Maciej Kuboń

A reconnaissance-scale GIS-based multicriteria decision analysis to support sustainable biochar use: Poland as a case study

Although increasing numbers of research papers regarding biochar are being published worldwide, in some countries growing interest in biochar has only recently been observed; this is true of Poland. We analysed information on biochar research in Poland alongside lessons learned elsewhere in order to identify the significant opportunities and risks associated with biochar use. This data fed into a GIS-based multicriteria analysis to identify areas where biochar application could deliver greatest benefit. We found that 21.8% of agricultural land in Poland has at least moderate indication for biochar use (soil organic matter below 2% and pH below 5.5), while 1.5% was categorized as a priority as it also exhibited contamination. Potential barriers identified included biomass availability and associated risks of indirect land-use change due to possible national and transnational biomass production displacement. Biochar use could have positive global consequences as a climate change mitigation strategy, particularly relevant in a country with limited alternatives. Scaling up a mitigation technology that is viable on account of its co-benefits might be cost-effective, which could, in turn, adjust national perspectives and stronger involvement in developing mitigation policies at the regional level. Biochar has much promise in temperate conditions and further research should therefore be assigned to explore biochar’s environmental and socio-economic impacts.

Impact of ozonisation on pro-health properties and antioxidant capacity of ‘Honeoye’ strawberry fruit

ABSTRACT The objective of the research was to determine the impact of concentration and ozonisation time on the selected chemical properties and total antioxidant capacity of ‘Honeoye’ strawberries cultivar. Efficiency of gaseous ozone usage as a method of extending the fruit shelf life was proved. Strawberries were exposed to ozone stream with concentration of 0.3–1.2 mg/L, within 60, 120, 150 and 180 min. The scope of research included measurements of the titratable acidity, content of soluble solid substances and the following pro-health characteristics: the total antioxidant capacity, phenolic compounds content and vitamin C content. On the second, fourth and sixth day of storage, an assessment was carried out on the fruit mass changes. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the titratable acidity changes and soluble solids concentration were reported. The application of ozone allowed reduction of strawberries weight losses during storage without a negative impact on their pro-health properties.

Clients' preferences and development of organic food distribution channels

Abstract The objective of the paper was to know preferences of consumers from Małopolskie Voivodeship as a fundamental factor of growth and functioning of distribution channels of organic products. A fast development of the organic products market as well as growing requirements of the society with regard to the quality of sale and form are observed. More and more often consumers pay attention to the source of goods and the form in which the product is offered to them. Research and analyses are a precious source of information for agricultural producers on account of production orientation and the form of sale. It will also facilitate development of existing distribution channels and formation of new ones. Research results indicate that consumers are interested in the purchase of products in small packaging or loose. Sums which they spend on organic food do not exceed PLN 400 per a month.

Determination of Optimal Geometric Parameters of the Windshield Device Limiting the Spray Drift by Wind in Herbicides Spraying

Abstract The objective of the paper is to determine the optimal geometric parameters of the windshield device limiting the spray drift by wind in herbicides spraying. Tests were carried out with the use of the planning methods of experiments and statistical methods of processing of the obtained results. The result of the research consisted in obtaining structural parameters of the windshield made in the shape of gratings with rectangular boards. It was found out that this device may be used at the wind speed exceeding agrotechnological sizes. The research results will be used in the work on devices protecting against wind at a precise herbicides spraying.

Use of Straw as Energy Source in View of Organic Matter Balance in Family Farms

The paper presents possibilities of using straw as an energy source with reference to the organic matter balance. We carried out the survey in 30 family farms by means of calculation of the amount of the produced straw and its management trends. We determined that 7 farms were selling all produced straw for energy purposes and in the remaining ones, straw was used in animal production or ploughing up. In farms, which were selling straw for energy purposes, a negative organic matter balance was reported. Ploughing up of straw would allow obtaining a positive value of the OMB [Organic Matter Balance] in 5 out of 7 farms. The calculations enabled us to state that designation of straw for energy purposes in farms, which use it in agricultural production or ploughing up, would cause reduction of organic matter balance to negative values in majority of these farms. Therefore, straw may be designated for energy purposes only in these farms, where the organic matter balance (without straw) is at a satisfactory level or after—crops designed for ploughing up are cultivated. Statistical analysis proved that despite an additional income from selling straw, both the final production and standard gross margin do not differ significantly from those obtained in farms which use straw in agricultural production.

