The study was carried out in 2011–2014 at Botanical garden of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovak Republic. Cupressus sempervirens L. was planted in two types of planting, plants planted direct in the soil and stayed outside during winter time and plants planted in pots and protected during winter time, when plants were removed in to greenhouse from end of November until end of March. The sample of young, one year leaves had been taken in end of January when temperature over night was (–7°C) and at 9 am was (–3°C). The results showed that there are significant differences between plants planted outside and plants protected during winter time in all of studied characteristics. Plants planted in ground had the highest chlorophyll a and total sugar content in comparison with plants in pots which were in greenhouse when temperature has recorded on (8°C) in average. There is an inverse relationship between chlorophyll a and total sugar and starch. The study found also an inverse relationship between total sugar and starch content in the leaves. Also an inverse relationship between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b was found; increase of chlorophyll a leads to decrease of chlorophyll b content.

The aim of this study was to determine the ground conditions, which were the basis to determine the thickness of the “mattress” using ground penetrating radar. Project of constructed A4 motorway sector in the area of Łańcut, included technical assumptions, concerning laying of 50 centimeter layer of a broken stone “mattress”, to strengthen the foundation of the road embankment. At the stage of field implementation of the project, the broken stone was driven into the subsoil. As a result, unfavorable geotechnical conditions resulted in increased consumption of crushed stone by about 30%. Thus, an increase in the cost of highway construction occured. On the broken stone “mattress”, a layer of embankment of thickness from 1.0 to 3.0 m was laid. Verification of the increased cost of construction, required a survey of selected area ranges of “mattress”, of increased thickness.

This paper presents results of a field study to determine the flow characteristics and channel bathymetric patterns in a 4 km-long reach of the Middle Odra river with a special emphasis on the flood conditions. Characteristic features of this section are groynes and consecutively curved and straight river course. A series of measurements of flows, bottom tracking and water level has been carried out at varied discharges up to 756 m³ · s^–1 (mean flow equals to 180 m³ · s^–1) with water depths up to 6 m. River bottom consisted of sand and gravel, bed forms – dunes – reached a height of 1 m. The flow analysis divides river cross-section into channel zone between the groynes, zone of groynes and flood plains. The variation of Manning’s roughness coefficient with discharge and depth is determined taking into account the influence of the channel curvature. On the straight section the Manning’s coefficient moderately varies, once on the curved section significantly rises with discharge. The morphologic regime assessment, according to the Froude number locally up to 0,34, indicates possible transition, i.e. washing-out of dunes, however without a pronounced effect on the reduction of the flow resistance. From practical point of view, the effect/importance of sediment transport diminishes with flow, as the flow in main, regulated channel relatively diminishes when related to the total flow. Further, the determined roughness coefficients are at the upper, ‘save’ limit for the river channel conveyance analysis.

The paper includes the Plan of Conservation Tasks of the Nature 2000 area Dąbrowy Ceranowskie PLH140024. Its main subjects of protection are two natural habitats: 9170 mid-European and subcontinental oak-hornbeam forest (Galio-Carpinetum, Tilio-Carpinetum) and 91I0* thermophilous oak forests (Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae). State of preservation of both natural habitats was discussed as well the existing and potential threats were determined. Analysis of the obtained data allowed to define the main aims of conservation tasks and activities relating to maintenance or modification of forestry methods to be taken in order to improve the conservation status of habitats in the next 10 years. They would include: exclusion from the economic use the best developed and most representative plots of both protected forest phytocenoses, reduction in shrub layer and canopy cover (that would enable the proper development of helioand thermophilous species in herb layer of termophilous oak forests), elimination of ecologically and geographically alien tree species, and realization of activitiesconcerningexploitation of tree stands after vegetationseason (in order to the protect herb layer vegetation). Implementation of the Plan of Conservation Tasks would allow to use in practice a sustainable, pro-ecological forest management.

Bankfull widths of steep headwater channels were examined in the Western Carpathian flysch midmountains. The criteria of the top of banks, scoured lines and presence of bank vegetation were helpful in the bankfull width determination. A direct downstream relationship between the parameters of the bankfull width and the watershed area and a negative downstream relationship between the parameters of the bankfull width and the channel gradient were observed in all examined channels similarly to lower gradient rivers. However, streams based in more resistant sandstone flysch and/or influenced by small debris-flows indicated much less dependence between these parameters. Significant differences in bankfull widths were found when channels of the same watershed areas, but located on leeward and windward hillslopes were compared.

