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Item Dynamika węgla organicznego i węgla frakcji humin w profilu gleby płowej w zależności od zmianowania i nawożenia(Przemysł Chemiczny, 2025) Pikuła, DorotaOd wielu lat badania naukowe koncentrują się nad glebową materią organiczną, której utrzymanie w glebie na optymalnym poziomie jest kluczowe nie tylko ze względów prawidłowego funkcjonowania gleby, ale także ochrony środowiska. W pracy przedstawiono wyniki wpływu długotrwałego nawożenia gleby obornikiem w dawce stosowanej w praktyce rolniczej i saletrą amonową w dawkach 100 i 150 kg/ha na zawartość węgla organicznego i węgla frakcji humin w profilu gleby płowej. Badania wykazały, że zawartość węgla organicznego w profilach gleb obu zmianowań stopniowo zmniejszała się wraz z głębokością. Stosowanie obornika w dawce 35t/ha raz na 4 lata, na glebach zakwaszonych w połączeniu z uprawą roślin bobowatych w mieszance z trawami oraz gorczycy w płodozmianie nie sprzyja gromadzeniu stabilnych form próchnicy w warstwie 0-30 (frakcja humin <50%). W głębszych warstwach profilu gleby płowej (30-60 i 60-90 cm) węgiel jest akumulowany we frakcji humin, ponad 70%. Świadczy to o tym, że w głębszych warstwach gleby występują bardziej próchniczne i stabilne formy materii organicznej.Item The Infection of Yellow Lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) with Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus (BYMV) and Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) in Organic Farming in Eastern Poland(MDPI, 2025-09-25) Czubacka, Anna; Czarnecka, Diana ; Księżak, JerzyYellow lupin seeds are a rich source of protein, which is why they are grown for animal feed and human consumption. At the same time, there is growing interest in organic farming. However, this type of cultivation is more susceptible to diseases, including viral ones. Yellow lupin is most commonly affected by the bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We have therefore determined the occurrence of these two pathogens in six new Polish yellow lupin cultivars (Goldeneye, Salut, Diament, Puma, Mister and Bursztyn) grown in accordance with organic farming rules. Field experiments were conducted over three years, from 2022 to 2024, in three locations in eastern Poland. The Goldeneye cultivar was the most susceptible to BYMV, with an average infection rate of 59.17% of plants. In contrast, the Puma cultivar was the least susceptible to BYMV infection, with an average infection rate of 23.34%. However, even within this cultivar, most plants were infected under conditions of strong pathogen pressure (up to 90% in one of the locations in 2024). CMV infections were less frequent, with no statistical differences being found between cultivars in terms of the number of infected plants.Item Fractions from Sea Buckthorn Seeds and Their Bioactive Ingredients as Modulators of Human Blood Platelet Response In Vitro: The Role of Thermal Processing(MDPI, 2025-09-27) Sławińska, Natalia; Janko, Luiza; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Olas, BeataBackground: Given the pivotal role of diet in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), there is a growing demand for new sources of bioactive phytochemicals that can contribute to CVD prevention and treatment. Previous research has unveiled the cardioprotective properties of several parts of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.). For example, various fractions isolated from raw and roasted sea buckthorn seeds showed antioxidant properties in vitro. In addition, the serotonin-rich fraction obtained from roasted seed extract had the strongest antioxidant activity. However, it was unclear which chemical constituents contribute to the anti-platelet potential of sea buckthorn seeds. Methods: The anti-platelet activity of two fractions (fraction b and fraction c) from raw sea buckthorn seed extract, two fractions (fraction d and fraction g) from roasted sea buckthorn seed extract, and two chemical compounds - isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside (a major component of fraction b), and serotonin (5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine), present in fraction c was estimated in several in vitro assays. Results: Isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside significantly inhibited platelet activation. It lowered the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on the surface of 20 μM ADP-stimulated platelets by about 26%. It also inhibited the exposition of P-selectin on the surface of 10 and 20 μM ADP-stimulated platelets. In addition, isorhamnetin 3-O-β-glucoside-7-O-α-rhamnoside (at 50 µg/mL) significantly prolonged the time of thrombus formation. The results also indicate that fractions d and g (from roasted seeds) are more effective anti-adhesive factors than fractions from raw sea buckthorn seeds. Conclusions: It can be suggested that sea buckthorn seeds can serve as a new source of