bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizoctonia solani damping-off on spring turnip rape and spring rape (Brassica spp.) in Finland
Authors: Tahvonen Risto , Hollo Jukka , Hannukkala Asko
Published: July 2018

Damping-off occurred in 90 % of the spring oilseed rape fields surveyed in 1981—1982. On the average, 10 % of the plants were infected with damping-off.6 % of the fields were severely infected (> 30 % of the plants affected) by damping-off and 38 % were uninfected or only slightly infected ( ≤ 5% of the plants affected). The incidence of damping-off was higher in those fields which had been under oilseed rape in earlier years. Ina crop rotation experiment, the amount of damping-off increased from 2 % to 20 %, and finally to 38 %, depending upon whether turnip rape had been grown on the same part of the field once, twice or three times. Crops other than Cruciferous ones were grown for 1 or 3 years between the turnip rape crops. Rhizoctonia solani Kühn was isolated from 76 % of the affected plants. The R. solani isolates produced severe damping-off on rape and turnip rape in pathogenicity tests. R. solani isolates from barley, potato and lettuce brought about only mild cases of damping-off, or else only a decrease in the growth of the plants. Fusarium avenaceum Sacc. was the only other isolated fungus which was pathogenic.
Bipolaris sorokiniana on barley seed in Finland
Authors: Kurppa Aarne
Published: July 2018

Bipolaris sorokiniana is reported as a common fungus in commercially grown barley seed in Finland with possible economic importance. In 1974, when 200 samples of barley seed were surveyed the fungus was identified in 60 per cent of samples. The three following years the incidence was 19, 29 and 38 %. The mean per cent seeds infected was 3.8, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.9 respectively. The highest recorded individual % was 92. The most severely infected cultivar was Paavo each year. In most cases only the seed cover was invaded by the fungus but also infection in the embryo and the cell leyers surrounding it was observed. Such severely infected seeds did not germinate or the seedlings were readily infected after germination. B. sorokiniana was less frequent in the western parts of the country. Field experiments in 1972—1979 confirmed the same varietal susceptibility which was found by the survey of commercial samples of barley seed. High rainfall and relative humidity in July and August were the main factors associated with increased seed infection incidence.
Fusarium mycotoxins as a problem in Finnish feeds and cereals
Authors: Karppanen Eeva , Rizzo Aldo , Berg Seija
Published: July 2018

In the past mycotoxins have been only an occasional minor problem for domestic animals in Finland. In 1982 a large number of intoxicated animals were suspected of being affected by mycotoxicosis. Later on imported maize was found to be the cause of the illness. After 2 years of investigations we concentrated our attention on Fusarium toxins, and in the autumn of 1984 we were able to detect the presence of trichothecenes in feeds. The rainy summer of 1984 created very favourable conditions for the growth of moulds. The production lines of some feed factories were contaminated by Fusarium fungi. The number of intoxicated animals increased drastically. Two strains of Fusaria were isolated at a feed factory. Since the trichothecenes have strong dermotoxic and cytotoxic effects, biological tests were used in this investigation. Capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to identify and quantify the trichothecenes. Qualitative and quantitative results are presented together with the symptoms observed in the intoxicated animals. The reliability and the significance of the results have been discussed. Despite what has earlier been believed, itis evident from our results that trichothecenes are unstable in cereals and feeds. In fact, samples which originally proved to be toxic were found to be almost toxin-free after 3 to 6 months storage at +4°C.
Spring wheat mixtures in northern crop production: ability of mixtures to buffer disease development and yield loss caused by Septoria nodorum
Authors: Karjalainen Reijo
Published: July 2018

Epidemic development of Septoria nodorum was studied in pure stands and mixtures of two spring wheat cultivars Tähti (susceptible) and Kadett (moderately resistant) in 1983—1985. Apparent infection rates in the mixture were similar to that of the more resistant pure stand. In all three years, disease levels in mixed stands were lower than the arithmetic mean of the pure stands. The yield experiments indicated that under low or moderate disease stress mixtures can buffer yield reduction effectively. However, when disease levels were high, mixtures appeared to be less effective in that respect. The results are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of intraspecific mixtures to retard non-specialized pathogens. The use of wheat mixtures to prevent disease induced yield losses caused by S. nodorum is also discussed.
Flea beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Halticinae) on rapeseed and sugarbeet in Finland
Authors: Augustin Arja , Tulisalo Unto , Korpela Seppo
Published: July 2018

