Agriculture In Nitra Research Articles

Inventarizácia invázneho druhu pajaseňa žliazkatého (Ailanthus altissima) v urbánnom prostredí – prípadová štúdia

Tree of heaven [Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle] (family Simaroubaceae) is known as an invasive woody species in urban, rural, and natural ecosystems in many parts of the world. In Slovakia, it is accepted as an invasive species included in the list of invasive alien species of the EU concern (Regulation No. 2019/1262). In this study, the spread of the invasive neophyte A. altissima populations was monitored in the immediate vicinity (1 km) of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in southwestern Slovakia in 2022. We recorded habitat type, GPS coordinates in the centre of the local populations, area of population (m2), average tree height (m), and management measures. The species colonized an area of 1,997 m2. The plant spread mainly in the habitat of extensively cultivated fields such as front gardens of buildings (31%) and in abandoned and unused areas (the species occupied 28% of the total area). We recorded a lower occurrence in the botanical garden (18%), next to the anti-flood dam (16%), along roads (4%) and in the orchard (3%). Approximately 15% (28 shoots) of the total number of 183 shoots were female plants that formed a high number of seeds. There was a high correlation between the area occupied by A. altissima with its above-ground organs and the average plant height (m) (r = 0.88).

Bridging Learning and International Practice for Enhancing Physics Education

This paper discusses the implementation and outcomes of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) focused on physics education. The program aimed to address the challenges faced by first-year engineering students in mastering physics through a combination of online and face-to-face phases. Participants included students and faculty from three European universities: the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), and the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA). A survey was proposed to students to obtain information that would benefit future programs. Survey results revealed significant improvements in students’ social skills and a high level of satisfaction with the program’s organization and methodology. However, areas for improvement were identified, particularly in administrative processes. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation and collaboration frameworks to ensure the program’s effectiveness across diverse educational systems. Overall, the BIP provided a valuable educational experience that enhanced students’ theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and interpersonal abilities, demonstrating the benefits of integrating innovative teaching methods in higher education.

Comparative Measurement of Horizontal Penetrometry with a Focus on the Degree of Soil Compaction in Real Work Conditions

Potential soil production is closely related to the physical and mechanical properties. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of different levels of soil compaction created by tractor chassis. The total area of the experimental plot was 13.22 ha. Up until 2019, a conventional tillage system had been used. The measurements were carried out with an innovative measuring device that allows for the continuous measurement of the horizontal penetrometry for comparative measurements while driving, which was designed at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The measuring device measured the soil resistance in the tire track (On-track) and out of track (Off-track) as well as in three (50 s) sequences within one tractor pass. Three lines were chosen, where in each a pair of combinations was made. The results were subjected, in addition to graphical evaluation, to single factor ANOVA analysis. When comparing individual passes (PH1 to PH6), the statistical analysis showed that the results of the horizontal resistance measurements proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) with respect to the weight, number of passes, and tire underinflation. The highest compaction was caused by the first pass, while the higher weight of the tractor during the next pass had a smaller effect. Underinflating the tires ensured a reduction in compaction. Reducing the tractor tire pressure to 0.15 MPa resulted in a reduction in soil compaction of up to 16%.

Differences in corporate social responsibility implementation between Slovak and Czech companies

In recent years, corporate social responsibility has emerged as a pivotal factor for corporations in cultivating a favorable public perception. Despite this, many companies remain uncertain about the integration and rationale behind incorporating it into their core business strategies. This study aims to discern dissimilarities in implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives between Slovak and Czech companies, addressing the triple bottom line framework. This approach is a metric for evaluating a company’s achievement across three dimensions: social, environmental, and economic. The study is predicated on a questionnaire survey conducted among a sample of 180 Slovak and 180 Czech companies operating as subsidiaries of multinational corporations as typical implementers of corporate social responsibility activities in emerging economies. Following the triple bottom line framework, three distinct sets of variables were formulated to account for social, environmental, and economic activities using the Mann-Whitney U Test to ascertain statistically significant disparities between Slovak and Czech companies. The findings indicate that the surveyed companies from monitored countries exhibited no notable distinctions in environmental endeavors. However, discrepancies were discerned in economic activities, specifically relating to post-sales or post-warranty customer services, which was significant with a small effect size (0.19). In social activities, significant differences were observed concerning adherence to the principle of equal opportunities in the workplace. Based on these outcomes, it is recommended that future investigations delve more extensively into the monitored parameters within the Visegrad countries. AcknowledgmentThe paper was prepared within the project “Etika v podnikaní na Slovensku” no. 01/2022/GA FEM SPU supported by Grant Agency – Faculty of Economics and Management – Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and internal grand of AMBIS college.

