Jana Porhajašová

Long-termed changes in ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) assemblages in a field treated by organic fertilizers

In 2001–2006, ground beetles were pitfall-trapped in a temperate lowland area of South Slovakia in an experimental field divided in five plots fertilized by four different doses of manure or biosludge (25 t stable manure ha−1, 50 t biosludge ha−1, 50 t stable manure ha−1, 100 t biosludge ha−1 and without fertilization). The field was subsequently sown by spring barley, sugar beat, maize, sunflower, sugar beat and maize. The ground beetle assemblage consisted of 31 species, but only five species predominated: Pseudoophonus rufipes representing 82.6% of individuals and five species (Poecilus cupreus, Carabus scheidleri, Calathus fuscipes, Trechus quadristriatus, Pterostichus melanarius, Anchomenus dorsalis, Dolichus halensis) representing together 14.5% of individuals. Pseudophonus rufipes represented 81.7% of dry biomass and three species (Carabus scheidleri, Poecilus cupreus Pterostichus melanarius) 15.9% of biomass. There was no significant influence of organic fertilizing on assemblage structure. During the investigation, the number of individuals and their biomass increased in all plots until 2003 and than dropped to the starting values. The culmination of 2003 was preceded by a warmer and more humid season in 2002. After a cold and dry season of 2003 abundance decreased approximately to starting values. Simultaneously, the local maxima and minima of occurrence of ground beetles in individual plots shifted independently on the doses of organic material. At the same time, number of occurring species slightly decreased. The observed changes obviously represent part of long-termed fluctuations in wider surroundings.

The effect of application of organic fertilizers on the dynamics of occurence of Carabid species (Carabidae, Coleoptera)

The effect of application of organic fertilizers in defined doses on structure of Carabid communities was studied. The Carabids were pitfall-trapped, in 2004-2006 on experimental plots in the university farm in Kolinany (District of Nitra, S – N Slovakia), in 5 variants (1st – unfertilized; 2nd – 25 t*ha-1 farmyard manure, 3rd – 50 t*ha-1 bio sludge; 4th – 50 t*ha-1 farmyard manure; 5th – 100 t*ha-1 bio sludge) to the selected rotatio (2004 – Helianthus annuus, 2005 – Beta vulgaris, 2006 – Zea mays). The area of each variant was 1,800 m2. During the three-year period were obtained 16,172 individuals of Carabids belonging to 32 species. The distribution within the individual variants fluctuated as follows: 1st variant 10 – 13 sp.. and 612 – 1,904 ind. 2nd variant 12 – 15 sp. and 1,147 – 1,516 ind., 3rd variant 8 – 13 sp. and 360 – 3,127 ind.; 4th variant 7 – 9 sp. and 371 – 832 ind.; 5th variant 8 – 10 sp. and 404 – 1,072 ind. The dominant species in all variants were Pseudoophonus rufipes and Poecilus cupreus, while Calathus fuscipes, Anchomenus dorsalis, Carabus scheidleri, Brachinus crepitans were subdominant or recedent. However in individual varities and years they also reached dominant position. The high dominance of Pseudoophonus rufipes caused low values of the Shannon–Wiever´s diversity index ranging from 0.59 to 1.18. Based on maximum numbers of species and individuals, the most suitable were the 2. and 3. variants, (25 t*ha-1 farmyard manure and 50 t*ha-1 bio sludge). Out of the applied organic fertilizers, the climatic factors also played an important role.

Influence of temperature on reproduction and length of metamorphosis in Xenopus laevis (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract Research was conducted on breeding and metamorphosis of a species of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis). The experimental group consisted of 10 individuals each of albino and natural forms. Specimens were divided into pairs and numbered for better tracking. In experimental ponds, conditions simulating the mating season were created, which led to 100% reproduction of all the pairs. The aim of the work was to determine the effects of temperature on the gender of resulting metamorphic specimens, and how the length of metamorphosis affects their gender. Specimens were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of specimens bred at 19°C, and the second group of specimens were bred at 24°C. Mating covered the period from 5 May to 25 June 2016. Observations were completed on 31 October 2016. Five hundred and fourteen individual metamorphic specimens were bred during the experiment. The research shows that the length of metamorphosis has an effect on gender, in favour of females. The effect of temperature on gender was not confirmed. The experimental results can be used as a basis for similar research, since this topic has not been discussed previously.

