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The aim of this research was to assess the implications of sheep grazing for the nutritional value of the vegetation in the Mohelno Serpentine Steppe National Nature Reserve (NNR). A free pasture controlled by an electric fence was practised from 1997 to 1998. The German Merino sheep were grazing on an area of 4.25 and 6 ha with a pasture load of 6.8-9.4 sheep per 1 ha in 1997 and 6.7-8.7 sheep per 1 ha in 1998. The steppe vegetation samples were collected from five different sites reflecting the phytocenological composition typical of the individual steppe areas. The vegetation samples were collected on an area of 3×1 m² during the growing season at two-week intervals. The collected samples were tested for the amount of dry matter, fibre, nitrogenous substances, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extractive substances (NFES), gross energy (GE), metabolic energy (ME), lactation net energy (LNE), fattening net energy (FNE), PDIN and PDIE (PDI - referring to the factually digestible nitrogenous substances in the small intestine of the ruminants). During pasture there was a decrease in the dry matter levels but its average levels remained high (35.45-46.78%). The effect on the nitrogenous levels became apparent (P < 0.05) mainly in the second year of grazing (10.00-10.94% compared to 11.64-19.35% in the vegetation dry matter). However, in comparison with the pasture vegetation the effect remained less significant. A similar situation was observed in relation to the fluctuation of PDIN and PDIE (64.60-70.71 compared to 75.18-124.98 g/kg of the dry matter and 79.03-82.71 compared to 89.41-29.27 g/kg of the dry matter respectively). The fat levels (3.80-4.02%) were not affected by the site (P < 0.05) but the specific utilization. The grazing brought about a marked increase in the fat levels (P < 0.001). The amount of the fibre during the first year was affected only in terms of its decreased site variability (29.60-31.31%). The conclusive evidence (P < 0.05) of the decrease did not appear until the second year of grazing (21.76-27.88%). In the course of the pasture the ash levels identified in the dry matter were fluctuating between 8.74-10.19% depending on the site conditions and the form of utilization. Considerably high levels (P < 0.05) were recorded on more intensely grazed areas. NFES levels in the step areas (45.16-47.26%) were steady both in terms of the site conditions and the form of utilization.
The energy levels did not reflect the site variability. The ME, LNE and FNE levels (9.39-9.79; 5.52-5.80 and 5.34-5.69 MJ per kg of the dry matter respectively) were affected by the form of utilization. During the pasture the site variability of the energy levels decreased. There was also a substantial increase in the amount of energy established in the dry matter, which rose to the levels usual for pasture vegetation.

Soil organic matter (SOM) undergoes short and long-term transformation in the soil. Microorganisms through their enzymes are able to mineralize organic carbon while the rate of this process is different. Biological test though referred to one of the main diagnostic methods for evaluating soil quality/health. The aim of our work was to determine basal respiration, total carbon content, fractional composition of humus and basic parameters of soil colloidal complex in selected subtypes of chernozem in South Moravia region. Basal respiration was measured using Vaisala GMT220 apparatus. Total carbon content was determined by oxidimetric titration and basic parameters of soil colloidal according to Mehlich. Results showed that production of carbon dioxide varied from 0.09 to 0.27 mg CO₂/100g/h. Linear correlation between basal respiration and humification degree was found. Humus content varied from 2.15% to 4.6%. No correlation between quantity of humus and basal respiration was observed. Higher values of basal respiration were connected with higher quality of HS. Significant linear correlation between total carbon content (TOC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) was found.

In this work were summarized changes of biochemical markers of fish under the thumb of cyanobacterial toxins (microcystins). Among the most studied biomarkers of the influence of cyanobacterial toxins on fish belong oxidative stress parameters - glutathione S-transferase (GST), non-enzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lipid peroxidation (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutatione reductase (GR), parameters of blood - values of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte counts (WBC) and plasma - alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholinesterase (CHE), total serum protein (TP), glucose (GLU), lactate (LACT), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total bilirubin (BIL), phosphorus (P) and protein phosphatase activities (PP1, PP2A).