Surveys of the incidence of flea beetles on sugarbeet and rapeseed were carried out in eight localities in southern and central Finland in 1972 and 1980—83. The first flea beetles emerged from overwintering in late April to early May, depending on the temperature. The majority, however, appeared during the second half of May, when daily temperatures occasionally reached +20°C. Flea beetles found their host plants by olfactory orientation. Two population peaks occurred during the growing season. The overwintered flea beetles formed the first peak in late May to early June and the adults of the new generation the second peak starting in late July. The incidence of flea beetles fluctuated greatly on the cultivation, as the flea beetles moved only short distances and showed thus very local occurrence. The availability of host plants greatly affected their reproduction rate, and thus the annual and regional differences in the incidence of the flea beetles were great and depended solely on the availability of host plants. Therefore it was difficult to establish any countrywide differences in the incidence of the beetles. Only Phyllotreta undulata (Kutsch.) and P. striolata (F.) were of any importance aspests of rapeseed. P. undulata made up some 80—90 % and P. striolata some 10 % of the total number of flea beetles on rapeseed. P. striolata was more abundant on radish than on rapeseed. Sugarbeet was damaged only by Chaetocnema concinna (Marsh). Other species of flea beetles were also observed in small numbers on rapeseed, radish and sugarbeet. They did not, however, cause any damage, but spread from adjacent cultivated plant species or weeds. The suction trap collected only a few flea beetles, but clearly revealed their activity periods. Damage caused by flea beetles is most harmful during the short seedling stage. At that time one flea beetle per plant was considered the threshold level for control measures. Later, even several flea beetles did not significantly hamper the growth. Seed coating efficiently prevented damage by flea beetles. The general incidence of flea beetles observed during this study was so low that coating of the seed was not justified. Chemical control of blossom beetle efficiently reduced flea beetles as well. The abandoning of the cultivation of winter rape also reduced the total number of flea beetles.
Self-sufficiency of agriculture in Finland in 1970—1983
Authors: Kettunen Lauri
Published: July 2018

This study is aimed at considering self-sufficiency and food security in Finland. Self-sufficiency of final products has been over 100 % for a long period. Only self-sufficiency of fruits and vegetables is below 100 % due to the climate. Self-sufficiency of energy, protein and fat of the diet is also examined in this article. A new indicator of total self-sufficiency is developed by dividing the total yield measured in feed units with the total feed requirement of total human consumption, measured also in feed units. According to these calculations total self-sufficiency has been from 105 % to 130%, depending on the quantity of total yield. Itis difficult to make adequate calculations of self-sufficiency of inputs, since the industry producing agricultural inputs is operating under free trade, and tries to benefit from foreign trade. Imports of energy, raw materials, machines and implements lower self-sufficiency. Some estimates are, however, given in the text. The article also discusses the attempts to improve food security by storage. Agricultural research aims to clarify how alternative cultivation methods could lessen the dependence on imports, and thus improve the food security.
Populations in clonal plants
Authors: Tammisola Jussi
Published: July 2018

Population phenomena in higher plants are reviewed critically, particularly in relation to clonality. An array of concepts used in the field are discussed. In contrast to animals, higher plants are modular in structure. Plant populations show hierarchy at two levels: ramets and genets. In addition, their demography is far more complicated, since even the direction of development of a ramet may change by rejuvenation. Therefore, formulae concerning animal populations often require modification for plants. Furthermore, at the zygotic stage, higher plants are generally less mobile than animals. Accordingly, their population processes tend to be more local. Most populations of plants have a genetic structure: alleles and genotypes are spatially aggregated. Due to the short-ranged foraging behaviour of pollinators, genetically non-random pollination prevails. A generalized formula for parent-offspring dispersal variance is derived. It is used to analyze the effect of clonality on genetic patchiness in populations. In self-compatible species, an increase in clonality will tend to increase the degree of patchiness, while in self-incompatible species a decrease may result. Examples of population structure studies in different species are presented. A considerable degree of genetic variation appears to be found also in the populations of species with a strong allocation of resources to clonal growth or apomictic seed production. Some consequences of clonality are considered from the point of view of genetic conservation and plant breeding.
Studies on production techniques of some herb plants: I Effect of Agryl P17 mulching on herb yield and volatile oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and marjoram (Origanum majorana L.)
Authors: Hälvä S.
Published: July 2018

Agryl P17 fiber-mulching of cold-sensitive herbal plants, basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), were studied at three locations in Finland (1984—1985). The growing sites were Helsinki (60° 14' N), Sahalahti (61° 28' N), and Inari (69° 04' N) for both species in 1984, and Helsinki for marjoram in 1985. Agryl P17 mulching increased basil yield at all locations. The uncovered basil yielded approximately 54 kg/100 m2 and when grown under the mulch, more than three fold, 191 kg/ 100m2. In the north (Inari), however, basil and marjoram did not give practically any yield. Marjoram did not benefit from mulching either in the south: the yield was 96 kg without and 80 kg/100m2 with mulching. The vegetation under the mulch was severely affected by fungus diseases. The volatile oil content in the dried basil herb ranged from 0.46 to 0.93 %. There were no significant differences in the total oil content whether basil was grown with or without Agryl P17. The oil content in marjoram ranged from 1.94 to 2.55 % the total content being significantly higher when grown under the cover.
Determination of soil specific surface area by water vapor adsorption: II Dependence of soil specific surface area on clay and organic carbon content
Authors: Niskanen Raina , Mäntylahti Väinö
Published: July 2018