Research Collaboration of ITENAS Bandung – Indonesia and MATE Godollo – Hungary on the Photovoltaic Thematic Field: Achievements and Future Plan

Since the agreement was signed officially in 2013, Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung (ITENAS Bandung) – Indonesia and Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE Godollo) – Hungary have implemented a lot of scholarly activities, and one of them is research collaboration in the field of solar energy, especially in the thematic field of photovoltaic (PV). A set of experimental facilities has been developed and constructed to support related research. Basic facilities to understand the principle of electricity generated by PV, i.e., having the solar power plant (SPP) laboratory scale have been fulfilled by both universities. MATE Godollo has a 10 kWp SPP installation and uses polycrystalline and amorphous silicon PV modules, meanwhile, ITENAS Bandung has 1 kWp SPP and uses monocrystalline silicon PV modules. In this paper, a set of activities related to PV research collaboration between ITENAS Bandung and MATE Godollo will be elaborated, including the output and the outcome of the activities, and plan activities involving other university partners, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra – Slovakia and Czech University of Life Science Prague, Czech Republic.

Analytical tools of written tests for assessment of language competences of engineering degree students at the Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Analytical tools of written tests for assessment of language competences of engineering degree students at the Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Verification of the humic substances and PGPB biostimulants beneficial effects on the potato yield and bioactive substances content

Potatoes are one of the most important sources of nutrients worldwide, but excessive doses of industrial fertilizers are usually used to achieve higher yields. Soil biostimulants are an increasingly used alternative for reducing fertilizer doses and growing healthy agricultural products. In this study, we examined the effects of humic substances (Agriful) and beneficial bacteria (Groundfix) based biostimulants applied by dripping irrigation on the yield and quality of potato tubers in comparison with the conventional N fertilization system. The small trail field experiment was founded in the growing season of 2020 in the Botanical Garden of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The highest tubers yield had the combination of biostimulants and N fertilizer – 195.16% above to control. Simultaneously this combination reached an increase in refractometric dry matter content, starch content – 3.6%, and vitamin C content – 20% increase above to control. The Groundfix variant had the highest antioxidant activity with a 16.2% difference compared to the conventional nitrogen fertilization variant. These results show the positive effect of applied biostimulants on the yield and quality of cultivated potatoes.

COMPARISON OF METEOROLOGICAL AND AGRICULTURAL DROUGHT IN THE NITRA RIVER BASIN IN 2014–2020

Aim of the study: Droughts are one of the more costly natural hazards on a year-to-year basis. Their impacts are significant and widespread, affecting many economic sectors and people at any one time (WMO & GWP, 2016). In our paper we will focus on the comparison of meteorological drought (precipitation) and agricultural drought (available soil water) in the Nitra River basin, Slovakia. Material and methods: Data from the Nitra River Basin were provided from the meteorological stations (Svinná, Bystričany, Solčany, Veľké Ripňany, Jelenec and Pribeta ) of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The meteorological drought is defined as a period with no precipitation (Petrovič, 1960). Agricultural drought was determined as the value below the amount of water storage in the soil profile (0.20 m) accessible to plants. Results and conclusions: We focused on the comparison of meteorological drought and the number of days with both type of drought is from year 2014 increasing. The worst year was 2018 in every meteorological station, when the agricultural drought was with short interruptions from sprig to winter. This trend can also be seen in the countries neighbouring Slovakia - Poland, Hungary or Czech Republic.

