Head of Department: Józef Chojnicki Associate Professor
Phone: 0 48 2259 32600
e-mail: knsg@sggw.pl
Academic staff

• Dr Łabętowicz Jan Full Professor, Head of Section
• Dr Rutkowska Beata Associate Professor
• Dr Sosulski Tomasz Assistant Professor
• Dr Stępień Wojciech Senior Lecturer
• Dr Szulc Wiesław Senior Lecturer
• Dr Szara Ewa Assistant Professor
• Dr Szymańska Magdalena Assistant Professor

• Dr Chojnicki Józef Associate Professor
• Dr Czępińska-Kamińska Danuta Associate Professor
• Dr Brzychcy Sylwia Assistant Professor
• Dr Gworek Barbara Full Professor
• Dr Kaczorek Danuta Assistant Professor
• Dr Kondras Marek Assistant
• Dr Kozanecka Teresa Assistant Professor
• Dr Kusińska Alina Associate Professor
• Dr Kwasowski Wojciech Assistant Professor
• Dr Okołowicz Małgorzata Senior Lecturer
• Dr Oktawa Lidia Assistant Professor
• Dr Pracz Jerzy Full Professor, Head of Section
• Dr Zagórski Zbigniew Associate Professor

• M.Sc. Bomze Karolina
• M.Sc. Borkowski Andrzej
• M.Sc Frankowska Justyna
• M.Sc. Garbolińska Magdalena
• M.Sc. Grabowska Karolina
• M.Sc. Jeske Agnieszka
• M.Sc. Jobda Jarosław
• M.Sc. Kazem-Bek Aleksander
• M.Sc. Kisiel Marcin
• M.Sc. Kuśmierz Agnieszka
• M.Sc. Rutkowska Monika
• M.Sc. Sarzyńska Marta
• M.Sc. Wilk Marlena

• Searching indices of directions and degree advancing of different soil-forming processes.
• Estimation influence of different factors on mineralogical, chemical and physicochemical properties of soils and chemical composition of waters and plants.
• Perfecting criteria systematics and classification of soils.
• The application of long-term static fertilizer experiments for estimation of influence of fertilization on yielding and quality features of plants, the dynamics of nutrients in soil and evaluation of nutrient losses from soil environment.
• The estimation of crude and treated communal an industrial wastes and new fertilizers in aspect their agricultural value and threats for environment.
• The study on elaboration of nutrients management in agroecosystem for different types of farms.
• The study concerning on new diagnostic systems of plant fertilization on the basis of chemical composition of soil solution and speciation of ions in soil solution.
• The estimation of nutritional and fertilization needs of chosen plants grown for energy purposes in permanent fertilizer experiments.

All staff: Environmental conditionality, genesis and management of soil in natural and antropogenic ecosystems

Chojnicki J., Czępińska-Kamińska D., Kaczorek D., Kondras M., Kusińska A., Okołowicz M., Oktaba L., Pracz J., Zagórski Z., M.Sc. and Ph.D. students: Soil-forming processes pass in the soils under influence of different factors and their effect on soils properties

Within the confines of theme in 2008 were investigated:

• Properties soils developed from marginal glacial sediments of Vistulian glaciation on the Pojezierze Mazurskie area. Were carried out laboratory research including analysis of clay minerals and morphology of surface quartz grains (XRD, SEM) in soil samples from different genetic horizons. Strict relationship beteewn geomorphological forms on which soils take a stand and mineral composition solid part of soil were stated.
• Properties and estimate way use of soil in northern part of Świętokrzyskie Mountain. The morphological and physico-chemical investigations of soils developed from sandstone – clayey sediments low trias on the Świętokrzyskie Montain area were carried out. Were executed review of literature, field and laboratory investigation of soils on the Bobrzy area. Results indicated significant influence of geological variability and geomorphological forms on use value of soils.
• Soils developed from low trias sediments on the Świętokrzyskie Montain area. On the base Axio Visio computer program analysis of image executed quantitative analysis of micromorphological properties, defining degree advance of soil-forming processes.
• Micromorphological and mineralogical investigations of fossil soils from Rzeczyca near Sandomierz, soils developed from sandstone – clayey sediments low trias in the Świętokrzyskie Montain and glacial sediments of Vistulian glaciation of north-east Poland area were carried out. Occurrence of characteristic types of soil plasma related with processes of segregation and relocation of clay fraction in the soils were stated.
• Clay minerals in the soils of Experimental Station in Skierniewice. Research concerned structures of clay minerals in soils from experimental plots differentiated fertilizated. Research will be continued in next years.
• In chosen types of soils of White Puszcza (rusty, black earth, gley-podzol and pseudogley soils) clay minerals was determinated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Results indicated occurrence in the clay fraction all horizons of rusty and black earth soils vermiculite, kaolinite, and illite only in humus horizons and parent materials.
• Activity of carbonates in soils of Błońsko-Sochaczewska Plain. Results has showed high activity of carbonates in black earths relatively to rendzinas. Highest value degree of carbonates mobility in typical brown and the lowest in proper black earth soils were stated.
• Total amount of organic carbon and nitrogen, fractional composition of humus in soils from two fertilization experiments located on experimental plots in Chylice. The soil samples were collected and laboratory research have been started.
• Total amount of organic carbon and nitrogen and fractional composition of humus in litter and in soils from 10-years of midfield shelterbelts in agroecosystm, ecoton and field, at distance from midfield shelterbelts respectevly 15 and 50 meters in Turwi Landscape Park. Significant influence of midfield shelterbelts in agroecosystm, as element of agricultural landscape, on direction transformation of organic matter in analyzed litter were stated. Statistic analysis has indicated significant correlation between contents of humic and fulvic acids in litter and distance from afforestation.
• Contents of organic carbon in soils on Krotoszyńska Plate area depending on properties of these soils and type of forest seat. Were collected soil samples and have been started laboratory analyses.
• Conformity biotope with biocenosis on the Turkulska and Tołobczewska montain grasslad area. In collected soil samples have been started laboratory analyses.
• Soil-forming processes pass in the gleyed rusty soils of Kampinoski National Park and in rusty brownish soils of Chojnowski Landscape Park. Were verify indices of directions and advancing soil-forming processes use different forms of phosphorus, iron, aluminum and micromorphological properties. Peculiar value of indices for researched types and subtypes of soils were obtained.
• Peat land Wilcza Struga on the Kampinoski National Park area. Soil samples have been taken from muck soils and carried out basic physico-chemical analyses. Research will be ended in 2009 year.
• Influence dumping of Bełchatów mine brown coal on the adjacent cultivated soils. Sulfating and reaction of the soil indicated insignificant influence of dumping on directly adjacent soils.

Substantiation of continuation so far led investigative task

Properties of soils are determined mainly by soil-forming processes. Analysis intensity of these processes in the space and time indicate directions of changes in soil environment. Above mentioned investigative task is the basic topic of pedological research.

Chojnicki J., Czępińska-Kamińska D., Gworek B., Kaczorek D., Kondras M., Kozanecka T., Kusińska A., Kwasowski W., Pracz J., Zagórski Z., M.Sc. and Ph.D. students: Properties of soils, waters and plants in different landscapes

Within the confines of theme in 2008 were investigated:

• Usefulness sequence extraction method for determination of bioavailability of heavy metals from the municipal sewage sediments. Purpose these research were to determine of dependence between contents of chosen heavy metals in fractions separated from sewage sediments and their accumulation in plants growing on the sediments. In 2008 were chosen investigative areas from which were collected samples of sewage sediments and plant material for analyses. Also in samples of sewage sediments were determinated basic chemical properties.
• Distribution of heavy metals fractions in chosen types of forest differentiated contaminating soils. The soils have been taken from north-east, central and southern of Poland areas. In soils from north-east Poland were stated trend for accumulation of analyzed metals in humus and illuvial horizons, particularly associated with oxide and hydroxide of iron and aluminum. Research will be continued in next years.
• Chemical composition of plant from areas subjected different degree of anthropopressure. Were stated, that contents of carbon in plants depends on species of plants and analyzed part of plants. Received results indicated, that incrementation anthropopressure caused decrease contents of carbon in plants.
• Properties of hydrogenic soils covered by grassland in valley of Ner river (community Werbkowice). Have been executed field and laboratory research of sorption properties. Research will be continued in next years.
• Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in cultivated plants nearby communication routes. Research have exerted excessive contents of heavy metals in consumable parts of researched plants in zone to 25 meters from fast movements route Warsaw –Poznań.
• Total and choosen fractions of trace elements contents (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) in soils subjected strong of anthropopressure and cumulation of them in plants. Results indicated big usefulness of metals mobility index in soils for estimates their of bioavailability and risks include excessive amount of this metals in the feed chain.
• Influence of soils way use on contents of trace elements, carbon, nitrogen and sorption capacity. Research will be continued in next years.
• Toxicity of soil contaminated by pesticides with utilization of earthworm and microbiotests. In 2008 year the lysimeter experience was set up.
• Rate of biopolzmers degradation depending on physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. In 2008 year the lysimeter experience was set up.
• Characteristic of plants chemical state (herbs, lichnes, alga) and use of their ionic state for monitoring of natural environment. Was stated, that the plants accumulate different amounts of metals in city and beyond of city environments.

Substantiation of continuation so far led investigative task

Protection of environment is one of the basic priority of European Union. One of the most importent element for estimate of environment state is monitoring properties of soils, waters and plants. Research lead in department concern this topics and should be continued.

Łabętowicz J., Stępień W., Morteczka H., Łyś T.: Effect of long-term static fertilization on soil and plants in arbitrary and five year crop rotations and in monoculture

Long-term static fertilizing experiments carried out at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biology of Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Skierniewice are the object of the task. These experiments create possibility of long-term evidencing of changes of soil properties and plant composition in conditions of different agricultural systems and different methods or techniques of fertilization within the range of over 80 years. The experiments comprise area of 28 ha and are carried out on 21 fields with greatly differentiated crop rotation and fertilization.

Many years' results of research are the base for evaluation of fertilization system used in the country and these results are also used for improvement of diagnostics systems of fertilization on farmlands. Long-term monitoring of nutrient cycling in agroecosystem against a background of variable meteorological conditions and with regard to their effect on natural environment, is conducted on the base of the data of experiments. Complete base of biometric data was created (since 1923) with the purpose of being used by other research centers and in other branches of science.

The results obtained until now were the object of several hundred of scientific publications, are the object of international co-operation, and constitute a base for Master's, doctor's and postdoctoral thesis conducted on the Faculty. In 2008 the investigations for postdoctoral thesis based on the research task above mentioned were finished. Moreover, the studies for two doctor's thesis are continued.

The scientific conference concerning the problems connected with the long-term fertilizing experiments was organized at Experimental Station in Skierniewice in the June of 2008. Results of this conference were published in scientific journal “Fertilizers and Fertilization”.

Łabętowicz J., Korc M., Majcher H.: Effects and ways of counteracting of long-term unbalanced fertilization on light (coarse) soils (since 1960) (The study was realized in the Łyczyn Experimental Station)

The static fertilizing experiments are carried out continuously on the experimental field of Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Łyczyn since 1960. As a result of unbalanced fertilization lasting for over 40 years, the soils exhausted from available forms of nutrients in different way were obtained. These soils create different “scenarios” of chemical degradation of soil. Detailed studies concerning: monitoring of slow interaction of the fertilizer with soil and it's consequences for natural environment; elaboration of methods of regeneration of degraded soils; optimalization of diagnostics systems of fertilization; forecasting of the consequences of different fertilizing strategies; and the macro- and micronutrient balances in different fertilization systems are carried out on the base of so prepared treatments. The research object comprise the area of 15 ha and 32 fertilization treatments concerning interaction of the main nutrients N, P and K and liming in conditions with and without farmyard application (0, N, P, K, NP, NK, PK, NPK, Ca, CaN, CaK, CaP, CaNK, CaNP, CaPK, CaNPK).

