Climatic Conditions Of Poland Research Articles

Energy efficiency of the accumulation wall with a transparent insulation

This paper presents a numerical model of an accumulating solar wall with transparent insulation (ASW-TI). The objective of the simulation was to evaluate the energy efficiency of ASW-TI for different climatic conditions in Poland, i.e. for high, medium, and low irradiation. For each climate, the calculations were made for the entire heating period. As a result, temperature distributions in a wall at different times of the process and the energy balance of the wall in particular months and during the entire heating period were obtained.

Application Potential of the M-Cycle Exchanger to Air Conditioning Systems in Poland

In the article the performance of the advanced indirect evaporative air cooler has been investigated. The application of the heat and mass exchanger in an air conditioning systems have been analyzed according to the typical climatic conditions in Poland. The considered indirect evaporative air cooler is based on the cross-flow heat and mass exchanger model with the Maisotsenko cycle (M-Cycle). The main conclusion is that an application of heat and mass exchanger with the M-Cycle to the typical air conditioning systems to the typical climatic conditions in Poland is characterized by the high cooling efficiency.

Production of Japanese Horseradish (Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumara) in Poland. Chemical Contents of Roots

Japanese horseradish [Wasabia japonica (Miq.) Matsumara or Eutrema wasabi (Siebold) Maxim.], is a vegetable species originated from Japan. Currently, wasabi is grown in many other countries across the world such as: New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, Brazil, Thailand, Columbia, Canada, USA, Great Britain and China. The crop has never been cultivated commercially in Poland. The main aim of the present study was to find out if the crop can be grown commercially in Poland and to establish the chemical contents of roots produced in Poland and Japan. In previous studies, it was noted that wasabi might be grown under polycarbonate cover in Poland. The chemical evaluation included measuring the amount of dry matter, polyphenols, antioxidant potential, reducing substances, total proteins, starch and raw fiber. The roots produced in Poland had more dry matter (30.46%), less total proteins (12.14%) and reducing substances (43.64 mg g-1) than the Japanese ones. Starch and raw fiber contents were on the same level in the roots produced in both countries. The antioxidant potential and polyphenols in the Japanese roots (6.11 mg g-1 and 7.83 mg g-1 respectively)were higher than in the Polish ones (1.45 mg g-1 and 3.25 mg g-1 respectively). In the climatic conditions of Poland, it might be possible to produce wasabi roots under the polycarbonate cover with their chemical contents at least in part similar to the original roots produced in Japan.

Evaluation of several dessert cultivars of plum, new under climatic conditions of Poland

An experiment was established in the spring of 2006 in the Experimental Orchard in Dąbrowice (central Poland). The plum cultivars under assessment included: ‘Avalon’, ‘Edda’, ‘Excalibur’, ‘Jubileum’, ‘Mallard’ and ‘Reeves’. Trees of the cv. ‘Victoria’ were the control combination. On the basis of the eight-year study it was found that the most vigorously growing were trees of the cultivar ‘Excalibur’. The most susceptible to frost damage and infection by Chondrostereum purpureum (silver leaf) were trees of the cultivars ‘Edda’ and ‘Excalibur’. In addition, the cv. ‘Excalibur’ was characterized by high susceptibility to the Plum pox virus (sharka). The highest cumulative fruit yield was shown by the cultivar ‘Jubileum’. The worst fruiting were trees of the cultivar ‘Mallard’. Fruits of the cv. ‘Excalibur’ had the highest weight. The smallest were fruits of the cv. ‘Edda’ characterized by early ripening time. The highest amounts of soluble solids were contained in fruits of the cultivar ‘Avalon’. The cvs ‘Edda’, ‘Reeves’ and ‘Avalon’ proved suitable for cultivation in Polish climatic conditions.

Analysis of low flow indices under varying climatic conditions in Poland

Abstract Changes in low flow indices under future climates are estimated for eight catchments in Poland. A simulation approach is used to derive daily flows under changing climatic conditions, following RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios. The HBV rainfall–runoff model is used to simulate low flows. The model is calibrated and validated using streamflow observations from periods 1971–2000 and 2001–2010. Two objective functions are used for calibration: Nash–Sutcliffe and log transformed Nash–Sutcliffe. Finally, the models are run using the bias-corrected precipitation and temperature data simulated by GCM/RCM models for the periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. We estimate low flow indices for the simulated time series, including annual minima of 7-day mean river flows and number, severity and duration of low flow events. We quantify the biases of low flow indices by N-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis and Tukey test. Results indicate a large effect of climate models, as well as objective functions, on the low flow indices obtained. A comparison of indices from the two future periods with the reference period 1971–2000 confirms the trends obtained in previous studies, in the form of a projected decrease in the frequency and intensity of low flow events.

Thermo-Hydraulic Analysis of Heat Storage Filled with the Ceramic Bricks Dedicated to the Solar Air Heating System.