The aim of the paper was to verification of the environmental impact assessment of the exploitation of sand dune in Wilcza Wola in the Dzikowiec community, located in areas of Natura 2000 – “Special Protection Areas for birds: Puszcza Sandomierska” and in Sokołowsko-Wilczowolski Landscape Protection Area. The paper presents detailed characteristics of the sand mine and the results of research and analysis of the possible negative impact of the project on individual elements of the natural environment, both at the stage of its implementation, exploitation and decommissioning. Objective achievement is possible by detailed analyses of data included in the report about environment impact of Exploitation of sand dune environment of the bed, “Wilcza Wola”, analyses of regulations and field research, and guidelines used to verify the environmental impact assessment included in Habitats Directive [Dyrektywa… 1992].

The study presents results velocity distributions obtained from the mathematical model SSIIM (Simulation of Sediment movements In water Intakes with Multiblock). Velocity calculated for the geometry of the measured local scour in 2007, (number 4, km 479 +225) located below the Jeziorsko reservoir. Model used was verified on the basis of their research field [Hämmerling 2011]. In this paper the calculation of velocity distributions made to flow from the multi-year average. Shows a graphical analysis of the characteristic velocity (average, near-bottom, maximum) in selected verticals hydrometric, cross sections (isotach) and longitudinal profiles. Specified to the universality of the software used, which can be successfully used for precisely analysis of the phenomenon of formation of the local scour below of sill.

The article is focused on the process of evaluation of the quality of aquatic habitats. The habitat quality is characterized by bioindication, which is represented by ichtyofauna in habitat suitability curves. During the periods of minimum flows the ichtyofauna prefers covers with deeper habitats. This has been showed by the correlation of suitability curve characteristics for water depth. The curves are based on the frequency sorting of the fish in microhabitat, which were determined on the basis of the ichtyological survey. Accuracy assessment of the suitability curves is one of the most important steps in the IFIM methodology. Evaluation and generalization of the suitability curves for Schneider (Alburnoides bipunctatus) was done in the Nitrica River. The suitability curves were processed for two abiotic parameters – depth and velocity. Hydraulic and ichthyologic measurements were performed in summer 2013. The morphology of the Nitrica River was measured for needs of 2D hydraulic modeling, which was performed by 2D model DHI MIKE 21FM. The results of weighted usable area show that the Schneider prefers minimum range of flows.

Increased security of photogrammetry technologies (flights), raising the quality and lowering the cost of labor and also on subsequent developments and updates, which are the result, it is always current problems. The possibility of use 3D modeling for spatial analyses from low-height aerial images realized by unmanned, small aerial platforms (UAVs), equipped with small digital cameras seems to be worthy of attention. The intention of the author of this work is the problem of use 3D modeling terrain images defined as lowheight, which means images recorded with unmanned platforms (UAVs) with low-height altitude not exceeding 100 meters above the average level of the area.

The sphere of enterprise communication with the business environment slowly but consistently moves to the Internet. This is results from the dynamic network development. The interest in the creating of the image, building the brand, promotion and customer acquisition over the Internet is growing. These trends did not avoid the tourism sector, including agritourism and rural tourism. It is difficult to lead efficient business operations without effective marketing. Having a website, an account on a social network, a blog or even all of these simultaneously is slowly becoming commonplace. The websites creators still do not appreciate the importance of error-free preparation of web pages and the quality of published content. These are some of the key factors affecting the construction of the image on the web. The article discusses the issues of classification of web sites of tourist farms according to their function and selected technical parameters of their implementation.

After experience of 2010 flood, in order to limit the amount of flood risk in the region of Sandomierz and Tarnobrzeg working conditions of six potential polders located above this area were analysed. Verified their effects as a reduction of the water surface elevation in gauge station Sandomierz and idicated recommended for further analysis configurations of their systems.