The experiment is carried out in crop rotation with all fields of rotation simultaneously. The experimental model applied (2n = 25) allows to determine exactly the main effects of experimental factors and the interactions between them.

The results obtained were subject of doctoral and postdoctoral dissertations, numerous papers in international and national journals (several hundred) and consist the base for students education on the Master level.

In the 2008, as every year, the yields were measured, the soil samples were collected on chosen experimental areas, and the soil and plant materials from chosen treatments were analysed. One doctoral and one Master's theses are realized on the base of this experiment. The ending of these doctoral and one Master's theses is planned on 2009/2010. Results of this experiment were published in three scientific papers and were also presented on scientific conference.

Stępień W., Morteczka H., Łyś T.: Effect of potassium fertilizers on soil and plants depending on the soil content of available magnesium, potassium and on pH

Low content of available magnesium and potasium is, beside of high acidity, a characteristic feature of soils of our country. This unfavourable situation aggravates systematically in view of incorrect proportion of magnesium and potassium in fertilization applied by farmers. The improvement of relation between both elements in agricultural soils is also difficulted by significant losses of magnesium by leaching especially from acid and light (coarse) soils. Consequently, the action of potassium and magnesium fertilizer is very differentiated in practice. Frequently drop of yields as a result antagonism K and Mg is observed instead of increase expected. Elaboration of rational methods of potassium fertilization on light soils requires therefore a comprehensive knowledge of soil environmental conditioning and crop reaction in this range. As the changes in environment and the reaction of fertilizer with soil are very slow, the studies concerning it must be of a long-term character.

The study is carried out at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biology of Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Skierniewice. Since 1974 these experiments are conducted continuously on two fields with yearly applications of fertilizers according to scheme: NP, NPK1, NPK2, NPK1Ca, NPK2Ca, NPK1CaMg, NPK2CaMg. Mineral fertilizers are applied every year in the following doses: potassium - 83 (K1) or 166 (K2) kg K . ha-1 in form of potassium sulphate; and magnesium - 30 kg Mg . ha-1 in form of MgSO4 . 7H2O. The lime is applied in form of CaCO3 in dose of 1,1 – 1,3 t Ca . ha-1 every four years. The soil is always very acid on unlimed plots and slightly acid on the limed ones. As well the different forms of potassium as the balance of this nutrient in soil, the effect of potassium fertilizing on yields and chemical composition of a dozen of so plant species and their fodder value are studied in these experiments.

In 2008, results of these studies were presented on conference concerning the problems connected with the long-term fertilizing experiments organized at Experimental Station in Skierniewice. One post doctoral theses is realized on the base of this experiment. The subject of these studies is the object of many years cooperation with International Potash Institute (IPI). In 2008, common research project was prepared. The realization of this project is planned on 2009 and 2010.

Łabętowicz J., Stępień W., Szulc W.: Evaluation of agricultural usefulness of compost produced from municipal wastes in the “DANO” technological sequence

Contemporary management requires broader use of secondary materials. “Recycling” in agriculture is realized by introducing of various organic waste products into agricultural cycle. The trend of urban refuse utilization adopted in Europe and in our country provides development of composting technology on large scale as the mean most rational from economic point of view. The technology of composting according to “Dano” system is developing intensively in our country. This product is characterized by high content of nutrients, but it contains also harmful substances. Consequently, there is a need for explanation if the applications of this compost on agricultural land are safe for the environment, what are the long-term environmental results (for soil and waters) of this compost and what are the yield-forming effects of it when various crop species are grown.

The studies conducted concern estimation both of chemical composition of the compost produced from urban refuses “Dano” from point of view of agricultural criteria, and the effect of application of increasing doses of this manure on physico-chemical properties of soil, yields and chemical composition of plants. The evaluation of utility of “Dano” compost for agricultural use and of it's fertilizer value is realized on the base of pot and field experiments conducted at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biology of Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Skierniewice. Results of these studies are published in national and international journals and used in Master's and doctoral thesis.

