bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF VALUE ADDED TAX REDUCTION POSSIBILITIES FOR SELECTED FOOD GROUPS IN LATVIA
Authors: NIPERS Aleksejs , PILVERE Irina
Published: March 2018

Value-added taxes (VAT) are applied in the European Union (EU) Member States in accordance with Directive 2006/112/EC to limit distortions in competition in the common European market. Latvia is one of the five EU Member States where reduced VAT rates are not applied to food products, and the food is taxed at the standard rate of 21%. For this reason, food producer organisations discuss the introduction of a reduced VAT rate for selected fruits, berries, vegetables as well as potato grown in Latvia. The overall aim of the present research is to assess the effect of reduction of the VAT rate from 21 to 5% for selected food groups: fresh fruits, berries, vegetables and potato produced in Latvia. The research estimated a decrease in the price for the mentioned food groups, identified a potential increase in consumption and forecasted the effect of the VAT rate reduction on the amount of tax revenue collected by the central government. The research found that the reduction of the VAT rate from 21 to 5 % would result in a price decrease ranging from 1.9 to 3.5% for fruits, berries, vegetables and potato, the consumption of fresh fruits and berries would increase, on average, in the range of 1.2–2.3%, while the consumption of fresh vegetables would increase, on average, in the range of 1.2–2.1%, yet in a short-term the tax revenue paid to the government would decrease in the range of EUR 3.9–5.7 million. Nevertheless, in a medium-term, a significant positive effect on the producers of fruits, berries, vegetables and potato that operate legally in the agricultural industry could be expected, as the negative effect of the shadow economy decreases.
ROLE OF THE INTERNET IN STRENGTHENING SOCIAL CAPITAL IN EU RURAL AREAS
Authors: KOZERA-KOWALSKA Magdalena , KOZIOLEK Adam
Published: March 2018

The article discusses the role of the Internet as an innovative form of interpersonal communication. We assumed that Internet usage in rural areas may not only result in better access to knowledge and information, but also contribute to stronger social cohesion and prevent exclusion of the elderly. We analysed information about individual Internet users in Poland and the EU, including changes related to age, education and domicile. The data enabled us to identify expected change tendencies in rural areas. We highlighted the process of ageing of European farmers with its related social and economic consequences. Against this background, we show the dual role played by the Internet in strengthening social capital in rural areas. On the one hand, it is educational in that it educates and activates young farmers. On the other, it is social, i.e. it helps the elderly stay in touch and participate in social life. We also raised the problem of potential digital exclusion of the elderly.
LOCAL CONDITIONS OF PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC DISAGRARIZATION OF FARMS
Authors: WOJEWODZIC Tomasz , SROKA Wojciech , PŁONKA Aleksandra
Published: March 2018

Evolution of agrarian systems in countries with fragmented agricultural area structure leads to a decrease in the number of farms and an increase in the area and effectiveness of entities developing their activity. It is necessary to find out the causes of disagrarization - a process that is manifested at the macroeconomic level in reduced significance of agriculture in the national economy, among other things, and reduced importance of agricultural incomes in the economy of the countryside and a part of farms at the microeconomic level - in order to effectively impact ongoing changes that often affect the whole regions. The paper is an attempt to identify the factors determining the intensity of the process of the production and economic disagrarization of farms in Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Calculation procedures performed using the zero unitarization method and Data Mining tools enabled assessment of the intensity of the phenomenon analysed in the different territorial units (gminas), and identification of factors that have the biggest impact on its intensity. Using the process of modelling by the C&RT method it has been found out that the characteristics that describe the agrarian structure historically, i.e. intensity of the organisation of agriculture, fragmentation of the agrarian structure, had a big impact on differentiation of gminas in terms of the intensity of disagrarization. High intensity of the organisation of agriculture combined with good environmental conditions is conducive to the retention of production functions of agriculture in a given area. With low intensity of the organisation of agriculture and very large fragmentation of the agrarian structure, the intensity of disagrarization was very often determined by characteristics typical of periurban areas or tourist attractions, i.e. increase in population density and increase in the number of residential buildings. Urban development of a given territorial unit stimulated processes of exiting agriculture.
WHAT DETERMINES PROPENSITY TO GET PUBLIC INVESTMENT SUBSIDIES? A CASE STUDY OF THE CZECH FOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: ŠPIČKA Jindřich
Published: March 2018

