International scientific conference RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2017
We are pleased to present the Proceedings of the 8th International Scientific Conference “Rural Development 2017: Bioeconomy Challenges”. The Conference took place in Academia, Kaunas district, Lithuania at the Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 23-24 of November, 2017. The 8th International Scientific Conference “Rural Development 2017” was the most effective bi-annual platform for the interdisciplinary scientific discussions and the presentations of new ideas for Sustainable Rural Development in the context of Bioeconomy Challenges. The Conference brings together scientists, practitioners, policy makers and actors from private sector around the world to share their experience helping countries to provide their citizens with a more competitive economy, more and better jobs and a better quality of life. The topic of the Conference has allowed for the exploration of different aspects of four main areas: • Biosystems Engineering and Environment • Agro-innovations and Food Technologies • Multifunctional Approach for Sustainable Use of Natural Resource • Social Innovations for Rural Development The topic “Bioeconomy Challenges” chosen for the 8th International Scientific Conference sparked strong interest among the professional and scientific community and elicited great response to the call for papers. The Proceedings include 255 peer-reviewed papers and contributions from 739 authors. In total we received 276 submissions for the Conference. A selection of papers are available in this volume. The majority of the contributed papers are included as are selected papers from the discussions sessions.and have been peer reviewed by two experts. We want to thank the contributors and the reviewers who made this issue possible. We also thank the Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture, and Research Council of Lithuania for the generous financial support that made the Conference possible.
Copyright (c) 2018 International scientific conference RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2017
MAIN DIRECTIONS OF DEVELOPMENT OF SPRING WHEAT PRODUCTION AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE ARABLE FARMING IN THE FOREST-STEPPE BELT OF THE MIDDLE VOLGA REGION
The article presents results of studies of influence of controlled and environmental factors on production process of different varieties of spring wheat carried out in different soil and climatic conditions of Middle Volga region. The forest-steppe area of the Volga region is one of regions of Russia favorable for spring wheat growing by its natural and climatic conditions. Unbalance of nutrition elements in soil, acid soil and predominantly heavy-textured soil hamper the yield growth. Out of all factors vital for plants (light, heat, moisture and nutrition elements) under consideration, providing plants with nutrition elements and moisture are those limiting high crop yields. he objective of our studies is increasing the crop yield with the simultaneous decrease of the produced goods cost makes it necessary to calculate in advance the possible yield level depending on the influence of different factors: environmental, crop variety and etc. The aim of our studies was to develop methods of growing high yield and high quality crops of different varieties of wheat adjusted for conditions of the forest-steppe black soil in the Volga region. Methods of research using field and laboratory tests, the method of state variety tests of agricultural cultures, phenoldisulfonic acid method, finite difference method, disperse analysis method. A set of observations, records and analysis was carried out during the experiments with implementation Russian methodological guidelines and National State Standards. Statistical processing of the yield data, economic and energy estimates was carried out by the methods recommended by Russia Scientific Research Institute of Agricultural Economy and Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Having carried out the analysis of natural resources and genetic potential of the wheat varieties, systems of plant nutrition optimization and influence of their predecessors, we have obtained new data about possibility of increasing the spring durum wheat arable area. We have shown the role of different forms of using nitrogenous fertilizers (on the background of phosphorus – potassium ones) in the increase of productivity and improvement of the spring wheat grain quality. An established optimal norm for Gramma variety spring spelt corn seeding has been established for the conditions of the grey forest soil in the Fore-Kama region of the Republic of Tatarstan and the influence of their nutrition on yield has been found. Keywords: seeding rate, predecessors, spelt corn, varieties, fertilizers, crop yield, Trans-Kama spring wheat Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.254
THE EVALUATION OF THE COMPATIBILITY OF CEREAL AND GREEN MANURE ON THE BASIS OF NUTRIENTS
Research was carried out at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry’s (LAMMC) Joniškėlis Experimental Station on a clay loam Endocalcari Endohypogleyic Cambisol. The study was aimed to explore the aboveground mass of perennial forage legumes: red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), and their mixtures with festulolium (x Festuliolium), used as green manure, qualitative parameters and compatibility with cereals on the basis of nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The deficiency of other nutrients (P, K) and intensity of green manure mineralization can lead to N absorption. It has been determined that winter wheat takes one kg of N together with 0.2 kg P and 0.6 kg K. Spring wheat requires a similar amount of P but a higher amount of K. Average winter wheat grain yield can be 4.0 t ha-1 on a clay loam Cambisol in organic cropping system. NPK content – 134 kg ha-1 is needed for such productivity (grain + straw). This content is lower for spring winter growing. P:N and K:N ratios are more favourable in perennial forage legume mixture with festulolium, as compared to legume alone. To obtain grain yields of 4 t ha-1 of winter wheat and 3 t ha-1 of spring wheat in balanced organic crop rotation it is sufficient to apply 3.0 and 2.0 t ha-1 DM of pure legume mass as green manure. “Cut-and-carry” fertilisers do not satisfy the wheat demand for P. Keywords: green manure, nitrogen, organic farming, phosphorus, potassium, yields of cereals Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.039
OBJECTIVES AND RESOURCES USES RANKING IN SOLIDARITY PURCHASING GROUPS: LITERATURE REVIEW AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The objective of the paper is investigating food networks (FNs), focusing on the emerging of recurring themes in literature and investigating how the networks relationships may influence the resources uses in farming activities. The research was carried out through access to Web of Science and Scopus databases in order to investigate the literature on FNs. The period considered is 2000-2016, using as selected key words food networks, food and practices, alternative food networks. Then we selected and classified the resulting articles and identified a set of themes addressed in literature. The main outcome of this analysis is the identification of the following themes: a) common/shared FNs characteristics; b) trust creation and embeddedness facilitated by face to face relations; c) role of FNs in transformation of food systems towards social, environmental and health objectives; d) food citizenship/sovereignty-civil engagement; e) values inspiring FNs objectives, namely sustainability, fairness/social justice, health protection, ethical consumption/political action; f) governance of the consumers-producers relations. We argue that identified themes are dimensions related to FNs objectives. More precisely we then conceptualize the identified characteristics as drivers of the ranking of resource uses in farming systems. Elaborating on this idea we derive principles for supporting the design of governance of these groups. The study concludes underlying the complexity of food networks and their capability to influence the resources uses by setting up flexible but resilient governance structures. Keywords: Civic engagement, food networks, governance design, ranking of resources uses values, trust creation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.061
EFFECT OF THE NITROGEN AND MAGNESIUM FERTILISATION ON YIELD AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF WINTER TRITICALE PRODUCTION
The present investigations were undertaken, in which the winter triticale cultivar Twingo was examined, with the aim of analyzing production output, expressed by grain yield and its structure, as affected by different levels of nitrogen and magnesium fertilisation and assess and compare the economic efficiency of production technologies. This research encompassed the results of a three-year (2013-2015) field experiment conducted at the Research Station in Tomaszkowo near Olsztyn, Poland. The experiment was set up in a random, split-plot design, with four replications. The first order factor was nitrogen fertilisation (kg ha-1): 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150. The second order factor was the level of magnesium fertilisation (kg ha-1): 0 and 5 kg MgSO4∙7H2O. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the grain yield was significantly affected by the year of the trial, nitrogen and magnesium fertilisation, interaction of the first and second factors was not proven. The method based on the standard gross margin (SGM) was used for the economic evaluation of the three production technology differentiated costs levels. Three technologies with the highest, medium and lowest average yields were selected to the comparison. Differences in compared technologies concerned to the date and dose of nitrogen and magnesium fertilisation. Results showed, that increasing intensity of winter triticale technology in the field trial, caused the higher financial yield value of winter triticale, as well as direct costs and direct surplus. The direct surplus was higher by 24.4% between the lowest and the highest winter triticale technologies. The highest yield technology was characterized by the highest profitability. Keywords: triticosecale, grain yield, yield components, nitrogen and magnesium fertilisation, intensity level of technology Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.148
LEAF SURFACE AREA ESTIMATION IN DIFFERENT GRAPES VARIETIES USING A AM 300 LEAF AREA METER
Experimental measurements focused on evaluation of grapevine leaf surface area development in nine varieties, in the viticultural conditions of South Moravia. The dynamics of leaf surface area development was measured by using a device called leaf area meter AM 300. The device operates on the principle of a scanner and the resulting values are expressed through the leaf area index - LAI. The measurements were carried out in five dates during phenophases of growth, flowering, initial development of fruits, and ripening of berries. The results show a significant differences in increase in leaf area between the evaluated varieties, especially during flowering. The size of the leaf area, depending on the year, corresponds to values between 7.615 and 13.483 square metres per hectare. The largest leaf area was reached in growth stage 8, which is ripening of fruit. The leaf area reached the largest size in the varieties Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, and Sauvignon, with values ranging from 20.560 to 26.481 square metres per hectare. The results suggest that a significant proportion of leaf area is also represented by lateral shoots whose size in the ripening phase, depending on variety, ranges from 33.7 to 52.9 per cent of the total leaf area. Keywords: grapevine, lateral shoots, leaf, leaf area index, leaf area metre, viticulture Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.037
INFLUENCES OF BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS ON SOIL PROPERTIES IN THE SPRING WHEAT CROP
The natural biochemical, biophysical and biological processes in the soil is changing due to the intensive use of pesticides. At present, it is actual fertilization technologies, which are based on non-fertilizer rates increase bat on their rational use because in the fertilizer is unnecessary chemical compounds that promote mineral nutritional elements leaching. Have been studied the effect of biological preparations BactoMix, AgroMik and Rizobakterin on soil physical properties in spring wheat crop. Experiments were carried out in 2015–2016 at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University on Calcari-Endohypogleyic Luvisol. The mean annual temperature of the study site is 6.0–6.5 °C, mean annual precipitation is 600–650 mm and mean annual length of sun shine is 1750-1800 hour (Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service). Biological preparations sprayed on the soil surface and incorporated in the soil by sowing spring wheat. The use of biological preparations had a tendency to reduce soil density (from 2.3 to 5.3 %), to increase soil porosity (from 0.6 to 2.1 %). Biological preparations had no significant influence on quantity couples filled with moisture and air. The hardness of the soil after spring wheat harvest was the smallest in the fields sprayed by Rizobakterin preparation. The use of biological preparations BaktoMix and Rizobakterin significantly increased soil moisture. The following preparations significantly decreased soil pulverized fractions (micro structure) and significantly increased amount of particles larger than 10 mm. Keywords: biological preparations, soil properties Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.013
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOORGANIC PREPARATIONS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF CONVENTIONALY GROWN WINTER RAPE ACTIVATING AND SAVING THE USE OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS
The aim was to determine the impact of Raskila bio-organic preparation on the productivity of winter rape ‘Sunday’ grown under conventional system, in order to activate and save the use of treatment Rovral aqua flo and to improve the wintering of plants. The scientific article presents the data of the conventional winter rape ‘Sunday’ growth intensity, plant formation, accumulation of dry matter, seed quality parameters, fertility data and the influence of the use of bioorganic fertilizers e. winter rape 'Sunday' seeds were coated with bioorganic preparations and synthetic treatments, and additionally sprayed with a bioorganic fertilizer solution. Agrotechnics was carried out according to the technology of winter rape growing at Aleksandras Stulginskis University Experimental station. Additional treatment of winter rape seeds and additional spraying with bioorganic fertilizers had a positive influence on the processes of growth and development of winter rape. By combining seed treatments and treatment with bio-organic Raskila fertilizers (3 l for 100 kg) and spray in autumn (3 l ha-1 ), the best results are achieved: the maximum rape seed yield was 3.87 t ha-1 and the best quality production. Bioorganic fertilizers and treatment Rovral aqua flo has significantly increased the following indicators of winter rape ‘Sunday’: the length of the plant (118.16-127.64 cm), the number of branches (6-10), seeds in the silique (28.27), the seed yield (3.16-3.87 t ha-1). The highest seed yield (3.87 l ha-1) was achieved, applying Nagro preparations in the autumn and the Rovral aqua flo treatment and spraying Raskila plants when the rape reaches a height of 5-7 cm (BBCH 10-19). Premium yield was 86.6 % compared to control. Raskila fertilizers and treatment Rovral aqua flo significantly increased the following parameters of winter rape seeds: content of fat (41.52-43.05 %), proteins (20.39-20.91%), glucosinolates decreased from 18.68 to 18.31 m mol g-1. This has improved seed quality. Treatment with Raskila and treatment Rovral aqua flo decreased seeds and seedlings infestation and morbidity due to Fusarium, Drechlera, Alternaria, Penicillium. Rates of treatment can be reduced if combined with bioorganic fertilizers. Application of bioorganic fertilizers and treatment in combination increases the effectiveness of treatment. Bio-organic fertilizer reduces plant stress caused by synthetic treatment. Keywords: winter rape, bio-organic fertilizers, synthetic treatment, biometric parameters, seed yield, efficiency Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.051
THE EFFECT OF MG AND S ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS PRODUCTS AND NITROGEN CONTENT IN WINTER WHEAT
In 2013 and 2014, field experiments involving winter wheat were conducted at Aleksandras Stulginskis University’s Experimental Station on a medium-textured Cal(ca)ri-Epihypogleyic Luvisol. N150P90K120 were applied as the main fertilizers. Additionally, a foliar fertilizer including amide nitrogen, sulphur and magnesium (MgO concentrations ranging from 0.25 % to 2.5 %), (further referred to as magnesium fertilizer), was sprayed at the tillering and booting stages of winter wheat. It was found that magnesium fertilizer foliar-applied at the end of tillering and booting stages tended to increase chlorophyll a and b contents in winter wheat leaves. Chlorophyll a content in leaves significantly increased when the solution with 2.5 % concentration of magnesium had been applied at tillering and when 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 % concentrations of the solution had been applied at booting stages. Chlorophyll b content in winter wheat leaves was significantly affected by the solutions with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 % magnesium concentrations at tillering and by the solutions with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 % magnesium concentrations at booting stages. The highest increase in dry matter content was recorded when 2.5 % MgO solution had been applied at booting stage. A statistically significant correlation was established between the MgO concentrations applied at tillering (r = 0.905*) and booting (r = 0.863*) stages and nitrogen content in winter wheat dry matter. Keywords: nitrogen, magnesium, sulphur, chlorophyll Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.005
EXTENSION OF WEIBULL MODEL FOR DESCRIBING OF DRIED APPLE REHYDRATION
Sample of Ligol variety apples (slices of 3 and 10 mm thickness and cubes of 10 mm thickness) were dried using following methods: natural convection (drying air velocity amounted to 0.01 m/s), forced convection (0.5 and 2 m/s), fluidized bed drying (6 m/s). The drying air temperature was kept at 50, 60, and 70°C. The dried apples samples were rehydrated in distilled water at 20, 45, 70, and 95°C. The Weibull model given for describing time dependence of the moisture content change was fitted to experimental data and model parameters were determined by multiple regression analysis. The variation of model parameters with characteristic particle dimension (L), drying air velocity (v), drying air temperature (td), and rehydration temperature (tr) described as multiplication type. By using these verification of parameters, extended Weibull model for describing combine effects of L, v, td, tr, and drying time was derived and the parameters of the model were also determined by multiple regression analysis. The accuracies of both models were measured using the determination coefficient (R2), mean bias error (MBE), root mean square error (RMSE), reduced chi-square (c2), and t-statistic method. The Weibull model (R2=0.8319-0.9957, MBE=-0.0044-0.0110, RMSE=0.0189-0.1248, c2=0.0004-0.0180, and t-stat=0.0149-0.2875) and the extended Weibull model (R2=0.9130-0.9948, MBE=-0.0209-0.0377, RMSE=0.0230-0.0719, c2=0.0007-0.0057, and t-stat=0.0389-1.2214) described the rehydration characteristics of dried apple satisfactorily. The extended model by taking into account the effect of L, v, td, and tr on its parameters can be considered as more general one. Keywords: apple, rehydration, Weibull model Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.026
THE DETERMINATION OF OLEIC ACID CONTENTS IN SUNFLOWER GENOTYPES
High oleic sunflower is new trend both in Turkey and also in the world due to that it present healthy vegetable oil and also higher standing ability for frying. Higher oleic acid also affects from environment especially nigh temperatures during the grain filling period but genetic contribution is also important. High oleic acid content comes from Pervenent mutation in sunflower and it controlling Ol genes. However, because of being a seed trait which is determining after harvest, it is so difficult and unnecessary works (waiting even low oleic ones until seed treshing, etc) to select high oleic sunflower genetic materials. Therefore, selection utilization of molecular markers for determining of higher oleic types help breeders a lot to select accurately high oleic ones and also reduce costs both workers, isolation material, etc… The study covers determining of higher oleic type sunflower genetic materials developed in National Sunflower Hybrid Breeding Project conducted by Trakya Agricultural Research Institute. To screen of high oleic acid genotypes, around 400 sunflower F2 and F3 individuals obtained from crosses between high oleic acid and low oleic acid lines were used in TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) Project 1003-114O971. Fatty acids of sunflower genotypes were determined by Agilent 6850 Gas Chromatography in Trakya University Lab. Based on the study results, oleic acid contents of sunflower genotypes were changed between 21.9-91.8 %, linoleic acid contents of them between 1.1-66.5 %, palmitic acid contents of them were between 3.4-8.0 % and stearic acid contents of genotypes were changed between 1.1-9.7 %. The higher oleic types were selected based on the study results for further generations. Keywords: Sunflower, Oleic Acid, Quality, Hybrid Breeding Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.060
INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ON THE GROWTH AND QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SWEET BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM L.)
Investigation of impact of novel plant origin products on sweet basil has been carried out in 2014–2015. The plants were grown in the poly tunnel. The test on sweet basil quality parameters was carried out in the Laboratory of the Quality of Plant Raw Materials at Aleksandras Stulginskis University applying standardized analysis methods. It has been determined that, the sweet basil comparing with the control grew best in both 2014 (80.1 cm) and 2015 (80.8 cm) when biological products Canelys, Ekoflavon and Ekoflavon + Oleorgan were applied. In 2014, the most significant absolute dry matter content (92.20%) was accumulated using Oleorgan, and in 2015, significantly the highest dry matter content (90.19%) has been accumulated using Ecoflavon + Canelys. The most significant (11.64%) crude fibre content in 2014 has been obtained under Canelys application, while in 2015, significantly the highest result (14.26%) has been collected by the control. Significantly the highest quantity of crude ash (19.44%) in 2014 has been determined when the plants were treated with Canelys, however in 2015, the best result (21.86%) has been obtained after the use of the Oleorgan. The most significant (20.07%) crude protein content in 2014 has been accumulated when the plants were treated with Ekoflavon. Therefore, in 2015 significantly the highest (16.68%) crude protein content was found in the treatment Ekoflavon + Canelys, still the result did not differ significantly from the treatment when only Ecoflavon was used. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of some biological products on the growth and qualitative characteristics of sweet basil. Keywords: biological products, sweet basil, Canelys, Oleorgan, Ekoflavon Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.077
VERNALISATION IMPACT ON BIOMETRICAL PARAMETERS OF FESTULOLIUM VARIETIES
Many plants, including Festulolium, grown in temperate climates require vernalization and must experience a period of low winter temperature to initiate or accelerate the flowering process. The aim of research was to investigate impact of vernalisation thermoinduction on growth and development parameters of Festulolium new varieties ’Vėtra’ and ’Punia’. Investigations were carried out in Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Institute of Horticulture, Plant Physiology Laboratory of phytotron complex in 2011-2012. The aim of research is to investigate some peculiarities of growth and development of Festulolium. Festulolium varieties ’Vėtra’ and ’Punia’ were investigated. 5 plants were sown in each 5 liter pot in neutral peat substrate (pH 6-6.5). The plants were grown in greenhouse till the tillering phase at the temperature of 20±2°C at daytime and 16±2°C at night. Later plants were moved to low temperature chambers for 90, 110 and 130 days for passing of vernalisation processes, where the 8 and 16 hour photoperiod were maintained at 4°C temperature. After vernalisation periods plants were removed to a greenhouse for additional 20 days. Biometric parameters, namely plant height, shoot number, and dry mass were measured after each period in greenhouse and climatic chambers. The data revealed different response of Festulolium new varieties ’Vėtra’ and ’Punia’to vernalisation conditions.According to our data ’Vėtra’ plant height was 6% higher than the ’Punia’ after 130+20 days of vernalisation. Nonetheless, vernalisation temperature conditions have no significant impact on shoot number. 110 and 130 long-day photoperiod significantly impacted on shoot number of Festulolium ʽVėtraʼ. Otherwise, 90 days vernalisation of both photoperiod induced significantly the highest length of ʽPuniaʼ shoots. ʽVėtraʼ accumulated significantly the maximum dry matter after 110 days vernalisation period, than that after 90 and 130 days. Keywords: Festulolium, vernalisation, photoperiod, morphometry Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.002
FATTY ACID COMPOSITION IN BUCKWHEAT (FAGOPYRUM ESCULENTUM M.) FLOURS AND THEIR EXTRUDED PRODUCTS
Lipids compose a small part of buckwheat seed, but they play an important role in the quality of food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the composition and content of fatty acids in different buckwheat flours (raw, roasted, white, black and germinated) and their extruded products. Fatty acids were quantified by gas chromatography according to the BIOR-T-012-131-2011 method. The prevalence of unsaturated fatty acids was determined which varied between 78.7 and 82.0 g 100 g-1 of fat in buckwheat samples. Linoleic and oleic acids were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids, whereas palmitic acid was the main saturated fatty acid in buckwheat flours and their extruded products. Unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio was determined within 3.69 and 4.56, whereas linoleic/α-linolenic acid ratio was between 13.54 and 16.04. No trans-fatty acids in buckwheat flours and their extruded products were observed. The results showed that germination and extrusion of buckwheat flours did not have any effect on the content and composition of fatty acids (p>0.05). Keywords: buckwheat, extrusion, fatty acids Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.017
FESTULOLIUM METABOLITES ACCUMULATION RESPONSE TO PHOTOPERIOD OF FLOWERING TERMOINDUCTION
Most of plant development, physiological and metabolic processes are regulated by not only soluble sugars such as glucose and sucrose, but also by other signal molecules, such as phytohormones. The investigation of flowering induction, considering the influence of vernalisation duration and photoperiod on morphogenesis stages and accumulation metabolites in the two Festulolium cultivars ’Vėtra’ and ’Punia’ was carried out at the phytotron complex of the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry in 2011-2012. The data revealed impact of vernalisation and photoperiod on accumulation of both types of assessed metabolies, i.e. phytohormones and saccharides, and thus confirmed their substantial role. 90 short-day vernalisation induced the highest total phytohormone content in ‘Vėtra’, when plant achieved tillering stage and was going for intensive growth when growth regulators will be important in the metabolic regulation. The highest phytohormone content was recorded after long –day 130+20 day vernalization at VII and IV organogenesis stages of ‘Vėtra’ and ʽPuniaʼ respectively. Saccharides content significantly depended on photoperiod and temperature during vernalisation and was different in ’Vėtra’ and ’Punia’. Keywords: Festulolium, phytohormones, saccharides Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.003
DETERMINANTS OF LEADING OF ORGANIC FARMS IN MAŁOPOLSKA REGION
Poland is a country with significant potential for the development of organic farming. This is due to the possession of rural areas characterized by favorable natural and productive conditions. The advantages of Polish agriculture include relatively clean environment, low chemicals consumption, large labor resources and relatively low labor costs. The main objective of conducted research was to present factors determining the leading of organic farms in the conditions of fragmented agriculture in south Poland. The research was conducted in the Malopolska Voivodeship in 2017. Source material for analysis was primary information collected using PAPI method. In the survey participated 50 certified organic farms chosen by using purposive method of sample selection. In the area structure of surveyed organic farms dominated farms from 5.1 ha to 10 ha. The most popular direction of agricultural production on farms was the growing vegetables. Owners of organic farms as one of the main reasons for moving the farm from conventional to organic systems, considered the possibility of obtaining subsidies for one hectare of cultivation. These subsidies provide them financial support especially in the first years of operation on the market. The least important reason for transformation a farm from conventional to organic system was the factor associated with the reduction of environmental pollution as a result of the change in system of farming. As one of the advantages of running a organic farm, producers pointed the possibility of selecting disease-resistant plant and animal species and creating additional workplaces. On the other hand, as a basic disadvantage of organic farming, farmers pointed out the difficulties in finding market for the products from the farm. Most farm owners cooperate with various organizations connected with ecology. Very popular among them are also different kind of training courses, which are aimed at expanding knowledge of organic production. At the same time the educational activity of the surveyed farms is very low. Only in a few farms was conducted educational activity for children or people interested in ecology. Keywords: organic farms, Małopolska Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.033
THE COMPARISON OF PRESSED SEED OILS FEATURES
The grape seed oils are characteristic by a very high content of substances. However, a lipid oxidation is the fundamental problem of the seed oils quality degradation. The important indicator for determining the specific type’s purity, stability and level of oil degradation might be its colour parameter. The aim of this study was to identify the different varieties of oils, to evaluate its development during storage and to identify changes in different pressed seed oils. The CIELAB method and NIR spectroscopy were used during the research. Its main advantages include speed, accuracy and simplicity. The use of NIR seemed to be unsuitable as it could not reliably identify different kinds of grape seed oils. Only three kinds of grape seed oils out of six were identified. Contrary, the colour values obtained, using the CIELAB method, correlated significantly with the maturity of the individual varieties. This method can help to verify the authenticity of the oil. The CIELAB method also enabled colour changes in storage. The results show that after six months of storage, the oil got browner and the L* value had decreased. After another 6 months, the shift in values was not so significant. Similarly, the values of other parameters had changed. Using the CIELAB method can be recommended for testing of larger sample sizes for future use in the evaluation of the authenticity and quality of seed oils. The CIELAB method will not replace the standard methods but it might be used for pre-selection of tested samples. Keywords: CIELAB method, colour parameter, grape seed oils, NIR spectroscopy, oil degradation Article DOI: Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.038
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY OF SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZERS IN INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF NAPA CABBAGE DEPENDING ON APPLICATION METHOD
The study aimed to assess the suitability of slow-release fertilizers in cultivation of napa cabbage in the integrated production system. The objective was realized on the basis of a strict field experiment set up on soil with granulometric composition of light loam. The dose of fertilizer was the first experimental factor, and the fertilizer application was the second factor. The slow-acting fertilizer was applied under each plant during planting of seedlings and in the second variant. The fertilizer was applied in the row, about 5 cm under the seedling root level. On the basis of the results obtained in the experiments, the indices showing nitrogen fertilization efficiency were calculated. Fertilization significantly modified the quantity of obtained yield. In the control, without mineral fertilization, the crop yield was 23.32 Mg ha-1. The largest yield was 52.27 Mg ha-1. Larger yields and more advantageous productive and environmental efficiency were obtained in objects with row application of fertilizer. The most advantageous agronomic efficiency and nitrogen recovery efficiency were obtained in the combination of 400 kg ha-1 of slow-acting fertilizer with traditional supplementary PK fertilizers in the case of point application of fertilizers. In the case of row fertilizer application, it is possible to use 50% more of the fertilizer dose without compromising the quality of the crop. Higher doses of free-acting fertilizers increased the standard deviation of the mass of cabbage, which is not desirable for production. The results show that under conditions of low mineral content in the soil, the slow-acting fertilizers can be used at a low level. Keywords: napa cabbage, integrated production, slow-acting fertilizer, fertilization efficiency Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.079
THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PREVENTION MEASURES FOR QUALITY OF FRESH CARROTS
In recent years there is an increase in consumption of food products and the supply of fresh vegetables to the consumer is getting more and more popular. However, this group of products is among the fastest perishing products. It is because of environmental and internal factors in vegetables during storage are unavoidable. During the preparation for the market vegetables are being cleaned, washed, sanded, sorted and dried. This consumes a lot of energy and water. Different technological measures are used to reduce the consumption of natural resources during the preparation of products for the market and to slow down their quality changes. Ozone is an effective measure to slow down product bio destruction. Ozone usage in small doses as a disinfectant is recognized as safe. Although there are a lot of publications in the usage of ozone, but its impact on vegetable qualitative indicators has not been sufficiently investigated. There is a lack of research in the analysis of the effects of ozonated water, which can be successfully used in vegetable washing technologies. The article analyzes the effect of ozonated water treatment on fresh carrots colour and quantity of carotenoids. The obtained data showed that the use of ozonated water in concentration of 1.53 ± 0.09 mg L-1 did not have an effect on the amount carotenoids accumulated in the products. Also, ozonated water did not have significant effect on the colour of products. Keywords: Ozonized water, vegetables surface, quality, colour, carotenoids Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.063
NUTRITIONAL VALUE DETERMINATION OF THERMALLY PROCESSED POTATO MAIN COURSE IN RETORT PACKAGING
Consumers are increasingly demanding choices of ready-made foods with excellent organoleptic and health-related properties. There are two main trends in Europe; firstly, consumers are increasingly choosing foods that are comfortable for use, secondly, the number of people who are overweight is increasing, with more consumers paying close attention to the ingredients and nutritional value of products in order to balance the amount of the food they consume per day. The aim of the research was to develop new potato main courses and to determine their nutritional value. The research was carried out at the Faculty of Food Technology of the Latvia University of Agriculture, Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR" and Laboratory of Mineral Nutrition at the Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia. Four different potato main course types with amaranth, quinoa, bulgur and chicken were prepared for the study; plain potatoes were used as the control sample. The content of protein, carbohydrates, lipids, fibre and minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, B) was determined in all potato main course samples. The addition of amaranth, quinoa and bulgur significantly increased the content of dietary fibre, protein, carbohydrates and lipids (p<0.05), whereas the addition of chicken fillet significantly increased protein and lipid content, but reduced the content of carbohydrates and dietary fibre. The content of various minerals, which are an indispensable part of the diet as they are necessary for the body's life processes and normal development, was significantly increased by the addition of chicken to the potato main course. The highest dietary fibre content was detected in potato main course with amaranth (3.0 g per 100 g product), drawing up to 9.0 g dietary fibre per one serving (300 g). Following the Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, potatoes with amaranth can be defined as the “source of fibre”. Keywords: nutritional value, potato main course, retorts packaging. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.078
THE USE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS TO REDUCE ABSORPTION OF FAT IN THE BODY
Based on the analysis of literature sources, components of food biologically active additives with preventive properties are established. With applying HyperChem (computational chemistry), we study the basic molecular features of lecithin, oleic acid and L-carnitine. Revealed that lecithin has a hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, it is capable of forming stable emulsions and soluble on the surface section of phases. Molecule of L-carnitine has a low potential energy (48487.1 kcal / mol) and can participate in subsequent cycles of conversion of fatty acids. Formation of complexes between L-carnitine and oleic acid was investigated with the application of computational chemistry (molecular docking), the findings confirmed the possibility of formation of complex compounds, which testifies to the lipotropic effects of L-carnitine. The molecular interaction between human pancreatic lipase (receptor) and lecithin (ligand) analyzed. Based on the conducted researches, confirmed the possibility of blocking the active site of the lipase of pancreatic juice with two molecules of lecithin, this forms a stable compound with the energy of intermolecular bonds is equal to - 412.36 kkal. The expediency of using l-carnitine and lecithin for activators of the metabolism and lipolysis. Revealed that these drugs affect the absorption of fat in the intestine and prevent tumor fat. On the experimental samples (homogenized fat in water) and experimental animals used prophylactic properties of biologically active additives proven. After two hours of processing of lipid samples with pancreatic lipase and the addition of lecithin acid value of the mixture was equal to 11.91 compared with a control sample in which this indicator was equal to 77.87 mg KOH / g oil. Studies in experimental animals show, that lecithin and L-carnitine reduce obesity in experimental animals and normalize lipid, mineral, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, even in the body with increased weight. Keywords: complex molecular compounds, L-carnitine, lecithin, lipase, molecular docking, molecular properties. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.006
THE EFFECT OF POST-HARVEST TREATMENT AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ON VITAMIN C CONTENT IN TWO LEAFY PARSLEY CULTIVARS
The objective of the study was to determine the content of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in two leafy parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill. Fuss) cultivars subjected to different post-harvest treatments. Ascorbic acid (AA), due to its instability, is one of the indicators of leafy vegetable freshness and quality. High content of this compound in vegetables is desired because of its bioactive properties. The cultivars differ in morphology of usable parts: ‘Rialto’ has flat lamina and ‘Petra’ triple-curled lamina. The plant material was obtained in 2015 and 2016 from experimental field in Warsaw-Wilanów. The leaves were washed directly after harvest: a) in tap water or b) in tap water with ozone added. Two methods of postharvest storage were applied: A) at the cold store and B) under simulated retail conditions. In the case of cold store method (A), the plants were tied in tufts and stored at the temperature of 0 °C and RH 90 % for 7, 14, 28 days in two variants: 1) in containers, where leaves petioles were immersed in water, and 2) in special bulk modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), dedicated to fresh herbs (Stepac, Israel). In the case of storage under simulated retail conditions (B), the leaves were kept for 48 hours at 10 °C, RH 30-40 % in two variants: 1) tufts wrapped in perforated PE film with petioles immersed in water, and 2) packed to retail MAPs, dedicated to leafy herbs (Stepac, Israel). Concentration of L-ascorbic acid in the leaves was determined spectrophotometrically, with the method based on reaction of Folin’s phenol reagent in low pH. Fresh and stored ‘Rialto’ leaves were characterised by a higher concentration of AA than ‘Petra’ leaves (110 and 44 mg g-1 f.w., respectively). Significant decrease of AA after ozone treatment was observed only for ‘Rialto’ directly after harvest. Storage length had significant influence on the content of AA in both cultivars. Decrease of AA content was observed during storage period. Average concentration of AA after 7 days of storage was 85 and 44 mgg-1 f.w. for ‘Rialto’ and ‘Petra’, respectively. After 28 days of storage the concentration was 54% lower for ‘Rialto’ and 36% lower for ‘Petra’, compared to the initial content. Leaves after simulated retail conditions showed slightly lower AA content than those stored for 7 days in the cold room. Retail MAPs guaranteed significantly higher preservation of AA in both cultivars than wrapping in film with immersing in water. Washing in ozone-added water showed influence only on AA content in ‘Rialto’ leaves wrapped in film – they showed lower concentration of AA under simulated retail conditions. Our study showed that the content of AA in parsley leaves was cultivar dependent. Ozone treatment did not have negative effect on AA during the storage. Storage duration, rather than packaging methods, plays a key role in preservation of high content of AA. However, method of packaging is important under retail conditions, where temperature is higher and RH is much lower, than at a cold room. Keywords: ascorbic acid, MAP, parsley, storage, ozone Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.018
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOORGANIC PREPARATIONS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF CONVENTIONALY GROWN WINTER WHEAT ACTIVATING AND SAVING THE USE OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS
The influence of Raskila bioorganic fertilisers on the productivity of conventional winter wheat ‘Olivin’, was investigated in order to stimulate and save synthetic herbicide Arrat and fungicide Tango Super for spring spraying. Scheme of treatment: 1. Control; 2. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with fertilizer Raskila 3 l ha-1; 3. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.2 kg ha-1+Tango super 1.5 l ha-1; 4. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.2 kg ha-1+Tango super 1.5 l ha-1+Raskila 3.0 l ha-1; 5. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.1 kg ha-1+Tango super 0.75 l ha-1+Raskila 3.0 l ha-1. The best result in the period of 2014-2016 was received after application of the following combination in spring: Arrat + Tango super + Raskila. This combination allows to reduce the rate of pesticides in half (50%), the differences compared to control are significant, statistically reliable. A statistically significant increase in the following winter wheat ‘Olivin’ quality parameters was found: protein 13.1-14.8%, gluten 24.3-29.7%, number of falls 228-292 s, starch 65.7-70.0%. Application of Raskila fertilizers has raised the grain quality class. The best results were in variants 3 and 4, where the I class of grain quality was achieved. Combination of Raskila fertilisers and pesticides: herbicide Arrat and fungicide Tango super statistically significantly increased the following winter wheat ‘Olivin’ characteristics - plant height 101.2-104.2 cm, ear length 6.9-7.1 cm, grain number per ear 28,96- 30.02, grain yield 6.71-7.03 t ha-1. Application of Raskila fertilizer 1.0 l ha-1 and herbicide Arrat 0.1 kg ha-1 decreased the number of weeds from 62.5 to 57.6 units per m2 and the weed weight decreased from 41.30 to 33.70 g m2. Stronger wheat crop overshadowed weeds better. Combination of Raskila and Tango super reduced the prevalence and severity of diseases in winter wheat such as Septoria spp., Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Erysiphe graminis, powdery rust (Puccinia recondita). Keywords: winter wheat ‘Olivin’, organic fertilizers Raskila, herbicide Arrat, fungicide Tango super, grain yield, efficiency Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.080
SOIL GENOTOXICITY BIOMONITORING IN RECULTIVATED FACTORY AREA USING THE CYTOGENETIC AND MOLECULAR ASSAYS IN TWO PLANT TEST-SYSTEMS
Soil pollution with industrial leftovers is of real danger to living organisms since harmful effects can arise after exposure to the contaminants in the soil. In our study, we applied a plant bioassay battery to monitor soil genotoxicity after short-term exposure to the soil. The soil was collected in 3 rounds: at the central part of the brownfield before (S-I) and after (S-III) topsoil removal, and at the brownfield periphery (S-II). The permissible value of the total contamination index is <16 and the corresponding values were 780 in S-I, 69 in S-II and 133 in S-III soil showing that whole brownfield territory is extremely polluted with heavy metals. Cytogenetic markers were recorded in Allium and Tradescantia test-systems and two types of molecular markers, RAPD and ISSR, were analysed in Allium. Our results revealed that the most polluted soil sample has induced an alarming increase of apoptotic cells in onion roots. Chromosome aberration and micronuclei frequency in Allium decreased inconsistently along with the pollution reduction in the soil. Increased frequencies of all cytogenetic markers were revealed in Tradescantia cuttings after exposure to the S-I soil extracts. Cluster analysis of Allium RAPD and ISSR markers showed that the most polluted soil samples induced genetic changes in onions different from those induced by the least polluted soil. Both plant test-systems in this study confirm that soil from the brownfield is harmful to plants and is potentially hazardous to humans. Keywords: Allium, cytogenetic markers, ISSR, PHEs, RAPD, soil genotoxicity, Tradescantia Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.025
RELATION BETWEEN APPLE-TREE YIELD SELF-REGULATION AND METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS DURING FRUIT SET
Apple has a tendency to bear huge amount of flowers or inflorescences. Plants have ability to eliminate excess number of fruitlets. Frequently fruit trees eliminate insufficient number of fruitlets to grow good quality fruits. Most processes related to yield self-regulation varies significantly between different apples varieties. Also meteorological conditions influenced flower buds differentiation and fruit growth during blooming and other development stages. The investigations were carried out in 2015 – 2016 at the Institute of Horticulture. The main aim was to evaluate yield self-regulation peculiarity in various apple varieties in different meteorological conditions. In our experiment we made fruit self – thinning evaluation of 15 different varieties. Meteorological conditions were varying. In 2015 there was lack of rainfall, while 2016 year was rainy. After each fruit-drop period the number of developed and undeveloped seeds were counted of self-sheded and normally growing fruits. Amount of developed seeds as auxins source is one of the most important factor for yield self-regulation. Varieties of apple which are blooming abundantly and eliminate high amount of fruitlets, grows fruits until maturity with stabile amount of developed seeds and produces permanent harvest annually, independently from meteorological conditions during vegetation. Such apple varieties need higher amount of developed seeds to inhibit abscission. Apple varieties tended to bloom abundantly and eliminate small amount of fruitlets depending on meteorological conditions. Demand of auxins to carry fruits depends on meteorological conditions therefore these apple-trees develop different amount of seeds, when weather conditions changes. We may presume, that different apple varieties need different amount of phytohormones or their ratio to hold fruitlets on the apple. Therefore apple trees with smaller amount of seeds in fruits grow more fruits to its normal size. Keywords: auxins; fruitlet absision; Malus x domestica, meteorological conditions, seeds development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.066
THE EFFECT OF HOMO - AND HETERO - FERMENTATIVE LACTIC ACID BACTERIA MIX ON THE ENSILED LUCERNE FERMENTATION CHARACTERISTICS AND AEROBIC STABILITY IN BIG BALES
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of homo- and hetero-fermentative lactic acid bacteria mix on the ensiled lucerne fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability in big bales. The lucerne was ensiled without additives (C) and treated with a mix of bacterial inoculant that contains Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri (50:50) (I). Silage was treated with bacterial inoculant, which significantly increased the total organic acids concentration by 69 %, lactic acid by 92% and acetic acid by 76 %. If the results were compared with the C silage, the inoculation significantly decreased the concentrations of butyric acid by 73 %, ethanol by 53 % and ammonia - N concentration by 33%. Inoculated silage had significantly lowered the yeast count by 59 % and moulds count by 34 %. Compared to the inoculated silage and during the aerobic exposure, the untreated silage maximum temperature was significantly higher (13.9 0C vs 4.6 0C) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the bacterial inoculant improved the quality of fermentation and aerobic stability in lucerne silages. Keywords: aerobic stability, lactic acid bacteria, lucerne, silage Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.029
REACTION OF WINTER WHEAT GENOTYPES ON THE YELLOW (STRIPE) RUST PUCCINIA STRIIFORMIS, WES
Yellow rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis Wes. is one of the most significant diseases constraint to winter wheat production in the world. Since 2011 in Europe have appeared distinct new races – Warrior, Kranich, Warrior (-) that have caused wide epidemics on different cultivars of wheat. Grain yield losses can be prevented by using a combination of varietal resistance and fungicides. Information on wheat variety susceptibility to local yellow (stripe) rust Puccinia striiformis Wes. races can help to reduce the risk of yield losses in high disease pressure situations. Field trials with eight most popular and perspective winter wheat varieties in Latvia were established in the North-Western part of Latvia (Stende Research Centre) in autumn of 2016. The trial was designed as two randomized complete blocks (treated and untreated) and data were statistically interpreted. Two applications of fungicides at BBCH 29-32 by T1 (prothioconazol 53 g L-1, spiroxamin 224 g L-1, tebucanazole 148 g L-1) and at BBCH 37-39 - T2 (bixafen 65 g L-1, prothioconazol 130 g L-1, fluopyram 65 g L-1- 1.5 L ha-1) were used to control the YR. Yield and 1000 kernel weight (TKW) were determined. Preliminary results indicated the difference between genotypes resistance/susceptibility to YR. The severity of infection level was 1- 80% depending on genotype resistance. Application of fungicides increased grain yield by 2.9 % to 33.0% and TKW by 3.4% - 33.2 % depending on variety. Observations showed the difference in the occurrence of symptoms on YR in different varieties of winter wheat under conditions of 2017 in Stende. Keywords: yellow rust, yield, TKW, wheat Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.124
AUTOMATIC CONCENTRATE DISTRIBUTION FOR FATTENING OF ROMANOV × DORPER LAMBS
The aim of this research was to study the possibility of using automatic concentrate feeding stations in fattening of lambs. Ten Romanov × Dorper weaned male lambs (initial live weight 21.0 ± 0.86 kg) for fattening were used. Lambs were kept indoors in separate pen and research was carried out in production conditions. Concentrate was distributed for animals individually in automatic feeding station. Adaption period were not applied, eight lambs had the concentrate intake in the automatic feeding station from first research day, one started eat concentrate from third research day and one – from eleventh day of research. The frequency of visits to automatic feeding station and daily concentrate intake was recorded and analyzed. Lamb’s were weighted before research and every fourteen days, live weight changes were analyzed. During all the research average number of daily visits to automatic feeding station of one lamb were 13 visits, average daily concentrate intake per animal was: 84 % of the average ration (1642 g) in all research period. Results shows, that average daily live weight gain was 246 ± 26.3 g, during last quarter daily live weight gain (89 ± 27.7 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) lover than in other quarters. For 1 kg lamb live weight gain 5.39 kg concentrate was used. Keywords: sheep, live weight gain, feeding, pellets Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.062
THE EFFECT OF SEWAGE SLUDGE ON AND CUP PLANT’S (SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM L.) BIOMASS PRODUCTIVITY UNDER WESTERN LITHUANIA’S RETISOL
The long-term field experiment with new high yielding perennial energy crop - cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) was conducted in order to evaluate its biomass productivity in Vėžaičiai branch of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agricultural and Forestry. Experimental site – naturally acid Bathygleic Dystric Glossic Retisol, pH 4.2-4.4. Granulated sewage sludge was applied (at 45 and 90 t ha-1 rates) as an alternative organic fertilizer. The fertilization was done at the beginning of the experiment, prior to cup plant’s sprouts planting in 2013. Each experimental year, traditional N60P60K60 fertilization was performed in a separate treatment. Cup plant’s biomass was harvesting once per season at the end of vegetation. Cup plant’s dry mass (DM) yield substantially increased from 2.80 t ha-1 (in 2014) to 13.41 t ha-1 (in 2016). The use of sewage sludge fertilization was notably superior to that of mineral fertilization for cup plant’s biomass productivity. In all experimental years, the optimal was the application of 45 t ha-1 rate of sewage sludge - in compare with unfertilized treatment (control), DM yield increased by 66 %, on average. Increasing of sewage sludge rate up to 90 kg ha-1 did not give any DM yield supplement. Energy evaluation of growing technology revealed that the application of 45 t ha-1 sewage sludge rate caused the substantial increase of energy output from 1 ha; and on the contrarily, sharply decreased net energy ratio. In order to determine the long-term effects of fertilization on biomass yield, these studies will continue a few more years. Keywords: cup plant, DM yield, energy evaluation, NPK, sewage sludge Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.027
PRICE DYNAMICS IN THE ASSORTMENT OF VEGETABLES OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN 2014–2016
The article analyzes the price dynamics of organic vegetables in Lithuania during the period of 2014 - 2016. A comparative analysis of the prices of organic vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions) was carried out as well as a comparative analysis of Lithuanian and imported vegetables, the trends of organic potato and vegetable price dynamics were estimated. The research carried out has revealed that lowest price of organic potato during the research period was in spring and winter. Potatoes of new harvest during summer (1.23 EUR/kg) and autumn (1.25 EUR/kg) seasons are higher. Price difference between Lithuanian and imported organic carrots and potatoes during different seasons is insignificant; significant fluctuations have been recorded only in Lithuanian and imported carrots in all period and potatoes in 2015. The most expensive vegetables were organic carrots, the average price of which in 2014 was 1.38 EUR/kg. During the research period the average price of organic potatoes was 1.21 EUR/kg, i.e. 2.5 of times more than the conventional carrots (0.47 EUR/kg). Prices of the imported vegetables were higher than the prices of Lithuanian ones. In the analysed period the price of imported carrots (1.98 EUR/kg) was on average 1.5 times higher than the price of Lithuanian carrots (1.31 EUR/kg), imported organic onions (2.33 EUR/kg) were up to 57% more expensive than Lithuanian onions (1.33 EUR/kg). Germany has a wider supply of organic products. The price of potatoes in Germany using the analyzed period has risen in 51%. In 2016, the price of potatoes in Germany was 34% higher than in Lithuania. During the entire research period the price of organic carrots in Lithuania was higher than in Germany. In 2016, onions in Germany were 16% more expensive. Keywords: market, organic products, import, vegetables, potatoes. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.065
DAILY DYNAMICS OF MILK QUALITY INDICATORS
