Evaluation of Costs in Asparagus Production in Relation to Different Technological Processes in Conditions of Slovak Republic

This study deals with analysis structure of cost on the production of asparagus in relation to three different technological processes in conditions of Slovak Republic. Obtained results can be used as a template to prepare budgets and make production decisions to estimate potential returns and to analyze investment and financial analysis decisions in the asparagus cultivation. Production practices used in the budget are based on typical practices for asparagus in this country. From the analysis of the cost structure of assessed variants different technological procedures follows that the largest share of the costs fall to purchased material and labor

The Possibilities of Using Marc for Manufacturing Pellets for Energy Purposes

The contribution describe the possibilities of using marc for manufacturing pellets for energy purposes. Experiments associated with pellet production were performed in several variants. Biomass pellet variants consisted of different percentages of vine shoots from vineyards, as well as marc and hay. These test variants were measured for their calorific value, which ranged between 17.36 and 19.21 MJ.kg−1. Bulk density was also determined, ranging between 619.27 and 630.9 kg.m−3. Pellets produced with marc content were also tested for mechanical durability, which was between 96.15 and 96.82% for the test variants. The calorific value, alongside other parameters assessed, shows favourable characteristics towards use in combustion processes. The results obtained show that in terms of the parameters analysed, marc pellets could be an attractive commodity for combustion

“Walczak’s Pipes” in the Greenhouse Heating System

Diversified heating circuits inertia is particularly important by high variability of external conditions were the greenhouse is often overheated or large heat losses are noted. To meet these needs a new generation of heating pipes were used. They are hexagram-shaped pipes called “Walczak’s pipe”. Tubes of such shape have several times smaller volume in comparison with traditional heating pipes of the same outer diameter and higher stiffness. The preliminary assessment of the “Walczak’s pipe” installed in the greenhouse is highly positive. Compared with the traditional system it enables better heat management. In the first research stage, the thermal efficiency was defined in different ambient conditions at selected flow parameters and various water temperatures. With regard to the accepted flow values, it is notable that “Walczak’s pipe” has greater thermal efficiency per unit of power comparing with traditional tube. During the study, there was also a thermographic analysis of pipes’ surface performed and the heat flow distribution was determined. Analyzing the temperature distribution on the “Walczak’s pipe” remarkable are the areas with higher values ​​comparing with standard tube. It can be concluded that in the heating system with “Walczak’s pipe” energy transferred by radiation increases. This is particularly advantageous solution to use in greenhouses. It allows to obtain a higher leafs temperature with respect to the ambient temperature (vegetation heating). This parameter has a beneficial effect on the vegetative growth of cultivated plants

Changes in Water Quality for Sprinkler Irrigation in Selected Lakes of the Poznan Lake District

The rapidly changing quality of irrigation water requires urgent attention to understand and predict the long-term effects on soils and food crops, especially in a situation of global freshwater scarcity. The aim of the research was to assess changes in water quality in two selected lakes located in Poland in 2009–2016. The study was carried out in terms of the possibility of using selected reservoirs as sources of water for sprinkler irrigation of agricultural crops. The presented analysis was compared with a similar one carried out in 1999–2006 and 2004–2009 to determine the historic and present water quality state. Results indicate, that the source of pollution of the lakes is most often outflows from sewerage systems, the precipitation and surface runoff from the catchment areas of these lakes, which are mainly used as agricultural land. In Lake Niepruszewskie, the oxygen conditions, water transparency, phosphorus content, sestone dry matter and coliform titre increased, while the biological oxygen demand (BOD5), nitrogen, and chlorophyll content decreased. According to present research, in the Strykowskie Lake, the phosphorus content and BOD5 decreased, while the sanitary condition, nitrogen content and oxygen conditions deteriorated. The reduction of mineral fertilization in recent years has reduced the degradation of the lakes and allowed the water quality to remain in Class III of purity. Despite the visible improvement in the general condition of both studied lakes, constant monitoring of their quality is necessary, which is obligatory for the water from these reservoirs to be used for sprinkler irrigation of crops

Calculation of the Potential Biogas and Electricity Values of Animal Wastes: Turkey and Poland Case

This research aimed to analyze the potential amount of electrical energy from biogas energy obtained from animal wastes in Turkey and Poland. Animal waste values were calculated by taking into account the recommended literature values. In determining the biomass energy potential of livestock enterprises in Turkey and Poland, FAO’s 2012–2021 data were taken into account. The animal breeds selected as material in this study were cattle, goat, sheep, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, horse, pig, mule and donkey. Considering 10-year calculations, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be obtained from animal wastes for Turkey is 28,845,975 GJ, which is equivalent to 8,105,058 MWh of electrical energy. In Poland, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be generated from animal waste is 13,999,612 GJ, which is equivalent to 3,902,020 MWh of electricity. Moreover, it is estimated that the percentage of the potential amount of electricity to be obtained in 2021 to cover the amount of electricity consumed is 0.303% for Turkey and 0.392% for Poland. For 2021, the amount of economic gains that can be from electricity obtained was also calculated, and it was determined that this value can be 78,650,302 Euro for Turkey and 62,182,435 Euro for Poland. At the same time, it was calculated that the electricity needs of 406,170 houses in Turkey and 171,958 houses in Poland can be met in 2021. As a result, it is thought that the potential electricity to be obtained will contribute to determining energy gains and investment plans for biogas plants