The aim of the paper is to is to quantify differences in structural and economic indicators between participants and nonparticipants of the investment support programmes in the Czech food industry at the beginning of the old programming period (2007). Research was conducted on a dataset of supported projects from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry and Trade combined with structural and economic indicators of participating and nonparticipating companies provided by MagnusWeb database. Final database contained 1 225 companies. However, not all indicators were available for all companies. Original set of variables was selected through Principal Component Analysis. Propensity to be supported was calculated through probit regression. Public investment support has had pretensions to increase productivity of the food industry as well as the added value of agricultural production by supporting many operations in agricultural processing and marketing. Ex-post evaluation of the “old” programming period 2007–14 shows that companies with larger size, lower trade margin, optimal liquidity, lower debt ratio and higher credit debt ratio had higher propensity to be supported. Conclusions about size and credit debt ratio follow previous research by other authors that small companies had lower chance to be supported because of more difficult access to good advisory services and bank loans.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF GROUPS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS IN POLAND
Authors: ZIELIŃSKA-SZCZEPKOWSKA Joanna , ZABIELSKA Izabela , KISIEL Roman
Published: March 2018

The aim of the article was to characterize the aspects of social and economic conditions and circumstances for the establishment and operation of groups of agricultural producers in Poland. The discussion is theoretical. In the article the monographic method was used. The following issues were subsequently examined: the nature and status of groups of producers in Poland, the social capital of farmers, advantages and obstacles in the cooperation of agricultural farmers and financial aid opportunities under the Rural Development Programmes for 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. As the example, the model of agricultural producer groups functioning in Poland was described.
The results of the consideration has broad spectrum. It follows from the analysis conducted that the reasons for creating groups of producers are economic benefits related to production on a higher scale and to achievement of synergies through acting together. They also include EU financial aid opportunities. The benefits are also of a social character and are related, among others, to farmers learning how to act together as well as to increased trust in cooperation.
In spite of numerous benefits that may arise from acting together, there are also certain obstacles related to the level of knowledge or educational background of farmers, typical responses to change or lack of trust between organisation members. This is often an effect of negative past experiences connected with overall socialisation that affects post-communist nations.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE MANAGEMENT MECHANISM FOR THE INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Authors: MAMAI Oksana , MAMAI Igor
Published: March 2018

The current trends in the development of innovative activities in Russia are far from fully meeting the expectations associated with improving the competitiveness of products and the quality of life of the population, with the provision of dynamic sustainable growth, and the formation of the innovative economy. The mixed nature of the Russian economy, the fundamentally different technological level and institutional conditions for the development of various sectors exclude the possibility of defining a single model of innovative development that is universal for all sectors. In the current conditions, the technical and technological level of the agrarian sector of the country's economy is the most catastrophically lagging behind the world's leading producers of agricultural products. Domestic agrarian production is 5 times more energy intensive and 4 times more metal consuming, and labor productivity is 8-10 times lower than in the USA, in the leading countries of the European Union and Canada. Not having eliminated this techno-technological backlog, without implementing the advanced development of certain specific areas of scientific research and technological developments in the field of agriculture, Russia's agrarian sector will finally lose its competitiveness and will not be able to ensure the country's food security. Thus, the need for a scientific justification of the theory, methodology and practice of the innovative development management of the agrarian sector of the regional economy in the context of large-scale economic and institutional transformations determines the urgency of the issue. Currently, most of the works of domestic researchers put emphasis on the problems of knowledge transfer, at the same time, the methodology for creating and commercializing competitive scientific knowledge through the formation of innovative agricultural clusters is beyond the scope of scientific research, and its management and economic mechanism has not been developed yet. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop proposals for optimization of the management mechanism for the innovative development of the region's agricultural sector (by the example of the Samara Region of the Russian Federation). The research used a set of methods of scientific knowledge used at both theoretical and empirical levels (conceptual modeling, synthesis and analysis, tabular and graphical interpretation of theoretical information and empirical data).
EUROPE 2020 TARGETS: THE PROGRESS OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES IN TERMS OF RIS3
Authors: GEMMA Sergejs , VĪTOLIŅA Zane
Published: March 2018

The Europe 2020 strategy was proposed by the European Commission with an aim to improve European Union (EU) competitiveness and promote economic growth. For the successful achievement of economic growth using the Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) in the EU, the European Commission has set out five interrelated headline targets to be achieved by 2020 in the areas of employment, research and development, climate change and energy, education and poverty and social exclusion. The targets are translated into national targets for each EU Member State; at the same time, they are common goals for all the EU Member States to be achieved through a mix of national and EU actions. The authors of the research used statistical data on the Europe 2020 targets to detect progress or regress in achieving these targets, the accuracy of target value detection and the implementation of RIS3 in the EU.
The aim of the research is to evaluate RIS3 progress based on the Europe 2020 targets. The following tasks were set: 1) To calculate progress on each Europe 2020 target for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania using Eurostat statistical data; 2) To evaluate the calculated data and compare the data with those for the other Baltic States and the EU average; 3) To forecast RIS3 development for the year 2020 in the Baltic States.
The research employed the monographic and descriptive methods as well as analysis, synthesis, the graphic method, the data grouping method and forecasting.
All the three Baltic States have exceeded their target values on employment and education. Low indicators – just half of the target value – the Baltic States have on the share of the EU’s GDP invested in Research and Development. Other positions such as green energy, poverty and social exclusion mostly show a need for more active and effective action for achieving the Europe 2020 targets.
AGRICULTURE’S IMPACT FOR THE ECONOMY: INTER-INDUSTRY LINKAGES AND MULTIPLIER EFFECTS
Authors: DZEMYDAITĖ Giedrė
Published: March 2018