This article presents the results of a study into a packed bed filled with ceramic bricks. The designed storage installation is supposed to become part of a heating system installed in a single-family house and eventually to be integrated with a concentrated solar collector adapted to climate conditions in Poland. The system’s working medium is air. The investigated temperature ranges and air volume flow rates in the ceramic bed were dictated by the planned integration with a solar air heater. Designing a packed bed of sufficient parameters first required a mathematical model to be constructed and heat exchange to be analyzed, since heat accumulation is a complex process influenced by a number of material properties. The cases discussed in the literature are based on differing assumptions and different formulas are used in calculations. This article offers a comparison of various mathematical models and of system operating parameters obtained from these models. The primary focus is on the Nusselt number. Furthermore, in the article, the thermo-hydraulic efficiency of the investigated packed bed is presented. This part is based on a relationship used in solar air collectors with internal storage.

Life history of Kermes quercus (LINNAEUS) (Hemiptera: Kermesidae) in Poland

ABSTRACT This research complements the results of a study of the life cycle of Kermes quercus (L.) performed in Poland in 2008-2009. The latest observations were carried out in 2010 from the beginning of March until the end of November. They showed that K. quercus overwintered as 2nd-instar nymphs. These developed into adults at the beginning of May. Reproduction began at the beginning of June. The 1st-instar nymphs of the new generation appeared in mid-June. They then developed for about 5 months, after which they entered the winter diapause. All the observations, carried out in 2008-2010, showed that, under the climatic conditions of Poland, K. quercus is not a univoltine species. One generation develops over two years. In the first year it overwinters as 1st-instar nymphs and in the second year as 2nd-instar nymphs.

Heritability and correlation between selected phenotypical characters of soybean under the climatic conditions of Poland

The variability of characters connected with yield structure in soybean is much more influenced by environmental conditions than the genotype as indicated by heritability coefficients (h<sup>2</sup>), calculated on the basis of trials performed during several years under the climatic conditions of Poland. The length of the vegetation period, however, is determined predominantly by the genotype since high reproducibility of h<sup>2</sup> values in different years was found. The heritability coefficients obtained for the agronomic characters of soybean grown in Poland were relatively similar to analogous data from the USA. Phenotypical correlations calculated for the whole group together with correlations between the length of the vegetation period and other characters calculated for individual varieties, provided information on the interrelationship between characters in soybean grown in Poland. This, together with calculated heritability coefficients could be useful for soybean breeding in Poland.

Development and characteristics of selected soybean traits under the climatic conditions of Poland

Trials with 200 soybean mutants from GDR revealed, that only 34 (17%) of them ripened under the conditions of Central Poland. There results corrborate the frequent opinion about the poor adaptability of this species. The length of the vegetation period of the tested mutants was between 146 and 163 days, with wide differences in various years of testing. Mutants: M-4855, M-4961, M-4149 and M-4852 had short vegetation period therefore there are interesting for breeders. These mutants together with other forms with a longer vegetation period but characterized by other desirable traits could be used as components in breeding programmes. The variability of many characters was highly affected by the environment. Morphological traits being more stable and determined by the genotype. Protein and fat content in seeds from the tested materials were within the limits commonly found in soybean seeds in Poland.

The development and cultivation of tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) under the climatic conditions of Poland. I. Local cultivars, growth of aboveground vegetative parts, probable resistance to Phytophthora infestans

Tomatillo (<i>Physalis ixocarpa</i> Brot.) grows in Poland much like in Mexico although its development cycle is much longer and lasts 6 months. It was sown at the beginning of April in a heated greenhouse, and transferred later on to a heated plastic tunnel. It was transplanted to a field about May 20 when danger of frosts had passed. Three local cultivars of Mexican origin were used and are briefly described. Their vegetative growth characteristics in Poland were similar to that of cv. Rendidora, which was described earlier in Mexico. The tomatillo internodes and leaves became progressively smaller with age. Tomatillo leaves and fruits were not attacked by <i>Phytophthora infestans</i> in the field and laboratory. Inoculation with tomato strains of this disease was without effect.

Ecological features of flowers and the amount of pollen released in Corylus avellana (L.) and Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.

Hazel and alder bloom as one of the first plants in climatic conditions of Poland. In the present study, detailed observations were made of the structure of flowers of <i>Corylus avellana</i> L. and <i>Alnus glutinosa</i> (L.) Gaertn. Pollen yield of the abovementioned species was determined. The number of pollen grains in the theca, anther, flower and inflorescence was calculated. A comparison was made of the number of pollen grains of these taxa recorded during the atmospheric pollen seasons analysed over a period of 8 years in the conditions of Lublin. The study demonstrates that pollen yield of the common hazel inflorescence was 66 mg, whereas for black alder it was 120 mg. It was found that the number of pollen grains produced by the alder inflorescence was 2.2 times higher than by the hazel inflorescence. The atmospheric pollen season of the studied plant taxa was recorded at similar dates, but alder pollen was in much larger concentrations.