Dairy cattle breeding is one of the main suppliers of protein and animal fat, it is one of the most important branches of agriculture and plays a primary role in providing adequate nutrition for the population. During the purposeful work on harmonization of the national regulatory framework with international legislation, special attention is paid to scientific developments in the way of full implementation of Russian livestock production in the global trading system. The recommendations of the International Committee for Registration of Animals (ICAR) (Global Standard…, 2017; Trukhachev et al., 2017) are the methodological basis for the introduction of the generally accepted organizational principles for the recording and evaluation of the productive qualities of animals. One of the stages of this process was implementation in 2015-2017. in the Stavropol State Agrarian University of research projects, especially significant for the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation in the direction of ensuring import substitution in animal husbandry (genetic material), which envisage the development of a regional model for the formation and management of highly productive genetic resources for dairy cattle. The object of the research was cattle (cows) of the North Caucasian population of the Ayrshire breed (n = 550), from which, based on the analysis of the materials of the primary zooveterinary records, groups of cows with 3-fold milking were formed to study the daily dynamics of fat and protein content in raw milk samples I, II and III milking, n = 240) and 2-fold milking (I and II milking - 180 cows). In the process of performing monthly analyzes of the quality of individual milk samples obtained from pedigree cows taken for 2- or 3-fold milking, it was found that a certain pattern is observed in the diurnal dynamics of fat and protein content in milk, which probably has a general biological nature and largely depends on the technological factor - the multiplicity of milking cows, which coincides, basically, with the regularities described in the methodology of the International Committee for Registration of Animals (ICAR). The nature of the dynamics of the concentration of fat in milk at 2- and 3-fold milking has, though a different mathematical form, but they have a general tendency: the fat in milk for milking cows, as a rule, is 10.77–10.98 % lower, than II and III milking. The variability of the protein concentration in milk during the day is the same as the fat dynamics, though it is less expressed than of fat and accounts 0.88%. Keywords: milk cows, milk quality, Ayrshire cattle Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.067
FEATURES OF THE KARYOTYPE OF NORTH CAUCASUS AYRSHIRE DAIRY CATTLE POPULATION: DEFECTS IN REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS
One of the ways of improving the genotypes of dairy cattle in Russia is to increase the proportion of the Ayrshire breed, which can be justly claimed to be one of the best dairy breeds in the world. However, due to the prevalence of large-scale breeding technologies, which involves the use of a limited contingent of dairy cattle bulls, including but not limited to the Ayrshire breed, the emergence of new-born calves with various anomalies, including chromosomal, which commonly have a hereditary basis attributable to gene mutations have been observed. Given that the bulk of these anomalies are acquired by recessive inheritance, they may not always manifest themselves in the phenotype and thus represent a hidden genetic load. In recent years, the significance of cytogenetic analysis and karyotyping is becoming increasingly important, not only when considering the theoretical assumptions, but also when solving applied problems aimed at preventing damage to agricultural production. This article presents the results of the cytogenetic analysis of Ayrshire cattle affected by reproductive problems. The following has been established: an absence of changes in the diploid set of the investigated dairy cattle (2n = 60); the presence of aberrant cells, whose frequency of occurrence amounted to 3.6% in the population of 440 head (number of aberrations per aberrant cell researched – 0.036 / 1.0); the absence of reciprocal translocations in the karyotype of the investigated population. It is suggested that the existing Ayrshire sires Hannulan Yaskiyri, Riihiviidan Urho Errant, O.R.Lihting and their descendants do not have a genetic load of chromosomal abnormalities. Keywords: chromosome, karyotype, mutation, Ayrshire cattle Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.141
SCREENING OF COMPLEX VERTEBRAL MALFORMATION (CVM) AND BOVINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY (BLAD) IN THE AYRSHIRE CATTLE BREED IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS
The Ayrshire dairy breed is renowned for producing large quantities of high quality milk and, therefore, is frequently used for crossbreeding. However, various hereditary anomalies caused by gene mutations have been recently recorded in calves produced by some Ayrshire sires. Most of these anomalies were shown to have a recessive inheritance pattern, thus imposing a threat of unpredictable dramatic changes in cattle genotypes under such factors as genetic drift, selection and inbreeding. The purpose of this study was to examine the susceptibility of the Ayrshire cattle bred in the North Caucasus to such hereditary abnormalities as complex vertebral malformation (CVM) and bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD). The investigation was carried out on 16 cows with various phenotype and reproduction disorders that were selected based on a three-year veterinary observation of 440 livestock animals. The target group cows were generally the descendants of Hannulan Yaskiyri, Riihiviidan Urho Errant and O.R. Lihting. The results demonstrated that no animals under study were the carriers of these genetic disorders, which proved the mutant alleles of BLAD and CVM to be absent from the Ayrshire cattle livestock bred in the North Caucasus. Therefore, the sires of these cattle can be successfully used for breeding. Keywords: complex vertebral malformation (CVM); bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD); Ayrshire cattle breed Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.142
COMPARISON OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PARAMETERS IN DIFFERENT WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) VARIETIES
Dynamics of photosynthesis pigments in the leaves of different varieties of winter wheat during the vegetation period is analyzed in the paper. The accumulation of pigments in the plant depends on the physiological activity, growth and development of the plant, therefore the composition and content of photosynthesis pigments chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids reflect the general condition of the plant. The ratio of chlorophyll a / b for normal photosynthesis activity in the leaves of the plant should be at least 1:3. The object of the research is different varieties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) - 'Artist', 'Edvin', 'Skagen', 'Bertold' and 'Viola'. Field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University in 2015-2016. Soil type was identified as IDg8 - k (LVg - p - w - cc) - shallow calcareous luvisol (Calc (ar) i - Epihypogleyic Luvisols). Agrochemical parameters of the soil were determined using accepted analytical methods. The content of photosynthesis pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) in green leaf mass was determined in 96% ethyl alcohol extract applying spectrophotometric Wettstein method, “Genesys” 6 spectrophotometer. The photosynthesis productivity (Fpr) was calculated according to the formula: Fpr = 2 (M2-M1) / (L1 + L2) T. The accuracy of the data analysis was estimated according to the standard measurement deviation from the mean. The highest content of photosynthesis pigments has been accumulated by winter wheat variety 'Skagen'. The best result has been observed at the end of nodding stage. A lower content of photosynthesis pigments has been found in the leaves of 'Edvin', 'Viola' and 'Artist' varieties. The highest photosynthesis productivity of all winter wheat varieties has been recorded at the end of nodding stage, and decrease of photosynthesis productivity has been observed since milk maturity stage. Keywords: Winter wheat, photosynthesis pigments, varieties Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.064
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF VERMICOMPOST AND PEAT EXTRACTS ON NUTRIENT ACCUMULATION IN TUBERS AND POTATO YIELD
Investigations on the potential beneficial effect of humic substances on crop plant cultivation under extremely diverse soil and climatic conditions is of global character, thereby knowledge obtained on the basis of local investigations are of great importance world-wide. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of different application methods (seed tuber treatment and foliar application) of commercially-produced peat and vermicompost extracts on nutrient uptake in tubers and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) using field experiments in organic farming system with potato variety ‘Borodjanskij Rozovij’. The tested extracts from the organic products included: peat extract (K45) and vermicompost extract (B45) obtained at +45°C by cavitation. The investigation was carried out at Stende Research Centre (Institute of Agro-resources and Economics) from 2011 to 2012. The chemical composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, B) of potato tubers was determined. The application of organic extract from vermicompost had a stimulating effect on mineral nutrient as N, P, K, Mg, and S accumulation in potato tubers, but 50% of cases showed reduction in Ca and Cu content that could influence the storage of tubers. The use of peat extract was significantly effective when the tubers were treated before planting. On average, tuber treatment and foliar spray with organic extracts contributed to 10% of tuber yield increase. Keywords: organic farming system, organic extracts, Solanum tuberosum L., chemical composition of tubers, yield Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.166
DRIP IRRIGATION AS A FACTOR MITIGATING DROUGHT IMPACT IN CORN CULTIVATION IN CENTRAL POLAND
The aim of the paper was to develop a model determining production effects of corn irrigation depending on a drought level in the growing season.Corn is particularly useful for cultivation in the conditions of irrigation since its yield in central Poland depends significantly on rainfall distribution in growing season. Corn was grown under irrigation conditions in the years 2005-2016 in the region of central Poland, meteorological data, were gained from the research station of the UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz. Based on the results of twelve-year effects of corn irrigation and meteorological data, the most relevant relationships between irrigation productivity and chosen indices during the period of high water needs of corn (from 1 June to 31 July) were searched. The following indicators were taken into account: absolute precipitation totals, relative precipitation index (RPI), standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the ratio of precipitation to reference evapotranspiration. The results shown that yield of non-irrigated corn were characterized by a very high variability and depended significantly on indicators, based mainly on rainfall conditions. The production effects of drip irrigation correlated significantly with the indicators during the period of high water needs of plants, covering June and July. In wet periods the increases in grain yields due to irrigation were non-significant and about four-fold lower and in the dry seasons – more than half higher than the average increases. There is a high importance of the results presented in the paper, because they can be used as a model for forecasting corn production and its economic effects as well as for planning the development of irrigation systems in a given area. Keywords: drip irrigation, corn yield, drought index, atmospheric precipitation, evapotranspiration Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.167
COMPARISON OF THE QUALITY OF DIFFERENT SPEAR SEGMENTS OF ASPARAGUS (ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS L.) REARED IN LITHUANIA
The studies on chemical composition of different parts of asparagus spears were carried out in 2013-2014 at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Aleksandras Stulginskis University. Spears of two asparagus varieties ‚Avalim‘ and ‚Gijnlim‘ were explored. Spears of 15 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter were selected and divided into three segments of 5 cm in length, i.e. spears were divided into three parts - upper, middle and lower. Chemical composition of fresh parts of asparagus spears (dry matter, vitamin C, potassium, nitrate, protein and fibre contents) was determined in the Laboratory of the Quality of Plant Raw Materials at ASU applying standardized analysis methods. Strength and hardness of spears was tested by texture analyser TA.XT Plus. Data of the research were statistically processed using STAT program from the statistical analysis package „SELEKCIJA“. Arithmetic means and standard deviations of the data were calculated. The studies showed that the highest contents of vitamin C, dry matter, potassium and protein and the lowest nitrate content were determined in the upper part of asparagus spears. The largest content of fibre was found in the lower part of asparagus spears. The maximal hardness and elasticity were defined in the lower part of the spears as well. Keywords: asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.), spear segments, spears chemical composition, spear strength, spear hardness Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.230
BIOMASS ASH UTILIZATION OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE
In Latvia and in the world there are problems with utilization of wood ash from large fireboxes because it is a technologically complicated, time consuming and costly process. The methods used to dispose of the ash when it is deposited in waste landfills are unsustainable. Pollution-increasing solution is needed since pure wood ash is a valuable source of plant nutrients. Ash contains the macro and microelements needed for plants and can replace some of the precious mineral fertilizers in agriculture, especially in organic. Ash use in agriculture is little explored and implemented, the use of the technology is not resolved (ash collection and screening, fractionation, drilling, evaluation, etc.). The LUA studies of ash and slurry mixing problem to prepare ash with mechanized spreaders. Cattle slurry is used as a binder that helps create solid ash fractions that are subject to dispersion with centrifugal fertilizer dispersers with a sufficiently good spreading quality. The research examines the conditions for the creation of different size fractions and their dissolution. The experimental results showed that the best used ratio of the mixtures was 1000 ml of ash and 200 ml of liquid manure or 1000 ml of ash and 300 ml of liquid manure. In this ratio, the produced granule size was very close to the size of mineral fertilizers. Keywords: mixing,, slurry, wood ash, granulation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.083
EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL CONTENT IN DIFFERENT ENERGY CROPS
For energy crops (reed canary grass and timothy grass), it is important to evaluate the sulphur and carbon content, and the harvested dry matter dependency on the fertilizer norm. Sulphur and carbon are important elements of a combustible material, and carbon is directly important as it forms the burning component. On the other hand, sulphur is an unwelcome element in combustible materials as it promotes environmental pollution. The field trials were carried out in sod calcareous soils in 2011–2013. A research was conducted to investigate the chemical content of two grasses: reed canary grass var. ‘Bamse’ (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and timothy grass ‘Jumis’ (Phleum pratense L.). Fertiliser norms (kg ha-1) applied in the research were: N0P0K0 (control), N30, N60, and N90. The harvest yield is one of the most important factors to obtain biocombustible materials; however, it does not mean that the amount of the harvest yield guarantees also a good quality of grasses. The research showed that the trial year had the most significant influence on both the sulphur yield and content in dry matter, the fertiliser norm essentially influenced the sulphur (η=30.1%) and carbon (η=6.5%) yield, but for the sulphur yield, a 6% interaction effect was established between the trial year and the nitrogen fertilizer norm. Keywords: energy crops, fertilizer norms, carbon content, sulphur content Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.143
EFFECTS OF CONTENTS AND COMPONENT COMPOSITION OF ASH AND ORGANIC CONSTITUENTS ON FUEL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOFTWOOD AND WHEAT STRAW HYDROLYTIC PROCESSING RESIDUES
Processing of biomass for obtaining of liquid ethanol, platform chemicals and solid biofuel, is topical biorefinery schema intensively developing. Acid hydrolysis, separated hydrolysis and fermentation, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation are integrated with other treatments for the advanced technology development. The aim of this work was estimation of effect of softwood and wheat straw hydrolysis type on fuel characteristics of rich-in-lignin residues with emphasis on content and component composition of ash and feedstock. Elemental Analysis; Atomic absorption spectroscopy; calorimetric method; Klason lignin determination were used. Laboratory scale pellet mill KAHL 14-175 and original small pilot-scale gasifier were used for study of residues granulation ability and combustion behavior of pellets obtained. The ash content in softwood residues slightly increase but does not exceed 1%, for wheat straw residues it is >14% (0,2% and 10% for feedstock, correspondingly). The ashing temperature of 650oC is experimentally established as optimal. Detection of ash component allows to foreseen possible contamination connected with materials of the devices and chemicals used in the technological stream. Combustion mechanism of solid residues differs from that of feedstock by increasing of ratio duration of glue combustion to flame combustion steps, that is more characteristic for coal. The efficiency of biomass combustion was regulated by changing the ratio of primary and secondary air supply. Direct correlation established between higher heating value and Klason lignin content for samples, allows to recommend these analyses for evaluation of biomass potential as a fuel. Residues under study meet the requirements of EU Standard CN/TS 335. Keywords: biofuel, calorific value, combustion characteristics, inorganic admixtures, lignocellulosic hydrolysis, rich-in-lignin residues, softwood, wheat straw Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.087
REDUCTION OF AMMONIA EMISSIONS FROM CATTLE MANURE USING BIOPREPARATIONS
Experimental studies performed at the laboratory enabled to find out the effect of the biopreparation on the process of ammonia volatilization from manure. Adding biopreparation to manure was found to slow down ammonia emission from manure. Depending on the manure composition, temperature of the environment, and duration of exposure to the biopreparation, the emission was found to decrease by up to 22 %. The maximum effect was observed on the day 6–14, whereas 30 days after biopreparation’s use its effect was significantly decreased. The effect of biopreparation on ammonia volatilization was observed to be higher under more intensive ammonia emissions, i.e. when the manure was fresh, with no crust formed on its surface, under high air flow velocity above the manure and high ammonia concentration gradient in the surface of the manure. Use of the biopreparation is highly recommended for reduction of ammonia emissions in litter-free barns where liquid manure accumulates. Its use is consistent with the modernization tendencies to implement litter-free liquid manure technologies. Keywords: NH3 emissions, manure, cowsheds, biopreparations Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.021
ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IN SPECIFIC EUROPEAN UNION STATES, WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON POLAND
At present, the energy from renewable sources is an important element of the sustainable development strategy of the European Union (strategy covering the period until 2020). The article presents the role of renewable energy in the structure of primary energy sources and total energy production. In order to evaluate the present-day role of the renewable energy sector, specific European Union states were analysed, with particular focus on Poland, the country whose results were juxtaposed with the average ratios established for the EU-28. A detailed analysis of the current facts was performed (also a forecast for the period running up to 2020 was made), where particular energy sources were distinguished in the renewable energy production structure. A special role among renewable energy sources was ascribed to solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biogases and biofuels. The conclusions drawn from the research point out to the fact that the development of renewable energy in Poland is growing slowly but surely. In 2011, the share was at 9.5% and by 2015 it grew to 11.8%, with the target set for 2020 being at the level of 15.0%. The production of energy from renewable sources is improving (from 7.5 to 8.1 Mtoe). Nevertheless, the share of primary energy obtained from renewable energy sources in the total primary energy is less than half of the EU share. The data showcase that the projected aim is likely to be achieved; however, the few years to come should envisage some intensification of activities oriented to this goal. Biomass now enjoys the dominant role but its significance is gradually waning, which favours wind energy and biofuels. The projected directions of renewable energy development indicate that this sector is going to be a significant factor in implementing the sustainable development policy in the years to come. Keywords: European Union, Poland, renewable energy sector Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.185
DEVELOPMENT OF THE APPROACHES FOR COMPLEX UTILIZATION OF BROWN ALGAE (FUCUS VESICULOSUS) BIOMASS FOR THE OBTAINING OF VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS
The seaweed collected after stranding on beaches of Latvia is underexploited natural resource, which has a potential as raw material for biologically active compound extraction for cosmetic and pharmacy and fertilizer in sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was development of the approach for the processing of brown alga Fucus vesiculosus biomass, collected from the Gulf of Riga. The thorough characterization of the chemical composition of Fucus vesiculosus has shown that it is a potential source for obtaining of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, and biologically active compounds. One of the proposed approaches for the processing of the Fucus vesiculosus biomass under study includes algae extraction with organic solvents and CaCl2 solution and obtaining soil organic amendment on the basis of the extract-free residue. The ethyl acetate extract was rich in phenolic compounds (430 ± 30 GAE mg/g) with high antioxidant activity in DPPH• and ABTS•+ tests. The ethanol extract contained significant amounts of phlorotannins that was confirmed by the data of LC-MS/MS analysis. The CaCl2 extract was used for the obtaining of sulphated polysaccharide fucoidane (yield ≈7% on the basis of oven dry matter, o.d.m.), which has numerous biological activities. The extract-free residue didn’t show phytotoxicity. The extract free algal biomass exhibited positive effect in root elongation tests with oat (Avena sativa). As alternative approach for processing of the algal biomass, the mechano-chemical treatment of algal biomass with lignin was proposed. EPR analyses confirmed interaction between algal biomass and lignin. Keywords: Fucus vesiculosus, extracts, antioxidants, organic fertilizers, biorefinery Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.091
CONTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL SOURCES TO NUTRIENT LOAD GENERATED ON THE RUSSIAN PART OF THE BALTIC SEA CATCHMENT AREA
Agricultural production is one of the main sources of nitrogen and phosphorous inputs to the water bodies. Quantifying nutrient input from agriculture is needed both to develop effective environmental measures and to justify the technologies to be applied with due account for local natural and climatic conditions. Several related national studies have been conducted since 2015. Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production (IEEP) methodology was used for this purpose. It determines the nitrogen and phosphorus content in the arable layer, including N and P amounts applied with mineral and organic fertilisers. Such factors as soil type and texture, the distance to the water bodies and the land use structure are used to estimate the nutrient input to the water bodies. In addition, the consistency of manure handling technologies with Best Available Techniques (BAT) principles is taken into account through introduction of relevant coefficients. Calculation results according to IEEP methodology were used in the follow-up general assessment of the nutrient load on the water bodies from different sources with the use of Institute of Limnology Load Model. Satisfactory correspondence between the assessment results and the values calculated using the monitoring data confirmed the adequacy of the above assessment procedure. Following its outcomes, the nutrient reduction potential of agricultural sources is approximately 10–20 %. Keywords: agricultural source, Baltic Sea, nutrient load, reduction potential, water body Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.058
FARMERS' EXPOSURE TO NOISE AND VIBRATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED FARMS
Occupational noise, hand-arm and whole-body vibration are the main human health risk factors in various economic activity sectors including agriculture. Workers of agricultural sector are usually under increased risk as their exposure to these risk factors is usually longer than reference 8 hours. Moreover, most agricultural activities are related with the processes which include multiple equipment and machinery therefore noise and vibration exposure analysis is a complex issue which is usually undeservedly simplified. This problem can be emphasized by statistical data provided by State Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Lithuania. Occupational diseases registered for farmers, agricultural and forestry workers consist 16 % of all those registered in Lithuania. Four of five occupational diseases registered in Lithuania are related to vibration and noise (musculoskeletal (66 %) and hearing loss (13 %) and has the increasing tendency over the last years. These tendencies demand a deeper analysis of noise and vibration exposure of farmers and farm workers as obtained results could help to specify the strategy or procedure to reduce negative exposure effects. The results reveal that noise exposure level usually exceed exposure action value of 80 dBA while hand-arm and whole-body vibration exposure limit value of 1.15 and 5 m/s2 respectively. Keywords: exposure, hand-arm vibration, occupational noise, whole body vibration. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.059
THE ESTIMATION OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF CONDUCTIVITY OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM OF A PORTABLE MILKING MACHINE
When designing the structural and functional schemes of the vacuum systems of a portable milking machine it is important to conduct a research on the impact on the milking machine efficiency. The technological efficiency and the regime of a vacuum system functioning are the basis of the research. The unstable pressure may cause the decrease in animals productivity and may have negative impact on cows welfare. That is why it is necessary to determine some rational parameters and choose the linking vacuum system decisions. It will result in getting stable working regimes of a portable milking machine. A research on the effects of different components variants as well as of vacuum system parameters on the consistency of operation has been conducted. The results of the research made it possible to estimate the impact of vacuum pump fast reaction as well as the vacuum system parameters on the job stability. It has been proved that the vacuum system efficiency is determined by the level of its conductivity. The conductivity is the inverse value to the vacuum system resistance. The research has determined how the vacuum system packaging affects the pressure loses. A mathematic model which enables to find the rational volume of a vacuum tank and determine the vacuum system conductivity has been received. On the results of the experimental research the vacuum system rational structure has been substantiated and estimated on a special efficiency coefficient. Keywords: packaging, efficiency coefficient, gob stability, structural and functional scheme Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.082
ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTIES OF COARSE-ENERGY PLANTS
In the world, fossil fuel resources are constantly decreasing and increasing energy use. This leads to wider use of biomass in various industrial areas. Also, for the production of heat and electricity. Depending on the situation of current market, much attention is being paid to increasing the potential of biomass and to ensure the needs of users. Recently, much attention is paid to non-food energy plants, which could be used in thermochemical conversion technologies. These plants must be well adapted to climatic conditions, to grow a high biomass yield, to possess high energy value, easy to use for biofuel production and low environmental impact. Having a high energy potential and promising plants for cultivation in a changing climate conditions can be characterized and these plants: this is Miscantus spp. (namely miscanthus), Artemisia dubia Wall. (mugwort) and Cannabis sativa L. (fiber hemp). The article summarizes long-standing biometric and thermal performance results on Miscantus spp. (namely miscanthus), Artemisia dubia Wall. (mugwort) and Cannabis sativa L. (fiber hemp). In Lithuania climate condition, it is possible to grow from 3.26 to 17.06 t ha-1 of dry biomass per year from the mentioned plants. The calorific value of biomass has a huge influence on assessment of energy potential from plants. After combustion of 1 kilogram of Miscantus spp., Artemisia dubia Wall. and Cannabis sativa L. biomass it stands out on average 18.3±0.06, 18.5±0.66 and 17.43±0.06 MJ of heat, respectively. An equally important property which assesses the suitability of biomass for biofuels is ash content. The average ash content of biomass from Miscantus spp. and Artemisia dubia Wall was 1.51±0.03 % and 2.69±0.33 %, i.e. 2.22 times and 1.25 times lower than Cannabis sativa L. Keywords: Artemisia dubia Wall., assessment, biomass, Cannabis sativa L., coarse-energy plants, Miscantus spp. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.190
CONTAMINATION OF THE ROOT VEGETABLES WASH WATER AND ITS TREATMENT EFFICIENCY
Growing volume of washed vegetables in Europe and Lithuania means that more drinking water is consumed and more wastewater is produced. Farmers, who engage in washing vegetables, face the problems of wastewater treatment, wastewater storage and utilization. Wastewater released to the environment from their farms would meet hygiene and environmental protection criteria. The aim of the study was to assess the contamination of the root vegetable wash water and to evaluate the possiblity of cleaning of wastewater in the land-based treatment system consisting of one constructed wetland and two biological ponds. The contamination of wastewater, produced by washed root vegetables, in Lithuanian farms was measured according to suspended solids (SS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Pollution of the wash water and wastewater was evaluated comparing the mean values with legislative limit values and with typical sewage contamination values. In all farms wastewater of initial root vegetables washing was treated in settling basins. Wastewater of one carrots washing farm was treated in the land-based wastewater treatment system consisting of surface flow constructed wetland and two biological ponds. Efficiency of the wastewater treatment in this system was according to suspended solids 90%, BOD7 – 97%, CODCr – 92%, total nitrogen – 98% , total phosphorus – 97%. The result shows, that the natural wastewater treatment system is suitable for farms, that wash and produce vegetables, but before releasing wastewater to the environment, it has to be settled. Keywords: root vegetables, treatment efficiency, wash water. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.010
VALUABLE ENERGY OF BIOCHAR FROM AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST WASTE STREAMS
Wastes from forest and agricultural industry are still insufficiently used. One of the ways of their preprocessing is a pyrolysis process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the energetic properties of biochar made of walnut shells, forest wood chips and willow chips. The studies were performed according to standards. The moisture contents of the material, the ash contents, the net and gross calorific values were determined. Low moisture and ash content were found in each of the biochar species. For all tested samples the ash contents were lower than 6% and for forest wood chips it was 1.5% only. The way of processing the biomass in the pyrolysis process significantly increased the calorific value of the raw materials. It was found that the net calorific values of the tested materials were high and reached the amount of 26.58 MJ‧kg-1 for biochar made of walnut shells, 22.29 MJ‧kg-1 for biochar made of forest wood chips and 24.59 MJ‧kg-1 for biochar made of willow chips. Due to the good physical properties of biochar produced from waste and biological materials, it was found that these solid fuels can be used for energy purposes. Keywords: biochar, energy properties, waste streams Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.011
EFFICIENCY OF ANAEROBIC DECOMPOSITION OF MANURE FROM CATTLE FED WITH SIDA HERMAPHRODITA SILAGE
The study aimed to determine the influence of addition of Sida hermaphrodita silage into cattle forage on efficiency of methane fermentation of cattle manure. Efficiency of methane fermentation connected with amount and composition of produced biogas was determined with respirometric tests. Methane fermentation was performed in mesophilic conditions with initial organic compounds loading of 5 g VS/(dm3∙d). The study was divided into two stages. In first stage, substrate in methane fermentation was only cattle manure. In second stage, substrate in methane fermentation was cattle manure and Sida silage. There were three series of experiments in each stage, due to cattle manure was obtained from cattle fed with forage differ in contribution of Sida silage (0 – series 1, 17% - series 2, 34% - series 3). In the stage 1, biogas production of 223±15 L/kg VS, 247±8.5 L/kg VS and 231±18 L/kgVS was noted in the series 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The addition of Sida silage to the cattle forage had no impact on biogas potential of cattle manure. In the stage 2, the same tendency was observed. No differences in biogas composition between series were also observed. Methane content in biogas was about 60%. Keywords: biogas, cattle manure, Sida hermaphrodita, anaerobic process Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.202
RESEARCH OF A HIGHLY DEFECTIVE FROG CORE OF GRADE 1/9
For the first time at the Riga Technical University a study was carried out of a highly defective frog core of grade 1/9. In the course of the research an analysis of crossing piece defects on the Latvian railway was carried out in eight railway sections during years of 2015, 2016, 2017. The defect of the frog core of grade 1/9 (the 60 E1 DO 07 12 frog type) was considered according to the basic classification of the defects, and the analysis and research of the cause of its fracture were conducted from the bolt hole to the web and the base of the frog core. The research process consisted of four stages: - Stage 1: determination of metal hardness according to the Brinell scale with a modern device “Tinius O Olsen” Firmware Version 1.07, FH - 31 Series. The obtained results should be compared with the data of the manufacturer's factory – Dowlais Steel. - Stage 2: determination of the chemical composition of the rail steel of the frog core 1/9 (in the rail top, rail web, and rail base) using the ARC-MET 8000 Mobile Lab Optical Emission Spectometer Analyser. The obtained data should be compared with the manufacturer's data. - Stage 3: determination of the rail steel structure. Drawing of main conclusions about the quality of the rail steel of the frog core of grade 1/9. - Stage 4: drawing of main conclusions and summary of the cause and development of the fracture from the bolt hole of the frog core of grade 1/9. Keywords: analysis, base, chemical composition, core, defect, elements, frog, hardness, highly defective rail, mark, metal, top, web Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.145
CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MUNICIPAL WASTE IN POLAND - TOWARDS THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Increasing demand for consumer goods causes more and more waste. In line with the principle of sustainable development, waste policy should aim at ensuring that waste produced has the least impact on the natural environment. One solution is to use a circular economy. According to this concept waste production should be minimized as much as possible. Therefore, action should be taken to enable all raw materials to "stay" in economy for as long as possible. Main goal of the article is defined as an assess of the changes in the generation and management of municipal waste before and after the amendment of the Clean House Act. As the research tasks were adopted to present changes in waste management legal regulations: • to indicate waste generation level in Poland, • the origin of the waste, • to analyses and evaluate changes in the field of waste recovery, recycling and reuse. In this context there is an important question, how could we decrease production and consumption in order to generate lower quantity of waste or recycle them appropriately and use again. After the entry into force of the law on the maintenance of cleanliness and order in municipalities, there was a decrease in a production of mixed waste. Between 2012-2016 there was an increase in the amount of municipal waste picked up selectively. The amount of mixed waste recycled in 2016 has increased fourfold in comparison to 2012, and the amount of waste recycled has increased by 42 times. Keywords: landfilling, municipal waste, recycling Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.072
PRODUCTION AND USE OF BIOENERGY IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOECONOMY
Growing demand for energy, along with the depletion of traditional fossil fuels and the development of civilization, raises interest in the use of bioenergy in all sectors of the economy, including electricity, transport, heating, cooling, and industry. In developed countries bioenergy is an alternative to traditional non-renewable energy from fossil fuels, as its resources renew in natural processes, making it practically inexhaustible. Due to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, bioenergy is also more environmentally friendly than fossil energy. Thus bioenergy sector is a key segment of bio-economy and determines its competitiveness and development. Increase in bioenergy production, resulting from both market and energy policies, leads to greater interdependence between energy and agricultural markets, affects food and feed prices and change in land use. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the bioenergy market in Poland in 2010-2015, present the role of bioenergy sector production in the structure of bio-economy, the changes in production and directions of biomass-based energy use and determine the importance of the major bioenergy markets in the structure of the energy market in Poland. The study was based on the aggregated statistical data on the acquisition and consumption of bioenergy in Poland, including energy from municipal waste, solid biofuels, biogas and liquid biofuels. Findings prove that bioenergy is the most important renewable energy source in Poland. It is also a diversified source of energy, as it can be converted into solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Although solid biofuels and liquid biofuels dominate in Poland, the share of biogas and energy produced from municipal waste is small. Concluding, bioenergy in Poland changes its character from traditional and local energy source into modern, international commodity. Keywords: bioeconomy, bioenergy, Poland Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.195
IMPACT OF WORKING SPEED ON SOIL PARTICLES TRANSFER DURING SECONDARY SOIL TILLAGE
Displacement of soil particles by erosion can be seen as a major threat to the quality of agricultural land in the conditions of Czech Republic. While the effects of water and wind erosion have long been investigated and reported, the effect of soil tillage technology on soil particles translocation are relatively new area of agriculture research. Soil tillage may contribute to the undesirable translocation of soil particles towards lower-lying parts of fields especially on slopes. The effect of soil tillage implements on soil particle translocation has not been sufficiently explained yet. The object of this research was to assess the influence of different operating speed of power harrow on soil particle translocation during secondary tillage (soil preparation). Measurements to determine the displacement of soil particles were performed in location Nesperská Lhota in the Central Bohemia Region. Measurements were performed on a sandy loam cambisol after harvest spring cereals (oat for sillage production). To indicate displacement of soil particles was used grit of white limestone (size 10-16 mm). Limestone was put down into the trench with known position orthogonal to the direction of working operations. Subsequently were performed working operations in the specified sequence. Limestone particles were counted and weighed in each section. It was detected by measuring the different nature of displacement. Statistical significance of differences in the weight of translocated particles was evaluated for different operating speeds of power harrow from 4.5 to 12 km.h-1. Keywords: power harrows, tillage erosion, seedbed preparation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.206
THE RELATIONSHEEP OF AMINO ACID METABOLISM WITH PRODUCTIVITY OF GROWING YOUNG SHEEP
A number of studies on digestion of the ruminants have shown the process of synthesis of all the essential amino acids in the rumen (Abu Fadel, 2004; Trukhachev, V., Zlidnev, N. 2008). However, according to some researches, microbial protein is deficient in methionine and lysine. This assumption also proves the need for further study of the influence of balanced amino acids to these diets on the growth, development and productive performance of the ruminants. Scientific approbation of the issues related to establishing the requirements of young sheep in lysine and methionine with cystine and development of recommendations for their proper balance in animal rations have been conducted along with a series of physiological, scientific and practical experiments. For this purpose, we used the following research methods: preparative, analytical, measuring and calculating. Zootechnical evaluation of young sheep’s diet with different levels of lysine and methionine with cysteine has been conducted, and influence of these components on growth, development, metabolism, the use of amino acids and wool productivity have been studied. The importance of studying the content of amino acids in plasma is evident because they are the indicators of protein metabolism in the animals’ organism and represent themselves the exchange fund when used in the biochemical transformations in the process of updating the protein of the body tissues and the synthesis of animal products. Increase in young sheep’s diet of lysine and methionine can improve their productivity, reduce the cost of feed energy and improve biochemical indexes of meat, taking into account the optimization of its amino acid composition. Efficiency increase of young sheep during the process of the individual development is linked to conditions of feeding and in particular the usefulness of a protein food, which is primarily determined by sufficient intake of essential amino acids - lysine and methionine with cystine. Thus, the inclusion in the diet of growing young sheep some amount of synthetic amino acids – 6–8 grams of lysine and 3–4 g of methionine per 1 fodder unit, enhances oxidation-reduction processes, increase productivity, i.e. wool yield and other indicators. The content of free amino acids in plasma directly depends on their availability in feed. The use of synthetic amino acids (lysine, methionine and cystine) contributed to the increase of their content in a free state in the blood serum, indicating their increased demand in sheep. With the use of different doses of synthetic amino acids (lysine, methionine, cystine) in the diets of young sheep it has been found that the organization of optimum conditions of feeding, care and management of sheep in winter season help to avoid abrupt changes in the structure of the skin, to ensure the normal development of the histological structure and morphogenetic processes.) Keywords: amino acid metabolism, young sheep, diet, productivity Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.125
DEVICE FOR CONTROL OF HUMIDITY OF LOOSE MATERIALS IN THE STREAM OF THE SUBSTANCE
Improvement of the design of the sample preparation device for bulk materials during the flow control of their moisture content, based on the use of the vibrating process to stabilize the bulk density, will ensure continuity of the flow of bulk materials. The accuracy of humidity measurement will be increased by using dielectric metric methods due to the decrease in the through conductivity of loose materials, which is associated with the rupture of contact bridges between their particles in the vibrating mass. An analysis of the results of an experimental study of bulk materials in a vibrating state shows that the use of such a grain state is advisable for the following reasons. Firstly, at a constant vibration amplitude, the bulk density of the grain mass stabilizes, and secondly, it’s through conductivity sharply decreases, which is explained by the ruptures of contact bridges between the particles in the vibrating fluid mass of bulk material. Combination of the process of vibration for the purpose of stabilizing the bulk density of bulk material with its simultaneous transportation through the cavity of the vibration chamber is carried out in the device proposed by the authors. In order to ensure the stabilization of the bulk density of bulk material, a device has been new developed. Keywords: bulk material, density, grain, hopper, moisture, primary converter Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.182
BIOETHANOL FROM STRAW AND ITS PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE
The consequences of global warming and the need for a reduction in greenhouse gases have led to dramatic changes in the automotive sector. Whereas the use of biofuel increased continuously over the first decade of this century, e-mobility has been deemed.by politicians and the media alike. As the development of the electric car, rechargeable batteries and charging stations are far from being fully explored, biofuels will play an important role as a bridging technology over the next 20 years. The successful use of biofuels requires its widespread acceptance by consumers. To evaluate the public opinion towards biofuels we carried out a representative opinion poll to collect information on the population’s acceptance of biofuels. The result indicates that there is a lack of interest and information about biofuels, especially among young people and women. First generation bioethanol is strongly associated with the waste of food, but the acceptance of the second generation, produced from agricultural remnants like straw from wheat or corn, is considerably higher. The interviewees see more transparent, objective and less technical information about biofuels as an essential way to increase the level of information and the acceptance rate. In summary, the introduction of biofuels must be accompanied by information campaigns if biofuels should ever reach larger market shares. The irritations caused by the manipulation of the software on the part of several automobile manufacturers of Diesel engines could pave the way for this. So, future decentralized bioethanol plants could play an important role in biofuel production and contribute to the development of rural areas. In this paper the legal aspects of biofuel usage are described, the State of the art Bioethanol production from lignocellulosic material is described, the production capacity worldwide is calculated and the results from an opinion poll concerning the public acceptance of biofuels are presented. Keywords: Advanced Biofuels, Bioethanol, lignocellulose; opinion poll, public acceptance Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.009
THE ASSESSMENT OF ORGANIC AND NATURAL MAGNESIUM MINERAL FERTILIZERS GRANULATION AND THE DETERMINATION OF PRODUCED PELLET PROPERTIES
The research was carried out in Aleksandras Stulginskis University with a natural magnesium mineral fertilizer – magnesium silicate Serpentine rocks that were grounded and granulated with an impact granulation technology, organic cattle manure compost fertilizer, which was granulated using a device with a horizontal granulator matrix (the diameter of pellets is 6 mm), and the mixture of Serpentine and manure pellets (mixture ratio 1:1, diameter of pellets is6 mm). There were investigated and estimated the biometric and physical-mechanical properties of produced fertilizer granules – pellet granulometric composition and biometric indicators, moisture content, density and pellet strength (resistance to impact forces). Research results showed that the pellet moisture content was sufficiently low, varied from 4.7 % to 14.7 %, and the density of produced pellet was considerably high as it reached more than 1000 kg m-3 DM (dry matter). Results on resistance to the deformation of the investigated mineral magnesium and organic fertilizers indicate that the most resistant granules are the ones that are made of the mixture of Serpentine and manure pellets as they decompose to 550.5 N force, whereas granules of manure pellets (without Serpentine) disintegrate to a 271.4 N force, which is about twice as small as the above mentioned one. Research results have shown that fertilizer granules made of organic manure and mixture with magnesium silicate Serpentine are of high quality, these granules are sufficiently resistant to compression on a static force as well as convenient for storage, transportation and mechanical spreading in the field. Keywords: density, granules, magnesium fertilizers, manure, organic fertilizers, properties, serpentine, strength Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.040
INCREASING ELECTRICITY SELF-CONSUMPTION IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY ELECTRICITY-TO-HEAT CONVERSION AND STORAGE
The current paper addresses energy storage issues in residential buildings with the objective of increasing direct consumption. The building, connected to an utility grid, is supplied by a micro wind turbine and PV panels. The utility grid itself acts as an energy buffer. Only nonshiftable loads (white goods, TV etc.) and electric water heating are taken into account. The studied configuration comprises two cascaded heating boilers, one of them preheating boiler. The annual electricity production of the micro wind turbine and PV panels is chosen to cover the hot water demand and nonshiftable loads inside the building with 70/30 ratio in favour of the wind energy. During the experiments, the generation graphs’ shaving levels vary between 0 and 100 %, with peak energy diverted into a preheating boiler and the remaining part fed into the main boiler. The proposed solution allows increasing locally consumed energy share, as the energy of stochastic peaks is stored and used on later demand. The locally consumed energy is expressed by the cover factor, its increase possibilities are studied in main text. Calculations are based on 5- minute time series. The applied algorithm follows the amount of heat in the main and preheating boiler, including also incoming and outgoing energies. The cover factor cannot be increased without restrictions. Too high shaving levels bring along problem of removing excess heat from the preheating boiler. The allowed drain loss is taken as 10 % of annual boiler energy balance. The presumed growth of the cover factor at preheating boiler volume of 160 l instead of 80 l is at least 8 %. with the main boiler sized as before. Keywords: cover factor, demand response, domestic hot water, load shifting, solar energy, wind energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.205
COMPARISON OF PRODUCTIVITY OF KRANMAN BISON 10000 FORWARDER IN STANDS HARVESTED WITH HARVESTER AND CHAINSAW
The aim of this study is to investigate potential uses of Kranman Bison 10000 6WD forwarder in stands, where roundwood is extracted with a chainsaw and Vimek 404 T5 harvester in normal and difficult forwarding conditions. Productivity of Kranman forwarder was compared with medium-sized John Deere 810 forwarder under normal conditions. In total 230 loads were forwarded during the study, including 63 loads from areas, harvested with a chainsaw, and 167 loads from areas, harvested with Vimek 404 harvester. The average forwarded load is 2.0 m³ (the maximum load is 2.5 m³ therefore the average load capacity is 80%). In average 33 minutes of productive work time were spent by forwarding one load (the proportion of productive working time is 94% from total engine hours of the machine). The average length of forwarding road in trials is 286 m. In normal conditions forwarding of 1 m³ of roundwood extracted with a chainsaw takes 15 minutes of productive working time, but in difficult forwarding conditions the time consumption increases by 13%. The average forwarder fuel consumption is 1.8 L per hour. Accordingly, 0.8 L of fuel are consumed to forward 1 m³ roundwood. In comparison, John Deere 810 under similar conditions consumed 1.6 L fuel to forward 1 m³ roundwood. Study results prove that the best application of Kranman Bison 10000 is forwarding small stands or individual trees logged with a chainsaw. Forwarder can work on soils with low bearing capacity, however productivity can be significantly reduced by stumps and uneven terrain. Keywords: Kranman Bison 10000, productivity, thinning Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.199
MONITORING OF ENERGY GAIN AND EROSION PROTECTION OF CORN AND TALL WHEATGRASS CROPS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
With the growing energy demand of the society and the increased requirements for ecological aspects of obtaining and utilizing energies, renewable energy sources have been getting to the forefront. In the conditions of Central Europe, transformation of biomass to biogas through anaerobic digestion appears to be promising. The article describes the results of a field experiment carried out in an experimental site of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (South Bohemia, Czech Republic). The goal of the article is to compare the conventionally grown corn (Zea mays L., hybrid Simao), the areas of which have increased considerably as a result of the development of biogas stations, and the alternative perennial grass called tall wheatgrass (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1), which is, according to the literature, well positioned to replace corn. The harvests of the plants took place in 2013-2015, and tall wheatgrass was cut twice per season. A number of aspects – dry phytomass yield, specific methane yield and hectare methane yield – were monitored. In addition, the long-term soil loss by water erosion was calculated through the Universal Soil Loss Equation for both species of energy crops. In terms of yield parameters and methane production, better results were achieved by corn, given the average energy gain 238 GJ·ha-1 as compared to 126 GJ·ha-1 for tall wheatgrass. The protection of the soil surface from water erosion by corn appears to be insufficient and, in this criterion, it absolutely lags behind the anti-erosion abilities of tall wheatgrass, which protects soil incomparably better. Key words: corn, erosion, methane, tall wheatgrass, yield Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.084
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF LIVESTOCK FARMS IN RUSSIA
The paper focuses on quantitative assessment of nitrogen flows in a livestock farm under transition to best available techniques BAT system in Russia. Comparative analysis of quantitative estimates of ammonia emissions from housing for dairy cows, fattening pigs, farrowing sows and laying hens was conducted using available literature data and information obtained through a survey of pilot livestock farms in Leningrad Region. Ammonia emission data for existing Russian enterprises were found in the range of BREF emission levels associated with BAT. The nitrogen farm-gate balance was calculated for the farm with 810 dairy cows, 2600 ha of agricultural land and milk yield of 22 kg/day. The nitrogen surplus was 48.3 kg/ha, which was below the limit values and indicated the possibility to increase the application amount of nitrogen fertilisers, however, nitrogen use efficiency of 0.21 was significantly below the European average. The viability of manure storage and spreading techniques recommended by European BREF, namely compost heaps covering and immediate incorporation of organic fertilisers after spreading, was estimated for this farm. The calculated values of total nitrogen losses are reduced by 20%; the saving of mineral fertilizers owing to higher nitrogen content in applied organic fertilisers can be 18 t / year. For the rough assessment of technologies on the initial stage of Russian reference books creation it is practicable to use the data from EU BREF on intensive rearing of pigs and poultry. When farms are assessed on the stage of integrated permits issue, it is feasible to use the measured air concentrations of hazardous substances along with the estimation of the whole-farm environmental impact by nitrogen use efficiency. For such estimates to be applied in Russia, the data needs to be collected and systematised for different categories of farms and for different climatic regions. Keywords: ammonia, environmental impact, livestock farm, farm-gate balance, nitrogen use efficiency Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.189
DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTION AND BIOENERGY CONVERSION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The mechanical and technological grounds for the formalization of agroecosystem structure have been substantiated in the research. The paper presents the simulation model of an agroecosystem functioning based on growing of winter wheat, maize for silage as well as of grain, winter rape, oats, sugar beets and perennial herbs. The model anticipates the production of pork, beef, fish, chicken, milk, eggs, oil, sugar and honey as well as growing of mushrooms and production of compost. Besides, the given model anticipates the production of diesel biofuel and bioethanol in the amount necessary for providing mobile machines with power, as well as the production of biogas for receiving heat and electricity. The model suggests using the updated equipment for the production of bioenergy resources. Keywords: agro-ecosystems, energy, conversion, straw, biodiesel, biogas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.186
