Production In Croatia Research Articles

Selection of the most appropriate interpolation method for sandstone reservoirs in the Kloštar oil and gas field

The distribution of porosity data collected at the Kloštar field is analysed. This field is located in the north-western part of the Sava depression, and represents one of the most long-standing fields with respect to oil production in Croatia, where production has been ongoing for more than 50 years. Several reservoirs of very diverse lithology and stratigraphic age have been discovered. The oldest reservoirs (with minor oil reserves) occur in basement rocks of the Tertiary system (informally named the „temeljno gorje";;), then in Badenian coarse-grained clastics, as well as sandstones of Pannonian and Pontian ages. Major reservoirs, with respect to size, number and volume, are located in sediments of the Upper Pannonian and Lower Pontian. These are medium-grained sandstones, mostly quartz-mica grains, mutually separated by marls. Reservoirs of Lower Pontian age occur within whole structures (anticlines) at Kloštar, while the Upper Pannonian has been developed only in the south-west part. Earlier studies on the reservoirs have included only several measured values of reservoir porosity. These values have not been mapped, but only a unique average value, characteristic for the whole reservoir was calculated. Reinterpretation of e-logs increased the number of input values to 20 points of data. Rules are determined for the distribution of porosities in the largest reservoir of the Lower Pontian named ";;T";;. These regularities can be translated to the other sandstone reservoirs. Several interpolation methods were selected (inverse distance, nearest neighbourhood and moving average), with special emphasis on kriging. The interpolated maps are different. Based on a comparison of isoporosity, lines, shapes, and cross-validation results, kriging was evaluated as the most appropriate method for porosity interpolation.

Effects of nitrogen nutrition on potato tuber composition and yield

Field fertilization trials were set up at private farm in Slovinska Kovacica, one of major region for processing potato production in Croatia. The effect of five nitrogen rates (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and three potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.) during three growing seasons on tuber mineral composition, dry matter content and total tuber yield were studied. Tuber nitrogen concentrations differed significantly and great impact of growth condition and cultivar on tuber mineral composition was shown. Total tuber yield increased significantly with increasing N rate, but there was no significant difference between 100 and 250 kg ha-1 N rates. Increasing N rates have no significant effect on dry matter content or mineral composition of tuber but significant positive correlation (r=0.34*) between tuber N vs. Ca concentration was determined.

The milkability and somatic cell counts of milk cows in various systems of keeping and milking

A high milk production, time limited milking and healthy udders are priority tasks at milking farms. The aim of our research was to study how different ways of keeping (free rang and tying) and milking (milking parlour, bucket machine and pipeline milking) influence on the mentioned cattle characteristics. Investigation was conducted at four milking farms and 382 Holstein cows in eastern Croatia. The variance analysis has shown significant difference (P<0,05) among researched farms for the milk yield per milking (MYM), the somatic cell count (LSCC) and the maximum milk flowing rate (MFR). Farms at which cows were kept and milked bound up in stables had more problems with udder health than farms at which milking was conducted at milking places. Also at these farms (at which cows were kept and milked bound up in stables) the maximum milk flowing rate was uneven, what was caused by uneven vacuum and obsoletes milking equipment. Keeping cows free at the stable and milking at a milking place have appeared to be more appropriate for cow?s udder health, what finally influences a higher milking production. Such farms should be the future of modern milking production in Croatia.

Potential and use of renewable energy sources in Croatia

The current share of renewable energy sources in electricity production in Croatia is very high, around 50%. Nevertheless it is expected that the share of renewables will have to rise and efficient strategies must be examined and adopted. The Croatian government has recognised the important role renewable energy sources could play in Croatian energy and electricity supply. The most important barrier for a wider deployment of renewables in energy production is their cost which is still above those of conventional energy sources. As the energy market is currently undergoing the process of liberalisation, support mechanisms that are compatible with an open market philosophy must be adopted. The characteristics of the Croatian power system, the expected consumption, growth and possible future role of renewables in energy and electricity production is presented. The current legislative framework relevant for renewables is analysed and discussed.

