"Annals of the University of Craiova - Agriculture Montanology Cadastre Series "

OLT COUNTY – SUNFLOWER PRODUCER AT NATIONAL AND REGIONAL LEVEL

Dragoș-Mihai MEDELETE — 2025-12-26

Sunflower is the main oilseed crop in Romania. The species justifies its interest in practicing it through its multiple uses: food, industrial, fodder, technological, export and profit-making. Analyzing the situation of this crop, in the case of Olt County, is justified by the agricultural potential of the respective county, which has a total area of 549,828 ha, an agricultural area of 436,515 ha and an arable area of 390,336 ha. Under these conditions, sunflower occupied 69,661.71 ha, which represents 15.96% of the agricultural area and 17.85% of the cultivated arable area. At the national level, Olt County held, on average (for the period 2017-2023), 6.31% of the cultivated area (1,103,719.86 ha), and at the regional level 38.14% (182,661.86 ha).
Olt County obtained 174,459 t of sunflower, which determines a share of 6.55% at national level (2,661,881.86 t) and 38.07% at regional level (458,195.14 t) – the second producer after Dolj County. The average production per hectare was 2,557 kg, at county level, which makes Olt exceed the national level (2,418 kg) by 5.75% and the regional level (2,539 kg) by 0.71%.
Based on the specificity of Olt County, it can be considered an important sunflower producer at the regional level under conditions of a convenient level of capitalization, especially for medium and large-sized producers, but the negative influence of the climatic factor must be reduced.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING AND GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION WITH AUTOCAD OF THE FUNCTIONING OF VEGETABLE REMAINS SHREDDERS

Cristian VASILE — 2025-12-31

Agricultural work is considered the oldest human occupation, being determined mainly by the need for insurance of the food necessary for survival. The positive evolution of human civilization has generated an increase and diversification of food needs, thus contributing to the improvement of work techniques and the modernization of tools and equipment used in agriculture. One of the current scientific research topics in the agricultural field is related to the problem of clearing land of vegetable remains by cutting, chopping and then uniformly distributing the chopped material on the soil surface in order to ensure optimal conditions for carrying out agricultural work necessary for the future crop on that land. This article presents a mathematical modeling of the operation of a vegetable remains shredder, which aims to permanently verify the characteristic working parameters in accordance with the optimal values indicated by the manufacturers of these machinerys. The equations of the mathematical model allow the calculation of the desired working parameters at different time intervals, for certain values of the machinery's travel speed or drum rotation speed. A scale graphic representation of the cutting elements is also made, as well as a graphic simulation of the operation of the vegetable remains shredders. For this, the facilities offered by the commands in AutoCAD are used, which is a computer application that allows drawing and graphic design aided by computer.

VALORIZATION OF TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN PRODUCTS FROM THE OLTENIA REGION, IN THE MODERN FOOD INDUSTRY

Marius VLADU — 2025-12-22

This paper analyzes the process of valorization of Romanian traditional products in the context of the modern food industry, taking the Oltenia region as a case study. The research starts from the premise that traditional products represent not only a component of the national gastronomic and cultural heritage, but also an important economic resource for the sustainable development of the rural environment.
The main purpose of the study is to highlight the evolution, diversity and distribution of certified traditional products in Oltenia during the period 2020–2025, as well as recent trends in their adaptation to the requirements of the contemporary food market. The research material was compiled based on official data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the county agricultural directorates, with a total of 42 certified traditional products analyzed — 29 in 2020 and 13 in 2021–2025. The method used was the statistical-descriptive analysis of products by county and by food category.
The results obtained show that Vâlcea County holds a dominant position within the region, with 23 certified products (approximately 55% of the regional total), followed by Gorj (8 products) and Olt (5 products). From a structural point of view, the “meat and meat products” category predominates, representing approximately 62% of the total products, confirming the Oltenia gastronomic specificity. In the following years, a sharp diversification of the portfolio is observed, through the appearance of artisanal beverages (19%), dairy products (7%) and those made from vegetables and fruits (7%). This evolution reflects the adaptation of local producers to modern consumption trends, oriented towards natural, authentic and sustainable products.The study highlights the fact that the Oltenia region has a considerable potential for economic and touristic valorization of traditional products, and their promotion and certification represent a strategic direction for the sustainable development of rural space and the consolidation of Romanian cultural identity.