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND EXCESS AIR RATIO ON COMBUSTION PROCESS OF MIXTURES OF ERUCIC RAPESEED
The paper presents results of investigations into diesel engine fuelled with high erucic acid rapeseed oil and its mixture with diesel, petrol and ethanol at different proportions. The study was performed in a chamber with constant volume depending on temperature and air pressure and the coefficient of excess air. The main purpose of performed tests was to determine the effect of various parameters on processes of spontaneous combustion and combustion of fuels. During the study basic parameters of combustion, e.g. auto-ignition delay, greatest pressure and contractual time were compared. Studies show that increased pressure injection improves combustion process for all test fuels, and injection pressure most strongly affect the combustion process of rapeseed oil and its mixtures with ethanol. Keywords: combustion, erucic, excess air ratio, rapeseed, temperature Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.019
INFLUENCE OF THE ACTIVATORS TO THE DIFFERENT VEGETATION INDEXES IN CENTRAL BOHEMIA REGION
High proportion of arable land is typically for agriculture in Czech Republic. Nowadays there is a problem with decrease of livestock production and increase of biofuel production. This problems causes decrease in the level of soil carbon in the soil. Decrease in levels of organic carbon also leads to easier soil degradation by other negative factors (soil erosion, compaction). Organic matter application into soils is the only corrective action. Decomposition of applied organic matter is a problem in the decarburized soils. Organic matter can be supplemented by biological transformation’s activators. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy activators of organic matter to improve the soil environment. Field trial has been established in this purpose at locality Sloveč in the Central Bohemia Region. Very heavy soil is located on the experimental field. Results of the six variants with application of manure are presented in this paper. PRP Sol (PRP Technologies) was used like soil activator. PRP Fix (PRP Technologies) was used like activator of the biological transformation of manure. Favorable effect on crop state of cereals was observed. This was confirmed by using vegetation indices (using satellite images). They suggest a beneficial effect of application of bio-activators. Keywords: activator of organic matter, manure application, soil properties, vegetation indices Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.200
CORROSION EFFECT OF ANIMAL SLURRY ON LOW CARBON S235JR STEEL AT 333 K
Low-carbon steels are often used for materials in the construction of machines and equipment for agricultural. One of the most important factors constructional material is corrosion resistance, first of all in demanding animal environment. Equipment with low carbon steel can be easy join by quickly welding at a low construction price, but one with the serious problem in aggressive environment is their corrosion resistance. A few corrosion processes in crevices and awkward corners can be avoided at the design stage (low roughness parameters, round-section and other). But still the construction material is exposed to corrosion. Slurry is a mixture of dung and urine. The aggressive corrosive constituents in slurry are urea, uric acid, naturally excreted chloride and as well as ammonia or ammonium salts. The main aim of this research is to investigate corrosion resistance in different time (48, 96, 144, 192, 240, 288, 336 hours). For this used weight loss of test samples and its profile roughness. The research was conducted on low carbon steel in grade S235JR in natural animal slurry at 333 K. Corrosion tests confirmed that the research this steel in animal slurry as corrosive environments is characterized through proportionate to time corrosion process whose measure may be surface roughness. In industrial practice roughness parameters for all the research times can be used for determine the stage and size of steel corrosion. Keywords: Animal slurry, carbon steel, corrosion, corrosion rate, roughness Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.036
EVALUATION OF COMBINE HARVESTERS FLEET MANAGEMENT
Combine harvesters play a crucial role in grain harvest. Due to seasonal character of work of these machines is necessary to achieve high standard in durability and reliability during working period. There is lots of requirements that have to be done according to the crop type, field conditions and as well as high performance and lower costs. Combine harvesters are the main harvesting technology of cereals in the world and main piece of work should be done in short time. The aim of this paper is an economic analysis of combine harvester’s fleet in different working conditions. The evaluation is based on exact costs analysis of combine harvesters New Holland brand sort by different ages and different concepts of threshing. Used data were collected during all working seasons of combines. There is a data set from 10 seasons. There is two groups in evaluation - 9 machines NH CR 9080 and another 9 machines NH CX 8080. Working parameters evaluated are fuel consumption and operational costs. Thanks to on board computer we have data about performance of each machine per day and per whole season. Costs are calculated as fixed and variable and then summarized for every machine. The result shows that effect of costs analysis depends on annual performance of the machine. There is positive effect on depressing fixed cost due to higher performance in season. A special result of this study is evidence of intervenes reason during all seasons and setting up the coefficient of repairs for the group of combines. Keywords: Combine harvesters, cost, performance Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.149
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND THEIR USE IN THE PIG BREEDING FARM DURING THE WINTER PERIOD
Dairy cattle breeding is one of the main suppliers of protein and animal fat, it is one of the most important branches of agriculture and plays a primary role in providing adequate nutrition for the population. During the purposeful work on harmonization of the national regulatory framework with international legislation, special attention is paid to scientific developments in the way of full implementation of Russian livestock production in the global trading system. The recommendations of the International Committee for Registration of Animals (ICAR) (Global Standard…, 2017; Trukhachev et al., 2017) are the methodological basis for the introduction of the generally accepted organizational principles for the recording and evaluation of the productive qualities of animals. One of the stages of this process was implementation in 2015-2017. in the Stavropol State Agrarian University of research projects, especially significant for the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation in the direction of ensuring import substitution in animal husbandry (genetic material), which envisage the development of a regional model for the formation and management of highly productive genetic resources for dairy cattle. The object of the research was cattle (cows) of the North Caucasian population of the Ayrshire breed (n = 550), from which, based on the analysis of the materials of the primary zooveterinary records, groups of cows with 3-fold milking were formed to study the daily dynamics of fat and protein content in raw milk samples I, II and III milking, n = 240) and 2-fold milking (I and II milking - 180 cows). In the process of performing monthly analyzes of the quality of individual milk samples obtained from pedigree cows taken for 2- or 3-fold milking, it was found that a certain pattern is observed in the diurnal dynamics of fat and protein content in milk, which probably has a general biological nature and largely depends on the technological factor - the multiplicity of milking cows, which coincides, basically, with the regularities described in the methodology of the International Committee for Registration of Animals (ICAR). The nature of the dynamics of the concentration of fat in milk at 2- and 3-fold milking has, though a different mathematical form, but they have a general tendency: the fat in milk for milking cows, as a rule, is 10.77–10.98 % lower, than II and III milking. The variability of the protein concentration in milk during the day is the same as the fat dynamics, though it is less expressed than of fat and accounts 0.88%. Keywords: milk cows, milk quality, Ayrshire cattle Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.068
AGROPEDOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS OF MEDIUM-DRY STEPPE PEDO-ECOTONE IN THE NORTHWEST OF THE BLACK SEA REGION
The anthropogenic transformation of soil physical properties of the transition stripe from the dry to the middle steppe in the Northwest of the Black Sea region is considered and analyzed on the basis of comparison of indicators characterizing the properties of the cultivable and subcultivable horizons. The signs of negative influence of agricultural use on the most important indices of physical properties of soils are investigated. Significant degradation of the physical properties of the arable horizons (in comparison with tillable and subcultivable horizons), as well as deterioration of the water resistance of the structure of the tillable horizons (compared to the arable) was revealed. The geographic regularities of agrogenic evolution of sodic and residual-sodic calcic chernozems and gypsic kastanozems are established. Keywords: agropedogenic transformation of soils, calcic chernozems, gypsic kastanozems, pedo-ecotone, physical properties, steppe Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.184
FATTENING AND SLAUGHTER RESULTS ANALYSIS OF HEREFORD BREED BULLS BORN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
The aim of this study was to explain the birth season effect on Hereford bulls fattening results. The research was made within the project ‘Baltic Grassland Beef’ framework in years 2015 and 2016. Data about 41 Herford purebred bull was used in the research, grown in different farms of Latvia. Bulls were slaughtered in certified slaughterhouse ‘Agaras’ (Lithuania). The average birth weight of the Hereford breed bulls was in border from 42.9 – 45.0 kg. The lowest birth weight was on spring season born bulls – 42.9 kg, but the highest on winter season born bulls - 45.0. Average realization age of bull’s, in the research groups, was on range from 567 days to 661 days. Bulls born on autumn and winter before slaughtering were significantly older, respectively 661 and 655 days with live weight of 519.9 kg un 542.1 kg. On spring born bulls with age 600 days reached the biggest live weight – 542.0 kg, respectively these group bulls average daily weight gain from birth to slaughter per day was the biggest among all the groups – 831.9 g. The highest slaughter weight showed on autumn and winter seasons born bulls, respectively 275.5 kg and 274.8 kg. In the research groups on different seasons born bulls conformation score was from points 2.4 to 2.6. All the bull’s carcass in the research groups were evaluated as 2nd and 3rd fat class. between the age before slaughter and average daily weight gain from birth to slaughter there is an important negative correlation (from r = -0.858 to = -0.977, p<0.05), except on spring season born bulls. Keywords: Hereford bulls, beef cattle fattening, growth, carcass characteristics Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.198
COMPARING THE QUALITY OF ROUND BALERS WORK
Forage harvest belongs to the principal works in contemporary agriculture. Increasingly popular technology is the making round bales. The basic advantage of round balers is application versatility. Harvest method is useful for making hay, straw and haylage, Quality of the bale is dependent on the level of work equipment and operator. This paper is focused on comparing the round baler with variable bale chamber. Round baler Vicon RV 1601 OC14 was compared with round baller Welger RP 435 Master. Both models were equipped with variable chamber. The variable chamber was formed by the endless belts. The evaluation was conducted from quality of work perspective and efficiency. The most important quality parameter was the density of bales. Quality parameters of bales were determined by measuring and weighing. Straw bales and haylage bales were used for studies. Qualitative indicators were converted into dry matter content. Microwave drying according to Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences was used to determine the dry matter. Baler Welger reached better qualitative parameters of work. It was also demonstrated by statistical evaluation using Tukey test. It has clearly demonstrated that round baller Welger achieves significantly greater pressing than round baller Vicon. Greater difference was measured at baling straw. Difference was below the threshold of statistical significance during haylage baling. This difference shows favour of the round baller Welger. On the other hand baler Vicon requires lower input power. Keywords: forage crops; straw; quality parameters; round baler Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.201
EU REGIONAL POLICY SUPPORT FOR BIOENERGY SECTOR IN POLAND IN 2007-2013 (2015)
The EU faces increasing climate, social and economic challenges resulting among others from the negative effects of using fossil fuels. Bioeconomy with its flagship bioenergy sub-sector is meant the key remedy for this situation. That is why the growth of bioenergy production has been promoted and supported in EU financial perspective of 2007-2013 by allocating regional policy funds to strengthen bioenergy sub-sector under operational programs in eligible member states. As Poland has increasing needs to develop bioenergy sector and has been the biggest beneficiary of EU regional policy funds the aim of the paper was to investigate on the main effects of investments in bioenergy sub-sector under operational programmes 2007-2013. The study was based on SIMIK data from the Ministry of Regional Development as of December 31, 2015 and Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Qualitative and quantitative analysis show that beneficiaries carried out 80 bioenergy projects of 1442,8 mln PLN total value, including 30,4% EU co-funding under Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment and 14 Regional Operational Programmes. These bioenergy investments resulted mainly in construction and modernization of biomass power plants, of which nearly 50% where agricultural ones as well as in constructing new and expanding already existing biomass-based heating systems in public institutions. Findings show big regional differentiation of the bioenergy investments: from none in mazovieckie (the biggest NUTS 2 in Poland) and opolskie to cumulation of nearly 33% of bioenergy projects under OPs 2007-2013 in warmińsko-mazurskie. EU co-funding for individual projects ranged from 15% to 85%, however for nearly half of them it was higher than 45%, conditioning realization of the projects fully. Concluding, EU funding was a significant source of financial support for bioenergy sub-sector in Poland, resulting in developing it especially in warmińsko-mazurskie voivodship. Keywords: biomass, EU regional policy, Poland, renewable energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.196
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BRACKISH WATER DISTILLATION IN SINGLE SLOPE SOLAR STILL USING SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE MATERIALS
Solar distillation is one of the important methods of getting clean water from brackish and seawater using the renewable energy of the sun. The passive type solar still represent most economical method to supply drinking water for domestic applications for decentralized level. Experimental measurements of solar distillation productivity for single slope still were conducted at the testing field of the Mechanical Engineering department, Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The influence of basin water quantity and amount of energy storage materials are examined and the performance is compared. The target of this research is to find best way to keep the excess heat by energy storage materials and release it during off-sunshine hours for increment in distillate output and efficiency. Various sensible heat energy storage materials like pebbles, blue metal stone, red brick, granites and white marbles were used as energy storage medium. The daily yield of black granite still is higher than other energy storage material stills and is equal to 3.216 kg/day/m2, which is 29% higher than that of the still without energy storage materials. Keywords: fresh water, passive still, solar distillation, energy storage material Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.086
LIPIDS ACCUMULATION OF CHLORELLA VULGARIS UNDER VARIABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS
The cultivation of microalgae is now an intensively developed research area. Some species of microalgae under appropriate conditions accumulate large amounts of lipids in the cells, which may be a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production. The cultures of microalgae for lipids production should be cultivated in specific physicochemical conditions. The most important environmental parameters affecting the algae growth are: nutrients, lighting, reaction, turbulence, salinity and temperature. Periodic changes in lighting is a key parameter that have a significant effect on cells density and lipid accumulation. The mechanism of this action depends on intensity of light and its spectral composition. To produce 3rd and 4th generation biofuels, a better understanding of the relationship between light conditions and yield of lipids accumulation is necessary. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of variable lighting conditions for lipids accumulation of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and to determine the most effective lighting parameters. The study confirmed the possibility of using the lighting shock conditions to maximize lipids accumulation in algae Chlorella vulgaris cells. In the study, 33.18% of lipids were obtained from biomass culturing with red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which was 22% more than obtained with white continuous lighting. Keywords: microalgae, chlorella vulgaris, photobioreactors, lipids, light, biodiesel Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.203
CONVERSION TO BIOGAS OF HERBACEOUS PLANTS, USED FOR OIL HYDROCARBONS CONTAMINATED SOILS CLEANING
Fossil fuel demand growth in and price fluctuation, depletion resources and supply monopolize, climate change is forcing the restructuring of energy and other industrial and transport area, seeking for renewable energy sources. Using phytoremedial methods in biomass engineering, there is a possibility to create a sustainable method of biomass growth in mid-low contaminated sites soil system. Main aim of the research was to assess the oil-contaminated soil treatment herbaceous plants and their subsequent use for biogas production in order to create a closed cleaning and plant biomass utilization cycle. After the evaluation of the biogas yield and energy conversion efficiency performance it was found that all of the selected herbaceous plant biomass is suitable as raw material for the production of biogas. The biogas potential of selected plants ranged from 377.2 to 822.9 l/kg dry organic matter with an energy value ranging from 7.1 MJ/kg to 17.1 MJ/kg. Keywords: biogas, herbaceous plants, oil hydrocarbons, phytoremediation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.197
BIOGAS POTENTIAL OF DIGESTATE AFTER FERMENTATION OF SIDA HERMAPHRODITA SILAGE
Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the most widely used substrate in methane digestion. Among plants with a high yield potential, Sida hermaphrodita is particularly noteworthy, due to Sida can be grown on low quality soils and its utilization for energy purposes is not competitive with food crops. Methane fermentation of biomass with such a complex structure usually requires application of pre-treatment methods for efficient utilization of its cellulose and hemicellulose. It is economically justified to control of digestate if substrate was efficiently used. The study aimed to measure biogas potential of digestate after fermentation of Sida hermaphrodita silage. The post-fermentation of two samples of digestate from the reactors operated at organic compounds loading 2 kg/(m3∙d) – S1 and 3 kg/(m3∙d) – S2 was performed. Hydraulic retention time in these reactors was 50 d and 33 d, respectively. Biogas potential of fermented sludge was measured with the use of AMPTS II (Bioprocess control). Biogas production was 0.012 L/g TS and 0.031 L/g TS from digestate’s S1 and S2, respectively. The methane content in biogas was 15% from digestate S1 and 50% from digestate S2. The obtained results suggest that digestate from reactor with organic compounds loading of 3 kg/(m3∙d) still has high biogas potential, and hydraulic retention time in this reactor should be prolonged. Keywords: hydraulic retention time, organic compounds loading, post-fermentation, Sida hermaphrodita silage Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.194
IMPACT OF USING PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN PIGGERY ON GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSION
Farm buildings have a large number of unused roofs, where photovoltaic panels may be installed without limiting the agricultural land. In piggeries the largest demand for electricity has the ventilation system. The daily distribution of electricity demand is correlated to the diurnal variation of solar radiation. This allows immediate use the energy produced by photovoltaic panels. The aim of the study was to determine the energy demand of the ventilation system, to design a photovoltaic system for its operation and to determine the CO2 emission reduction. The research was carried out for the deep-litter piggery located in Poland. The demand for electricity was determined on the basis of three-year measurements of electricity consumption in the studied piggery. The photovoltaic system was designed to power the ventilation system. Mean annual demand was 26046 kWh. The designed PV system has power of 27 kWp (23984 kWh yr-1). Energy deficits (4591 kWh·yr-1) were noted for 8 months, and energy surpluses (2528 kWh·yr-1) for 4 months in a year. The reduction of CO2 emissions resulting from the use of a photovoltaic system to supply the ventilation system is 19.1 Mg CO2·yr-1 and represents 3% of the total greenhouse gases emissions from the piggery, expressed in CO2 equivalent. It may increase to 8.6% in case of installing the maximum number of PV panels system (maximum power of 78 kWp; total energy production 68526 kWh yr-1) on the southern part of the roof, but it requires the financial support for renewable energy by the government. Keywords: PV panels, carbon dioxide emission, farm building, renewable energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.089
INFLUENCE OF CHLORIDE CORROSION ON THE STRESS-STRAIN STATE OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE PLATE ON AN ELASTIC BASE
The operating conditions of a number of reinforced concrete structures used in agricultural production cause the need of taking into account the chloride corrosion to analyze their long-term operation strength. Under the influence of chloride corrosion, the destruction of concrete and corrosion of metal reinforcement appear and lead to a change in the stress-strain state of the reinforced structures and to their durability reduction. In the presented work, the mathematical model of the elastically based reinforced concrete plate under the influence of chloride corrosion is presented as a fourth-order nonlinear differential equation in partial derivatives. The effect of concrete degradation on the stress-strain state of the structure was implemented by a technique involving a method of successive parameter perturbations to solve the nonlinear part of the problem and the grid method for solving the boundary part of the problem. There was developed a program that allows to analyze the behavior of the reinforced plate under the action of chloride corrosion on one or both surfaces of the plate. The algorithm of the program allows to change the boundary conditions, reinforcement parameters, direction, concentration and chlorides’ penetration velocity. There was analyzed the change in the stress-strain state of the reinforced plate over time for one of the possible variants of chloride corrosion pattern. On the basis of the computational results’ analysis it was demonstrated how the durability curve changes due to the action of chloride corrosion. Keywords: chloride corrosion, durability, reinforced concrete plate, stress-strain state Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.074
ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC LOSSES ASSOCIATED WITH NITROGEN LEACHING IN AGRICULTURAL LAND IN LATVIA
Water is significantly important resource in everyday life. Parameters that characterize the quality of water resources are affected by human activities. In Latvia, water pollution with nutrients is often related to agricultural activities. As water circulation is sustained and uninterrupted process, nitrogen compounds are lost throughout the hydrographic network and transported both locally and internationally. Increased levels of nitrogen in the water lead to intensive eutrophication processes in the inland water bodies and the Baltic Sea, therefore, availability of clean water is decreasing. It is necessary to minimize and prevent water pollution as much as possible. The aim of this research is to evaluate the economic losses caused by nitrogen leakage through agricultural drainage systems in Latvia. For this purpose, water protection regulations and agricultural runoff monitoring data are examined. Evaluation process of the economic losses includes a comparison of the maximum extent permitted rates of nitrogen application with the theoretical optimum application rates and application rates determined at the research sites. For calculations ammonium nitrate was used as a type of fertilizer. From the results of this research it can be concluded that in about 41% the amount of nitrogen needed to reach the current yield level was exceeded. In addition, on average 13.2% and 15.4% of nitrogen applied annually as mineral fertilizers are lost through the subsurface drainage systems at the Berze and Mellupite research sites, respectively. This causes economic losses to farmers on average 61.13 EUR ha-1 year-1. Keywords: agriculture, subsurface drainage, economic losses, leaching, nitrogen, phosphorus Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.204
EVALUATION OF SUITABILITY TO USE PLASTIC WASTE IN CONCRETE PRODUCTION
Nowadays one of the main tasks of environmental protection is the management and recycling of plastic waste. Plastic occupy the major part of all public waste and with this material is polluted all earth. In natural condition plastic decompose in 400 or even in 500 years. Therefore, it is important to solve this problem reusing plastic waste. One of the possible areas is construction industry. In the present paper were estimated how plastic waste impact the properties of concrete. During the research the part of coarse aggregates were changed with polyethylene (PE) pellets and cut polypropylene (PP) particles. The change of fresh concrete density, workability and hardened concrete density, compression strength, water absorbability were evaluated. The results show, that plastic waste has a positive effect on fresh concrete properties: the concrete become more workable and lighter. Unfortunately, on the main hardened concrete properties the increase plastic waste amount has the negative effect: the compression strength was decreasing and the water absorbability was increasing. However, generalizing all results, can be stated, that keeping the same level of concrete workability there are possibilities to reduce water and cement ratio and it will give strength loss and water absorbability growth compensation. Keywords: aggregates, compression strength, concrete, plastic waste, water absorbability, workability Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.024
POSSIBILITIES TO USE FISH WASTE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION
The secondary raw materials of fish can be used for various purposes in food industry, agriculture, etc. No less important way for usage of secondary raw fish, dead fish and fish farming sludge is the utilization of mentioned feedstocks for energy purposes, i.e. biofuels production. In this reearch, the possibilities of the consumption of dead fish and fish farming sludge for biodiesel and biogas production has been studied. The influence of the basic biodiesel production parameters, including the methanol to oil molar ratio, amount of catalyst, temperature and process duration on transesterification yield was determined. The guantitative and gualitative research of biogas production using different substrates such as fish waste, fish farming sludge and substrates composed of fish waste (de-oiled and non de-oiled biomass)+fish farming sludge and fish farming sludge+wastewater sludge was performed. The biodiesel yield higher than 96.5% could be achieved under the following process conditions: methanol/oil molar ratio – 4:1, amount of enzyme content – 7% from oil mass, temperature – 40 ° C, reaction time – 24 hours. The highest biogas yield (1224 ml/gVS) was determined using wet fish waste biomass and mixed substrates consisted of fish waste and fish farming sludge. The results of qualitative biogas research revealed, that biogas produced from both homogeneous and heterogeneous substrates contained more than 60% of methane. The highest calorific value (app. 70% of methane) had biogas gained from fish waste biomass. Keywords: biodiesel, biofuels, biogas, fish farming sludge, fish waste Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.073
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOPHYSICAL FACTORS ON PRODUCTIVITY AND BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE BLOOD OF SHEEPS
As the livestock industry, sheep breeding takes the third place in the world, this is one of the most extensive types of agriculture. Currently, the main attention in the sheep breeding is directed to increasing in meat productivity and improving the quality of products. The important technique that contributes to the increase and improvement of the quality of livestock production is the use of laser radiation. The article presents the results of research directed to studying of influence of low-intensity laser radiation on the organism of young sheep. The area of impact of laser radiation on the animal organism is defined. The positive influence of laser radiation on the growth and development of young sheep and their immune reactivity is established. The revealed regularity is confirmed by the bigger size of the live weight, increased energy of growth in all studied periods of ontogenetic development, the more developed factors of natural protection at the experimental animals. The effectiveness of the directed impact of laser puncture on the organism of young sheep has been proved to improve meat productivity and resistance. The developed method of laser puncture can be used to increase the meat productivity, safety and resistance of young sheep. Keywords: animal husbandry, laser puncture, productivity, resistance, sheep breeding. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.007
DETERMINATION OF DEPENDENCE OF WOOD BIOMASS DISINTEGRATION PARAMETERS ON WATER CONTENT
Mechanical properties of wood are an important aspect in its processing. Wood is traditionally used for construction and technical purposes. Recently, its importance has grown in energy use. For energy use, it is necessary to modify the wood dimensionally into the desired shape. Therefore, the disintegration is an important operation in wood processing. Its difficulty depends on the properties of the wood. The authors have determined the parameters of energy-using wood species on a water content in the range of 0-50%. The observed properties were wood shear stress. With decreasing water content, the shear stress of wood decreases. The shear strength limit of poplar wood increased from 22.3 MPa to 30.2 MPa. Poplar samples had a higher shear strength than willow samples. Keywords: renewable energy, energy biomass, shear stress, shear strength, chipping, disintegration, poplar, wilow, wood properties Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.031
EVALUATION OF GIANT KNOTWEED AND MISCANTHUS AS PERSPECTIVE ENERGY PLANTS AND ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCED BIOFUEL QUALITY INDICATORS
Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) was chosen as a perspective energy plant because it is not soil demanding plant and belongs to the most effective crops in the Central Europe as regards high biomass yield. Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis) was chosen as control one. Knotweeds are comparable to wooden briquettes and pellets because of their similar mechanical and thermal properties. These plants are growing in forest vicinities with approximately 15 t ha-1 d.b. (dry basis) yield productivity. Experimental research investigations were performed in the laboratories of Aleksandras Stulginskis University. Giant knotweed and miscanthus biomass was cut, chopped, milled and granulated with a small capacity granulator (250–300 kg h-1). Technical means of plant preparation and usage for energy purposes were investigated. Plant chaff and mill fraction compositions were determined, and quality indicators of the produced pellets were measured – moisture content, density, as well as resistance to compression, elemental composition, ash content and calorific value also bulk density, fall and natural slope angles. Moisture content reached 7.8 ± 0.8 %; pellet density was 1227.3 ± 48.6 kg m-3. Resistance to compression of giant knotweed pellet was 850 N. Determined ash content was 4.3 ± 0.01 %, and net calorific value of knotweed dry mass was sufficient high and reached 18.96 ± 0.28 MJ kg-1. Bulk density reached 509.9 kg m-3, natural slope angle was 31.7 0 and fall angle was 49.3 0. Key words: ash content, calorific value, density, elemental composition, knotweed, miscanthus, pellets. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.004
INFLUENCE OF CYLINDER DESIGN ON ITS SPEED DURING CORN EAR THRESHING
Technological and structural parameters of a threshing unit must ensure the highest possible quality of its operation under minimum input and cost. The aim of the study was to estimate the variation of speed of threshing cylinder with two different shapes of filler plates (FP-I and FP-II) under various corn ear feed rate into combine harvester. Threshing cylinder speed (frequency of rotation) nb (min-1) was measured simultaneously each 0.075 s using stationary tangential single-cylinder threshing unit located in laboratory-training ground intended for investigation into technological processes of agricultural machinery. Frequency of rotation of non-loaded threshing cylinder speed amounted for 450 min-1. Increase in corn ear feed rate from 6 kg s-1 to 12 kg s-1 caused frequency of rotation of threshing cylinder to decrease from nb=437.82±0.21 min-1 to nb=420.96±0.50 min-1 (using FP-I). Replacing covered spaces between rasp bars with FP-II had no effect on cylinder speed – it has decreased from 438.06±0.23 min-1 to 421.37±0.32 min-1. Results showed that in case of FP-I, the amplitude of speed Anb has increased from Anb=4.07±0.44 min-1 to Anb=8.60±0.88 min-1, whereas in case of FP-II – from Anb=2.67±0.25 min-1 to Anb=4.52±0.62 min-1 in response to increased feed rate from 4 kg s-1 to 12 kg s-1. This means that using the covers FP-II the threshing apparatus will work more evenly. The average threshing cylinder speed, irrespective of the closure of spaces between rasp bars, was found to decrease by approx. 20 min-1 in result of increase in corn ear feed rate from 4 kg s-1 to 12 kg s-1. When threshing corn ears, irrespective of the shape of filler plates, the acceptable feed rate amounted for 10 kg s-1, as it caused to exceed the permissible limit of 5 % allowed for decrease in cylinder speed (nb=427.5 min-1). Keywords: concave, corn ear, feed rate, threshing cylinder Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.070
ATTITUDES OF ACADEMIC YOUTH TOWARDS THE WELFARE OF FARMED ANIMALS IN POLAND
The development of agriculture and rural areas depends on a large extent on the level of society’s awareness on agriculture. One of the areas of agricultural awareness of citizens is their attitude towards the welfare of farmed animals. The findings of many studies indicate that the level of social awareness in Poland in this area is low, especially among young people. The aim of the study is to determine the attitudes of Polish academic youth towards the welfare of farmed animals and pinpoint selected factors determining this level. The main source of the data used for the analyses and applications was the primary information obtained from personal research. The research was done in 2016 by using PAPI method on the group of 450 people. The statistical analysis of the studied material encompassed aggregate statistical indicators as well as the non-parametric test „chi square” (χ2). Apart from the primary sources they also used secondary sources which encompassed both domestic as well as foreign literature. According to the conducted study, the majority of the participants had an average level of farmed animal welfare awareness (55%). One in three respondents had a low level of farmed animal welfare awareness, and the remaining group represented the high level. The determining factors were: gender, studied faculty, place of residence, and ownership of agricultural holding by the respondents or their parents. A higher level of farmed animal welfare awareness was characterized by women, students of humanistic faculties, people from rural areas as well as the respondents who didn’t run a farm. Keywords: academic youth, animal welfare, farm animals Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.188
THE ANALYSIS OF CRACKS IN BEAMS OF QUAY NO. 80A AT KLAIPEDA PASSENGER AND CARGO TERMINAL
The cracks can be technological, appear during the usage time of construction, they can also be regular, and appear under the design load or they can also be unexpected and appear due to accidental impacts. Our research has shown that the cracks have appeared in reinforced concrete beams of the superstructure in quays No. 80 and 81 after the construction of Klaipeda Passenger and cargo terminal are caused by shrinkage strain, when the reinforced concrete beams has hardened. Normal hardening concrete shrinkage deformation is inevitable, but it depends on a number of factors, in particular, that in the present structures occurred because: - W/C ratio of concrete mixture exceeds the allowable values; - coarseness of selected aggregates (D = 16 mm) are too small for the construction of a massive wall; - concrete stratification and possible lack of care for hardening concrete (ambient temperature, etc.), this segregation could be affected by to big spread of concrete mixture (class of slump S3). The crack width at reinforced concrete beams in the superstructure of quay No.80 varies from 0.05 to 0.5 mm. This are a non-structural cracks, so they do not reduce significantly the mechanical strength and stability of the structure. Also, research has shown that the relationship between the crack width and the distance between the cracks is weak. Proposals for elimination of potential causes of cracking are presented according to the results. Keywords: quays, concrete shrinkage, cracks Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.014
THE REGIME OF COWSHED ENVIRONMENT AND GROUND SOILS TEMPERATURE
The quantity and quality of milk depends not only on milking or milk storage equipment but also on cow's well-being. A cow lying on the animal bed gives a certain amount of heat, as intense heat exchanges occur on the ground through the floor. When lying, the blood in the cow’s udder flows more intensely. It is known that for the formation of one liter of milk 500 liters of blood should flow through the cow’s udder. The amount of milk is highly dependent from the micro-climate of the animal’s bed, during the rest of the cow. The poorly installed or inappropriately designed bearing bed’s floors do not meet the physiological needs of the animals from a thermal point of view, much more energy loss occurs. Often there are cases where cold-frozen animals suffer from various cold diseases and their productivity decreases. Therefore, no less attention should be paid to the cow’s bed floor. The article analyses the temperature regime of the base of the cowshed and the ground of its environment during the regular period. The structure of the cowshed building is energy-heated, with bearing vault structures. Cows are kept tied up in re-bars. The floor of the cowshed room is installed on the ground. The ground floor temperature is fixed in 3 boreholes under the floor and also in 3 wells near the cowshed ground. Temperatures were fixed up to 6 meters deep. The fields of distribution of the base of the cowshed and its ground temperature are established during the regular period. Analysis of the temperature of the base of the cowshed and its environment showed that the ground temperature is influenced by the amount of heat released by the animal, which transmits itself not only to the room, but also to the base ground through the floor of the bearing bed. Since the bed’s floor is installed on the ground, the amount of heat loss caused by the animal through the floor depends not only on the thermal properties of the floor, but also on the base ground temperature regime. Extremely intense heat exchanges through the base ground occur during the coldest period of the year. Keywords: cows, cowshed, ground, temperature Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.071
INFLUENCE OF STEAM EXPLOSION ON MATERIAL PROPERTIES UNDER PRESSURE AGGLOMERATION
The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the steam explosion process on the change in properties of the material subjected to this process. Wood chips were used before and after the steam explosion (SE), and pellets made from wood chips subjected to steam explosions (black pellet). The scope of the study included determination of physical and chemical characteristics such as moisture content, combustion heat and calorific value, determination of lignin and hemicellulose, cellulose and hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur content. hemicellulose compounds. After the process biomass, there are still mainly cellulose and lignin compounds that are readily biodegradable. The process results in a slight increase in material humidity and lower calorific value, but further processing in the form of agglomeration results in reversal of these effects. Keywords: black pellet, steam explosion, wood chips Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.193
INFLUENCE OF THE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROCESS ON PROPERTIES OF RAPESEED OIL
The article presents results of research regarding the possibility of changing the properties of rapeseed oil thanks to applying diverse press techniques. The main objective of the study was to determine the impact of press parameters and the process of its cleaning on performance and contents of fatty acids in order to get the best parameters of rapeseed oil for fuel purposes. To analyse the ecological diesel engine, analysis shows the results of the quantities of impurities (phosphorus compounds, iodine and water). The research was conducted for oil obtained from six varieties of rapeseed. The parameters of press techniques have a small impact on the contents of individual fatty acids. However, changes of the content of the chemical compounds are dependent on the press parameters to a large extent. Keywords: chemical compounds, parameters, rapeseed oil Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.085
ASSESSMENT OF REED POTENTIAL FOR THERMAL ENERGY PRODUCTION IN LATVIA
Global challenges such as increasing population density and climate changes are putting focus on such emerging issues as transition to a green economy and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Starting from 2021, activities in climate protection will be launched by the Paris Agreement, which provides not only for adapting to already occurring climate changes and reducing the expected effects but also promoting investment flows in a low carbon economy. In Latvia, one of the largest greenhouse gas emission sources is heat production from fossil fuel. Although biomass combustion generates about the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuel, this is a friendlier source of energy because when it is restored, the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed. Currently the most commonly used renewable source for the generation of thermal energy is wood. In the present research a theoretical study is conducted to assess the possibility of using another type of biomass – reeds, which is a common resource available throughout the country and recovers quickly. The research results showed that reeds can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to firewood, but its efficient use should take into account the following factors: biomass with low humidity obtainable late in winter, the combustion process has a high ash level and before transporting, it should receive primary treatment to increase the bulk density and reduce transport costs. Reed as a separate fuel material is effective for solid fuel boilers, located close to the resource extraction site. An optimal use of this biomass source is possible in combination with other energy sources to produce pellets or briquettes. Keywords: heat, renewable energy sources, reed, thermal energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.191
RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRACTOR AND COMBINE FLEET IN LATVIA
The article offers an analysis of the development of the tractor and combine harvester fleet in 2001 - 2016. There are stated tractors and combines of the most common brands registered in the country. A methodology has been developed for the estimation of an adequate quantity of tractors and combines for timely cultivation of the sowing areas under agricultural crops. The methodology is based on the calculation of the annual increase in the summary engine capacity of the entire fleet of tractors and combine harvesters, and its comparison with the annual increase in the sowing areas. It is assumed that 10% of the sowing areas are cultivated by worn-out tractors, and 7.5% of the new tractor and combine capacity is required for the replacement (amortisation) of the worn-out tractors. We consider that the increase in the summary capacity should compensate for the increase in the sowing areas, taking into account also the impact of the total yield upon the productivity of the machinery. It has been found out that during the period the summary engine capacity of the tractors has grown 1.52 times, the summary engine capacity of the combine harvesters – 2.8 times; in the same period the area under agricultural crops has increased approximately 1.38 times but the area under cereals and canola – approximately 1.8 times. Several authors consider specific capacity kWh-1 as a criterion for the estimation of an adequate quantity of the machinery; therefore there are calculated also its changes in a 16-year period, with the specific capacity of both the tractors and combine harvesters increasing. The average specific power kWh-1 is considered as relatively high, but, due to the concentration of production, a decrease in this indicator is possible in the future. The average weighted capacity of the purchased new tractors and combine harvesters has also increased. The increase in the summary capacity of the tractor fleet compensates for the increase in the sowing areas and even exceeds it a little. In its turn, the increase in the summary capacity of the combine fleet allows timely harvesting the significantly increased sowing area, and more than twice the increased totals yield at the end of the period, and, compared to the beginning, slightly shorten the harvesting duration. The calculations do not include weather conditions during the harvesting period. As increase in the sowing areas and total yield is expected still further, upgrading of the tractor fleet should be continued at approximately the same rate – by purchasing, on the average, 600 to 700 new tractors and 80 to 100 new combine harvesters every year. Keywords: fleet of tractors and grain combine harvesters, engine capacity, sown area Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.183
DIELECTRIC USB-MOISTURE METER FOR SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
The modern technical development condition is closed due to tough business competitiveness, so the innovative information for teaching students on the best examples of engineering and designing is not available. This is one of the basic reasons that diminish engineering education effectiveness in the field of technical knowledge in modern agricultural production. The scientists of engineering departments work above the solution of this problem and adapt the results into practice-oriented teaching technologies. The example is the development of moisture meter for agricultural crops seeds on the world-famous microcontroller Arduino-based platform, oriented to master the foundations of real-time information technologies shown in this article. The principle of the moisture meter operation is based on the most common method for measuring humidity of seeds – dielectric technique. The classical algorithm of conversion, such as permittivity, capacitance, frequency, table-based transformations and temperature correction is given. In the research process the methods of software structural designing, including functionally-oriented techniques for realizing the functions of real-time information systems were used. The hardware and software for solving such tasks as measuring the humidity of crop seeds, as well as studying microcontroller devices operating on the base of classical measurement methods have been developed. It can be used to solve other engineering and scientific problems in the field of agriculture where capacitive sensors are used. Keywords: Arduino, capacitance, frequency, measuring converter, microcontroller, temperature sensor Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.034
DEVELOPMENT OF BIOFUELS PRODUCTION FROM AGRICULTURAL RAW MATERIALS
The aim of the article is to assess the dynamics of the development of biofuels production from agricultural raw materials and the share of biofuels in the consumption of the most important agricultural raw materials with particular regard to the situation in Poland. Data used in the study are derived from OECD statistics as well as CSO statistics. The analysis covered the period from 2005 to 2016. The biofuel production on a global scale is increasingly competing with food production. Between 2002 and 2004, about 2% of harvested cereals were allocated to biofuels, and in 2016 it was almost 8%. For oil plants, this level reached 15%. Following a dynamic growth in biofuel production between 2005 and 2010, the growth slowed down considerably - to the level of 7% annually for biodiesel and 4.6% annually for bioethanol production. For the years 2017-2025, a growth rate of about 1% per year is anticipated. The slowdown in production growth is due to the reduction of political support for the development of the production of biofuels from first generation raw materials. Their production leads to competition for land resources with food production, but it has also been found to be characterized by relatively low environmental performance, including a low impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions. It is necessary to develop the production of second generation biofuels which now account for only about 7% of the production of liquid biofuels. Biofuels in Poland are produced from cereals and rapeseed oil. The production of biofuels in Poland increased from 180 million litres in 2005 to 1.2 billion litres in 2015. 1.3% of arable land was used for bioethanol production and 3.5% for biodiesel production. Total production of raw materials for biofuels was conducted on 5% of arable land in Poland. 2% of cereals and 60% of the rape crop were consumed for the production of biofuels. Under Polish agriculture conditions, biofuels production does not compete with food production yet. Keywords: bioenergy, biofuels, biofuel prices, biomass, energy crops, renewable energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.192
ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPAL STRESS FACTORS AFFECTING DRIVERS IN DIFFERENT VEHICLES
The aim of this research paper is to compare the effect of the heart rate variabilities on different vehicle drivers. The most common urban transport vehicles (bus, tram and metro) are compared with typical mobile agricultural machines (tractors and combine harvesters) and passenger car. The measurements were focused on the complexity and traffic routes, velocities of each vehicle and ages of drivers related to changes in the heart rate of drivers as main parameters. The authors characterize cardinal factors affecting the contentment of drivers while undertaking their performance. The results of the measurements showed that the lowest mean heart rate value was registered on metro (subway car) drivers scoring 59 bpm, whereas the bus drivers 80 bpm and tram 77 bpm. The mean heart rate value of the combine harvester drivers scored 106 bpm and tractor drivers 108 bpm, which indicates that the driver’s heart rate of the agricultural machineries were significantly greater. The heart rate of tram drivers has increased significantly in a short period of time by 75%, metro (subway) drivers by 59%, combine harvester drivers by 23% and tractor drivers by 19%, whereas the passenger car drivers’ heart rate value increase was by 30%. The driving velocity, drivers’ age and weight showed its effect on the heart rate variabilities. The data collections were made by a heart rate measurement device. Relevant data on technical conditions stretch and shape design routes; as well as the heart rate variabilities on the respective drivers are collected carefully for detail statistical analysis. Keywords: body weight, driver’s age, heart rate variation, transport route Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.090
COMPARISON OF WATER HEATING BY SOLAR COLLECTORS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
Amount of presently mainly used fossil energy resources on the earth are limited and its impact on the earth environment is negative. Therefore, scientific research on replacing them with alternative energy like solar is important. Usually in practice, solar radiation for domestic water heating by solar collectors and production of electric energy by photovoltaic (PV) panels is used. Obtained by solar panels electric energy for water heating also can be use. The aim of the research is to make out the more preferable method for water heating by solar radiation particularly in weather conditions of Latvia. There are some advantages and disadvantages for each of them analyzed in the paper. Our research has shown that, at the same intensity of solar radiation, the efficiency of solar collectors is higher while the heated water temperature in the system’s hot water tank is lower, and at higher ambient air temperature as well, but opposite to this, efficiency of PV panels is higher at lower ambient air temperature. Electricity produced by PV panels, using an electric resistance heaters heat water independently of its temperature. The amount of heat energy transferred from a solar collector by heat carrier to the hot water tank depends on the temperature difference between the heat carrier and heated water. The method of investigation corresponds to the goal of investigation, the effectivity of solar collectors and solar panels of different design and construction has analyzed in the paper. Keywords: efficiency, solar collectors, solar panels, water heating Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.069
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF CONVENTIONAL INTENSIVE AND PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES
In Lithuania, besides the usual farming technologies, starting precision agriculture (PA). The basic principle of the PA is to focus technological operations on the conditions located in separate field locations. When there in separate fields is a significant difference in the amount of nutrients in the soil, the distribution of weeds or diseases, then the crop fertilization and maintenance operations must be precisely adapted to these differences. Most importantly, these differences in soil and crops can be captured and converted into correspondingly differentiated instructions for agricultural machinery. This ensures the timely use of appropriate material resources, helps to optimize yields at the lowest cost, reduce environmental pollution and increase economic returns. The purpose of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of economic indicators for spring wheat cultivation by using a usual intensive and PA technologies, and to determine the financial effect. Novelty of this study are the new approach and new method for financial effect calculations in Lithuania, they can lead to future deeper analysis of money return related with PA technologies. The tests for a year 2014-2015 was carried out on A. Bardauskas farm in Raseiniai district, and in year 2016 on ASU testing station in Kaunas district. Economic indicators of spring wheat cultivation by using conventional intensive and precision farming (PA) technologies was determined, i.e. additional cost-benefit effect was calculated and the financial effect generated. Underlying research shows that better economic indicators are obtained through the using of PA technology. It was determined that the cost of mineral fertilizers during spring wheat cultivation in accordance with the PA technology was lower in the two analyzed years and slightly higher in one year than the conventional intensive agricultural technology. The decline in fertilizer costs also led to a decrease in yield, which resulted in less incomes for one year from precision farming than the use of conventional intensive agricultural technology, and received a negative financial effect. In the other two years of analysis, additional revenues from spring wheat cultivation with PA technology exceeded the additional costs related with this technology and received a positive financial effect. Due to the reduced yield, the incomes for precision farming in 2014 were 41.6 Eur/ha less, and in 2015 and 2016, respectively, 12.8 Eur/ha and 30.58 Eur/ha higher than for the conventional intensive farming technology Keywords: Conventional and precision agriculture, spring wheat, economic evaluation, financial effect Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.081
TESTING THE QUALITY OF SPRAYING FLUID BY USING VARIOUS NOZZLES IN SPECIAL DEVICES LECHLER DROPLEGUL
