancing function to meet the demand for healthy food. Microorganisms that are involved in balanced nutrient cycling and have other plant growth promoting properties (PGP) are an effec-tive way to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers, enabling efficient and sustainable agriculture that maintains a healthy soil for future generations.
Agronomic characteristics and economic performance of cocoa farms in Haiti
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Duvivier, Predner; Doréus, Gelin; Tescar, Robers-Pierre; Carvil, Nicolas Ophny
This study aimed to describe the agronomic characteristics of the cocoa based farms, estimate their agronomic and economic performance and carry out a gender analysis. Data relating to crops economic value or food security importance, household size, farmers’ age, farm size, crop yield and farm family income were collected by focus groups or individual surveys. The results showed that, in average, the households’ size was 4.37 people and the producers’ age, 52 years. The female headed farm size was 1.56 ha against 2.20 ha for the male headed ones. Cocoa farm yield was 562.98 kg/ha and average farm income, 622.3 USD for female headed farms against 1138.0 USD for male headed ones. Compared to male, female farmers possessed less land and earned lower farm income.
Alternariosis or brown spot of pomegranate bushes in the western part of Azerbaijan
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Huseynova, Lala A.
Alternariosis or brown spot (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) is a widespread disease of pomegranate bushes in Azerbaijan. The disease occurs mainly in the western part of the country. Alternariosis or brown spot on pomegranate bushes (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) is found mainly on leaves and fruits. On ripening pomegranate fruits, the lesion begins with small brown or black spots that increase in size and become round or oval. The causative agents of alternariosis or brown spot on pomegranate bushes (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) are imperfect fungi of the genus Alternaria, from the order Hyphomycetales; Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl is more common in the conditions of the western part of Azerbaijan. Alternariosis or brown spot (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) causes the greatest harm in conditions of sufficient moisture. The aim of the article is to present the results of studies on the distribution, intensity of development and harmfulness of alternariosis or brown spot of pomegranate bushes (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.), as well as biological effectiveness of fungicides used to control alternariosis, in the western part of Azerbaijan. Research methods used are generally accepted in phytopathology and plant protection to identify and record the infectious potential of the causative agent of alternariosis or brown spot of pomegranate bushes (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) as well as to disease monitoring. During field studies, the fungicides used were 0.4% Selphate (37.5% copper oxychloride + 16% zineb), 0.05% Azoxifene (20% azoxystrobin + 12.5% difenoconazole), 0.05% Conazole (25% difenoconazole) and 0.3% P-oxiride (50% copper oxychloride) and determined their biological effectiveness accordingly. In the last 5 years, there has been a trend of increasing harmfulness of alternariosis or brown spot of pomegranate bushes (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl.) in the western part of Azerbaijan. As our research results show, brown spot mainly affected the leaves of pomegranate bushes. Damage to pomegranate fruits differed only in certain years in the studied gardens. During field studies, it was found that the 0.4% fungicide Selphate gives the best results.
Assessment of soil conditions and nitrous oxide emissions from soil in rapeseed and maize cultivation for energy purposes in Poland
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2024) Żyłowski, Tomasz; Żyłowska, Katarzyna; Pindral, Sylwia; Kozyra, Jerzy; Łopatka, Artur
The aim of the study was to determine nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in rapeseed and maize grain cultivation in accordance with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED2) regarding the cultivation of biofuel crops. The EU Implementing Regulation 2022/996 introducing the updated methodology recommends the use of the Stehfest and Bouwman (S&B) Tier 2 model to determine direct nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil following fertilizer application and the IPCC (Tier 1) methodology for other sources of N2O emissions. The study was based on survey data from 1525 farms; while soil parameters required by the S&B model (pH, soil organic carbon content and texture) were supplemented from the IUNG-PIB soil map where survey’s data were missing. The calculated N2O emissions were aggregated to NUTS2 regions for Poland. Differences in emissions were linked to local agricultural practices (mainly fertilization levels) and soil conditions. The use of the S&B model increases the direct N2O emission factor from fertilizers applied to fine soils or soils with an organic carbon content greater than 3%, compared to the IPCC Tier 1 methodology.