The effect of Difert (a pig manure fermented by caddices of domestic flies produced on sawdust litter) on broccoli yield parameters and selected soil parameters were investigated on gleic fluvisol in a small-plot field trial localized at area of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (48°18' N, 18°05' E).
The results showed that Difert applied in doses of 250 kg N.ha^-1 and 350 kg N.ha^-1 acted positively on the yields of fresh primary broccoli roses. However, the results are not statistically significant. Also a positive effect on N, P, K, Ca, Mg contents in broccoli roses was recorded. Difert has a moderate alkalizing effect on soil and increases the content of C_ox in the soil. Moreover Difert insignificantly decreased the content of vitamin C and significantly increased the content of nitrates in broccoli roses, but the worst qualitative effect on broccoli parameters was detected by applying mineral N fertilizers, which significantly increased the content of nitrates in broccoli roses and insignificantly decreased the vitamin C content. However, it resulted in the highest broccoli yields. The application of mineral N fertilizers had a negative effect on the total content of carbon in the soil as well.
The effect of Difert on broccoli yield and soil parameters refers to the feasibility of reducing the maturing period of the manure from 6 months to 1 week, in order to decrease the manure storage capacities.

During the years 2001 and 2002 we conducted hydrochemical monitoring of intensively managed pond to evaluate the impact of high pig slurry doses on eutrophication. Pig slurry application was carried out in colder period of the year (February-April) via tube system with sludge pump from nearby piggery.
Our results showed that pig slurry application do not permanently affect the water quality of Jarohněvický pond. When the correct application is made slurry is effectively utilized by biomass for the growth, which prevents surface and underground waters to be polluted as in the case of incorrect application on agricultural land.
Critical point of this technology in terms of water management is the way of pig slurry application and the exact dose. Even extremely high slurry doses (16.1 kg.m^-2 in 2001 and 15.6 kg.m^-2 in 2002) used in Jarohněvický pond did not negatively affected pond ecosystem. Only higher amount of organisms that increased natural fish production was recorded. It is necessary to implement this ameliorative intervention in colder period of the year considering higher hazard of variations in decisive hydrochemical parameters at higher water temperature.

The aim of the performed research was to obtain knowledge on the ability of aquatic plants naturally growing at a site to absorb trace metals contained in bottom sediments and surface water. Furthermore, we compared differences in the accumulation of trace metals by the individual groups of aquatic plants (submerged and emergent) and assessed a possible use of the individual plant species in phytoremediation techniques. Representative samples of water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes were taken from three anthropogenically loaded streams in six monitoring cycles in several collection profiles differing in the distance from a source of contamination. The samples were analysed for the total content of selected trace metals (As, Cd, Pb, Al, Hg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni and Cu). For comparison, one profile at an unloaded site was sampled as well. The obtained results were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis of data. Increased contents of Fe, Al, Mn, Cr and Zn were detected in sediments and plant biomass at loaded sites, namely 2-3× higher than at the comparing site. The contents of metals in surface water samples were altogether below the detection limit of the analytical method. When evaluating the individual plant species, we can state that the lowest contents of metals were detected in shore species (reed canary grass Phalaroides arundinacea, wood club-rush Scirpus silvaticus and red dock Rumex aquaticus); plant species growing in the very water current (water star-wort Callitriche sp. and flote-grass Glyceria fluitans) exhibited mean contents of metals. In species forming mats (Fontinalis antipyretica and Cladophora sp.), these contents were several times higher as compared to the previous species. The results of the performed research show that one of important factors, which influence the accumulation of trace metals in plants, is their ecological group (emergent - submerged) affiliation and the species classification within this group. Based on the evaluated data, we can recommend species of moss and algae that form mats eventually species growing in the very water flow for the future use in phytoremediation techniques.