anti-platelet compounds (especially derivatives of isorhamnetin) beneficial in CVD prevention and treatment; however, in vivo research is needed to clarify their mechanism of action, physiologically relevant concentrations, and therapeutic potentialItem Exploring the impact of innovation on organic farms: a comparative life cycle assessment of seven case studies(2025) Żyłowski, Tomasz ; Westaway, Sally; Lauteri, Marco ; Ciolfi, Marco; Holzner, Valerie; Riekötter, Nicklas; Gliga, Adrian; Orfanidou, Timokleia; Borek, Robert; den Herder, Michael; Noble, Nicola; Wustenberghs, Hilde; Adame, Alba Alonso; Smith, Laurence G.There is widespread recognition of an urgent need for a transition to sustainable food systems; with organic farming methods proposed as a part of the solution. However few studies have compared highly diverse innovative organic farms with more mainstream specialised organic production systems. Based on a diverse selection of case study farms in seven European countries, this research examines the environmental impacts of food production from innovative organic systems compared to mainstream organic production through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The study examines different innovation characteristics within product, processing, marketing and organisational categories across a range of case study farms in Europe. All four categories of innovation were represented, however the marketing category of innovation was the most prevalent, with all seven case study farms participating in direct local sales with reduced transport distances to market. The results show that innovative organic farms often have lower environmental impacts than their mainstream counterparts, particularly in the categories of climate change, freshwater eutrophication and fossil fuel depletion for products such as vegetables, eggs and shiitake mushrooms. Process innovations such as agroforestry practices and direct marketing could play an important role in reducing environmental impacts. In addition, organisational innovations such as community-supported agriculture and local direct sales may contribute to reduced fossil fuel use and lower impacts "beyond the farm gate”. This study sheds light on the potential of innovative organic farming systems to drive sustainability transitions, and the importance of specific innovations within food systems for achieving more sustainable production and consumption in Europe.Item Genetic diversity, virulence factors and drug resistance of Pantoea strains isolated from samples of fresh fruits, vegetables and soil(Państwowy Instytut Weterynaryjny - Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, 2025-09-13) Fabian, Ewelina ; Kowalczyk, Katarzyna; Kłapeć, Teresa; Sroka, Jacek; Skowron, Piotr ; Siebielec, Grzegorz; Jadczyszyn, Tamara ; Zdybel, Jolanta Małgorzata ; Cencek, Tomasz ; Wójcik-Fatla, AngelinaPantoea is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria from the Erwiniaceae family. These bacteria are opportunistic human pathogens which are widely distributed in plants and soil. This study aimed to reveal the genetic diversity of Pantoea isolates from food and soil, characterise them biochemically and evaluate their drug resistance. Material and Methods: Thirty Pantoea strains were isolated from fresh fruit (n = 2), fresh and minimally processed vegetables (n = 12) and soil samples (n = 16). The genomic DNA was isolated from cultures on nutrient agar, and species were identified by amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA and housekeeping gene fragments and confirmed by sequencing. Virulence gene presence was determined by amplification of the hcp (haemolysin-coregulated protein), vgrG (glycine-valine repeat sequence G), acrA (anti–clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat protein A) and acrB genes. Isolate drug resistance was tested using the disc-diffusion and gradient strip methods. The presence of Ambler class C (AmpC) β-lactamase (βL) and extended-spectrum (ES) βL resistance genes was tested for. Results: Five species were identified: P. agglomerans (n = 24), P. ananatis (n = 1), P. eucalypti (n = 1), P. conspicua (n = 1) and P. vagans (n = 2). The hcp and vrgG virulence genes were detected in 7 and 1 strain, respectively. All strains showed high resistance to cephazolin and cephuroxime, and more than half did so to ampicillin. The production of AmpC βL and ESβL was confirmed in 22 and 25 strains, respectively. Three strains of the Pantoea bacteria, including P. ananatis from leeks and P. agglomerans from arugula and soil, showed resistance to three or more antimicrobial classes. Conclusion: Pantoea spp., including multidrug-resistant strains, in fresh foods pose a potential risk of infection to consumers.Item Soil resilience to degradation in Poland by 2050 under climate and land use change(Elsevier, 2025-09-18) Coblinski, João Augusto; Pindral, Sylwia; Siebielec, GrzegorzIn Poland, approximately 62,000 ha of