USING NOVEL EXTRACTS FROM CARROT RESIDUES AND BY-PRODUCTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF VALUABLE FUNCTIONAL FOODS

Petre SAVESCU — 2026-01-05

Even if there are certain EU development programs, agri-food resources are used today without an adequate strategy in terms of food safety and regional/state food security.
Significant volumes of edible parts of agri-food products are lost - increasing food waste, in conditions where certain climate changes and possible economic crises may block the recovery of some production systems.
Moreover, promoting a circular economy, recovering valuable bio-compounds from certain agri-food products and using them in the development of functional foods, could contribute to sustainable development and increased life expectancy.
The paper presents a case study that highlights how a series of valuable bio-compounds (less used today) can be recovered from agri-food products and used within innovative eco-friendly technologies - in the development of functional foods beneficial to the consumer's health.
Using non-polluting and efficient methods, innovative technologies were obtained that led to the production of food supplements with real effects in certain metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome). Technologies that used electro-chemical, bio-chemical and spectral analysis methods (SFE, AAS, UV-VIS, analysis of the activity of some oxidoreductases, bio-membrane activation techniques) produced outstanding results reaching a validated TRL5 level.
As a result of the application of these technologies, safe and innocuous food supplements and functional foods were obtained from previously unused by-products

ASPECTS CONCERNING THE STATE OF THE HEALTH SECTOR AT THE LEVEL OF NATURAL PROTECTED AREAS ROSCI0045 JIUL CORRIDOR, ROSPA0010 BISTREȚ AND NATURE RESERVES DRĂNIC FOSSIL SITE-2391 AND THE ZĂVAL FOREST- IV.33+A6

Radu-Lucian PANZARU — 2025-12-28

The paper refers to some defining aspects of the medical sector for the Protected Areas ROSCI0045 Jiu Corridor, ROSPA0010 Bistreț and the Natural Reservations Locul Fosilifer Drănic-2391 and Pădurea Zăval- IV.33+A6, based on three particular indicators: health units (numerical), existing beds in health units (numerical) and medical and health personnel (numerical). The previously mentioned protected areas refer to 56 UATs (37 from Dolj County, 17 from Gorj County, one from Mehedinți County, one from Olt County).
The number of healthcare units increased from 2,023 in 2017 to 2,254 in 2021, the patient accommodation capacity increased from 3,988 to 4,793 beds, for the entire area, and the number of medical and healthcare personnel increased from 9,497 to 10,612 employees.
By providing adequate health services, the impact on fragile ecosystems can be reduced and an attitude of respect and care for the natural environment can be promoted. The large number of health facilities and the variety of types of health facilities within the protected area are essential for ensuring access to quality health care, protecting the health and well-being of the population, and conserving the environment.

RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS BASED ON BLACK TEA

Constantin BUTOI — 2025-12-30

Consumers are increasingly demanding functional foods on the market due to growing awareness of the close link between diet and health. The development of functional foods has made considerable progress in recent years, and interest in this type of food is growing because, in addition to their nutritional value, they also have beneficial effects on human health.
Black tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. Its chemical composition is notable for its high content of polyphenolic compounds, such as theaflavins and thearubigins, as well as amino acids, alkaloids (especially caffeine), and essential minerals. The main redox processes that take place are primarily the oxidation of catechins—phenolic compounds present in fresh leaves—which lead to the formation of thearubigins and theaflavins. Experiment has demonstrated a clear correlation between the activity of some natural and synthetic sweeteners and the change in the concentrations of oxidized and reduced forms of some redox agents. The aim of the research is to identify the changes produced in the specific redox processes of these supplements. The best experimental variant was the one that produced the fewest redox imbalances. Two optimal variants were selected for both consumers without health problems and consumers with health problems, such as diabetics.