Chelate-induced accumulation of rare earth elements in plants grown on soil and ash-based growing media
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Gmur, Dominika; Siebielec, Grzegorz; Pecio, Monika
Phytoextraction is a phytoremediation technique that uses plants to remediate contaminated areas. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between the use of two doses of chelate (5 mM and 10 mM): CA, EGTA, and EDTA on three se-lected plant species which grew on two substrates (soil with increased REE content, ash). The study focused on the following rare earth elements (REE) representatives: lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), europium (Eu), and gadolinium (Gd). Three plant species were included in the study: common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and autumn fern (Dryopteris eryth-rosora (D.C.Eaton) Kuntze). The plant were grown on two substrates, the main components of which were soil with increased REE content and ash. Plant samples, divided into aboveground part and underground part, were analyzed by ICP-MS. The obtained REE concentrations in plant tissues ranged from 0.02 to 60.20 mg kg−1 (La), 0.05 to 62.22 mg kg−1 (Ce), 0.01 to 45.91 mg kg−1 (Eu), and 0.02 to 63.60 mg kg−1 (Gd). To determine the ability of plants to phytoextract REE, two factors were calculated: the translocation factor (TF) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF). The highest TF value was obtained for D. erythrosora and A. millefolium, when they were grown on substrate with ash. In the experiment, the BCF index value was not higher than 1. In general, the effect of chelates on REE accumulation was plant-specific. The application of CA resulted in the most efficient REE accumulation by plants.
Dendrobium, survey on a natural medicine with multidimensional uses and pharmacological characteristics
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2024) Zhang, Haiyan; Kuang, Yue; Shahrajabian, Mohamad Hesam
Genus Dendrobium consisting of nearly 1000 species which is basically found in tropical and subtropical areas. The genus Dendrobium have been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for around 2000 years. The systematic review of manuscripts and articles dedicated to traditional medicine in China has been carried out. The surveys of interest were indexed in “SciFinder”, “PubMed”, “Web of Science”, and “Scopus”. Relevant literature has been obtained using the keywords “Traditional Chinese Medicine”, “Dendrobium”, “Anti-cancer activity”, “Antioxidant activity”, “Polysaccharides”, “Alkaloids”, “Antibacterial activity”, “Anti-fungal activity”, “Bibenzyls”, and “Glycosides”. This review aims to promote utilization of Dendrobium which is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine because of its different pharmaceutical and medicinal properties, lastly, future challenges and research directions are discussed. Furthermore, clinical trials studies promote researches to highlight and focus on the scope of application of traditional Chinese medicine in growing system of medicine.
Economic implications of digitalization and smart agriculture: A comparative study of Poland and Türkiye
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Tutar, Filiz Kutluay; Abukalloub, Abdallah; Musayeva, Sayyara
The integration of advanced digital technologies in agriculture has led to significant improvements in productivity and sus-tainability. This study examines the economic implications of digital transformation in the agricultural sectors of Poland and Türkiye, focusing on the adoption of smart farming technologies such as IoT, AI, and precision farming. The research aims to explore how these technologies enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in both countries. The study employs a comparative analysis approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Data were collected from various sources, including academic literature, government reports, and case studies of successful digital agriculture implementations in Poland and Türkiye. The analysis includes a review of historical developments, current initiatives, and the economic benefits of digitalization in agriculture. Case studies were selected to illustrate the practical applications and outcomes of digital technologies in different agricultural contexts. The findings re-veal that both Poland and Türkiye have made substantial progress in adopting digital tools, resulting in increased productivity, reduced operational costs, and improved resource management. However, challenges such as digital literacy, financial barriers, and the integra-tion of traditional farming practices remain. The study concludes that continued investment in education, infrastructure, and supportive policies is essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural sectors of both countries.