The role of agriculture sector is understood as being vital for economic development and well being of rural areas. Common agriculture policies in the EU and production shocks in agriculture sector reflect in production changes that causes direct and indirect effects for other industries development in the region, as well as, households’ income. This paper aimed to evaluate agriculture sector’s direct and indirect impacts for the economy by analyzing sectoral linkages and multiplier effects. Input-output analysis techniques were applied. Both output and income multipliers were evaluated. This paper supports the idea that agriculture sectors were more multiplying the economy than other sectors on average. This sector remains important catalyst of the economy, especially while taking into account development challenges in rural areas.
PRICE DYNAMICS IN THE ASSORTMENT OF VEGETABLES OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN 2014–2016
Authors: ŠILEIKIENĖ Daiva , ČESONIENĖ Laima , PAULAUSKIENĖ Aurelija
Published: March 2018

The article analyzes the price dynamics of organic vegetables in Lithuania during the period of 2014 - 2016. A comparative analysis of the prices of organic vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions) was carried out as well as a comparative analysis of Lithuanian and imported vegetables, the trends of organic potato and vegetable price dynamics were estimated. The research carried out has revealed that lowest price of organic potato during the research period was in spring and winter. Potatoes of new harvest during summer (1.23 EUR/kg) and autumn (1.25 EUR/kg) seasons are higher. Price difference between Lithuanian and imported organic carrots and potatoes during different seasons is insignificant; significant fluctuations have been recorded only in Lithuanian and imported carrots in all period and potatoes in 2015.
The most expensive vegetables were organic carrots, the average price of which in 2014 was 1.38 EUR/kg. During the research period the average price of organic potatoes was 1.21 EUR/kg, i.e. 2.5 of times more than the conventional carrots (0.47 EUR/kg). Prices of the imported vegetables were higher than the prices of Lithuanian ones. In the analysed period the price of imported carrots (1.98 EUR/kg) was on average 1.5 times higher than the price of Lithuanian carrots (1.31 EUR/kg), imported organic onions (2.33 EUR/kg) were up to 57% more expensive than Lithuanian onions (1.33 EUR/kg). Germany has a wider supply of organic products. The price of potatoes in Germany using the analyzed period has risen in 51%. In 2016, the price of potatoes in Germany was 34% higher than in Lithuania. During the entire research period the price of organic carrots in Lithuania was higher than in Germany. In 2016, onions in Germany were 16% more expensive.
ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES AND THEIR USE IN THE PIG BREEDING FARM DURING THE WINTER PERIOD
Authors: MINAJEVA Aleksandra
Published: March 2018

Investigations were carried out at the pig breeding farm located in Šalčininkai district. There are 9 hulls in the pig farm, two of which are dedicated to pig breeding. One barn was reconstructed: installed heated-cooled floor with the heat pump and a manure-slurry cooling system. The second barn was installed more than 50 years ago and has not been modernized yet. This hull doesn’t have mechanical cooling system, is heated by a gas heater, infrared rays are installed in the pig holders. Both barns have a mechanical air exhaust system. The research data were collected during the winter season. Also was collected statistical data on the birth rate, weight gain, morbidity and piglets’ death. The parameters of the old barn microclimate depended directly on outdoor air parameters. The average temperature in the old housing was 21 ° C, in the modernized 27 °C; humidity was 79% and 54% respectively. In the winter period, in the old barn, due to low air temperatures and high humidity, the piglets’ death was 7.8% upper and the weight gain of 35% lower than in the reconstructed barn. It has been determined that the microclimate parameters influence the growth of the weight of piglets, their fall, and morbidity. The installed heated-cooled floor and manure-slurry cooling systems allow the farm to not use other types of fuel, facilitate the maintenance of the microclimate parameters of the barn (maintenance of the design temperature all the year), reduce emissions of CO2 and NH3 into the environment, and receive higher revenues from growing and selling products.
COMPARISON OF WATER HEATING BY SOLAR COLLECTORS AND PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
Authors: ZIEMELIS Imants , PUTANS Henriks , PELECE Ilze , SNEGOVS Andrejs
Published: March 2018