Cyanobacterial water blooms became a global problem/issue because beside a dramatic deterioration of water quality parameters they also produce cyanobacterial toxins being harmful for animals and humans. Cyanotoxins especially the most prominent one, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), are of major concern and they have been reported to cause even death of mammals following ingestion or ingurgitation due to hepatotoxic modes of action. The aim of the recent study is to summarize briefly the impacts of microcystin on laboratory rodents, mice and rats, being used as models for other mammals including human beings. Most experimental approaches used intraperitoneal rather than oral and intratracheal application of microcystins, especially MC-LR, being the most efficient way to induce adverse impacts on different target organs. However, no matter how the exposure of rodents was performed, microcystins induced severe harmful impacts on the different target organs, preferentially the liver, for instances hemorrhages and apoptosis in liver, liver tumours, adverse effects on gut, kidney, testis and epididymis including spermatogenesis, on lung, on serum parameters and on progeny. In addition to these histological findings, microcystin was found to affect specifically biochemical parameters of target organs such as enzymes e.g. GST, CAT, GR, GPX, SOD, AST, ALT, γ-GT, protein phosphatases, SDH, SoDH and LDH or stress proteins such as HSP-70 and further parameters such as hepatic sulfhydryl content, GSH depletion, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Gene array analyses revealed that microcystin affects genes related to actin organization, cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular redox potential, cell signalling, albumin metabolism, glucose homeostasis pathway and organic anion transport polypeptide system. In combination with a further proteomics approach the proteomic analyses indicate that liver apoptosis induced by microcystin can be induced by two pathways: the BID-BAX-BCL2 and the reactive oxygen species pathway. The reviewed data clearly show that microcystin, especially MC-LR is able to cause severe adverse impacts on laboratory rodents and therefore there is an emerging need for further research to cover the major concern about cyanobacterial water blooms affecting mammals including human beings.

Synanthedon mesiaeformis (Herrich-Schäffer, 1846) has been found in the Czech Republic and in Spain for the first time. The species was found in the south-easternmost part of the Czech Republic, near the town of Břeclav (faunistic quadrat 7267) in May 2008. The holes and pupae were found only in one, solitary growing group of trees about 20 years old. This finding place lies at a distance of more than 250 km from the localities in SW Hungary and about 550 km from the localities in eastern Poland. In June 2008, the species was found also in alders growing in the flat river alluvium on gravel sands between La Jonquera and Figueres in northern Catalonia. This locality is in a close contact with the finding places near Perpignan and Beziers in southern France. The diagnostic morphological characters and bionomics of this species are briefly summarized and figured. The history of its distribution research is recapitulated and the causes of its disjunct range are discussed as follows. The present disjunct range represents a residual of the former distribution over the warmer and moister postglacial period; landscape modifications and elimination of solitary alder trees as "weeds" from the 18th up to the mid-20th century in large areas of Europe; narrow and partly unknown habitat requirements and specific population ethology; an insufficient level of faunistic investigations in several parts of southern and eastern Europe.

Aim of the study focused on evaluation of SUBSTOR - Potato model and its utilization in potato grows management in the Czech Republic. The experimental field used for the model evaluation was located in Žabčice - South Moravia region with altitudes of 179 meters above the sea level. Tuber yield served as reference for the model evaluation. Nine years experimental data set (1994-2002) was used for the model validation. Rosara cultivar represented very early growing potato, Karin cultivar depicted early growing potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the experiment. Comparison between observed and simulated tuber yields presented the evaluation process of SUBSTOR - Potato model. Tuber yields simulated by the model showed excellent accuracy (R² = 0.97) for Rosara cultivar, but only for four of tested years (1997, 1998, 1999 and 2002). Karin cultivar matched lower value (R² = 0.43). The model tended to underestimate the tuber yield for non seasonable conditions (i.e. dry years - low amount of precipitation and its disordered distribution during the growing season or higher mean air temperature) and showed the sensitivity to selected cultivars. Study proved SUBSTOR - Potato model as suitable for utilization in potato management; however, potential differences might be expected while using the model under extreme weather conditions.