VET TEACHERS IN SLOVAKIA AND CHALLENGES FOR THEIR COMPETENCES IMPROVEMENT

The common problem of the many countries that´s identified by many policy makers, educators, economists and other professionals is the problem of high level of youth unemployment rate. Properly prepared workforce for the European economy are current challenges for the teacher and training community. The need to update vocational education teaching (further VET) - teachers’ qualifications and competences is very urgent in the all countries of EU. This study deals with teacher preparation in Slovakia and concisely describes selected results of questionnaire survey on vocational education teacher competences. The study provides an introduction to the theme of teacher competence improvement through small survey conducted at Slovak university of Agriculture in Nitra and suggests some challenges for solution in VET teachers preparation. There is a need of innovative practical approach to stimulating and develop key competences among students in VET institutions. This need is also connected with the quality of VET teachers and the professional teacher competences development in teachers’ preparation and in their further education.

International Network AgroBioNet activities on agrobiodiversity conservation in East Europe

The article describes the activities of the Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra and the history of creation the International Network AgroBioNet. A chronology of research projects and international conferences is presented. Information on educational projects and adult education programmes is given. Publishing activities of the members of the international projects is analyzed. The Journal ‘Agrobiodiversity for the Improvement of Nutrition, Health and Life Quality’, which has been published since 2017, is an online platform where the results of collaborative research are accumulated.

Comparison of full-time and distance education of Mathematics at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

The dangerous coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, has been spreading around the world from the Chinese city of Wuhan for more than 15 months. More than 3.4 million people in the world have already contracted this disease, more than 12,290 in our country. As the virus spreads mainly through physical contact, to protect the health and lives of students and teachers, it was necessary to close universities and transfer teaching to the online space. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra has also switched to the distance form of study since March last year. In this paper, we compare the methods and forms of teaching mathematics in full-time study before and after the appearance of COVID. We compared teaching in the school year 2019/2020, when we taught in-person, and 2020/2021, when the teaching was carried out in a distance form. In both cases, we took into account the study at the Faculty of Economics and Management in the subject Mathematics IA, which is taught in the winter semester of the given school year. In this paper, we evaluated the partial score results those students achieved during the semester and their results of final exams. Both years differed in the number of partial semester works. We used the methods of mathematical descriptive statistics for this evaluation. We created databases in Excel, from which we calculated the average point evaluation of individual components and the total number of points. We also calculated the correlation coefficients between the individual parts of this course, for which students could get points. In this way we recorded the data obtained in tables and graphs. We tested hypothesis that students of full-time study would achieve better results than distance-learning students. After comparing the obtained results, we found that this hypothesis was not approved.

Logical reasoning in life situations and in mathematics

Having a certain amount of knowledge from the area of Propositional Logic can refine logical reasoning in life situations and in mathematics. Judgment is an important activity where we obtain logical consequences arising from the assumptions made. The article provides examples of correct and incorrect judgments. It draws attention to the mistakes that students make in determining the correctness of their judgments. By using appropriate methods, the mentioned inaccuracies can be eliminated and thus the teaching process will be improved, and the students’ level of knowledge increased. We analyzed the knowledge of students at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in the years 2018 to 2019 from the area of propositional logic. The tasks in the tests were aimed at on the basic knowledge of propositional logic. The main hypothesis was that by introducing statements of logic into teaching we can improve logical reasoning not only in mathematics, but also in everyday life situations. In determining the main hypothesis of our research, we relied on mathematical knowledge related to definitions and sentences and teaching experience. We performed a pedagogical experiment in two different groups. After evaluating the test results, differences in knowledge were found between the two tested groups.

Parameters of radish phytomass (Raphanus sativus L.) determined by vermicompost and earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Abstract In 2-year outdoor pots experiment, which was realised in the vegetation cage situated in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, both the impact of different doses of vermicompost (Vc) (0%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%) and the number of earthworms (EW) (0, 10 and 20 individuals/pot) in the soil substrate were studied on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of radish yield. The achieved results show that along with the increasing quantity of Vc, the total chlorophyll content also increased proportionally. The content of vitamin C declined and the content of nitrates increased in both the aboveground and underground biomass. The weight of the roots and leaves of radish increased until the content of Vc in the substrate did not exceed 20%. Vermicompost abundance >20% led to the decline of root and leaf biomass formation. The root yield and leaf biomass were higher in the presence of 50% Vc content in the substrate, compared with the control. The EW had mostly a negative impact on radish phytomass formation, particularly both weight and root diameter. The highest percentage of roots weight decline cultivated in the treatment with EW were obtained with the least dose of Vc (10%), thereby the least quantity of fodder for the EW. The impact of EW on the total chlorophyll, vitamin C and nitrates contents in roots and leaves was non-significant. The number of EW did not influence the root diameter and content of vitamin C; however, it affected the root weight.

