Slovak Agricultural University Research Articles

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 0.015 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.

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 in the implementation of the scientific program «Agrobiodiversity to Improve Nutrition, Health and Quality of Life»

Within the framework of the Convention on the Conservation of Biodiversity and the implementation of the program “Agrobiodiversity for the improvement of nutrition, health and quality of life” by joint research of the Department of Acclimatization of Fruit Plants of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and Biosafety of the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra created the International Network AgroBioNet. The scientific and organizational activities of the network are focused on the development of international cooperation in the field of non-traditional, neglected, and underutilized plant species that contribute to food security. AgroBioNet has more than 50 registered researchers and 250 experts, and unites research institutions, educational institutions, research stations, and farms from 21 countries. Five scientific conferences and 435 published articles for the period 2005–2020 (20 to 50 publications per year) on agrobiodiversity conservation, information on new, non-traditional, neglected, and underutilized plant species have contributed to the expansion of research on their bioecological, biochemical and medicinal properties (including antioxidants) properties, technologies of cultivation and reproduction, practical use and introduction in farms and private gardens.

The effect of biological additive on the fermentation quality of whole-crop rye silage

Received: 2021-03-23 | Accepted: 2021-04-12 | Available online: 2021-12-31 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.04.297-300 The aim of this research was to find out the changes in fermentation parameters of whole-crop rye silage after adding the biological additive. Two variants of rye silage were used in the experiment: variant C (silage without additive) and variant A (silage with the addition of additive). The wilted whole-crop rye was treated with strains of lactic acid bacteria ( Pediococcus acidilactici , Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactococcus lactis 1.25x10 11 CFU.g -1 ) in a dose of 2 g of additive + 25 ml of water per 1 ton of matter. Both silage variants were ensiled with a vacuum pack device and after 2 months of storage, average samples were taken to determine the dry matter content, fermentation products, acidity of water extract, pH and the degree of proteolysis by appropriate methods. Treatment of rye silage with a microbial silage additive affected the quality of rye silage by a statistically significant (P <0.05) higher content of lactic acid and acidity of water extract. The lower content of acetic acid, alcohols, pH value and the degree of proteolysis were also statistically significant (P <0.05). The results confirmed the positive effect of the addition of Pediococcus acidilactici , Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactococcus lactis on the quality of the fermentation process of rye silage. Keywords: rye, silage, biological silage additives, fermentation quality References Adesogan, A. T. (2014, April). Avoiding the two greatest silage problems. In Proceedings of the 50th Florida dairy production conference (pp. 9–17). Alba-Mejía, J. E. A., Skládanka, J., Delgado, A. H., Klíma, M., Knot, P., Doležal, P. and Horký, P. (2016). The effect of biological and chemical additives on the chemical composition and fermentation process of Dactylis glomerata silage. Spanish journal of agricultural research, 14(2), 8. Arasu, M. V., Jung, M. W., Kim, D. H., Ilavenil, S., Jane, M., Park, H. S. and Choi, K. C. (2014). Enhancing nutritional quality of silage by fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum. Indian journal of microbiology, 54(4), 396–402. Auerbach, H. and Theobald, P. (2020). Additive type affects fermentation, aerobic stability and mycotoxin formation during air exposure of early-cut rye (Secale cereale L.) silage. Agronomy, 10(9), 1432. Auerbach, H., Theobald, P., Kroschewski, B. and Weiss, K. (2020). Effects of various additives on fermentation, aerobic stability and volatile organic compounds in whole-crop rye silage. Agronomy, 10(12), 1873. Bíro, D., Juráček, M., Šimko, M., Gálik, B. and Rolinec, M. (2020). Preservation and preparation of feed. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture. In Slovak. Haag, N. L., Grumaz, C., Wiese, F., Kirstahler, P., Merkle, W., Nägele, H. J. and Oechsner, H. (2016). Advanced green biorefining: Effects of ensiling treatments on lactic acid production, microbial activity and supplementary methane formation of grass and rye. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 6(2), 197–208. Herrmann, C., Heiermann, M. and Idler, C. (2011). Effects of ensiling, silage additives and storage period on methane formation of biogas crops. Bioresource technology, 102(8), 5153–5161. Huyen, N. T., Martinez, I. and Pellikaan, W. (2020). Using lactic acid bacteria as silage inoculants or direct-fed microbials to improve in vitro degradability and reduce methane emissions in dairy cows. Agronomy, 10(10), 1482. Choi, K. C., Ilavenil, S., Arasu, M. V., Park, H. S. and Kim, W. H. (2015). Effect of addition of lactic acid bacteria on fermentation quality of rye silage. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 35(4), 277–282. Choi, K. C., Soundarrajan, I., Srisesharam, S., Park, H. S., Kim, J. H., Jung, J. S. and Kim, H. S. (2016). Potential effects of novel lactic acid bacteria on fermentation quality of rye haylage. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 36(1), 23–28. Choi, K. C., Srigopalram, S., Ilavenil, S., Kuppusamy, P., Park, H. S., Yoon, Y. H. and Kim, H. S. (2017). Effect of addition of lactic acid bacteria on quality of rye silage harvested at early heading stage. Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 37(4), 332–336. Joo, Y. H., Lee, H. J., Lee, S. S., Han, O. K. and Kim, S. C. (2017). Effects of isolated bacteria application on chemical composition and fermentation characteristic of rye silage. Journal of Animal Science, 95, 141. Juráček, M., Bíro, D., Šimko, M., Gálik, B., Rolinec, M., Hanušovský, O., Struhár, P., Píšová, A. and Andruška, N. (2018). The influence of addition of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis on the fermentation quality of silages from permanent grassland. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 19(2), 385–393. Kim, D. H., Lee, S. S., Paradipta, D. H., Joo, Y. H., Lee, H. J., Kwak, Y. S. and Kim, S. C. (2017). Effect of homo or heterofermentative inoculants on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability of rye silage. Journal of Agriculture and Life Science, 51(5), 81–89. Lee, S. S., Paradhipta, D. H., Joo, Y. H., Lee, H. J., Kwak, Y. S., Han, O. K. and Kim, S. C. (2018). Effects of selected inoculants on chemical compositions and fermentation indices of rye silage harvested at dough stage. Journal of the Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science, 38(2), 99–105. Moore, E. B., Wiedenhoeft, M. H., Kaspar, T. C. and Cambardella, C. A. (2014). Rye cover crop effects on soil quality in no‐till corn silage–soybean cropping systems. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 78(3), 968–976. Morais, G., Daniel, J. L. P., Kleinshmitt, C., Carvalho, P. A., Fernandes, J. and Nussio, L. G. (2017). Additives for grain silages: A review. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 50(1), 42–54. Oliveira, A. S., Weinberg, Z. G., Ogunade, I. M., Cervantes, A. A., Arriola, K. G., Jiang, Y. and Adesogan, A. T. (2017). Metaanalysis of effects of inoculation with homofermentative and facultative heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria on silage fermentation, aerobic stability, and the performance of dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(6), 4587–4603. Paradhipta, D. H. V., Joo, Y. H., Lee, H. J., Lee, S. S., Kwak, Y. S., Han, O. K. and Kim, S. C. (2020). Effects of wild or mutated inoculants on rye silage and its rumen fermentation indices. Asian-Australasian journal of animal sciences, 33(6), 949.