The specific surface area of 60 mineral soil samples estimated by water vapor adsorption at 20 % relative humidity ranged from 12.1 ± 3.6 to 225.1 ±18.4 m2/g. Clay (range 1—72 %) and organic carbon content (0.7—14.6 %) together explained 84 % of the variation in the surface area. The regression equation predicting the specific surface area of soil was surface area (m2/g) =2.69+ 1.23clay-% +8.69org.C-%.
Breeding of frosthardy rhododendrons
Authors: Uosukainen M. , Tigerstedt P. M. A.
Published: July 2018

In 1973 a Rhododendron breeding program was started at the Department of Plant Breeding, University of Helsinki. The program was based on the extremely hardy rhododendron material that had been naturally selected at Arboretum Mustila. The aim was to create new frosthardy cultivars that could tolerate minimum temperatures below —35°C in mid-winter. Rhododendron brachycarpum subsp. tigerstedtii Nitz. was used as the maternal parent in the majority of crosses. Also R. smirnowii and R. catawbiense were used as sources for winter hardiness. Totally 148 different combinations were done between species, species and hybrids and between hybrids. The total number of matings was 496. Over 20 000 seedlings were obtained and a total of 13 752 plants were planted in field trials on eight different test sites between 1975—1979. After two extremely cold winters, 1984/85 and 86/87, about 60 % of the plants died or were severely damaged. R. brachycarpum subsp. tigerstedtii crosses with either R. smirnowii or R. calawbiense gave the best genetic material for better climatic adaptation. The progenies of these crosses survived without any severe damage when minimum temperature was as low as 37°C. Tissue culture methods were developed and used in vegetative propagation of selected ortets. By the end of 1987 six clones have been released as new cultivars for commercial propagation.
Preliminary results from breeding experiments with Finnsheep in Poland
Authors: Jankowski S. , Niznikowski R. , Tyszka Z.
Published: July 2018

Polish Lowland (PL) ewes were mated to Finnsheep x East Friesian (EF) F1 rams to create a synthetic dam line (66), and to Polish Heath x EF F1 rams to create another synthetic dam line (77). Performance of both groups were recorded and compared to purebred PL (88). The numbers of animals in the composite lines were too small for statistical analyses and conclusive results. Contrary to expectations line 77 excelled line 88 in lambing rate by 3 %, while line 66 was inferior to it. In litter size, both composite lines slightly excelled line 88. Line 66 excelled line 88 in lamb survival, while line 77 was a little inferior to it. In fleece weights, line 66 was equal with line 88, but line 77 lagged 24 % behind. Both of the composite lines excelled line 88 in daily gain by 10 %, being rather similar to each other.
Reproduction and adaptation characteristics in D’man sheep
Authors: Lahlou-Kassi A. , Benlamlih S. , Boukliq R.
Published: July 2018

D’man breed (D) is found in the oasis of the subsaharian regions of Morocco and reared usually in sedentary type of management with small flocks (< 10 ewes). Preliminary field surveys showed that D is early maturing, prolific and aseasonal. Hence, a multidisciplinary research programme on D was started in 1974. This paper reports the findings of these studies and describes the approach used to (1) characterize and evaluate the performances of D in field and station, (2) study the physiological mechanism involved in its peculiar reproduction and production, (3) study the genetic basis of reproduction parameters, and (4) evaluate use of D in crossbreeding schemes to improve the productivity of other Moroccoan breeds. Results show that D is one of the rare breeds that is simultaneously early maturing, highly prolific and completely aseasonal. However, studies on water turnover and nitrogen recycling show that D is not well adapted to hot climate and poor nutrition. Its reproduction parameters are relatively independent of photoperiod and related to a low sensitivity to negative oestrogen feedback. D male is characterized by high libido and can be used for synchronizing oestruses through the »ram effect». Crossbreeding experiments with non-prolific sheep confirm the heritability of reproductive parameters. However, the genetic basis for these is not yet well known.
Inheritance of high prolificacy of the Olkuska sheep (preliminary results)
Authors: Radomska M. J. , Martyniuk E. , Klewiec J.
Published: July 2018

Studies are being conducted on the mode of inheritance of high reproductive performance of the Olkuska (O) sheep, a local Polish breed. Ten O were used in crosses with Polish Merino (PM) ewes. The ovulation rate of 60 F1 ewes (O x PM) and 129 pure PM ewes was stated by means of laparoscopy. The prolificacy of female ancestors, full-sisters and progeny of 3 O rams was extensively analysed.
Coordination of supply and demand in the dairy marketing system – with special emphasis on the potential role of farmer cooperatives as coordinating institutions
Authors: Ollila Petri
Published: July 2018

The study attempts to gain a better understanding of matching the ultimate supply and demand for milk at various steps of the production-distribution sequence. The purpose is to assess the suitability of price or regulations in solving various coordination problems. Special emphasis is given to the cooperatives as coordinating institutions. The theory in the study draws from Transaction Cost Economics, Economics of Public Choice, and Industrial Organization approach. The application used is termed Marketing Systems Analysis. It is applied to the dairy marketing system providing explanations to the surrent structure and analyzing four problems: (1) coordination of total supply and demand if milk, (2) coordination of milk components, (3) seasonal balancing, and (4) adaptation of new consumer preferences.
Design and development of a continuous culture system for studying rumen fermentation
Authors: Miettinen Harri , Setälä Jouko
Published: July 2018