Effect of Azotobacter salinestris on soil microbiological parametersand cucumber yield in integrated and organic farming systems
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Kowalska, Beata; Szczech, Magdalena; Gałązka, Anna; Zachaj, Krzysztof
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Azotobacter salinestris bacteria applied in the form of Rhizosum N plus preparation on the yield of cucumber cv. Gala F1 grown in organic and integrated systems. In addition, the effect of this preparation on soil microbiological parameters – Pseudomonas spp. and Azotobacter spp. number, dehydrogenases activity, biodiversity (Shannon coefficient) and microbial activity (AWCD) analyzed by BIOLOG tests – were studied. In both cropping systems, the experiment included three treatments: control (full nitrogen fertilization); half dose of nitrogen fertilization; Rhizosum N plus preparation + half dose of nitrogen fertilization. The Rhizosum N plus formulation was applied at a rate of 25 g/ha as a spray on plants at the stage of 2–4 proper leaves. Cucumbers were harvested and segregated into the following fractions: canned, pickling and overgrown. Soil microbiological analyses and leaf analyses for Azotobacter spp. abundance were performed in three terms. It was found that the abundance of Azotobacter sp. bacteria on cucumber leaves increased after spraying with Rhizosum N plus. The bacteria maintained a high abundance at least until 14 days after application. The preparation Rhizosum N plus had a slight effect on the increase of Pseudomonas bacteria number in the soil. No changes were found in dehydrogenases activity or in the biodiversity and functional activity of microorganisms in the soil in the treated combinations. In both cultivation systems, it was shown that the application of Rhizosum N plus had a positive effect on the yield of cucumbers. First of all, it accelerated fruit setting, which resulted in a higher yield at the first harvest. In addition, a positive effect on pickling and canning fractions was observed – a higher yield was obtained in the treatment with Rhizosum N plus + 1/2 N than in the “1/2 N fertilization” treatment. These findings show that foliar spraying of Azotobacter salinestris in cucumber cultivation could be a sustainable way to promote plant growth and improve soil microbiological diversity.
Effect of different doses of apple pomace to the substrate on photosynthetic efficiency and yield in common buckwheat in a model experiment
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Różewicz, Marcin
By-products of apple juice pressing should be used for the benefit of the environment. One way to manage them is to add them to the soil in raw or composted form as a natural fertiliser and source of organic matter. A study was therefore undertaken to test several doses of apple pomace to the substrat on photosynthetic parameters and yield of buckwheat. The experiment was conducted in a vegetation hall under controlled, automatic irrigation to 60% of the field water capacity. The model study used the cultivar Red corolla and three doses of apple pomace applied to pots in the following amounts: 0 control, 70, 140 and 210 g per pot, which corresponded to field volume: 1, 2 and 3 t·ha-1. Four photosynthetic parameters (Pn, E, Gs and Ci) were measured and the water use efficiency was determined. Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm and PI) was also investigated. The most suitable variant for buckwheat was the using 210 g which resulted in increased photosynthesis intensity, chlorophyll fluorescence and buckwheat yield.
Effect of fertilization with nitrogen and microelements on the content of total organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in Luvisols
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2024) Banach-Szott, Magdalena; Dębska, Bożena; Siennicki, Michał; Knapowski, Tomasz; Wasilewski, Piotr
The aim of the paper has been to investigate the effect of fertilization with nitrogen and microelements (Se and Cu, Mn, Zn) on the content of carbon (TOC) and nitrogen as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The study was performed based on the soil sampled (Albic Luvisol) from a two-factor field experiment: the first factor was nitrogen fertilization (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1), the second one – variants of foliar and soil application of microelements and selenium. Soil was sampled from a depth of 0–30 cm at the beginning and the end of the growing season. Sampling 1 was after the start of spring vegetation, sampling 2 – after harvesting the crop from the field. Winter spelt (cv. Rokosz) was grown on the experimental plots, with winter rapeseed as the forecrop. In the soil samples the following were assayed: total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) with the Vario Max CNS analyser provided by Elementar and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). DOC was extracted with 0.004 M CaCl2 and was assayed and using the Multi N/C 3100 Analityk Jena analyser. In the soil samples analysed TOC, irrespective of the sampling date and the microelements application method, ranged from 8.38 to 10.60 g kg-1. In general, the application of microelements into soil in combination with selenium resulted in an increase in TOC in the soil sampled at the end of the vegetation period as compared with the soil sampled at the beginning of it. Irrespective of the application method, there has been identified no effect of fertilization with nitrogen and microelements on total nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon in soil, which is important in terms of the stability and equilibrium of the soil system investigated.
Effect of selected osmoprotectants (betaine, ectoine and inositol) on germination and initial growth of Triticum aestivum L. under salt stress conditions – model experiment
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Furtak, Karolina; Gawryjołek, Karolina
Climate change and increasing soil degradation are driving the need for new agricultural solutions to support crops. Drought stress and salinity are major problems in fields around the world. A promising method to support plants under osmotic stress condi-tions is the use of exogenous osmoprotectants. In this study, the effects of three selected osmoprotectants: ectoine (0.25 mM), betaine (25 mM), and inositol (25 mM), on germination and initial growth of spring wheat under salinity (1% NaCl) stress conditions in model experiment on Hoagland medium were determined. Addition of ectoine showed a statistically significant positive effect on wheat root length (increase of 50.4%) under control conditions. The addition of betaine showed a statistically significant positive effect on shoot length (increase of 60.2%) under salt stress conditions. Surprisingly, the addition of the ectoine to the medium resulted in a statistically significant lower fresh weight of wheat seedlings compared to the control under unstressed conditions. The results show that exogenous application of selected osmoprotectants can mitigate the adverse effects of salinity and promote growth of spring wheat, however this topic requires further, more detailed analysis.