The subject matter of the research task is strictly related to the priorities of National Frame Programme concerning recycling management and use of new technologies for waste utilization. Heavy metals were determined in soil and crop grown in 2008. The results were published in two papers. Activations concerning to popularization of composting technologies were realized on the basis of this experiment.

Stępień W., Koziński B. (Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture – Skierniewice), Łyś T.: The reaction of high- bush cranberry on very differentiated soil availability in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, pH and on increasing N doses in varied mulching system

The area of high-bush cranberry increases last years because of profitability of production and possibility of receiving of ecological payments. This creates the necessity of undertaking of cultivation of this crop on the soils considered until now as the less favourable for this species. In this situation there is a need for evaluation of reaction of this plant in new conditions. Particularly it is important to elaborate new methods of fertilization on soils showing deficits of nutrients.

The undertaking of studies in various soil conditions in respect to content of available forms of nutrients will make possible to elaborate critical levels for particular nutrients. It will allow to create objective system for diagnosing fertilization of this species and to increase effectiveness of fertilization.

Within the frame of this subject two experiments are realized. The effect of long-term differentiated mineral fertilization applied since 1923 on growth and yields of two cultivars of high-bush cranberry (Jersey and Bluecrop) planted in 1976 is studied in one experiment. In 2004 the bushes of high-cranberry were subjected to two methods of renewing cutting. In 2005 effect of this cutting on regrowth of shoots and fruit yield depending on fertilization was evaluated. In 2005 the half of field with varied fertilization was planted with five new cultivars of high-bush cranberry. In the second experiment, established in 1999 the effect of method of mulching of high- bush cranberry with bark and sawdust on the effect of increasing nitrogen fertilizing up to 180 kg N ha-1 is evaluated. In 2008, the samples of soil and leaves were collected from these experiments with the aim of evaluation of effect of factors studied on soil properties and chemical composition of leaves. Results of the studies were the subject of scientific paper. The fertilization needs of high-bush cranberry will be elaborate on the basis of this experiment.

Łabętowicz J., Szymańska M., Stępień W., Szulc W., Korc M.: The regeneration of light (coarse) soils degraded by long-term unilateral or unbalanced mineral fertilization

Errors commited in fertilization applied on coarse soils cause rapid decrease of soil fertility. These soils suffer rapid degradation due to their low sorption capacity, buffer properties and organic compounds content. Basing on long-term field experiments conducted at Experimental Station in Łyczyn since 1960, an attempt of evaluation of new methods of regeneration of soils degraded in result of regular omitting of one of the following components of rational fertilization: Ca, N, P, K or farmard manure was undertaken. Results of these studies will contribute to new strategy of environmental protection comprised in National Frame Programme concerning revitalization of degraded by man areas of country, what includes also considerable agricultural areas.

On the base of results obtained in 2008 two scientific publications and many lectures were prepared.

Stępień W., PhD Student, Łyś T.: The evaluation of nutritional and fertilization needs of selected plants cultivated for energetic purposes

The cultivation of energetic plants which consists renewable source of energy is more and more popular trend of utilization of arable land. These crops are characterized by very differentiated nutritive and fertilizing needs. An attempt of estimation of nutritive and fertilizing needs of six chosen energetic plants (miscanthus, willow, chinese rose, virginia mallow, sakhalin knotweed, sunroot (topinambur) in conditions of central Poland was undertaken in this research subject. The undertaking of this research task is strictly related with VIII research priority “Energy and Resources” comprised in National Frame Programme concerning energy acquisition from renewable natural resources.

In 2004 two field experiments with miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) as the plant destined for energetic purposes were established. The effect of long-term differentiated mineral fertilization since 1923 on growth, yields and chemical composition of miscanthus plants is studied in the first experiment. The effect of increasing doses of sewage sludge and the “Dano” compost on growth, yields and chemical composition of miscanthus plants is investigated in the second experiment.

In 2008, the yields and growth of plants were estimated and plant material samples were collected several times during vegetation period with the aim of evaluation of dynamics of changes of chemical composition. Results of the first experiment will be subject of doctoral thesis. On the base of results obtained from the second experiments the “system of fertilization of plants cultivated for energetic purposes” will be prepared. In 2008, results of these studies were presented on conference in Moskwa.