The present report describes an in vitro continuous culture system to simulate rumen fermentation. The complete assembly consists of six culture vessels (liquid volume 700 ml) fed twice daily with finely ground feed. The artificial saliva enters the vessel continuously, and the effluent leaves it continuously through the overflow port. The intermittent stirring of the fermentor content and the pH regulation are automatically controlled by a desktop computer. Two replicate experiments with ten fermentors given a diet of silage (50 %) and barley (50 %) were made in order to evaluate the system. The results indicate that the system reaches steady-state conditions within three to five days, ammonia concentration being an exeption. It takes for the ammonia concentration approximately 11—14 days to stabilize. The plateau values for the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, the molar proportions of individual VFAs, and the ammonia concentrations were found to be within the accepted range in the rumen of animals given similar diets or in other artificial rumen systems. There was a tenfold decrease in the numbers of protozoa in the fermentors during the first four days of incubation. However, the average plateau value for the protozoa numbers (2.5 x 104/ml) is in the same range as in the dual flow continuous culture systems. The efficiency of the microbial N production was higher than that usually observed in vivo or in vitro (45 vs. 30 g/kg organic matter digested). The results indicate that this continuous culture system provides a reasonable estimate of rumen fermentation.
Infestations and distribution of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) on different varieties of barley and oats, effect of nitrogen fertilization and chemical control
Authors: Kurppa Sirpa , Suonpää Marja
Published: July 2018

Infestations of Rhopalosiphum padi were compared between common varieties grown at nitrogen levels of 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha in 1986 and 1988, and controlled with dimethoate in 1988. Colonization of the aphid was slightly quicker on oats than on barley. The highest peak inside field cages was 305 aphids and in the open field 74 aphids per plant. On barley, the number of aphids was highest on var. Pomo and var. Pokko, six-row type varieties with the longest growth period. On oats the number of aphids remained lower on var. Nasta, an early maturing variety with strong straw, than on other cultivars. Excessive nitrogen either increased or decreased the peak number of aphids per plant, depending on the variety and the year. Over 40 % of aphids on oats fed on the lower base of the plant at or under the soil surface. On barley, aphids lived slightly higher, 30 % in the stem and 30 % on leaves. Dimethoate spray controlled aphids on the top of the plant but not those on the base and lower leaves. Its efficacy against aphids on the upper stem and lower leaves on barley was decreased when an increased amount of nitrogen was used. The percentages of parasitized and diseased aphids decreased after the use of dimethoate.
The effect of cell wall degrading enzymes on the preservation of grass and on the silage intake and digestibility in sheep
Authors: Jaakkola Seija
Published: July 2018

Two experiments were carried out to study the effects of cell wall degrading enzymes as silage additive. A primary growth of timothy was cut with a mower and picked up with a precision-chop forage harvester in Exp. I (early cut), and harvested as direct-cut with a precision-chop harvester in Exp. II (late cut). The additive treatments were in Exp. I: 1) unwilted formic acid (FA) applied as AIV II (4.5 l/t), 2) wilted untreated, 3) wilted FA (4 l/t), 4) wilted enzyme A (glucose oxidase (GO) + hemicellulase (HC) 150 ml/t + cellulase (C) 200 ml/t), 5) wilted enzyme B (HC 150 ml/t + C 200 ml/t); and in Exp. II: 1) untreated, 2) FA (4 l/t), 3) E200 (C 200 ml/t + GO), 4) E400 (C 400 ml/t + GO), 5) E800 (C 800 ml/t + GO). The rate of application of GO was 50 000 IU/t. The silages were ensiled in pilot scale silos (3 m3) and the voluntary intake and digestibility in sheep were determined in two experiments designed as a 5 x 5 Latin square. The use of enzymes decreased the fibre content of silages, mainly the cellulose fraction, as compared with FA and untreated silages. Enzyme silages were well preserved with a low pH (3.93—4.15), moderate ammonia N (72—119 g/kg total N) and no butyric acid. As compared with untreated silages (mean pH 4.6, ammonia N 131) the preservation was improved. The FA silages were also well preserved (pH 4.0, ammonia N 57) with more restricted fermentation than enzyme silages. FA and especially higher levels of enzymes increased the amount of effluent. In Exp. I, the digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude fibre were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the silage treatment. In Exp. II, the digestibility of DM and OM decreased linearly (P
Sulphur status in Finnish cultivated soils
Authors: Korkman Johan
Published: July 2018