Consumer consumption and perception of organic products in Croatia

Purpose of this paperThe market for organic products in Croatia is at the beginning of its development. There is no sufficient knowledge about organic consumers in Croatia. The objective of this paper is to gain knowledge about consumer attitudes toward organic products in the capital of Croatia.Design/methodology/approachThe consumers’ attitudes were collected by means of a face‐to‐face survey. Attitudes, purchase frequency, supply satisfaction and beliefs about organic foods were studied with a sample of 179 consumers. The data obtained from the survey were analysed with univariate analysis, chi‐square test, ANOVA and correlation analysis.FindingsCroatian consumers consider organically‐grown products as very healthy, of good quality and tasty. However, these products are perceived as rather expensive and of questionable appearance. Consumers are not very familiar with the supply of ecologically‐grown products in the market. Some groups of consumers have more positive attitudes toward organic products, and they exhibit an increased willingness to pay higher prices for these products. Therefore, marketing strategies for organic products should be targeted towards such groups.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is the choice of the sample. Further research is needed to discriminate between consumer groups, and to determine which segments are most appropriate for organic product marketing.Practical implicationsAccording to the research results an important task for the producers will be to increase consumers’ knowledge of what an organic product is and how to differentiate it in the marketplace.Originality/valueThis paper gives the first insight into buying behavior and attitudes of organic consumers in Zagreb. The results of the research could be used for planning further marketing activities.

EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT AND GIBBERELLIC ACID (GA3) ON EARLINESS AND YIELD OF GLOBE ARTICHOKES

Artichoke production in Croatia is concentrated on islands and in coastal area with main harvest in spring time. The aim of this paper was to research the influence of different concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA3) on earliness and yield of cv. Imperial Star. Research was conducted during two years on island (Jelsa, 42o59`N, 16o41`E) and in the coastal area (Opuzen, 42o50`N, 17o33`E). In both years planting was done on 28 September in Jelsa and 20 September in Opuzen. GA3 in concentration of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm was applied on plants with 12 developed leaves. Growth of the head stalk, early and the total yields, and average head weight were evaluated during experiment. An elongation of head stalk was influenced by GA3 application on both locations and in both years. The highest stalks were recorded with application of 75 ppm GA3. Harvest beginning was most influenced by year and location of growing, even though greatest early yield was achieved with 50 ppm GA3. The total yield and average head weight varied depending on location and year of growth, but they were not affected by GA3. Although the influence of GA3 on growth and early yield was noticed, the effect depends on the climatic conditions after treatment and during growth period.

CROATIAN VEGETABLE MARKET UNDER CONDITIONS OF WORLD MARKET GLOBALISATION

Due to the limited domestic market and a loss of traditional markets, Croatian economic development today is based on export orientation with an important role of agriculture. The transition from central planned economy to the market caused many difficulties in the agricultural sector. The sources used in studying this problem was available literature related to vegetable market in Croatia, EU and some transition countries, foreign trade, integration process and customs tariffs. Vegetable is grown on 136.875 ha (2002) and 98% of it is in private property. Share of vegetable in land-sawn structure in 2002 was only 12% of the total area and the most frequent vegetable was potato (47%), cabbage and Savoy cabbage (7%), tomato (5%) and bean (5%). Vegetable production in Croatia is less than consumer's needs. This results in negative export-import vegetables balance since 1992. Structural analysis showed that all groups of vegetables had negative values in average. The Croatian access to trade integration started with WTO membership in 2000, followed by free trade agreements with European countries and by Stabilisation and Association Agreement. WTO membership is combined with obligation for decrease in custom tariffs approximately 50% during 2-7 years, depending on product. Croatia secured better trade terms with European Union based on free trade, MFN customs and prescribed quotas for some products with prerogative customs. The strongest Croatian protection is proscribed for tomato, pepper, lettuce and potato (the most competitive vegetables in Croatia). Problem in Croatian agriculture can be solved only by structural changes, which will increase competitiveness of agricultural producers. From the Croatian farmers point of view there is a space for increasing vegetable production areas, yields and quality as well as for decrease in export-import deficit and a decrease in domestic market demand deficit.

Ecological and ethological aspects of pig production in Croatia

As consciousness about significance of preserving environment around farms and welfare of farm animals is increasing every day, ecological and ethological aspects are becoming more important in making decision about ways of pig production. Intensive farming has shown its weaknesses through low resistance of pigs and occurrence of new diseases. On the other side, low production coming from high number of small producers in Croatia is not acceptable due to the low competitiveness and huge amount of imported pork. The solution is seen in redirecting ground properties to those who are younger, educated and willing to produce much through “Enlarging Ground Properties” program, which should increase domestic pig production by better genetics and living condition in middle sized family farms. This should have significant influence on improving ecological and ecological aspects of pig production in Croatia.