Influence of Variety on Total Polyphenols Content and Antioxidant Activity in Apple Fruits (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Recently, an increasing interest in fruits and vegetable eating has been noticed in particular through epidemiological and biochemical studies pointing to their health benefits for human health. Specifically, apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are one of the most frequently consumed fruits. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the total polyphenols content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) of apple fruits from different columnar apple trees growing in experimental conditions. For this purpose, fruits of 7 apple cultivars obtained from the Botanic Garden (Slovak University of Agriculture, Slovakia; vegetative season 2019/2020) were analysed. Among them, four green-yellow cultivars: Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Goldcats, Rondo; one green cultivar with red spots: Kordona; one red cultivar: Redcats, and one pink cultivar: Pompink, were used. Method using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was applied to quantify TPC, and radical scavenging activity of the samples was measured with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavengers. Total polyphenols content (mg GAE.g-1 dry weight) ranged from 2.92 ±0.31 (cv. Pompink) to 9.02 ±0.32 (cv. Granny Smith), whereas statistically significant differences (p <0.05) were recorded between all analysed cultivars except for Rondo (5.07 ±0.44) and Kordona (4.18 ±0.35) cultivars as compared to Redcats (4.96 ±1.06) one. As with TPC, the lowest values for AA were observed in the Pompink cultivar (35.03 ±3.49 %) and, conversely, the highest ones in the cultivar Granny Smith (88.55 ±4.25 %). These results suggest that the values for TPC and AA in apple fruits are strongly influenced depending on the apple cultivars. From this aspect, upon achievement of this survey, and employing more samples, it will be possible to create a comprehensive overview of the antioxidant properties of apple fruits with the possibility of their application in the food industry to develop innovative products with added value.</p&gt

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.

Analysis of Production and Reproductive Indicators of Rabbit of Saris Giant Breed