Sosulski T., Korc M., Majcher H.: Evaluation of influence of two industrial wastes (gypsum and phosphogypsum) on physical and chemical properties of soil and crop yields

Use of industrial wastes in agriculture still remains on very low level while the production of these wastes increases every year. New ideas concerning modern methods of evaluation of soil quality appeared recently in the newest literature. One of these ideas assumes that the relation Ca2+:Al3+ in soil solution is, beside soil pH value, good indicator of soil quality. In consequence it seems that Ca2+ concentration in soil solution of very acid soils should be increased by agrotechnical means to improve soil quality. For this reason use of gypsum derived from flue gas desulphurization and of phosphogypsum from production of phosphoric fertilizers which contain relatively great amounts of calcium may affect favourably crop yields and soil properties. Studies on such influence are conducted in this research task. The subject may consist one of many actions concerning recirculation management contained in the National Frame Programme.

In 2008 the studies on nutrient leaching from soil fertilized with lime, gypsum derived from desulphurization of flue gas from combustion of brown coal from thermoelectric power station Bełchatów, and phosphogypsum – waste product of superphosphate production in Police chemical plant were continued. The columns, 1 m of length and 50 mm of diameter, filled with light soil (texture of loamy sand), after prior application of both substances studied in doses calculated according to one or double value of hydrolytic acidity, were used. The soil in columns was moistened by capilar ascension with water acidified with chlorhidric acid to pH 3. Then, the nutrients were leached using the same type of solution, which were used for moistening, and with the method of drop dosing of a liquid. The cation contents in solutions obtained from leaching were determined using ESA and ASA methods. Results of study on the effect of gypsum and phosphogypsum on yields and chemical composition of plants and soil properties, obtained from microplot experiments during previous three years, were analysed. Results obtained in 2008 were used in two scientific papers.

Stępień W., Zagórski Z.: Influence of long-term differentiated potassium fertilization in different crop rotation on chemical and mineralogical changes in soil environment

Soil samples were collected from five different experiments carried out continuously in Experimental Station in Skierniewice since 1923. Soil samples were collected from two soil layers from objects with long-term potassium fertilization and without potassium fertilization. The main soil properties and content of clay minerals were determined in soil samples. The content of clay minerals were determined by sedimentation method (fraction < 2 mm) and centrifuge method (fractions 0,2-2 mm and < 0,2mm). The highest content of total and exchangeable potassium obtained on acid soil (unlimed since 1923), and the lowest on soil with five-plot crop rotation. The new type of minerals hydroxyl-neterlayer-vermiculite (HIV) and hydroxyl-neterlayer-smectite (HIS) are forming in condition of deficiency of potassium in soil. The potassium fertilization can prevent of this process.

Łabętowicz J., Stępień W.: Elaboration of fertilization system of plant cultivated for energetic purposes in condition of different degree of soil depletion from nutrients

The investigations are carried out at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agriculture and Biology of Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Skierniewice. In 2008, the yield and the content of macroelements in three energetic plants (miscanthus, willow and virginia mallow) were determined in fertilizing experiments. The highest yield of investigated plants obtained in condition of CaNPK fertilization. The content of macronutrients in plant depended on fertilization and stage of vegetation. The content of nitrogen and phosphorus in miscanthus decreased for all vegetation period. The yield of investigated energetic plants and content of N, P, K in these plants increased in condition of sewage sludge application.

Stępień W., Łabętowicz J., Szymańska M.: Evaluation of P, K, Ca and brown coal fertilization on yield and properties of soil without fertilization of this elements since 83 years

The aim of investigations is evaluation of the influence of different fertilization treatments on fertility of soil degraded by long-term unbalanced fertilization. These studies concern also the evaluation of brown coal and gypsum application on improvement light (coarse) soil.

The microplot experiment contain 28 objects in four replications was established in 2006. The increasing doses of P, K, brown coal and two doses of Ca were applied in this experiment. The rye and potatoes were cultivated in this experiment.

