APPLIED BOTANY, I. PROTECTION OF TREES AND BUSHES IN THE INVESTMENT PROCESS IN URBAN AREAS

Ecosystem services are the benefits resulting from resources and processes in nature. Trees and stand densities constitute a significant element of the landscape (both in urban and rural areas) and serve a number of ecosystem functions, forming an inherent part of each group of benefits singled out on the basis of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. In the thesis, selected ecosystem services of trees and stand densities were detailed - provisioning, regulatory, supporting and cultural functions. Diagnosis of services performed by trees and their valuation may contribute to taking increased care of them and protection during performing various investments, it is therefore appropriate to launch multifaceted ecological education to each person, particularly to those directly responsible for trees and bushes in towns and rural areas. In order to restrict construction stress to trees and bushes, environmental impact assessment has to be made as soon as the construction planning is being made (natural, cultural and landscape conditions should be provided additionally), it is advisable to conduct a dendrological inventory for planning purposes. Appropriate protection of trees and standing densities is also legally regulated by the Nature Conservation Act and the Construction Law. During the investment process, the trees and their settlement conditions should be adequately secured , so that it will not affect their viability. After completed investment, the condition of the tree stand should be monitored

Properties of Vermicomposts Derived from Cameroon Sheep Dung

Due to a need for sustainability in agriculture, waste products ought to be utilized in the most appropriate way. A study was undertaken relating to the vermicomposting of Cameroon sheep dung (CSD) by the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta. Processing of this waste was investigated using unadulterated CSD and in a 1:1 mixture with unpalatable (waste) hay (CSDH). Results demonstrated that these materials were actively processed by D. veneta with vermicomposts obtained which can be characterized by a higher amount of total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (average, respectively, 17.0, 10.5, 13.2 g kg−1 d.m.), as well as lower total carbon and magnesium content (respectively, 340 and 3.2 g kg−1 d.m.), compared with the initial waste material. No significant differences were found between CSD and CSDH vermicomposts with respect to chemistry. Levels of selected trace elements (average: Cu 17.5−18.8, Cr 5.7−5.8, Pb 13.5−14.4, Ni 3, Cd 0.4 mg kg−1 d.m.) in both vermicomposts did not exclude their application to agricultural soil as a fertilizer

Effects of Owinema Bio-Preparation on Vermicomposting in Earthworm Ecological Boxes

This paper describes vermicomposting of kitchen organic waste with the use of Eisenia fetida earthworms in an ecological box. To control excessively proliferated Sciaridae in the box medium, an Owinema bio-preparation, which contains larvae of the nematode Steinernema feltiae, was used. The effect of this bioinsecticide on the earthworm population during vermicomposting of organic waste was assessed. It was found that the applied bio-preparation effectively limited the population of sciarids and also had a positive effect on the development of the earthworm population (it caused a significant increase in the number and biomass of mature and immature forms and cocoons produced (p 0.05)). The Owinema preparation also had a positive effect on the rate of organic waste vermicomposting

Effects of Vermireactor Modifications on the Welfare of Earthworms Eisenia fetida (Sav.) and Properties of Vermicomposts

Vermicomposting is a method that allows for the environmentally friendly management of plant organic waste through the activity of concentrated earthworm populations. As a result of an appropriately conducted process, it is possible to obtain a valuable organic fertilizer, abundant in nutrients for plants as well as the development of a favorable (qualitatively and quantitatively) earthworm population structure. This paper presents the results of the vermicomposting process of waste plant mass with the use of vermireactors with different designs. In conventional no protective substrate (NPS) vermireactors, plant waste was the only habitat for earthworms, whilst protective substrate (PS) vermireactors also had a medium to shield the earthworm population in the event of the accidental introduction of toxic waste to these invertebrates. A positive effect of the PS vermireactor construction in the protection of an earthworm population against the potential use of stressful waste was found, as populations of Eisenia fetida were monitored and the development was noted during the vermicomposting with both methods. The largest differences between the populations (PS vs. NPS vermireactors) were demonstrated after 40 and 50 days and related to the number of immature animals (PS > NPS by 30.7%; p 0.05) and cocoons (PS > NPS by 34.8%; p 0.05). There were no significant differences between the PS and NPS in the biomass of immature E. fetida and cocoons. The vermicomposts obtained were not significantly different form each other but they were characterized by a higher content of C, N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared to the initial waste biomass. Contents of Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and Pb in vermicomposts did not prevent their use as fertilizers