Soil structure as a significant indirect factor affecting crop yields

Soil structure as a significant indirect factor affecting crop yields

Evaluation of plant spatial placement by TF POLYM Software

Food production intensity is a key issue in the modern world. Due to the development of the possibility of increasing the production area, the technology is constantly being improved and supplemented to increase their efficiency. The basis of any cultivation is sowing, which should provide everyone with a suitable living space. It allows the plant to effectively use the applied fertilization, chemical protection or mechanical treatments. The article develops the options for determining the living space of plants. The computational algorithm uses the Voronoi diagram belonging to the computational geometry technique, and then the Delphi software, the TfPolyM computer application, which was developed at the Faculty of Engineering of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Based on the digitization of photos, the software is able to calculate the living space of the plant, and also allows for a precise assessment of the uniformity and quality of planting.

The effect of claw disorders on the locomotion activity of dairy cows

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-26 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.135-139 The purpose of the work was aimed at determining changes in locomotion activity of dairy cows with healthy claws, as opposed to cows suffering from claw disorders. To achieve this goal, Heatime RuminAct technical equipment was used. Data gathering took place at the dairy farm of University of Agriculture in Nitra, where locomotion activity was measured via Heatime RuminAct hardware with DataFlowTMII software. This data came from 87 dairy cows, whose locomotion activity was monitored during a period of 21 days. This period consisted of 10 days of monitoring before the claw trimming, monitoring during the day of the trimming, and afterwards, another 10 days of monitoring after the trimming was complete. Units of locomotion activity in 24 hours (u.24h -1 ) were used to formulate the locomotion activity of the dairy cows. Health conditions of claws of the dairy cows were recorded and based on the presence of claw disorders, the cows were divided into two groups - cows with observed claw disorders formed a group of 33 cows, and cows exhibiting no claw disorder related symptoms formed a group of 54 cows. Conclusions based on results from the data gathered confirm a crucial difference in locomotion activity between healthy cows and cows afflicted by claw disorders. Keywords: dairy cow, Heatime RuminAct, locomotion activity, claw health, claw disorders References Anil, L. et al. (2005). Pain detection and amelioration in animals on the farm: issues and options. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science , 8, 261-278. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327604jaws0804_3 Beer, G. et al. (2016). Use of extended characteristics of locomotion and feeding behavior for automated identification of lame dairy cows. PLoS One , 11, e0155796. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155796 Bruijnis, M. R. et al. H. (2010). Assessing economic consequences of foot disorders in dairy cattle using a dynamic stochastic simulation model. Journal of Dairy Scienc e, 93(6), 2419-2432. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2721 Flower, F. C. et al.(2006). Effect of hoof pathologies on subjective assessments of dairy cow gait. Journal of Dairy Science , 89, 139-146. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72077-X Hudson, C. et al. (2008) H. Recognition and management of pain in cattle. In Practice, 30, 126-134. https://doi.org/ 10.1136/inpract.30.3.126 King, M. T. M. et al. (2017). Cow-level associations of lameness, behavior, and milk yield of cows milked in automated systems. Journal of Dairy Science , 100(6), 4818-4828. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-12281 Nechanitzky, K. et al. (2016). Analysis of behavioral changes in dairy cows associated with claw horn lesions. Journal of Dairy Science , 99(4), 2904-2914. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10109 O'Callaghan, K. A. et al. (2003). Subjective and objective assessment of pain and discomfort due to lameness in dairy cattle. Animal Welfare , 12, 605-610. O'Leary, N. W. et al. (2020). Invited review: Cattle lameness detection with accelerometers. Journal of Dairy Science , 103(5), 3895-3911. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2019-17123 Shepley, E. et al. (2017). Validation of the ability of a 3D pedometer to accurately determine the number of steps taken by dairy cows when housed in tie-stalls. Agriculture (Basel), 7, 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture7070053 Stoddard, G. C. and Cramer, G. (2017). A Review of the Relationship Between Hoof Trimming and Dairy Cattle Welfare. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice , 33(2), 365-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2017.02.012 Strapak, P. et al. (2013). Cattle Breeding . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture. In Slovak. Thorup, V. M. et al. (2015). Lameness detection via leg-mounted accelerometers on dairy cows on four commercial farms. Animal , 9, 1704-1712. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731115000890 Weigele, H. C. et al. (2018). Moderate lameness leads to marked behavioral changes in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science , 101(3), 2370-2382. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13120