Effects of the foliar application of humic biostimulant on alfalfa and cucumber – case studies
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Sosnowski, Jacek; Rosa, Robert; Pakuła, Krzysztof; Franczuk, Jolanta; Remiszewski, Karol
The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of the new humic biostimulants preparation containing fulvic acids on the growth and quality of the yield of alfalfa (Medicago x varia T. Martyn) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). In 2025, two experiments were conducted: 1. with alfalfa – a grow room experiment, and 2. with cucumber – a field experiment. Experimental factors: I – bio-stimulant, II – number of applications (2 and 4 sprays). The concentration of the preparation and the number and timing of treatments are recommended by the manufacturer. Morphometric characteristics (alfalfa), marketable yield (cucumber) and chemical composition (ICP-AES method) were determined in the plant material. Application of tested biostimulant increased the value of morphometric traits of alfalfa: the length of stalks, number of shoots per plant and leaves per shoot, diameter of root collar, weight of shoot and root system per plant, weight of leaves and inflorescence per shoot. It also resulted in an increase of up to 61% in the dry weight of plants compared to the control. Moreover, itincreased the concentration of potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus in the dry matter of the plant. Foliar application of the tested biostimulant to cucumbers resulted in a statistically significant increase in fruit yield of gherkin cucumbers by 24% and in total marketable yield by 12.5% compared to the control. No significant changes were observed in the dry matter, protein, phosphorus, potassium, or magnesium content in cucumber fruit. The research conducted is a preliminary step towards expanding the assessment of the effects of fulvic acid use on the characteristics of tested plants under various growing conditions.
Efficiency assessment of weed control and soybean productivity depending on herbicide selection and timing of application
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2024) Sikora, Adrian; Klimek-Kopyra, Agnieszka; Kulig, Bogdan
Herbicide protection affects the health and plants conditions of soybean and is influenced by the weather. Due to the increase in weed infestation in the initial period of plant growth, agrotechnical solutions are sought to enhance protection of plants against excessive weed infestation, taking into account the weather at sowing time. These solutions, however, are not always effective. The aim of the study was to compare the plant morphology, seed yield and weed infestation of soybean crop, cultivar ‘Merlin’, depending on the weed management and weather conditions. A two-factor field experiment was set up at the Bayer Crops Experimental Station in Chechło, Poland. The timing of application of herbicides (post-sowing and pre-emergence) and combinations of herbicides were compared. The study showed that application of herbicides immediately after sowing effectively regulates weed infestation of a soybean plantation and shows low phytotoxicity. In years with a high water deficit, herbicides should be applied immediately after sowing. The field experiment confirmed the positive effect of herbicide protection applied immediately after sowing on the habit of soybean plants and the crop yield. The choice of the broad-spectrum mixtures of herbicides Bandur 600 SC (aclonifen) and Sencor Liquid 600 SC (metribuzin) guarantees high efficacy with low or no phytotoxicity. To obtain high soybean yield, however, the application of the herbicide Artist (as a mixture of flufenacet and metribuzin) is recommended.
Enzymatic activity and metabolic potential of microorganisms in flood-affected soils analysed in the short and long term after flooding – preliminary studies
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Furtak, Karolina; Gawryjołek, Karolina; Woźniak, Małgorzata; Grzęda, Emilia
Floods are becoming increasingly common in Poland and throughout Europe. The microbiological activity of flooded soils changes, but research in this area, especially long-term research, is lacking. This experiment aimed to compare the enzymatic and metabolic activities of soil microorganisms in two flood-affected fields in the Lower Silesia and Opole voivodeshipsin 2024. Soil samples were taken seven days and seven months after the floodwaters receded. Dehydrogenases activity, acid and alkaline phosphatases activities, and metabolic potential of microorganisms were determined. It was demonstrated that the activity of the measured enzymes in both soils was lower in 2024, seven days after the flood, compared to the activity measured seven months later. However, metabolic activity was higher seven days after the flood than in 2025, although the statistically significant difference only concerned soil O1 measurements. Although these studies only provide a preliminary insight into the basic parameters of soil biological activity, they enable us to observe trends in changes to the soil following flooding and emphasising the importance of long-term research.