soil are degraded due to soil threats (ST). The spatial distribution and intensity of these threats evolve as a result of climate and land use changes. This study evaluates the co-occurrence of soil organic carbon (SOC) loss, erosion, compaction, and soil water retention (SWR), identifying areas susceptible to degradation, resistance, and soil resilience in Poland by 2050 under land use change and an extreme climate change scenario (SSP5-8.5, representing a high-emission pathway). For the first time in Poland, our findings demonstrate the co-occurrence of ST and reduced SWR by 2050, projecting that 47% of Polish soils may face some level of degradation, primarily due to compaction, erosion, SOC loss, and reduced SWR. The most affected areas are in the north, northeast, central, and the Carpathians. The Soil Condition Degradation Index (SCDI) classified 31% of soils as having low susceptibility to degradation, 10% as moderate, 2% as high, and 0.1% as having very high susceptibility to degradation. Conversely, the Resilience and Resistance Index (RRI) shows that 29% of soils will remain resistant or resilient to degradation, with 0.2% showing significant resilience (to three ST), 13% of soils will be resilient to two ST, and 16% remaining stable, showing resistance to change. The presented approach enables the identification of hotspots for targeted management under climate and land use changes, supporting environmental policies, especially the new EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law), and sustainable land management.Item Depth-dependent effects of crop rotation and monoculture on dissolved organic matter quantity and quality(Frontiers, 2025) Ren, Tianjing; Debaene, Guillaume; Ukalska-Jaruga, Aleksandra; Smreczak, BożenaSoil dissolved organic matter (DOM) regulates nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, yet how cropping systems (rotation vs. monoculture) shape the vertical distribution and molecular traits of DOM remains unclear.Item Monitoring Systems of Agricultural Soils Across Europe Regarding the Upcoming European Soil Monitoring Law(Wiley, 2025) Mason, Eloïse; Cornu, Sophie; Arrouays, Dominique; Fantappiè, Maria; Jones, Arwyn; Götzinger, Sophia; Spiegel, Heide; Oorts, Katrien; Chartin, Caroline; Borůvka, Luboš; Pihlap, Evelin; Putku, Elsa; Heikkinen, Jaakko; Boulonne, Line; Poeplau, Christopher; Marx, Marc; Tagliaferri, Elisa; Vinci, Ialina; Leitāns, Lauris; Armolaitis, Kęstutis; van Egmond, Fenny; Kobza, Jozef; Wetterlind, Johanna; Drobnik, Thomas; Hirte, Juliane; Hefler, József; Smreczak, Bożena; Carvalho Gomes, Lucas; Humlekrog Greve, Mogens; Bispo, AntonioIn Europe, 60%–70% of soils are considered degraded, underscoring the urgent need for consistent monitoring to prevent further degradation and support evidence-based policies for sustainable soil management. Many countries in Europe have implemented one or more soil monitoring systems (SMSs), often established long before the EU-wide “Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey Soil”, LUCAS Soil program. As a result, their sampling strategies and analytical methodologies vary significantly. The proposed EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law, SML) aims to address these differences by establishing a unified framework for systematic soil health monitoring across the EU. This paper assesses the compatibility of the 25 identified SMSs from countries participating in the EJP SOIL Program with the anticipated requirements of the SML. The analysis focuses on critical aspects, including sampling strategies, analytical methods, and data accessibility. Results show significant variability in SMS approaches, including sampling depth, monitored land uses, and analytical methods, which limit cross-system comparability. Despite challenges, opportunities for harmonization include aligning SMSs with the LUCAS Soil methodology, developing transfer functions, and adopting scoring systems for soil health evaluation. Enhanced collaboration and data accessibility are also emphasized as critical for achieving the SML's objectives. This research provides actionable recommendations to harmonise SMSs with the SML framework, promoting coordinated soil monitoring efforts across Europe to support the EU's goal of achieving healthy soils by 2050.Item Global pattern and drivers of soil soluble organic nitrogen(Innovation Press, 2025) Ren, Tianjing; Miao, Tiantian; Li, Xiaofei; Zhang, Wenju; Smreczak, Bożena; Ukalska-Jaruga, Aleksandra; Li, Yu’e; Cai, AndongSoil soluble organic nitrogen (SON) is a central component of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle, acting as both a precursor to inorganic nitrogen via mineralization and a product of microbial assimilation of inorganic forms. Due to its high solubility and mobility, SON also represents a critical pathway for nitrogen loss and is a key contributor to nitrogen pollution and eutrophication in downstream aquatic ecosystems. Despite