Chemical Composition of Earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta Rosa) Biomass Is Suitable as an Alternative Protein Source

The selected chemical composition (dry matter, ash, total protein, and crude fat) of the integumentary muscles of Dendrobaena veneta were determined, plus the dry matter (DM) percentage content of 17 amino acids and the profile (%) of fatty acids. Results were compared with a more fully studied earthworm, Eisenia fetida. In addition, the composition of exogenous amino acids was compared to the WHO standard for pork, beef, and chicken eggs. Both earthworm species were grown on the same kitchen waste, and protein composition was analyzed using the same methods. Studies indicated that the muscle of D. veneta was characterized by a high level of protein (76.82% DM). A similar content of exogenous amino acids was observed in the protein of both earthworms, but for phenylalanine and isoleucine, slightly higher levels were recorded for E. fetida. More histidine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, and arginine were found in earthworms compared with chicken egg white. Fatty acids play an essential role in balancing human or animal feed and their content determines the dietary and nutritional value of the food. Both earthworm species contained the appropriate content of saturated and unsaturated acids. In D. veneta, a higher content of arachidonic acid was found, and in E. fetida, lauric, tridecanoic, and palmitic acids were present. Future issues of food security may force us to seriously consider earthworm protein for indirect or even direct human consumption

Use of Vermicompost from Sugar Beet Pulp in Cultivation of Peas ( Pisum sativum L.)

A properly conducted vermicomposting process is an environmentally friendly technology used to transform selected organic waste into vermicompost. This organic fertilizer is increasingly used in agriculture and horticulture as an alternative to mineral fertilizers. Research has investigated the use of vermicompost made from the waste mass of sugar beet pulp as a soil additive in the cultivation of peas (Pisum sativum L.). Experimentally, five treatments consisted of: a heavy clay soil as control (SL); the same soil with 10, 25, and 50% substitution of vermicompost, (V10, V25, and V50, respectively); and a standard peat-based horticulture substrate (GS) for comparison. Analyzed pea characteristics and the content of macro and microelements in their biomass were most favorably influenced by 25 and 50% vermicompost addition, and the values obtained were similar to those in the GS treatment. The lowest values of analyzed traits for P. sativum were found in the SL group. Thus, appropriate addition of vermicompost in the construction of plant growing substrates can reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers and be an alternative to peat in the medium, contributing to reduced use of this valuable environmental resource

Social participation and logistical elements of cemetery waste biofraction management

In the 21st century, waste is a growing problem and must be considered one of the essential elements of creating conditions for sustainable development. The article pays special attention to the biofraction of cemetery waste, and interviews with cemetery visitors made a possible determination of its place among other wastes produced in the cemetery. The willingness of cemetery visitors to participate in the logistics of the cemetery waste management system was also tested. The article also presents selected elements of cemetery waste management logistics. The system should consist of several subsystems. Subsystems of waste minimisation "at the source" and waste segregation, disposal, and secondary management were considered crucial. In addition to the logistics mentioned above, subsystems were proposed to include innovation in cemeteries, the biotechnology of composting/vermicomposting of the biofraction, and segregation on-site by those cleaning their graves. The cemetery biofraction represents a waste suitable for on-site management, increasing the potential for environmental, social, and economic savings. The issues under consideration are part of the problem of integrating the cemetery biofraction into the green recycling system in force in Europe. Logistics for management of other cemetery wastes (plastic, metal, glass, and paper), which require subsystems involving their long-distance transportation, should be limited at the level of purchase by cemetery users. From civic participation in the control of logistical improvements, the entire cemetery waste management system will gradually evolve

Effects of Energy Crop Monocultures and Sewage Sludge Fertiliser on Soils and Earthworm Community Attributes