Evaluation of the concentration of inorganic forms of nitrogen and phosphorus under the forest ecosystem of the Čaradický stream

The aim of this study was to evaluate of concentrations of nitrate, ammonium and nitrite nitrogen, total and phosphate phosphorus under the forest ecosystem Caradice stream during 2005-2010. The average concentration of N-NO3- for the whole of the monitored period was 1.76 mg*dm-3. Its highest average concentrations in all monitored years were generally in the winter. The average concentration of ammonia nitrogen during the whole monitored period was 0.14 mg*dm-3. Minimum average concentrations over the entire observed period were recorded in the winter period and maximum during the summer and autumn periods. The average nitrite nitrogen concentration over the entire monitored period was 0.025 mg*dm-3. Depending on the time of collection, its lowest average concentration was recorded in January and the highest in June and September. The average total phosphorus concentration under the forest ecosystem of the Cadadický stream for the whole monitored period was 0.676 mg*dm-3. Its lowest average value for the whole reporting period was recorded in February and the highest in November. The average concentration of P-PO43- for the whole reference period was 0.203 mg*dm-3. Its lowest average concentration, depending on the collection time, was found in January and the highest in August.

The Evaluation of the Concentration of Bivalent Basic Cations in Surface Water of the National Nature Reserve Čičov Oxbow

Abstract During the years 2013–2014, the concentrations of bivalent basic cations Ca2+ and Mg2+ were evaluated in the water of the Čičov tributary, which belongs to the National Nature Reserve of the basin of the river Danube. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be stated that the average concentration of calcium for the whole reference period was 59.63 mg.dm−3. Minimum average concentration depending on the time of sampling was found in November (48.42 mg.dm−3) and maximum in July (70.73 mg.dm−3). We assume that this above average concentrations in the summer could be due to the lower surface of the water due to higher evaporation. Depending on the places of sampling points, the lowest average concentration (58.10 mg.dm−3) for the whole reference period was at the mouth of the Čilizian brook and the top (60.32 mg.dm−3) in the first side shoulder. The analysis of variance detected highly statistically significant effect of the year and month of collection on changes in the concentration of calcium. The average concentration of magnesium for the whole reference period was 14.54 mg.dm−3. As for the time of collection, the highest average concentrations for the entire observation period were found during the summer, with the maximum average concentration in July (16.94 mg.dm−3) and minimum in February (10.81 mg.dm−3). The lowest average magnesium concentration for the entire reference period, regarding to the sampling points, was measured in the north-eastern part of the nature reserve (14.28 mg.dm−3) and the highest one at the mouth of the Čilizian brook into the National Nature Reserve (14.72 mg.dm−3).

Evaluation of the concentration of inorganic nitrogen forms in the National nature reserve Čičov oxbow

The aim of this study was to evaluate of concentrations of nitrate, ammonium and nitrite nitrogen in the water of National Nature Reserve Cicov oxbow during the years 2010 – 2013. The average concentration of nitrate nitrogen in water of National Nature Reserve during the whole monitored period was 3.42 mg*dm-3. Maximum average concentration for the whole monitored period in the month of March and minimum in the month of November was found. Depending on the sampling sites it’s the highest average concentrations were recorded in the first side distributary and the sampling place located in the northeastern part of the national nature reserve. Minimum average concentrations of N-NO3- were recorded at sampling sites located in the first and second side distributary of reservation with the low water level. The average concentration of ammonia nitrogen during the whole monitored period was 0.15 mg*dm-3. The highest average concentrations of N-NH4+ for the entire period were in summer period with maximum in month of June and minimum in month of February. Depending on the sampling place its highest average concentrations were in the sampling points located near the mouth of the Ciližsky channel in the northeastern part of reserve. The lowest average concentrations in the sampling point that was located at the first side distributary were measured. The average concentration of nitrite nitrogen during the whole monitored period represented 0.04 mg*dm-3. The lowest average concentration of N-NO2- for the entire monitored period was in month of January and the highest was in month of July. In terms of sampling place in all sampling sites during the entire period the same average concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.04 mg*dm-3) was measured.

