Year 2025 Soil of Estonia is Skeletic Regosol

For the Year 2025 Soil of Estonia by the Estonian Soil Science Society (ESSS) was elected Skeletic Regosol (as named by World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB)), which is one of subspecies of Coarse Rich Ryhky Soils (by Estonian Soil Classification (ESC)). Although these soils form less than 0,2% from the whole soil cover of Estonia, they merit an attention from the aspect of peculiarities of their forming, which have been taken place on narrow coastal area on the border between sea and mainland. Skeletic Regosols have been formed only on these littoral areas, which is rich mainly in coarse calcareous earth materials as limestone or dolomite containing also small stones (ryhk, pebble, shingle) and large stones. Besides that, these soils are as well rich in different kind of eruptive rocks of the size of small and large stones. The most part of Skeletal Regosols’ coarse fraction was formed under the influence of breaking waves, which were induced by strong sea winds. The main criteria of Ryhky Soils’ identification after ESC are the content and shape of small stones (Ø 1‒10 cm), water regime of soil cover, and fabric of soil profiles. Ryhky soils are divided into subspecies by the by the shape of small stones. In ryhky soils among others the ryhk fraction is dominated, but in Pebble soils the pebble and in Shingly soils the shingle fractions are dominating. In the development of Skeletic Regosols or of Shingle soils two development stages is separated. During the first Skeletic Regosols’ abnormal development stage only the primitive shingle rich parent material for these soils have been formed on the border area between mainland and sea. But during this period the soil forming processes are practically absent. During the second development stage of Skeletic Regosols development ie. after with draw of sea water the normal soil forming processes are taken place. As a result of this are formed humus horizons and activated biological cycling on chemical elements and others. In the article the soil forming conditions, coarse earth’s fractions shape and size, development stages of soil profiles, as well soils productivity, humus status, distribution, and agrochemical properties are treated

Viroste

Phytoplankton biomass, diversity and abundance in samples collected from Lake Viroste during the period 1960-2013

Raadi

Phytoplankton biomass, diversity and abundance in samples collected from Lake Raadi during the period 1928, 1929 and 1990

Maardu

Phytoplankton biomass, diversity and abundance in samples collected from Lake Maardu during the period 1953 -1990

Assessment of consumer awareness regarding the implementation of innovative food packaging

Received: February 3rd, 2024 ; Accepted: April 11th, 2025 ; Published: April 14th, 2025 ; Correspondence: [email protected] packaging fulfills many practical functions. They protect against harmful external factors and facilitate transport, distribution on the market, and storage of products in households. They also provide information on food products' type and composition, preparation method, and shelf life. The important role played by packaging contributes to their continuous improvement. An example of this improvement is the implementation of innovative solutions, including active and intelligent packaging. The question remains whether consumers know about these innovative facilities and whether they use them. In search of an answer to this question, a survey was conducted on 210 respondents in the Mazovian region (Poland). The survey aimed to assess consumer knowledge and awareness of active and intelligent food packaging. The study was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method. As many as 79% of respondents did not know the term active packaging. It was similar in the case of intelligent packaging - 79% of respondents did not know this type of packaging. Respondents also showed a low level of knowledge regarding the different types of inserts in active packaging and examples of benefits offered by intelligent packaging. The survey results suggest the need to disseminate knowledge and benefits related to active and intelligent packaging

Peculiarities of soybean growth and development on gray forest soils

Received: August 2nd, 2024 ; Accepted: October 29th, 2024 ; Published: April 4th, 2025 ; Correspondence: [email protected] scientific and experimental five-year study highlighted the detailed development of technological techniques for growing soybeans under different hydrothermal growing conditions on gray forest soils. The conducted experimental studies established that under the influence of climatic factors, the duration of the growing season of soybean plants changes, and these factors, as a result, affect the field germination, the conservation factor and, as a result, the yield of plants. It has also been proven that during the ontogenesis of the plant, there are natural changes in linear dimensions depending on varietal characteristics, weather conditions and factors that were investigated. On average, over the years of research, the length of the soybean vegetation period ranged from 110 to 118 days, while the longest vegetation period was recorded on the experimental variants, where seeds were inoculated with the BTU Bioinoculant preparation and two foliar feedings were carried out in phase 3 – the third leaf and budding Helprost soybean. Starting from the flowering phase, soybean plants reacted more intensively to the studied factors. On the options where foliar fertilizing was carried out with Helprost soy mineral fertilizer (2.5 L ha-1) against the background of inoculation with BTU Bioinoculant (2 L t-1), the flowering period lasted 28 ± 3.6 days, which is 3 days more compared to with areas where foliar fertilization was not carried out and for 6 days – compared to the control. This is explained by the influence of a number of factors, in particular, hydrothermal, biotic, soil and anthropogenic. During the period of full ripeness, in connection with the action caused by pests and diseases, certain technological techniques and factors that were put to study, the density of plants according to the experimental options was from 488 ± 28.3 to 552 ± 34.5 thousand ha-1