Intensity of snowmelt erosion was computed for cadastral areas of Pohořelice, Strážnice, Kuchařovice, Holešov, Dukovany, Vizovice, Velké Meziříčí and Bystřice nad Pernštejnem on the base of 1980-2006 data for the period November to March. Mean long-term soil loss was estimated according to ZACHAR (1981) equation on the base of average rate of snowmelting, amount of melting water, outflow and infiltration characteristics, topographical factor, soil factor and vegetation factor. For the studied localities the average rate of snowmelting varied from 2.29 mm.day^-1 to 7.90 mm.day^-1. Also amount of melting water reached the maximum in Bystřice nad Pernštejnem in dependence on climatic region (6.11 cm of water column). Outflow and infiltration characteristics varied from 0.94 to 1.14. High value of topographical factor (10.5) was assessed in Vizovice. Soil factor was estimated according to main soil unit from Estimated Pedologic-Ecological Unit EPEU. Its values varied from 0.31 in Velké Meziříčí to 0.47 in Holešov. Vegetation factor varied from 0.2938 in Vizovice to 0.4881 in Kuchařovice. Average soil loss as a consequence of snow melting varied in interval from 0.61 t.ha^-1.year^-1 in Pohořelice to 30.08 t.ha^-1.year^-1 in Vizovice.

The paper evaluates seven years (1993-1999) of Soil organic matter supply monitoring in multifactor field trials conducted by the Agricultural Research Institute in Kroměříž, Czech Republic, (mean annual temperature 8.9 °C, total annual precipitation 599 mm, medium Luvi-Haplic Chernozem). The studied plots were a part of nine-crop rotation: alfalfa the 1^st and 2^nd year, winter wheat, spring barley, sugar beet, spring barley, winter wheat, silage maize and spring barley. The Soil organic matter supply was measured on four plots: winter wheat after spring barley (var. 1), winter wheat after alfalfa (var. 2), spring barley after winter wheat (var. 3) and spring barley after sugar beet (var. 4). Soil samples were taken from April to July (14-day period) from topsoil (0-30 cm) and subsoil (30-60 cm). The content of Soil organic matter was determined by wet oxidation. Using bulk density, the C content (%) was converted to C supply (t.ha^-1). Average yield (t.ha^-1) reached 6.54 t/ha (var. 1), 7.47 t/ha (var. 2), 6.52 t/ha (var. 3) and 7.20 t/ha (var. 4). Evaluation of the results was carried out by the analysis of variance and time changes by the second-degree regression analysis. Results demonstrated that Soil organic matter supplies were significantly changed in topsoil. The highest supplies were found in barley after sugar beet (118 t.ha^-1), the lowest ones in wheat after alfalfa (111 t.ha^-1). As for the cereal species generally, it was documented that in topsoils under barley the supplies were higher than under winter wheat. In subsoil, there were significant differences between wheat after alfalfa (111 t.ha^-1) and barley after wheat (104 t.ha^-1). As for a difference in the Soil organic matter supply in subsoil according to the cereal species the situation was contrary than in topsoil. Higher supplies were under wheat. Generally (topsoil and subsoil), the highest supply of Soil organic matter was in barley after sugar beet (224 t.ha^-1) and similarly in wheat after alfalfa (222 t.ha^-1). The smallest supply was in the variant of wheat after barley (217 t.ha^-1). In topsoil, the average supply of humus was 114 t.ha^-1 and that in subsoil was 107 t.ha^-1 the difference being statistically significant.