A method for determining total sulphur in plant material and soil samples using the induction furnace technique and subsequent turbidimetric determination of sulphate sulphur was discussed. A procedure for extracting sulphur from soil samples with ammonium acetate (pH 4.65), the interference of the organic matter being reduced by oxidation of the extract with H2O2, was proposed. Sulphur balance in Finnish cultivated soils was estimated by taking into account the average amounts of emitted (8 kg S/ha/yr.), precipitated (8 kg S/ha/yr.) and leached (8 kg S/ha/yr.) sulphur. The actual situation in the cultivated soils seems thus to be depending, on an average, on the uptake by plants and the sulphur applied (12 kg S/ha/yr. in the early 1970s). In 104 samples of cultivated soil, the content of total sulphur showed a slight correlation with the content of organic carbon. The amounts of sulphur extracted in various ways were not predictable by means of the soil characteristics used (pHCaCl2, org. C and texture). Extracted sulphur did not correlate sufficiently with the development and sulphur uptake of plants. Under field conditions in northern Finland, sulphur application produced a relatively distinct result in respect both to the ley yields on Carex peat, and their sulphur content. On mineral soils in southern Finland the yields were unaffected by supplementary fertilization with sulphur. In the pot experiments performed a fairly close relationship between sulphur and nitrogen was demonstrated.
Meat and bone meal and biosolids as slow-release phosphorus fertilizers
Authors: Bøen Anne , Haraldsen Trond Knapp
Published: July 2018

Biosolids and meat and bone meal (MBM) are commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture, often at application rates where total phosphorus (P) far exceeds the annual demand. In a pot experiment, three biosolids and two types of MBM were tested at two commonly used application rates. Their contributions to P uptake in ryegrass (second and third season) were compared with annual mineral P fertilization. The soil was analysed for extractable P (PAL and POlsen). Only soil amended with digested, limed biosolids provided a P uptake in ryegrass the third season comparable to annual NPK fertilization. Bone-rich MBM had considerable contributions to third season P uptake in soil with pH < 6. The product application rates did not influence P uptake significantly for any of the products. POlsen was found suitable to describe residual effects on soil P solubility, whereas the PAL-method was not applicable for MBM fertilized soils.
Computing time and energy requirements to assess tractor operational efficiency : application to a plowing operation
Authors: Burgun Christophe , Lacour Stephanie , Delacroix Alain , Descombes Georges , Doyen Valérie
Published: July 2018

The development of large-scale agricultural mechanization required to sustain food production, combined with limited conventional fuel resources, spurs on to better assess the time and energy investments required for commodities production. The proposed analysis is based on the description of field working dynamics collected on an experimental tractor during a plowing operation. The energy needs can there be characterized as having a dual alternating profile, depending on the tractor working phase within the field. As a result, two field oriented performance indicators consisting in time efficiency [h.ha-1] and area specific consumption [l.ha-1] are defined out of the profile characteristics. A model converting the draft of an implement into an engine running point is then developed to compute these indicators. The model is fitted on data collected over conventional bench tests, and is validated by an application to a plowing operation. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis on the operational parameters is conducted.
Biochar can restrict N2O emissions and the risk of nitrogen leaching from an agricultural soil during the freeze-thaw period
Authors: Kettunen Riitta , Saarnio Sanna
Published: July 2018

Freeze-thaw (FT) events in soils can cause a burst of nitrous oxide (N2O) and enhance N leaching during the spring-thaw event. We studied whether a soil amended with wood-derived (spruce chips) biochar (10 tonnes ha-1), produced at rather low temperatures (400-450°C), could reduce the burst of N2O and the risk of N leaching from an agricultural soil after a FT event. A short-term laboratory experiment (4 weeks) was conducted with 24 vegetated (Phleum pratense) mesocosms (12 controls, 12 biochar-treated) that had spent a dormant season in the dark at 15°C for two months after the growing season. N2O efflux to the atmosphere and ammonium (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) in the percolated soil water were monitored before and after the FT event. N2O was monitored with the dark chamber method and analyzed using a gas chromatograph. We found that soil amended biochar can significantly diminish the burst of N2O after the soil FT event (by 61% just after FT event) and substantially reduce the risk of NO3-N and NH4+-N leaching from the agricultural soil. Compared to the control, the decrement in concentrations of NO3-N and NH4+-N in water percolated through the biochar amended soil in the mesocosms was 58% and 22%, respectively.
Heritability of sow longevity and lifetime prolificacy in Finnish Yorkshire and Landrace pigs
Authors: Sevón-Aimonen Marja-Liisa , Uimari Pekka
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for longevity traits in Finnish pig populations. Analyzed traits were length of productive herd life (LPL), total number of parities (TNP), total number of piglets born (TNB), total number born alive (TBA) and stillborn (TSB), percentage stillborn (SB%), total number of piglets dead before weaning (TPM), mortality percentage (PM%), and total number weaned (TNW). Data contained litter records from 29 805 Finnish Landrace and 25 807 Finnish Yorkshire sows. Variance components were estimated using the AI-REML method. Heritability estimates varied from 0.06 to 0.11 in Finnish Landrace and from 0.09 to 0.12 in Finnish Yorkshire. Genetic correlations were high (> 0.9) between LPL, TNP, TNB, TBA, and TNW, and low between piglet mortality traits (SB% and PM%) and other longevity traits. The obtained heritability estimates indicate that there is sufficient genetic variation for selection.
Biochar affects the structure rather than the total biomass of microbial communities in temperate soils
Authors: Anders Elena , Watzinger Andrea , Rempt Franziska , Kitzler Barbara , Wimmer Bernhard , Zehetner Franz , Stahr Karl , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Soja Gerhard
Published: July 2018