Experimental analysis of a multi-magnetron microwave dryer prototype: electromagnetic field distribution and dielectric characterisation using apple pomace
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Lipińska-Palka, Paulina; Przybylski, Włodzimierz; Perz, Rafał; Abratański, Artur; Dąbrowski, Igor
This study focuses on design, development, and evaluation of a prototype microwave dryer equipped with ten magnetrons, intended for the uniform and energy-efficient drying of high-moisture biomass. Apple pomace, a by-product of the apple juice indus-try, was selected as a representative model material due to its high water content and dielectric variability. The study focuses on the characterisation of electromagnetic field distribution inside the dryer chamber and the dielectric properties of apple pomace at varying moisture contents (10% and 70%). Experimental field mapping was conducted using electric and magnetic field probes, while dielec-tric parameters were extracted using coaxial transmission line measurements and NRW computational methods. Simulation results revealed significant field inhomogeneity due to multimode resonances and phase discrepancies between magnetrons. Drying perfor-mance was evaluated with respect to wave penetration depth, absorption uniformity, and power matching efficiency under different material loads. The results suggest that material moisture below 50% enables deeper microwave penetration and more stable operation. Although microwave drying of moist biomass has been extensively studied in theory and at laboratory or pilot scale, no industrial-scale systems currently exist that process apple pomace. The findings offer a reference for improving the construction and electromagnetic performance of industrial-scale microwave dryers, with relevance for various bio-based applications, including feedstock stabilisation and thermal processing.
Field evaluation of planting pattern effects on performance of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties in a maize intercropping system
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Udemba, Ibukunolu O.; Olanipekun, Samson O.; Ayodele, Olatunde P.; Makinde, Eyitayo A.; Adeniyan, Olutayo N.
Adaptability of kenaf variety with maize under intercropping can enhance its propagation by maize farmers, while strengthening the fibre industry. This study therefore evaluated three improved varieties of kenaf (ARTKEN 211, IFEKEN 400 and IFEKEN DI 400) sown using two spacing dimensions of 0.50 m × 0.15 m and 0.50 m × 0.25 m for growth and yield performance under maize intercropping system. Both crops were also sown in pure stands for comparison. The study was a 3×2×2 factorial experiment laid using randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Data on plant height and stem diameter were collected at two weeks interval from 4 to 10 weeks after sowing (WAS), and yield components at harvest. All data were subjected to ANOVA at α0.05. Variety, spacing and cropping system significantly influenced kenaf stem length and diameter while spacing varied statistically for bast and core yield. Variety ARTKEN 211 spaced 0.50 m × 0.15 m apart and intercropped with maize consistently had highest stem dimensions (except for its record of second broadest stem at 10 WAS ). The narrower spacing significantly enhanced bast and core yields, and gave numerically higher maize yield. Meanwhile, maize grain yield from sole and intercrops were statistically similar, indicating stability in maize grain yield even in mixture with the kenaf varieties. Integration of the kenaf varieties into maize-based cropping system at spacing of 0.50 m × 0.15 m should therefore be encouraged. However, premium variety will be dependent on production aim.