Natural abundance of fish in rivers is very valuable. So that, according to the Habitats Directive, there is a need to take activitis to preserve or regenerate states conditions characteristic of natural habitats. Main goal of this thesis was determination, in hydraulic aspect, types of habitats for fish living in examinated part of Wisłoka River. Determination was based on actual and changed hydraulic conditions. To determine types of habitat Mesohabitat Evaluation Model was used. It made possibile to classify study area according to six types of different flow conditions. To achieve main goal plenty of surveys were done, for example cross sections stream’s slope and regime were measured. Analysis of the results, hydrologic calculations and model test were also done. Five types of habitats in actual hydraulic conditions, in measured part, were determinated. Because of the new type of rivers bed morphology types of habitat had different spacial order. It is caused because of breaking high speed zones to smaller areas. Zones with calm flow and still water were created beetwen them. Those changes had very positive impact on all fish specious in examin area.

The assessment of anthropogenic immission load of area is important indicator in the process of immission participation determination to agricultural crop detraction. Despite the rapid concentration detraction of all immissions in the air environment dominates the opinion, that it continues in latent scale of damaging in the economically significant scale. Demonstration of this effect scale is economically and technically difficult. That is why the indirect methods of load assessment are developed, whereas the level of their validity is the cardinal inefficiency. Determination of concentrations of pollutants recognized methods are costly and labour-consuming and are also linked to energy networks. In the present work we follow the content of SO2 in the atmosphere because of their greatest contribution to atmospheric pollution. Their objectives is based on selected methods simply set the load area of sulphur and nitrogen transformation of the volume concentration of SO2 the deposition rate and replace the costly and labour intensive methods. In this paper we compare two direct methods sorption-cumulative and chemiluminescence. The amounts of SO2 observed sorption-cumulative method in the individual periods was several times higher than the amount measured by AMS Leles. Results showed relatively large differences between different methods. The above methods can replace costly and labour intensive methods.

This study investigated the influence of five factors on the degree of extraction of a petroleum pollutant from a soil matrix using a Soxhlet apparatus. In order to determine the optimal combination of the five factors, that is, the number of cycles per hour, extraction time, solvent type, the amount of drying agent, and the amount of water added, a Taguchi experimental design was used: five variables (with four levels each) in an L’16 orthogonal array. Optimum extraction conditions were found to be as follows: 50.0 mL of dichloromethane, 2 h extraction time, 7 cycles, 1.0 mL of water added/5.0 g of soil, and 1.5 g of sodium sulfate/5.0 g of sample. Using the presented method, more than 90% of the diesel fuel introduced into the model matrix was extracted. This indicates that the procedure is reliable and should be applied for environmental monitoring.

Hydrochemical research of the Łososina river was conducted in 2013. Water for analyses was collected from the river in 6 measurement and control points near Tymbark town. Water electrolytic conductivity and phosphate, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate nitrogen concentrations were assessed in the collected samples. Along the whole length of the investigated section water of the Łososina river meets the requirements of water purity class I. Statistically significantly higher concentrations of nitrite nitrogen were registered in points 5 and 6 in comparison with the other analysed points. Analysis of hydrochemical profile of the investigated river section revealed a slight influence of Tymbark town on water quality.

The development of the computer technologies enables us to solve the ecological problems in water management practice very efficiently. Hydrodynamical models which simulating transport of pollution in surface water are very demanding on input data and calculation time, but on the other side, they are able to simulate detailed effect of dispersion in surface waters. The paper deals with 1-dimensional numerical model HEC-RAS and its response on various values of dispersion coefficient. This parameter is one of the most important input data for simulation of pollution spreading in streams. Getting fair value, however, is in practice very difficult. One option is the most accurate simulation of tracer experiments carried out on the ground on the natural surface flow. For the pilot application was selected flow Small Nitra. Of longitudinal dispersion coefficient in the flow, or the flow of a similar nature (with and limit the rate of flow), were in the range 0.05 to 2.5 m² · s^–1. The next task was carrying out the model sensitivity analysis, which means to evaluate input data influences, especially longitudinal dispersion coefficient, on outputs computed by 1-dimensional simulation model HEC-RAS. Sensitivity analysis model HEC-RAS also showed its adequate response to changes of the input parameter. Given the present results it can be stated that the HEC-RAS model responds to changes in the values of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient appropriately. HEC-RAS model has demonstrated its applicability to simulation of pollution in streams, and therefore is an appropriate tool for decision making related to the quality of water resources.