Fungal contamination of cookies and the raw materials for their production in croatia

The study examined fungal loads in different varieties of cookies, as well as in the raw materials used for their production in Croatia. The mean presence of various fungi in the final products and most of the raw materials was within acceptable levels. A higher contribution of major mycotoxigenic molds was detected in flour which makes cookies more susceptible to the accumulation of mycotoxins.  

The market information system and state support for the market of agricultural products in Croatia

Most of transitional (former socialist) countries still suffer from underdeveloped market mechanisms. In order to provide support for development of modern market mechanisms for the market of agricultural products, government experts within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry designed institutional information support – Market Information System in Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia – TISUP. This system is organised in order to prevent one of the most important market failures – insufficient and delayed dissemination of information that is crucial for the normal functioning of the market. The paper explores the functioning of the whole system and provides a general conceptional framework for understanding both market information systems and markets of agricultural products in Croatia and some other relevant countries/regions.

Future production of milk and meat in Croatia

Production of animal products in Croatia does not meet the demand of consumption by citizens and tourism. Import of animal products grows, while, in the same time, utilization of agricultural land is only at 39 %. These trends set the conditions for the development strategy to stimulate the growth of animal production. For Croatia, accepting the standards of international conventions already signed and the European Union (EU) directives will probably mean slowing down the animal production growth. However, in Croatia there is a dominating opinion that all the legislation should be in accordance to the standards of EU countries, especially in tourism, as strategically most important branch of economy.

HORTICULTURAL FAMILY FARMS PROFITABILITY

Contemporary development of the Croatian horticultural production is affected by numerous changes - social, political and economic. The fruit and vegetables production in Croatia mostly takes place at the family farms and it has been, considering a long-term period, decreasing since early eighties, and particularly during the war years (1991-1995). Presently, the family farms grow vegetables on about 115, 000 ha, which is 10.8% of total available arable land and gardens within these farms ; in the former socially-owned enterprises only 1, 000 ha is under vegetables. The orchards owned by family farms currently encompass about 64, 000 ha, which is 3.1% of total arable land owned by the family farms ; the former socially-owned enterprises have only 3, 000 ha of orchards. The fruit and vegetables production level is currently comparatively low (both total production and yield). However, the family farming has recently been undergoing certain polarization because the so called viable which are market-oriented and specialized, some of them incorporated as companies, are gaining strength. During the recent years, a number of family farms undertook intensified production of fruit and vegetables on larger production surfaces in order to change the production structure and increase its cost-efficiency. The increased interest in production of vegetables resulted in establishment of the so called farms, and in growing primarily apple and pear plantations in vegetable-growing and fruit-growing sectors, respectively. The Preliminary Results of Farm Survey in Croatia shows that the family farms under the actual conditions have total income of USD 10, 066 in vegetable production and USD 2, 666.6 in fruit production, on overage. In total households income, the total agricultural income makes about 66% in the vegetable production and only 30% on farms growing fruit. Average profitability of the family measured through the relation between the agricultural income and value of agricultural resources, is low. Reason lies with a relatively low value of the resources. The best results are achieved by the smaller while the larger farms (measured by use of arable land) are at the bottom.

Grain Yield Components of Winter Wheat New Cultivars in Correlation with Sowing Rate

During the process of plant breeding and selection of new winter wheat cultivars a lot of attention is paid to the improvement of the main components of grain yield-number of ears/m2, number of grains per ear and 1000 seed weight. Production of cultivars that achieve a large number of fertile ears per unit area, a large number of grains per ear and a heavy 1000 seed weight, even with a lower density, would mean that a high grain yield is achieved with lower costs. It is of great importance for wheat production in Croatia. Along with the research on sowing rate influence (400, 500, 600 and 700 germinable seeds/m2) on winter wheat grain yield, other trials were done on the grain yield components (number of ears per unit area, number of grains per ear and 1000 seed weight) during periods 1996–1997 and 1997–1998 both on three AG cultivars of winter wheat Lara, Kruna and Lenta and on the check cultivar Ẑitarka. The trial was done according to the split-plot method in 4 replications. Statistically speaking, various sowing rates had a very significant influence on the number of ears per unit area. The largest number was achieved with the sowing rate of 700 germinable seeds/m2 (783,38 ears/m2). This number of ears is statistically more significant (P<0,05) in relation to the sowing rate of 600 germinable seeds/m2, and statistically very significant (P<0,01) in relation to the sowing rates of 400 and 500 germinable seeds/m2. On the grounds of the results obtained by a statistical analysis it was established that the sowing rate did not have a statistically significant influence on the other two grain yield components — number of grains per ear and 1000 seed weight. The investigated cultivars had a statistically very significant influence (P<0,01) on the number of grains per ear, and a statistically significant influence on 1000 seed weight, whereas there were no statistically significant differences between the investigated cultivars in relation to the number of ears per unit area. The largest grain number was achieved with the cultivar Lenta (46,36 grains) and the heaviest 1000 seed weight with the cultivar Lara (45,72 g). The year of research had a very significant influence on the height of all investigated yield components in terms of statistics; the first year of research is characterized by better results, unlike the second. On the grounds of the obtained results it may be concluded that production of the investigated cultivars with lower density is possible, despite the fact that two out of three main yield components were not under influence of the sowing rate.

