Maria Pătroescu

Environmental impact assessment of the vegetable cultivations using the Pimentel-Euleistein model. Case study arges lower watershed

The culture of vegetables is characterized by a high level of energy inputs required for high production. For this reason the effects upon the environment are complex and diverse. The lower watershed of Arges River is characterized by a large area of vegetables cultivations and the presence of an important sale market (Bucharest City) . For the assessment of environmental impact caused by the above mentioned factors, the Pimentel-Euleistein Energetic Model was used. We evaluated the amount of energy that is entering the agroecosystem (pesticides, seeds, electricity, etc.) and we calculated the energetic efficiency η as a relation between the energy amount yielded by the agroecosystem (Qo) and the amount provided by human intervention (Qi) . Based on η, we calculated the entropy amount, the critical energetic limit (the maximum value of Qi for which the agroecosystem remains sustainable) and the sustainable production (the maximum amount extracted from the agroecosystem without causing unbalance) .

Natural Transborder Parks: The Direction of Biodiversity Preservation in Romania

The Iron Gates Natural Park is situated in southwestern Romania, along the Danube river, and covers an area of 115,655.85 ha (according to the draft bill of the Conservation Law by the Commission for Nature Conservation of the Romanian Parliament).