Energy Islands as a Potential Source of Securing the Energy Supply of Bio-Feedstock for Biogas Plants

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of building energy islands in the Malopolskie Voivodeship. Their primary source of energy would be the agricultural biogas plants. Such actions result from the necessity of limiting the use of conventional energy, as well as the interest in Renewable Energy Sources (RES), which leads to the search for alternative solutions. To some extent, such actions should secure both national and local energy management. One of the possible solutions includes biogas plants, which is mainly attributable to the raw material resources. The use of co-fermentation from different feedstock fractions increases the possibility of energy production, while reducing the amount of waste from the agri-food industry and the out-of-date food.

Searching for solutions to the conflict over Europe's oldest forest: Europe's Oldest Forest

The Białowieża Forest World Heritage site is one of the last remaining primeval forests in lowland Europe and is a refuge for European Bison (Bison bonasus), the largest land mammal on the continent (Table 1). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Development of New Technologies for Cattle Breeding Systems Taking Into Account Sustainable Environmental Conditions

Abstract Properly designed housing buildings, with regard to reduction of a negative influence on environment, are necessary for ensuring sustainable development in agriculture. The objective of this paper was to show the results of environmental conditions research on high milk yield dairy cattle in different housing systems. Temperature and relative humidity of air and concentrations of harmful gases − ammonia and carbon dioxide accompanying them were investigated.

Threshing and grain separating mechanism with differentiate concave for intensification of threshing and grain separation

Abstract The objective of the paper was intensification of the process of threshing and grain separation by a rasp-bar threshing mechanism of a combine harvester with a differentiate concave; substantiation of a regular-style design and differentiate concave parameters as well as threshing and separating mechanism operation modes. Theoretical research has been conducted based on laws of motion, experimental investigation – in accordance with methods devised on the basis of conventional methodologies. Standard computing methods as well as Microsoft Excel and Mathcad application packages have been used for processing experimental data. Measuring and recording equipment has been used in the research process. Experimental investigation has been carried out on specially devised experimental assemblies. The research has enabled: to substantiate the design-manufacturing process of the threshing and separating mechanism with a differentiate concave; to establish analytical dependencies to determine the area of typical influence zones of a threshing drum and concave on threshing mass; to ascertain the regularity of stem deformation under the influence of different forces regulated by changing the distance between concave transverse slats; to figure out the regression equation enabling finding optimal process variables for a threshing and separating mechanism with a differentiate concave. The scientific novelty of the engineering solutions is confirmed by a patent of the Republic of Belarus for the utility model № 6335 « Tresking mechanism». The results of theoretical and experimental research have been used in developing design documentation for the production of a differentiate concave for combine harvesters PA «Gomselmash».

Structure of a Flax Threshing Mass Device

Abstract The object of the research consisted of a roller threshing unit with a profile elastic working surface of a parabolic type and a triangle one with rollers which turn concurrently with various angular speeds. Two rollers with 150 and 300 mm were investigated. The process of seeds separation from the threshing mass took place at its moisture of 10 to 35%. The relation of mixtures in the straw mass in a mass relation was changing within 10 to 35% with the length of stalks from 20 to 400 mm. The amount of the material provided for threshing was varied from 0.27 to 0.52 kg∙s-1∙m-1 and the slot between the rollers from 1.0 to 6.0 mm. The width of the base of notches located on the working surface of drums was within 25 to 150 mm, the height of notches on rollers was within 10 to 60 mm. Kinematic conditions of rollers operation were within 1.0 to 1.5. As a result of the research it was determined that a parabola is the optimal form of the profiled surface of rollers in a cross section. It ensures more effective seeds separation than a triangle configuration of drums. This conclusion is also confirmed by a theoretical discussion and is explained with the fact that the parabolic form of notches has a bigger surface than the triangle one and that they affect more seed-bags which leads to the increase of the seeds separation degree. The laboratory research allowed determination of rational ranges of parameters changes during flax mass threshing.