Õisu

Phytoplankton biomass, diversity and abundance in samples collected from Lake Õisu during the period 1952-2002

Predator damages and preventive measures in sheep farming

Bakalaureusetöö Loomakasvatuse õppekavalKiskjad on lambakasvatuses suureks probleemiks ning üha enam otsitakse erinevaid viise nende eemale tõrjumiseks. Käesoleva bakalaureusetöö eesmärgiks on uurida karjakaitsekoerte ja laamade efektiivsust kiskjakahjude ennetamisel lambakasvatustes. Käesolevas töös viiakse läbi poolstruktureeritud intervjuud Eesti lambakasvatajatega, kes kasutavad karjakaitsemeetodina lammaste segakarjatamist laamadega või karjakaitsekoeri. Samuti analüüsitakse teadusartikleid, et mõista, kuidas on sarnaseid meetodeid uuritud ja hinnatud mujal maailmas. Töö käigus leiti, et üldiselt võivad karjakaitsekoerte kasutamine ja lammaste segakarjatamine koos laamadega kiskjatega seotud kahjusid vähendada. Siiski selgus uuringust, et karjakaitsekoerte kasutamine ei pruugi igas olukorras olla universaalselt tõhus lahendus kiskjakahjude vähendamiseks. Kuigi paljudel juhtudel mainiti kiskjakahjude vähenemist, oli nende tulemuste saavutamiseks vaja tugevat pühendumust, teadmisi koerte head karjakaitsealast treenitust ning arvestatavat ajakulu. Võrreldes Eesti lambakasvatajate kogemusi analüüsitud teaduartiklitega selgus, et selliste kaitsemeetodite efektiivsus oleneb ka kiskjate arvukusest ja liikidest piirkonniti. Tulevikus saaks uurida ka kaamelite või eeslite kasutust karjakaitsjatena, kuna selle kohta on vähe infot. Laiema valimi kaasamine uuringutesse võimaldaks hinnata erinevate ennetusmeetmete efektiivsust objektiivsemate näitajate põhjal.Predators pose a significant problem in sheep farming, and increasing attention is being given to alternative methods for deterring them. The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to investigate the effectiveness of livestock guardian dogs and llamas in preventing predator-related damages in sheep farms. This study employs semi-structured interviews with Estonian sheep farmers using mixed grazing with llamas or livestock guardian dogs as protection measures. In addition, scientific literature is analyzed to understand how these methods have been studied and evaluated in other parts of the world. The findings indicate that the use of livestock guardian dogs and mixed grazing with llamas can reduce predator-related losses. However, the study revealed that the use of livestock guardian dogs may not be a universally effective solution for reducing predator damage in all situations. Although a reduction in predator damage was mentioned in many cases, achieving these results required strong commitment, knowledge of effective livestock guardian dog training, and a considerable investment in time. A comparison between the experiences of Estonian sheep farmers and the reviewed scientific literature shows that the effectiveness of such protective measures also depends on the abundance and species of predators present in the region. Future research could explore the use of other animals, such as camels or donkeys, as livestock guardians, as limited information is currently available on their use. Including a broader sample in such studies would enable a more objective assessment of the effectiveness of various preventive strategies

Regulation of latent defects in real estate transactions and their treatment in Estonian case law