Amount of presently mainly used fossil energy resources on the earth are limited and its impact on the earth environment is negative. Therefore, scientific research on replacing them with alternative energy like solar is important. Usually in practice, solar radiation for domestic water heating by solar collectors and production of electric energy by photovoltaic (PV) panels is used. Obtained by solar panels electric energy for water heating also can be use. The aim of the research is to make out the more preferable method for water heating by solar radiation particularly in weather conditions of Latvia. There are some advantages and disadvantages for each of them analyzed in the paper. Our research has shown that, at the same intensity of solar radiation, the efficiency of solar collectors is higher while the heated water temperature in the system’s hot water tank is lower, and at higher ambient air temperature as well, but opposite to this, efficiency of PV panels is higher at lower ambient air temperature. Electricity produced by PV panels, using an electric resistance heaters heat water independently of its temperature. The amount of heat energy transferred from a solar collector by heat carrier to the hot water tank depends on the temperature difference between the heat carrier and heated water. The method of investigation corresponds to the goal of investigation, the effectivity of solar collectors and solar panels of different design and construction has analyzed in the paper.
THE REGIME OF COWSHED ENVIRONMENT AND GROUND SOILS TEMPERATURE
Authors: ŠADZEVIČIUS Raimondas , GURSKIS Vincas , SKOMINAS Rytis , RAMUKEVIČIUS Dainius
Published: March 2018

The quantity and quality of milk depends not only on milking or milk storage equipment but also on cow's well-being. A cow lying on the animal bed gives a certain amount of heat, as intense heat exchanges occur on the ground through the floor. When lying, the blood in the cow’s udder flows more intensely. It is known that for the formation of one liter of milk 500 liters of blood should flow through the cow’s udder. The amount of milk is highly dependent from the micro-climate of the animal’s bed, during the rest of the cow. The poorly installed or inappropriately designed bearing bed’s floors do not meet the physiological needs of the animals from a thermal point of view, much more energy loss occurs. Often there are cases where cold-frozen animals suffer from various cold diseases and their productivity decreases. Therefore, no less attention should be paid to the cow’s bed floor. The article analyses the temperature regime of the base of the cowshed and the ground of its environment during the regular period. The structure of the cowshed building is energy-heated, with bearing vault structures. Cows are kept tied up in re-bars. The floor of the cowshed room is installed on the ground. The ground floor temperature is fixed in 3 boreholes under the floor and also in 3 wells near the cowshed ground. Temperatures were fixed up to 6 meters deep. The fields of distribution of the base of the cowshed and its ground temperature are established during the regular period. Analysis of the temperature of the base of the cowshed and its environment showed that the ground temperature is influenced by the amount of heat released by the animal, which transmits itself not only to the room, but also to the base ground through the floor of the bearing bed. Since the bed’s floor is installed on the ground, the amount of heat loss caused by the animal through the floor depends not only on the thermal properties of the floor, but also on the base ground temperature regime. Extremely intense heat exchanges through the base ground occur during the coldest period of the year.
POSSIBILITIES TO USE FISH WASTE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION
Authors: SKORUPSKAITĖ Virginija , SENDŽIKIENĖ Eglė , GUMBYTĖ Milda
Published: March 2018

The secondary raw materials of fish can be used for various purposes in food industry, agriculture, etc. No less important way for usage of secondary raw fish, dead fish and fish farming sludge is the utilization of mentioned feedstocks for energy purposes, i.e. biofuels production. In this reearch, the possibilities of the consumption of dead fish and fish farming sludge for biodiesel and biogas production has been studied. The influence of the basic biodiesel production parameters, including the methanol to oil molar ratio, amount of catalyst, temperature and process duration on transesterification yield was determined. The guantitative and gualitative research of biogas production using different substrates such as fish waste, fish farming sludge and substrates composed of fish waste (de-oiled and non de-oiled biomass)+fish farming sludge and fish farming sludge+wastewater sludge was performed. The biodiesel yield higher than 96.5% could be achieved under the following process conditions: methanol/oil molar ratio – 4:1, amount of enzyme content – 7% from oil mass, temperature – 40 ° C, reaction time – 24 hours. The highest biogas yield (1224 ml/gVS) was determined using wet fish waste biomass and mixed substrates consisted of fish waste and fish farming sludge. The results of qualitative biogas research revealed, that biogas produced from both homogeneous and heterogeneous substrates contained more than 60% of methane. The highest calorific value (app. 70% of methane) had biogas gained from fish waste biomass.
THE LOCAL PARAMETERS SENSITIVITY OF URBAN HYDROLOGICAL RESPONSE UNIT OF CONCEPTUAL HYDROLOGICAL MODEL METQ
Authors: GRINFELDE Inga , BAKUTE Anda
Published: March 2018

The urbanised areas have a significant impact on hydrological processes of the catchment. The average annual urbanisation temp in EU is 0.6%. The existing version of conceptual hydrological model METQ is developed for natural hydrological response units such as forests, swamps and agricultural land. The growing urbanisation level force to add to the model urban hydrological response unit. This study aims to analyse local parameter sensitivity of urban hydrological response unit of conceptual hydrological model METQ. The local sensitivity was made using Monte-Carlo simulations. To evaluate local sensitivity Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency index (NSE), determination coefficient R2, percent bias (PBIAS), ratios the root mean square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR) in addition to the graphical method were used. The results show seven parameters to be calibrated the other 16 parameters have to stay as constant values for urban hydrological response unit.
INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ON THE GROWTH AND QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF SWEET BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM L.)
Authors: Kazlauskaitė Sonata , Žebrauskienė Audronė , Mulerčikas Povilas , Vagusevičienė Ilona , Survilienė Elena , Krasauskas Aurimas
Published: March 2018

