Article deals with increased levels of atmospheric N and S in moss Hypnum cupressiforme in Slovenian forests due to prescribed sampling methodology (ICPVegetation CLRTAP) where samples should be taken in gaps. Due to Slovenian forest management practice these gaps are to small, and all samples are taken under canopy what increasses content of N and S in mosses regarding measured values in bulk deposition (EMEP)
COBISS.SI-ID: 7917177
Abandonment of marginal agricultural areas with subsequent secondary succession is a widespread type of land use change in Mediterranean and mountain areas of Europe, leading to important environmental consequences such as change in the water balance, carbon cycling, and regional climate. Paired eddy flux measurement design with grassland site and tree/shrub encroached site has been setup in the Slovenian Karst (submediterranean climate region) to investigate the effects of secondary succession on ecosystem carbon cycling. The invasion of woody plant species was found to significantly change carbon balance shifting annual NEE from source to an evident sink. According to one year of data succession site stored −126±14gCm−2 y−1 while grassland site emitted 353±72gCm−2 y−1. In addition, the seasonal course of CO2 exchange differed between both succession stages, which can be related to differences in phenology, i.e. activity of prevailing plant species, and modified environmental conditions within forest fragments of the invaded site. Negligible effect of instrument heating was observed which proves the Burba correction in our ecosystems unnecessary. Unexpectedly high CO2 emissions and large disagreement with soil respiration especially on the grassland site in late autumn indicate additional sources of carbon which cannot be biologically processes, such as degassing of soil pores and caves after rain events.
COBISS.SI-ID: 3086246
Intensive vegetable production on shallow aquifers represents an important threat to the quality of the groundwater. In the search for new technologies, that would ensure optimum yield and environmental sustainability, different irrigation, nitrogen and cropping system management strategies for production of vegetables with shorter growing period (iceberg lettuce, endive and early cabbage) were assessed in a farmermanaged field in a benchmark site in Sneberje, Slovenia for years 2006 – 2007. Four treatments were applied, one represented farmer’s practice of irrigation and fertilisation, two treatments with drip irrigation technology, one of them fertigation, and control (farmer’s irrigation, no fertilization). The nitrate concentrations measured in soil water sampled in suction cups under the plot with farmer’s practice were the highest of four treatments, with the highest peak in autumn 2007. The nitrate concentrations measured in soil water under the plot with covering 100% plant’s water requirements and fertigation were the lowest of all the plots where fertilizer was applied. For determination of fertilizer efficiency use 15N isotope tracer was applied. Tested irrigation and fertilization techniques for production of vegetables with shorter growing period in Slovenian climate showed that on water protection zones environmentally sustainable practices (frequent application of nutrients as opposed to broadcast incorporating fertilisation) should be a priority. Fertigation, as environmentally friendly practice, must be considered for vegetable production on or close to ground water protection zones.
COBISS.SI-ID: 6820217
Toxic metals contaminated garden soil rich with organic mater and fines was remediated in a pilotscale. EDTA washing efficiently reduced soil Pb, Zn and Cd soil content and bioavailability for humans through soil ingestion. Remediated soil preserved the function of plant and microbial substrate but did not entirely prevent the accumulation of Cd in the test plants. Effective means of soil rinsing was proposed to remove all mobilized species of toxic metals.
COBISS.SI-ID: 7368313
Two classes of recommendations emerged in study: the need to improve climate models, observational and climate monitoring systems, and our understanding of key processes. Second, the framework for climate research and observations must be extended to document impacts and to guide adaptation and mitigation efforts.
COBISS.SI-ID: 5976185