Marina Pintar

The impact of ski slopes management on Krvavec ski resort (Slovenia) on hydrological functions of soils

The study was performed on the ski resort Krvavec, which is one of the most frequented ski resorts in Slovenia. The ski slopes serve as pastures for cattle during summer time and range from 1500 to 2000 m a.s.l., which is at or above the upper timberline. To offer a longer ski season and to profit snow better (either natural or artificial one) the slopes have been levelled and consequently the soil profile has been changed. Such altered soil profile characteristics strongly impact hydrological functions of soils.To study these impacts, five plots (20 × 20 m) have been chosen on the slopes with a different history: pasture without any amelioration work, a patch of forest in the ski resort without any ameliorations, and three plots with different intensity of amelioration.Dynamics of soil water content on each plot has been determined by measuring soil water content in-situ with portable TDR system during several days after long lasting heavy rains. Statistically significant differences were shown in soil water content between the plots after the rain, although some differences between plots have disappeared in the following days.

Urban-rural relationships in feeding metropolis : a case study in Ljubljana metropolitan area

Metropolitan areas are characterized by the coexistence of a urban core insisting on natural resources of surrounding rural areas, strictly linked to the former. Inevitably, increasing urbanization and its consequences affect the model of urban development, which then needs to deal with the challenge of sustainability, also aiming to reduce pressures on resources and on supplying capacities of rural agricultural systems in providing food to urban zones, traditionally lacking. It then becomes important to deepen the possibility for the dense core to be supplied through proximity agriculture, able to recreate and improve synergic connections between urban and rural spheres. The paper aims to study the relationships among them for feeding the metropolis, adopting a methodology for the spatial definition of urban centre in metropolitan area and the assessment of its food balance, in order to identify the potentialities of local and proximity agriculture and provide a first evaluation for the possibility to match urban development and production potential. Identified tools are applied to Ljubljana metropolitan area.

Short-term dynamics of stomatal response to sudden increase in CO2 concentration in maize supplied with different amounts of water.

Environmental factors that influence stomatal conductance (gs) interact through a complex network of signal transduction and have therefore highly interdependent effect.In the present study we examined how plant water status affects stomatal sensitivity to the change of CO2 concentration ([CO2]). We investigated the short-term dynamic of stomatal response to a sudden [CO2] increase (from 400 to 700 µmol(CO2) mol−1) in maize supplied with different amounts of water (resulting ψw = −0.35, −0.52 and −0.75 MPa). Gas exchange measurements were performed in short logging intervals and the response was monitored under two different levels of water vapour pressure deficit (VPD) of 1 and 2 kPa in order to observe the impact of air humidity. Generalized logistic curves were fitted to standardized stomatal response data, which enabled us to objectively estimate the level (relative decrease of gs) and the dynamics of the response.Soil water stress and high VPD significantly decreased relative stomatal closure in response to [CO2] rise, but simultaneously accelerated stomatal response to [CO2], as revealed by shorter half life (t1/2). VPD significantly affected the response of well-watered plants. In contrast, a fast stomatal reaction of water-deprived plants was predetermined by a low xylem water potential (ψw) of the leaf and the influence of air humidity was minor.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of Catchment Modelling with Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model

Changed water regime in watercourses and high loads of sediment as a product of surface flow soil erosion can cause reductions in biodiversity, which is becoming one of the main indicators of environmental quality. Especially in the light of the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) (2000/60/EC) which requires new approaches, methods and tools for improvement, protection and prevention of further decreasing water quality. The main aim of the WFD is to achieve good quality status of water bodies in Europe by 2015 (Volk et al., 2009). Changes in social system and climate may, regardless environmental legislation restrictions, lead to changes in land use and hence in quantity of water flow and sediment concentrations in waters. Merging the different spatial and environmental data is time consuming; therefore, the use of computer modelling tools is necessary.

Quality of white cabbage yield and potential risk of ground water nitrogen pollution, as affected by nitrogen fertilisation and irrigation practices

BACKGROUND The effect of different fertilisation (broadcast solid NPK application and fertigation with water-soluble fertiliser) and irrigation practices (sprinkler and drip irrigation) on yield, the nitrate content in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and the cabbage N uptake was detected, in order to assess the potential risk for N losses, by cultivation on sandy-loam soil. The N rate applied on the plots was 200 kg N ha(-1). RESULTS The highest yield (93 t ha(-1)) and nitrate content (1256 mg kg(-1) DW) were found with treatments using broadcast fertilisation and sprinkler irrigation. On those plots the negative N balance (-30 kg N ha(-1)) was recorded, which comes mainly from the highest crop N uptake (234 kg N ha(-1)) indicating the lowest potential for N losses. CONCLUSION In terms of yield quality and the potential risk for N losses, broadcast fertilisation combined with sprinkler irrigation proved to be the most effective combination among the tested practices under the given experimental conditions. The importance of adequate irrigation is also evident, namely in plots on which 50% drip irrigation was applied, the lowest yield was detected and according to the positive N balance, a higher potential for N losses is expected.