Article Details: Received: 2020-11-09 | Accepted: 2021-01-28 | Available online: 2021-06-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.02.155-160 The Saris Giant Rabbit (Šo) is a hitherto unrecognized breed of rabbit. The aim of this study was to analyse the Saris Giant rabbit and hybrids with a German Giant Spot (NoS) (50 – 12.5 %) to selected parameters (reproduction, production) in small stud. All rabbits used for research were raised within a home environment. Number of live born kits in litter was 6.73±2.57 (NoS 50) – 7.38±2.41 (Šo). Number of weaned kits in litter was 6.18±2.55 (NoS 50) – 6.73±2.50 (Šo). Without statistically significant differences. Number of live born kits and weaned kits in litter was without statistically significant differences. The average daily gains up to the age of 240 days were Šo - 22.39 g, NoS 50 - 26.08 g, NoS 25 – 24.27 g, NoS 12.5 – 23.10 g. Carcass yield in Saris Giant rabbit breed were 54.69 ± 1.80 and 53.28 ± 2.24 – 54.91 ± 1.42 % in hybrids (Nos 25 – NoS 50). Without statistically significant differences. Keywords: Saris Giant rabbit, growth intensity, extensive breeding, rabbit meat References Bača, M. (2013). Saris giant rabbit. Bachelor thesis. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Bača, M. (2015). Saris giant rabbit. Master thesis. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Bianospono, E. et al. (2004) Growth traits and dressing percentage of straightbred and crossbred rabbits. In Proceedings of the 7th World Rabbit Congress, September 7–10, 2004, Puebla, Mexico (pp. 1360–1365). Retrieved November 5, 2020 from http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress2004-Puebla/Papers/Meat%20Quality/Q-Bianospono-2.pdf Bízková, Z. & Tůmová, E. (2009). Evaluation of rabbit meat yield. Maso, 20(5), 48–50. Blasco, A. & Ouhayoun, J. (1996). Harmonization of criteria and terminology in rabbit meat research. Revised proposal. World rabbit science, 4(2), 93–99. https://dx.doi.org/10.4995/wrs.1996.278 Bolet G. et al. (2000). Evaluation and utilisation of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) genetic resources. First results and inferensces. In Proceedings of the 7th World Rabbit Congress, 4–7 July 2000, Valencia, Spain (30 p). Retrieved November 5, 2020 from http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSA-Proceedings/Congress-2000-Valencia/Papers/Genetics/G00-Bolet.pdf Bolet, G. et al. (2004). Evaluation of the reproductive performance of eight rabbit breeds on experimental farms. Animal Research, 53(1), 59–65. https://dx.doi.org/10.1051/animres:2003043 Dalle Zotte, A. (2000). Main factors influencing the rabbit carcass and meat quality. In Proceedings of the 7th World Rabbit Congress, 4–7 July 2000, Valencia, Spain (30 p). Retrieved November 5, 2020 from http://world-rabbit-science.com/WRSAProceedings/Congress-2000-Valencia/Papers/Growth&%20 Meat/Q00-DalleZotte.pdf Dalle Zotte, A. (2002). Perception of rabbit meat quality and major factors influencing the rabbit carcass and meat quality. Livest. Prod. Sci., 75, 11–32. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0301-6226(01)00308-6 Dokoupilová, A. et al. (2006). Use of traditional breeds for breeding and hybridization of broiler rabbit. In Current trends in broiler rabbit breeding. Research institute for animal production Nitra (pp. 31–38). Fik, M. (2016). Analysis of several traits of Saris giant rabbit. Animal biotechnology, Research Institute for Animal Production, Nitra. Fik, M. et al. (2018). Reproduction performances, growth and slaughter traits analysis of rabbit of Nitra breed. Acta fytotechn zootechn, 21(4), 162–165. Jenisová, E. (2013). Quality of broiler rabbit carcass from small stud. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Lukefahr, S.D. et al. (1983). Appraisal of nine genetic groups of rabbits for carcass and lean yield traits. Journal of Animal Science, 57, 899–907. Mach, K., Majzlík, I. & Zavadilová, L. (2006). The fattening and slaughter value of the final hybrids ♂PS59x♀PS19 depending on slaughter weight. In Current trends in broiler rabbit breeding. Research institute for animal production Nitra (pp. 21–30). Mach, K. (1992). Selected genetic and production aspects of rabbit meat production. Association professor thesis. Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Agronomy, Prague. In Czech. Skřivanová, V. et al. (2000). Performance, carcass yield and quality of meat in broiler rabbits: a comparison of six genotypes. Czech Journal of Animal Science, 45, 91–95. Šmehýl, P. (2010). The breeding of specialized broiler rabbit lines for intensive farming. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. Šmehýl, P. (2017). Growth traits of synthetic broiler rabbit lines. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Topczewska, J., Rogowska, A. & Gacek, L. A. (2013). The effect of breed on reproductive performance in commodity rabbit production. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 14(2), 828–835. https://dx.doi.org/10.5513/jcea01/14.2.1271 Tůmová, E., Martinec, M. & Chodová, D. (2011). Analysis of Czech rabbit genetic resources. Scientia agriculturae bohemica, 42(3), 113–118. Tůmová, E. & Hrstka, Z. (2013). Comparison of the quality of nutria meat and rabbit. Maso, 24(5), 47–50. In Czech. Tůmová, E. et al. (2013). A study of growth and some blood parameters in Czech rabbits. World Rabbit Science, 21(4), 251– 256. https://dx.doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2013.1320 Vašíčková, K. et al.(2016). Genetic characterization of Nitra rabbits and Zobor rabbit. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 49(3), 104–111. Volek, Z. et al. (2013). Influence of feed restriction on performance, quality of meat and carcass of Czech Albino rabbits. Maso, 24(2), 55–57. In Czech. Zawiślak, J. et al. (2015). Analysis of factors affecting the final body weight in selected rabbit breeds. Journal Central European Agriculture, 16(2), 28–37. https://dx.doi.org/10.5513/jcea01/16.2.1582