Free-living bacteria of the genus Azotobacter – significance, mechanisms of action and practical use in crop production and sustainable agriculture
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2024) Kozieł, Monika
Crops grown today show high yield potential, and one of the conditions for realising this potential is to meet their increased nutrient requirements. Arable soils often lack adequate nitrogen, which results in reduced yields and reduced profitability of production. The low nitrogen content of the soil is usually supplemented by the application of mineral fertilisers, which can cause ammonia volatilisation and nitrate accumulation in the soil. Long-term and intensive use of nitrogen fertilisers also contributes to soil acidification, groundwater contamination and an imbalance in the biological ecosystem, for example by increasing the proportion of fungi in the soil microbial population. It is therefore crucial to develop integrated crop production strategies that sustainably increase crop productivity. No less important is the maintenance of soil quality and the reduction of soil degradation problems. Therefore, there is a growing interest in non-chemical methods of fertilisation and plant protection. Biologically active agents are being sought to protect plants and promote their growth. A number of biopreparations are available on the market that improve the humus-forming properties of soil, do not disturb the biological balance and increase plant yields. Their advantages include increasing the availability of elements needed by plants (nitrogen, phosphorus), as well as stimulating plant growth and development through the synthesis of phytohormones. The market for biopreparations is growing rapidly and forms the basis of plant protection in line with the European Green Deal and the ‚Field to Table’ strategy, which promote the reduction of use of synthetic mineral fertilisers and pesticides in favour of biological solutions. One of the preparations available on the market are vaccines containing free-living atmospheric nitrogen-fixing bacteria belonging to the genus Azotobacter. This article highlights the importance of bacteria belonging to the genus Azotobacter as a potential ingredient in biopreparations to improve the growth, development and yield quality of many crops. Furthermore, the mechanisms used by Azotobacter spp. to promote plant growth (fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, solubilisation of phosphate, potassium and zinc, synthesis of phytohormones, vitamins, siderophores and protection against pathogens) are discussed. Attention has been drawn to the ability of bacteria of the genus Azotobacter to form cysts, which enables them to survive under adverse environmental conditions (high temperature, acidic pH, salinity). Current information on the importance and practical use of Azotobacter spp. in crop production and sustainable agriculture is also reviewed. The use of biopreparations based on Azotobacter spp. strains in agriculture allows for increased crop production and can contribute to meeting the food needs of the world’s ever-growing human population.
Herbal therapy with application of Brazilian peppertree and Cat’s claw
(Instytut Uprawy Nawożenia i Gleboznawstwa - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy w Puławach, 2025) Shahrajabian, Mohamad Hesam
Since ancient times, natural components considerably from plant origin, have routinely been a notable source of therapeutic agents. There are many endemic medicinal plants and herbs in South America, which is known as the region of biodiversity. Due to the lack of economic resources, and insufficient medical attention, application of medicinal herbs and plants in Latin America is a common practice. The systematic review of documents and manuscripts from clinical trials, and scientific societies has been carried out. The surveys of interest were indexed in “PubMed”, “Web of Science”, and “SciFinder”. Relevant literature has been obtained using the key-words “Antioxidant Activity”, “Antimicrobial Activity”, “Aroeira Fruit”, “Medicinal Plant”, “Mitraphylline”, “Brazilian Peppertree”, and “Cat’s claw”. The selection criterion was to include research papers on the most important topics, using in vitro or in vivo studies. Duplicate studies and those that do not fall with the scope of the search were excluded. The goal of this review article is a survey about the importance of Brazilian peppertree and cat’s claw. Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia)is an evergreen tree or shrub with wide-spreading horizontal branches. The most important phytochemicals of Schinus terebinthifolia fruit oil are β-pinene, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, α-phellandrene, limonene, p-cymene, β-phellandrene, and mono-alcohols, triterpene alcohols, terpinolene, ketones, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Some of the most pharmacological properties of Schinus terebinthifolia are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, and andtiulcerogenic activity. Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an important medicinal plant endemic to the tropical forests of South and Central of America, which has been used in wound treatment in traditional medicine with high antibacterial activities. In traditional medicinal sciences in South America, its root and bark have been used for treatment of cancer, inflammation, and infections. It allegedly aids fight a range of ailments, including Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, and infections. Although, many studies have evaluated the biological properties of these two medicinal plants in South America, little has been done to identify and characterize its chemical constituents, which is certainly a niche that needs to be further explored.
Impact of climate change on agriculture in Poland
(IUNG-PIB, 2024) Faber, Antoni; Jarosz, Zuzanna
Agriculture, on the one hand, emits greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change, and on the other hand, it is the sector which is most affected by the progressing climate change. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of climate change on ag-riculture and to identify measures adapting agriculture in Poland to changing climatic conditions. The sources of information were legal acts, reports and documents of international institutions, as well as literature on the subject. The study analysed the impact of climate change effects on the conditions of conducting and the volume of agricultural production in global, European and national terms. The analysis showed that progressive climate change and its impact on changing agricultural production conditions threaten the productiv-ity of agriculture, and thus limit the provision of food security. The dynamics of these changes, the extensive scope of threats and the strength of their negative impact prompt adaptation measures. Adaptation measures, the implementation of which enables adaptation to the current and expected climate and its impacts, have been identified.

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