A variety of devices that help to prevent drops of spayed pesticides from getting into places that are difficult to reach (e. g. under the leaves of cultural plants of on the stem), is offered. Special devices Lechler DroplegUL are designed in a way that nozzles that are embedded in the end of the spraying pipe which is bended backwards, spray diagonally upwards. Data of the quality of spraying fluid by using various sprinklers in special devices Lechler DroplegUL is provided in the article. Two hydraulic flood nozzles Lechler 684.356.30X, mounted in a special holder TwinSprayCap were examined: pneumohydraulic twin flat spray air-injector nozzle Lechler DF 120-03 and hydraulic twin flat spray nozzle Lechler DF 120-02. A transverse repartition and a process of the formation of fluid drops, sprayed using different nozzles were examined. The results revealed that while spraying with a lower working pressure (e.g. 1.5 bar) with two hydraulic flood nozzles Lechler 684.356.30X that are placed in a special holder TwinSprayCap and embedded on a device Lechler DroplegUL, a majority of drops (evenly around 40 ml) get into stand trays that are in a setting place situated 70–110 cm behind the device Lechler DroplegUL, whereas at the approximate 40 cm area away from the setting place there are no drops of sprayed fluid at all. Having the working pressure increased to 3–4 bar, majority of drops (around 60 ml) get into the stend trays that are in a setting place situated 70–110 cm behind the device Lechler DroplegUL. Having the working pressure increased, an unsprayed area, which is situated around the setting place of the device Lechler DroplegUL, gets narrowed: a width of unsprayed area when spraying at the pressure of 2 bar was around 60 cm, whereas when the pressure was 3 bar and 4 bar, the area appeared to be only 20 cm. Circularly sprayed drops, depending on the working pressure, spread around in two strips of width from 1.4 to 1.8 m. An oblong flat flow of the sprayed fluid forms nearby the deflector and the maximum height of the rise of sprayed drops reaches 1.3–1.4 m. Keywords: Special devices Lechler DroplegUL, cross distribution of flood, nozzles Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.187
FACTORS INFLUENCING CHANGES OF BEEF CATTLE HERD QUANTITY AND SIZE: CASE OF LATVIA
Beef production volumes in Latvia have been different over a long period of time, beef output growth has been noted, as well as its sharp decrease, so it is important to analyze, what are the most important factors that are affecting beef production volumes, that will give an idea of the possibilities for beef market regulation. Consequently, the study objective can be defined: Identify factors affecting beef production in Latvia. For this research statistical methods, correlation analysis, induction, deduction, analysis and synthesis were used. These methods gave an accurate picture of factors that are affecting beef production volumes. According to the results, it can be concluded that beef production volumes are significantly affected by such factors as demand for beef. The results of this research indicate that Latvia beef production volumes are affected by the market demand. As an essential factor for increasing the number of beef cattle in Latvia, export opportunities are available where increasing amount of fresh or chilled beef exported in EUR is increasing the number of suckler cows, where there is a close positive relationship (r = 0.76), which indicates an increase in demand from Latvian meat beef holding output. The quality of the soil in the region and climatic conditions will affect the specialization of farms. The largest number of bovine animals is grown in regions of Vidzeme and Latgale, where average cereal production is lowest per hectare. Pierīga and Zemgale regions have high crop yields on average per hectare, so in this region the number of bovine animals is the smallest. Keywords: beef demand, subsidies, beef export, agriculture Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.147
THE DIVERSITY OF HERBACEOUS VEGETATION AFTER FOREST FIRE
Forest fire is an uncontrolled combustion of flammable materials in forested and non-forested areas. In Lithuania forest fires mainly occur in late spring and summer, mostly in young coniferous forests (Forest ..., 1987). The studies of herbaceous plants in fireplaces were carried out in 2016 in Jurbarkas SFE. Ground-level forest fire increased the projection coverage of herbaceous plants and their species composition in the fireplaces. According to the average data of the survey, 18 herbaceous plant species were ascertained in the fireplace and 14 species in the control stand. During the first year after fire, 9 new species were recorded in the fireplace and 5 species have disappeared, while in the seventh year - 7 new species were recorded and 1 disappeared, as compared with the control stand. Summarizing the obtained data it can be stated that low-intensity ground-level forest fire in pine forest increased the number of herbaceous plant species, however, the number of new and extinct species has been gradually decreasing, suggesting that in the fireplaces the diversity of herbaceous plant species will be like in the control stand. Keywords: Forest fire, herbaceous plants, projection coverage Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.105
MODELING OF THE OPTIMAL DISTRIBUTION OF MOTORWAY OVERPASSES ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE A4 MOTORWAY SECTION
The developed, innovative method of estimating the impact of motorway on agricultural land allows determination of all the losses associated with the directions of this impact. The basis for the determination of losses is the analysis of variability in land use and the quality classes and location of access roads to the land along the axis of the planned motorway. The approved measure of the multidirectional impact of the motorway on agricultural land is a change in the value of land, which is designated taking into account the differentiation of their suitability for agricultural production. The developed method of determining the impact of motorway on agricultural land was presented on the example of A4 motorway section between Bratkowice and Mrowla. The existing section of motorway was assessed and then for the same section the calculations were made again, but with an alternative location of the motorway overpasses. In the case of the existing section, the construction of one kilometer of the section of motorway under consideration will result in a reduction in the value of agricultural land of 1725 cereal units. Acquisition of land for the construction of the motorway and its negative impact cover about 69% of the total reduction in value of agricultural land. The remaining 31% of the land value reduction is related to the increase in transport and the deterioration of the parcels layout. On the other hand, in the case of the section with alternative arrangement of viaducts, the value of agricultural land is reduced of 1538 cereal units. Acquisition of land under construction and its toxic impact will be equal 75%, while the combined effect of transport growth and deterioration of the layout makes 25%. Keywords: value of agricultural land, motorway impact, farm land layout Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.112
THE SCALE OF ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN AMATEUR GARDEN
Though urban areas globally cover only about 3% of the earth’s land surface, the UAGs have received a little attention with regards to their ecological facilities. The main aim of this study remains to assess and compare the choice of ecological management options, which guidelines to improvement of environmental-friendly forms of gardening provided by two different UAGs, e.g. Užuovėja (U) and Nemunas (N) in Kaunas distr., central Lithuania. The gardeners were interviewed to identify their preference of different gardening means and reasons for their ecological choices using a questionnaire (n = 60) containing questions about gardening behaviour were surveyed. The interviewed gardeners differ in their commitment and motivation, their agro-ecological practices, and their habits when growing fruits and vegetables. Ecological means, e.g. self-generated compost, turf and organic fertilizer were applied in 43.3-16.7; 16.7-6.7 and 43.3-16.7% in UAGs N and U, respectively. Only 3 or 10% (N) and 4 or 13.3% (U), of respondent regularly used chemical control means regularly. Unfortunately, only 11 or 36.7% (N) and 4 or 13.3% (U) of respondents regularly and sometimes used biological control means. While 7 or 23.3% (N) and 1 or 3.3% (U) of respondents apply biological control means on rare occasion. The large amount of gardeners’, i.e. 63% (N) and 80% (U) employs the natural water resources. This study shows that choice of the urban gardeners for the farming options proceeds the act of production through the conscious manipulation of natural resources, by the means of mobilizing practices (soil improvement, pest control means, watering), as well as supported by knowledge and sustainable viewpoint. Nonetheless, local ecosystem services will support gardener motivation, enhancing knowledge of sustainable gardening, authorizing the rational use of bio-control and soil improvement products, expresses an essential need for rational usage of water and other environmental resources. Keywords: urban allotment gardens, ecology, sustainable options Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.093
EUROPEAN UNION FRAMEWORK FOR FORESTRY SUPPORT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN LATVIA
The Paper covers an analysis of most significant European Union (EU) legal acts regulating financial support granted for private forestry over the period of 2014-2020, coherence to support measures implemented in Latvia for a certain period. The review consists of two main legal acts from the EU - Forest Strategy for forests and the forest-based sector and the EU regulation No. 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on support for rural development by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural development, while from the national perspective, the review was prepared for Latvia’s Rural development programme (NRDP) for the period 2014-2020 and national regulations issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. The paper focuses on the support measures intended to foster and develop forestry sector, evaluating priorities and expected results laid down in the EU documents, versus measures implemented in Latvia through the NRDP 2014-2020, related to national regulations and rules of the responsible state authorities. The analysis contains several groups of measures applicable for private forestry: 1) Information, advice, knowledge and efficiency; 2) Forestry activities; 3) Investments in forestry; 4) Nature care. Not all the measures which may be introduced according to the EU regulations No. 1305/2013 were implemented for private forestry support in Latvia, also several in the NRDP 2014-2020 affordable measures were not introduced practically till November 2017, but regarding those which have already been implemented, their impact on forestry development should be further estimated. Keywords: EU funds, private forestry, financial suppor for forestry Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.177
INCREMENT DIFFERENCES OF SILVER BIRCH BETULA PENDULA ROTH AND DOWNY BIRCH B. PUBESCENS EHRH. GROWING IN DRAINED SOILS IN SOUTH LATVIA
According to State Forest Service information for the year 2016 birch occupied 30% of whole forest area (3.38 million ha). Although between these two species have dendrological differences, however in forest inventory it is not taken into account. There is also a variety of wood properties which are not respected in the timber market. The aim of this research study is to analyze growth differences between both birch growing in the same conditions. For collecting of empirical data 2 sample plots were created. Selected stands have been regenerated naturally and 2 times repeatedly drained. The forest stand investigated is 65 years old mixed stand dominated by birch which makes up 90 % of total growing stock. In each plot for all the trees have been measured diameter, height and using Pressler borer have been taken core samples. The widths of tree rings have been measured using Lin TAB system microscope and computer software T-Tools Pro. Analyzing the dynamics of diameter and height growth in both sample plots it has been observed that silver birch shows higher values than downy birch (p<0.05). In the last 30 years both birch species show systematic reduction of the annual increment. Decrease of height growth for both birch species in Vacciniosa mel. - 0.26-0.66 m. Decrease of B.pendula height growth in Vacciniosa turf. mel. - 0.39-0.70 m while B.pubescens - 0.39-0.80 m. Decrease of the stem diameter at breast height (DBH) of B.pendula - 2.7-7.5 mm while DBH of B.pubescens - 2.7-5.9 mm. Keywords: downy birch, growth, silver birch Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.113
MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR THE HEAT EXCHANGE OF GREENHOUSE AND SOLARIUM SOIL IN THE PLANT ROOT AREA
This paper proposes a structural mathematical model of heat exchange into the soil of a solarium. The model investigates the possibility of a rational choice of the cooling water transit time through the pipeline network located in the plant root area. Also, the size of the cooled root area is roughly determined, according to the temperature of the cooling fluid. At the same time, the model provides information on the degree of soil cooling, meaning the ratio between the average soil temperature in the cooled root area and a reference temperature, for example the temperature indicated by a sensor into the soil, at a distance fixed to the root axis. The model considered is a plan one. Geometric is considered a section through the soil, perpendicular to the axis of the pipe carrying the cooling fluid. The soil, the copper pipe and the water are the components of the model. The finite elements for meshing are flat, triangular. This simple model prepares a three-dimensional complex approach and has, as a preparation, a unidimensional model. Obviously, this model provides some start-up indications for achieving the physical model and content of the process parameter set. After its realization, the physical model will be used for the optimal control of the cooling process in the radicular area, but also for the validation and the improvement of the theoretical model. Keywords: heat exchange, mathematical model, root area. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.001
GROUNDWATER QUALITY DYNAMICS IN THE TERRITORY OF FORMER PESTICIDE WAREHOUSE
Pesticides are used in intensive farming to help fight plant pests and diseases (insecticides, fungicides), kill weeds (herbicides), as well as accelerate the growth of seeds (defoliants), but until 1992 pesticides were kept in improperly equipped warehouses, there was no maintenance or accounting of the pesticides. Consequently, the environment of the warehouse was often polluted. Such sources of pollution are hazardous to the environment. Economic activities in the area have been carried out from 1980 to 1994. Various agricultural chemicals have been stored and used there. Later, in 1997, chemicals (fertilizers and plant protection chemicals) stored in the territory of the warehouse have been collected and removed from the territory. During the inventory of 2009, no chemical substances were found in the territory. In 2010, an investigation carried out in the territory of the pesticide warehouse revealed unacceptable levels of pollution in the soil and the groundwater by pesticides and other toxic and neutral chemicals. In 2012, the polluted territory was cleaned eliminating the remains of buildings, and removing the soil polluted by the pesticides. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the territory of the former pesticide warehouse in Kaunas District Municipality, Bubių Village on the groundwater during the period from 2012 to 2016. The results have shown that the groundwater is mostly polluted with nitrogen compounds, as well as the tendency in increase of chlorides, sodium, and calcium. Minimum and unchanging concentrations of the pesticides (DDD, DDE, DDT) were determined throughout the investigation. Keywords: concentrations, groundwater, pesticides Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.097
SUCCESSION OF GROUND COVER VEGETATION IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST SITE TYPE AFTER THE CLEARCUT
Nowadays forestry sector uses forest site type descriptions developed from beginning of 20th century till 1980’s and descriptions are obtained for pre-mature and mature stand age. There is less information about ground cover vegetation for full rotation cycle. In this research has been gathered information about ground cover vegetation succession in first 5 years after clear cut in mature Scots pine stand. The chronosequence method was used. The Brown-Blanquet and the point-square methods for accounting of ground cover plants were used. The ecological values of Ellenberg for describing the environmental status and the coefficient of Tschekanovsky for estimation of the difference between plant communities in forest young growths of different age were used. The biological diversity of species in this research compared to mature stand also is increasing. Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values as light and nitrogen are also increasing: nitrogen value has increased the most - by 2.62 units. There are registered changes in vascular plants, mosses, lichens and trees projective covering’s proportion. The most significant changes in individual species occurrence are between the second and third year's (Tschekanovsky coefficient = 0.19). Five years after clear cut the Tschekanovsky coefficient between the mature stand and five years old clearing is 0.18. In the 4th and 5th year after the clear cut there increase the projective cover of Monocotyledonae plants (families Graminaea and Cyperaceae) forming higher vertical structure and overtaking the dominance from another groups. The results obtained in this research promote further research in different stand age. Keywords: clear cut, forest site type, ground cover vegetation, rotation cycle, succession Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.110
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT’S POTENTIAL AS A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS
All definitions of the natural environment’s potential provided by the literature highlight the role of humans as entities making use of environmental resources. The natural environment creates conditions for life processes to occur by supplying raw materials and energy required to satisfy various human needs. It provides a basis and a precondition for socio-economic development. It is, however, difficult to define the natural environment’s potential in its entirety, therefore the study focused on the resource-and-performance aspect of this potential. Hence, the article aims at identifying the relationships between the level of the natural environment’s potential and the level of socio-economic development of communes. The study involved communes located in Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship. The study was carried out in several stages and involved an analysis of the level of the natural environment’s potential as well as of the meta-indicator that shows the socio-economic determinants of communes in a synthetic manner. The analysis of the relationships between the level of the natural environment’s potential and the socio-economic development was performed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Keywords: rural areas, natural environment, socio-economic development, environmental potential Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.120
FOREST REGENERATION QUALITY ASSESSMENT BY ASTA SYSTEM
In Latvia one third of the total forest area is regenerated by planting tree seedlings and therefore it is important to choose the appropriate soil preparation method and the right type of regeneration material for each forest type. Usually the success of afforestation is evaluated by how high is the average seedling survival rate and growth parameters like height, annual increment, diameter at breast height while the location of the seedling is disregarded. This may be of great importance since in such stands the environmental conditions typically are not entirely homogenous. Micro topography differences impact seedling growth, because it modifies water regime, temperature, micronutrient availability, sun radiation and other factors. Therefore, aim of this work is to improve monitoring methods and determine the most efficient soil preparation and seedling preparation combination to improve the quality of forest regeneration. That could be done using ASTA documentation system originally developed to show seedling and mound location and density in planting area during mechanic planting. But it also allows to link the precise location of the seedling and growing conditions with its growing rate and survival and therefore it is easier to exclude seedlings that are affected by other factors than those that you are interested in, so you can gain more representative results. This also could be used in forest management. When using ASTA system it is also possible to display how different tree disease are distributed in the stand, if they have spread eventually or localized only in some parts of the stand, also it can be used for browsing and other tree damage monitoring in the stand. In conclusion: in harsh environmental conditions on unprepared forest soil and soil prepared in furrows made by disc trench larger seedlings show better survival rate. Survival of seedlings is significantly impacted by micro topography, whereas mounded micro sites equalize local environmental conditions that reduce impact of micro topography. Keywords: forest regeneration, ASTA system Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.178
NUTRIENT RETENTION IN SURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IN AGRICULTURAL LAND IN LATVIA
The research site consists of a pilot-scale surface flow constructed wetland at the farm Mezaciruli located in Zalenieki County, Jelgava Region, in the middle part of Latvia. The constructed wetland was installed in June 2014 to improve water quality in agricultural catchment and examine nutrient retention at the constructed wetland receiving surface and drainage runoff. The constructed wetland’s surface area of 0.37 ha corresponds to 0.5 % of the total catchment area. During the observation period of 32 months (2014-2017) water quality parameters such as total suspended solids (TSS), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate-phosphorus (PO4-P), and total phosphorus (TP) were monitored twice a month using a grab sample approach. Retention efficiency for monitored water quality parameters was calculated based on their concentrations at the inlet and outlet. The monitoring results obtained during this study showed a reduction within the constructed wetland for all examined parameters. The concentrations of NO3-N, NH4-N and TN were reduced on average by 13 %, 15 % and 16 %, respectively. PO4-P and TP concentrations were reduced on average by 38 % and 36 %, respectively. Total suspended solids were reduced by 31% at the outlet of the constructed wetland. However, in some cases, an increase in nutrient concentrations in water leaving the constructed wetland was observed. Therefore, there is a need for further research to investigate causes of such increase. Keywords: Agricultural runoff, constructed wetland, surface flow Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.179
THE LOCAL PARAMETERS SENSITIVITY OF URBAN HYDROLOGICAL RESPONSE UNIT OF CONCEPTUAL HYDROLOGICAL MODEL METQ
The urbanised areas have a significant impact on hydrological processes of the catchment. The average annual urbanisation temp in EU is 0.6%. The existing version of conceptual hydrological model METQ is developed for natural hydrological response units such as forests, swamps and agricultural land. The growing urbanisation level force to add to the model urban hydrological response unit. This study aims to analyse local parameter sensitivity of urban hydrological response unit of conceptual hydrological model METQ. The local sensitivity was made using Monte-Carlo simulations. To evaluate local sensitivity Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency index (NSE), determination coefficient R2, percent bias (PBIAS), ratios the root mean square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR) in addition to the graphical method were used. The results show seven parameters to be calibrated the other 16 parameters have to stay as constant values for urban hydrological response unit. Keywords: conceptual hydrological model METQ; parameter sensitivity; run-off component Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.075
IMPLEMENTATION OF EU WATER POLICY IN UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES
The use, protection and management of water resources belong to the most urgent among global environmental problems of our time. Today, the civilization clearly realizes the need for careful management of water resources, maintaining and restoring its quality. Water quality determines the possibility of its use in various fields of human activity. For Ukraine problems of water sector are also acute and urgent. Low efficiency of water use, poor drinking water quality, nitrate contamination of water resources, poor condition of water bodies in Ukraine require more foreign experience in this sphere, especially the EU experience. The purpose of our scholarly work is to explore actual problems of harmonization of water legislation of Ukraine with the requirements of EU water policy and development of proposals for the improvement of Ukrainian legislation. Main features of harmonization of Ukrainian legislation in the water resources management sphere with EU law and prospects for implementation of principles of EU Water Framework Directive were analyzed. As a result of the study the ways of implementation of positive foreign experience of water objects management in Ukraine are considered. Considering the scale of ecological crisis in Ukraine the necessity of forming a new system of economic regulators of nature is obvious. Such system must not only accumulate funds for urgent actions, but primarily encourage economic entities to protect the natural environment. We consider it appropriate to introduce mandatory environmental insurance for operators of environmentally hazardous activities. Keywords: EU water policy, water legislation, water management, water quality, water resources Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.103
IDENTIFICATION OF WET AREAS IN FOREST BY USING LIDAR BASED DEM
Water tends to flow and accumulate in response to topographical characteristics of local area and gravitational potential energy. Remote sensing data like LiDAR (Light detecting and ranging) or satellite data can be used to identify local depressions where wet areas may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate methods that can be used to identify wet areas, to determine correlation between topography of the area and forest regeneration and to prepare proposals for forest management that could be usable in Latvia. Study area includes fertile forest land on wet mineral soils and drained mineral soils with planted spruce (Picea abies) and available LiDAR data. Map examples have been made to demonstrate methodology which allows to identify depressions with potentially hindered run-off. Fill sinks algorithm has shown best results in identifying wet areas and correlation with wet areas that were detected in field studies is 62%. TWI index is not suitable for this study because of relatively flat area. Result of this study reveals that wet areas have significant effect on tree species. In depressions, despite the fact that there has been planted spruce, main species are birch (Betula pendula) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa). Wet areas have significant effect on tree height. Keywords: Depressions, fill sink, GIS Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.094
SIGNIFICANCE OF THINNING DEGRADED SWAMPS FOREST STANDS IN SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM`S DEVELOPMENT
In scope of biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem development swamps ecosystem restoration is important, because by eradicating the effect of drainage in swamps, negative impact on adjacent intact or relatively intact raised swamps and hydrological regime of other wetlands is lowered. Tree cutting in degraded swamps forest stands would speed up restoration of ecosystems disturbed hydrological regime. Habitat conservation value in long-term is the same as for habitat 7110* Intact raised swamps, as in case of hydrological regime restoration, within time it will transform into 7110*. Several specially protected plant species can be found only in raised swamps. Tree stand transpiration volume varies depending on air temperature and solar radiation. Since in reality it is impossible to change air temperature or solar radiation in order to increase the groundwater level in a swamp, we can reduce the leaf area index (LAI) which is the most significant value influencing transpiration by cutting down trees. Aim of this paper is to examine how LAI interacts with groundwater level by using system dynamics swamps ecosystem model. Swamps ecosystem model shows correlation between LAI and groundwater level. As a result of this research author observes, that LAI interacts groundwater level and system dynamics modelling could be useful to calculate degraded swamps forest stands thinning intensity through mathematical relationships. Keywords: groundwater level, leaf area index, swamp, system dynamics Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.104
OPTIMAL WIND/SOLAR ENERGY MIX FOR RESIDENTIAL NET ZERO-ENERGY BUILDINGS
The article is concentrated on the energy storage problems arising from microgeneration in private households. The case study involves a small-scale wind and solar electricity production set in a net zero-energy building. Both the net zero-energy building and the microgeneration units are connected to an utility grid. The current article serves to confirm the hypothesis, that the self consumption is at its maximum with the annual 70/30 wind and solar energy mix of in favour of the wind. The maximal self consumption at no additional energy storage in a net zero-energy building is studied as well. Produced and consumed energies are equal, which satisfies the requirements for a net zero-energy building with the utility grid acting as an energy buffer. The consumed energy is used to operate a heat pump, heat up ventilation supply air, run ventilation fans, supplying non-shiftable loads (white goods, TV, lighting etc), heat up domestic hot water via heat pump. To express self consumption, we use the term of supply cover factor, which describes optimally the directly consumed energy in relationship to net consumption or production. In annual scale, the cover factors for a net zero-energy building are equal as the production and consumption are equal as well. Also, seasonal variations in self consumption are studied. According to study results, the annual maximal supply cover factor in a net zero-energy building is 0.375 with 70/30 wind/solar mix. Seasonally, the self consumption is at its maximum in summer when the supply cover factor equals to 0.49. Keywords: demand response, supply cover factor, load shifting, net zero-energy building, solar energy, wind energy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.020
FOREST MANAGEMENT AND WATER QUALITY IN LATVIA: IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES AND SEEKING SOLUTIONS
Rise in human population, industrialization, urbanization, intensified agriculture and forestry pose considerable risks to water supply and quality both on global and regional scale. While freshwater resources are abundant in Latvia, during recent years increased attention has been devoted to water quality in relation to anthropogenic impacts. Forest cover in Latvia equals 52% and forest management and forest infrastructure building and maintenance are among the activities that may, directly or indirectly, affect water quality in headwater catchments. Sedimentation, eutrophication and export of hazardous substances, especially mercury (Hg), are of highest concern. To address these topics, several initiatives have started recently. In 2011, cooperation programme between Latvian State Forest Research Institute (LSFRI) “Silava” and JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” was launched to evaluate the impact of forest management on the environment. This programme included research on the efficiency of water protection structures used at drainage system maintenance (sedimentation ponds, overland flow) and regeneration felling (bufferzones). In 2016, within the second stage of this cooperation programme, a study on the impact of forest management on water quality (forest road construction, drainage system maintenance, felling) was started on a catchment scale. Since 2016 LSFRI Silava is partner in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme project “Water management in Baltic forests”. By focusing on drainage systems, riparian zones and beaver activity, this project aims at reducing nutrient and Hg export from forestry sites to streams and lakes. While this project mostly has a demonstration character, it will also offer novel results on Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in beaver ponds in all participating states. This paper aims at summarizing most important challenges related to the impact of forest management on water quality and corresponding recent initiatives striving to offer solutions. Keywords: forest infrastructure building, forest management, water protection measures, water quality Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.146
CHANGES IN MACRONUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL SOLUTION FOLLOWING REGENERATION FELLING IN PINE AND SPRUCE STANDS: WHOLE-TREE HARVESTING VERSUS STEM-ONLY HARVESTING
While conventional forest management in boreal and hemiboreal conditions has traditionally been targeted to use and enhance mainly provisioning services like timber production, the main goal of national and European forest policy is to ensure sustainable management of European forests in all aspects. Regeneration felling is a major disturbance in boreal and hemiboreal forests resulting in significant increase of organic matter on the forest floor in the form of logging residues (bark, small branches, tree tops) and severed roots (in case of stump harvesting), and can increase the risk of nutrient leaching. Recently, concern about the effect of forest management impact on macronutrient leaching potentially decreasing nutrient availability for the next forest generations and causing deterioration of water quality has been raised. In 2011, three objects to study the impact of different intensity regeneration felling (stem-only harvesting and whole-tree harvesting) were established in scientific research forests in Kalsnava forest district, eastern part of Latvia. Two sites were located on mineral soils (Myrtillosa and Hylocomiosa site type, dominant tree species Pinus sylvestris L.) and one on drained peat soil (Oxalidosa turf. mel. site type, dominant tree species Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Felling was performed in early spring 2013 with harvester, timber was extracted and logging residues were removed with forwarder, following “business as usual” principle. Soil solution samples were collected once or twice a month in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. This study presents trends of pH and macronutrient (NO3--N, PO43--P, K) concentrations during five years – one year before harvesting and four years following harvesting. In general, significant forest management impact expressed as increase of macronutrient concentrations in soil solution was detected in the second and third year after harvesting, but in the fourth year concentrations started to decrease again. Keywords: Intensive forest management, macronutrients, Norway spruce, Scots pine, soil solution Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.172
THE ASPECTS AND BENEFITS OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEASURE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
It is planned to ensure the balanced development of the country's territory, creating and maintaining a healthy and harmonious human habitat and natural elements of the countryside and ensuring overall ecological stability by means of the agri-environmental protection activity measures RDP. As part of the EU's rural development policy, the tool for improving agri-environmental and climatic conditions has been continuously improved. The paper analyzes the differences between the 2007 -2013 RDP measure „Agri-environmental payments” and 2014-2020 RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate". Comparison of the 4 directions of the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate" according to the individual criteria for each direction indicate that the program rules are adjusted in a beneficial direction for both parties in close cooperation between the responsible authorities and the beneficiaries. In 2007-2013 it has been established that RDP measure "Agri-environmental payments" covered a much wider range of directions, and in 2014-2020, the RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate" had a slightly narrower range of directions, but more specific and clearer rules. However, the desired results can not be achieved. The greatest benefit of the measure is the improved biodiversity of the country. The main driving force for agri-environmental measures is financial support. Keywords: rural development land use project, RDP, agri-environmental protection, climate, payments, measure, program, direction Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.108
THE POTENTİAL OF THE EUROPEAN UNİON COUNTRİES TO PRODUCE BİOMASS FOR BİODİESEL PRODUCTİON AND CONSUMPTİON PURPOSES
This article aims at evaluating the capacity of agriculture in the member states of the European Union regarding the production of biodiesel from biomass as well as identification and empirical verification of relationships between the rapeseed market and the consumption of biodiesel. The studies were based on panel data for the EU-28 member states in the period 2010-2013 obtained from Eurostat. The results of the studies point to significant differentiation in the production and consumption of biodiesel and its share in the consumption of liquid fuels in the transport sector in the EU. In 2010-2013 the consumption of biodiesel in EU countries exceeded 10.5 M TOE, with 2012 being a unique year when the consumption of biodiesel increased to nearly 12 M TOE. France and Germany are the leaders in the consumption of biodiesel in the EU; their consumption accounts for about 40% of the EU’s consumption. In the same period in the EU countries rape was cultivated over 6673.7 k ha, with the largest area recorded also in France (1516.4 k ha) and in Germany (1390.4 k ha) - the total area of rapeseed crops in those countries accounted for 43% of the total area in the EU. In this period the annual yield of rapeseed in the 28 member states of the EU on average amounted to 19979.4 k t, 50.3% of which were crops from France and Germany. This article proposes the construction of a theoretical model describing the relationship between the consumption of biodiesel and the key determinants of its production. The studies carried out show that the variable having the strongest impact on the consumption of biodiesel in the countries of the EU is the price of rapeseed (smaller-the-better characteristic). At the same time it was demonstrated that the consumption of biodiesel is stimulated by the supply of rapeseed. Keywords: biodiesel, biofuels, EU Member States, rapeseed, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.169
DETECTION OF CHANGE IN DROUGHT FREQUENCY IN BYDGOSZCZ REGION, CENTRAL POLAND
The aim of the work, carried out within the framework of research on currently occurring rather than predicted climate changes, was to confirm or deny the hypothesis of increasing incidence of droughts in central Poland (the Bydgoszcz region) over the years 1986-2015. According to projections of climate change, the variability and extremity of weather conditions are expected to increase. In studies conducted under some climate scenarios, it was shown that atmospheric precipitation variability in central Poland will increase even to 20%, depending on the scenario. Some researches indicate that these changes are already taking place. The material was the data of precipitation measurements gained from weather station, located in a poorly urbanized area, at the Research Center of the University of Science and Technology. Totals of atmospheric precipitation in the 30-year period were analyzed (1986-2015). Dry periods in individual months, seasons, half-years and entire years were identified on the basis of the relative precipitation index (RPI). The precipitation totals in the years 1986-2015 were characterized by a very high temporal variability and thus increased the climatic risk of plants cultivation. The significant positive trend of precipitation totals was found only for the cold half-year, which is consistent with the projections of the IPCC report. The frequency of the occurrence dry months was 38.6%, of seasons 38.3%, half-years 35.0% and years 30.0%. There was noted no increasing frequency of dry periods with years; just to the contrary, a decreasing tendency was identified. Keywords: atmospheric precipitation, climate change, drought, relative precipitation index Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.030
BIOMASS MODELS FOR SHORT ROTATION WILLOW PLANTATIONS IN LITHUANIA
Despite of increasing areas of short rotation willow plantations in Lithuania, only few studies have been done so far regarding the biomass production in these plantations. To fill this gap, the aim of this study was to develop biomass equations for fresh and for oven drywillow biomass and to estimate the yield of short rotation plantations as expressed in fresh and oven dry biomass. The data required by this study was gathered in the western part of Lithuania, in the Šilutė and Tauragė regions. For this purpose, sample plots were established in 21 short rotation willow plantations managed by “Klasmann-Deilmann Bioenergy“. All of them were first rotation plantations grown for 3 to 4 years. It was found that mean annual oven dry biomass increment varied in these plantations from 0.2 to 7.6 tons per hectare per year. Surprisingly, the productivity was not related to soil fertility. Additionally, the relations between stand level values were evaluated and a stand biomass yield model based on the mean height was developed. Relations on the shoot level were analysed as well. As a result we developed biomass models based on the individual shoot diameter for shoot height as well as for fresh and for oven dry biomass. Keywords: Short rotation willow plantations, fresh and oven dry biomass, mean annual increment, biomass models Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.028
POTENTIAL FLOOD IMPACT ON NATURAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN RIGA
Flood risk management is the process of data and information gathering, risk analysis and evaluation, appraisal of options, and making, implementing and reviewing decisions to reduce, control, accept or redistribute the flood risks. It is a continuous process of analysis, adjustment and adaptation of policies and actions taken to reduce the flood risk. Preventive measures and timely, reasonable flood risk prevention measures can help reduce the risk of floods and caused damages. In addition, protection against floods is primarily necessary for populated areas, especially when it comes to densely populated areas, since floods may affect a large number of citizens and their property thereby causing enormous material damage not only to the inhabitants of these territories but also to business infrastructure, respectively, it can result in significant material and socioeconomic losses. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the flood risk management theoretical and practical aspects, identify the potential impact of floods on natural and socioeconomic environment, as well as to show the usefulness of flood risk reduction measures. To reach this aim, the following tasks must be fulfilled: to give the definitions of flooding and flood risk and briefly characterise the flooding and flood risk in Latvia; to study and characterize the flood risk management legal and institutional aspects; to carry out an analytical overview of the flood risk assessment on right bank of the Daugava River in Riga; to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of flood risk prevention measures on the right bank of the Daugava in Riga. Keywords: flood risk, flood risk management, flood defence, risk governance Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.173
THE EFFECT OF SOLID MANURE INCORPORATION INTO THE SOIL ON THE EMISSION OF GASES AND ODOURS
The aim of the study was to determine the level of emission reduction of selected harmful gases and odours following immediate manure incorporation into soil, using the prototype manure applicator. The research was carried out at the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, in September 2016. Two experimental fields size 6 x 100 m were located on corn stubble in the distance of 40 m. In field A, the solid manure was incorporated into the soil using the prototype manure applicator. In field B, manure application was made by manure spreader. The prototype manure applicator was designed and made by Industrial Institute of Agricultural Engineering. The concentration of harmful gases (NH3, CO2, CH4, N2O) and odours was measured during the study. Measurements were made in the following periods: immediately after application and 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14 hours after application. The concentration of studied gases was measured immediately after sampling by the photoacoustic spectrometer (Multi Gas Monitor Innova 1312). The odours concentration was determined within 30 hours after air sampling by dynamic olfactometry using the TO 8 olfactometer. The solid manure incorporation reduced NH3 emissions by an average of 66%. For the other studied gases the differences in concentration were too small or this concentration was similar to concentration of these gases in surrounding air. The incorporation of solid manure limited also odour emissions. The level reduction decreased with time and amounted to an average of 25%. Keywords: solid manure, fertilization, odour emission, ammonia emission Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.098
THE HEALTH STATUS AND NATURAL REGENERATION OF PINUS SYLVESTRIS L. AFTER THE SURFACE FIRE IN VACCINIOSA FOREST TYPE IN LATVIA
From abiotic factors the most effecting influence on forest ecosystems has fire. Two years after surface fire in the pine stands growing in Vacciniosa forest type. Two PL (hereinafter PL) were installed in medium-aged (49 years old, 2.3 ha) and two PLs - in maturing (96 years old, 2.5 ha) stands. In each PL (20x20 m), the numbering of the trees was carried out and their placement was fixed, as well as the diameter, height and height of the green crown were measured. The sanitary condition of each tree was evaluated. For registration of one-year and two-year seedlings in each sample plot 25 sampling units (1 m2) were used. The similar sampling units were used for evaluation of ground cover (5 in each PL diagonally arranged), the obtained samples were weighed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the health status and natural regeneration of P.sylvestris after the surface fire. The ground vegetation was completely burned out in the medium-aged stand, but in the maturing stand both ground vegetation and organic layer – mosaically. The average burning height of trees in the medium-aged forest stand was 0.6±0.64 m, in the maturing stand - at 2.3±0.34 m. The natural regeneration was not detected in the first year after surface fire in the medium-aged forest (only 58800 one-year seedlings were recorded at the second year after fire), while in the maturing stand it was at this time (46600 one-year and 14200 two-year seedlings). Insect damage and cracked bark was not detected. Keywords: burning height, ground cover, medium age stand, vegetation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.100
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF COMPETITION INDICES AND GENOTYPE OF SCOTS PINE TREE REACTIONS TO CHANGES IN METEOROLOGY AND AIR POLLUTION
Changing climatic conditions, increased length of growing season, competition, genotype and pollution are the most important factors for tree productivity and health. That is why only by knowing the impact of these factors on trees we can evaluate and change sylvicultural treatments that are important for the health and productivity of forest in Lithuania. The aim of the present study was to detect the significance of the competition index vs. genotype of Scots pine trees on their reactions to changes in meteorology and air pollution. Tree health, dendrometric parameters and stem basal area increment were chosen as response variables to meet the objectives of the presented study. The investigation was carried out at Scots pine genetic stand located in Aukstaitija national park, Vaisniunai district. Data on meteorology and air pollutants were obtained from ICP Integrated Monitoring Station located there. Genetically related individual groups in the stand were established by the neutral part of the genome of short repeated DNA sequence length polymorphism markers. Trees of distinctive short repeated sequences allele frequencies were grouped by Bayesian cluster analysis methods. Four genetically similar tree groups were separated in the monitored stand based on significance of ΔK value. Seven competition indices were used to determine the competition intensity effect on the tree increment and their dendrometric parameters including crown condition. The obtained results revealed that trees which demonstrated the most intensive BAI formation, best crown condition and the most significant reaction to changes in meteorology and air pollution comprised one tree genetic group while trees with adverse characteristics the second. Notwithstanding this competition intensity had the most significant effect on BAI formation. Keywords: Scots pine, dendrometric parameters, radial increment, crown defoliation, competition index, genetic group, air pollution Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.168
CHANGES IN CONCENTRATIONS OF ORGANIC MATTER IN THE MOUTHS OF THE DOTNUVELE AND SMILGA RIVERS
The quality of water in rivers of central Lithuania is often bad due to intensive anthropogenic activities. When rivers flow through the town’s territory, concentrated pollution, such as rainwater, industrial and productional waste water discharges, contributes to diffuse sources of pollution. If biogenic substances are the main indicators for diffuse pollution, organic matter, expressed as BOD, is the indicator for concentrated pollution. The article provides the 2013 – 2017 monitoring data on the changes of organic matter in the water of the Dotnuvele and Smilga Rivers and discusses the reasons for fluctuations in concentrations of BOD7. The aim of the research is to investigate the changes in the organic matter of the Dotnuvele and Smilga Rivers, depending on meteorological factors. For chemical analysis, water samples were taken quarterly. Water analysis was carried out by the ASU Chemical Analytical Laboratory of Water Resources Engineering Institute. The amount of organic matter (BOD7) is calculated as the difference in oxygen content after 7 days of incubation, while the amount of dissolved oxygen (O2) in the water is determined by the electrochemical probe method. The concentrations of BOD7 and O2 in the water of both rivers is compared with the criteria for assessing the ecological status of surface water bodies. The research has shown that the dissolved oxygen concentrations in rivers’ water are strongly influenced by water temperature and precipitation. The lower the temperature, the more of the dissolved oxygen is found in rivers’ water (r = -0.64). A lower precipitation amount, which reaches the rivers, increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in them (r = -0.45). The increase of BOD7 concentrations in rivers’ water was caused by higher precipitation amount (r = 0.46), higher air (r = 0.41) and lower water temperature (r = -0.41). The ecological status of the Dotnuvele River was usually good, while Smilga was average. Keywords: biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, concentration, ecological state, surface water Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.095
THE ROLE OF IRRIGATION IN RIVER VALLEYS TO DEVELOP WATER QUALITY, PRODUCTION OF BIOMASS AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT - CASE STUDY
Ner river and its valley for over 170 years has been receiver for sewages from the city of Łódź. The natural system of this region (on the border of the watershed location, limitations of water supplies sources, lack of bigger natural rivers) in connection to city growth, lead to forming of specific system involving an agglomeration and water supplies system as well as wastewaters utilization system. The Ner river valley has the great potential to be effective in production biomass for energy purposes. Irrigation with polluted Ner river water cover fast growing plants high water and nutritional requirements. This would also work for the improvement of Ner river water quality. The achievement of good quality of water is not possible without irrigation of agricultural land in river valley. An amount of sewage discharged to Ner (193,017 m³ per day) several times higher then its natural flow in river. This is a result of strategy of water supply that is supported by transfer of water from Pilica river and underground water uptake for agglomeration. Relatively high runoff coefficient in years 1952 – 2011 was equal to 0.325 for Ner, in comparison to 0.17 for other rivers in Warta watershed. Despite the low natural flow Ner river discharges annually relatively high contaminants’ load to Warta river. In the analysed period (1995-2003) the annual average flow of Ner river amounted 10 % of annual average Warta river flow below its estuary. The share of analysed indicators of contaminants’ load approximated 27 % for total nitrogen, 37 % for phosphorus, 39 % for BOD5 and 28% for suspended solids. In the period 2004-2011 the annual average flow of Ner river amounted 13.8 % of annual average Warta river flow. The share of investigated pollutants loads consists 27.9 % for total nitrogen, 42.6 % for phosphorus, 19.8 % for BOD5 and 19.6 % for suspended solids. Keywords: water quality, load of pollutants, sewage, waste water treatment, biomass, Baltic Sea, HELCOM Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.076
THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF USING AIRBORNE LASER SCANNING FOR FOREST INVENTORIES IN LITHUANIA
The aim of this study was to test the usability of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data for stand-wise forest inventories in Lithuania based on operational approaches from Nordic countries, taking into account Lithuanian forest conditions and requirements for stand-wise inventories, such as more complex forests, unified requirements for inventory of all forests, i.e. no matter the ownership, availability of supporting material from previous inventories and high accuracy requirements for total volume estimation. Test area in central part of Lithuania (area 2674 ha) was scanned using target point density 1 m-2 followed by measurements of 440 circular field plots (area 100–500 m2). Detailed information on 22 final felling areas with all trees callipered (total area 42.7 ha) was made available to represent forest at mature age. Updated information from conventional stand-wise inventory was made available for the whole study area, too. A two phase sampling with nonparametric Most Similar Neighbor estimator was used to predict point-wise forest characteristics. Total volume of the stand per 1 ha was predicted with an root mean square error of 18.6 %, basal area – 17.7 %, mean diameter – 13.6 %, mean height – 7.9 % and number of tree – 42.8 % at plot-level with practically no significant bias. However, the relative root mean square errors increased 2–4 times when trying to predict forest characteristics by three major groups of tree species – pine, spruce and all deciduous trees taken together. Main conclusion of the study was that accuracy of predicting volume using ALS data decreased notably when targeting forest characteristics by three major groups of tree species. Keywords: forest inventory, laser scanning, compartment, stand volume Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.023
METHODS OF COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL AND ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE FOR WATER RESOURCES IN CENTRAL ASIA - KARATAL RIVER CASE STUDY
Development of the national economy in the Karatal basin river is characterized by the progressive involvement and development of the resource potential of natural landscapes, the current rate of utilization of which greatly enhances the anthropogenic impact on the natural environment. A significant impact on the formation of the ecological environment of natural landscapes is provided by the rural and water sectors, as well as by industrial facilities related to processing and mining. At the same time, on the one hand the economic activity of the man in the catchment areas of the river basin gives a certain positive effect, and on the other hand, it is accompanied by an unavoidable set of negative ecological consequences that complicate ecological situations in various ranks of natural systems. Such negative natural and man-caused process in human activity occurs as a result of inadequate knowledge of the regularities of interaction between natural and anthropogenic factors, about the processes developing in the natural environment in complex watershed management, which is one of the obstacles on the way to the creation of ecologically sustainable cost-effective water catchment systems. Scientific interest to the assessment of the ecological state of the catchments of rivers and the problem of their complex development have been appeared relatively recently which is explained by the increase in modern conditions of anthropogenic load on the catchment areas, the need to assess the impact of such pressures on the ecological stability of catchments and the emergence of the problem of ensuring the sustainable function of catchments. The catena concept was developed to analyze the regular variability of soil on the slope. The example of this approach consists first in a structural component, the recurring pattern of certain soils in a landscape transects in which every chain element has its place in the chain, a soil has it in a landscape areal. The object of the research is the catchment basin of the Karatal river with a length of 390 km, an area of 19.1 thousand km², which is formed by the merger of three rivers called Tekeliaryk, Chadzha and Kora, sources which are at an altitude of 3200-3900 m. The initial 160 km is mountain character, from the Zhungarian Alatau and below the confluence of Kara and Chizhe River overlooks a wide intermountain plain. Other tributaries are Kara, Terekty, Laba, Balykty, Mokur and the most abundant is Koksu. After the confluence of the tributary of the Koksu River, Karatal flows through the sandy desert of the Southern Balkhash. At a distance of 40 km from the mouth, the river has a delta area of 860 km 2. According to long-term observations, the average annual discharge of the Karatal River in the Ushtobe section is 66.7 m3/s or 2.1 km3/ year. Keywords: geomorphological analysis, indicators of anthropogenic loads, hydrological-climatic assessment, landscape melioration Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.123
CHANGES IN THE PROFITABILITY OF FARMS IN EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES – CONVERGENCE OR DIVERGENCE?