Bakalaureusetöö Geodeesia, kinnisvara- ja maakorralduse õppekavalVarjatud puudused on vead või defektid kinnisasjas, mis ei ole ostjale kohe nähtavad või märgatavad, kuid võivad põhjustada olulist kahju või rahalist koormust. Need võivad olla seotud hoone konstruktsioonide, materjalide, funktsionaalsuse või juriidiliste aspektidega. Käesolev bakalaureusetöö uurib varjatud puuduste olemust ja liigitust kinnisvaratehingutes, samuti analüüsib Eesti õiguslikku regulatsiooni ja kohtupraktikat selles valdkonnas. Töö eesmärk on välja selgitada, millised on ostja ja müüja õigused ning kohustused varjatud puuduste korral, kuidas neid puudusi tuvastatakse ja kuidas kohtud neid vaidlusi lahendavad. Töös liigitatakse varjatud puudused nelja kategooriasse: konstruktsioonilised, materjali, funktsionaalsed ja juriidilised puudused. Iga kategooria kohta antakse näiteid, mis illustreerivad nende mõju kinnisvara kasutatavusele, ohutusele ja väärtusele. Kohtupraktika analüüs näitab, et Eesti kohtud lähenevad varjatud puudustega seotud vaidlustele tasakaalukalt, arvestades nii ostja kui ka müüja huve. Oluliseks teguriks on varjatud puuduse avastamine, müüja teadlikkus puudusest ja ostja käitumine tehingu eelsel etapil. Kohtud rakendavad erinevaid õiguskaitsevahendeid, sealhulgas hinna alandamist, kahju hüvitamist ja lepingu tühistamist, sõltuvalt puuduse iseloomust ja vaidluse konkreetsetest asjaoludest. Töö põhijäreldused rõhutavad vajadust tehingu osapoolte teadlikkuse järele varjatud puuduste riskide osas ning tähtsustavad sõltumatute ekspertide kaasamist kinnisvara seisukorra hindamisel. Samuti tuuakse esile, et õiguslik selgus ja läbipaistvus tehingutes aitavad vältida pikki ja kulukaid kohtuvaidlusi. Töö annab ülevaate Eesti õiguslikust raamistikust ja praktikast, pakkudes teadmisi nii kinnisvara ostjatele kui ka müüjatele.Latent defects are flaws or deficiencies in a property that are not immediately visible or detectable to the buyer but may cause significant damage or financial burden. These defects may relate to the building's structure, materials, functionality or legal aspects. This bachelor’s thesis examines the nature and classification of latent defects and their impact on real estate transactions, as well as analyzes Estonian legal regulations and case law in this field. The aim of the study is to clarify the rights and obligations of buyers and sellers in cases of latent defects, how such defects are identified, and how courts resolve related disputes. The thesis categorizes latent defects into four groups: structural, material, functional, and legal defects. Each category is illustrated with examples demonstrating their impact on a property’s usability, safety, and value. The analysis of case law shows that Estonian courts approach disputes involving latent defects in a balanced manner, considering the interests of both buyers and sellers. Key factors include the discovery of the defect, the seller’s awareness of it, and the buyer’s conduct during the pre-transaction stage. Courts apply various legal remedies, including price reduction, compensation for damages, and contract termination, depending on the nature of the defect and the specific circumstances of the dispute. The main conclusions of the study emphasize the need for transaction parties to be aware of the risks associated with latent defects and highlight the importance of involving independent experts in property condition assessments. Additionally, the thesis underscores that legal clarity and transparency in transactions help avoid lengthy and costly litigation. The study provides an overview of Estonia’s legal framework and practices, offering valuable insights for both real estate buyers and sellers

Growth dynamics of novel forest ecosystems: A case study form the Sirgala oil shale quarry