STUDY OF THE COLEOPTERA (CERAMBYCIDAE AND LUCANIDAE) FOUND IN THE AMARADIA RIVER BASIN

Laurențiu NICULESCU — 2025-12-29

The territory under study is located in the Amaradia river basin, between the localities of Roșia de Amaradia and Craiova. The Amaradia River is a watercourse that rises from Seciurile Hills in the territory of the Roșia de Amaradia locality in Gorj County. It flows into the Jiu River upstream of the municipality of Craiova. This area has been of particular interest for research over time, due to the characteristics listed previously. The vegetation in the Amaradia basin is characteristic of the Oltenia Plain and Getic Piedmont, respectively the main unit it crosses called the Jiu Hills, with some particularities conferred by relief, altitude, climate, nature of rocks and soil. So, the researched area totals 300 km², is individualized both by the presence of zonal and azonal soils, but also by the high temperatures and the low amount of precipitation recorded during the warm period of the year Cerambycidae Latreille, 1802, is an important family of Coleoptera consisting of about 36,300 species in more than 5,300 genera and eight subfamilies (Tavakilian, 2015; Monne et al., 2017), spread over all continents except Antarctica (Linsley, 1959). The long antennae present in most species, has generated the common name longicorns, longhorns, longicorn beetles (Monne et al., 2017). In Romania, the first mentions of Cerambycidae species date from the end of the 19th century in Transylvania, when Seidlitz published in 1891 Fauna Transsylvanica with identification keys for the 173 species known at that time (Panin & Săvulescu, 1961). The aim of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of cerambycid biodiversity in the Amaradia river basin area and to highlight their taxonomic and biogeographical aspects. Following research in the forest habitats of the Amaradia river basin, we have identified a large number of species of the Coleoptera (Cerambycidae and Lucanidae). In the research area of this forest the most common species are: Lucanus cervus (Linnaeus, 1758), Dorcus parallelipipedus (Linnaeus, 1758), Morimus asper funereus (Mulsant, 1863), Plagionotus arcuatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Chlorophorus varius (Müller, 1766), Plagionotus floralis (Pallas, 1773), Cerambyx cerdo (Linnaeus 1758), Stenopterus rufus (Linnaeus, 1767), Saperda (Lopezcolonia) scalaris (Linnaeus, 1758), Stenurella (Nigrostenurella) nigra (Linnaeus, 1758), Stenurella bifasciata (Müller, 1776). From a taxonomic point of view, they consist of 8 genera, included in 6 tribes and 3 subfamilies.

VALORIZATION OF BERRY BY-PRODUCTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FUNCTIONAL FOODS

Ana Maria BLEJAN — 2025-12-29

The paper presents ways to utilize by-products resulting from the processing of berries, especially billberry, blackcurrant and blackberry pomace, for the development of functional food products. The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition, the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, as well as the use of these by- products in various food matrices, such as fruit leather (pestil) and bakery products. The results highlighted the high potential of pomace powders as a functional ingredient rich in fiber, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, contributing to the production of food products with superior nutritional and functional value.

STUDY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRONG ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTIONAL FOOD BASED ON GREEN TEA

Alexandra-Ioana IONESCU — 2025-12-28

In recent years, there has been an increasing tendency amongst consumers to select functional food and beverages. This phenomenon can be attributed to the various properties of these foods, as well as the increasing demand among consumers for products that support a busy lifestyle and address health concerns.
Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which originates from Asia. The leaves are rich in the antioxidants chlorophyll and polyphenols due to their lack of oxidation and minimal processing. The following properties have been attributed to the green tea: beneficial effects on the circulatory system, improved heart function, prevention of atherosclerosis and obesity, and anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The majority of these are attributable to the presence of biologically active substances in tea leaves, predominantly polyphenolic compounds, as well as alkaloids (theobromine, theophylline and caffeine) and theanine. Green tea contains a large number of NAD- and FMN-dependent enzymes and it is essential for food engineers and innovative product developers to study how these enzymes behave under tea additive conditions. The aim of this paper is to successfully find which sweeteners have the minimum impact on the antioxidant activity in a sweetened green tea functional beverage.

COMPARATIVE SENSORY ANALYSIS OF APRICOT YOGURTS MARKETED ON THE ROMANIAN MARKET

Cristina Emanuela VLADU — 2025-12-22

The paper presents the comparative sensory analysis of three apricot yogurt varieties sold on the Romanian market – Danone Delicios, Artesana and Danone Casa Bună – using the descriptive method and the five-level scoring scale method for evaluating the main organoleptic characteristics. The results obtained indicate the existence of significant sensory differences between the analyzed products. Artesana yogurt recorded the most favorable ratings, being characterized by an intense natural apricot flavor, jam flavor and consistency specific to artisanal products. Danone Delicios assortment presented a fine curd and a yellow-orange color determined by the use of natural dyes, obtaining a good sensory profile, although inferior to that recorded by the Artesana product. In contrast, Danone Casa Bună yogurt was distinguished by a very firm curd, excessive whey separation, white-pink color uncharacteristic of the fruit and a predominantly synthetic taste, corresponding to an addition of only 2% apricot and the presence of artificial flavors, thus being the least appreciated of the varieties. The comparative price analysis highlighted the concordance between commercial positioning and perceived sensory quality: the premium product achieved the best results, and the low-cost product recorded the lowest performance. The study highlights the role of composition, manufacturing technology and labeling in determining the sensory profile of fruit yogurts.

