The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of variability in roots morphometric properties of selected varieties of barley. Three varieties of husky barley, Rastic, 43302 and 41267, and one variety of hulled barley, Bies, was tested. The roots were collected at the experimental field using core method. The roots were washed using a hydropneumatic elutriation system. Before scanning, any organic contaminations were manually removed. The images were analyzed using Aphelion, the software for image analysis and roots characteristics. The root length density (RLD), specific root length (SRL), mean diameter (MD) and dry matter (RDM) were calculated. The longest and the thinnest roost were determined for the 43302 variety. The 41267 was characterized by the lowest RLD value in all soil layers. The roots of Bies variety were the thickest but the shortest. However, the Rastic reach the highest value of RLD.

The study presents the resources and dynamics of change of power in family agricultural holdings in the years 2004–2009. 70 agricultural holdings have been analysed with respect to the amount of subsidies, area of arable land (AL), economic size and business income. The primary source of power comes from agricultural tractors. The level of installed capacity increases by two in farms of smaller areas, up to 10 ha AL, and this trend continues for farms with the lowest economic livelihood and a low level of business income. Power resources decrease together with a rise in the area of agricultural farms but the highest dynamics of change is seen in the smallest farms (< 10 ha AL).

Abstract: The construction and the operation principle of a baler made by a Norwegian company Orkel (MP 2000 Compactor model) was presented. An assessment of the quality obtained from sugar beet pulp silage prepared using the above-mentioned press. Been analyzed in the scale silage Fliege-Zimmer highest rated very good. This corresponds to the quality of silage in long silo bags. It was found that on the domestic market there isn’t this kind of machinery for sugar, sugar beet growers, farms with dairy cows or beef cattle.

This work shows the results of research on the influence of piston velocity and degree of comminution of vegetable pulps on yield and energy consumption of the process of pressing. The research was carried out on carrot roots, celery and beetroot. It was stated that the yield of the process depends on the material type, degree of pulp comminution and piston velocity, whereas the energy consumption is dependent on material type and its degree of comminution.

The analysis of applying and the influence of different edible coatings on the quality of fruit and vegetables in processing and storage was the aim of this study. Analysis was preceded by the characterization of general conditioning of the processing and storage of raw materials and products of this type. Critical assessment of edible coatings composition and examples of their applying on chosen fruit and vegetables were quoted. Applying edible coatings on fruit and vegetables after post-harvest period extend their stability, reduces respiration rate and weight loss, inhibits the growth of pathogens as well as extends their shelf life.