Soil structure as a significant indirect factor affecting crop yields

Article Details: Received: 2021-01-29 | Accepted: 2021-02-22 | Available online: 2021-06-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.02.129-136 The use of organic amendments for improving soil properties including soil structure is crucial for sustainable soil management. In this study, two organic materials (1. compost, and 2. farmyard manure) both at a rate of 44 t ha-1 as well as their combination were applied to a Hortic Calcaric Fluvisol (Slovakia) to evaluate the soil physical properties to test the potential of these amendments for soil amelioration under gardening conditions. The results showed that the addition of organic amendments did not have any significant effects on bulk density, total porosity, soil moisture and aeration, but their application influenced the total contents of dry-sieved aggregates as well as water-stable aggregates. The highest content of dry-sieved macro-aggregates was in compost > farmyard manure + compost > farmyard manure > control (unfertilized). The stability of aggregates was higher in compost and farmyard manure + compost treatments than in farmyard manure compared to control. Also, better soil structure stability evaluated by vulnerability coefficient was in farmyard manure + compost and compost than in farmyard manure. The highest contents of soil organic carbon and humic substances were found in the farmyard manure + compost treatment and then compost > farmyard manure > control. In compost, farmyard manure and farmyard manure + compost treatments, cabbage yield increased by 52, 22 and 72%, respectively compared to control treatment. Cabbage yields linear also increased as a result of increasing of soil organic carbon and humic substances. Keywords: aggregate stability, coefficient vulnerability, cabbage yield, compost, farmyard manure, soil organic matter References Are, K. S. et al. (2017). Improving physical properties of degraded soil: Potential of poultry manure and biochar. 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Optimum versus non-limiting water contents for root growth, biomass accumulation, gas Exchange and the rate of development of maize (Zea mays L.). Soil & Tillage Research, 88, 42–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2005.04.005 Lal, R. & Shukla, M. K. (2004). Principles of soil physics. Marcel Dekker, New York. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2389.2005.0756c.x Łoginow, W. et al. (1987). Fractionation of organic carbon based on susceptibility to oxidation. Polish Journal of Soil Science, 20, 47–52. McKenzie, B. M. et al. (2011). Soil physical quality. In Gliński, J. et al. (eds.) Encyclopedia of Agrophysics. Springer Science, Coppenhagen (pp. 770–777). Nayak, S. & Mishra, C. S. K. (2019). Nutrient enrichment of mine spoil with suitable organic and bio-fertilizer amendments as a sustainable technology for eco-restoration. In Rakshit, A. et al. (eds.) Soil amendments for sustainability, challenges and perspectives. CRP Press, Taylor & Francis Group (pp. 349–361). Oliveira, D. et al. (2015). Physical soil quality under different management systems and swine slurry application. Agriambi, 19, 280–285. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v19n3p280-285 Onweremadu, E. U. et al. (2007). Carbon and nitrogen distribution in water-stable aggregates under two tillage techniques in Fluvisols of Owerriarea, southeastern Nigeria. Soil & Tillage Research, 97, 195–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2007.09.011 Polláková, N. & Šimanský, V. (2015). Physical properties of Urban soil in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture Nitra. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 18(2), 30–35. https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2015.18.02.30-35 Polláková, N. & Šimanský, V. (2015a) Selected soil chemical properties in the campus of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. Acta fytotechnica et zootechnica, 18(3), 66–70. https://doi.org/0.15414/afz.2015.18.03.66-70 Riffaldi, R. et al. (1998). Adsorption on soil of dissolved organic carbon from farmyard manure. Agriculture. Ecosystems and Environment, 69, 113–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-8809(98)00097-8 Shen, H. et al. (2001). Effect of fertilization on oxidizible carbon, microbial biomass carbon and mineralizable carbon under different agroecosystems. Communications in soil science and plant analysis, 32(2), 1575–1588. https://doi.org/10.1081/CSS-100104214 Šimanský, V. et al. (2013). The effect of organic matter on aggregation under different soil management practices in a vineyard in an extremely humid year. Catena, 101, 108–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2012.10.011 Šimanský, V. & Bajčan, D. (2014). The stability of soil aggregates and their ability of carbon sequestration. Soil & Water Research, 9(3), 111–118. https://doi.org/10.17221/106/2013-SWR Šimanský, V. et al. (2018). Response of soil organic matter and water-stable aggregates to different biochar treatments including nitrogen fertilization. Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics, 66(4), 429–436. https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2018-0033 Šimanský, V. et al. (2017). Guide for soil science. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Špánik, F. et al. (2002). Agroclimatic and phenological characteristics of the town of Nitra (1999–2000). Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Slovak. Váchalová, R. et al. (2016). Primary soil organic matter and humus, two components of soil organic matter. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra. In Czech. Valla, M. et al. (2000). Vulnerability of aggregates separated from selected Anthrosols developed on reclaimed dumpsites. Rostlinná výroba, 46, 563–568. https://doi.org/10.17221/4376-PSE Vaněk, V. et al. (2013). Nutrition of field and garden crops. Profi Press, Nitra. In Czech and Slovak. Zaujec, A. & Šimanský, V. (2006). Influence of biostimulators of plant residue decomposition on soil structure and soil organic matter. Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, In Slovak.