Investigation of impact of novel plant origin products on sweet basil has been carried out in 2014–2015. The plants were grown in the poly tunnel. The test on sweet basil quality parameters was carried out in the Laboratory of the Quality of Plant Raw Materials at Aleksandras Stulginskis University applying standardized analysis methods. It has been determined that, the sweet basil comparing with the control grew best in both 2014 (80.1 cm) and 2015 (80.8 cm) when biological products Canelys, Ekoflavon and Ekoflavon + Oleorgan were applied. In 2014, the most significant absolute dry matter content (92.20%) was accumulated using Oleorgan, and in 2015, significantly the highest dry matter content (90.19%) has been accumulated using Ecoflavon + Canelys. The most significant (11.64%) crude fibre content in 2014 has been obtained under Canelys application, while in 2015, significantly the highest result (14.26%) has been collected by the control. Significantly the highest quantity of crude ash (19.44%) in 2014 has been determined when the plants were treated with Canelys, however in 2015, the best result (21.86%) has been obtained after the use of the Oleorgan. The most significant (20.07%) crude protein content in 2014 has been accumulated when the plants were treated with Ekoflavon. Therefore, in 2015 significantly the highest (16.68%) crude protein content was found in the treatment Ekoflavon + Canelys, still the result did not differ significantly from the treatment when only Ecoflavon was used.
The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of some biological products on the growth and qualitative characteristics of sweet basil.
ASSESSMENT OF PRODUCTIVE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY OF SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZERS IN INTEGRATED PRODUCTION OF NAPA CABBAGE DEPENDING ON APPLICATION METHOD
Authors: NIEMIEC Marcin , TABAK Monika , PALUCH Łukasz , KOMOROWSKA Monika
Published: March 2018

The study aimed to assess the suitability of slow-release fertilizers in cultivation of napa cabbage in the integrated production system. The objective was realized on the basis of a strict field experiment set up on soil with granulometric composition of light loam. The dose of fertilizer was the first experimental factor, and the fertilizer application was the second factor. The slow-acting fertilizer was applied under each plant during planting of seedlings and in the second variant. The fertilizer was applied in the row, about 5 cm under the seedling root level. On the basis of the results obtained in the experiments, the indices showing nitrogen fertilization efficiency were calculated
Fertilization significantly modified the quantity of obtained yield. In the control, without mineral fertilization, the crop yield was 23.32 Mg · ha-1. The largest yield was 52.27 Mg · ha-1. Larger yields and more advantageous productive and environmental efficiency were obtained in objects with row application of fertilizer. The most advantageous agronomic efficiency and nitrogen recovery efficiency were obtained in the combination of 400 kg · ha-1 of slow-acting fertilizer with traditional supplementary PK fertilizers in the case of point application of fertilizers. In the case of row fertilizer application, it is possible to use 50% more of the fertilizer dose without compromising the quality of the crop. Higher doses of free-acting fertilizers increased the standard deviation of the mass of cabbage, which is not desirable for production. The results show that under conditions of low mineral content in the soil, the slow-acting fertilizers can be used at a low level.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF CONVENTIONAL INTENSIVE AND PRECISION FARMING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: ZINKEVIČIENĖ Danutė , ZINKEVIČIUS Remigijus , PETKEVIČIUS Sigitas
Published: March 2018

In Lithuania, besides the usual farming technologies, starting precision agriculture (PA). The basic principle of the PA is to focus technological operations on the conditions located in separate field locations. When there in separate fields is a significant difference in the amount of nutrients in the soil, the distribution of weeds or diseases, then the crop fertilization and maintenance operations must be precisely adapted to these differences. Most importantly, these differences in soil and crops can be captured and converted into correspondingly differentiated instructions for agricultural machinery. This ensures the timely use of appropriate material resources, helps to optimize yields at the lowest cost, reduce environmental pollution and increase economic returns.
The purpose of this study is to perform a comparative analysis of economic indicators for spring wheat cultivation by using a usual intensive and PA technologies, and to determine the financial effect. Novelty of this study are the new approach and new method for financial effect calculations in Lithuania, they can lead to future deeper analysis of money return related with PA technologies.
The tests for a year 2014-2015 was carried out on A. Bardauskas farm in Raseiniai district, and in year 2016 on ASU testing station in Kaunas district. Economic indicators of spring wheat cultivation by using conventional intensive and precision farming (PA) technologies was determined, i.e. additional cost-benefit effect was calculated and the financial effect generated. Underlying research shows that better economic indicators are obtained through the using of PA technology. It was determined that the cost of mineral fertilizers during spring wheat cultivation in accordance with the PA technology was lower in the two analyzed years and slightly higher in one year than the conventional intensive agricultural technology.
The decline in fertilizer costs also led to a decrease in yield, which resulted in less incomes for one year from precision farming than the use of conventional intensive agricultural technology, and received a negative financial effect. In the other two years of analysis, additional revenues from spring wheat cultivation with PA technology exceeded the additional costs related with this technology and received a positive financial effect. Due to the reduced yield, the incomes for precision farming in 2014 were 41.6 Eur/ha less, and in 2015 and 2016, respectively, 12.8 Eur/ha and 30.58 Eur/ha higher than for the conventional intensive farming technology
THE ESTIMATION OF THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF CONDUCTIVITY OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM OF A PORTABLE MILKING MACHINE
Authors: ČĖSNA Jonas , MEDVEDSKYI Oleksandr , GOLUB Gennadii , KUKHARETS Saveliy
Published: March 2018