Biochar application is a promising strategy for sequestering carbon in agricultural soils and for improving degraded soils. Nonetheless, contradictory and unsettled issues remain. This study investigates whether biochar influences the soil microbial biomass and community structure using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. We monitored the effects of four different types of biochar on the soil microbial communities in three temperate soils of Austria over several months. A greenhouse experiment and two field experiments were conducted. The biochar application did not significantly increase or decrease the microbial biomass. Only the addition of vineyard pruning biochar pyrolysed at 400°C caused microbial biomass to increase in the greenhouse experiment. The biochar treatments however caused shifts in microbial communities (visualized by principal component analysis). We concluded that the shifts in the microbial community structure are an indirect rather than a direct effect and depend on soil conditions and nutrient status.
Do farmers rapidly adapt to past growing conditions by sowing different proportions of early and late maturing cereals and cultivars?
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Jauhiainen Lauri , Niemi Jarkko K. , Hakala Kaija , Sipiläinen Timo
Published: July 2018

In the short growing season of the northernmost European growing conditions, farmers are increasingly interested in expanding cultivation of later maturing crops at the expense of early maturing ones with lower yields. In this study we aimed to assess how the switching between spring cereals that differ in earliness was associated with different external factors. This was tested using unique datasets for regional cropping areas and cultivar use for the last 15 years. Early maturing barley was favored at the expense of later maturing wheat when a high number of days to crop maturity was required in the preceding year. In contrast, farmers reduced the barley area when a high number of cumulated degree days was required for a crop to mature in the previous year. A shift was recorded from early to late maturing cultivars. This study indicated that despite limited opportunities for farmers to alter land use, they readily responded to past conditions and used the knowledge gained for decision-making to reduce risk. This is a valuable operative model for studying adaptation to opportunities and constraints induced by climate change.
Slow-release fertilizer to increase grain N content in spring wheat
Authors: Rajala Ari , Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo
Published: July 2018

Low grain protein often restricts the use of grain lots for milling in Finland. Nitrogen availability during grain-filling may restrict grain protein accumulation, particularly in high yielding environments. Slow-release fertilizers could potentially sustain nitrogen availability during the grain-filling period. The aim of this study was to increase plant nitrogen uptake, grain yield and grain protein response of spring wheat cultivar ‘Amaretto’, using combinations of a regular and slow-release compound NPK fertilizer. Fertilizer treatment effects on grain yield was modest, however, slow-release fertilizer treatments lowered grain protein content as well as grain, straw and total plant N compared with control treatment. The total plant N was 10 to 27 kg ha-1 lower following application of slow-release fertilizer. The results clearly indicate that the release of N by the slow-release fertilizer tested in this trial was too slow for cool Finnish growing conditions.
The effect of housing on the diurnal behavioural profile of beef heifers
Authors: Hickey Mary Clare , French Padraig , Moloney Aidan
Published: July 2018

The objectives were to determine 1. the behaviour of heifers at pasture or housed on slats, and 2. the effect of housing on behavioural adaptation when moved to pasture. Forty-five continental crossbred heifers were assigned to either housing on slats at 3 m2 head-1for 5 months (H), grazing for 5 months (G) or housing for 4 months, prior to grazing (HG). Lying and eating behaviour was recorded periodically for H, G and for HG post-turnout. Per day, G animals spent longer (p<0.01) eating and had a greater (p<0.001) number of daily lying bouts than H animals. While there were minor differences between G and HG animals in the 24 h period after turnout, there was no difference between G and HG animals in time spent eating, lying or in the number of lying bouts on day 1, 2, 3 or 10 post turnout. While abnormal lying behaviour was observed in 3 animals before turnout, there was no abnormal lying behaviour in HG animals by 48 h post turnout. The alteration in behaviour due to housing was not permanent.
Feasibility of paper mulches in crop production —a review
Authors: Haapala Tapani , Palonen Pauliina , Korpela Antti , Ahokas Jukka
Published: July 2018

Mulching has become an important practice in modern field production. This article reviews the published research on paper mulches and discusses the opportunity that they offer for solving the problems of the immense use of plastics in agriculture and the associated environmental threat. Paper mulches break down naturally after usage and incorporate into the soil. Laying paper mulches in large scale farming is a problem to be solved. The quality of the paper needs to be adapted or improved for mulching purposes, and its price needs to be more competitive with that of plastic mulches. The review shows that there is considerable potential for using paper mulches in agriculture and horticulture.
Technological quality and composition of the M. semimembranosus and M. longissimus dorsi from Large White and Landrace Pigs
Authors: Tomovic Vladimir Milo , Zlender Bozidar Anton , Jokanović Marija Radomir , Tomovic Mila Svetozar , Sojic Branislav Vladimir , Skaljac Snezana Branko , Tasic Tatjana Aleksandar , Ikonic Predrag Mirko , Soso Milena Mladen , Hromis Nevena Miroslav
Published: July 2018