Effect of Alginite in the Form of ALGEXr 6 Preparation on the Biomass Formation and Antioxidant Activity of Some Medicinal Plants

The aim of the research is to determine the effect of application of the developed product (extract) called ALGEXr 6 from natural mineral rock alginite in two different watering periods on the formation of root biomass and above-ground plant biomass of a selected group of medicinal plants (Melissa officinalis L., Malva verticillata L. and Ocimum x citriodorum Vis.) and determining the antioxidant activity in dried leaves and whole plants in aqueous and methyl alcohol extracts by DPPH method . The experiment was established in the Botanical Garden at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra throughout 2020. ALGEXr 6 was prepared by a research team at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in the form of an extract from the natural mineral rock alginite with an application of thermal and chemical treatment. In the experiment, ALGEXr 6 was applied in the form of a watering in two variants with the same concentration of 3 % solution in 2 decilitres of water, but various application in terms of days in the pre-harvest stage of the above-ground plant biomass of 30 individual plants from each species. There are two diametrically opposite trends of ALGEXr 6 application that are manifesting themselves in M. officinalis and M. verticillata by reducing the root and above-ground part biomass compared to the control variant. The percentage proportionality of root/above-ground part biomass in M. officinalis decreased from 62.48 /30.31 % (control), to 45.57/18.85 % (variant 1) and to 36.07/17.27 % (variant 2), as well as in M. verticillata the root/above-ground part biomass decreased from 16.03/13.93 % (control), to 14.97/9.42 % (variant 1) and to 11.61/10.14 % (variant 2). In the species Ocimum x citriodorum Vis. the opposite trend manifested. The application of ALGEXr 6 watering resulted in increasing the antioxidant activity on the tested plant parts, especially in aqueous extracts in M. officinalis (from 19.30/control to 33.61 %/variant 1, 2), also in O. citriodorum (from 26.56/control to 44.16 %/variant 1), while in methyl alcohol extracts, the antioxidant activity showed a slight increase in all tested species.

XXII ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE On “$ Five Trillion Economy: The Way Ahead”

The XXII Annual International Conference organized under the joint auspices of Delhi School of Professional Studies and Research, DSPSR (Affiliated to GGSIP University, New Delhi); Faculty of Economics and Management, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Slovak Republic; Shyam Lal College (E), University of Delhi; Sri Aurobindo College (E), University of Delhi; Rotary Club of Delhi Maurya; and Divine International Group of Institutions, Gwalior.

Measurement of flow and pressure characteristics of combustion engine oil filters

For the purpose of measuring the flow and pressure characteristics of oil filters used in vehicles with internal combustion engines, a laboratory test equipment was used, which was designed at the Department of Transport and Handling of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The target information from the given measurement is the obtained data on the change of flow and pressure, based on the type of oil filter used. The contribution of this paper is information that can be used in the future in the design of new filtration equipment, as well as the creation of a system for evaluating the technical life of motor oils, in order to extend the service intervals of motor oil, monitored set of motor vehicles.

Analysis and evaluation of students' results in the subject of Mathematics for Technicians

Integral calculus is a branch of mathematics concerned with the determination, properties, and application of integrals. It is predominantly used in technical applications. Technical engineers, statics, physicists and others use it in their calculations on practice. There was a requirement from practice for technical universities to include integral calculus in their curricula. The subject Mathematics for Technicians is taught at the Department of Mathematics, the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. The content of this subject is to teach its students to calculate indefinite and definite integral. Our research analysed students' knowledge in counting indefinite and definite integral. We used the methodology of evaluation and comparison of test results taken in the 8th week of the term and at the end of the term. The main hypothesis saying that the results of students’ tests taken at the end of the term are better that those taken in the mid- term has confirmed to be correct.