This paper aimed at evaluating the differences within the European Union (EU) regarding profitability of farms and answering the question whether in 2007-2015 any trends at convergence of their income position occurred between member states. The survey covered farms maintaining farm accounts under FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) in 27 member states of the EU. Convergence was evaluated based on the coefficient of variation (sigma convergence) and the relative index of variation in respective member states of the EU in comparison to the EU average in the analyzed period (beta convergence). The surveys point to large disparities in the level of profitability between farms in European Union member states. The highest profitability of work was recorded in countries such as Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy and Belgium. In all new member states the analyzed ratio was relatively low and none of them exceeded the average level for the EU. In 2015 the lowest profitability of land was characteristic of Slovakia, Estonia and Denmark, whereas the highest income per 1 ha was achieved by agricultural producers in Malta, Italy and Greece. In the analysed period no clear trends were observed in convergence or in profitability of work or profitability of land, which means that inequalities between countries with a different level of agricultural development did not disappear. Keywords: convergence, European Union, farms, income Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.092
ANALYSIS OF POLLUTED PLACES: CASE OF LAND DEGRADATION IN LATVIA
The aim of the article is to analyse and evaluate the information on polluted and potentially polluted places registered in the Register of polluted and potentially polluted places in Latvia. Under the influence of various natural conditions and economic activities land and soil degradation processes are observed, which has led to formation of degraded territories. Degraded territory is a territory with destroyed or damaged upper layer of ground or an abandoned territory of construction, extraction of mineral resources, economic or military activities, which in result of economic or other activity or inaction has so far destroyed, that is impossible to use it properly without special restoration measures. One of the factors that can be used to assess land degradation and determine the type of land degradation is pollution. In accordance with the Law “On pollution” in Latvia have been established procedures for identification of polluted places and developed criteria which are used for assessment of risk level. On this basis the Centre for Environment, Geology and Meteorology of Latvia has established and maintains the Register of polluted and potentially polluted places. The polluted place is soil, subsoil, water, sludge, as well as buildings, factories or other objects containing pollutants. Potentially polluted places can be listed according to unverified information. In 2017 in Latvia 351 polluted and 2648 potentially polluted places were listed and registered. The largest concentration of polluted places is located in Riga, which is largest industrial centre in Latvia. Keywords: degraded territory, pollution, polluted place, potentially polluted place, restoration Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.088
THE INFLUENCE OF NATURA 2000 SITES ON THE INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF POLISH REGIONS
This article evaluates the influence of the Natura 2000 network (N2K) of protected areas on the investment attractiveness of Polish regions. Natura 2000 sites were analyzed with the use of the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a linear ordering method with a common pattern and anti-pattern of development, and correlation analysis (Pearson’s correlation coefficient). The basic unit of analysis was the county (Polish: powiat, the second-level unit of local government and administration in Poland). Poland is divided into 16 regions (known as voivodeships) with a total of 380 counties. The results of the analysis were used to determine synthetic values describing the level and potential of investment attractiveness in Polish counties, and the strength of correlations between the evaluated phenomena. Indicators of investment attractiveness of Polish counties were selected based on published data and analyzed in view of several criteria: labor resources, technical infrastructure, social infrastructure, market support and administrative support. The correlations between the investment attractiveness of Polish counties and the presence of N2K sites in those counties were analyzed statistically. Data for analysis were acquired from the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office. The analysis revealed that the presence of N2K sites in the examined territorial units does not significantly influence their investment attractiveness. Keywords: Natura 2000 sites, Polish regions, socioeconomic development, TOPSIS Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.032
RECYCLING OF MINERAL SERPENTINITE WASTE FROM MINING INDUSTRY AND ITS USE IN AGRICULTURE TO IMPROVE SOIL AGROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
The influence of processing the serpentinite quarry from the Caucasian mountains at the foot of the Mount Elbrus crushed waste on soil agrochemical properties, phytotoxicity of spring barley, influence on barley plant biomass and its chemical composition were investigated. Ground and granular serpentinite had a different effect on soil and plants. Application of serpentinite fertilizers significantly increased the content of calcium, iron, 227.95-376.75 and 5.05-9.62 mg kg-1, total and plant-derived magnesium 0.34-0.52 and 1.19-2.16 mg kg-1, lead and nickel, while the amount of copper dropped substantially; the soil was becoming more alkaline. Application of ground serpentinite lead to alkalizing of the soil much more compared to the granular, with a significant increase in plant-derived magnesium. The influence of serpentinite increased the yield of spring barley plants in green and dry mass by 0.049-0.256 and 0.011-0.046 g or 0.65-3.41 and 1.19-2.59% out of the growing vessel, and dry matter increased by 0.12-0.26 % units, the yield of spring barley green and dry mass under the influence of ground serpentinite was higher than of granular serpentinite fertilizer, and the dry matter was found to be significantly higher than that of unfertilized spring barley plants. Ground and granular serpentinite was not phytotoxic to spring barley. An application of ground serpentinite increased an amount of calcium, potassium and magnesium in the barley dry matter compared to the granular serpentinite. Ground and granular serpentinite reduced the amount of trace elements copper and manganese in the dry mass of the plant, and the amount of zinc decreased only after fertilization with granular serpentinite. An application of serpentinite significantly decreased content of lead, chrome and cadmium while nickel content significantly increased in the dry matter of barley plants. Keywords: serpentinite, soil agrochemical properties, spring barley, phytotoxicity, chemical composition Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.102
ESTIMATION OF PRODUCTIVITY AND PRIME COST OF LOGSET 5HP GT HARVESTER IN THINNING
Productivity of a harvester significantly affects costs of mechanized felling, which in turn determines, if commercial thinning will be profitable. The objective of this study is to estimate productivity and prime cost of Logset 5HP GT harvester with increased boom length (11 m), equipped with the TH45 felling head, in thinning. Trials are conducted in Latvia, eastern Vidzeme, in coniferous stands. To evaluate productivity of Logset 5HP GT, a time study was carried out. Influence of small trees (diameter at breast height < 8 cm) on productivity and harvesting cost was also determined. During the trials 2379 trees are harvested with the total stem volume of 400 m3. The diameter at breast height of an average harvested tree is 14 cm and volume of a stem – 0.171 m3. Duration of time study is 33.5 h. Obtained productivity rates of Logset 5HP GT are compared with those of John Deere 1070 D harvester. According to the study results average productivity of Logset 5HP GT harvester in thinning of coniferous stands is 13.85 m3 per productive work hour. Prime cost of harvesting of the Logset 5HP GT in thinning is 8.02 € m-3. Increased boom length allows to decrease the total time spent for driving in a stand by 71%. Harvesting of small trees reduces productivity by 6.9% and increase production cost by 2.1% in the experimental stands. Difference between productivity of Logset 5HP GT and John Deere 1070 D in similar conditions is statistically insignificant. Keywords: harvester, harvesting productivity, Logset 5HP GT, thinning Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.175
EFFICIENCY OF VIMEK 610.2 FORWARDER AND ITS IMPACT ON SOIL IN FOREST THINNING
Effective haulage is one of the main requirements for cost-efficient logging services. The aim of the study is to estimate productivity of Vimek 610.2 forwarder in thinning and to determine soil compaction during haulage. Trials were conducted in Latvia, in 2 forest stands located in northern part of the country, in Engure municipality. The Vimek 610.2 Biocombi harwarder with additional bunk was used as a forwarder in the trials. It was equipped with Mowi P25 crane, tracks on rear axle and net chains on front axle to enhance performance on soils with low bearing capacity. Detailed time study was implemented for 56 forwarder loads. Working time was evaluated according to working cycle of forwarder crane (13 operations in total). Productivity of Vimek 610.2 forwarder and the prime cost of roundwood forwarding under optimal and extreme conditions is determined based on the time study results. According to the results productivity of forwarder Vimek 610.2 in trials with average hauling distance of 181 m, recalculated to productive time consumption spent to forward 1m3 of roundwood under optimal conditions is 6.03 min and under extreme conditions – 6.23 min. In soils with low bearing capacity Vimek 610.2 did not compacted soil, however formation of ruts were observed, and in areas with optimal soil bearing capacity soil compaction was detected at surface layers (down to 10 cm depth). Prime costs of forwarding with Vimek 610.2 under optimal conditions to 180 m distance is 2.46 € m-3, but under extreme conditions – 3.36 € m-3. Keywords: forwarder, Vimek 610.2, soil compaction, productivity Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.176
THE ANTHROPOGENIC AIR POLLUTION SOURCE IDENTIFICATION IN URBAN AREAS USING SNOW SAMPLING
The anthropogenic sources of air pollution such as transport, energetics, household heating and industry generate different trace element footprint. The urban planning is one of tool to reduce air pollution with trace elements. The aim of this study is to identify air pollution sources in Jelgava city using trace elements. The snow sampling were collected during January and February 2017. The January snow samples characterise average Jelgava city air pollution. However, February characterises intensive tourism impact on total air quality of Jelgava city. The snow samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES). The data analysis consists of three stages. First, data verification and development of waste burning; burning of oil and fossil materials; wastewater treatment and utilisation of sewage sludge; transport; metal industry and fireworks typical pollution trace element data sets. Second, the cluster analysis of each data set, by developing three groups of pollution level for each pollution source. Third the results of clusters were analysed using GIS, and the areas with different air pollution risks were identified. The results show strong evidence of transport and household impact on air quality. Keywords: anthropogenic air pollution; inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES). Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.180
INTEGRATED EFFECT OF CLIMATE AND AIR POLLUTANTS ON DIURNAL TREE RING FORMATION OF SCOTS PINE, NORWAY SPRUCE AND SILVER AND DOWNY BIRCH TREES STEM CIRCUMFERENCE
The integrated effect of climatic and other abiotic stress factors including surface ozone on diurnal tree ring width formation of the prevailing in Lithuania tree species as the main response parameter of tree capacity to adapt to and mitigate the recent global changes was investigated. The obtained data revealed that Norway spruce is better adapted to recent climatic conditions in temperate forest than birch trees. Even during the drought episode spruce stem increment exceeded increment of the rest of considered tree species. Silver and Downy birch tree reactions revealed the lowest sensitivity of these tree species not only to unfavorable environmental factors but also to favorable factors which should stimulate tree growth intensity. This is why the growth intensity of this tree species recently has been gradually decreasing. The hypothesis that the coniferous species are more adaptive to recent climate changes was confirmed. The study is based on the results obtained conducting national project supported by Lithuanian Council of Research “FOREstRESS” (SIT- 3/2015). Keywords: diurnal scale, tree ring, meteorology, ozone, integrated effect, adaptive capacity Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.099
ASSESSMENT OF HISTORICAL BIO-INDEX CHANGES IN RURAL AREAS IN SOUTHERN POLAND – CASE STUDY
Intensity of land use could be considered as an indicator of rate of anthropogenic impact on landscape (CAI) and the coefficient of ecological stability (CES). These two bio-indexes are based on the land use categories. The CAI coefficient is the ratio of the sum of percentile areas of land characterized by considerable human impact in relation to the sum of percentile areas of lands with low or none anthropogenic pressure. The CES index describes the structure of land use in one unit according to land use categories weighted by given coefficients. The calculation of the complex integral index enables to know the potential of the environment, i.e. a natural resource reserve with a structure that allows self-regulation of ecosystems and expresses the environment's resistance to bearing anthropogenic loads. The aim of the study is to analyze the historical land use changes (in the period of 1845-2016) in rural areas of Southern Poland using bio-indexes such as the anthropogenic impact on landscape (CAI) and the coefficient of ecological stability (CES). The analysis led to the conclusion about the strong dynamics of changes during this period which is largely due to the growth of the percentile areas of lands with considerable human impact especially after the historical transformation in 1989 in Poland. At the same time, the attention should be paid to the land use changes as an effect of growing suburbanization. The results of the study can be used by public authorities, citizens and governing bodies to form a system of measures to calculate environmental potential and modelling changes which ensure the environmental protection and sustainable development of rural areas. Keywords: anthropogenic pressure, dynamics of land use changes, environmental potential, environment’s resistance, rural areas, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.012
THE INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION ON THE GROWTH OF PAULOWNIA TREES AT THE FIRST YEAR OF CULTIVATION IN A LIGHT SOIL
The field experiment was carried out in 2016 on sandy soil in the forest nursery Białe-Błota (Bydgoszcz Forest Division, Poland). The effect of sprinkler irrigation on the growth Paulownia Shan Tong trees was investigated. The experiment was established as one factorial. The variability factor was the irrigation: S-sprinkler irrigation and C- without irrigation (control). The process included the controls of growth parameters: tree height, trunk diameter, number and surface of leaves. It was found that the sprinkled seedlings of Paulownia Shan Tong were significantly higher than those growing in the non-irrigated plots. The sprinkler irrigation applied in the experiment resulted in an increase in the number of leaves of the Paulownia and their surface area, which resulted in an increase in biomass yield. By analysing the results of the study on trunk diameter, leaf number and surface, it may be stated that irrigation watering significantly influenced the tested parameters. Irrigation significantly increased the height of Paulownia trees. The positive effect of the usage of sprinkler irrigation may indicate the possibility of effective application of this method in the field cultivation of Paulownia Shan Tong. Keywords: Paulownia, Growth, Forest nursery, Sprinkler irrigation, Light soil Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.121
EURASIAN BEAVER (CASTOR FIBER L.) POPULATION IN ASU SCIENCE AND TEACHING HUNTING AREA AND BEAVER DAMS REBUILD INTENSITY
Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber L.) was reintroduced in Lithuania on 1947. Population growth was quite rapid ant there were about 6000 beavers on 1970. Nowadays beavers population in Lithuania is about 40 000. Beavers have a possibility to affect the environment where they live by building dams, lodges, making burrows systems, changing water level. Because of being such an active environmental former beaver has a huge indirect impact for forest and agricultural fields – higher water level usually causes damage for forest trees or crops. There are different studies about this beaver’s ability to change environment and to build dams, lodges. Explanations why it is needed for this species now is clear, but still there are question how can these animal plan, organize and improve their ability to build. The aim of this research is to find out if dams rebuilt activity intensity differs during different year seasons and is it affected by the beaver’s family size in current place. According to our findings, the beginning of dam rebuilt and total dam rebuild depends on year season – on fall season it takes 4 times less time. In addition to this, family size has an effect – bigger families rebuilt dams faster. Usually beavers do this job from midnight to 2 a.m. on fall season. Keywords: Eurasian beaver, dam, rebuild, population Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.171
BIO-ECONOMY BASED BUSINESS MODELS FOR THE FOREST SECTOR – A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
The shift towards a bio-economy is one of the main focus areas of political initiatives aiming for a society relying on renewable biological sources while achieving economic growth. The forest sector is expected to contribute significantly to the development of the bio-economy which at the same time support rural development by creating new markets for advanced forest based products. However there is a need to focus more on the economic feasibility of such initiatives. Literature on bio-economy often implicitly addresses certain aspects connected to business models but is lacking a holistic perspective on the role of business models for the successful shift towards a bio-economy in the forest sector. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review about bio-economy business models in the forest sector to advance the understanding about increased and sufficient value generation necessary to persuade a shift towards bio-economy. This paper is based on a systematic review of 42 scientific journal articles and book chapters on forest based bio-economy. The first result of the article is a structured aggregation of the existing bio-economy business models including the maturity and potential for large scale application. The main implication of the paper is an overall framework on how to facilitate the commercialization of bio-economy based business models through an improved understanding of all elements of the business model canvas to reach market acceptance of innovative business models. Recommendations for future research are presented in the end of the paper. Keywords: Bio-economy; Business models; Forest; Literature review Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.109
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT IN MIXED FOREST STANDS
In 2017, the global population stands at about 7.6 billion. Due to the medium variant of the population projections, developed by the UN, the world population will grow to nearly 10 billion by the middle of this century. As a consequence, the worldwide demand for wood will increase. Therefore, the forest sector has to develop concepts in order to cope with the increasing demand for wood, the altering environmental conditions and the challenge of climate change. Modified silvicultural treatment programs may contribute to solving these questions. Appropriate measures are the conversion of pure stands into mixed stands, the promotion of natural regeneration instead of artificial regeneration and the creation of structured forests consisting of indigenous or foreign tree species, which are better adapted to climate change and/or are growing faster. Mixed stands often exceed the volume as well as the biomass productivity of pure stands and increase the biodiversity of forest landscapes. Forest simulation models are a prerequisite for the management of mixed stands. They provide enhanced opportunities of planning for forest conversion and facilitate the decision support in forest practice. These model approaches support the development of goal oriented thinning programs and make it possible to test and optimize alternative silvicultural concepts without the establishment of experimental plots. The Bavarian State Forest Enterprise (Bayerische Staatsforsten) is managing 808731 ha of forest area in the southern part of Germany. Since 2005 this enterprise is converting pure, coniferous stands (> 200000 ha of forest area) into mixed, uneven-aged forests. A simulation program (single tree simulator) is used in order to achieve this goal. Keywords: Forest conversion, mixed stands, single tree simulators Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.122
EFFECT OF EXPECTED CLIMATE CHANGES ON THE WATER NEEDS OF FOREST NURSERY IN THE REGION OF CENTRAL POLAND
The aim of the study was to estimate the water needs of forest nursery in 2021-2050 in the region of Bydgoszcz (central Poland) basing on the predicted changes of air temperature. The forecast of average monthly air temperature for the Bydgoszcz region in 2011-2050, according to the expected climate change in Poland (SRES: A1B), was applied. The water requirements of forest nursery were determined basing on the daily water consumption for plant transpiration and field evaporation. The water needs were estimated for two types of the soil: sandy and clay, in the period from April to September for each year from 2021 to 2050. The reference period was 30 years from 1981 to 2010. According to the calculations, during 2021-2050 in the Bydgoszcz region, the forecasted water needs of forest nurseries will increase by 12-15%. In relation to the reference period and according to the expected climate changes, the water needs of forest nurseries in 2021-2050 will raise during the growing period from 427 to 489 mm on clay and from 498 to 560 mm on sandy soil. The greatest water needs, occurred in July, were 110 and 137 mm on the clay and sandy soil, respectively. Correlation and regression analysis showed that the water needs of forest nurseries in 2021-2050 will significantly increase in April by 3.3 and 3.8 mm·decade-1, and in August by 5.4 and by 6.0 mm·decade-1 on the clay and sandy soils, respectively. Keywords: forest nursery, water requirements, climate change, Bydgoszcz region, central Poland Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.101
LONG-TERM GROUNDWATER REGIME TRENDS IN THE AGRICULTURAL AREAS
Long-term data on hydrological regime change of the groundwater situated in moraine sandy loam and peat in Lithuanian karst zone presented in the article. The aim of the paper was on the basis of long-term groundwater studies to determine the water level trends. Groundwater level fluctuations mainly dependent on the ground type. The nearest land surface groundwater level (61-174 cm) was measured in peat soil (well 1), in mineral soil (well 2) was deeper (309-584 cm). Correlation between data of the annual precipitation and groundwater level in mineral soils (r2 = 0.416, tact .= 3.48>t95%=1.74) was more significant than in peat soils (r2= 0.185, tact.=1.96 >t95%=1.74). The highest fluctuations of groundwater level was determined in mineral soil (well 2). According to Mann-Kendall test, the groundwater level significantly increased in February, April and December. Due to warmer winters decreased the duration and depth of the frost, frequent thaw, this cause increased feeding of aquifer in winter. Keywords: groundwater level, karst zone, mineral soil, peat soil Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.107
THE SOCIAL ACTIONS OF THE STATE FORESTS IN POLAND
Poland is in one of a leading position in Europe in terms of forested area. Forests grow over 9.4 million hectares, which is 29.5% of the territory of Poland. The vast majority of this area is forests owned by the state, out of which almost 7.6 million hectares are under the management of the State Forests Holding. Educating society about forestry and environment is one of the main priorities of the State Forests. The State Forests’ educational offer is aimed at children, youths and adults, including people with disabilities. It is all about popularising knowledge about forestry and sustainable forest management. This article focuses on the social actions of the State Forests’ operations based on an analysis of the data obtained from reports made by the State Forests. These information and materials were analysed to identify the social aspects of actions carried out by the State Forests in Poland. The authors analysed various kinds of activities of the State Forests connected with social aims. The results of the analyses were presented in table format. The results were used to analyse and describe the social aspects of the State Forests’ operations in the forested area in Poland. The social actions of the State Forests in Poland have been very positively evaluated by the authors based on the achieved analyses. Keywords: forests, social aspects of forests, the State Forests Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.170
SOIL RESPIRATION IN STANDS OF DIFFERENT TREE SPECIES
Forest ecosystems of different tree species participate actively in climatic and biotic processes, such as photosynthesis, plant and soil respiration, therefore knowledge of soil respiration, especially of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere is of great importance. The aim of the study was to determine soil respiration rate of stands of deciduous (Betula pubescens Ehrh., Quercus robur L.) and coniferous (Larix eurolepis Henry, Thuja occidentalis L.) tree species as well as impact of abiotic (soil temperature, humidity, electrical conductivity, pH) and biotic (abundance of undergrowth, shrub, herbs) factors. Measurements of CO2 emissions, temperature, moisture and electrical conductivity were performed in-situ in the stands of different tree species with portable ADC BioScientific LCpro+ system and digital electrochemical device “Wet” (Delta-T). Soil samples were collected for the physicochemical analysis simultaneously. Chemical analysis of soil samples was done at the lab of the Environmental Research of the Aleksandras Stulginskis University by standard methods. Soil respiration was highest in the stand of Thuja occidentalis and lowest in the stand of Betula pubescens. Soil respiration intensity of the tree stands increased as follow: Thuja˂ Quercus˂ Larix˂ Betula. In the coniferous tree stands, the soil respiration was lower on average 27% comparing to deciduous tree stands. Soil respiration rate increased with increase of herbaceous vegetation cover and temperature. Soil respiration rate was mostly influenced by abundance of herbaceous vegetation (r = 0.91) of all biotic factors investigated, while soil temperature (r = 0.75) of abiotic factors. 60 years old stands of different tree species formed specific conditions what influenced different soil respiration rates. Keywords: coniferous trees, CO2, deciduous trees, soil, respiration rate Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.106
AN ASSESSMENT OF RETENTION TREES IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST TYPE IN SOUTHERN LATVIA
In Latvia the forest legislation requires that at least five living trees must be retained per hectare after clear-cutting. It is known that retention trees significantly increase the biodiversity in production forest landscape. After clear-cutting retention trees function as habitats for various lichens, mosses, insects, fungi and birds. Over time retention trees are incorporated into the young forests stand and provide presence of old trees, which is necessary for many endangered and rare species. After the death, these trees turn into coarse woody debris which is an essential habitat and feeding source for many taxa. However, the conservation and mortality of the retention trees has not been studied extensively because this approach has been established recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate development of the retention trees in Hylocomiosa type of forests in Southern Latvia. In total 12 young forest stands were surveyed in 2009 and 2015. The total area – 13.7 ha, on average forest stand size varies from 0.5 to 3.0 ha. All the studied sites were harvested in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. All measurements of tree species, height, and diameter and defoliation class assessed and the status of tree (growing tree, coarse woody debris – snags, stems and downed logs) was indicated. Results show that after the studied period of seven years 24 retention trees died. Average level of the tree mortality is 15 %. The mortality level of Scots pine retention trees is 5.8 %, for aspen – 50 % and that for birch – 92.3 %. An average it is 8.5 green retention trees per 1 ha of young stand (22.9 m3 ha-1). On average 2.3 pieces coarse woody debris are per 1 ha of young stand (3.52 m3 ha-1), mostly - aspen wood (2.4 m3 ha-1). Woody debris of the young stands is divided to the first 4 decay levels according to classification (Stokland et al., 2001). 50 % of the listed woody debris is related to the 3rd decay level which means that woody debris is moderately decomposed. Keywords: Biodiversity concern, clear-cutting, hemiboreal forests, species diversity, retention trees, tree mortality Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.111
INTEGRATED EFFECT OF METEOROLOGY, AIR POLLUTION AND SURFACE OZONE ON CROWN CONDITION AND STEM INCREMENT OF SCOTS PINE TREES UNDER DIFFERENT SITE CONDITIONS
Adaptation of the local tree species to recent environmental conditions rather often is found to be very low even when it affects tree health integrally with air pollutants, and surface ozone. The aim of the study was to quantify the relationships between environmental factors, annual stem basal area increment and crown defoliation of Scots pine trees located in the north-eastern part of Lithuania. The obtained data revealed that Scots pine is the most sensitive species to environmental changes. Its reaction to both negative and favorable environmental factors was best expressed, what indicated its highest level of resilience and adaptive capacity to recent global changes. Air concentrations of sulphur species and ammonium as well as their deposition were the main drivers resulting in changes in mean defoliation of Scots pine trees in Lithuania. The data on stem basal area increment collected on two different forest sites (FS): mineral olygotrophic and organic mesoeutrophic soils confirmed that since the 1980 growing season the annual increment of the pine trees has increased. The causes of this rapid growth were as follows: higher air temperatures during the dormant period and, to a lower extent, the higher temperatures from May through August. The effect of precipitation was negligible. During vegetation nitrate deposition as fertilizing compound stimulated the pine tree stem BAI formation especially on mineral soil FS. Negative ozone effect on pine growth intensity was significant for pine trees on mineral soil FS. Higher moisture regime significantly increased the tolerance of pine trees to the negative effect of air concentration of acidifying compounds, their wet deposition and surface ozone. The study is based on the results obtained conducting national project supported by Lithuanian Council of Research “FOREstRESS” (SIT- 3/2015). Keywords: Scots pine, defoliation, stem basal area, meteorology, acidifying compounds, ozone Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.174
THE VOLUME OF WOOD FOREST RESOURCES IN THE EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES
The contributions of forests to the well-being of humankind are extraordinarily vast and far-reaching. They are an important element in mitigating climate change. The aim of the paper is to determine the influence of particular factors on the diversity of the European Union countries in terms of the amount of wood forest resources compared with the country size. Two factors affecting the variable have been analysed in the paper: 1) the growing stock per 1 hectare of forest area and 2) the quotient of the forest area and the land area without inland water. Those two independent variables are directly proportional to the dependent variable, thus the higher the growing stock density and the higher the forest cover, the bigger the amount of wood forest resources of the analysed country. The causal analysis allowed to answer the question how the two factors affect the variable considered in the twenty eight countries, namely, what the direction and the strength of their influence are. The logarithmic method was used to carry out the causal analysis. The average results obtained for the entire European Union were compared with those received for each country separately and, on this basis, final conclusions were drawn. Data for 2005, 2010 and 2015 have been used for all needed calculations. Keywords: forest cover, forest growing stock, the European Union, wood forest resources Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.035
LAND USE AND PLANNING IN RURAL AREAS (A CASE STUDY OF GIEDRAIČIAI SUBDISTRICT)
The rational use of land should be ensured, soil-friendly agricultural branches should be developed as well as attractive environment for work, living and resting in the countryside should be created in promoting rural development in Lithuania. Areas with favourable natural conditions have a high degree of economic activity, farm size, and economic development. However, not everywhere the natural conditions for the development of agriculture are favourable. The research was carried out in the Giedraičiai rural area of Molėtai district, which deals with the factors influencing the use of land, the declared area of land, the problem of land abandonment. The methods of legal analysis, analysis of literature, analysis, comparison and aggregation of statistical data were used during the research. After the fulfilment of the analysis of the declared area of land during the period between the years 2012 and 2016, it was established that the area of agricultural land declared during the five years increased by 655 hectares, the number of farmers who declared agricultural land decreased by 104, and the number of declared parcels declined even to 1729. The process of the growing of farms is likely to occur. The area of abandoned land in Giedraičiai subdistrict reaches 300 hectares, the number of abandoned areas exceeds 800. Estimating the statistical data and solutions of the general plan of the Molėtai district area preliminary solutions for the management of the territory of the Giedraičiai subdistrict for agriculture and rural development are being provided, i.e. it is planned to implement rural development land use planning projects for the management of farms, and to select a farmhouse farm site. To reduce the abandoned land areas, it is advisable to plan forests, expand the areas of meadows and natural pastures, apply organic farming and adapt the areas for recreation. Keywords: land management, agricultural land, rural development, preliminary solutions Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.022
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL ADDITIVES ON THE MOISTURE RETENTION OF SOIL
With the onset of climate change, dry periods are more frequent, and therefore the rational use of naturally accumulating soil moisture can be a tool to regulate the unfavourable soil moisture regime. Demand for new biological materials is increasing rapidly with the development of biotechnological science. Superabsorbent or water retaining material is considered promising material that is widely used in the fields of industry and agriculture. These can both absorb large amounts of water, as much as hundreds of times their own mass. The use of biological environmentally friendly additives to the cultivation of agricultural products, particularly germination and rooting periods, can ensure the required moisture content of the soil. The use of additives is more economical growing relatively more expensive raw materials, so in most cases it is related to vegetable and berry crops. The aim is to investigate the extent to which biological additives can absorb and give back moisture, assessing the different incorporation relations, as well as different biological additives. Soil moisture variation for samples with embedded biological additives ended after 24 and 26 days under laboratory conditions at 17 and 19 °C; it ended after 15 days in an environmental chamber at 20 °C. On average, soil moisture retention increases by 14 days more than the control without additives. The results showed that at low temperatures all the biological additives considered help to keep the moisture available to the plants longer in the soil for approximately the same number of days. In assessing these results, it should be emphasized that the conditions in the nature are different from the simulated critical temperatures and without the addition of moisture, in the natural conditions the impact of biological additives will be longer. Keywords: evaporation, soil moisture, biological additives Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.096
DO WE NEED PROTECTIVE PLANTATIONS ALONG RAILWAYS (LITHUANIAN CASE STUDY)?