Climate Change Impact on Meteorological Drought and Soil Water Storage in the Nitra River Basin for the Period 2015–2019

Abstract Drought impacts are significant and widespread on a year-to-year basis, affecting many economic sectors and people at any time. Definitions of drought are clustered into four types: meteorological, hydrologic, agricultural, and socio-economic. In our paper we focus on the comparison of meteorological drought (defined as a period with no precipitation) and agricultural drought (determined as the value below the amount of water storage in the soil profile accessible to plants). The meteorological stations of the Department of Biometeorology and Hydrology of the Slovak University of Agriculture (SUA) in the Nitra River Basin (Slovakia) – Bystričany, Solčany and Palárikovo – were used for the research. Soil moisture was recorded at horizons 0–0.15 m and 0.15–0.30 m. The occurrence of meteorological as well as agricultural drought in the Bystričany locality has changed quite significantly – not only in the summer months but also in the autumn and often in the spring. Meteorological drought in the Solčany locality occurs regularly almost throughout the whole year. Agricultural drought is becoming more regular in the last monitored years. In Palárikovo (the southernmost locality) the occurrence of meteorological drought is regular and even occurs in the spring and autumn months. Agricultural drought also occurs regularly. To increase agricultural production, it is necessary to focus not only on meteorological drought, but also on agricultural drought and soil characteristics in individual localities. We analysed the drought to the depth of 0.30 m, but in the deeper layers there may be enough moisture for the crops´ root systems.

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.

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.

Yield parameters, antioxidant activity, polyphenol and total soluble solids content of beetroot cultivars with different flesh colours

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate yield parameters, antioxidant activity (AOA), total polyphenol content (TPC) and total soluble solids (TSS) in beetroot cultivars with different flesh colours. Field experiments were established at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in 2016 and 2017. Within the study, 16 beetroot cultivars were tested, including 11 red-fleshed (‘Boltardy’, ‘Boro’ F1, ‘Crosby Egyptian’, ‘Cylindra’, ‘Detroit Globe’, ‘Detroit 2’, ‘Egyptian Turnip Rooted’, ‘Opolski’, ‘Pablo’ F1, ‘Renova’ and ‘Taunus’ F1), 2 yellow-fleshed (‘Boldor’ F1 and ‘Golden’), 2 white-flesh cultivars (‘Albino’ and ‘White Detroit’) and 1 red-white fleshed cultivar (‘Chioggia’). All beetroot cultivars with red flesh colour showed higher AOA and TPC than different-coloured beetroot cultivars. The highest root yield was found in the white-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘Albino’ (37.80–41.91 t · ha−1). The highest root weight was found in the white-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘White Detroit’ (362.4–412.1 g). The highest AOA (819.19–972.50 mg TEAC · kg−1 d.w.) and TPC (2,387.70–2,731.00 mg · kg−1 d.w.) were found in the red-fleshed beetroot cultivar ‘Pablo’ F1. Different-coloured cultivars of beetroot were characterised by a lower content of TSS (6.4–8.8 ºBRIX) than cultivars with typical, red flesh colour (7.8–10.8 ºBRIX). Results clearly indicate that cultivar, or flesh colour, is showed as a significant factor influencing the quality of beetroot. Knowing of yield potential and quality of beetroot cultivars is important for growers as well as consumers. Results of this study indicate that white-fleshed cultivars of beetroot are characterised by high yield potential but lower quality, including lower AOA, TPC and TSS.