The studies aimed at identification of various ash doses effect on the amount of yield and concentrations of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and Ni in maize. The studies were conducted as a pot experiment on mineral soil, to which ash doses of between 13.33 and 800.0 g∙pot^-1 were supplied in proportions corresponding to quantities between 10 and 600 t∙ha^-1. The amount of maize yield was diversified and depending on the treatment ranged between 35.59-121.64 g d.m.∙pot^-1. Ash dose of 13.33 g.pot^-1 significantly affected an increase in maize yield, while the dose over 26.67 g.pot^-1 and equivalent to over 20 t.ha^-1 applied to the soil markedly declined maize yield. Element concentrations in maize was diversified, depending on the treatment and plant part, and fluctuated from 0.32-3.48 mg Cr; 13.45-341.19 mg Zn; 0.50-5.02 mg Pb; 1.83-22.10 mg Cu; 0.02-1.71 mg Cd and 0.15-6.07 mg Ni∙kg^-1d.m. It was found that with increasing ash dose Cr and Cu content increased systematically, whereas Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni concentrations in maize decreased. The content of investigated heavy metals in maize aboveground parts fulfilled the norms for good quality fodder. Under the influence of growing ash doses added to the soil a regularly declining Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd and Ni uptake by maize aboveground parts was observed.

In 2004 and 2005 we explored the effect of graded doses of selenium in the soil (0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 kg Se.ha^-1) on yield-forming parameters (total plant weight, number of stems per hill, number of tubers per hill and hectare yields) in two varieties of potatoes of different vegetation periods. The content of selenium as an important anti-oxidant was monitored in potato tubers and tops. Selenium in the form of sodium selenite was applied in the respective doses into the soil before planting the potatoes. Samples for growth and chemical analyses were taken after 90 and 99 days of vegetation (variety Karin and Ditta, respectively). Increasing doses of selenium had a negative effect on most of the yield-forming parameters. With an increasing dose of Se the hectare yields as well as the number of tubers in the hill and total weight of the plant decreased. Chemical analyses were performed using the AAS method and showed that the concentration of selenium in the individual parts of the potato plant increased with increasing Se doses in the soil. The content of selenium in tubers of the variant Se₇₂ (4.13 mg Se.kg^-1 of dry matter) increased as much as 20 times when compared to the control (0.22 mg Se.kg^-1 of dry matter).

Studies on the effect of ashes on maize were conducted as a pot experiment on mineral soil, to which between 13.33 and 800.0 g ash∙pot^-1 was added, corresponding to the doses of between 10 and 600 t∙ha^-1. The research aimed to learn the effect of diversified ash doses on the content, uptake and proportions between Fe, Co, Mn, Al and Si in maize. It was found that with increasing ash dose in soil were significantly increasing the concentration of Fe and Si in plants (Fe: 110.15-209.96 mg.kg^-1 d.m.; Si: 40.60-76.10 mg.kg^-1), whereas concentrations of Co, Mn and Al in maize were decreasing (Co: 0.30-0.11 mg.kg^-1 d.m.; Mn: 207.83-44.65 mg.kg^-1; Al: 300.09-179.80 mg.kg^-1 d.m). Higher contents of the studied elements were detected in maize roots than in its aboveground parts. Obtained yield of maize aboveground parts from the objects where solely ash was used as the substratum was characterized by the optimal content of Fe (104.61 mg.kg^-1 d.m.), but deficient concentration of Mn (29.69 mg.kg^-1 d.m.) and Co (0.01 mg.kg^-1 d.m.). In effect of growing ash doses in soil Fe:Co, Fe:Mn, Fe:Al and Mn:Co ratios were widening, whereas Fe:Si, Mn:Al, Mn:Si and Al:Si ratios were narrowing. Growing ash doses in soil influenced a decreased uptake of Co, Mn and Al and increased Si absorption by maize.

Seven new species of the subgenus Glaucolepis Braun, 1917 of the genus Trifurcula Zeller, 1848 have been described from southern Europe, viz. Trifurcula (Glaucolepis) helladica Z. Laštůvka & A. Laštůvka sp. n. from Peloponnisos and Crete, Greece, T. (G.) corleyi Z. Laštůvka & A. Laštůvka sp. n. from Spain and Portugal, T. (G.) andalusica Z. Laštůvka & A. Laštůvka sp. n. from Andalusia, T. (G.) pederi Z. Laštůvka & A. Laštůvka sp. n. and T. (G.) salvifoliae Z. Laštůvka & A. Laštůvka sp. n. from various parts of Spain, T. (G.) montana Z. Laštůvka, A. Laštůvka & van Nieukerken sp. n. from Spain and Sardinia, and T. (G.) lavandulae sp. n. from Spain and southern France. The bionomics of five species is unknown, the host plant of T. (G.) salvifoliae sp. n. is Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl, those of T. (G.) lavandulae sp. n. are Lavandula latifolia Medicus and L. angustifolia Miller.

