Danica Fazekašová

Development of soil parameters and changing landscape structure in conditions of cold mountain climate (Case Study Liptovsk Á Teplička)

Abstract Fazekašova D., Boltižiar M., Bobuľska L., Kotorova D., Hecl J., Krnačova Z.: Development of soil parameters and changing landscape structure in conditions of cold mountain climate (case study Liptovska Teplička). Ekologia (Bratislava), Vol. 32, No. 2, p. 197-210, 2013. Soil physical, chemical and biological properties and the content of heavy metals were investigated between 1997 and 2010 and changing landscape structure was evaluated for years 1948-2010 under production conditions in the investigated area Liptovska Teplička (48° 57´ N; 20° 05´ E), situated in the marginal region of north-eastern Slovakia. Research showed that soil physical properties get adjusted after a long-term application of ecological farming system and the measured values were stabilised. High doses of organic fertilizers had positive effect on soil fertility, and thus indirectly on maintaining soil pH, available nutrients content and accumulation of humus in soil. The values of soil enzymes activities changed minimally during the research period. At the same time, it was proven that increasing the content of soil organic matter promotes natural protection of soil enzymes. This study underscores the importance of long-term, quantitative soil monitoring in determining the changes in agricultural land and ecosystem processes over time. Statistically significant effect of experimental year on all observed soil parameters was confirmed by analysis of variance. Effect of experimental locality, with the exception of pH/CaCl2, Cox and Nanorg, on other soil parameters was also statistically significant. This area represents a specific mountain grassland-arable landscape with conservation of traditional agriculture. The results of this paper also analyse landscape structure changes by using the historical maps and aerial photographs of the past 160 years.

Impact of ecological and conventional farming systems on chemical and biological soil quality indices in a cold mountain climate in Slovakia

There is a need to assess the impact of different farming methods on soil quality and fertility in specific ecoregions. Soil biochemical parameters and soil enzymatic activity appear very useful in monitoring soil pollution and management practices and can be used as indicators of sustainability. Soil chemical properties, biological properties and soil enzymatic activity (urease, acid and alkaline phosphatase) were investigated at six sites under ecological farming (no pesticides, organic fertilizers and crop rotation) and six sites under a conventional farming (pesticides and mineral fertilizers) system. A comparative study was performed during years 2008–2011 under production conditions in the investigated areas, situated in the marginal region of north-eastern Slovakia. Research showed that high doses of organic fertilizers had positive effect on soil productivity, and thus indirectly on maintaining soil pH and accumulation of humus in soil. The values of soil enzyme activities changed minimally during the research period. Statistically significant effect of experimental year and locality on all observed soil parameters was confirmed by analysis of variance. Large differences between the two sites were found in terms of microbiological properties, which are sensitive soil indicators of changes occurred under different farming systems. The study confirmed the positive influence and higher microbial activity indices of ecological farming (36% higher enzymatic activity, 65% higher soil respiration content, 60% higher soil microbial biomass carbon content) compared with conventional farming system.

Evaluation of Soil Quality Parameters Development in Terms of Sustainable Land Use

Soil is a vital natural source and, at the same time, has an economic and eco-social potential. It allows the production of food and raw materials, recycles waste, creates forestagricultural land, filters and retains water, allows the usage and valorisation of sun energy, ensures the cycle and balance of substances in nature, maintains diversity of plant and animal species. It primarily shapes the quality of the environment; it is the resource and cultural heritage of the Earth; it ensures the life and social being of the population. Agricultural activities realised in landscape affect natural resources. A rational usage of renewable and non-renewable resources which are not retrieved in real time is an essential precondition.

Contamination of soil and vegetation at a magnesite mining area in Jelšava-Lubeník (Slovakia)

Abstract This paper is focused on the impacts of alkaline and metal deposition on soil and vegetation in the immission field of magnesium factory Jelšava-Lubeník (Slovakia). Soil samples and the foliage of vegetation were obtained from the Jelšava-Lubeník area with specific alkaline pollutants. The examined area is one of the most devastated regions of Slovakia. From the point of view of environmental regionalization, it belongs to an environmentally damaged area of Category 3. The total content of heavy metals in the soil and vegetation (Pb, Zn, Cr, Mn, Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Soil reaction was determined in a solution of 0.01 M CaCl2. Vegetation was assessed by the Braun-Blanquet scale. In conclusion, we can say that spray particles of free magnesium oxide (MgO) strongly influence soil reaction, diversity, and vegetation cover. The research showed that the investigated sites were mostly strongly alkaline; the contents of Cr, Mn and Mg were over the toxicity limit, while the measured values of Pb and Zn did not exceed the limits set by the law. The values that measured significantly above the set limit show contamination that can be considered harmful and toxic. In the monitored species, that is, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens and Phragmites australis, an over-limit content of Pb and Zn and toxic contents of Mg and Mn were found.

Physico-chemical water properties and flora diversity under the old mining load influence (Rudnansky creek, Slovakia)

Mining and processing activities in the former mining Middle Spis area caused serious environmental problems. The aim of the study is to determine the content of heavy metals (Cu, As, Pb, Fe, Hg) in water and describe the flora diversity along the Rudnansky creek, which flows through the area. Chemical (pH) and physical (water conductivity, oxygen saturation) water properties were also evaluated. High values of copper and mercury were determined at the localities close to the tailing pond and mercury processing plant. Presence of plant species resistant to heavy metals, such as Calamagrostis epigejos, Arctium lappa, Cirsium rivulare, Geranium palustre, indicates toxic element pollution.