its ecological significance, the global distribution and environmental drivers of SON remain poorly understood, largely due to a lack of spatially explicit data. To address this gap, we compiled a comprehensive global SON dataset comprising 5,782 topsoil samples (0-30 cm depth) from 379 published studies, including detailed information on geographic location, climate, and soil properties. Overall, the global SON concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 1034 mg kg-1, with an average concentration of 41.36 mg kg-1. The random forest model could explain 82% of the variations in SON concentrations. Elevation, parent material, and mean annual precipitation emerged as the most influential predictors. Machine learning was used to quantify environmental contributions to SON and predict its global stock, estimated at 2.4 Pg N. The resulting global SON map revealed a distinct latitudinal gradient, with SON concentrations increasing toward higher latitudes. In addition, meta-analysis showed that except for reduced precipitation, biochar, and no-tillage, other global changes increased global SON to varying degrees (-4.45% – 70.71%). This study provides the first global map of SON distribution and identifies key biophysical and environmental controls of SON dynamics.Item The Effect of Polyploidisation on the Physiological Parameters, Biochemical Profile, and Tolerance to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses of Plants(MDPI, 2025) Koziara-Ciupa, Marta; Trojak-Goluch, AnnaPolyploidisation is a very common phenomenon in the plant kingdom and plays a key role in plant evolution and breeding. It promotes speciation and the extension of biodiversity. It is estimated that approximately 47% of flowering plant species are polyploids, derived from two or more diploid ancestral species. In natural populations, the predominant methods of whole-genome multiplication are somatic cell polyploidisation, meiotic cell polyploidisation, or endoreduplication. The formation and maintenance of polyploidy is accompanied by a series of epigenetic and gene expression changes, leading to alterations in the structural, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of polyploids relative to diploids. This article provides information on the mechanisms of formation of natural and synthetic polyploids. It presents a number of examples of the effects of polyploidisation on the composition and content of secondary metabolites of polyploids, providing evidence of the importance of the phenomenon in plant adaptation to the environment, improvement of wild species, and crops. It aims to gather and systematise knowledge on the effects of polyploidisation on plant physiological traits, including stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), light saturation point (LSP), as well as the most important photosynthetic parameters determining biomass accumulation. The text also presents the latest findings on the adaptation of polyploids to biotic and abiotic stresses and explains the basic mechanisms of epigenetic changes determining resistance to selected stress factors.Item The potential of nature-based solution for urban soils: focus on green infrastructure and bioremediation(Frontiers, 2025-08-15) Celletti, Silvia; Poręba, Ludwika; Wawer, Rafał; Padoan, Elio; Comis, Silvia; Bartosiewicz, Beata; Schiavon, MichelaItem Current Status and Prospects for the Development of Renewable Energy Sources in the Agricultural Sector in Poland(MDPI, 2025-08-11) Oleszek, Marta; Witorożec-Piechnik, Agata; Radzikowski, Paweł; Matyka, MariuszIn Poland, renewable energy sources (RESs) are becoming increasingly significant, also in the agricultural sector. Poland has committed to EU energy policies to achieve a 21% share of RESs in gross final energy consumption until 2030. The newest data from 2023 indicates that up to that time, it was 16.56%. The situation is slightly worse in transport, where a 6% share of RESs has been achieved, compared to 14%, which is the target for 2030. The agricultural sector plays a significant role in this transition, as it offers opportunities for bioenergy production, such as biogas and biofuels, derived from agricultural waste and residues, but also by giving a place for photovoltaic panels and windmill farms. While the progress made is evident, challenges persist. This review paper presents the current status and prospects for the development of RESs with particular emphasis on the share of the agricultural sector. To do this, desk research and a literature review have been conducted. The newest statistics have been presented. A significant opportunity for the development of RESs in agriculture lies in harnessing the potential of the raw material base for biogas production, as well as leveraging funding from numerous support programs. A significant opportunity also exists for the development of agrivoltaics. Creating a legal framework for the development of agrivoltaics, as well as