Some physiological changes in Waldsteinia trifolia (Roch.) leaves in different months of the year

The study concerned an evergreen herbal plant <i>Waldsteinia trifolia</i> Roch. This species can be found more and more often in garden plantings in Poland. The aim of the study was to estimate the content of photosynthetic pigments, anthocyanins and dry matter as well as the permeability of cytoplasmatic membranes of <i>Waldsteinia</i> leaves. Plants grew in an ornamental plant collection at the premises of the Faculty of Horticulture of the Agricultural University in Kraków. The study was conducted in 2006 and 2007 in the following months: March, May, June, September, October and November. The permeability of cytoplasmatic membranes was estimated based on electrolyte leakage from leaf discs at 20°C in relation to total electrolytes in the tissue after unfreezing. The first days with temperature drops down to around 0°C in autumn resulted in a decrease in chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content, but significantly increased anthocyanin content. The ratio of chlorophyll a to b and the ratio of total chlorophylls to carotenoids did not change in particular months. In both years of study, similar changes in dry matter content of the <i>Waldsteinia</i> leaves were observed. Dry matter content significantly increased in June and November and decreased in May and October. In June and in autumn, after first slight frosts, an increase of electrolyte leakage from the leaf discs was observed. However, high dry matter content (40.3%) was accompanied by lower permeability of the cytoplasmatic membranes of the leaves after winter during March. These results have shown good adaptation of <i>Waldsteinia trifolia</i> plants to the climatic conditions in Poland.

Variability of the Icelandic Low and the Azores High in January and Their Influence on Climatic Conditions in Poland

Abstract The study analysed long-term changes and the variability of the Icelandic Low and the Azores High in January and their influence on thermal, precipitation and nival conditions in Poland in the period 1901-2000. There were no statistically significant (0.05) trends of analysed centres of action in January in the 20th century. However, in the second half of the century the center of the Icelandic Low in January moved northwards and the sea-level pressure in the center of the Azores High increased significantly. The latter change was the reason for the significant increasing difference between the Azores High and the Icelandic Low. This change caused the intensification of western advection over Europe. Changes in sea-level pressure in the Icelandic Low and the longitude of the Azores High in January explain about 40% of temperature and snow cover variability in Poland. The variability of some features of the centres of action describes the changes of precipitation and snow cover in Poland better than the NAO index.

Hydroponic culture of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don and studies on seed production

Under climatic conditions of Poland, Catharanthus roseus may be grown in the open field only as annual crop, using transplants raised in a greenhouse or in a plastic tunnel. An effective method of hydroponic culture has been elaborated and tested. Herbal material obtained in hydroponics showed considerable concentration of alkaloids in different plant parts. Seeds of C. roseus may also be produced under these conditions. Characteristics of seeds as well as the effect of different methods of their storage are presented. Seeds stored in paper bags at room temperature may retain germinability for 7 years and those stored in a refrigerator, at 5°C, up to 15 years. Storage in a freezer, at -10°C, resulted in a quick and sharp reduction of germination rate.

Natural VOC emissions from forests in Poland

On the basis of the last inventory of forests and climatic conditions in Poland, a national evaluation of the emissions of reactive volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was carried out. Calculations took into account the composition and age structure of forests as well as the temperature dependencies of VOC emission rate for the main European forest-forming tree species. In the case of isoprene, the dependence on illumination level and day length was also taken into account. Estimations were made for all 49 administrative regions of Poland. Depending on weather conditions in different years, the total VOC emission of Polish forests can be in the range 186–763 kt yr −1. For instance, for a moderately warm year, 1992, it was estimated at 440.6 kt, which represents 25% of the total VOC emissions in Poland.

The influence of atmospheric environment upon the occurrence of accidents among construction workers

An analysis has been carried out of the incidence of accidents among workers on construction sites in relation to weather situations. The material for this analysis was obtained from 40 enterprises in which 1639 accidents occurred in a period of five years (1966–1970). These enterprises were situated in different geographical regions of Poland. Synoptic maps and other data concerning the meteorological situations have been obtained from the State Meteorological Service. Every day on which an accident occurred was analysed with regard to the pressure system, to the type of air masses, and to the occurrence of atmospheric fronts. It was found that during low-pressure barometric situations (cyclonic), work accidents were twice as frequent as during high-pressure barometric situations (anticyclonic). A significant effect of cold fronts on the frequency of accidents was observed as well. Cyclonic situations, as well as the passage of fronts, cause a decrease in mental and physical efficiency in certain individuals and thus contribute to a rise in the number of accidents. It was observed also from annual records that the number of accidents increased significantly in the autumn and in spring, that is, in seasons in which the weather is particularly variable in Poland. The results obtained enable us to gain a better insight into the problems of meteorotropism (biological effects of weather) in various climatic conditions in Poland.

Winter-wheat breeding in Poland

This article is to fill a gap in the West-European literature by giving some information about Polish winter wheat varieties. The authors give a short description of the soil and climatic conditions in Poland and discuss the problem of adapting newly developed varieties to the very variable conditions in different zones. Then a brief outline of the wheat breeding in Poland since 1860 is given. The most important varieties developed in previous years are discussed. special attention is given to the modern Polish winter wheat varieties, some of which are resistant to frost and to lodging and high yielding. Wheat breeding trends in Poland at present are briefly discussed including the importance of the tillering capacity depending on regional conditions, the thickness and elasticity of straw, disease resistance and winterhardiness. The paper also deals with the plant breeding and research organization in Poland.