Magistritöö Metsamajanduse ja metsaökoloogia õppekavalPõlevkivikarjääride tasandatud alad kujutavad endast inimese poolt tugevalt muudetud maastikke, kus on hävinud looduslikud elupaigad, mullakiht ja taimestik ning asemele on kujunenud teistsuguse ökoloogilise toimimisega kooslused. Selliseid kooslusi käsitletakse teaduskirjanduses kui uudseid ökosüsteeme (novel ecosystems), mille kujunemisel ja toimimisel on oluline roll inimtekkel ja looduslikel suktsessiooniprotsessidel. Käesoleva uurimistöö eesmärgiks oli hinnata Sirgala karjääri 3,3 ha suurusele katsealale rajatud 68 püsiproovitüki andmete põhjal erinevate puuliikide edukust ning analüüsida puistute kasvudünaamikat, liigilist koosseisu ja mitmekesisust. Uuring põhineb aastatel 2012, 2018 ja 2023 teostatud kordusmõõtmistel. Töö tulemusena selgus, et Sirgala katsealale istutatud 12 puuliigist olid pikaajaliselt edukad vaid neli: lehis (Larix spp.), harilik kuusk (Picea abies), harilik mänd (Pinus sylvestris) ja kask (Betula spp.). Nendest liikidest eristus lehis üldiselt suurimate tagavara väärtuste poolest (keskmiselt 348 ± 106 m³/ha, maksimaalselt 564 m³/ha), kuigi keskmise tagavara poolest jäi lehis alla kuusele (402 ± 146 m³/ha, maksimaalselt 505 m³/ha). Lehisel olid samuti oluliselt suuremad mudelkõrgused ja diameetrid (vastavalt 20,3 ± 2,4 m; 22,6 ± 4,1 cm) võrreldes kuuse (19,3 ± 1,6 m; 17,8 ± 0,6 cm), männi (17,9 ± 1,8 m; 18,0 ± 2,0 cm) ja kasega (18,1 ± 1,0 m; 16,4 ± 4,3 cm). Männi ja kase puistute keskmised tagavarad olid madalamad – vastavalt 229 ± 101 m³/ha ja 214 ± 91 m³/ha. Kasvudünaamika analüüs näitas, et perioodil 2012 – 2018 toimus puistutes märkimisväärne juurdekasv, kuid aastatel 2018 – 2023 kasvu intensiivsus aeglustus. Samuti selgus, et liigtihedates puistutes on puude, eriti männi, kasv pärsitud ning puude suremus märgatavalt suurenenud. Samas viitab kuuse edukas looduslik uuenemine, et katsealal on kujunenud liigile soodsad mikrokliima- ja mullatingimused. Töö tulemuste põhjal võib järeldada, et taasmetsastatud karjääridest kui uudsetest metsaökosüsteemidest võivad arendada mitmeliigilised ja produktiivsed kooslused, kuid puude kasv ja areng sõltub paljudest eri teguritest, sealhulgas kultiveeritud puuliigist ning kasvutingimustest (sh mullastikust). Töös saadud tulemused aitavad kaasa paremate taastamispraktikate rakendamisele ja metsastamismudelite täiustamisele Eestis.Reclaimed oil shale quarries represent heavily human-modified landscapes, where natural habitats, soil layers, and vegetation have been destroyed and replaced by ecosystems with different ecological functioning. In scientific literature, such systems are referred to as novel ecosystems, whose development and functioning are shaped by both anthropogenic and natural succession processes. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of different tree species, as well as to analyse stand dynamics, species composition, and diversity based on data from 68 permanent sample plots established on a 3.3 ha study area in the Sirgala oil shale quarry. The study is based on repeated measurements conducted in 2012, 2018, and 2023. The results showed that out of the 12 tree species planted, only four were successful in the long term: larch (Larix spp.), Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and birch (Betula spp.). Among these, larch generally exhibited the highest stand volume values (mean 348 ± 106 m³/ha, maximum 564 m³/ha), although the highest mean stand volume was observed in spruce stands (mean 402 ± 146 m³/ha, maximum 505 m³/ha). Larch also had significantly greater model tree heights and diameters (20.3 ± 2.4 m; 22.6 ± 4.1 cm) compared to spruce (19.3 ± 1.6 m; 17.8 ± 0.6 cm), pine (17.9 ± 1.8 m; 18.0 ± 2.0 cm), and birch (18.1 ± 1.0 m; 16.4 ± 4.3 cm). The mean stand volumes for pine and birch were lower – 229 ± 101 m³/ha and 214 ± 91 m³/ha, respectively. Growth dynamics analysis revealed substantial stand development between 2012 and 2018, while growth intensity decreased during 2018 – 2023. Additionally, tree growth, particularly for pine, was suppressed in overly dense stands, which also exhibited significantly increased tree mortality. In contrast, the successful natural regeneration of spruce suggests that favorable microclimatic and soil conditions for this species have developed in parts of the study area. The findings indicate that reforested quarry landscapes, as novel forest ecosystems, can support multi-species and productive stands. However, tree growth and development are influenced by a range of factors, including the choice of species and local site conditions (such as soil properties). The results of this study can contribute to the improvement of forest restoration practices and afforestation models in Estonia