creating equal opportunities for all RESs to obtain funding, is a challenge. A major identified challenge that must be addressed, in order to capitalize on the potential of Polish agriculture for the development of RESs, is increasing connection capacity and expanding and modernizing the energy system.Item Understanding pedodiversity in the historical park: implications of human impact(Springer, 2025-08-12) Hulisz, Piotr; Pindral, Sylwia; Dziemińska, Anna; Kot, Rafał; Michalski, Adam; Dąbrowski, Michał; Markiewicz, MaciejPurpose This research explores how human activity, particularly in historical parks, has influenced soil diversity (pedodiversity) and altered soil properties over time, focusing on the Lubostroń palace park in Poland. Methods In 2019, field research included 34 soil drillings and 7 soil pits, yielding 29 samples analyzed for particle size distribution, pH, CaCO3, TOC, TN, available phosphorus, and magnetic susceptibility. A pedodiversity map was created based on an updated, WRB-reclassified 1:5,000 historical soil-agricultural map, refined using fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and the integration of current land use data. The pedodiversity index (PI) was calculated using Patch Richness and Shannon’s Diversity Index, ranked by the Jenks method, following PCA and bonitation procedures. Results The analyses revealed significant soil modifications, such as deposition of technic hard materials, heap materials, artifacts, and alterations in pH, phosphorus levels, and organic carbon content. These changes reflect diverse historical land uses, including residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. Spatial analyses showed that Brunic Arenosols and Brunic Regosols cover 46% of the park, while heavily transformed Technosols occupy 8.6% in built-up zones. High pedodiversity index values were primarily found in the central and eastern parts of the park, indicating intense anthropogenic influence. Conclusion The study demonstrated that over 200 years of intensive and multidirectional human activity strongly influenced soils in the Lubostroń park. The human impact led to various transformations that shaped the spatial pattern and increased soil diversity (pedodiversity), which was not recorded on the 1:5,000 historical soil-agricultural map. The applied approach enabled a detailed identification of these changes, which may support the reconstruction of past environmental conditions and sustainable park management.Item An Innovative Approach for Maximum Recovery of Isoflavones from Glycine max by the Design of Experiments Method(MDPI, 2025-07-30) Bibow, Aleksandra; Dresler, Sławomir; Oleszek, MartaIsoflavones are the main phenolic compounds of soybean that affect its biological activity. The quantity of these valuable compounds extracted from plant material can significantly vary, influenced by the chosen extraction method and the specific extractants employed. Moreover, in cosmetics and pharmacy, the application of non-toxic, eco-friendly solvents is very important. This study aimed to develop the best mixture of extractants to maximize the recovery of individual isoflavones from soybean seeds by optimization of the proportion of three components: ethanol, water, and propanediol. The design of experiments (DOE) method was strategically employed. The extracts were obtained through accelerated solvent extraction and meticulously analyzed for isoflavone content using advanced electrospray ionization–time of flight–mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) profiling. The predominant isoflavones were daidzin, genistin, malonylgenistin, malonyldaidzin, and malonylglycitin. Our experiment demonstrated that employing three extractants in a balanced 1:1:1 v/v/v ratio resulted in the highest isolation of isoflavones compared to all other mixtures tested. Nevertheless, a detailed exploration of approximate values and utility profiles revealed a more effective composition for extraction efficiency. This optimal mixture features 32.8% ethanol, 39.2% water, and 27.8% propanediol, maximizing the yield of isoflavones from soybean seeds. The innovative use of mixture design and triangular response surfaces has proven to be a powerful approach for developing this superior three-component extraction mixture. This innovative approach not only enhances extraction efficiency but also paves the way for improved processing methods in the industry.Item The Impact of Cereal-Based Plant Beverages on Wheat Bread Quality: A Study of Oat, Millet, and Spelt Beverages(MDPI, 2025) Wirkijowska, Anna; Zarzycki, Piotr; Teterycz, Dorota; Leszczyńska, DanutaCereal-based plant beverages have gained attention as functional ingredients in bakery formulations, offering both nutritional and technological benefits. Replacing water with these beverages may improve the nutritional value of bread by increasing its fiber and unsaturated fatty acid content, while also introducing functional