Marek Degórski

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], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, 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

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

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], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, 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
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

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Degórski, M. (2015). Europa XXI 29 (2015), Editorial. Europa XXI, 29, 5-6. https://doi.org/
MLA: Degórski, Marek. "Europa XXI 29 (2015), Editorial". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 5-6. https://doi.org/
Chicago: Degórski, Marek. "Europa XXI 29 (2015), Editorial". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 5-6. https://doi.org/
Harvard: Degórski, M. 2015. "Europa XXI 29 (2015), Editorial". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 5-6. https://doi.org/

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], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

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

Abstract This article draws attention to key aspects of the dynamic relationship between urbanisation and climatic conditioning, with particular account taken of the ventilating and cooling of cities and the influence of ecological continuity and connectivity between urban and open areas. Such phenomena are discussed in the context of the quality of life enjoyed by inhabitants of urbanised areas. The role of green infrastructure in shaping urban space from the point of view of the easing or amelioration of negative thermal phenomena is discussed, as is the influence of climatic conditions on the functioning of cities’ water systems. Reference is also made to demographic change in cities, given the major influence this has on inhabitants’ vulnerability to the negative impacts of developing heat islands, most especially in periods of severe and/or prolonged heatwaves.

Keywords: climate change, adaptation, urban areas, Poland

Bożena Degórska [bodego@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], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Degórska, B., & Degórski, M. (2015). The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats. Europa XXI, 29, 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
MLA: Degórska, Bożena, and Degórski, Marek. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
Chicago: Degórska, Bożena, and Degórski, Marek. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
Harvard: Degórska, B., & Degórski, M. 2015. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7

Abstract The influence of car transport on the sanitary state of the soils is the subject of numerous investigations, carried out in various regions of the world, including Poland. The purpose of the study here presented was to determine the content of the heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Cr) in the soils of the areas situated along the roads, characterised by different intensities of traffic, different throughput capacities and smoothness of car traffic flow, as well as different road qualities. Investigations have been carried out in various regions of Poland, in the vicinity of the national roads, expressways, as well as motorways. The samples were collected along the transects, located perpendicularly to the road edge, at distances of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 metres from the road edge. The analysis of the results obtained allowed for the formulation of the following conclusions: the differences as to the heavy metal content in the soils between the particular segments analysed reach the ratio of over 100 times; the decrease of heavy metal content in the soils follows the distance away from the road towards the open space, and is characterized by a more regular distribution in the case of the areas along the national roads and less regular in the case of areas along the motorways; with similar intensities of traffic, the impact of the motorways on the environment is decidedly lower than of the national roads.

Keywords: noise, acoustic climate, car traffic, sound propagation

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Izabela Zawiska [izawiska@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Degórski, M., & Zawiska, I. (2015). The influence of car traffic on the sanitary state of the soils. Europa XXI, 28, 139-150. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.7
MLA: Degórski, Marek, and Zawiska, Izabela. "The influence of car traffic on the sanitary state of the soils". Europa XXI, vol. 28, 2015, pp. 139-150. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.7
Chicago: Degórski, Marek, and Zawiska, Izabela. "The influence of car traffic on the sanitary state of the soils". Europa XXI 28 (2015): 139-150. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.7
Harvard: Degórski, M., & Zawiska, I. 2015. "The influence of car traffic on the sanitary state of the soils". Europa XXI, vol. 28, pp. 139-150. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.28.7

Keywords: perception of nature, attractors, rural-urban regions, ecosystem services

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Degórski, M. (2012). Quality of Life and Ecosystem Services in Rural-Urban Regions. Europa XXI, 22, 137-147. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2012.22.11
MLA: Degórski, Marek. "Quality of Life and Ecosystem Services in Rural-Urban Regions". Europa XXI, vol. 22, 2012, pp. 137-147. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2012.22.11
Chicago: Degórski, Marek. "Quality of Life and Ecosystem Services in Rural-Urban Regions". Europa XXI 22 (2012): 137-147. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2012.22.11
Harvard: Degórski, M. 2012. "Quality of Life and Ecosystem Services in Rural-Urban Regions". Europa XXI, vol. 22, pp. 137-147. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2012.22.11