When designing the structural and functional schemes of the vacuum systems of a portable milking machine it is important to conduct a research on the impact on the milking machine efficiency. The technological efficiency and the regime of a vacuum system functioning are the basis of the research. The unstable pressure may cause the decrease in animals productivity and may have negative impact on cows welfare. That is why it is necessary to determine some rational parameters and choose the linking vacuum system decisions. It will result in getting stable working regimes of a portable milking machine. A research on the effects of different components variants as well as of vacuum system parameters on the consistency of operation has been conducted. The results of the research made it possible to estimate the impact of vacuum pump fast reaction as well as the vacuum system parameters on the job stability. It has been proved that the vacuum system efficiency is determined by the level of its conductivity. The conductivity is the inverse value to the vacuum system resistance. The research has determined how the vacuum system packaging affects the pressure loses. A mathematic model which enables to find the rational volume of a vacuum tank and determine the vacuum system conductivity has been received. On the results of the experimental research the vacuum system rational structure has been substantiated and estimated on a special efficiency coefficient.
BIOMASS ASH UTILIZATION OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Karps Oskars , Aboltins Aivars , Palabinskis Janis
Published: March 2018

In Latvia and in the world there are problems with utilization of wood ash from large fireboxes because it is a technologically complicated, time consuming and costly process. The methods used to dispose of the ash when it is deposited in waste landfills are unsustainable. Pollution-increasing solution is needed since pure wood ash is a valuable source of plant nutrients. Ash contains the macro and microelements needed for plants and can replace some of the precious mineral fertilizers in agriculture, especially in organic. Ash use in agriculture is little explored and implemented, the use of the technology is not resolved (ash collection and screening, fractionation, drilling, evaluation, etc.). The LUA studies of ash and slurry mixing problem to prepare ash with mechanized spreaders. Cattle slurry is used as a binder that helps create solid ash fractions that are subject to dispersion with centrifugal fertilizer dispersers with a sufficiently good spreading quality. The research examines the conditions for the creation of different size fractions and their dissolution. The experimental results showed that the best used ratio of the mixtures was 1000 ml of ash and 200 ml of liquid manure or 1000 ml of ash and 300 ml of liquid manure. In this ratio, the produced granule size was very close to the size of mineral fertilizers.
MONITORING OF ENERGY GAIN AND EROSION PROTECTION OF CORN AND TALL WHEATGRASS CROPS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Kopecký Marek , Bernas Jaroslav , Kolář Ladislav , Hloucalová Pavlína
Published: March 2018

With the growing energy demand of the society and the increased requirements for ecological aspects of obtaining and utilizing energies, renewable energy sources have been getting to the forefront. In the conditions of Central Europe, transformation of biomass to biogas through anaerobic digestion appears to be promising. The article describes the results of a field experiment carried out in an experimental site of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (South Bohemia, Czech Republic). The goal of the article is to compare the conventionally grown corn (Zea mays L., hybrid Simao), the areas of which have increased considerably as a result of the development of biogas stations, and the alternative perennial grass called tall wheatgrass (Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus cv. Szarvasi-1), which is, according to the literature, well positioned to replace corn. The harvests of the plants took place in 2013-2015, and tall wheatgrass was cut twice per season. A number of aspects – dry phytomass yield, specific methane yield and hectare methane yield – were monitored. In addition, the long-term soil loss by water erosion was calculated through the Universal Soil Loss Equation for both species of energy crops. In terms of yield parameters and methane production, better results were achieved by corn, given the average energy gain 238 GJ·ha-1 as compared to 126 GJ·ha-1 for tall wheatgrass. The protection of the soil surface from water erosion by corn appears to be insufficient and, in this criterion, it absolutely lags behind the anti-erosion abilities of tall wheatgrass, which protects soil incomparably better.
INFLUENCE OF THE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY PROCESS ON PROPERTIES OF RAPESEED OIL
Authors: Tucki Karol , Kupczyk Adam
Published: March 2018