Influence of the fractional composition of humus substances on the proportion of water-resistant aggregates.

In this study, the influence of humus substances on soil structure of six soils (Haplic Chernozem, Mollic Fluvisol, Eutric Fluvisol, Rendzic Leptosol, Eutric Cambisol, and Haplic Luvisol) of different ecosystems (forest, meadow, urban, and agro-ecosystem)in Slovakia was compared. The influence of the fractional composition of humus substances on the proportion of the fractions of water-resistant aggregates in different ecosystems was assessed. The fractions of free humic acids and those bound with monovalent cations and mobile R2O3 (r = 0.387; P urban ecosystem > meadow ecosystem > forest ecosystem.

The Evaluation Of The Concentration Of Chlorides And Sulphates In Surface Water Of The National Nature Reserve Čičov Oxbow

Abstract In the years 2013–2014 we evaluated changes in concentrations of chlorides and sulphates in waters of the National Nature Reserve Čičov oxbow depending on the time and place of sampling. Collections of samples were realized regularly at monthly intervals, always in the half of a month. Sampling sites were determined in order to assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic source of surface water quality. In order to evaluate the quality of surface water in the sampling sites by individual indicators, we used the values of the 90th percentile (P90), which was calculated from the measured values and then compared with their matching set of limit values referred to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll. According to that Regulation, the recommended value for chlorides is 200 mg dm;; and for sulphates 250 mg dm−3. Based on the calculated values of 90th percentile (P90) of these indicators, we found out that the calculated characteristic values are lower.

Biodiversity And Dynamics Of Occurence Of Epigeic Groups In Different Types Of Farming

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine and compare the occurrence of epigeic groups in two methods of farming, ecological one and integrated one. The research was conducte in the locality Nitra – Dolná Malanta in the years 2013 and 2014. The monitoring locality is situated in the south-western part of Slovakia, in altitude 175–180 m on highly productive soils. For the collection of biological material, the earth traps method was applied, used during the vegetation period (from April to October), within both farming systems, at Hordeum sativum, Triticum aestivum and Vicia faba undersowing with Medicago sativa. In canopy of these crops, two soil traps were installed, renewed in monthly intervals. The total of 7,722 exemplars of epigeic groups was obtained, of which 4,355 exemplars were in ecological farming and 3,367 exemplars in integrated farming system. In both treatments, 19 epigeic groups were determined, with dominant abundance of Coleoptera, Collembola, Acarina, Araneae. Also other groups such as Diplopoda, Heteroptera, Chilopoda etc. were observed in lower occurrence. Based on the evaluation of influence of the crop in terms of the occurrence of epigeic groups, the most suitable conditions created Vicia faba with undersowing Medicago sativa (integrated farming) and Triticum aestivum (ecological farming). On the basis of calculated indexes, both farming systems can be evaluated as homeostatically balanced, providing present epigeic groups with topical and trophic conditions.