Side effect of some fungicides on the mite population in an apple orchard in Croatia

The research into the side effect of fungicides used in the control of the most serious disease in apples (Venturia inaequalis) i. e. the research into the influence of fungicides on the population of phytophagous mites, was carried out at Nedeliŝće (North-West Croatia) during 1997 and 1998. The study is related to the population of the mites most present in apple orchards, such as red spider mite (Pananychus ulmi) and other mites (Aculus schlechtendali andTetranychus urticae). Fungicides which are known to be effective against scab, i. e.Venturia inaequalis, and used in fruit production in Croatia, were tested in order to investigate their secondary properties which have not yet been studied. The following fungicides were used: cyprodinil, dodine, dichlofluanid + bitertanol (as tank mix), and kresoxim-methyl. The tests were repeated three times; the application time was determined by monitoring the conditions for infection. The treatments were done curatively, i. e. up to 96 h after the onset of infection conditions. The mite population was estimated by the pressing method, which yielded the average number of mites per leaf. All the results were statistically processed by variance analysis and by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test, and are presented graphically and in tables. The paper also presents graphically the climatic conditions, scab infections and application time. The research over two years have shown a pronounced suppressive effect of dichlofluanid + bitertanol on populations of phytophagous mites, while the other fungicides used in the research had a neutral effect on the mite papulation.

Changes in the volatile components of virgin olive oil during fruit storage in aqueous media

Storage of olives in sea water is a traditional way of fruit storage in olive oil production in Croatia that is still in frequent use. The changes of volatile compounds of olive oil, responsible for positive and negative odor properties that occur during this kind of fruit storage, were investigated. The influence of sea water was compared to brine and drinking water and with storage in the open air. The composition and content of volatile compounds were determined by dynamic headspace analysis with direct connection to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. No significant differences were found among aqueous media. The olive oils from aqueous media had an essentially different composition and content of positive as well of negative volatile compounds in comparison to the reference sample and the samples stored in the air. The analytical method can give useful information about fruit storage before olive oil extraction.

Competitiveness and quality conditions of animal products in Croatia compared to the Cefta and EC countries

Capacity of animal products production in Croatia was examined and compared to the same production in EU and CEFTA countries. Significant lagging behind of this production per capita was established in comparison to compared countries. Competitiveness of animal products from Croatia is significantly lower compared to surrounding countries, because of high imput costs and even more because of lower quality of products. Regulation for pork quality assessment on slaughterline was implemented in Croatia which is identical to EU regulation Nr. 3220/84 from 1984. Other regulations, for assessment of milk quality, animal feeds and slaughtered cattle in first line are currently under construction. Analyzed pork quality according to S-EUROP system showed that pig population in Croatia, examined in Papuk - Požega region, have meatiness of 50.1 % which could be taken as accurate assessment of pig population in Croatia produced for market. Examined ABCD Hypor pig population had meatiness of 56.1 % and pigs from “Dubravica” farm obtained by mating of Swedish Landrace and C and AB lines had meatiness between 53 and 54 %. Quantity and fat content of milk was also examined. Quantity of milk increases, which is important because Croatia is importer of large amounts of milk.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES IN CROATIA

SUMMARYThis paper describes the organization of livestock production in Croatia and briefly outlines the contribution of the various species of domestic livestock to the national economy. In the final part, the animal genetic resources of Croatia are described and the status of domestic animal diversity described.