The InnoLand approach – experimental research and action in Europe’s rural regions

Rural regions need integrative research and action approaches It is the central concern of the InnoLand network to support and accom- pany development strategies of rural regions in Europe that undergo spe- cific external challenges in both the socio-economic sphere, such as demo- graphic changes, migration or urban sprawl, and within the productive land use systems such as intensification or extensification processes. Large- scale, regional research as it is conceived here, means tackling the prob- lems and development needs of the European rural areas in an interrelated manner that addresses economic, social and environmental issues in the sense of sustainable development at a landscape level. Innovations for land The chapter presents the methodological approach that is general to all case studies presented in the book. First of all, the conceptual background and the guiding principles such as inter- and transdisciplinarity, stake- holder involvement and exchange and learning, are presented and discussed. In the next section, a common understanding of research as a process is elaborated and a phasing concept is presented and operationalised. Finally, conclusions on the expected outcomes both for the scientific communities as well as for political and practice stakeholders are drawn and discussed.

Nitrogen isotope enrichment factor as an indicator of denitrification potential in top and subsoil in the Apace Valley, Slovenia

Denitrification is still a poorly explained process in soil nitrogen cycles. Nitrogen isotope analyses, in combination with conventional soil-science methods (i.e. rate measurements), permit the tracing and quantification of several turn-over and transfer processes in soils. The aim of the presented investigations is to determine the 15N isotope enrichment factor (e) in a laboratory experiment during denitrification in the topsoil and subsoil layer of a Eutric Fluvisol (FAO classification) from the Apace Valley (NE Slovenia). Intact soil cores taken from depths of 0.10–0.20 m and 0.90–1.00 m were incubated under anaerobic conditions at a temperature of 18°C. A nitrate dose of 116 mg N-NO3/L was added to the topsoil layer and 58 mg N-NO3/L to the subsoil material. Glucose (250 mg) was added to each soil column. After the initial 24 h of incubation, water samples were taken every 8 h. The isotope enrichment factor for denitrification in the upper soil-layer columns was –7.60 ± 1.28‰ and for subsoil columns –34.91 ± 1.77‰ (n = 3). The isotope enrichment factor close to zero demonstrated that microorganisms easily consumed abundant substrate in the topsoil layer. Added nitrate and glucose exceeded the capacity of the microbial population in the subsoil and the process was limited by a low microbial population for which a high e is characteristic.

Modelling of Surface Water Quality by Catchment Model SWAT

Catchment represents a logical administrative unit of governance as a biological, physical, economic and social system, which is affected by natural (rain, sun) and human influences (industry, agriculture, population). The effective implementation of the river basin management plans are necessary and should include clear and strong objectives and instructions for maintaining the quality of surface water, even if needs of the society are changed in the future (Wagner et al., 2002).

Goriška Brda (Slovenia) – sustainable natural resource management for the prosperity of a rural area

Favourable future perspectives for rural regions need a balanced enforcement of competitiveness and social cohesion. The Goriska Brda region (72 km2) is situated by the Slovenian-Italian border. Certain areas in Goriska Brda are subject to intensive land use change, mainly from forest and grassland into vineyards. Future challenges in water, soil and land management are closely connected with the researchers’ knowledge in dealing with the sustainable use of natural resources and the development of future socio-economic stability. An integrative combination of socio-economic analyses (e.g. SWOT) and environmental simulations (e.g., a SWAT model) will be made and confronted or upgraded with stakeholder experiences and knowledge, always in dynamic dialogue with regional policy, resulting in consensus.

Assessment of promising agricultural management practices

iSQAPER project - Interactive Soil Quality Assessment in Europe and China for Agricultural Productivity and Environmental Resilience - aims to develop an app to advise farmers on selecting the best Agriculture Management Practice (AMPs) to improve soil quality. For this purpose, a soil quality index has to be developed to account for the changes in soil quality as impacted by the implementation of the AMPs. Some promising AMPs have been suggested over the time to prevent soil degradation. These practices have been randomly adopted by farmers but which practices are most used by farmers and where they are mostly adopted remains unclear. This study is part of the iSQAPER project with the specific aims: 1) map the current distribution of previously selected 18 promising AMPs in several pedo-climatic regions and farming systems located in ten and four study site areas (SSA) along Europe and China, respectively; and 2) identify the soil threats occurring in those areas. In each SSA, farmers using promising AMPs were identified and questionnaires were used to assess farmers perception on soil threats significance in the area. 138 plots/farms using 18 promising AMPs, were identified in Europe (112) and China (26).Results show that promising AMPs used in Europe are Crop rotation (15%), Manuring & Composting (15%) and Min-till (14%), whereas in China are Manuring & Composting (18%), Residue maintenance (18%) and Integrated pest and disease management (12%). In Europe, soil erosion is the main threat in agricultural Mediterranean areas while soil-borne pests and diseases is more frequent in the SSAs from France and The Netherlands. In China, soil erosion, SOM decline, compaction and poor soil structure are among the most significant. This work provides important information for policy makers and the development of strategies to support and promote agricultural management practices with benefits for soil quality.