Differently to other European countries Lithuania has inherited from Soviet time period quite width protection zones of state importance with wooden plantations along railways. Those protection zones vary from 20 m (in cities) up to 45 -70 m (in rural areas) in one side. The planted or spontaneous wooden plantations within those zones occupy over 2 thous. ha. The status of protective plantations serve for multifunctional purposes by ensuring railway traffic safety, mitigating negative impact of railway traffic, exhibiting Lithuanian landscape for travellers, improving landscape connectivity, living and working environment quality. At the same time there is a challenge for proper management of those plantations and profitability. In the middle of XX century planted pioneer species reach or is going to reach mature age. There is the threat of increasing number of dangerous trees, challenge for ensuring continuous cover of protective plantations, their services and structure match for predominating function. This study presents the challenges for future development and society preferences to services of protective lineside plantations along railways. The results of analysis of present condition of railway lineside vegetation, as well the results of social survey showed, what it is not enough just to manage the dangerous trees for railway safeness but it is essential complex means for protective plantations development, services succession. Keywords: lineside vegetation, railways, protective plantations, social preferences Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.181
WATER QUALITY AND WASTE CONTAMINATION STUDY IN CATFISH REARING RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
In this article we analyse catfish rearing conditions in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Based on research, performed by scientists from different countries, we evaluated optimal water parameter values for catfish rearing. African catfish growing process and with it associated factors were researched in JC ,,Šamas“. The amount of dissolved oxygen (on average 4,53 mg/l) in the rearing basin is adequate for the catfish to feel comfortable and for biomass growth. Water temperature only varies slightly – the average water temperature is 23,30C. The ideal pH for rearing fish in RAS is 7.0. Many aquaculture species continue to feel comfortable in pH boundaries of 6.5-8.5. In the samples, taken from catfish rearing system, the pH varied from 5.58 to 6.63. Such acidic water decreases the effectiveness of biological filter, but also decreases the toxic effect of excreted ammonia on the fish. Only a small amount of suspended solid is present in the samples, which means that they are being removed properly. The average amount of ammonia nitrogen in the water basins in analysed catfish rearing systems is 1,171 mg/l. The analysed water samples presented an average nitrite amount of 0,974 mg/l. The recommended amount of nitrites for catfish is less than 0.5 mg/l. The analysed samples presented relatively high nitrate values – from 412 to 495 mg/l. In order to decrease the concentration of accumulated nitrates it is required to change no less than 10% of total system water volume every day. The index of consumed biochemical oxygen corresponds to the requirements for water quality in RAS Keywords: aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture systems, water, wastewater quality Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.015
THE EFFECTS OF TANNIC ACID ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EGG FERTILIZATION AND REMOVING CARP EGG ADHESIVENESS
Egg adhesiveness is one of the major problems in carp artificial breeding. The appropriate elimination of egg adhesiveness impacts the effectiveness of the breeding. This article discusses two used methods of carp egg adhesiveness removal: tannic acid+water and milk+water+salt solutions. Milk, water and salt solution was based on the following proportions: 1 litre of milk + 7 litres of water +50g of NaCl. Adhesiveness is removed from fertilized eggs in bowls by mixing them with geese feathers for no shorter than 60 minutes. The tannic acid solution was prepared by mixing 7 grams of tannic acid powder with 5 litres of water. 1 litre of solution is immediately poured into a bowl with fertilized eggs. Adhesiveness is removed from fertilized eggs in bowls by intensively mixing them for 10 minutes. After fertilization and removal of adhesiveness, the eggs were transferred into Weiss jars. The results showed that during the process of incubation, 3.7 million eggs were fertilized; out of them 1.6 million were rid of adhesiveness by milk solution, 2.1 – by tannic solution. It is plausible that unfavourable environmental conditions influenced the low egg vitality. 750 000 (47%) carp larvae hatched from milk solution treated eggs, while 800 000 (38%) of larvae hatched from the eggs treated with tannic solution. Keywords: fertilization, adhesiveness, tannic acid, common carp Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.016
SUPPORT TOOLS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCE IN LATVIA
Organic farming is part of the national economy where renewable natural resources are used in a sustainable and prudent way in the production process, and therefore the production of primary products is environmentally friendly. Latvia has high potential for growth on the basis of the EU as a whole – in 2016, the area of organically certified territories totalled 270.73 thousand hectares, or about 11% of the total agricultural land area, which was the fifth highest indicator among the EU Member States. The aim of the research is to analyse the availability of support tools for the organic farming sector and ways to improve their use efficiency. The available support tools contribute to increase in the number of organic farms and in the organic agricultural area as well as increase in productivity and a higher level of mechanisation. The development of organic processing and the provision of a complex production cycle are less important. Financial support for organic farming partially compensates for the loss of profits, but it does not include support measures directly addressing the problems faced by farmers – the availability of organic seed, certification fees, the availability of animal breeds and public awareness. Keywords: organic farming, support tools, sustainability Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.138
SMART GROWTH IN LATGALE REGION OF LATVIA: AN OVERVIEW OF MULTIPLE-HELIX ACTORS
Within the framework of the Latvian National Programme EKOSOC-LV this paper focuses on the smart growth as a tool for regional development. The research aim is to evaluate the factors that influence the formation of a smart territory and to estimate interconnections of quantitative indicators and expert opinions. The present study reflects the quantitative and qualitative assessment of smart growth challenges in the region of Latgale (Latvia) on the level of 19 districts. One of the most important aspects of the implementation of the concept of smart specialization is the participation of all involved actors; thus, one of the solutions of smart growth evaluation is the multiple helix approach. By analysing and summarizing the aspects affecting smart territories, based on the theoretical principles, regional stakeholder’s (local governments, entrepreneurs, representatives of communities, scientists, general public) recommendations, taking into account the national strategic settings and the views of the EKOSOC-LV working group, smart growth index was developed as well as factor hierarchy of the smart territory formation and growth, on the basis of which the Analytic Hierarchy Process method was realized. Logical construction, monographic, analytic hierarchy process, statistical analysis methods are used for research. The quantitative assessment is based on integrated index (Smart Development Index) establishment and testing. The qualitative assessment is based on the regional expert opinions summarized by the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology. Complex analysis of the obtained quantitative indicators highlights the People and Resources dimension, but qualitative assessment underlines People and Economy dimensions as the keystones of the smart specialization of the Latgale region. The integrated application of quantitative and qualitative approaches allows a comprehensive assessment of the smart growth process in the Latgale region and its districts. Keywords: multiple-helix, Latgale region, Analytic Hierarchy Process, smart growth, smart development index Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.165
EFFECTS OF THE RESTRICTIONS OF PRACTICES USED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT GRASSLANDS
From 2004-2015, the utilised agricultural area (UAA) in Estonia increased by 25%. Half of the UAA growth arose from the increase in the area of permanent grassland temporarily not used for production purposes. The main driver of growth in such land has been single area payment (SAP) paid in Estonia since the EU accession in 2004. While subsidising the maintenance of permanent grassland not used for agricultural production is in line with the objectives of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), it fuels discussions about the effects of this policy on agricultural producers. For every year, member states establish practices equivalent to maintenance of permanent grassland. Until 2014, in Estonia, the minimum activity for the maintenance of permanent grassland under the SAP, was harvesting the grass or chopping it and leaving on the ground. In 2015 and 2016 options for chopping and leaving the grass on the ground were restricted with an aim to target SAP more towards active land users, i.e. agricultural producers. Both agricultural producers and non-producers maintain permanent grassland not used for production purposes. Research on the practices used by different types of actors helps in understanding the variety of practices and potential effects of restrictions of these practices. The survey data was combined with the data from the registries of Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (ARIB), to analyse the potential effects of restrictions of practices on agricultural producers and the area of permanent pasture in Estonia. The results indicate that both agricultural producers and non-producers use grass harvesting and chopping practices. Therefore, restrictions that have effect on both groups of land users are not the most efficient way of targeting SAP towards agricultural producers, and potentially reduce the area of permanent grasslands. This result would be in conflict with the aims of the CAP. Keywords: CAP, greening, permanent grassland, Estonia, passive land use Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.163
THE MODEL OF INTEGRATIVE MANAGEMENT OF RURAL SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
One of the most difficult problems encountered by social infrastructure development management in various countries of economic development is the search for RSI management interactions at the national, regional and local (municipal, neighborhood) levels. Traditional solutions to RSI development do not create opportunities for the coherence, viability and resilience of rural development. This article describes integrative management of rural social infrastructure (RSI), provides the analysis of RSI management processes and explanation of “triple bottom line”, determination of main principles required in order to achieve sustained development of the region. The main research objective, namely, creation of an integrative rural social infrastructure management model reached. The integrative RSI management conception based on four- tier governance cycle “plan-do-check-act” and internal governance functions. The functions RSI management are determination of consumer demand for RSI services and strategic development goals; planning of RSI services, means and results; organization of RSI services supply; horizontal and vertical coordination of RSI activities; assessment of RSI services consumers’ opinion and community sustainability; supervision and evaluation of RSI activities. The main research methods were used: analysis and generalization of scientific literature, logical and systematical reasoning, graphic presentation of comparison, abstracts and other methods. Keywords: social infrastructure development, integrative management of rural social infrastructure Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.228
PARTICULARITIES OF AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THE BLACK FOREST: CLIMATE CHANGE AND MANAGEMENT ASPECTS
The current European Union’s and state agricultural support is more focused on the modernization of farms in technological terms, coupled with the intensification of production, and weakly focused on the farm exclusivity and diversification. This creates a minor motivation for farmers to address the issues related to climate change mitigation. The main attention in the article is concentrated on two themes: climate change and forest management. The main research methods were used: analysis and generalization of scientific literature, interview, logical and systematically reasoning, comparison, abstracts and other methods. The farms in the lower mountain ranges of Germany will change different climate conditions analyzed in the 2017 summer. Sustainable framing wide term in black forest, forest lands, organic farms, are depending or considering the climate cycles. In economic social conditions of Germany, black forest farming is so sensitive towards ancient methods of farming and their equations with the current environment. In simple terms, black forest sustainable framing is farming ecological by promoting methods and practices that are economically viable. It does not only particular about economic aspects of farming perhaps on the use of non-renewable factors in the process of thoughtful and effective farming. Agriculture land of Black Forest contributes to the nutrient and healthy food to reach high standard of living of the black forest society Keywords: forest management, climate, sustainability, black forest Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.239
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE PASSIVITY OF THE STUDENTS LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE AT ALEKSANDRAS STULGINSKIS UNIVERSITY
The article focuses on the comparative analysis of the causative factors influencing the students’ passivity in 2005 and 2017 as well as on classwork methods stimulating their activity. The analysis was based on the results obtained in 2005 and 2017. The results showed that the main reasons of the students’ passivity in 2005 during their English classes was their habit to be silent acquired in the high school as well as their unwillingness to show emotions (female approach) and laziness (male approach). In 2017 the students were still unwilling to show their emotions (both female and male approach) and laziness (male approach). In 2005 the active students pointed out discussion as the most acceptable method to acquire competence in the English as the second language, whereas the passive students preferred teamwork to any other classroom activity. Both target groups emphasized the importance of good psychological climate during the classes. In 2017 discussion was found to be the most acceptable method to acquire competence and better speaking skills for the both active students and passive students, while the latter indicated that the psychological climate during the classes as exceptionally important helping them to cope with the stress and language barrier. The obtained results also showed that the students in 2017 were more conscious of the importance of being active during the classes. Keywords:
SMART SPECIALISATION DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PIERIGAS REGION (LATVIA)
There are two widely used “smart” concepts, often considered to be synonymous with one another - “smart city” and “smart specialisation”. The origin and initial meaning of each concept is different, although there are certain similarities. On the city level, multiple policy initiatives are oriented towards the concept of a “smart city”, which originally developed around the ICT infrastructure as a means to connect cities and thus provide opportunity for development. Recently the term “smart” has also found its way in regional policy. Therefore, it is necessary to interpret both concepts in a wider sense not limiting them only to meanings associated with technology. There is an empirical connection between smart specialisation development (in a wider sense) and introduction of smart cities (in a wider sense). But it does not mean that all regions (especially those with low manufacturing development index) should follow a strategy of research and development and/or hi-tech manufacturing. Smart development is a multi-dimensional concept, consisting of sustainable economic growth and sustainable city or regional development, based on the advantages of sustainable competition. It is also perceived as means to increase overall quality of life. This means that social and environmental capital also plays an important role together with infrastructural and ICT development. Keywords: Economic Developments, Smart Development, Smart Specialisation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.221
ADULT MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: CASE OF BALTIC STATES
Mathematical competence is one of the eight basic key competencies which are defined by EU Directives. Mathematical competence includes the skills of applying basic processes and principles of mathematics in everyday contexts. The aim of current research is to identify the role of adult mathematics education and mathematical competence in sustainable development in case of Baltic States. We are continuing the investigations that began in the Nordplus research project “Cooperation to strengthen the citizens' math skills in the context of sustainable development and welfare”. The main objective of the research is to highlight the role of mathematics in a lifelong context. We separate two aspects of mathematics role in sustainable development. The first considers mathematics as a tool in processional work, the second considers the role of mathematical competence in the development of person's intelligence and personality. Both aspects are widely discussed in the scientific literature and in the programmatic documents of United Nations, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organizationn, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Through combining insights of theoretical goals of leading international institutions and actual survey data we can show the value of mathematical competence in adults in the Baltic states. Keywords: employees, employers, mathematical competence, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.220
SINGULARITY OF SUSTAINABLE TAXATION IN AGRICULTURE
Agricultural sector is different from industrial or service sectors due to its specific functions, i.e. food function, social function, economic situation on country growth function, environmental function. These functions of agricultural sector include three dimensions (economic, social, environmental), which are closely connected with the conception of sustainable development. Therefore, the taxation system of agricultural sector has been orientated to sustainability. The research direction of sustainable taxation is relevant. This research direction leads to opportunities to find the sustainable taxation system effect to the sustainable development of agriculture. The paper aims at disclosing the singularity of sustainable taxation in agriculture. To investigate the theoretical aspect of the specificity of agricultural business in the context of taxation and singularity of sustainable taxation, systemic analysis and synthesis of theoretical insights of foreign and local scientific literature as well as the methods of induction and deduction have been applied. Theoretical research results helped to identify singularity of sustainable taxation in agriculture, which encompasses three dimensions (economic, social, environmental) with different characteristics. This taxation system contributes to the goals of the development of sustainable agriculture. Keywords: agriculture, sustainable agriculture, sustainable taxation, taxation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.232
CURRENT CHALLENGES OF AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS AGAINST FARMING ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The paper investigates circumstances determined modern agriculture and agribusiness challenges and shows methods ensuring sustainability of value-added agriculture and rural areas taking into account, inter alia, climate change, healthy food, organizational and technological progress. The aim of the article is to show that combining the agribusiness circumstances and methods allows to ensure sustainable development, value-added agriculture and rural areas. To verify adjustment farming processes according set up goals the questionnaire survey on farm equipment and information systems was carried out in 2017 in Kujawy & Pomorze region. The questionnaire was sent to all participants in the supply chain of that particular company. The challenge facing modern agriculture is the ability to efficiently implement farm innovations, acquire new knowledge and effective use of the farming progress achievements. Negative effects of intensive farming for environment cause to seek for solutions let face economic and environmental challenges for contemporary agriculture and rural areas development. Serious threatens in a climate change can cause imbalance in food supply and demand. Observed higher frequency and severity of adverse weather events require genotypic adaptation. Hence, some studies on genetic progress in those crops adaptation were presented. Also some approaches how to assess and collect data for yield gap analysis, and to summarize the yield gap explaining factors were identified. The presented results showed that although management and edaphic factors are more often considered to explain the yield gap, both farm characteristics and socio-economic factors often explain the yield gap. Keywords: agriculture, competitiveness, economic efficiency, farms, food security, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.137
RURAL HUMAN CAPITAL AS A DETERMINANT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Human capital is an economic category which is increasingly applied in the models of economic growth and development. Many studies have demonstrated its positive effect on economic development at the national and regional levels. The level of development of rural areas is also strongly correlated with the human factor. The objective of the study was to carry out a quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of the situation of human capital across rural areas in Poland and to indicate the main challenges associated with the shaping of this capital in the context of economic growth simulation. The method used to meet the objective was a review of source literature and an analysis of statistical data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) with the application of dynamics and structure indices. In the course of research, it was established that the main trends affecting the situation of human resource capital across rural areas in Poland are: the ageing of the rural population, as a dominant negative trend, and a systematic, though slow, increase in the level of education, as a dominant positive trend. It was determined that unfavorable demographic transformations of rural communities involve the risk of limiting economic activities of the elderly, and at the same time, also a decrease in their economic independence and an increase in the social burden resulting therefrom. On the other hand, the observed rise in the level of education and economic activity may accelerate the beneficial transformations of the area structure of agricultural farms, for it contributes to the acceleration of migration of the rural population to other, non-agricultural professions. In this context, taking actions, both nationally and regionally, aiming at increasing qualifications of rural (including agricultural) populations constitutes a vital opportunity, which increases intellectual potential and competitiveness across the country and its individual regions. Keywords: human capital, rural areas, economic development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.133
THE ISSUES OF GREEN ECONOMY INNOVATIVENESS
Broadly speaking, the green economy involves pro-environmental products and services, investments, economy sectors, public procurement contracts, and jobs. This is a new idea, both in terms of regulations supporting its development and of practical effects of the implementation of technologies and organisational solutions aimed at the protection of natural environment. The possibility for obtaining new jobs thanks to the support of the green economy is the focus of various decision-making centres. The problem, however, is the lack of a thorough understanding of the potential existing in the developing green job market, particularly in rural areas, which hampers taking efficient measures. The aim of the study was to indicate the determinants of and opportunities for the development of the green economy and green jobs in sectors related to the rural economy. The opinions presented in the study were obtained through interviews from a randomly selected group of 578 managers of “green economy”-related businesses operating in rural areas. The study participants are entrepreneurs employing workers and creating jobs in the following areas: agri-food processing, services, manufacturing, renewable energy sources, and tourism. It can be concluded that, inter alia, despite the difficult situation in the labour market, and the problems with sales of products and services in the green economy sector, it should be expected that in the next few (3 to 5) years, the social demand for innovative products/services of this sector will increase. Keywords: green economy, green jobs, rural areas, sustainable development of rural areas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.144
THE USE OF COACHING IN THE AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN
Agricultural organizations are faced with continuous processes of change: economic openness, national and international competition between companies, adaptation to new business management models -Corporate Social Responsibility-, changing markets and the need to comply with regulations and certifications. This has led to the generation of a great demand for knowledge, preparation and motivation of the people who work in the organizations and in the agribusiness environment. Organizations are obliged to seek strategies or business techniques that allow them to guarantee survival and increase their levels of competitiveness. Among these techniques the coaching technique is highly positioned. The objective of the research was to analyze the use of coaching in the agricultural value chain as a tool to contribute to rural development. The study analyzed 50 coaching companies in Spain, from which qualitative and quantitative data of agricultural and rural coaching were taken. Moreover, a sample of 22 coached agribusinesses in Spain was characterized in order to obtain a profile of the coaching in the agricultural value chain. Frequency, contingency and significance analysis were used to characterize the performance of coaching in the agricultural value chain. The results show that a business attitude among coaching is needed while the use of a combination of coaching tools could improve the agricultural value chain and rural development. It is necessary to promote the coaching techniques among the agricultural value chain, especially at the first stages of the chain, in order to increase the agricultural businesses competitiveness and to contribute to the rural development. Keywords: agribusiness, competitiveness, leadership, motivation, Rural Development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.115
EVALUATION OF SPATIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN MAZOWIECKIE PROVINCE IN YEARS 2004-2016
Mazowieckie Province is a unique area of Poland. It is characterised by social and economic diversification. Located in this province, Warsaw strongly influences the development of neighbouring rural areas. On the other hand, rural municipalities whose socio-economic parameters are among the lowest in the country are located within several dozen kilometres from the centre of the capital. Such disparities show that Mazowieckie is characterised by large interregional differences in its internal structure. This is an interesting research area that requires the analysis of socio-economic development in this region to be conducted in a multidimensional way. The aim of this study is to evaluate the spatial differentiation of the level of socio-economic development of rural areas in Mazowieckie Province. Linear ordering was used to determine the level of socio-economic development. The results of the study are consistent with core-periphery theory. The large urban centres that function as the centres for the surrounding rural areas have the greatest impact on the level of rural development. The impact of smaller towns can also be noticed. They often are the local development centres for surrounding villages. Keywords: socio-economic development, rural areas, synthetic measure, Masovian voivodeship Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.225
THE TERRITORIAL MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS AS INNOVATIVE NEW GOVERNANCE OF THE TERRITORY IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EUROPEAN UNION CLLD PROGRAMME AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES POLICY
In the world, the question of the good practice to manage of territory is a pillar of the implementations of Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030. The authors are working in collaboration with a holistic approach at the topic. In this way, the Smart Communities and Smart Territories are the new paradigms in 21th Century to solve the question of the adaptation at the Climate Change and to guarantee, for the future generation, the conservation and promotion of all potentialities of each territory and identity of areas. Until now, they have use a deductive method to analyse and show, in the framework of the Sustainable Development, the Community Led Local Development (EU Programme for CLLD) and Ecosystem Services, the need to move from an emergency management approach to pre-emptive territory management. The results of this research have produced the original and autonomous configuration of a new and innovative strategy and governance based on a model that puts in synergy the three aspects of the framework that has been given the name of Territorial Management Contracts (TMC). The TMC, appear a possible shared and democratic model that could to combine the territory risk management with solutions of development driving and sharing by the local populations. This innovative approach is strictly linked with the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals 2015-2030 and the Europe 2020 (smart, sustainable and inclusive). The authors argue that the TMC model is now sufficiently mature to pass from the processing phase to that of the implementation that in the Payment of the Ecosystem Services (PES) finds a concrete reinforcement of the scientific analysis carried out. Keywords: Sustainable development, territory management, ecosystem services, CLLD, smart communities, smart territories Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.248
THE INDIVIDUAL SECTOR OF AGRICULTURE IN MOLDOVA AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS
Moldovan agriculture is still characterized by a pronounced structural dualism with a very large number of small-scale family farms. The accentuated poverty makes rural economy to flow more and more to a natural subsistence economy, isolating itself from the market economy. The scope of the paper is to assess the farm performance and its contribution to the development of rural areas. The research analysis is based on national statistics and survey data of 723 farms. In order to assess farm performance technical efficiency (TE) and stochastic frontier analysis is used. The contribution of different types of income on the farm development level is analysed through regression analysis. Increasing of farm performance through a higher efficiency and competitiveness could be regarded as the key solution to the low income problem of rural families. Keywords: agriculture, family farms, rural development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.114
PAYMENTS FOR PUBLIC GOODS UNDER THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY VERSUS MARKET FAILURES
In the reality of the marketplace, a situation often arises where an economic surplus (rent) achieved by agricultural producers is partly taken over by related non-agricultural sectors. In this sense the category of economic rent embraces market failures related to such factors as price flexibility, and thus represents an effect of the misallocation of resources in the agricultural sector. The question therefore arises of whether there exists a developmental model of agriculture in which such market failures would be reduced. Apparently the only coherent response to this need is action taken under the paradigm of sustainable agriculture. This type of model for the sector’s functioning is supported by the objectives of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including through support for the supply of public goods in rural areas. This article addresses the question of whether CAP payments for public goods are a desirable systemic solution serving to reduce market failures. It is hypothesised that the financing of activity relating to the supply of public goods lessens the negative impact of the “market treadmill”, since it reduces the unexpected outflows of economic surplus away from farms, caused by agricultural prices. To verify the hypothesis, a panel regression analysis was performed on three sets: the EU-15 countries, the EU-12 countries, and – within Poland – subsectors of farms from six standard output classes. The analysis covered the years 2004–2012. The results of the computations provided confirmation of the hypothesis. It may be stated that an increase in the level of payments for public goods, as a percentage of total subsidies to agriculture, leads on average to a reduction in the drainage of economic rents through prices. It was also found that the financing of public goods under the CAP is more effective in reducing market failures in the EU-15 countries than in the EU-12. Key words: Common Agricultural Policy, influence, market failures, panel regression, public goods. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.008
THE COUNTERPOINT OF EARTH AND WORLD MEANINGS IN THE NATIONAL IDENTITY’ EXPRESSION
The meanings of the earth and the world can be associated with issues of national identity. In the article, the issues of fostering national identity are discussed in the context of M. Heidegger's philosophy‘s outlook on a land and world disputes. The article tries to define how much a nation can be an object of scientific cognition. Understanding the nation as a resistance to limiting objectification is a methodological background to the development of the topic, which obliges the philosophical interpretation of the problem to be trusted, at least as a scientific reduction of the problem. Sketches of the earth and the world we use as a kind of catalysts of intellectual imagination and methodological guides. The main aim of the article is the attempt to analyze the conditions of the expression of the national identity in terms of both the subject matter and the non-objective reflection, where different approaches complement each other (what we call by the term "counterpoint", borrowed from the theory of music). The collision of national identities through Martin Heidegger's typology of images has not been examined before. There are also discussed the untapped reserves for nurturing Lithuanian identity - both spiritual and economic. The aim is to refine the political awareness of the Public Treaty model raised by the Enlightenment thinkers. Land is an important factor in the economic development of a so ciety and the object of economic exploitation, but, more importantly, it is a standpoint in establishing and maintaining the nation's vitality. The dispute between the earth and the world which foster the thesis of national identity acquires the essence of the truth of being. Keywords: earth, identity, nation, world, public contract, state, thesis Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.223
WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL AUTHORITIES MANAGEMENT IN RURAL AREAS IN POLAND
The aim of the paper is to evaluate the scope and determinants of women participation in basic local authorities in rural areas in Poland. In the paper the detailed analysis on the problem were carried out on 5% of women and 5% of men headed rural gminas. The analysis showed that the women participation in top positions in governing bodies of local communities in Poland is low. It indicates the existence of the severe problem with women promotion to the top positions in decision bodies in politics. The luck of differences in women role betwee rural and urban communities is a very interesting result. Gminas managed by women are rather smaller than gminas administered by men. In many gminas the position of women at the village level is higher than at gmina level. The findings suggest the connection between activity of women at village level and women position as mayor. Moreover, the investigation showed that in rural gminas women prevail in important back-office positions like main secretary of the gmina office and chief aaccountant. So, women are familiar with their gminas problems, are involved in management of them but they don’t apply for top positions. It seems that the concept of labyrinth can be applicable to the situation of women in decision making bodies in rural areas in Poland. Keywords: local governments, women in management, glass ceiling, rural areas, rural gmina Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.246
FRAMEWORK OF VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES TEACHER ACTIVITIES: MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS, PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND APPLICATION OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES IN CORRELATION WITH PERSONALITY TRAITS
The relevance of this research is based on the standpoint of the epistemological methodology focusing on the quality of the profession cognition. Therefore, it is presumed that the quality of vocational education is determined by the variable personality traits of teachers (extraversion, openness towards experience and innovation, consciousness, agreeableness, neuroticism). The research object of the current study is the correlation between the personality traits of university of applied sciences teachers and vocational teachers and the curriculum components. The research aims at identifying the correlation between the motives of vocational school and university of applied sciences teacher activities, educational technologies they use, professional roles and their personality traits, as well as identifying the essential differences of the mentioned variables. The quantitative and qualitative research strategies were employed allowing the researchers to perceive and assess the parameters of the correlation between the professional identity of teachers, meaningfulness in pedagogical work, motivation and educational content. The research results revealed that the social, extrinsic, introjected and identified regulation motivation in vocational schools and universities of applied sciences vary considerably; in universities of applied sciences social and identified regulation motivations manifest themselves, whereas in vocational schools a lot of demotivating factors related to the problems of vocational student identity, career prestige of a vocational teacher and external motivation, are observed. The role of vocational school and university of applied sciences teachers in the didactic process also varies: university of applied sciences lecturers identify themselves in the position of the teacher-andragogue, whereas vocational school teachers see their role as a professional (expert). Moreover, the principles of social constructivism in pedagogy and andragogy are more effective among university of applied sciences lecturers, while vocational school teachers often have to rely on the behaviouristic principles of pedagogy for educational assessment and the enhancement of student motivation. Keywords: Vocational Schools, University of Applied Sciences, Teacher Activities, Motivational Factors, Professional Roles, Educational Technologies, Personality Traits Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.238
DEVELOPING MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR FOOD DIVERSITY: A CASE-STUDY IN NORTHERN PORTUGAL
Vale do Sousa is a heterogeneous territory located in the North Region of Portugal. Until a few decades ago, the economy was based on small-scale farming with maize for bread (Broa) as one important crop. Each community had its own maize varieties and practices, which were reflected in the composition, shape, size and flavour of local Broa. In the last decades, the abandonment of agriculture was noticeable, leading to a progressive decrease in maize production and to genetic erosion. More recently, local stakeholders became aware of the important role that landraces and biodiverse food can play in local development and have engaged in finding new opportunities for a sustainable Broa value chain development in Vale do Sousa region. This paper aims at identifying opportunities and bottlenecks in the marketing of regional Broa. It uses a case study approach that, unlike the majority of the research in this area, covers the whole supply chain and includes needs and expectations of farmers, processors, consumers and their networks. The main problem identified by local actors is that traditional varieties are less productive, leading farmers to favour commercial maize varieties less suitable for baking. At the processing level, local actors raised the question of legislation, arguing that, in Portugal, European rules on food safety are not realistically applied to endogenous food products. The results also show that final consumers as well as restaurants recognize the quality of traditional Broa and seem to be willing to pay a price premium to reward farmers for using traditional varieties. Keywords: bread; landraces; local development; maize; participatory research Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.233
EMPLOYMENT IN VS. EDUCATION FOR THE BIOECONOMY
A number of employees is one of the basic indicators applied for identification of the economic relevance of an industry or an economic sector. Referring to nearly 18.6 million people employed in the 28 EU Member States within the bioeconomy in 2014, it can be stated that this a an economic sphere of significant importance in the European economy. The main aims of the study are to identify a scale of employment in the bioeconomy sector across EU Member States as well as to investigate tertiary education in bioeconomy based on the Polish experience in the Bioeconomy subject area group within the Euroleague for Life Sciences (ELLS). Data used included: (1) the data portal of agro-economics modelling – DataM of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, (2) CAWI research among students of WULS-SGGW on their attitudes to the bioeconomy, (3) feedback of participants of the first summer school in bioeconomy coordinated by WULS-SGGW. Research results display that the majority of Polish students did not meet the term of bioeconomy generally as well as at the university. There is also one very important students’ comment which can describe their attitude: students of economic disciplines are not very much interested as they think that bioeconomy focuses on life sciences (bio) so it is not appropriate for them; students of different fields of life sciences are not very keen to study bioeconomy as according to them it focuses on economy (as in the name itself). Keywords: bioeconomy, employment, tertiary education, student Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.245
BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES IN INCREASING RURAL EMPLOYMENT: LABOUR RESOURCES AND SELECTED POLICY INSTRUMENTS. THE CASE OF EU COHESION POLICY AND COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY INTERVENTIONS IN POLAND
An important feature of many rural markets is the over-supply of labour. An insufficient number of jobs in rural areas is usually associated with the shortage of capital, companies, consumers and skilled workers, i.e. limited impact of the agglomeration effect. Additionally, in regions with structural changes in agriculture, the phenomenon of increased or hidden unemployment is visible. One of the important objectives of labour market policy in Poland was a promotion of employment, especially in peripheral, poor and agricultural territories. Along with the accession of Poland to the EU, both agricultural and cohesion policy instruments supported by the structural funds have also been aimed at resolving the problems of rural labour markets. They concerned mainly the diversification of agricultural activities, support of entrepreneurship, as well as development of knowledge and skills. The paper considers the barriers and challenges in increasing employment in rural Poland. In particular, the changes on local rural labour markets and the influence of relevant policy tools thereon have been studied. The study is based on the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the public statistics and information on the implementation of selected EU CAP and Cohesion Policy instruments in Poland from the period 2007-2014 and the literature of the subject. The study showed that, despite the favourable economic situation and the effects of projects aimed at creating and maintaining non-agricultural jobs in rural areas supported by the EU founds, the rural employment rate and the number of people employed in agriculture did not increase significantly. In this context, the paper provides the explanation of limited improvements in terms of rural employment and policy offers recommendations in this area. Keywords: rural employment, labour resources, EU, Cohesion Policy, Common Agricultural Policy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.155
AGRICULTURE’S IMPACT FOR THE ECONOMY: INTER-INDUSTRY LINKAGES AND MULTIPLIER EFFECTS
The role of agriculture sector is understood as being vital for economic development and well being of rural areas. Common agriculture policies in the EU and production shocks in agriculture sector reflect in production changes that causes direct and indirect effects for other industries development in the region, as well as, households’ income. This paper aimed to evaluate agriculture sector’s direct and indirect impacts for the economy by analyzing sectoral linkages and multiplier effects. Input-output analysis techniques were applied. Both output and income multipliers were evaluated. This paper supports the idea that agriculture sectors were more multiplying the economy than other sectors on average. This sector remains important catalyst of the economy, especially while taking into account development challenges in rural areas. Keywords: agriculture, input-output analysis, multiplier effect, inter-industry linkages, networks Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.057
RURAL LIVELIHOODS TRANSITIONS: TOWARDS AN INTEGRATION OF THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS APPROACH AND THE MULTI-LEVEL PERSPECTIVE
In rural areas, especially in low and middle-income countries, livelihoods have to diversify to include new on- and off-farm activities. However, sustainable livelihood concepts have so far not sufficiently accommodated transition dynamics. Mostly, rural livelihoods and sustainability transitions are addressed separately in the scientific literature. The aim of this review paper is to explore opportunities to integrate the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) and the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) on transitions. We provide an overview of the SLA and MLP. We then focus on the conceptual linkages between SLA and MLP, in particular regarding livelihood diversification strategies. Our review shows that the conceptual overlaps of the SLA and the MLP allow for a meaningful combination of both approaches to harness their respective strengths. Vulnerabilities from the SLA perspective (e.g. shocks, trends, changes) are considered at the landscape level in MLP. Policies, institutions, processes in SLA are part of ‘regime’ in the MLP heuristic. The livelihood diversification in SLA, e.g. the development of new on- and off-farm activities, can be described as niches in MLP. Some empirical work on agricultural transitions from the MLP perspective has adopted a territorial approach to take into consideration the pluri-activity of farms and the interactions between different subsystems (food, energy and tourism). This resonates well with the idea of livelihood diversification as a strategy in SLA. We conclude that integrating SLA and MLP will help to better understand livelihood diversification processes and we provide a preliminary proposal for a livelihood transition framework. Keywords: Livelihood diversification, Multi-Level Perspective, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Sustainability transitions Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.242
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE FOOD INDUSTRY
Everything formed in the company including products, services and all ideas are created by human. Therefore, human capital is one of the most important resources of an organization and source of achieving company’s success. The relation between employee fulfilment, satisfaction of their work and their effectiveness, commitment, performance and identification with the organization seems to be obvious. The goal of the paper is to present the review of the literature in the field of human capital management and the cognitive purpose is the analysis of the implementation of selected elements of human resource management and most of all methods and tools that improve the performance of employees. The research method was a survey carried out among the selected employees in Natures Way Food – organization based in Southern England, West Sussex. The study involved 100 randomly selected employees of Natures Way Foods. As a method of data collection was used the auditorium questionnaire consisting of 30 questions carried out in the workplace of surveyed people. The survey was anonymous and its results served for conclusions and proposals for changes in the implementation of HR processes, affecting the efficiency of employees. Keywords: HR, HRM, methods and tools of improvement employees ,the efficiency of company's employees, JEL Code: M300, M500, M530 Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.240
EUROPE 2020 TARGETS: THE PROGRESS OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF RIS3
The Europe 2020 strategy was proposed by the European Commission with an aim to improve European Union (EU) competitiveness and promote economic growth. For the successful achievement of economic growth using the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) in the EU, the European Commission has set out five interrelated headline targets to be achieved by 2020 in the areas of employment, research and development, climate change and energy, education and poverty and social exclusion. The targets are translated into national targets for each EU Member State; at the same time, they are common goals for all the EU Member States to be achieved through a mix of national and EU actions. The authors of the research used statistical data on the Europe 2020 targets to detect progress or regress in achieving these targets, the accuracy of target value detection and the implementation of RIS3 in the EU. The aim of the research is to evaluate RIS3 progress based on the Europe 2020 targets. The following tasks were set: 1) To calculate progress on each Europe 2020 target for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania using Eurostat statistical data; 2) To evaluate the calculated data and compare the data with those for the other Baltic States and the EU average; 3) To forecast RIS3 development for the year 2020 in the Baltic States. The research employed the monographic and descriptive methods as well as analysis, synthesis, the graphic method, the data grouping method and forecasting. All the three Baltic States have exceeded their target values on employment and education. Low indicators – just half of the target value – the Baltic States have on the share of the EU’s GDP invested in Research and Development. Other positions such as green energy, poverty and social exclusion mostly show a need for more active and effective action for achieving the Europe 2020 targets. Keywords: Europe 2020 targets, smart specialization strategy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.056
FROM TRADITIONAL BUSINESS TO SOCIAL ONE: NEW POSSIBILITIES FOR ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL AREAS
In many EU countries economic and social development stagnates. The reasons are various and depends on the country. Some countries are still leaders (Germany, Great Britain, France), but depending on political events and complicated issues in each of them common EU internal market is kept as rather passive and not expanding in terms of consumption and investments. Especially it is related to countries suffering their internal business problems. The research problem of this paper is related to the issues how to provide some innovative solutions to traditional enterprises in Lithuania and Poland for their prosperous development. The aim of the paper is to analyse the situation and problems of traditional business in rural areas of Lithuania and Poland and propose development possibilities applying social initiatives and becoming social enterprises. The research object of the paper is traditional and social enterprises in rural areas. The research discloses that in Lithuania and Poland the situation in rural areas has a lot of similarities in terms of development and problems. Social entrepreneurship in both countries is kept as possibility but still problems and specificity exist in the countries. Keywords: rural areas, traditional business, social business Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.139
The social welfare of the community, as a reflection of the quality of life, is characterized by a dynamic and complex nature, and is now becoming an increasingly relevant and more debatable topic in the scientific community. An integrated assessment of social welfare becomes the most important prerequisite for increasing the quality of life. The theoretical studies of social welfare assessment have shown that in order to assess it, a systematic approach is needed that distinguishes living quality factors and their groups and identifies the relationships between them. It is obvious that only the assessment of the existing social welfare situation can form the direction of improving the quality of life. In this article the authors, analyzing the issue of social welfare management as one of the most painful problems of the community today, define the concept of quality of life and social welfare, identify factors of social welfare quality and their assessment indicators, reveal the peculiarities of community-oriented activities. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the authors of the article present a conceptual model illustrating community social welfare management and improving the quality of social life by responding to the needs of the community. The model consists of 5 main stages, each stage solving individual tasks. In the initial stages, an analysis of the current situation is carried out in the aspect of determinants of social welfare, the existing level is determined and comparison with the previous periods is performed. In the next stages a social welfare development plan is being prepared and implemented. According to the authors, applying the proposed model of social welfare management in the community, it is possible to ensure a higher level of social quality of life. Research method is the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, logical, comparative and graphic representation. Keywords: social welfare, social welfare indicators, community, management Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.224
THE ROLE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN CONDITIONS OF SLOVAK REPUBLIC
In addition to the infrastructure of the regions, an essential aspect of their development is their educational structure and the demographic potential according to the predominance of the age composition. The education is basic tool for acquiring expert knowledge, which affects human capital of the labor market and professional mobility and adaptability of human resources at the labor market. It is important to educate the university undergraduates for practice by using appropriate and suitable educational methods. In Slovakia the share of inhabitants with the university education is increasing. This group represents the development potential of the regions. Great possibilities consist in the training of a new generation of graduates for different fields of regional development. Therefore, the educational structure and also the active working and networking of universities with other actors in the region are important. The objective of this paper is focused on the tertiary education and study programs for the regional development. We will analyze the development of number of students at universities with regard to the individual levels of study (bachelor, engineer/master and PhD.) and study programs within the individual regions of the Slovak Republic. The evaluation of the obtained data will be made by using the methods of comparative statistics. Keywords: tertiary education, study programs, students, regional development, labor market Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.126
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE IN UZBEKISTAN
The goal of this paper is to analyse socio-economic role of value added agriculture in Uzbekistan. The main agricultural exports are cotton (raw and yarn), fruits, vegetables, leather, wool and fur. There is an opportunity to acquire more social and economic advantages by exporting finished goods, which are made out of primary agricultural commodities. Adding value to agricultural products lead to increasing the share of finished goods in export, supplying import-substituting products, improving infrastructure in rural areas, providing new jobs and growing people’s income. The paper presents the analyse of the agriculture sector in GDP and the production dynamics of the primary agricultural commodities during 2005-2014, as well as comparison the share of cotton, fruits, vegetables and leather in export in 2005 and 2014. Based on the analyses it is recommended to widely use value added agriculture in order to support people, who are living in rural areas in Uzbekistan. Keywords: export, primary agricultural commodities, share, economic role, value added agriculture Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.213
CITIZENS PARTICIPATION IN ADDRESSING LOCAL PROBLEMS: A CASE STUDY OF REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
The paper discusses the level of satisfaction of the local government performance and certain forms of citizen’s participation in the improvement of the quality of life in the rural communities, such as creating new job positions, improvement of the infrastructure, creating better opportunities for the children, and decreasing of the poverty. Politicians often make big promises before elections while talking about democracy, rule of law and citizens well-being. After their election, however, they forget about the problems of their fellow citizens. Citizens then feel helpless, fall in apathy and hopelessness, and take a distance from politics and the vital questions for their rural community. The paper will show some data related to these issues gathered from a research conducted by the author in 2016 on a representative sample of 640 respondents on the territory of Republic of Macedonia. The research results show the current situation of the citizen’s satisfaction from the local government with respect to the solutions of water supply and sewerage, transport of citizens, opening of new jobs, building of social services facilities, opportunities for culture and recreational activities, and they ways in which the citizens influenced the local government. The results mostly reflect dissatisfaction with the work of the local government in addressing local problems, the underdeveloped mechanism of public participation, low level of human capital in rural local governments and other problems. Keywords: forms of participation, satisfaction, local government, rural development, Republic of Macedonia Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.215
RISK OF POVERTY AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This paper addresses the poverty risk issues in the context of sustainable development of rural areas. Empirical materials included in this paper are based on EU-SILC (European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions) partial studies, and provide a reference point for comparing the EU income distribution and social integration statistics. Poverty reduction and counteracting social exclusion are among the key Millennium Development Goals. According to studies, one in four inhabitants of EU rural areas is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. While the highest shares of at-risk population are recorded in Bulgaria (54.8%) and Romania (50.8%), the levels reported by Poland and Lithuania are also above the EU average (by 4.5 and 9.2 percentage points, respectively). At the other end of the spectrum, the risk rate in the Netherlands and Czech Republic is 12.8%. For the households, income is a factor underpinning their economic safety and, thus, their confidence. The amount of incomes affects the objective poverty levels measured with a parametric method. In the EU, persons earning no more than 60% of the national median income are assumed to be at risk of poverty. Therefore, the risk of poverty affects nearly every fifth inhabitant of EU rural areas. Poverty and social exclusion are multidimensional aspects which result in unmet needs in multiple areas: healthcare, education, housing, culture and leisure. While triggering some kind of feedback loop, insufficient incomes are both the cause and the effect of deprivation of needs. Also, they provide favorable conditions for an unsustainable development of rural areas. Keywords: at-risk-of poverty rate, rural areas, social exclusion, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.044
MOST SPECIFIC INCONSISTENCIES OF LABOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES
The construction industry and the safety of workers in it is also related to the agricultural sector and its development. The construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in the world where employees relatively often suffer from accidents. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of labor safety management systems in construction industry enterprises. The main goal of the study is to detect the most significant inconsistencies in the labor safety management system, to develop the necessary actions and activity, which ensure the elimination of inconsistencies or minimization of their consequences, and also provide an economic benefit for the company. Since the purpose of this study is to ensure that the construction company, knowing the most common weaknesses in the system, is preventive in dealing with these issues. The study methods used are secondary data analysis, case study and expert observations in ten companies that chooses to implement the OHSAS Standard. A total of 35 external audit reports were analyzed for the period 2008 to 2016. The study examines the role of labor safety management systems in construction industry enterprises. The study identifies the problems and influencing factors associated with implementation and maintenance of the systems. The work analyzes theoretical aspects of the safety culture, its development and choices of the labor safety culture in the organization. Requirements of labor safety legislation in the European Union are reviewed and how these requirements are integrated into Latvian legislation, and specifically in the enterprises of the reviewed sector. The most significant inconsistencies of the labor safety management system was identified and summarized in construction companies. Keywords: labor safety, management systems, OHSAS, preventive measures Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.243
SMART EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE LEARNING PROCESS AT A RURAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTION - A CASE STUDY
Smart educational technology in the learning process at a vocational training institution directly correlates to the pedagogical and methodological preparation of teachers and their practical experience. The pedagogical preparation determines better learning outcomes, effective social and cultural expressions, and more qualitative guidance of the didactic process. In addition, teachers with the help of technology have the opportunity to draw attention to each student, help the learner to know himself and his or her field of professional expression. This case study examined the ability of vocational teachers to use various technologies in class. Study was conducted in five rural vocational training schools in Lithuania. Twenty five vocational teachers were interviewed using focus group interview format about their smart educational technology usage in teaching and contacting their students. Teachers were observed manipulating, transforming and allocating appropriate digital media, adapting teaching content and easily forming teaching-learning networks to achieve educational goals. Overall, the process described here showed that regardless of how long vocational teachers work at a rural school and what subjects they teach, mostly teachers communicated and collaborated through technologies with their students while presenting vocational teaching content. Finally, the technological competence of vocational teachers reflected the teacher's ability to carry out a certain vocational teaching process: the ability to perform technological operations, the skill to work with various materials, equipment and the mentoring capacity. Keywords: case study, learning process, smart education technology, teachers’ perspective, rural vocational training institution Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.128
SOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITY BASED ON SOCIAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES IN LITHUANIA
The scholar literature on simultaneous using of social capital explore knowledge and identity resources as well as actions and interactions benefiting the community through personal bonds of individuals; issues of common trust; and adapting the current understanding in new situations. In this article, we instead examine rural community influence on social capital building of adult person in a virtual community. A quantitative survey was done in 246 local rural communities in Lithuania which reflected their community activities on a virtual basis. From the data of 500 informants we found that rural community (human social network) members were also active in the virtual communities. Research participants from rural communities expressed their will to be the part of a virtual community and virtually solve various local community issues. Active members of virtual communities actively participated in live community activities. Local community members peer-learned while sharing knowledge and experience in virtual communities. We argue that belonging to a virtual community inspire rural community members to train their virtual and live communication skills and peer-learn. Virtual community could contribute to self-regulated learning by stimulating sense of sociality and identity of rural community members. Virtual community could operate as self-regulated learning space for rural community members. Social capital development would be more intensive when the members of rural community actively engage in social communication, cooperation and exchange of information, and mentor each other. This survey highlights the virtual community influence the social capital building of rural community members in Lithuanian context. Keywords: adult person, belonging, rural community, social capital development, virtual community Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.129
CRITERIA OF ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF LAND STOCK MANAGEMENT
One of preconditions for sustainable socio-economic development of the region can be observed as much as possible involvement of land resources in economic turnover and increasing of efficiency of their use. On the example of Samara region which is the subject of the Russian Federation are made proposals for establishment of criteria for assessment of economic efficiency of land management in specific area. Statistical data on collection of land payments (land tax and leasehold payment) in 27 municipalities of Samara region in 2004-2014 are analysed. There is investigated common information on Samara region - location, total land stock area, agricultural land area, distance between main city of region and territory, number of inhabitants, density of population, etc. Methods of mathematical statistics, regression and factor cluster analysis are used. During the research, methods of mathematical statistics, including correlation and regression analysis, were used. The indicators most influencing the volume of land payments are determined and is developed the model of coherence between level of payments and geographical and demographic characteristics of the municipality (according to the 2012-2014 data). The model allows to estimate the “normative level” for each region according to objective characteristics and to rank the regions according to this indicator. The level corresponding to such a ranking can be considered as a criterion for the effectiveness of land management taking into account the different potentialities of the municipal districts of the Samara region. Land payments are local taxes, therefore they are an important source of the formation of financial basis of local governments in Russian Federation and play an important role in the socio-economic development of the regions. Keywords: criteria of economic efficiency, governance, land stock, land payment, land tax, leasehold payment, leasehold Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.250
EFFICIENCY OF THE INVESTMENT ACTIVITY OF POLISH COMMUNES IN RURAL AREAS
The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the efficiency of investment activity in the communes in Poland. The commune is a basic unit of local government in Poland, and rural and urban-rural communes constitute the vast majority of municipalities. Communes in their own name and on their own account carry out public tasks that cover all tasks of local interest, including technical and environmental infrastructure. Despite many researches on the efficiency of communes, there are no studies on selected activities as well as on rural areas only. The nonparametric method of technical efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used in the study. The inputs and the effects of investment activity of rural and urban-rural communes in 2007-2013 were compared. This period was related to the duration of EU support programs. The study was conducted on the basis of data from the Local Data Bank which is Poland's largest database of the economy, society and the environment. The ranking of investment activity for communes were made based of the calculated average for indicators of efficiency. The studies conducted show that the amount of expenditure incurred on the studied spheres of investment activity of the analyzed communes does not translate into their efficiency. This is connected with the possibility of obtaining additional funds from EU. Information on the use of EU funds for financing the municipal investments were not included in the study due to lack of data before 2010. Among the analyzed rural and urban-rural communes the most efficient ones were located in the Mazowieckie, Świętokrzyskie and Lubelskie voivodships, although they were not fully efficient throughout the considered period. Due to its closeness to the capital, the municipality of Mazowieckie voivodeship belongs to an area with a high degree of urbanization. Communes from the Świętokrzyskie and Lubelskie voivodships belong to regions characterized by a high share of rural areas. The dynamic development of infrastructure is extremely important in terms of divergence between regions of the country. Keywords, communes, efficiency, investments, bioeconomy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.207
MULTIFUNCTIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUNICIPALITIES ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF OLSZTYN
Rural areas have multiple functions. Four key functions can be identified in a synthetic approach: economic, environmental, social and cultural. Multidirectional rural development is strongly influenced by spatial attributes, demographics, environmental factors, infrastructure and capital. Multidirectional development is closely associated with the multiple functions of rural areas. In general, multifunctional rural development involves rural activation and rural business diversification which enables members of the rural community to derive incomes from non-farming activities. The growth potential of rural municipalities is an important determinant of multifunctional development. The aim of this study was to analyze the level of socioeconomic development in rural municipalities, which is an indicator of their multifunctional development. The analysis involved rural municipalities adjacent to the city of Olsztyn. These municipalities are bedroom communities whose residents commute to work in the urban center. The study analyzed 15 indicators describing the four key areas of multifunctional development: environmental, social, economic and infrastructural. Data for 2013-2015 were acquired from the Central Statistical Office and statistical tables of the agricultural productivity index. The results indicate that the municipality of Purda (with relatively poor soils) meets the highest number of criteria and the municipality of Dywity (with relatively high-quality soils) meets the lowest number of criteria for multifunctional development. Keywords: multifunctional development, rural areas, indicators of environmental, social, economic and infrastructure potential Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.208
BIOECONOMY – OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS IN MALOPOLSKA VOIVODSHIP (POLAND)
The main objective of the article is to indicate the main challenges and development opportunities related to the bioeconomy, shown in the regional layout on the example of the Małopolska voivodeship. The theoretical part of a paper is basing on a review of the literature regarding a concept of bioeconomy. It finds is conclusions in a model of 'bio-economy triad of challenges', that the conventional economy is facing. The issues of bioeconomy in this paper are presented in a context of: processes taking place between enterprises, consumers and the state, challenges for qualitative and quantitative economic development. Referring to the above-mentioned model, it was stated that the bioeconomy should be the main direction of development as part of the smart specialization strategy for Małopolska. This will allow, among others development of functional value chains, increasing the added value of production and the possibility of sustainable management of natural resources. Attention was also paid to conditions of development that may constitute significant barriers in shaping the bio-profile of the economy on a regional basis: environmental, in the sense of sustainable access to natural resources; social, understood as the quality of social capital and access to a qualified workforce; institutional, being the state's responsibility and related to the law, providing adequate infrastructure or adequate expenditures for R&D. It was noticed that Małopolska is characterized by a dual development model - on the one hand, we are dealing with sectors of modern technologies concentrated in the provincial city and some poviat cities. On the other hand, when we talk about the raw material sphere, one can talk about development destimulants, i.e. agrarian structure, the problem of fallowing land or the lack of a qualified workforce in rural areas. Keywords: bioeconomy, Malopolska voivodship, opportunities and threats of bioeconomy, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.252
ORGANIC FARMING AS A PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The paper presents the relationships of organic farming with sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. The promotion of environmentally friendly agriculture and environmental protection are implemented within agri-environmental programs. The aim of these programs is to achieve sustainable rural development and preserve biodiversity. The goal of studies was to assess the sustainability of ecological agriculture at the level of an agricultural holding. Organic farming is perceived as a system that is most favorable from the perspective of environmental protection. Analysis was conducted on the basis of data from ecological farms in the Podlaskie voivodeship registered in the FADN system in 2014. Ecological indicators (share of cereals in crops, vegetation coverage of the soil throughout the year, stocking density, balance of organic substances, agricultural and environmental actions taken) as well as economic indicators: land profitability and productivity and profitability of labor, were accounted for. It was determined that the conditions of environmental sustainability were met with regard to the majority of ecological indicators. From the perspective of economic effects, organic farming achieved a positive financial result, but it was lower than in conventional farms. This result was achieved thanks to public subsidies for ecological production. Keywords: agriculture, ecological indicators, organic farming, sustainability Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.217
CAUSES OF SPATIAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN RURAL AREAS IN POLAND
Rural areas, defined as land outside towns, except industrial areas, account for over 93% of the area of Poland. They are attractive as a places of work, residence, leisure, as well as places where agricultural and non-agricultural business activities can be conducted. Agriculture is naturally associated with rural areas. Currently, apart from the agricultural function and (depending on the socioeconomic, natural or historical conditions) rural areas are also places of leisure, recreation, residence or industrial activities. This is a consequence of implementation of the concept of multi-functional development of rural areas, in which conditions are created for diverse business activities, while respecting environmental constraints. Such a multifunctional approach must take into account the interests of all parties to avoid spatial conflicts. Therefore, actions aimed at the development of rural areas should be based on an in-depth analysis of the value of the area under consideration, they should take into account natural conditions (soil, climate, terrain) of the land for conducting agricultural activities, but also take into account environmental, social and economic aspects. Objective and historical conditions affecting agriculture in Poland and the experience gained so far indicate that there is a need to change the spatial arrangement of agricultural areas. This is because of the characteristic features of agriculture in Poland, which include a disadvantageous structure of farms in terms of their area, small size of farms, insufficient technical infrastructure in villages and difficult soil conditions. Rural areas in Poland, including agriculture, are undergoing deep structural changes in regard to agricultural production, but also to farm size and layout, demographic and spatial structures as well as technical and social infrastructure. The changes taking place in rural areas in Poland are greatly affected by the Common Agricultural Policy in the European Union. As a member of the EU, Poland has been receiving aid since 2004 and has been implementing actions within Rural Development Programmes. The aim of this paper is to analyse the transformations that have been taking place in rural areas in Poland and to present selected factors and causes of the changes in rural spaces. Keywords: rural areas, rural development, spatial transformations Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.127
MATHEMATICS AS POTENTIAL FOR THE PERSON'S RESILIENCE
Scientific literature offers extensive examples of the role of mathematics education in the development of personality and intelligence as well as its application in everyday life and professional activities. Furthermore, the attitude towards the role of mathematical knowledge in the labour market is widely discussed in the society. In order to reflect the views of respondents on the issues of mathematics education and the potential values of mathematics, the survey was carried out. The research data was analysed considering the respondents` education speciality, gender, age and mathematics learning experience. Study results show that mathematics is widely used in everyday life as well as in professional activities, and gives advantage in the labour market. It is difficult to learn mathematics but it is highly worthy. Thus the subject of mathematics is becoming a crucial instrument for promoting an all-round education and personal development. Therefore, many higher education courses have to be mathematics-intensive, and students need to have a high level of competence in the subject to promote person’s resilience. Keywords: mathematics, mathematical competence, person's resilience Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.140
PRODUCTION AND MARKET OF ECOLOGICAL PRODUCT IN POLAND
The goal of this study is to evaluate the condition and development prospects of ecological farming and its product market in Poland. Sources of data used for the analysis included: IJHARS (Agicultural and Food Quality Inspection) national reports, literature, and information provided by experts and consumers. The time frame of the research covers the years 2004–2020. The date of Poland's accession to the EU 2004, and subsequent formal-legal factors were taken into consideration to schedule the time frame of the research. The trend was analyzed in reference to the number of ecological farms and the area of ecological farmlands as well as ecological manufacturers in 2004–2016. The method of the “least squares” was used in the study. Parameters of the trend function equation (linear, square) were determined by means of this method. MS Excel calculation sheet was used as a calculation tool. The value of determination coefficients indicated good consistence of the determined trend lines with empirical data. A distinctive linear trend with upward tendency in the number of ecological manufacturers was found in the analysed period of time. According to the determined trend function, the number of ecological manufacturers could be more than 764 in 2020, that is, reach the expected value according to the assumptions of the Framework Action Plan for Ecological Agriculture and Food in Poland for the years 2014–2020. The analyses were confronted with the experts' assessment results carried out by the method of online survey and consumers'' assessment by the method of group interview carried out in 2017. Two measurement instruments were prepared, that is, a survey questionnaire and interview scenario. It needs to be noted that although during the last 3 years a drop in eco-production was reported, development of ecological agriculture and its product market in Poland is possible, on condition that the government policy in this field is consistent and predictable, the society becomes richer and the ecological awareness of both farmers and consumers improves. Keywords: organic agriculture, organic food, ecological food, organic market, organic marketing, development, trend function, evolution trend Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.043
VOCATIONAL PURPOSEFULNESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOCIO-ENVIRONMENT FACTORS
The development of rural businesses and the implementation of innovations in rural areas depends on possibilities to realize individual’s potential, and the opportunities to develop initiative and creativity of young people. The aim of the study was to reveal the significance of socio-environment factors for the vocational decision making of senior pupils from secondary school in rural areas. The factors were analyzed from the viewpoint of senior pupils and members of rural community. The object of the research – the socio-environment factors of vocational purposefulness of young people in rural communities. The research tasks focus on the attitudes of rural community members and young people toward factors that influence the vocational purposefulness of youth in rural areas. Also, the differences between two groups were analyzed. The sample consisted of 280 respondents: 100 secondary school senior pupils (56% girls and 44% boys, the mean age – 16 years) and 180 rural community members (80% women and 20% men, 35 years old in average). Based on the works of researchers in the area of vocational orientation and purposefulness, the questionnaire was compiled. The results revealed that socio-environment factors are important for the purposeful decision making on the vocational choice of youth in rural areas. From the view point of rural community members, the main factors are: family traditions, the profession’s prestige in society, the influence of parents, friends and important others, and family conditions. According to the opinion of senior pupils from secondary school, the important factors are: family conditions and traditions, friends and other important people, as well as profession status in the rural community. Recommendations for development of young people’s vocational purposefulness in rural areas are presented. Keywords: rural community, socio-environment factors, vocational decision making, senior pupils, youth Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.136
ROLE OF THE INTERNET IN STRENGTHENING SOCIAL CAPITAL IN EU RURAL AREAS
The article discusses the role of the Internet as an innovative form of interpersonal communication. We assumed that Internet usage in rural areas may not only result in better access to knowledge and information, but also contribute to stronger social cohesion and prevent exclusion of the elderly. We analysed information about individual Internet users in Poland and the EU, including changes related to age, education and domicile. The data enabled us to identify expected change tendencies in rural areas. We highlighted the process of ageing of European farmers with its related social and economic consequences. Against this background, we show the dual role played by the Internet in strengthening social capital in rural areas. On the one hand, it is educational in that it educates and activates young farmers. On the other, it is social, i.e. it helps the elderly stay in touch and participate in social life. We also raised the problem of potential digital exclusion of the elderly. Keyword: digital exclusion of the elderly, Internet, social capital, rural areas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.049
PUBLIC FOOD PROCUREMENT – THE SITUATION IN LATVIA
One of the most important medium-term tasks in Latvia is the promotion of production and consumption of local food through implementing measures aimed at increasing the market share of food products produced in Latvia in public procurement and consumption. The research aim is to examine the situation of public food procurement in Latvia and assess the changes of local products share in public food procurement. In Latvia, at the end of 2014, in response to Russia's embargo on the Latvian-produced food products and to promote local food consumption in the country was accepted new Regulations. These Regulations prescribe the requirements for public procurement using environmental criteria, and their application, as well as the applicable tender selection criteria for the food supply and catering contracts. This contributed an increase of the quantity of purchases where ZPP criteria were used, thereby also increased the share of local production. The purchase of food from local farmers positively affects local entrepreneurship, while providing a significant income source for the local farmers; in this way, the viability of many small local agricultural holdings is maintained. Research methods used: monographic, descriptive, analysis, synthesis, statistical analysis. The present research was performed based on the statistical data, research papers and other information sources. Keywords: local food, public food procurement, sustainability Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.236
HOW CAN SOLIDARITY IN A COMMUNITY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE?
Our thesis states that the social capital can increase through establishing a union of solidarity. By achieving this, we will not only create new places of employment, support, acceptance, friends and social relationships, but also gain additional knowledge and build networks. We show that the quality of life will be influenced by solidarity by discussing different projects. At first, we discuss concepts like acceptance, network, knowledge in the context of solidarity, as well as quality of life. After establishing the definitions, we allocate to these terms different criteria, which will be the foundation of examining the success of the projects. Hereby the items of investigation for each project are the objectives, the proposed solutions and alternative routes for achieving the goals, as well as the achieved level of solidarity. Substantial influencing values, obstructive or conducive, are carved out and named, leading to applicable commendations. At last, we show the possibilities to augment the solidarity of rural areas by using information systems, as well as consider the limitations. In conclusion, we discuss the effects of staying together on the quality of life. In the analysis of the exemplary projects, the diversity of approaches is surprising: it spans from the establishment of a special office in the administration, to the communal plantation of fruits and vegetables for their own needs, to the sharing of knowledge or the locating of new partners for cooperation through networking. Eventually, essential determining factors for the success of solidarity in communities are the establishment of a common culture, shared interests and a well-functioning communication. Keywords: networking, permanent learning, political and IT-technical information influences, solidarity union Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.229
INFORMATION POLICY IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERE IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE AND THE EU
The purpose of this research is to develop a legal mechanism for ensuring the right to access environmental information to ensure sustainable development of society. In the context of our study we developed an understanding of information human rights - the right to collect, disseminate, use and preserve environmental information is fundamental and natural. We understand information human rights as a group of rights with a center around freedom of information, the right to environmental information, the right to communication in environmental sphere, the right to access to environmental information that is public or socially significant, the right to privacy, and the protection of personal data. In the EU, access to environmental information is regulated by Directive 2003/4/EC (Aarhus Convention, 1998). Citizens of the EU have the right to receive this information within one month from the moment they ask and not to mention why they need it. In addition, public authorities are required to actively disseminate information on environmental information at their disposal. In Ukraine defined system of a jurisdiction whose collection includes different types of environmental information and formation of information on environmental policy. But the issue of public administration in the field of environmental protection is currently split between different executive bodies; there is no united information policy and the body responsible for it. There is no obligation for the authorities to inform the population even in crisis situations. This study will form the legal framework to ensure the right of access to environmental information in Ukraine by introducing the position of Information Commissioner - an official, the competence of which includes monitoring of compliance of information law with information policy in the environmental field. Keywords: environmental information, information human rights, Information Commissioner, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.218
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN FARMS
The study aimed to explore the current situation and services efficiency level of problems of Institutional framework of government support for Ukrainian farms. Nowadays, the agrarian sector of the economy shows a positive dynamics of growth, forming in recent years about 14% of gross value added in the country and about 40% of foreign exchange earnings on exports in Ukraine. This article aims to examine, through content analysis and statistical description, the importance of the agrarian sector in the national economy and its role in ensuring the country's food security requires the sustainability and effectiveness of its development based by experiences of USA and Europe practices. Therefore, the study examined the development of farming and service cooperatives are the necessary actions of the state, aimed at ensuring that a person working on the ground can earn enough money to be interested in continuing the work on his own land. Research data were collected from State Statistics Service of Ukraine, World Economic Forum and The European Statistical System. Research results showed that creating new jobs in the countryside are taxes to local budgets, and the development of rural areas, and the slowdown of urbanization, the reduction of the rate of extinction of the Ukrainian village. Such economic results, supplemented by the solution of other problems that farmers say, will obviously be better prepared for the opening of the land market in the future. Keywords: governmental support, Ukrainian farms, land market, state aids, rural development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.237
INPUT OF COMMUNAL FORESTS TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RURAL POPULATION: STUDY CASE OF NORTHERN PORTUGAL AND GALICIA
Communal forests occupy one million hectares in the Northern of Portugal and Galicia. Since centuries ago, “Baldios” and “Montes Veciñais en Man Común” (MVMC) played an essential function in the economy of their owner communities. This role was lost all through the last century due to the enormous afforestation and the decrease of agriculture. The restitution of democratic regimes returned the communal forests tenure to the communities. Given the extension and high average area, our paper aims to research its potentialities and limitations of contribution to rural development. Two case studies, one in North Portugal and another one in Galicia, allow identifying the individual and collective traditional uses and the achievements made with revenues linked. Both Galician and Portuguese realities exhibit similarities and complementary benefits, and needing social and economic innovation to make a better use of rural resilience. Communal lands and small-scale business projects could maintain the network of local produce markets with attractive aesthetic values as well as biodiversity conservation. The comparison of the different criteria shows economic aspects are the most valorised by the stakeholders. The management decision of collective forests was the alternative mixed by the communities and the Forestry Services as the best one to complete the main objective of sustainable rural development. As a final conclusion of our work, remarking that the communities owning these forests currently seem to have the conditions to successfully manage their properties if the commoners are able to mobilize and adequate organize the communities. Keywords: Baldios; communal property; management; Montes Veciñais en Man Común; rural resilience Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.227
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION – BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE
The aim of the considerations is to define the essence of sustainable consumption as one of the conditions of the practical realisation of sustainable development concept. The paper underlines the importance of sustainable consumption implementation as well as its importance for the future development. The existence of narrow and broad understanding of sustainable consumption was indicated in the elaboration. In the first case, it concerns environmental aspects, whereas in the second, it covers three dimensions: economic, environmental and social ones. The authors also indicated the practices in fames of sustainable consumption on different levels, i.e. individuals, households and governmental ones. They considered different aspects of sustainable consumption, which is an alternative occurrence in relation to consumptionism and manifests itself in eco-consumption, collaborative consumption, deconsumption and responsible consumption. Nevertheless, sustainable consumption is on the margin of mainstream consumption processes. The elaboration also presents a number of factors and obstacles for realisation of the sustainable consumption, both on demand and supply side. First, it requires fundamental changes in value system, social awareness and consumer habits. The state should use particular tools (informational, legal, economic and financial ones) to enable realisation of the sustainable consumption concept. Keywords: change, consumption pattern, development, sustainability Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.134
OPTIMIZATION OF THE MANAGEMENT MECHANISM FOR THE INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
The current trends in the development of innovative activities in Russia are far from fully meeting the expectations associated with improving the competitiveness of products and the quality of life of the population, with the provision of dynamic sustainable growth, and the formation of the innovative economy. The mixed nature of the Russian economy, the fundamentally different technological level and institutional conditions for the development of various sectors exclude the possibility of defining a single model of innovative development that is universal for all sectors. In the current conditions, the technical and technological level of the agrarian sector of the country's economy is the most catastrophically lagging behind the world's leading producers of agricultural products. Domestic agrarian production is 5 times more energy intensive and 4 times more metal consuming, and labor productivity is 8-10 times lower than in the USA, in the leading countries of the European Union and Canada. Not having eliminated this techno-technological backlog, without implementing the advanced development of certain specific areas of scientific research and technological developments in the field of agriculture, Russia's agrarian sector will finally lose its competitiveness and will not be able to ensure the country's food security. Thus, the need for a scientific justification of the theory, methodology and practice of the innovative development management of the agrarian sector of the regional economy in the context of large-scale economic and institutional transformations determines the urgency of the issue. Currently, most of the works of domestic researchers put emphasis on the problems of knowledge transfer, at the same time, the methodology for creating and commercializing competitive scientific knowledge through the formation of innovative agricultural clusters is beyond the scope of scientific research, and its management and economic mechanism has not been developed yet. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop proposals for optimization of the management mechanism for the innovative development of the region's agricultural sector (by the example of the Samara Region of the Russian Federation). The research used a set of methods of scientific knowledge used at both theoretical and empirical levels (conceptual modeling, synthesis and analysis, tabular and graphical interpretation of theoretical information and empirical data). Keywords: agricultural sector, innovations, innovative solution, information and advisory services Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.054
AUTO-ETHNOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES AS AN EFFICIENT TOOL FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF RURAL SOCIAL CAPITAL AND LOCAL IDENTITY
Many regions in Poland are said to be a unique example of preservation of cultural heritage. These include many examples of Pomorskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Wielkopolskie and Dolnoslaskie voivodships. These regions are known to preserve the traditional way of life and customs as well as the architecture, especially the sacral architecture. It is also much easier to build mutual trust and social capital in them, because people from those regions can always refer to the universal values of their ancestors. However, there are also regions which, under the influence of migration and post-displacement processes after World War II, have lost their cultural and social character. Economic emigrants and displaced people from the Eastern Borderlands and Central Poland shared poverty and desire to settle. Will they succeed, and is there a chance to recreate and build a new identity? Those are the questions we are trying to answer, and the following article presents some of the results. By moving the border of autobiographical and ethnographic methods, authors adopt an autoethnographic method (narrative interviews, participant observation, biographical methods), which means turning to narratives as a way of research and as an expression of the search for a different relationship between the researcher and the subject and between the author and the reader. The researchers use their own experiences as a source of description of the culture in which they participate and examine. As a result, the text is a story created by the local community and researchers, aimed at reproducing and creating identity in the post-immigrant rural communities based on experienced and historical memory. The research was conducted in the years 2016-2017 in the above mentioned voivodships. Keywords: qualitative research, autoethnography, rural social capital, post-immigration societies identity Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.164
THE ROLE OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN CREATING CONDITIONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES: A CASE STUDY OF RURAL MUNICIPALITIES IN POLAND
The author’s purpose has been to point to initiatives that can be undertaken by authorities in rural municipalities in order to create positive conditions for the growth of entrepreneurship in their territorial units. Parallel to a review of selected references, a survey method was employed, which relied on a questionnaire developed by the author and addressed to local authorities in all municipalities across Poland. Out of 2 479 Polish municipalities, 1 220 responded (d – measurement error = 2%), of which 770 were rural ones (49.17% of the rural municipalities in Poland). The socio-economic environment and spatial conditions of rural areas are different from the ones which prevail in an urban setting. Local governments are equipped with instruments with which they can take advantage of the potential they possess and thereby achieve their goals. Local authorities take initiatives together with the entrepreneurs who are already active in their municipality. Strategically orientated local government officials offer various forms of assistance to entrepreneurs. Regions, towns or municipalities are now competing fiercely for the capital. Developed land parcels (technical infrastructure) are no longer sufficient to attract investors. Other, innovative and business-friendly solutions must be looked for. A municipality which is successful in this search gain a competitive advantage, will attract some capital and, in a further perspective, will attain a high economic growth. Keywords: local authorities, local development, economic activities Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.249
THE OPINION OF RURAL SCHOOL CHILDREN ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LATVIA
The previous survey among adult inhabitants of rural areas indicated that they do not see the possibility for development of business facilities in some rural regions of Latvia – so called specially protected nature territories (SPNT). However, the opinion of the younger generation (pupils of local schools of SPNT) about sustainable management and preservation of the nature has not been analyzed so far. The aim of study was to study the level of social awareness of children living in rural areas on sustainable environment issues. Several discussion-lectures on sustainable environment issues were organized during March-April 2017 in one of SPNT (Raznas National Park; 87 children from 6 to 12 classes were participating). The pupils’ opinion on environmental and social awareness indicated that children are more motivated to take active role in protection of environment. Moreover, most of them were aware of the importance of ecosystem services in their lives as well as their impact on nature. It was also found that the interest of children in agriculture derives from their family's core activities in this area indicating that there might be successful future scenarios in this area concentrating on development of ecological and economically sustainable innovative farming. Social innovation labs are very good example on potential scenario that could be repeated also in Latvian rural areas to areas of social actions in order find a better solutions and cope with problems and after all help to successfully generate ideas and implement innovations. Keywords: environmental and social awareness, rural pupils’ opinion, sustainable and innovative development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.253
SATISFACTION OF RURAL POPULATION WITH PUBLIC SERVICES IN THE REGIONS: ANALYSIS OF EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS
The key idea of the well-being concept strives to answer the question about how well the needs of people in a society are met in different spheres of social life - the physical, economic, social, educational, environmental, emotional, and spiritual – as well as individuals’ evaluations of their own lives and the way that their society operates (Gilbert, Colley, Roberts, 2016). One of the possible suggestions for answering the question: “How well are the needs of people in a society met?” could be the monitoring of citizen’s satisfaction with public services while applying a standardized questionnaire for population covering 193 primary indicators (health, social security, culture, public transport, utilities, environment, recreation and sport, public communication, education, etc). Even 23 indicators are about education that makes educational services a considerable part of all social service system. As the researchers aimed to analyze satisfaction of rural population with public services stressing the education issue, indicators about education dominated in the survey. The data were collected in 2016 - 2017 in 2 regional municipalities: municipalities: Jonava and Radviliskis (N=2368). The results of the analysis demonstrate that rural residents' satisfaction with formal general education services is relatively high. The only negative exception is the "the placement of a child in a pre-school institution based on the place of residence". Furthermore, rural residents poorly evaluated educational services that are related to non-formal education, adult education, the education of children with disabilities, child safety, meaningful xtracurricular activities of children and young people during all day, preventive programs. These major conclusions let the researchers state that local self-governmental institutions are not capable to cope with the quality challenges of some educational services without special intervention policy of the central government and the EU responsible structural units. A negative impact is also reinforced by a rapidly deteriorating demographic situation in Lithuanian rural areas. Keywords: rural development, societal monitoring, rural population satisfaction, educational service Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.154
MODIFICATIONS OF THE CURRENTLY IMPLEMENTED EUROPEAN UNION COMMON POLICY CONCERNING DIRECT PAYMENTS
The paper presents the EU trend towards simplifying of the European legislation in the Common Agricultural Policy. Author remarks the Multi-annual Financial Framework should be focused on the simplification of the CAP and points out that the law should be created in simple, transparent and understandable manner for farmers. EU Members States must respect the principles of subsidiarity, proportionality and coherence. Paying attention to direct payments, there is underlined the importance of land greening in relation to the diversification of crops and the preservation of permanent agricultural land. Author concludes that only professional farmers who have acquired payment entitlements. The review of CAP has not changed the level of funding of agricultural policy in present financial perspective. Keywords: direct payments, review of CAP, rural areas, simplification Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.047
CONCEPTUALISATION OF THE MEANINGFUL LIFE AMONG RURAL AND URBAN YOUNG PEOPLE
In a rapidly changing global environment young people find it more difficult to understand and take a position in life. Therefore, the insights into the meaning of life as well as youth values, which need to be updated at times, presuppose a scientific problem of this work. The article aims to elaborate the differences between the rural and urban youth concerning their perception of the meaningful life and their values. Three hundred and seventy undergraduate students in the study programmes of agriculture, technology and social science at Aleksandras Stulginskis University were surveyed. The results of the survey revealed the prevailing individualistic values of the youth. Although the statistical differences in the socio-economic variables were not found, some trends in the context of gender and place of origin were observed. Students associate the meaning of life with diligence and honest work, self-confidence and goal-seeking. The essential differences in basic life principles manifested themselves within the perception of the meaningful life between the urban and rural youth. Although young people from rural areas perceive life as tedious, they tend to live longer, abandoning everything that is unhealthy, and do not think that a suicide could be a way out of a difficult position. Whereas, the youngsters from big cities, evaluating their life in a fairly optimistic way, would rather live shorter life, than give up the pleasures of life; they are also more likely to think that a suicide could be a way out of a difficult situation. Keywords: meaningful life, youth, values, urban, rural Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.160
SOCIAL FARMING – INTRODUCTION OF THE CONCEPT AND THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Historically, agriculture always fulfilled a social function as well. However, its intensification taking place in the 20th century brought about a number of changes accompanied by putting this and a number of other non-productive functions in the shade. However, recent years have seen the establishment of agricultural directions that contribute to their renewal. This also includes social farming. Social farming is the most complex component of the concept “green care”. In its current form, it creates room for providing for the people who have hardly any chances on the labour market and for their involving in farming activities. While in a number of European countries this concept has been used for many years, in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe it has still been in the early stages and has not been formally defined in many countries yet. In the Czech Republic, the concept of social farming has been developed approximately since 2013, growing and gaining in importance continuously. The article introduces the concept of social farming and describes its current situation in the Czech Republic. The data were obtained through questionnaire surveys and directed interviews in the field. As part of the analysis of the structure of social farming in the Czech Republic, the selected set of thirty entities involved in social farming is described in terms of the structure of the farming production, the main target groups of clients and the funding sources. Keywords: Development, green care, social farming, structure analysis Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.216
LEADER APPROACH IN ESTONIA: SEVEN KEY ELEMENTS IN THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LEADER
The present paper focuses on the two questions concerning the strategic planning of rural development and implementation of the LEADER approach. Firstly, which of the seven key elements of the LEADER approach are valued more than others? Secondly, how does the implementation of local development strategies (LDS) through the action of projects reflect the social innovation element? The empirical study is based on assessment documents of LDS of the two funding periods and qualitative analysis of focus group interviews. The results of the study show how well the strategies entail the seven key elements during the period 2007−2013 and period 2014−2020. Also it is investigated how well the seven key principles in the LEADER approach is implemented. Through the applied study significant changes are visible, but the contents of the LDSs do not reflect all the seven key elements in the equal extent. The evaluation of the period 2007-2013 highlighted that the most attention has been given to area-based approach, also to bottom up approach and to implementation of innovative approach. The study shows weakly addressed the formulation of common vision for some sectors, but also has been difficult to give sense to the element of innovation. The output of the research is providing a suitable knowledge for decision makers to implement the key elements in the best possible way that in turn will reflect by implemented project. Keywords: LEADER, local action groups (LAGs), local development strategy, seven key principles of LEADER approach, rural development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.222
DUAL-USE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY OF CONCERN: INCREASE OF RISKS IN MODERN LIFE SCIENCE AND GLOBALIZATION OF BIOETHICS
Modern life sciences represent the sphere of natural and exact sciences, which include scientific research of living organisms such as microorganisms, plants, animals and human beings. For example modern biology spreads quickly in such spheres as robotics, computer systems, psychology, linguistics and different social subjects, giving rise to new promising directions and interdisciplinary spheres. At the same time a number of researchers mark that technical-technological possibilities of changing fundamental basics of existence of humans and nature are being created. The article based on the analysis of tendencies of development of the technology and recent discussions about dual- use research and technology of concern, justifies the increasing role of bioethics. Of particular concern is received wide spread production and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), carrying a serious risk for human and animal health, biological diversity on the planet. This requires special mechanisms and prevention, such as humanitarian expertise and bioethics. This is due to the fact that the high rate and intensity of development of science and technology have created conditions of uncertainty, lead to increased risks to life and human welfare, the sustainable development of society and nature. It has been suggested that regulation of these risks at the global level, which in turn emphasizes the growing global nature of bioethics. Keywords: dual-use research and technology of concern, modern life science, tendencies of development of science and technology, risks, bioethics Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.210
ASSESSMENT OF VALUE ADDED TAX REDUCTION POSSIBILITIES FOR SELECTED FOOD GROUPS IN LATVIA
Value-added taxes (VAT) are applied in the European Union (EU) Member States in accordance with Directive 2006/112/EC to limit distortions in competition in the common European market. Latvia is one of the five EU Member States where reduced VAT rates are not applied to food products, and the food is taxed at the standard rate of 21%. For this reason, food producer organisations discuss the introduction of a reduced VAT rate for selected fruits, berries, vegetables as well as potato grown in Latvia. The overall aim of the present research is to assess the effect of reduction of the VAT rate from 21 to 5% for selected food groups: fresh fruits, berries, vegetables and potato produced in Latvia. The research estimated a decrease in the price for the mentioned food groups, identified a potential increase in consumption and forecasted the effect of the VAT rate reduction on the amount of tax revenue collected by the central government. The research found that the reduction of the VAT rate from 21 to 5 % would result in a price decrease ranging from 1.9 to 3.5% for fruits, berries, vegetables and potato, the consumption of fresh fruits and berries would increase, on average, in the range of 1.2–2.3%, while the consumption of fresh vegetables would increase, on average, in the range of 1.2–2.1%, yet in a short-term the tax revenue paid to the government would decrease in the range of EUR 3.9–5.7 million. Nevertheless, in a medium-term, a significant positive effect on the producers of fruits, berries, vegetables and potato that operate legally in the agricultural industry could be expected, as the negative effect of the shadow economy decreases. Keywords: value added tax, prices, consumption, government budget Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.048
THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
The rural development policy of the Agricultural Property Stock of the State Treasury in Poland (APS) is conducted by The Agricultural Property Agency – APA (since 1.09.2017 – The National Centre for Agriculture Support). The property managed by the APA includes agricultural land, forests, farm buildings, residential buildings as well as equipment and devices that are part of the social, technical, production, commercial and service infrastructure. The aim of research was to proof the influence of the gratuitous transfer of land from the APS to local government units, to engage them in social activities. The main methods used for it were: the analyse of legal acts in Poland, the analyse of reports and statistic data from APA and method of cartographic presentation – quantitative, cartogram. This article focuses on the social aspects of the APA’s operations, based on an analysis of the data supplied by the Regional Branch of the Agricultural Property Agency in Olsztyn. The results of the analyses were presented in table format. The rural development policy concerning the performance of public purposes in rural areas was analysed. The obtained information and materials were analysed to identify social investments carried out on agricultural land donated to local authorities from Agricultural Property Stock of the State Treasury. The results were used to analyse and describe the social aspects of the APA’s operations in rural area in Poland. Rural areas require various types of social assistance services. The Agricultural Property Agency has successfully fostered social development in rural areas, and it has the required resources and experience to continue that mission. Keywords: Agricultural Property Agency, agricultural land, social aspects of managing rural areas, rural development policy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.153
COMPARISON OF SLOVAK DAIRY PRODUCTS WITH AND WITHOUT ADDED VALUE SOLD BY COMMERCIAL CHAINS
The share of products with higher added value is constantly decreasing in Slovakia's agri-food exports and the share of basic agricultural raw materials with low added value is increasing. Commercial retail chains sell especially products without added value. On the other side, products that have undergone a processing are imported from abroad. According to the latest survey of the Slovak Food Chamber of Agriculture in 2016, the share of Slovak products on retailers and retail chains is only 39.91%, with 38.9% in 2015 and 2014.with increase of only 1%. Most of the agri-food products produced in Slovakia are at most represented in commodities: eggs, milk, honey and at least in the following categories: processed vegetables, packaged meat and processed fruit. The main objective of presented paper is to show, that Slovak farmers rather sell raw milk instead of selling added value processed products. A big difference can be found between milk and dairy products, where up to 20% is the difference in the representation of these products in the commercial chains. This fact means, that the Slovak farmers produce enough milk, but it is convenient for them to sell milk as a raw material instead of processing it in their own direction and selling the processed products. Raw milk is exported abroad and then comes back to the Slovak market with an added value as processed product. The survey, which was carried out on all trade chains, showed that the share of Slovak milk in the chain is 63%. An important finding is also the presence of individual dairy products that are produced in Slovakia. The result of the survey showed that the largest share of Slovak dairy products in the domestic market is 51% cottage cheese and sweet / sour cream 55% lowest ripening cheese 40% and processed cheese and cheese spread 43%. Keywords: milk, dairy products, commercial chains, added value, raw material Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.132
ECONOMIC RATIONALE FOR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL IDENTIFICATION INTRODUCTION FOR LATVIAN CANNED SPRATS
The article raises the question of economic rationale of including Latvian sprat to the protected geographical identification (GI) register of the European Commission. GIs aims to address the situation of asymmetric information on the market specifically a situation when high-quality foodstuffs customers’ loyalty and trust can be jeopardized by presence of sub-optimal products. One of the means to help customers and producers confront the information asymmetries and possess more control over the situation is the institute of trademarking. GIs can be understood as a type of trademarking, however, since the GI does not belong to a single company but rather to a product and is used by many companies simultaneously, the GIs are rather seen as a type of collective monopoly right reinforcing collective responsibility of producers. The aim of the current research to evaluate theoretical and economic background of GI-labelling and possibilities for GIs introduction to canned sprat industry in Latvia as well as sketch the relevance of GI introduction to Latvian canned sprats. According to the economic theory, a number of acute problems in the canned sprat industry in Latvia can be resolved by participating in the GI scheme and protecting the traditional producing of Latvian sprat at the European level. Latvian canned sprats is one of the food stuffs that would benefit from the certification both in the local market and exported. The key structural events to be mobilized to realize the potential of a GI-labelling introduction to the canned sprats sector in Latvia are indicated in the article along with the GIs theoretic introduction and discussion. Keywords: canned sprats, high-quality added value foodstuff, Latvia, Protected Geographical Identifications Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.119
POPULATION DENSITY IN RURAL AREAS AS A DRIVER OF THE HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
Rural areas are typically characterised by uneven access to education and the resulting varying levels of pupils’ educational attainment. The inefficiency of the education system may lead to a decreased level of human capital development in the society. It is therefore vital to identify the factors responsible for the inefficiency of the education system and take steps to mitigate their negative impact. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between the population density in rural areas, the pupils’ average level of examination performance and the educational value added. The analyses were based on the exam results achieved by lower secondary school-leavers in 1,372 rural communes between 2012 and 2014. The original intention was to include all rural communes in the analysis. However, due to the incompleteness of the data concerning some of the communes, they were eventually excluded from the study. The final sample for analysis consisted of about 58% of all rural communes in Poland. The communes were divided into classes, based on the criterion of population density. The objects under study were arranged in an ascending order according to the value of the population density variable, and then divided into four classes (class A contained 25% of communes with the highest population density). The classes thus defined were used as a qualitative predictor in the subsequently performed ANOVA test. As a next step, contrasts were determined by applying a simple contrast to the analysed classes of communes. The analyses revealed that the highest examination results were achieved in the communes with the highest population density, while the lowest examination results were found in the communes with the lowest population density. This dependence may be indicative of educational negligence at lower levels of education, in this particular case - at the stage of primary school. The results of the analyses point to the need for expanding the network of nursery schools. To address the above problem, financial support should be provided from the state budget to social initiatives aimed at increasing the access to nursery schools, e.g. by creating an appropriate system of subsidies for nursery schools run by both local governments and private entities. Keywords: ANOVA, educational effectiveness, human capital, rural areas, educational diversification Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.042
