W. Szulc

Frequently asked questions about in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence: practical issues

The aim of this educational review is to provide practical information on the hardware, methodology, and the hands on application of chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence technology. We present the paper in a question and answer format like frequently asked questions. Although nearly all information on the application of Chl a fluorescence can be found in the literature, it is not always easily accessible. This paper is primarily aimed at scientists who have some experience with the application of Chl a fluorescence but are still in the process of discovering what it all means and how it can be used. Topics discussed are (among other things) the kind of information that can be obtained using different fluorescence techniques, the interpretation of Chl a fluorescence signals, specific applications of these techniques, and practical advice on different subjects, such as on the length of dark adaptation before measurement of the Chl a fluorescence transient. The paper also provides the physiological background for some of the applied procedures. It also serves as a source of reference for experienced scientists.

Exchangeable silicon content of soil in a long-term fertilization experiment.

Based on a long-term fertilization experiment on a light soil, a study was conducted on the impact of varied fertilization on the levels of silicon forms available in the soil. It was shown that the exchangeable silicon content in the tested soil was very low, which can have a limiting effect on crop yields. Soil pH is a factor that significantly affects the exchangeable silicon content of the soil. Therefore, under the conditions of acidic soils, liming is a treatment that increases the level of silicon forms available to plants in the soil.

Effect of traffic routes on the trace element concentration in plants in the Warsaw agglomeration

Abstract This work presents the results of an analysis of concentration levels of selected trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd) in plants and soil near the main roads of the Warsaw agglomeration. The aim of the study was to assess the degree of contamination by selected trace elements of plants growing at different distances from the road (directly at the roadside and 50 meters away from the road) and to examine the relationship between the concentration of the tested parameters in the soil and their content in the plant. It was found that the lack of clear differentiation in the levels of all heavy metals in plants depending on the distance from the road was associated with the possibility of considerable pollutant migration. In addition, it was found that dandelion usually reveals higher concentrations of heavy metals than meadow-grass.

Impact of traffic routes on the content of trace elements in soils in Warsaw agglomeration

Abstract This article presents the results of a study on the content of selected trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd) in soils near the main traffic routes of the Warsaw agglomeration. The aim of the study was to determine the extent of soil contamination with trace metals at different distances from the road (by the side the road and 50 meters away from the road). In the soil 50 m away from the road in Łomianki ‘low contamination’ was found for zinc and ‘elevated content’ for copper according to the IUNG guidelines, but the amounts of the trace elements were not found to exceed the permissible levels as specified in the Regulation of the Minister for the Environment of 1 September 2016.

Influence of sulphur and multi-component fertilizer application on the content of Cu, Zn and Mn in different types of soil under maize

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the soil type and differential sulphur rates used with or without Basfoliar 36 Extra on the soil pH as well as the amount of available forms of copper, zinc and manganese based on the micro plots field experiment. Moreover, the relationship between the studied microelements was examined. The experiment was performed in two-factor design; the first-order factor was the soil type (Typic Hapludolls, Typic Hapludalfs, Typic Haplorthods, Typic Endoaquolls), while the second-order factor - fertilization with sulphur and compound fertilizer - Basfoliar 36 Extra. The plant tested was Rota cultivar maize. The use of sulphur and sulphur combined with Basfoliar 36 Extra changed the classification of the soils in terms of their pH. In the soils under study, as a result of the 10-years application of sulphur and/or foliar fertiliser with NPK fertilization as well as growing maize in monoculture showing a high uptake of macro- and micro-nutrients, there was reported a clear decrease in the content of zinc, copper and manganese, as compared with the initial content. With that in mind, one shall assume that growing maize in a 10-year monoculture is connected with an intensive use of soils, which can result in a clear deficit of the elements studied in soil.

Ion Equilibrium in the Soil Solution in Long-term Fertilization Experiment on Sandy Soil

In the conditions of long-term experiment carried out in the experimental field of Warsaw Agricultural University - SGGW at _ yczyn, ion concentration in the soil solution were examined as well as the relationships shaped between ions in the soil solution due to long-term diversified mineral and organic fertilization. Soil solution was obtained by the vacuum method and the concentration of particular ions in the soil solution was determined by the ICP method. Mineral and organic fertilization and liming significantly affected chemical composition of the soil solution and the relationships between particular ions in the soil solution. The lowest concentration of ions in the soil solution was observed in the control plots (not fertilized). Mineral and organic fertilization as well as liming caused the increase of ion concentration in the soil solution. In the plots with mineral fertilization alone K + and NH + 4 ions predominated in the cation structure in the soil solution. In the case of liming the share of Ca 2+ ions increased. Independently from the system of fertilization used, CI m and HCO m 3 ions predominated in the anion structure. The application of organic fertilization affected to the highest degree the concentration of aluminium ion in the soil solution significantly limiting the share of this ion in the cation structure.