Changes in Concentrations of Monovalent Basic Cations in the Water of the Čaradice Stream / Zmeny Koncentrácií Jednomocných Bázických Katiónov vo vode Vodného toku Čaradický Potok

Abstract In the years 2005-2010, the changes in concentrations of monovalent basic cations in the Čaradice Stream were evaluated depending on the time and place of sampling in its longitudinal profile. Results show that the average concentration of Na+ in the whole period was 14.75 mg. dm-3. Its share in the total amount of monovalent basic cations of Na+ and K+ in the whole reference period was 76.32%. The mass ratio of Na+ : K+ in the whole period was 3.34 : 1. Depending on the time of sampling, the lowest average sodium concentrations of the whole period were recorded in the spring season with the minimum average in March. The highest average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in September. Depending on the sampling site, the minimum average concentration was recorded in a forest ecosystem and an ecosystem of permanent grassland, and the maximum average concentration in the village Kozarovce. Using the analysis of variance, we detected a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. According to the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the 90th percentile values of this indicator are lower than the recommended value. The average concentration of potassium in the whole reference period was 4.54 mg. dm-3. The share of K+ in the total amount of monovalent basic cations in the whole period reached 23.68%. The lowest average concentrations of the whole period were usually found in the spring season, with the minimum value in March. The maximum average concentration of the whole reference period was recorded in July. Similarly to Na+, the lowest average concentration of K+ was detected in a forest ecosystem and the highest one in the village Kozarovce. The effect of seasonality on the dynamics of Na+ and K+ concentrations during the period was not detected. Using the analysis of variance, we found a statistically significant effect of all three qualitative factors (year, month and place of sampling) on the change of concentration. In the Regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll., the recommended value for potassium is not specified. The discharge rate significantly affected the changes in concentrations of Na+ and K+ in the stream. Súhrn V rokoch 2005 - 2010 sa hodnotili zmeny koncentracie jednomocnych bazickych kationov vo vodnom toku Čaradicky potok v zavislosti od času a miesta odberu v jeho pozdĺžnom profile. Z vysledkov vyplyva, že priemerna koncentracia Na+ za cele sledovane obdobie bola 14,75 mg.dm-3. Jeho podiel na celkovej sume jednomocnych bazickych kationov Na+ + K+ za cele sledovane obdobie reprezentoval 76,32 %. Hmotnostny pomer Na+ : K+ za cele sledovane obdobie bol 3,34 : 1. v zavislosti od času odberu sa najnižšie priemerne koncentracie Na+ za cele pokusne obdobie zaznamenali v jarnom obdobi, s minimalnou priemernou hodnotou v mesiaci marec. Najvyššia priemerna koncentracia za cele sledovane obdobie sa zistila v mesiaci september. v zavislosti od miesta odberu sa jeho minimalna priemerna koncentracia zistila pod lesnym ekosystemom a ekosystemom trvalych travnych porastov, maximalna pod obcou Kozarovce. Analyzou rozptylu sa zistil štatisticky vyznamny vplyv všetkych troch kvalitativnych faktorov (rok, mesiac a miesto odberu) na zmenu jeho koncentracie. Podľa nariadenia vlady SR č. 269/2010 Z. z., hodnoty 90-teho percentilu tohto ukazovateľa su nižšie ako odporučana hodnota. Priemerna koncentracia draslika za cele sledovane obdobie bola 4,54 mg. dm-3. Podiel K+ na celkovej sume jednomocnych bazickych kationov za cele sledovane obdobie reprezentoval 23,68 %. Najnižšie priemerne koncentracie za cele sledovane obdobie sa zistili spravidla v jarnom obdobi, s minimalnou hodnotou v mesiaci marec. Maximalna priemerna koncentracia za cele sledovane obdobie bola v mesiaci jul. Podobne ako pri Na+, najnižšia priemerna koncentracia K+ sa zistila v lesnom ekosysteme a najvyššia pod obcou Kozarovce. Sezonna zakonitosť dynamiky koncentracie Na+ a K+ sa v priebehu sledovaneho obdobia neprejavila. Analyzou rozptylu sa zistil štatisticky vyznamny vplyv všetkych troch kvalitativnych faktorov (rok, mesiac a miesto odberu) na zmenu ich koncentracie. V nariadeni vlady SR č. 269/2010 Z. z. pre draslik nie je odporučana hodnota uvedena. Na zmeny koncentracie Na+ a K+ vo vodnom toku vyrazne participoval prietok vody.