Biomass is one of the most significant renewable energy sources. Doubts arise from large-area plantations of energy monocultures, which can lead to the depletion of, and a decrease in, soil biodiversity. Community association analyses of Lumbricidae may help to indicate environmental change. Therefore, the study objectives were to determine the qualitative and quantitative diversity of Lumbricids in plantations of energy crops—basket willow (Salix viminalis L.), foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)—by investigating the following cultivation treatments: SV and SVSS—S. viminalis without (w/o) and with the addition of sewage sludge to the soil (+SS); PT and PTSS—P. tomentosa w/o and + SS; RP and RPSS—R. pseudoacacia w/o and +SS; and MW—meadow community. A significantly higher density (p < 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05) of earthworms were found in the SV and SVSS plantations than in other sites. The application of sewage sludge contributed to a significant increase in the mean number and biomass of all Lumbricids within cultivations of S. viminalis and R. pseudoacacia, which were significantly higher than those in the control site. This work suggests that woody energy crop production with an appropriate selection of plants and fertilisation can be a favourable habitat for the development of earthworm populations

Using Earthworms Eisenia fetida (Sav.) for Utilization of Expansive Littoral Plants Biomass

This paper presents the results of the process of vermicomposting waste biomass of littoral plants Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Ceratophyllum demersum in vermireactors, with the use of earthworms Eisenia fetida. It was observed that E. fetida may be used for rapid utilization of pure I. pseudacorus and C. demersum waste, but using the technology presented in this paper and the assumed observation time, it was not possible to recycle T. latifolia waste. Vermicomposts obtained were characterized by higher N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content compared to the initial plant biomass. The content of Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, and Pb in vermicomposts did not exclude their application as a fertilizer. During vermicomposting of all littoral plants, the earthworm population was maintained up to day 70 of the experiment, with a slight decrease in their number (on average by 6%, p > 0.05), and since day 35, a significant loss in earthworm biomass was observed. The greatest loss of mean sum of biomass (49%, p 0.05) was noted in a group of earthworms utilizing T. latifolia. The earthworms reproduced, with the greatest mean number (and the sum of biomass) of cocoons observed in a group of earthworms processing C. demersum. These values were greater by 32% and 38% respectively (p 0.05), for the aforementioned characteristics of cocoons produced in the remaining experimental groups

Aspects of the ecology of the earthworm Eisenia lucens (Waga 1857) studied in the field and in laboratory culture

This work relates data from field sampling of Eisenia lucens and from laboratory-based culture. Field sampling used soil sorting and vermifuge extraction and took place in beech-dominated forests of southwest Poland. Initial work derived population estimates from four sub-communities of the forest looking for seasonal dynamics and later work employed targeted sampling in summer within rotting wood to obtain live specimens for laboratory culture. A preliminary examination within and below rotten wood during winter was also undertaken. In the laboratory, clitellate earthworms were kept at 20 °C, the substrate changed every 6 months, and the population examined. Cocoons were incubated individually at 15 °C, with number of hatchlings per cocoon and the mass of each determined. Hatchlings were grown at 15 °C in field-collected wood and compared with growth in a 1:1 volume ratio of wood and horse manure. Further hatchlings were fed with horse manure only (at 10 °C) and after 19 weeks, half were transferred to 15 °C. In the field, mature individuals varied significantly (p < 0.01) in biomass between 2 sampling sites where found, with an overall mean density across sites of 4.14 ± 3.53 m with a mean biomass of 2.21 ± 1.93 g m . Numbers in soil varied over the sampling period, with a suggestion that this species moves from mineral soil to organic-rich dead wood as conditions permit. In summer, all life stages were recovered from rotting wood above the mineral soil. Sampling in winter found cocoons in rotting wood below snow. These hatched rapidly (within 2 weeks) when taken to the laboratory. Laboratory culture allowed maintenance of a population for 2 years. Mean cocoon mass was 50.6 mg with a mean of 2.9 hatchlings per cocoon and hatchling mass was inversely proportional to number per cocoon. Growth with 50% horse manure was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than with wood. Increased temperature from 10 to 15 °C brought more significantly (p < 0.05) rapid growth. To culture this species through its life cycle, a natural substrate is needed, but then it is necessary to acclimate the animals to something more easily obtainable. More work is needed from field sampling to fully understand the seasonal dynamics of this species, which utilises different parts of the soil profile throughout the year