SPATIAL DIFFERENCES IN ABSORPTION OF 2007-2015 EU FUNDING FOR UTILIZATION OF CULTURAL ASSETS IN NORTHERN POLAND
The utilization of the European Union financial resources by territorial self-govenment units in Northern Poland fosters the process of reconstruction and management of cultural heritage assets and their adaptation to the realization of social and economic tasks and functions. The aim of the paper is to present the ways of spending EU financial resources earmarked for the purposes related to cultural assets in rural areas of Northern Poland against a background of the remaining spatial categories (the voivodship in its entirety, the metropolitan area of the voivodship, towns with district rights, counties) encompassing three voivodships: Zachodniopomorskie, Pomorskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie. The survey was conducted over the period 2007-2015 using the SIMIK Database of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development of the Republic of Poland. The analysis conducted in the paper allowed us to conclude that projects which were carried out in rural areas constituted approximately 20 % of the overall expenditure on ”cultural” projects in the region. Both in the voivodship as a whole as well as in rural areas, in all voivodships the chief purposes encompassed cultural objects and assets as well as sport and tourism infrastructure. On the other hand, tourism product, promotion and information were much less frequently co-financed from EU Fund in Northern Poland in the years 2007-2015. Keywords: cultural assets, EU structural funds, Northern Poland, rural areas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.234
ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACTIVITIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP COMPETENCIES OF ESTONIAN UNIVERSITY GRADUATES FROM BIO-ECONOMY FIELDS
Constant and rapid global economic and social developments and environmental processes create considerable new challenges, but also new opportunities for bio-economy. Entrepreneurs have a crucial role harnessing the new opportunities and addressing the challenges through innovation. The aim of the present paper is to study the entrepreneurship activities and entrepreneurial competencies of Estonian university graduates in the fields connected with bio-economy. The paper studies the data from a survey of three Estonian universities carried out in 2016 in the program “Systemic Development of Entrepreneurship education throughout all educational levels”. The analysis focuses on the share of entrepreneurs, assessments of the entrepreneurship competencies among the alumni, who graduated university in the fields of agriculture, forestry, fisheries; life-sciences, and veterinary medicine, and on their comparison with alumni of the other curricula. Chi-square test, ANOVA are used the compare the entrepreneurship activities, competencies of alumni of different curricula. The results show that the graduates’ field of study had significant impact on their entrepreneurship activities after the graduation, and on the attainment of entrepreneurship competencies. A quarter of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and a fifth of veterinary alumni were entrepreneurs, although a significantly smaller share of them in comparison with graduates of other fields had received entrepreneurship education during their studies. The share of entrepreneurs was lowest among all the fields of study in case of life-sciences alumni. The study demonstrates the need to integrate entrepreneurship education into the agricultural and life-sciences education and to address the attainment of key competencies in university’s curricula. Keywords: entrepreneurship competencies, entrepreneurship education, alumni, university, bio-economy Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.219
THE SHARE OF AGRICULTURE IN GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN EUROPEAN UNION COUNTRIES – VALUATION
Reducing greenhouse gases emissions is one of the major environmental challenges of the modern world. The European Union (EU) has set itself ambitious reduction targets. Proper monitoring of emissions and its valuation is necessary to achieve this goal. In addition, valuation (in monetary terms) will help to raise awareness of the climate change costs among society. The aim of this article is to present international comparisons within the EU covering the monitoring and valuation of aggregate emissions of selected greenhouse gases in general and in agriculture. The study uses Eurostat data for the years 2007-2015. The evaluation was based on the average annual price of carbon dioxide allowances under the European Union Emissions Trading System. Leipzig stock market data were used to determine the price. The study compares the total greenhouse gas emissions and its value in different EU countries. These results show that the largest emitters in the EU are Germany, United Kingdom, France. A comparison of per capita and per GDP emissions results in an almost reversal of this order. The share of agriculture in greenhouse gas emissions was 11% in 2015 and ranged between countries from 3% (Malta) do 32% (Ireland). The results show also that the decline in value is greater than the decrease in emissions. This is due to the dramatic change in the price of allowances. The decrease in quantity of agricultural emission was 0,5%, whilst the decrease in value was 55,5% between years 2008 and 2015. Keywords: agriculture, country comparison, European Union, externalities, greenhouse gases emission valuation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.255
GROUNDED THEORY METHODOLOGY IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
Although the Grounded Theory (GT) methodology has been developed for over 50 years and is one of the most popular methodologies in the world, it is not often used in rural development research. In order to update the possibilities of applying GT in rural development research, this article is based on the analysis of scientific literature and presents the evolution of the development of GT methodology and the possibilities of its application in rural development research. The classic GT strategy is discussed in more detail, as methodology which provides the possibility to researcher to look at the phenomenon from inside without formulating the hypothesis, i.e., to “emerge” the theory, which reveals the main concern and explains how it is resolved, by conceptualizing the authentic experiences of research participants. The article aims to explain that classic GT is a “full package” approach, discusses its coding process; reveales the principles of the emerging classic GT. The GT methodology is discussed as the paradigm that can help researchers discover new insights and develop new theories, explaining the processes of social innovations for rural development. Keywords: grounded theory, social innovation, rural development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.251
SUSTAINABLE FARMING PRODUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT - CASE STUDY BASED ON A SELECTED GROUP OF FARMERS
Piotr PRUS, UTP University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Faculty of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Department of Economics and Advising in Agribusiness, ul. Fordońska 430, 85-790 Bydgoszcz, Polandpiotr.prus@utp.edu.pl The idea of sustainable farming entails farming production management which allows for the efficient use of natural resources in order to achieve financial profit, while respecting the laws of nature and meeting expectations of society at the same time. The idea is interdisciplinary and incorporates many facets. The author analysed numerous methods of production technology which exert influence on the natural environment. The aim of the research was to evaluate if - and to what extent - agricultural production of the examined farms was sustainable. The empirical data was collected by means of the diagnostic interview technique. The poll was carried out between 2014 and 2017 among 155 respondents. The research showed that the majority of the polled farmers adhered to the sustainable farming production guidelines and tried to extend their knowledge of the subject matter. Keywords: sustainable development, farming, farming production JEL classification: Q01, Q10 Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.226
CETA AND ITALIAN AGRI-FOOD PRODUCTS: AN ANALYSIS ON COMPARED ADVANTAGES OF THE MAIN ITALIAN AGRI-FOOD SECTORS
At the age of second-generation agreements, the European Union is going to achieve a number of new trade deals, as well as others country, first of all the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement treated with Canada. A significant part of the debating about CETA is focused on the real need or not to reach new deal and add more liberalization, in particular regarding the Agri-food goods. EU, and above all Italy, can boast a number of excellent export Agri-food processed product, such as wine, cheese and pasta; at the same time, Italy has a need of primary goods, like wheat. Revealed Competitive Advantage is an indicator of the importance of a specific product and, specifically, it’s used to identify the advantage or disadvantage of a trade flow. Some of the main Italian products exported in Canada have been analysed, just like the main imported product from Canada, the wheat; as opposed to EU-28 import of Durum wheat, the other trades have showed a comparative advantage in trade. Finally, in three cases, Italy proves greater advantages in respect with the EU. Keywords: Agri-food production; Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA); Revealed Competitive Advantage (RCA) Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.116
Factors Affecting Human Capital Formation in Logistics Enterprises
Due to ongoing structural changes and socio-economic transition from the production economy to the knowledge economy, human capital plays a vital role in developing and creating new ideas and knowledge. Logistics industry is the fastest growing economic activity in Lithuania. The development of human capital becomes important in securing competitive advantage and improving performance for Lithuanian logistics enterprises. Logistics enterprises themselves try to find solutions how to create, develop and share the knowledge amongst its employees and how strategically develop and manage own human capital. The aim of the research is to examine the contemporary academic perspectives on measuring human capital and the factors affecting its value. In order to provide theoretical and practical basis of the factors affecting human capital formation in logistics enterprises, a study of the correlation between internal and external factors was conducted. Based on the investigation of 30 respondents from Lithuanian logistics enterprises, the correlation between 20 factors affecting human capital value was analysed via a path and correlation analysis. The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the factors of the external environment “Demographic” (such as migration, structure of population and others) and the factor from the environment of the individual “Family” content; the correlation coefficient was -0.671. And it was positively correlated with the factor from the environment of the organisation “Culture” and “Value of organisation” (+0,695). Taking these results into consideration, the focus should be drawn on transforming the function of human resources management as well as providing a facilitative environment for developing the necessary skills in the professional and technical field. Keywords: Human Capital, Logistics, Factor Analysis, Correlation Analysis Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.117
SUBSIDISED ELECTRICITY TAX ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN LATVIA
Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry depends on national and European Union (EU) support, as biogas production is not economically efficient without the support. In 2014 Latvia introduced a new tax – the subsidized energy tax (SET) – that influences all biogas producers in the country. A 10% tax rate is applied to incomes gained from: 1) electricity sold under the mandatory purchase obligation; 2) guaranteed payments for the electrical capacity installed in a cogeneration plant or a power plant. However, there is an opportunity to apply the reduced SET rate of 5%. This is a government support scheme that may be applied to the tax payers that meet the criteria for effective thermal energy use: the operation of biogas facilities, the production of products or their sale to a related person, thereby ensuring the operation of the enterprise. For this purpose, the biogas facility has to be equipped with meters for measuring thermal energy generated; accurate readings of the meters at the generator output have to be specified in monthly tax reports. The research analyzed the fiscal effects of the SET on biogas production enterprises and opportunities for the reduced SET rate to be applied. The reduced SET rate is paid by 29 out of 61 (28%) biogas producers listed in the Register of Subsidized Electricity Producers. The research employed analysis and synthesis, logical construction, the monographic method and statistical analysis and performed calculations. The authors assessed the situation at four biogas production enterprises that were different in terms of output capacity and inputs used. An analysis of gross profit margins allowed concluding that there were considerable differences in expected gross profit margin among various producers: from 13% to 50%, which would be able to influence their decisions to construct a biogas facility if the SET situation were known. Keywords: biogas production, subsidized energy tax, expected profit Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.135
THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL RURAL NETWORK’S INITIATIVES ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF PODLASKIE VOIVODESHIP IN POLAND
National Rural Network is an important instrument for rural development in Poland. NRN is an instrument of the Rural Areas Development Programme. The main objective of NRN is to support the rural areas of the European Union by providing information, experiences and good practices for sustainable rural development. These measures are intended to improve the quality of life of rural residents and the conditions of their work. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate whether the implementation of NRN initiatives contributes to socio-economic development of rural areas in Podlaskie Voivodship. In order to achieve this objective, the projects supported by NRN for the years 2010-2017 were reviewed, and the numbers of the projects in individual poviats were compared to the changes in values of socio-economic development indicators derived from the Central Statistical Office data. Keywords: EU funds, National Rural Network, Podlaskie Voivodeship, rural development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.235
CZECH AGRARIAN FOREIGN TRADE COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES DISTRIBUTION: TRANSFORMATION PROCESS
This paper primarily focuses on Czech agrarian foreign trade comparative advantage issues. The structure and comparative advantages distribution are analyzed in the period before (2001) and after the Czech EU accession (2015/2016). The main central aim of this paper is to identify and analyze changes in comparative advantages distribution and trade commodity structure which have occurred. Trade structure and comparative advantages distribution are analysed in relation to the EU and rest of the World (Developing countries, OECD members, CIS, etc.). Commodity structure (we applied HS system) is analysed specifically in relation to unit value development, trade volume development and comparative advantages distribution development. To successfully accomplish the above mentioned objectives, this paper applies Lafay index and Trade balance index. The results derived from individual analyses are highlighted through the “Product mapping method”. The product mapping matrix divides the entire set of exported products into 4 groups. The LFI index has been chosen for the “product mapping” approach because of its ability to take into consideration only those transactions which are truly related to individual countries’ trade performance. The TBI index has been utilized for its ability to divide the products according to their real trade performance into the above specified four quadrants. In the analysed period, Czech agrarian trade increased its dependency on EU Countries. The share of EU countries in regards to Czech agrarian trade turnover has increased from 78% to nearly 90%. Czech agrarian exports are dominated by low processed and semi-processed aggregations having a low unit value. On the other hand, imports can be characterized by a much higher unit value and a much higher processing level. Unfortunately, the unit value of Czech agrarian exports has been constantly decreasing on the other hand the unit value of imports is increasing. Czech trade comparative advantages exist in relation to the following set of products: HS10, HS12, HS01, HS04, HS15, HS24, HS22, HS11, HS17, HS03, HS16, HS09, HS13 and HS14. Keywords: Czechia, agrarian trade, comparative advantages, distribution, changes, development, unit value, volume, value Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.150
CHARACTERISTIC OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR AND ITS INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SELECTED COUNTRY
Agrarian sector occupies a special place in the structure of the economy. The article presents the characteristics of this segment and its infrastructure in Ukraine. The transition to a market economy requires the formation of an appropriate market environment, without which the civilized market and agrarian, in the first place, cannot work normally. Agrarian producers independently choose channels for selling their products, forms of sales and sales of resources and use various intermediary structures in their economic activities. All these activities lead to the need to collect, accumulate and process growing information streams that farms have to use efficiently and in a timely manner. The harmonious development of the entire system of social production and food security of the country depends on the effective functioning of all available infrastructure components. Based on the foregoing, it is possible to understand that this topic is extremely important and require the research. The goal of the article is to investigate the condition of the agricultural market and its infrastructure in Ukraine. It was described the main problems of agriculture. To make the research about the topic, it was necessary to use data from the official site of State Statistic Service of Ukraine. It was analyzed the project Strategy for the development of the agrarian sector in Ukrainian economy for the period up to 2020. This project is developed by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. Also, it was needful to use synthesis, analysis, deduction, induction, and comparison methods. As a result of research, we described possible ways to resolve main problems in this sphere, made the analysis of the main statistical data which are related to the agrarian sector. Keywords: agriculture, infrastructure formation, problems of agricultural business, ways of development and improvement, PACAGRO project Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.241
QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN SLOVAKIA
The quality assessment of accounting information systems (AIS) is complicated and important for scientific investigation. From theoretical point of view the difficulties lies in big amount of methods, proposed for AIS quality assessment. From practical points of view most of proposed methods are not suitable in particular situation and it is difficult to eliminate the subjectivity of respondents, participating in the survey. In the stage of monographic research it was made analysis of scientific publications, dealing with understanding of AIS quality in face with technological progress of information and communication technologies (ICT) and changing of requirements, declared by end-users. In the stage of empirical investigation it was provided questioning of specialists, participating in accounting data processing using three different kinds of applied software and working in small and medium size agri-food enterprises in Slovak Republic. For processing of received data it was used method of multi-criteria evaluation. Following results of investigation and recommendations provided in standard ISO/IEC 25041:2012 and previous scientific publications it was made assessment of quality of investigated systems, identified strengths and weaknesses of these systems and reliability of investigation. Keywords: Accounting information systems, quality assessment, multi-criteria evaluation Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.231
DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER GROUPS IN POLAND – MAZOVIA CASE STUDY
The aim of the paper was to present the development of agricultural producer groups in Mazovia - region in Central Poland with capital of the Voivodeship in Warsaw. Data and literature analysis, interviews and descriptive methods were used. In the first part the authors present theoretical background of cooperation in agriculture based on social capital. The second part presents the main results of the research: the quantitative development of producer groups in the period 2007-2017, the structure of agricultural products produced by the groups and their legal forms. Currently most of groups operate as limited liability companies and co-operatives. Also the main benefits and barriers concerning creation and development of agricultural producer groups were identified. The main barriers were unwillingness to cooperate, mistrust, and high administrative and legal burdens. On the basis of the study – in order to help develop agricultural groups - it is recommended to strengthen social capital in the rural areas (especially important is overcoming mental barriers and development of trust), educate farmers (management, accounting, etc.) and promote good practice. The conclusions of the study may be applicable in countries where producer groups’ development is low (as Lithuania). Keywords: Poland, producer groups, rural areas, social capital Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.157
WHAT DETERMINES PROPENSITY TO GET PUBLIC INVESTMENT SUBSIDIES? A CASE STUDY OF THE CZECH FOOD INDUSTRY
The aim of the paper is to is to quantify differences in structural and economic indicators between participants and nonparticipants of the investment support programmes in the Czech food industry at the beginning of the old programming period (2007). Research was conducted on a dataset of supported projects from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry and Trade combined with structural and economic indicators of participating and nonparticipating companies provided by MagnusWeb database. Final database contained 1 225 companies. However, not all indicators were available for all companies. Original set of variables was selected through Principal Component Analysis. Propensity to be supported was calculated through probit regression. Public investment support has had pretensions to increase productivity of the food industry as well as the added value of agricultural production by supporting many operations in agricultural processing and marketing. Ex-post evaluation of the “old” programming period 2007–14 ­shows that companies with larger size, lower trade margin, optimal liquidity, lower debt ratio and higher credit debt ratio had higher propensity to be supported. Conclusions about size and credit debt ratio follow previous research by other authors that small companies had lower chance to be supported because of more difficult access to good advisory services and bank loans. Keywords: investment support, food technologies, impact assessment Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.052
EVALUATION OF COMPETITIVENESS FACTORS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
Competitiveness, which is inextricably linked to the notion of competition, remains the aim pursued by companies and countries because everyone wants to outsource others and, over time, enjoy the benefits. A successfully competing community based by providing of services has more opportunities to attract and retain visitors, the same time implementing and meeting the needs of community members and ensuring community stability. With the rapid development of innovations and technologies, reveals the necessary to analyse the determinants of competitiveness. The competitiveness of the rural area is reflected by factors such as investment attractiveness, living conditions, attractiveness for the population, geographical location, heritage, culture, the fostering of customs and traditions. In order to assess the factors determining the competitiveness of rural communities, an investigation was organized. Methods chosen for the study: document analysis, SWOT and interviews. Keywords: competitiveness, competitiveness factors, living conditions, rural communities Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.211
CIVIL DEFENSE SYSTEM IN LATVIA AND IDENTIFIED DRAWBACKS IN RIGA
The article considers Latvian Civil Defence System (hereinafter referred to as CD), how it works in cases of possible threats, how CS system protects the safety of people and national economy as well as the interests of the entire society in case of a catastrophe; types of CD system safety measures, provision thereof, what processes affect CD system in Riga; attitude of responsible state institutions towards national safety system and environment. Based on the abovementioned, we will review how the society itself has influenced its own safety and based on its outcome we will see what protection measures should be provided from the standpoint of safe human and social life, why the drawbacks, deficiencies and indifferent attitude are allowed in relation to the safety system processes in the country and Riga. In the aspect of CD regulatory enactments methodology, an attempt is made to explain the current drawbacks in safety processes of tasks to be fulfilled by the municipality by means of calculations thus identifying the reasons that all emergency situations, breakdowns, catastrophes resulting from technogenic and natural risks depend on the attitude of state institutions, local governments and the society towards the safety, and on general economic situation. Keywords: high hazard objects, environment protection, civil defence, disasters Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.055
A COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO GENERATION Z: RURAL VERSUS URBAN STUDENTS
Understanding the audience is the key to successful communication. Therefore, an effective teacher has to consider manifold differences among the students in any given classroom: the characteristics of the students, the mindset of the generation, the variety of learning styles, the students’ needs and goals, and their educational background. Since Aleksandras Stulginskis University (ASU) awards the degrees in food sciences and agriculture, a sizeable part of the students come to study from rural areas. Recent educational research in the USA, UK and Lithuania have revealed a significant difference in the academic performance of the students from rural and urban areas, however, it is still an unresolved problem for the educational institutions in Lithuania. This area has an insubstantial amount of research documented. Thus, the current research aims at investigating the relationship between the location of the school, a student graduated from, and the results of the English Language Diagnostic Test as well as analysing the academic performance of the Agronomy Faculty students through the 2nd, 3rd and 4th semesters. The study focuses on our current undergraduate students - the always-connected, app-happy, smartphone-dependent, born with the Internet, technology, and social media Generation Z. The research methods involve the statistical and comparative analyses of the urban and rural student academic performance (diagnostic test results, examination grades of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th semesters) in the English language; the theoretical assumptions based on the related scientific literature and documents on educational statistics, and the investigation of motivational factors influencing the academic performance of the Generation Z students in line with the processed survey results. The research was initiated in 2015, student academic performance was monitored through the period from 2015 to 2017, and the survey was administered in 2017. The research findings indicate that students from rural schools have an inferior level of the English language compared to the students that finished schools in urban areas, whereas the examination results through the second, third and fourth semesters unveiled an unexpected tendency. Figures show that students from rural schools not only managed to catch up with their colleagues from urban schools, but also outperformed their urban-school peers by roughly increasing rates of their performance. The research evidence could aid teachers and education policy makers, providing a better understanding of Generation Z students from rural and urban areas and factors influencing students' performance. Keywords: rural, urban, English Language Proficiency, generation Z. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.159
AGRO-BIO-TECHNO PARK AS AN INNOVATIVE FACTOR OF INCREASING COMPETITIVENESS OF AGRICULTURE UNDER GLOBAL CHALLENGES
Today developed countries are not just talking about agriculture or agribusiness, but set a strategic goal in developing high-tech and profitable sector of the Bioeconomy as a serious alternative to traditional industries, economies and markets. Modern agriculture and worldwide growth structural change of consumption of food. This factor is directly linked with the global orientation of rural households in the world at improving the productivity of agricultural land, reduction of losses, and increase in food production. The agricultural sector focuses on the production and processing of agricultural products, storage, transportation and sales of finished products. Thus, the agricultural sector requires professionals with expertise and skills relevant to the entire production cycle. The transition to the Bioeconomy market changed the nature and conditions of agricultural workers. The article provides a rationale for the necessity of establishment of an agro-bio-techno park in the Republic of Tatarstan as an innovative factor of increasing competitiveness of agriculture in Russia under global challenges. It represents results of analysis of global challenges for development of agriculture, domestic and international experience of setting up and work of techno parks in the universities and the model of the Agro-bio-techno park establishment at the Kazan State Agrarian University. Keywords: agriculture, techno park, global challenges, new technological paradigm, innovative structure of university, agro-bio-techno park, Kazan State Agrarian University Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.118
AN INDIVIDUAL LEVEL OF SOCIAL INNOVATIONS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: AGGRESSION AMONG RURAL ADOLESCENTS
Social innovation is very important for rural development. It is a lack of researchers about an individual level of social innovations in Lithuania. Adolescents’ aggression is an important social problem that can affect society and social innovations. It needs to find the differences in aggression between rural and urban adolescents because it could help to plan effective interventions for reducing aggressive behavior. The present study aimed to assess the aggression among rural and urban adolescents. It was hypothesized that rural and urban adolescents differ significantly on aggression. In order to verify the above hypothesis a sample of 479 (207 boys; 272 girls) students were selected from Lithuanian schools. The sample includes the similar size of rural (N=242) and urban (N=237) students. The age of participants was from 12 to 17. It was used Aggression Questionnaire developed by Buss and Perry (1992) in this research. The questionnaire involves four subscales: physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility. The results showed that urban girls had more physical aggression than rural girls. However, it was not found statistically significant differences in physical aggression among urban and rural boys. Also, it was not found any statistically significant differences in verbal aggression, anger, hostility among urban and rural adolescents. Keywords: Adolescents, aggression, rural region, urban region Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.046
NEW BRAND EQUITY ASPECT: THE EXAMPLE OF NEW CANDY PRODUCT CONSISTENCY QUALITY EQUITY
The methodology of study is based on a new educational thinking – to use analytics to build ideas and make them better. The article analyzes the equity of a new product in terms of consistency of the equity of a new brand. The aim of the study - to identify the new product's consistency quality importance on the new brand equity when the customer chooses a new product (the example: candy in boxes). Theoretical study was based on the analysis of scientific literature, synthesis, logical generalisation, graphic modeling and a survey (2017 (n = 416)). Analysing the equity of the new product consistency for the new brand equity structure. Recognizing that consumer choice depends on the equity of the new consistency of the product offered to him by the firm's offer, the practical test of the scientific concept has been chosen from the original study, analyzing the equity of the candys in boxes as a new product for the consumer. The results allow us to make assumptions about what elements of the new consistency of the product could influence the success of the new brand on the candy market. The consistency quality of a new food product is essential factor of a new brand equity. The results of the study lead to conclusion that new food product (candys in boxes) Lithuanian shoppers perceive the importance of consistency quality and assess the identity (as unique products) (between high and medium value), which is forming a positive image of the product (quality assurance). The results of the research can be applied to the needs of the consumers of the Lithuanian candys in boxes market. Keywords: new brand, new product consistency, candy, quality, equity Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.247
SOCIAL BENEFIT OF GREEN SPACES TO LOCAL COMMUNITY
The article deals with the concept of green spaces by highlighting its social benefit to the local community. Green spaces have become an important element in shaping rural and urban public spaces, creating attractive living surrounding, promoting integration, interaction and participation of locals, strengthening their health and enhancing overall wellbeing. Moreover, green spaces are often characterized as public spaces, so the interest in this topic implies that being in or using these spaces influences various social groups in any community. Unfortunately, the emphasis of social benefit of green spaces on the local level still lacks solid grounds in the social science discourse in Lithuania. In view of the above, the research methodology includes both theoretical and empirical research methods, where the following scientific problem is addressed: the ways or forms that the social benefit of green spaces manifests itself in relation to local communities? The aim of the research is to analyse manifestation of social benefit of green spaces to local community. The results of scientific literature analysis and interview with the specialists have provided some common insights such as how social benefit of green spaces can manifest itself on the local level. It has been acknowledged that, in terms of social benefit, green spaces are multifunctional, with their main purpose, however, being satisfaction of the needs of local community needs at the place they live in. Although green spaces are not fitted enough to support active participation, awareness of the variety of existing green spaces may contribute to promotion of various local community activities, interaction between different social groups, and appears as a “social bridge”, influencing overall wellbeing of individuals and community. Keywords: green spaces, social benefit, local community Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.214
MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCES AND COMPETENCE-BASED MATHEMATICS LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This paper is the result of scientific analysis and assessment of scientific literature and a number of information sources taking into consideration the authors’ reflection experience and observations in connection with the mathematics role in sustainable development which may be characterized by a number of factors, including, mathematical competence compliance with competencies for sustainable development as well as coherence between mathematical competence and capacity which should have new professional. The methodology of the research is based on Danish KOM (Competencies and the Learning of Mathematics) project which set up eight mathematical competences: abilities to ask and answer questions in and with mathematics and he ability to deal with and manage mathematical language and tools. Students from Latvia University of Agriculture and Riga Technical University were asked to evaluate (using self-evaluation method) their mathematical competence by writing in the questionnaire numbers from 0 to 3, where 0 - I have not mastered this skill, but 3 - I can apply mathematical knowledge in different situations of life, I can formulate a mathematical problem, solve it. The survey results are analysed by respondents mathematics learning experience as well as needs for mathematics knowledge and skills in modern labour market conditions as well as in accordance with factor for social capital building. Keywords: competence, mathematics, mathematical competence, rural engineering, sustainable development Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.152
GLOBAL, EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL DRIVERS OF LITHUANIAN BIOECONOMY STRATEGY
This paper contributes to the comprehensive approach for sustainable and balanced development of bioeconomy as a cross-cutting economic sector and focuses on the drivers of Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy. Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy development can be motivated by country’s specialization and, compared with other EU member states, strong performance in terms of recent growth in all biomass production and fully bio-based manufacturing sectors. However, Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy depends not only on the current state and trends of its subsectors, but also on the drivers that will be forcing and shaping them in the future. The authors decomposed these drivers into global, European and national. Using content analysis of the EU, OECD and European countries’ legal acts, global drivers such as depletion of natural resources, growing population, increasing environmental pressures and climate change were identified. Applying content analysis of the EU and European countries’ bioeconomy strategies and analysis of case studies of good practices in European countries and regions, the following drivers at European level were identified: common EU bioeconomy policy, strategy and action plan; assurance of biomass availability and sustainability, as well as efficient biomass value chain; the need to strengthen markets and competitiveness of the bioeconomy subsectors; the necessity of close cooperation among all stakeholders, namely politicians, business people, scientists and the public; the need of the development of new technologies and processes, especially industrial biotechnology. The research revealed that the bioeconomy development in Lithuania has been regulated and promoted through certain sectoral policies: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, environment (including waste management), scientific research, innovation and biotechnology development. In the future, the cross-sectoral links and interactions in the Lithuanian bioeconomy will increase due to the scarce biomass, applying the cascading principle in the biomass refinement, transition towards circular economy, and the development and implementation of innovations. Keywords: bioeconomy, biomass, cascading principle, food security, strategy drivers, sustainable use Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.162
LOCAL CONDITIONS OF PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC DISAGRARIZATION OF FARMS
Evolution of agrarian systems in countries with fragmented agricultural area structure leads to a decrease in the number of farms and an increase in the area and effectiveness of entities developing their activity. It is necessary to find out the causes of disagrarization - a process that is manifested at the macroeconomic level in reduced significance of agriculture in the national economy, among other things, and reduced importance of agricultural incomes in the economy of the countryside and a part of farms at the microeconomic level - in order to effectively impact ongoing changes that often affect the whole regions. The paper is an attempt to identify the factors determining the intensity of the process of the production and economic disagrarization of farms in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Calculation procedures performed using the zero unitarization method and Data Mining tools enabled assessment of the intensity of the phenomenon analysed in the different territorial units (gminas), and identification of factors that have the biggest impact on its intensity. Using the process of modelling by the C&RT method it has been found out that the characteristics that describe the agrarian structure historically, i.e. intensity of the organisation of agriculture, fragmentation of the agrarian structure, had a big impact on differentiation of gminas in terms of the intensity of disagrarization. High intensity of the organisation of agriculture combined with good environmental conditions is conducive to the retention of production functions of agriculture in a given area. With low intensity of the organisation of agriculture and very large fragmentation of the agrarian structure, the intensity of disagrarization was very often determined by characteristics typical of periurban areas or tourist attractions, i.e. increase in population density and increase in the number of residential buildings. Urban development of a given territorial unit stimulated processes of exiting agriculture. Keywords: C&RT, disagrarization, farm, urbanised areas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.050
BUILDING SOCIAL CAPITAL THROUGH LEADER APPROACH 2007-2013: CASE OF LATVIA AND POLAND
Building and developing social capital is regarded as a major factor underpinning the development of rural areas, while the LEADER approach to rural development has been found to have a great potential for creation and use of social capital. Therefore, the aim of the study is to explore the LEADER approach in building social capital in rural areas of Latvia and Poland, based on the thematic analysis of the implemented projects during 2007-2013. To achieve the objective, the study explores the introduction of the approach in Latvia and Poland, as well as presents project case studies for social capital formation in Latvia and Poland, by using appropriate materials and research methods. Projects carried out under the LEADER 2007-2013 in Latvia and Poland affect rural communities regarding social capital on different levels at the same time: build trust, create bonds around common values and raise citizens' involvement in joint initiatives. There are examples of projects that contribute to the building of structural social capital, relational social capital and cognitive social capital in Latvia and Poland. Overall, the thematic analysis of the realized projects in Latvia and Poland reveals that in relation to the social capital they have improved the possibilities for gathering and socialization, for participation in interest groups and associations. Never before in rural areas of Latvia and Poland there has been such a form of cooperation of different local actors, applying the bottom-up approach. Studies show that this approach works well in practice and brings the intended effects to rural development. Keywords: RDP 2007-2013, LEADER approach, rural areas, social capital Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.131
THE CAP GREENING EFFECTS – THE POLISH EXPERIENCE
In 2015 greening requirements were implemented. All farmers entitled to the Single Area Payment are obliged to implement greening, depending on agricultural surface and structure. Presently, 30% of the national financial envelope is connected with greening. Legal rules obliged farmers to more environmental friendly farms` organization. The European Commission regulations indicated the importance of crop diversification in the context of soil quality improvement, the maintenance of permanent grasslands in order to ensure the carbon sequestration, soil protection and biodiversity, as well as the maintenance of ecological focus areas that guarantees biodiversity at the farm level. The aim of the paper is to present the farms` organizational changes and outcomes after the implementation of greening mechanism. Polish FADN data were used for 2014 and 2015, that covered 5.7 thousand farms. The research results indicated the farms` adaptation to greening requirements. The production capacity of the analysed FADN farms did not decrease after the greening mechanism introduction. Farmers combined production objectives with environmental ones, that was the result of farms` proper organization and enlarging agricultural land. The scope of changes introduced in plant production referring to the greening requirements was insignificant and concerned mainly larger farms (with arable land area of 15 ha and more). Farmers introduced the required organizational changes smoothly, mainly by increasing area under leguminous and papilionaceous plants. The environment-friendly farms’ organization before greening introduction facilitated their adaptation in 2015. In the short term, greening doesn’t cause negative productive and economic outcomes. In the longer perspective, greening environmental effects should contribute to factor productivity increase. Keywords: Greening, the Common Agricultural Policy, Direct payments, Natural environment, FADN, Poland Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.212
CROSS-BORDER RELATIONS IN RURAL AREAS (BASED ON LOCAL BORDER TRAFFIC)
The paper aims at presenting to answer: can cooperation within local border traffic (LBT) be a platform for cross-border relationships in rural areas? Rural areas located in the border zone were subjected to analysis, limiting the study area to the Polish Warmia-Masuria Province and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation. For the needs of the present task, survey studies were designed and carried out, targeting rural governments of Warmia-Masuria Province (rural areas) covered by the Agreement on LBT on the Polish side, as well as respondents residing in the Kaliningrad Oblast on the Russian side. Individual interviews represented the basic research method in data collection. The interview questionnaire was the research tool applied. As results from the carried out surveys: cross-border relationships on rural areas within LBT expand economic innovation, infiltrate social and cultural influences, overcome negative stereotypes, and reinforce cooperative habits. Furthermore, they support the development of additional cross-border cooperation area. Keywords: cooperation, cross-border relations, local border traffic, rural cross-border areas Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.130
STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF FARMER’S FARMS: CASE STUDY OF LITHUANIA
Due to historical circumstances, the development of Lithuanian commercial farmer’s farms is slow; however, farmer’s farms are very important to the vitality of rural areas while developing agricultural commodities and goods. The purpose of this article – to analyze the structural changes in farmer’s farms and present the directions of future development. Structural changes in Lithuanian farmer’s farms during the 2005 – 2015 timeframe were analyzed while looking at the diagnostic indicators, which are the following: the number of farmer’s farms, the structure of farmer’s farms according to their size, the activity units of farmer’s farms, age of farmers, farmer’s farms sources of income. In order to study the statistical data, methods of systemization, logical analysis and generalization were applied. The analysis of the statistical data suggests that the following structural changes are taking place in Lithuanian farmer’s farms: the number of registered farmer’s farms increases and the farmers’ are getting younger. One of the most significant factors causing the structural changes in holdings – the EU financial support for the agricultural development and the changing customer demands. More and more often rural areas perform residential function and new living areas are developed. There is a predominance of the small farms (up to 10 hectares). This is mainly a result of the reform in agricultural sector at the end of 20th century. Many small agricultural holdings were established due to this reform. However, significant changes occur while choosing and/or combining the activity units of the farm: the number of farms specializing in crops increases, the number of the holdings focusing on livestock and combined farming (crops and livestock) is declining; also, farmer’s farms with diversified income or the activity units grow in number. Limited opportunities to intensify agricultural production in small farmer’s farms caused the fact that activities or income were diversified. The model of family farm remains; however, the relation between activity and the usage of family’s labour in farm activity changes. Keywords: factors that determine the changes, farmer’s farms, structural changes Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.151
THE PROS AND CONS OF THE EU COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union has generated a great deal of attention and controversy among research community, practitioners and the wider population. The aim of this study is to overview and to discuss the thoughts and comments on the CAP which have been addressed by both its proponents and its opponents in the scientific publications, political commentaries, official reports, pubic opinion surveys and social-media-based public forums. While on the one hand, recent public opinion poll (Eurobarometer 2016) indicated broad support among EU citizens for the CAP; on the other hand, other sources give some strong arguments in favour of reducing or even scrapping the CAP. The CAP supporters (including European Commission itself) highlight, among others, the benefits of this policy (environmental; cultural; social vitality; food variety, quality and security; maintaining of rural employment, etc.) for all European citizens and not only for farmers, while CAP opponents stress its unfairness both to non-farmers (e.g. huge financial costs of its policy for taxpayers) and small farmers (large farmers benefit most), heavy administrative burden for farmers as well as the CAP’s destructing impact both on the EU states’ agriculture systems and developing countries’ agricultural markets. The CAP is basically the same for all EU member states but the EU countries differ considerably in terms of their rural development. According to some views, the CAP does not fit the Central and Eastern European countries. It represents a failure of the EU to adjust adequately from an exclusively Western European institution into a proper pan-European organization. Keywords: benefits and costs, Common Agricultural Policy, European Union, opponents, supporters Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.158
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NONGOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN LATVIA
Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have played their role in political processesfor centuries, continuing to expand their activity and engage the public. The NGO sector in Latvia is young in comparison with Western countries. The first organisations emerged in Latvia after the country regainedthe second independence in the 1990s. The NGO sector in Latvia does not differ from that in other countries and has retaining its nature – any organisation is established voluntarily by a group of individuals with similar beliefs to advocate public interests at political level, for non-commercial purposes and with no government influence. Statistical data show the engagement of the public in NGO activities, which is promoted by progress in the world and such opportunities of the digital era as the Internet, mobile applications, social networks or e-platforms that can inform and mobilise the public fast for tackling some problem. As the NGO sector developed and its scope of activity expanded, new problems were identified, e.g. inability to establish a single system for the activity and financial transparency of organisations. To exist in a long-term, NGOs need to adapt to a system. Organisations that have built up experience and made achievements represent future potential for new public activists in their work with public administration entities and decision-makers to meet the public’s needs and in the interests of the public, thus, in cooperation, making a better and wealthier life for the country’s residents. The research aim is to analyse the NGO sector in Latvia. The research employed the following methods: monographic, descriptive, analysis and synthesis, as well as logical construction. Keywords: civil society; history of NGOs; NGO classification. Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.156
CLUSTER APPROACH TO AGRICULTURE EDUCATION IN RUSSIA BY THE EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
In modern conditions of rural development, the most important productive resource of the agrarian company is human capital. Only well-trained, receptive to innovation, adapted to the market economy, the technician can solve problems for the effective implementation of the economic activity of any enterprise. However, in recent years the problem of staffing is both a management and staff machine operators have intensified. Numbers have fallen substantially, increased the load on one specialist. Inadequate salaries and general social problems in rural areas of Russia and Republic of Tatarstan reduce the attractiveness of work for graduates of agricultural education institutions. The main purpose of this research was to develop a new conceptual approach to staffing of agro industrial complex in modern conditions. The subject of the study was the system of training personnel for agriculture of Russia (on the example Republic of Tatarstan). The main methods used in this study are comparative theoretical-methodological research of educational institution and logical analyze agricultural education in Russia. The article discusses and analyzed the positive experience of scientific and educational cluster of agro-industrial complex of Republic of Tatarstan and Kazan State Agrarian University. One of the important conditions to solve some of the problems facing agriculture of Russia today, is the modernization of the agricultural education is associated with the formation of relevant scientific, scientific-educational and scientific-production platform. The progressive development of human potential of the agricultural sector plays an important role in achieving the designated high results as the main carrier of innovative knowledge and skills, without which the introduction of modern methods and technologies in production and management of enterprises of agro-industrial complex is simply impossible. Staffing issues agriculture is of great socio-economic importance and is the most important priorities of the state policy not only at present but in the future. Identified key staffing problems of the agro industrial complex of Russia and Tatarstan. Designed and proposed a new intensive model of development of scientific-educational cluster of agro-industrial complex of Republic of Tatarstan. Keywords: agriculture, scientific-educational cluster(SEC), innovation, education, human resources, agro-industrial complex (AIC) of Republic of Tatarstan (RT), science-educational complex (SRC), Kazan State Agrarian University Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.209
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR PROMOTION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TERRITORIES WITH UNFAVORABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION: THE CASE OF THE LATVIA
The development gap between regions and even countries has always been actual problem in field of regional policy. Regional development disparities especially are important problem in territories with unfavourable socio-economic situation. To minimize this problem, many Eastern Europe countries, including Latvia, implemented special economic zones and free ports as regional development instrument with aim to mitigate regional development differences between regions by attracting investments and creating new jobs. Experience with special economic zones in Latvia are likely close with Poland’s case, thus experts from Poland affirms that, every 100 jobs given in special economic zone create on average about 72 jobs outside the special economic zone hosting territory and 137 jobs in neighboring counties. Latvia, since the restoration of sovereignty, established five economic zones in total – two of them are situated in Latgale, which is the least developed region of Latvia. Researchers have not been widely contributed to analysis of special economic zones impact to regional development. Authors evaluated impact of created job places of special economic zones in Latgale region to unemployment level. Results of research show that special economic zones as regional development instrument creates significant impact to regional development in territories with unfavourable socio-economic situation. Keywords: economic policy tools, entrepreneurship, regional economic development, special economic zones Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.045
GREENING OF PRODUCTION PROCESS IN FOOD PROCESSING ENTERPRISES IN POLAND
The article focuses on specific aspects of greening of production processes in food processing sector in Poland. It discusses relevant methods and techniques for managing the eco-friendly production process in the examined food processing enterprises in Poland, and compares the situation in the world. The purpose of the paper was also to present the results of the questionnaire on greening of producing process in food processing entities. The results of the questionnaire are preceded by a detailed analysis of different approaches to greening of production, along with an assessment of its future development according to the requirements of EU directives for food processing enterprises in Poland. The results showed that after Poland's accession to the European Union the majority of food processing enterprises implemented and intensified their efforts on water conservation, waste disposal, and reduction of energy consumption between 2010 and 2017. However, in practice, there was no considerable reduction of pollutants due to the setting of insufficient level of emission targets. Keywords: greening, environmental protection, food processing enterprises, production process, Poland Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.041
APPLICATION OF SYNTHETIC TAXONOMIC MEASURE TMAI FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE SELECTED FOOD INDUSTRY COMPANIES LISTED ON THE WARSAW STOCK EXCHANGE IN THE YEARS 2013 – 2016
The food sector is one of the most important and fastest growing branches of the Polish economy. It employs almost 15% of all employees employed in the industry. Polish manufacturers are characterised by high competitiveness both in the EU and in the world. The macroeconomic environment in recent years has been relatively stable for the development of the food industry production in Poland, but the dynamics of agricultural-food products has experienced a slight slowdown. There were also fluctuations in profitability ratios in the sector, which may have been somewhat alarming for the investors. The article attempted to evaluate the investment attractiveness of 24 joint stock companies in the food sector, representing various industries, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The Taxonomic Measure of the Attractiveness of Investments (TMAI) and the company rankings were created for the years 2013 – 2016. The results showed that the Wawel and Astarta companies were at the top of the rankings in the studied years, representing the confectionery and the sugar sector, and the Żywiec company from the beer industry. The meat and fish processing companies were more or less centred on the scale. The companies KSG Argo, Milkiland, Wilbo, Pepees and Pamapol involved in the agricultural-food production and processing received the poorest evaluations of the investment attractiveness. The synthetic taxonomic TMAI measure makes it possible to build company rankings within the analyzed group, from the point of view of the assessment of the financial condition and investment attractiveness of the surveyed companies. It can provide additional help in assessing the company’s situation, e.g., for the investors. Keywords: food industry companies, investment attractiveness, TMAI, taxonomic measure Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.161
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GROUPS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN POLAND
The aim of the article was to characterize the aspects of social and economic conditions and circumstances for the establishment and operation of groups of agricultural producers in Poland. The discussion is theoretical. In the article the monographic method was used. The following issues were subsequently examined: the nature and status of groups of producers in Poland, the social capital of farmers, advantages and obstacles in the cooperation of agricultural farmers and financial aid opportunities under the Rural Development Programmes for 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. As the example, the model of agricultural producer groups functioning in Poland was described. The results of the consideration has broad spectrum. It follows from the analysis conducted that the reasons for creating groups of producers are economic benefits related to production on a higher scale and to achievement of synergies through acting together. They also include EU financial aid opportunities. The benefits are also of a social character and are related, among others, to farmers learning how to act together as well as to increased trust in cooperation. In spite of numerous benefits that may arise from acting together, there are also certain obstacles related to the level of knowledge or educational background of farmers, typical responses to change or lack of trust between organisation members. This is often an effect of negative past experiences connected with overall socialisation that affects post-communist nations. Keywords: agricultural producer groups in Poland, social capital, cooperation, economic benefits and costs Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2017.053