In the 2008 following analyses were performed: (i) content of macro- and microelements in plant material, (ii) physical and chemical properties of soil, (iii) concentration of chosen anions and cations in soil solution obtained from soil samples by suction method.

Łabętowicz J., Rutkowska B.: Ions speciation in soil solution as a method of estimation of plant and soil contamination by heavy metals

The year 2008 was the last year of investigations. In the 2008, the soil and plant samples were collected. The soil solution by using suction method was obtained from soil samples. The concentration of macro- and microelements in the soil solution was determined by ICP method. Chemical properties of the soil solution were analysed numerically using the MINTEQA2 computer program. The yield and the content of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soil and plant were analysed. On the basis of results it has been determined that: (i) higher yield of plants obtained on light than on medium soil. The increase of plant yield was observed with increase of soil pH. The increase of soil contamination with heavy metals decreased plant yield. The content of organic carbon don’t influence on plant yield. (ii) The content of heavy metals in plants was higher in plant cultivated on sandy acid soil. The content of heavy metals in plant increased with increase of soil contamination with heavy metals. (iii) The concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil solution of light soil was higher than in the soil solution of medium soil. The concentration of investigated metals in soil solution increased with increase of soil acidification and increase of soil contamination with heavy metals. (iv) Estimated percentages of ionic forms in the soil solution obtained according to MINTEQA2 indicate that Cd and Zn were present in the analysed solutions mainly in the form of free ions. Cu and Pb were present mostly as complexes. (v) The concentration of free forms of metals in soil solution is significantly positive correlated with uptake of these elements by plants. (vi) The ions speciation in soil solution can be a good method for determination of plant and soil contamination by heavy metals.

Zbigniew Zagórski Danuta Kaczorek, Sylwia Grela: Litho- and pedogenetic indices of genesis and typology of soils developed from red sandstone – clayey sediments low trias on the Świętokrzyskie Montains area

Project no 2P04G 107 28)

On the base obtained result of research was determinated main directions of soil-forming processes. The brown soil-forming process play predominating role in soils developed from sandstones as well as clay. There are mostly typical brown and pseudogley soils.

Danuta Czępińska-Kamińska, Danuta Kaczorek, Lidia Oktaba, Anna Bielawska: Diagnostic indices for brownish-rusty soils developed from polish middle glaciation sediments

Project no 2P06S 030 29

The purpose of research is analytical evaluation of chemical diagnostic parameters for subtype brownish-rusty soils in making for demands of Polish Soil Classification and WRB soil classification. It will be made mainly on the base contents of different forms of iron, aluminum, phosphorus and micromorphological research. In 2008 year was continued fractionated analysis of phosphorus compounds, which has confirmed influence of the litho- and pedogenetic processes on profile distribution organic and mineral connections of the element. Was lead comparative investigations the micromorphological properties of genetic horizons from proper rusty and brownish-rusty soils. Obtained results substantiating separate of the brownish-rusty soils as new units in Polish Soil Classification. The part of results were presented on the International Micromorphological Congress in China. The results in future can be use for defining diagnostic horizons at elaboration of WRB soil classification. Also results of this research can find practical application for evaluation of soil-site maps and in management of forest.

Danuta Kaczorek, Danuta Czępińska-Kamińska, Zbigniew Zagórski, Lidia Oktaba: Characteristic of amorphous bio – pedogenic silicon forms in soils of Poland

Project no 2P06S 032 30

In 2008 year was executed analysis of mineralogical composition in powder samples and deterinated clay minerals in samples contain over 10% clay fraction. Was isolated from soils the phytogenic forms of silicon and defined them origin. Also were continued micromorphological research in the soils.

Teresa Kozanecka, Wojciech Stępień, Wojciech Kwasowski, Zygmunt Brogowski: Mobility of ions in profiles of soils from long-term static fertilization experimental field in Skierniewice

Project no N310 077 31/3167

According to schedule of research in collected soil samples from A, Eet, Bt and C horizons of chosen investigative objects have been executed investigation mobility of cations and anions. Mobility of ions was determined using electrodialyses method. Research indicated, that mobility of cations in soil was different and depended on way use of soil and depth. The most mobile element is calcium, and the least mobile is sodium. Also desorption of anions was differentiated among objects and soil horizons. Highest contents of chlorides, nitrates, phosphates and sulfates were obtained in the first period of analyses. The highest mobility indicated nitrates and small phosphates. Doctor's thesis is realized within the confines of this theme.

