Krzysztof Błażejczyk

Articles

Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation

Valentin Kazandjiev, Marek Degórski, Krzysztof Błażejczyk, Veska Georgieva

Europa XXI (2015) vol. 29, pp. 23-42 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2

Further information

Abstract The sole factors of major importance to Bulgaria’s agrarian output are temperature, and water probability. Between these two factors it is the component relating to soil moisture that proves more limiting. Probabilities of occurrence of water and of given temperatures are estimated by reference to summed temperatures and total rainfall, but also in relation to certain more specific indicators. Heat conditions and heat resources can be summed up by reference to the continuity of the vegetation period or growing season, which are limited for each type of plant, with thresholds for each crossed over the spring-autumn period in relation to biological minima. In the case of agricultural crops in Bulgaria, the biological minima are taken to be: 5°C - for wheat, barley, oats, peas, lentils and sunflowers; 10°C for corn, haricot beans and soybeans, and 15°C for cotton, vegetables and other spring cultures. The durations of cold and warm periods are of course interrelated characteristics. In the first period a key further issue is to determine the number of days with snow fall and with snow cover, these being fundamental to the shaping of soil-moisture reserves after the spring snow melt. Defining regions with thermal stress during the vegetation season is a further priority in describing agroclimatic conditions. Values indicative of limitations on crop growth would be one or more periods of at least 10 consecutive days with maximal air temperature over 35°C. Temperatures over 28°C are considered stresses that slow growth, and may even destroy plants if heat stress develops. The components most limiting the growth, development and formation of yields from agricultural crops are conditions as regards moisture represented in relation to atmospheric and soil moisture. The most apparent indicator is the annual total rainfall, or else the rainfall total in periods with average daily temperatures over 5 or over 10°C. A cross correlation matrix between the meteorological elements upon which evapotranspiration depends, i.e. air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed and vapour pressure deficit, is discussed. One of the ways of assessing the actual necessity for water is to consider the difference between rainfall totals and potential water use, i.e. evapotranspiration. The difference between these two variables presents the balance of atmospheric moisture (BAM). Values for the relationship between real and potential evapotranspiration were calculated for two potential vegetation sub periods: March-June (the period in which the yields from winter crops are shaped) and July-August (the period in which the yields for spring crops are shaped).

Keywords: agroclimatic conditions, agroclimatic resources, zoning of agroclimatic resources

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN
Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., & Georgieva, V. (2015). Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation. Europa XXI, 29, 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
MLA: Kazandjiev, Valentin, et al. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
Chicago: Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, and Georgieva, Veska. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
Harvard: Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., & Georgieva, V. 2015. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2

Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria

Veska Georgieva, Valentin Kazandjiev, Marek Degórski, Krzysztof Błażejczyk, Magdalena Kuchcik, Bożena Degórska

Europa XXI (2015) vol. 29, pp. 43-58 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3

Further information

Abstract The work described here has sought to determine soil water content change and its relation with the change in the main agro-climate forming meteorological elements for the 1981-2010 period in comparison with the 1951-1980 one. Changes in the main meteorological elements, which lead to spoiled agrometeorological conditions in the second half of the 20th century over the Bulgaria, were identified. These trends are confirmed in the climatic scenarios for future changes through to 2050 and 2070.

Keywords: soil water content, agrometeorological conditions, climate change, winter wheat

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN
Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Magdalena Kuchcik [mkuchcik@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Bożena Degórska [bodego@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Georgieva, V., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., Kuchcik, M., & Degórska, B. (2015). Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
MLA: Georgieva, Veska, et al. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
Chicago: Georgieva, Veska, Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, Kuchcik, Magdalena, and Degórska, Bożena. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
Harvard: Georgieva, V., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., Kuchcik, M., & Degórska, B. 2015. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3

Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria

Krzysztof Błażejczyk, Valentin Kazandjiev, Marek Degórski, Peter Dimitrov

Europa XXI (2015) vol. 29, pp. 59-72 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4

Further information

Abstract Agriculture is a sector of the national economy strongly influenced by climatic conditions. A majority of jobs in agriculture are still performed outdoors, under various weather conditions. Several meteorological situations can lead to severe disturbances in the organism of agricultural workers, with high temperature, intensive insolation and elevated air humidity proving especially dangerous, as such weather conditions can lead to overheating and dehydration of the body. The work presented here compares biothermal conditions in Poland and Bulgaria from the point of view of occupational health. To this end, use was made of several indices assessing heat stress in human beings, namely: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), HUMIDEX, Water Loss (SW), Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Physiological Subjective Temperature (PST). When account was taken of the occurrence of heat extremes as defined by these indices, it proved possible to distinguish categories of health risk regarded as small, increased or great. Comparison of the two agricultural regions reveals significantly more severe heat stress in Bulgaria than in Poland, in terms of both the frequency of heat-stress episodes and the number of hours (daily and monthly) associated with heat stress. This ensures that dangerous conditions for agriculture workers are primarily present in Bulgaria, rather than in Poland.

Keywords: agriculture, Bulgaria, heat stress, occupational health, Poland

Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN

Citation

APA: Błażejczyk, K., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., & Dimitrov, P. (2015). Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
MLA: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, et al. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
Chicago: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, and Dimitrov, Peter. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
Harvard: Błażejczyk, K., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., & Dimitrov, P. 2015. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4

Acoustic climate in the environment of the selected road sections in Poland

Krzysztof Błażejczyk, Jarosław Baranowski

Europa XXI (2015) vol. 28, pp. 117-138 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.6

Further information

Abstract Traffic noise is an inherent element of contemporary societies’ life. Its volume systematically increases as the car number is growing and the road network is developed. Traffic noise, especially road-induced noise, is so widespread in our environment that it is hard to isolate ourselves from it. This paper presents the results of acoustic climate studies conducted in the vicinity of selected road sections in Poland: national road DK8 in the vicinity of Budzisko and Augustów, S8 road near Wyszków and at the final stretch of DK 8 in the vicinity of Kudowa-Zdrój. The studies also covered two areas adjacent to A1 motorway in the vicinity of Kamionek and Pelplin and next to road DK 91, which runs in parallel to A1 motorway. Acoustic climate studies were also carried out along A4 motorway and national road DK 94 in the vicinity of Lewin Brzeski. Measurements were made along the Buszyce–Magnuszewice profile. Noise measurements were made on a total of 11 profiles. The analysis covered certain features of the acoustic climate (equivalent sound level, its maximum and minimum values and duration of noise of a given level). Acoustic climate features were compared with data on traffic intensity and vehicle type structure along the road sections under analysis. The paper also discusses sound propagation in the vicinity of transport routes and the impact of local environment characteristics (landscape relief and humidity) on noise propagation. Possible noise level reduction means to be applied in the vicinity of roads are also discussed.

Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Jarosław Baranowski [j.bar@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN

Citation

APA: Błażejczyk, K., & Baranowski, J. (2015). Acoustic climate in the environment of the selected road sections in Poland. Europa XXI, 28, 117-138. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.6
MLA: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, and Baranowski, Jarosław. "Acoustic climate in the environment of the selected road sections in Poland". Europa XXI, vol. 28, 2015, pp. 117-138. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.6
Chicago: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, and Baranowski, Jarosław. "Acoustic climate in the environment of the selected road sections in Poland". Europa XXI 28 (2015): 117-138. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.6
Harvard: Błażejczyk, K., & Baranowski, J. 2015. "Acoustic climate in the environment of the selected road sections in Poland". Europa XXI, vol. 28, pp. 117-138. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.6