The effects of pig breed (Large White and Landrace) in combination with muscle type (M. semimembranosus and M. longissimus dorsi) on T45min, T24h, pH45min, pH24h, colour (CIEL*a*b* values), water-holding capacity (filter paper press method: ratio of the area of pressed meat film – M and the wet area on the filter paper – T; M/T value) and moisture, protein, total fat and total ash content were investigated. Interaction effect between breed and muscle was not found (p>0.05) for any parameter. The T45min, T24h, pH45min, and M/T value were influenced by the muscle, whereas T24h was also influenced by the breed. The pH45min was higher (p<0.01) and water-holding capacity was better (p<0.001) in M. semimembranosus muscle than in M. longissimus dorsi muscle. Based on the criteria for CIEL* and M/T values, pork meat was classified into seven technological quality classes. The percentages of pale and exudative, reddish-pink and exudative, and reddish-pink and non-exudative pork were 23.5, 26.5, and 27.7%, respectively. Composition was in the characteristic range for modern lean pigs.
Effects of lighting, semi-closed greenhouse and split-root fertigation on energy use and CO2 emissions in high latitude cucumber growing
Authors: Kaukoranta Timo , Näkkilä Juha , Särkkä Liisa , Jokinen Kari
Published: July 2018

Effects of supplemental lighting, semi-closed greenhouse and split-root fertigation on weekly to seasonal heat and electricity use and CO2 emissions in cucumber growing were estimated in Finland. With moderate lighting (170 W m-2 above rows, 60 W m-2 inter-row) in a ventilated greenhouse, seasonal electricity and heat use (MJ kg-1 cucumber) were 20–50 and 10–25, 17–30 and 3–8, 38–55 and 10–18 in spring, summer and autumn to mid-winter, respectively. In summer, a semi-closed greenhouse improved energy use efficiency by 20–30% and split-root fertigation by 0–15%. Raising light intensity and applying inter- row lighting allowed higher yields in autumn to mid-winter without affecting electricity use efficiency. In other seasons, increasing the lighting decreased the efficiency. The emissions largely resulted from electricity use. Direct emissions (kg CO2-eq kg-1) based on propane and electricity from the national grid were 2.5, 1.5 and 3.3 in spring, summer and autumn to mid-winter, respectively. Efficiency of using solar and supplemental PAR was markedly lower in summer than in other seasons. The results provide profile of energy use and emissions and point to ways to reduce them.
Moving forward from “biochar revolution” to “biochar evolution”: Shaping a promising mitigation tool demands future research efforts
Authors: Kammann Claudia I.
Published: July 2018

In February 2013, the 2nd Nordic Biochar Seminar was successfully held in Helsinki, Finland. The fruitful meeting, well organized by Priit Tammeorg, offered a broad kaleidoscope of new insights into the novel interdisciplinary research topic of biochar. The papers in this issue clearly show that biochar use in agriculture can deliver benefits such as reductions in N2O emissions or N leaching (Kettunen and Saarnio), in addition to soil C storage without negative effects (Karer et al. , Anders et al. ). However, they also demonstrate that just one biochar addition does not turn each temperate fertile soil into a fertility miracle. In Terra preta sites, the pyrogenic carbon was likely an important ingredient, but it was combined with organic waste inputs and not used pure. Thus, yield-increasing pure-biochar effects in temperate soils are likely not a low-hanging fruit to be harvested without further ado. Rather, problematic soils should be the primary target; combined biochar-organics usage also deserves further research. However, considering the lack of political efforts to restore our planet's radiative balance, or tackle the challenges associated with soil degradation and resource consumption, no emerging chances should be missed. "Biochar" is such a chance – not more, but also not less. Shaping "biochar use in agriculture" into a safe, sustainable and economically feasible tool will only come at the cost of good hard research efforts; but it offers the unique chance to turn agricultural practices from being part of the problem into being part of the solution.
The evolving social and political views of S.P. Melgunov in 1930–1956
Authors:   Bryansk State University, Arifullin Farit Munerovich
Published: July 2018

The name of Sergei Petrovich Melgunov is engraved forever in the annals of history as a prominent Russian historian, a stubborn fighter against Bolshevism forced to emigrate from Russia, the author of monographs “Red Terror in Russia (1918–1923)”, “The Tragedy of Admiral Kolchak”, “Bolshevik Seizure of Power: The October Revolution of 1917” which study the causes of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Russian Civil War. The ideas and views of S.P. Melgunov have been changed in the midst of crisis and the collapse of the Popular Socialist Party and the loss of faith in the ideals of the populist socialism. In the end, he started to reach out to and support the ideas of the right-wing monarchists that were totally alien to him in his early life and during his first years in exile. The evolving social and political views of the historian reflected in his writings are of particular interest to scientists and play an import role in the analysis of his historical studies.
The history of small business revival in Primorsky Krai in 1986–1991
Authors: Pavlenko Natalia Eduardovna ,   Far Eastern Federal University
Published: July 2018