The article presents results of research regarding the possibility of changing the properties of rapeseed oil thanks to applying diverse press techniques. The main objective of the study was to determine the impact of press parameters and the process of its cleaning on performance and contents of fatty acids in order to get the best parameters of rapeseed oil for fuel purposes. To analyse the ecological diesel engine, analysis shows the results of the quantities of impurities (phosphorus compounds, iodine and water). The research was conducted for oil obtained from six varieties of rapeseed. The parameters of press techniques have a small impact on the contents of individual fatty acids. However, changes of the content of the chemical compounds are dependent on the press parameters to a large extent.
IMPACT OF USING PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN PIGGERY ON GREENHOUSE GASES EMISSION
Authors: RZEŹNIK Wojciech , RZEŹNIK Ilona , MIELCAREK Paulina
Published: March 2018

Farm buildings have a large number of unused roofs, where photovoltaic panels may be installed without limiting the agricultural land. In piggeries the largest demand for electricity has the ventilation system. The daily distribution of electricity demand is correlated to the diurnal variation of solar radiation. This allows immediate use the energy produced by photovoltaic panels. The aim of the study was to determine the energy demand of the ventilation system, to design a photovoltaic system for its operation and to determine the CO2 emission reduction. The research was carried out for the deep-litter piggery located in Poland. The demand for electricity was determined on the basis of three-year measurements of electricity consumption in the studied piggery. The photovoltaic system was designed to power the ventilation system. Mean annual demand was 26046 kWh. The designed PV system has power of 27 kWp (23984 kWh yr-1). Energy deficits (4591 kWh·yr-1) were noted for 8 months, and energy surpluses (2528 kWh·yr-1) for 4 months in a year. The reduction of CO2 emissions resulting from the use of a photovoltaic system to supply the ventilation system is 19.1 Mg CO2·yr-1 and represents 3% of the total greenhouse gases emissions from the piggery, expressed in CO2 equivalent. It may increase to 8.6% in case of installing the maximum number of PV panels system (maximum power of 78 kWp; total energy production 68526 kWh yr-1) on the southern part of the roof, but it requires the financial support for renewable energy by the government.
ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPAL STRESS FACTORS AFFECTING DRIVERS IN DIFFERENT VEHICLES
Authors: ZEWDIE Retta , KIC Pavel
Published: March 2018

The aim of this research paper is to compare the effect of the heart rate variabilities on different vehicle drivers. The most common urban transport vehicles (bus, tram and metro) are compared with typical mobile agricultural machines (tractors and combine harvesters) and passenger car. The measurements were focused on the complexity and traffic routes, velocities of each vehicle and ages of drivers related to changes in the heart rate of drivers as main parameters. The authors characterize cardinal factors affecting the contentment of drivers while undertaking their performance. The results of the measurements showed that the lowest mean heart rate value was registered on metro (subway car) drivers scoring 59 bpm, whereas the bus drivers 80 bpm and tram 77 bpm. The mean heart rate value of the combine harvester drivers scored 106 bpm and tractor drivers 108 bpm, which indicates that the driver’s heart rate of the agricultural machineries were significantly greater. The heart rate of tram drivers has increased significantly in a short period of time by 75%, metro (subway) drivers by 59%, combine harvester drivers by 23% and tractor drivers by 19%, whereas the passenger car drivers’ heart rate value increase was by 30%. The driving velocity, drivers’ age and weight showed its effect on the heart rate variabilities. The data collections were made by a heart rate measurement device. Relevant data on technical conditions stretch and shape design routes; as well as the heart rate variabilities on the respective drivers are collected carefully for detail statistical analysis.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE APPROACHES FOR COMPLEX UTILIZATION OF BROWN ALGAE (FUCUS VESICULOSUS) BIOMASS FOR THE OBTAINING OF VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS
Authors: BIKOVENS Oskars , PONOMARENKO Jevgenija , JANCEVA Sarmite , LAUBERTS Maris , VEVERE Laima , TELYSHEVA Galina
Published: March 2018