components that affect dough rheology and bread texture. This study examined the effects of substituting water with oat (BO), millet (BM), and spelt (BS) beverages in wheat bread formulations at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% levels. Thirteen bread variants were prepared: one control and four substitution levels for each of the three cereal-based beverages, using the straight dough method, with hydration adjusted according to farinograph results. Farinograph tests showed increased water absorption (up to 64.5% in BO100 vs. 56.9% in control) and improved dough stability (10.6 min in BS100). Specific bread volume increased, with BS75 reaching 3.52 cm3/g compared to 3.09 cm3/g in control. Moisture content remained stable during storage, and crumb hardness after 72 h was lowest in BO100 (9.5 N) and BS75 (11.5 N), indicating delayed staling. All bread variants received favorable sensory ratings, with average scores above 3.75 on a 5-point scale. The highest bread yield (149.8%) and lowest baking loss (10.9%) were noted for BS100. Although BO breads had slightly higher fat and energy content, their nutritional profile remained favorable due to unsaturated fatty acids. Overall, oat and spelt beverages demonstrated the greatest potential as functional water substitutes, improving dough handling, shelf-life, and sensory quality while maintaining consumer appeal.Item Evaluation of the Egner–Riehm DL and Mehlich 3 Tests for the Determination of Phosphorus: The Influence of Soil Properties on Extraction Efficiency and Test Conversion(MDPI, 2024-10) Korzeniowska, Jolanta; Stanislawska-Glubiak, EwaThe leaching of phosphorus (P), together with nitrogen (N), into deep water and runoff from fields into surface water has caused the dangerous phenomenon of eutrophication, which threatens the Baltic Sea. This process has led to a revision of fertilizer recommendations for farmers in most European countries. The basis for proper recommendations is the determination of soil P using a soil test. There are many different soil tests used in Europe for the determination of plant-available P in soil, which is primarily the result of the different soil conditions in the individual countries. In Poland, two soil P tests are currently used: the Egner–Riehm DL (DL) test and the Mehlich 3 (M3) test. The aim of our study was to determine the extraction efficiency of the DL and M3 tests, to explore the possibility of converting the results of one test to another, and to compare the diagnostic value of the tests. For this purpose, a collection of 237 soil–plant sample pairs was taken from maize fields in Poland. The phosphorus content was determined in all the soil and plant samples, with two methods used in the soil samples: DL and M3. The results of our study show that it is not possible to state unequivocally which test extracts more P from the soil. The extraction efficiency of the tests depends on the specific soil properties, particularly pH and texture. The most reliable conversion of DL test results to M3 is possible for soils that contain a 21–35% fraction characterized by particles less than 0.02 mm in diameter, regardless of soil pH. Furthermore, the DL test has better diagnostic value than M3, especially for alkaline soils.Item The Effect of pH on Fertilizer Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Sandy Soil(MDPI, 2025-07) Korzeniowska, Jolanta; Stanislawsla-Glubiak, Ewa; Brosig, JoannaSoil pH strongly influences phosphorus (P) availability and, consequently, plant response to P fertilization. This study aimed to assess how soil pH affects P availability, uptake, and fertilizer use efficiency in maize (Zea mays L.) grown under controlled conditions. A pot experiment was conducted using three soil pHKCl levels (4.2, 5.2, and 6.4) and five P application doses (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 g P pot−1). Each pot contained 10 kg of soil. Results showed that soil P concentration after harvest increased with both P dose and pH, with the highest values recorded at pH 6.4. Maize grain and straw yields responded differently to P fertilization depending on pH. At pH 5.2, the highest grain yield and agronomic efficiency (AE) were observed at the 0.5 g P dose, while higher doses led to yield reductions. At pH 4.2, P fertilization significantly increased both grain yield and P uptake, but excessive doses reduced yields. In contrast, at pH 6.4, yield increased steadily with rising P doses, though AE and apparent phosphorus recovery (APR) were lowest. The highest APR was observed at pH 4.2 and the lowest at pH 6.4. Overall, the results suggest that optimal maize response to P fertilization occurs near pH 5.2, where both yield and efficiency indices peak.Item Chitosan/Perlite System as a Microbial Carrier in Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste: Characteristics and Impact of the Additive Materials(MDPI, 