Culverts should safely convey storm water runoff through a roadway or railway system. Due to the possibility of flow obstruction by different obstacles, culverts are mostly designed to ensure free access of air at the inlet and outlet. The above-mentioned recommendation is included in the Polish existing regulations, published by the Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs in 2000 [Rozporządzenie... 2000]. Hydraulic design of circular culverts according to FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and USGS (United States Geological Survey) guidelines include more types of culvert flow in a hydraulic calculations, compared to polish regulations. In this article basic rules on the most popular unsubmerged inlet circular culverts design were presented. Culvert conveyance for different types of culvert entrance according to FHWA and USGS guidelines were also compared with polish regulations and experimental data. Results show that, using a polish regulations, the calculated discharge of culvert is slightly smaller in relation to FHWA and USGS formulas.

Soil water storage is systematically studied by expert from various scientific disciplines. This increased interest is mainly due to anthropogenic activities of human beings, but also due to activities of natural processes influencing the dynamics and amount of water in this water resource. The aim of this study is determination of amount of plants available soil water in the Nitra river basin for year 2013. Water storage was calculated in periods from January to March, from April to August and from October to December. Available soil water storage was determined as a difference between actual soil moisture and a hydrolimit limited water availability. Measured soil moisture was interpolated on base of point values from the net of hydrological stations in basin. Retention curves were used to calculation of limited water availability. Available soil water storage was the highest in first period (273.89 mm). In period from May to August was lower (194.32 mm) and in last period was only 152.14 mm.

Agriculture has diverse forms in the intra-urban and peri-urban area of Christchurch, the capitol of the Canterbury Region, New Zealand. These agricultural landscapes are productive components of the urban green infrastructure and provide important environmental, social and economic services. Within the Reciprocal Short Term Scientific Mission supported by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, diverse patterns of urban agriculture have been analysed according to their spatial and structural characteristics and considering their significance for building a resilient urban food system. The aim of this paper is to introduce and analyse different patterns of urban agriculture by four case studies in the intra-urban area and two case studies in the peri-urban area of Christchurch. The intra-urban agricultural landscapes are represented by the Okeover Community Garden at the University of Canterbury, the Christchurch Farmers Market at the Riccarton House, The Agropolis Urban Farm and an urban production garden. The agriculture in the peri-urban area of the city is introduced as large-scale agriculture and a specific form of urban sprawl and arable land consumption is presented by the example of lifestyle blocks.

Geotechnical research of mottled clay shales originated from Szymbark near Gorlice are presented in the paper. Grain-size distribution, Atterberg’s limits, compactibility parameters, permeability coefficient, swelling index and shear strength were determined. The test results revealed that mottled clay shales has good compactibility and low permeability. According to grain-size distribution and Atterberg’s limits the shales were classified as a normal active clays. Swelling index of tested soil were in range of 8–15%, what means that the soil is semi-expansive stratum. Shear strength tests revealed that at the optimum moisture content mottled clay shales have high values of angle of internal friction and cohesion. At low moisture content shales have very high shear strength parameters, which are very similar to parameters of flysch rock masses published in literature. Therefore, at the moisture content higher than optimum, which corresponds to soft consistency, the shear strength of mottled clay shales decrease significantly and the values of shear strength parameters are similar to clayey soils.

The paper is aimed to determine the quantity of water which under diverse atmospheric conditions may evaporate from a roof with a construction and covering used to cover storage facilities in the region of Krakow. In order to determine the quantity of evaporation research was conducted in the period from April to October in the form of a tailor-made experiment – at the experimental station equipped in a roof moistened by means of spraying and the automatic meteorological station. Values and variation of water evaporation during night and daytime of the whole research period and particular months have been presented. The average daily and hourly evaporation of water from the roof have been calculated. During the research the evaporation of water from the roof was variable. In every period of measurement the sum of evaporation during the day was several times higher than the evaporation at night. It shows that it is better for water to evaporate on the roofs during the day. The presented data can be used to estimate the area of the surface necessary to evaporate a particular amount of water from the roof provided identical structure of the roof and sprinkler system is used.