The paper discussed the prerequisites for the revival of small businesses in Primorsky Krai during the restructuring of 1986–1991; their initial business legal structure was determined; the results achieved were analyzed. The author concluded that the political transformation of the state at the end of 1991 had radically changed the paradigm of small business development. The new macroeconomic situation led to the market challenges as a development stage, a natural element of evolution of small businesses. Business history of Primorsky Krai is inseparable from the development and social and economic advancement of the South of the Russian Far East. It was the entrepreneurial initiative that provided the basis for initiating the economic activity in the region. In the Soviet period, the entrepreneurship was defined as an ideologically alien phenomenon; however, it had not been excluded from public life but turned out to be illegal. This fact had negative consequences resulted in large-scale and compounded threats to the social and economic stability of the state. Besides, it laid the groundwork for legalizing entrepreneurship as a social and economic phenomenon.
Pedigree sheep breeding in the Kyrgyz Republic in the 1990s
Authors:   Naryn State University (Kyrgyz Republic), Bektemirova Aynagul Kashkarbaevna
Published: July 2018

The study considers the reasons for the decline in pedigree sheep breeding in the first years of the sovereign Kyrgyz Republic. The issue under review is analyzed on the basis of statistical archival data. It was noted that agricultural sector was uncontrollably and inequitably privatized. Because of a fraud conducted by several local authorities and heads of households under the guise of privatization, the breeding plants ceased to function, and some of them lost their status as domestic breeding centers. Due to the fact that there were unresolved issues of financing, state support and control of pedigree sheep farms subsidized by the Soviet government during the agrarian and land reform, their facilities and equipment, the number and productivity of pedigree sheep had declined over years. The research is based on previously unpublished materials obtained from the Central State Archives of the Kyrgyz Republic, Osh and Jalal-Abad regional state archives.
Regional cultural policy as an arrangement factor in the cultural institutions activities (by a case study of the musical theater in Kemerovo Region)
Authors: Sabelev Mikhail Mikhaylovich ,   Kemerovo State Institute of Culture
Published: July 2018

The paper deals with the arrangement function of the regional cultural policy by a case study of changes in the musical theater activities in Kemerovo Region. The author takes the institutional approach to and analyzes the activity of musical theater in Kemerovo Region as one of the institutions of the region’s cultural environment. The organizational impact of the regional cultural policy on the transformations in the above-mentioned theatre is exemplified. It implies the relocation of the theatre to Kemerovo and its gradual status change resulted in its wide list of productions. Based on the archives, the research proves that the cultural space is created by a shift in the cultural paradigm and the identification of values. The author notes that the list of productions of contemporary theatre is changing because of the commercialized culture.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WASTE INCINERATION
Authors: LUP Dragoș Teodor , STROE Ana Maria , CHEZAN Paul Mihai , PICĂ Elena Maria
Published: July 2018

The problem of waste incineration has become more and more important lately. Protecting the environment, increasing the amount of waste produced by both industrial and household consumers has led to the implementation of precise directives as well as increased investment to improve this process.
Waste incineration is a thermal process of waste disposal by oxidation at very high temperatures. In the next period, waste producers will be required to deploy and implement solutions in order to be able to safely incinerate the waste for the local population.
Due to growing concern, the incineration benefits have also increased in this segment: environmental pollution is very low due to combustion gases treatment; reducing the volume of waste stored; complete neutralization of waste; after combustion, thermal energy can be used for various purposes; reducing transport costs with the location of an incinerator close to the one that produces them.
An advanced incinerator technology allows the burning of all types of waste. With a growing population and growing consumption, the issue of waste management will become increasingly important and will be a real challenge to have a healthy and clean environment.
ANALYZE OF THE PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOIL IN THE AREA POSTA RAT / TURDA
Authors: SUR Ioana Monica , TECSA Ana-Maria , MICLE Valer , GABOR Timea
Published: July 2018

The most important contaminated areas from Cluj County are the uncontrolled HCH scrap deposits from Turda city, which appeared as a result of the industrial activity of the former Chemical Plant Turda. Over the years, were identified 4 locations in the area. The four contaminated locations situated in the area of Turda city Sum up to 60000 tons of HCH polluted soil are. One of these zones is the Posta Rat area (40000 m2) which is situated on the left bank of Aries River. The objective of this paper is to carry out experimental researches in order to establish the physical-chemical properties of the soil from Posta Rat area, soil contaminated with HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane). The texture, structure, humidity and pH are the main analysis performed in order to determine the optimum cleaning technologies for the deteriorated soil as a result of the activity of the Chemical Plant in Turda. The results of the physical-chemical analysis can point out the most suitable cleaning soil solution, because as a result of the study, the characteristics of the soil are known, being much easier to identify the applicability limits of the cleaning solutions.
SANGRE EN EL OJO: REFLEXIONES EN TORNO A LA ENFERMEDAD, LA (POST)MEMORIA Y LA ESCRITURA
Authors: Oreja Garralda Nerea
Published: July 2018

In her texts, Lina Meruane presents transversal lines of reflection that constitute her principal literary and political concerns and that define the Weltanschauung of the new Chilean feminine fiction. These are, among others, illness, "(post) memory", and writing, which will be analyzed in relation to the novel Sangre en el ojo (2012). Those three central concepts are closely connected to dynamics of resistance and subversion against hegemony, and they design new forms of experience the body and the word, in a present time where the reconstruction of the historical past becomes an urgent ethical and aesthetic action.