2025) Pilarska, Agnieszka; Marzec-Grządziel, Anna; Makowska, Małgorzata; Kolasa-Więcek, Alicja; Jambulingam, Ranjitha; Kałuża, Tomasz; Pilarski, KrzysztofThis study aims to evaluate the effect of adding a chitosan/perlite (Ch/P) carrier to anaerobic digestion (AD) on the efficiency and kinetics of the process, as well as the directional changes in the bacterial microbiome. A carrier with this composition was applied in the AD process for the first time. A laboratory experiment using wafer waste (WF) and cheese (CE) waste was conducted under mesophilic conditions. The analysis of physico-chemical properties confirmed the suitability of the tested carrier material for anaerobic digestion. Both components influenced the microstructural characteristics of the carrier: perlite contributed to the development of specific surface area, while chitosan determined the porosity of the system. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), the study examined how the additive affected the genetic diversity of bacterial communities. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the degradation rate depended on both the carrier and the substrate type. Consequently, the presence of the carrier led to an increase in the volume of biogas and methane produced. The volume of methane for the wafer waste (WF–control) increased from 351.72 m3 Mg−1 (VS) to 410.74 m3 Mg−1 (VS), while for the cosubstrate sample (wafer and cheese, WFC–control), it increased from 476.84 m3 Mg−1 (VS) to 588.55 m3 Mg−1 (VS).Item Interaction of lensoside Aβ with lipids and proteins of HeLa cells(Elsevier, 2025-06-19) Kapral-Piotrowska, Justyna; Wawrzyniak, Agata; Pawelec, Jarosław; Zarzyka, Barbara; Paduch, Roman; Żuchowski, Jerzy; Sławińska-Brych, Adrianna; Zdzisińska, Barbara; Pawlęga, Bartłomiej; Wójcik-Załuska, Alicja; Baranowska-Wójcik, Ewa; Jakubowicz-Gil, Joanna; Gruszecki, Wiesław I.; Pawlikowska-Pawlęga, BożenaLensoside Aβ (LAβ) is a quercetin derivative isolated from the leaves and stems of the Lens culinaris cultivar Tina. Flavonoid-membrane interactions are crucial for their physiological and pharmacological activity. We have demonstrated the impact of LAβ on EYPC liposomes resembling the lipid phase of tumor cell membranes with the use of the 1H NMR technique and have examined its activity on HeLa cells for the first time. To study the interactions of the tested compound with lipids and proteins at the molecular level, the FTIR technique was applied. To reveal changes in morphology and ultrastructure as well as examine its effect on apoptosis induction and cell viability, SEM, TEM, light, and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry analysis, LIVE/DEAD assays were employed. The ability of LAβ to induce oxidative stress was determined by staining with DHR123. The FTIR analyses indicated that LAβ interacts with the PO2− groups in the polar head region. Moreover, a decrease in the relative protein concentration and changes in protein spectral profile in the amide I region were noted. Flavonoid reduced the viability of HeLa cells, which was correlated with the induction of apoptosis supported by SEM and TEM observations. Moreover, the addition of lensoside Aβ induced oxidative stress. These results confirm that lensoside Aβ may be used in novel therapeutic approaches for treating cervical cancer.Item The Effects of a Cultivar and Silicon Treatments on Grain Parameters and Bioactive Compound Content in Organic Spring Wheat(MDPI, 2025) Kowalska, Iwona; Kowalczyk, Mariusz; Mołdoch, Jarosław; Pawelec, Sylwia; Radzikowski, Paweł; Feledyn-Szewczyk, BeataTo address the need for improved nutritional value of organically grown wheat, this study investigated the impact of silicon treatments (AdeSil, ZumSil) on yield, health status, and bioactive compound content in spring wheat cultivars. The 2019–2020 research evaluated different application variants: seed dressing, foliar sprays, and their combinations. Comprehensive seed dressing combined with two foliar treatments, (variant B) and two foliar treatments (variant C), significantly increased yield (by an average of 8.9% and 7.6% vs. control, respectively). These variants beneficially affected fungal disease resistance mainly in the stressful 2019; in optimal 2020, they showed no clear advantage over the control, which performed similarly or better. Seed dressing (variant D) increased total phenolic acids (PAs) content and antioxidant activity, with the spelt cv. Wirtas exhibiting the highest levels. Silicon treatments modified alkylresorcinols (ARs) content, but effects depended on the year, cultivar, and application variant, not always exceeding the control. Silicon treatments, especially when applied in combination (seed dressing and foliar application), can improve spring wheat yield and favorably modify PAs content, enhancing grain nutritional value. However, the plant response regarding health status and ARs content is strongly conditioned by cultivar specificity and the prevailing environmental conditions of the growing year.