The seaweed collected after stranding on beaches of Latvia is underexploited natural resource, which has a potential as raw material for biologically active compound extraction for cosmetic and pharmacy and fertilizer in sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present study was development of the approach for the processing of brown alga Fucus vesiculosus biomass, collected from the Gulf of Riga. The thorough characterization of the chemical composition of Fucus vesiculosus has shown that it is a potential source for obtaining of nitrogen-containing fertilizers, and biologically active compounds. One of the proposed approaches for the processing of the Fucus vesiculosus biomass under study includes algae extraction with organic solvents and CaCl2 solution and obtaining soil organic amendment on the basis of the extract-free residue. The ethyl acetate extract was rich in phenolic compounds (430 ± 30 GAE mg/g) with high antioxidant activity in DPPH• and ABTS•+ tests. The ethanol extract contained significant amounts of phlorotannins that was confirmed by the data of LC-MS/MS analysis. The CaCl2 extract was used for the obtaining of sulphated polysaccharide fucoidane (yield ≈7% on the basis of oven dry matter, o.d.m.), which has numerous biological activities. The extract-free residue didn’t show phytotoxicity. The extract free algal biomass exhibited positive effect in root elongation tests with oat (Avena sativa). As alternative approach for processing of the algal biomass, the mechano-chemical treatment of algal biomass with lignin was proposed. EPR analyses confirmed interaction between algal biomass and lignin.
CHANGES IN THE PROFITABILITY OF FARMS IN EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES – CONVERGENCE OR DIVERGENCE?
Authors: NOWAK Anna , KRUKOWSKI Artur , KLIKOCKA Hanna
Published: March 2018

This paper aimed at evaluating the differences within the European Union (EU) regarding profitability of farms and answering the question whether in 2007-2015 any trends at convergence of their income position occurred between member states. The survey covered farms maintaining farm accounts under FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) in 27 member states of the EU. Convergence was evaluated based on the coefficient of variation (sigma convergence) and the relative index of variation in respective member states of the EU in comparison to the EU average in the analyzed period (beta convergence). The surveys point to large disparities in the level of profitability between farms in European Union member states. The highest profitability of work was recorded in countries such as Luxembourg, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy and Belgium. In all new member states the analyzed ratio was relatively low and none of them exceeded the average level for the EU. In 2015 the lowest profitability of land was characteristic of Slovakia, Estonia and Denmark, whereas the highest income per 1 ha was achieved by agricultural producers in Malta, Italy and Greece. In the analysed period no clear trends were observed in convergence or in profitability of work or profitability of land, which means that inequalities between countries with a different level of agricultural development did not disappear.
THE SCALE OF ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN AMATEUR GARDENS
Authors: BALEŽENTIENĖ Ligita
Published: March 2018

Though urban areas globally cover only about 3% of the earth’s land surface, the UAGs have received a little attention with regards to their ecological facilities. The main aim of this study remains to assess and compare the choice of ecological management options, which guidelines to improvement of environmental-friendly forms of gardening provided by two different UAGs, e.g. Užuovėja (U) and Nemunas (N) in Kaunas distr., central Lithuania.
The gardeners were interviewed to identify their preference of different gardening means and reasons for their ecological choices using a questionnaire (n = 60) containing questions about gardening behaviour were surveyed.
The interviewed gardeners differ in their commitment and motivation, their agro-ecological practices, and their habits when growing fruits and vegetables. Ecological means, e.g. self-generated compost, turf and organic fertilizer were applied in 43.3-16.7; 16.7-6.7 and 43.3-16.7% in UAGs N and U, respectively. Only 3 or 10% (N) and 4 or 13.3% (U), of respondent regularly used chemical control means regularly. Unfortunately, only 11 or 36.7% (N) and 4 or 13.3% (U) of respondents regularly and sometimes used biological control means. While 7 or 23.3% (N) and 1 or 3.3% (U) of respondents apply biological control means on rare occasion. The large amount of gardeners’, i.e. 63% (N) and 80% (U) employs the natural water resources.
This study shows that choice of the urban gardeners for the farming options proceeds the act of production through the conscious manipulation of natural resources, by the means of mobilizing practices (soil improvement, pest control means, watering), as well as supported by knowledge and sustainable viewpoint. Nonetheless, local ecosystem services will support gardener motivation, enhancing knowledge of sustainable gardening, authorizing the rational use of bio-control and soil improvement products, expresses an essential need for rational usage of water and other environmental resources.
IDENTIFICATION OF WET AREAS IN FOREST BY USING LIDAR BASED DEM
Authors: IVANOVS Janis , SIETINA Irina , SPALVA Gints
Published: March 2018

Water tends to flow and accumulate in response to topographical characteristics of local area and gravitational potential energy. Remote sensing data like LiDAR (Light detecting and ranging) or satellite data can be used to identify local depressions where wet areas may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate methods that can be used to identify wet areas, to determine correlation between topography of the area and forest regeneration and to prepare proposals for forest management that could be usable in Latvia. Study area includes fertile forest land on wet mineral soils and drained mineral soils with planted spruce (Picea abies) and available LiDAR data. Map examples have been made to demonstrate methodology which allows to identify depressions with potentially hindered run-off. Fill sinks algorithm has shown best results in identifying wet areas and correlation with wet areas that were detected in field studies is 62%. TWI index is not suitable for this study because of relatively flat area. Result of this study reveals that wet areas have significant effect on tree species. In depressions, despite the fact that there has been planted spruce, main species are birch (Betula pendula) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa). Wet areas have significant effect on tree height.