In general, the over sea height is cumulative factor, which can influence significantly the farm conditions. This effect consists of temperature (mean year temperature), rain (sum of rainfulls), sunshine (total period of sunshine) and so on, in terms of climate, which can influence the dairy cow keeping directly and indirectly. Direct effects can influence the welfare of dairy cows in terms of hot stress for example, which could decrease a mastitis resistance of cows or their milk yield in simply way. Indirect effects can influence the dairy cows and their milk production (milk yield and milk composition and quality) by typical kinds of forages and preserved rough fodders, by their botany composition and nutritional quality. In general it is possible to say, that increasing over sea height decreases economical efficiency of dairying. On the other hand the higher over sea height is sometimes linked with pastoral system of dairy cow rearing and nourishment and more often with possibility to ecological and biodynamical agriculture application. In the fact, the mountain and submountain localities are named as less favourable areas (LFAs) in terms of agriculture efficiency and sustainability under the Czech Republic conditions. Despite of above mentioned facts, the pastoral system of dairying plays very important role for tourism development in different countries such as Alpine or Scandinavien countries, Ireland, The Netherlands or in particular in New Zealand.
It could be very good to know the incidentaly possible impacts of over sea height of dairy cow rearing localities on milk quality, composition and its technological properties because of discussions about incidental dairy subsidies. Of course, in some countries including the Czech Republic, the governmental production subsidies or governmental environmental subsidies are partly linked with over sea height of localities of dairy farms, according to different calculation formulas as well.
The individual milk samples, feedstuff samples (total mixed ration (TMR) on feeding trough) and mean excrement samples were collected at seven dairy cow herds and two main milked breeds of cattle (in the CR) for three years. Bulk milk samples were collected as well. It was done two times per year in winter (February, Marz) and summer (August, September) seasons. The herds were localised in lowland (N; ≤ 350 m of o.s.h.) and highland (P; > 350 m of o.s.h.) areas. The breed effect (H = Holstein and C = local Bohemian spotted cattle based on Simmental breed) was good balanced between N and P areas. The milk yields of herds varied from 5500 to 10000 kg of milk per lactation. The different but typical varieties of nourishment and feeding systems of dairy cows were applied in the herds: N = alfalfa silage with maize silage; P = clover-grass silage, grass silage with maize silage and grass pasture as well. The concentrates were feeded according to milk yield and nutrition demand standards.
Investigated chemical-compositional, physical, health and technological parameters in individual milk samples were as follows: daily milk yield (ML; kg of milk per day); fat content (Tuk; g/100ml); lactose content (Lak; g/100g of monohydrate); solids non fat (STP; g/100g); somatic cell count (PSB; tis./ml); urea content (Mo; mg/100ml); acetone

Long term stationary field experiments with continuous spring barley were conducted in the maize-growing region on heavy gleic fluvisol from 1974 to 2002. Two variants of straw management (straw harvested and incorporated into soil), two variants of soil tillage (conventional plough tillage to 0.22 m, shallow disc tillage to 0.12-0.15 m) and three variants of fertilization (30, 60 and 90 kg. N ha^-1) were studied. The results of organic matter balance in the examinated period according to particular methods were related to trends of real humus content which is presented in C_ox in particular experiment variants. The examinated method by LEITHOLD et al. (1997), used in model Repro, answers most accurate in given conditions according to hypothesys defined in scientific literature. On the base of this result we can confirm significancy of the result. Other verification of method is appropriate for its using in real conditions in context of agricultural sustainability assesment.