Lidia Oktaba, Alina Kusińska, Danuta Kaczorek, Magdalena Garbolińska: Transformation of organic matter in soils after agricultural use in first years after forestation

Project no N N310 2243 33

In the collectd soil samples were determinated granulometric compositin, physical properties and reaction. Also were prepared samples from humus horizons for execution of thin sections.

Józef Chojnicki, Teresa Kozanecka, Wojciech Kwasowski: Soil-forming processes in soils of White Forest

Project no N309 312234

In 2008 were made field and basic laboratory research in collected samples. Were determinated granulometric composition, reaction, sorption capacities and total contents of carbon and nitrogen in soils. Also carried out preliminary analyses the contents of free Fe, Al and Mn using AAS technique.

Danuta Czępińska-Kamińska, Magdalena Garwolińska: Estimation of enzymatic activity in chosen types of litter forest soils from “Puszcza Kampinoska” Biosphere Reservation

Project no 2 P04G 081 30

The purpose of work was the research of soil enzymatic activity, in soils from most characteristic forest and grassland sites of eastern part “Puszcza Kampinoska” Biosphere Reservation area. Except enzymes, which play important role in transformation of carbon phosphorus and nitrogen compounds, also total number of oxygen bacteria and mushroom were investgated. In report year 2008 were executed statistic accounts of results for estimate of dependence between activity of researched enzymes and basic properties of soils. Also carried out verifications the degrees biological activities of researched soils calculating indices of soil fertility. Obtained results of research have been presented in doctor's thesis, defended during session the Council Faculty of Agriculture and Biology Faculty in December 2008. Carried out research enlarge indispensable knowledge for characteristic and estimation of environments in “Puszcza Kampinoska” Biosphere Reservation.

Zbigniew Zagórski, Agnieszka Kuśmierz: Lithogenic conditionality of properties, genesis of soil developed from sediments of the Vistulian glaciation on the Puszcza Borecka area

Project no 306 015 31/0922

Within the confines of realization project in 2008 year were evaluated mineralogical and chemical properties of soils. Obtained results of research have been presented in doctor's thesis, defended during session the Council Faculty of Agriculture and Biology Faculty in November 2008.

Wojciech Stępień, Zbigniew Zagórski: Influence of many years differentiated potassium fertilization in different system rotation on chemical and mineralogical indices of changes in soil environment

Project no 2P06 S01700

From long-term static fertilization experimental field in Skierniewice, since 1923 year led, were collected soils samples from two horizons (humus and under humus horizons) from plots in each year and without potassium fertilizing since 1923 year. The samples for research have been collected from 5 different experiences.

In soil samples were determinated basic physico-chemical properties and separated clay minerals from soil using sedimentation (fraction < 2 mm) and centrifugal (subfractions 2-0,2 mm and <0,2 mm) methods. In separated fractions clay minerals was determinated by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The highest contents of total and exchangeable potassium occured in acid soil (AF), not liming since 1923 year and lowest in soils from five-field system rotation. The mineralogical investigation indicated predominating occurrence of quartz and feldspars with different types of clay minerals. Analysis of diffractograms clay fractions of humus horizons has showed, that on the combinations of fertilization NP or CaNP increase contents of clay minerals with 14Å reflexes and simultaneously smallest participation have minerals with 10Å reflexes. However on the combinations of NPK were stated extension of 10Å reflexes and disappearance of 14Å reflexes. In conditions of potassium deficits are created new minerals with transitional structures 14Å type of hydroxyl-nterlayer-vermiculite (HIV) and hydroxyl-nterlayer-smectite (HIS) simultaneously with destruction of minerals 10Å illite type. Results from plots of NPK combination showed, that potassium fertilization can prevent this process.