INCREASING MILK PRODUCTION IN COWS DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF MILKINGS PER DAY

Mugurel COLĂ — 2025-12-28

The herd of Holstein cows, either daughters of cows inseminated with semen from non-pedigree bulls (control group) or daughters of pedigree bulls (experimental group), were randomly selected to be milked twice or three times a day. Amount of dry matter (DM), live weight (BW), milk production yield (FCM), milk fat content (FM) were recorded for two lactations. In general, cows in the experimental group produced more milk (P<.0l) than those in the control group and cows milked 3 times a day produced more milk than those milked 2 times a day (P<.0l). Actual milk production was greater (P<.0l) for both groups during the second lactation than during the first lactation. However, the average increase in FCM yield from the first to the second lactation was only about 12% for cows milked twice and 5% for cows milked 3 times. The experimental group of cows gave approximately 25% - 30% more milk during the first and second lactations than the control group cows. Dry matter consumed, regardless of body weight or milk fat percentage, was increased in the experimental group for milk yield. Milk production per DM unit was higher for cows in the experimental group than for the control group at 30, 90 and 200 days postpartum (DPP).
Milking three times a day increased the total milk yield by 14% and 6% during the first and second lactation, respectively.

INFLUENCE OF GENOTYPE AND COLD STORAGE ON THE CULINARY QUALITY OF ROMANIAN POTATO VARIETIES

Nina BĂRĂSCU — 2025-12-28

Genotypic variability among potato cultivars leads to significant differences in cooking behavior, and changes in culinary quality traits of potato genotypes during extended low-temperature storage are also of significant interest. In 2024, twelve potato varieties developed at NIRDPSB Brașov were evaluated for their boiling behaviour and the variability of culinary quality characteristics after 150 days of storage at 4°C. Sensory analysis of boiled tubers allowed the classification of the varieties into culinary use types AB, B, and BC, based on their tendency to disintegrate during boiling, flesh consistency, and moisture content. Extended storage led to changes in the sensory qualities of boiled tubers, particularly by reducing their appearance, decreasing mealiness and flavor intensity, and enhancing the flesh color. Except for Darilena and Cezarina varieties, for which the culinary use type index remained unchanged, the other varieties showed slight variations after storage, generally in a decrease direction. Nonetheless, these changes resulted in a reclassification of the culinary type only for the Sarmis, Cosiana, and Azaria varieties.

CRISPR/Cas9 FOR IMPROVING CROPS QUALITY TRAITS: A PROMISING APPROACH FOR HUMAN HEALTH

Dorina BONEA — 2025-12-30

Continued population growth puts increasing pressure on agriculture. Although increasing crop yields remains an important goal of breeding programs, increasing attention is being paid globally to the nutritional quality of crops, which is important for human health. Conventional breeding to achieve this goal is time-consuming, expensive and laborious, but recent advances in genome editing technology offer a valuable alternative to these problems. CRISPR/Cas9 is one of the most successful genome editing tools (awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020), which allows precise and effective manipulation of genes in a living organism. In this paper, we summarize the main advances achieved in agriculture through CRISPR/Cas9, to improve crop quality (elimination of toxic compounds and allergens, enrichment with anthocyanins, extension of shelf life, etc.). We also presented their benefits for human health, as well as their regulation at the global level. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9 has immense potential in advancing the nutritional quality of crops and therefore, in promoting human health and food security.

SUSTAINABLE CONTROL STRATEGIES IN INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF WHEAT STRIPE RUST– AN OVERVIEW

Mirela PARASCHIVU — 2025-12-28

Wheat stripe rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating diseases affecting wheat production globally. Its epidemic potential, capacity for rapid genetic evolution, and ability to cause significant yield losses make it a persistent threat to global food security. Traditional management approaches, primarily reliant on resistant cultivars and fungicide applications, have been challenged by the emergence of new virulent pathogen races and issues of fungicide resistance. In this context, there is an urgent need to develop and implement sustainable control strategies as part of integrated management systems for wheat stripe rust. Such approaches must balance efficacy, economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social acceptability. This paper provides an in-depth overview of sustainable control strategies within integrated management frameworks for wheat stripe rust, synthesizing recent advances in plant pathology, crop management, energy systems, sustainability science, and digital agriculture. By drawing on cross-disciplinary insights, especially from energy management, industrial process control, and sustainability integration in business and agricultural systems, this review elucidates how innovation in control strategies can address the multifaceted challenges posed by wheat stripe rust.

HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATIONS IN DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L. PLANTS IN AN EXPERIMENT WITH INDUCED POLLUTION SOIL IN THE GREEN HOUSE

Vera CARABULEA — 2025-12-28

This study presents the results of experiments with induced pollution, carried out in the greenhouse, which aimed at the accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) in Dactylis glomerata L. plants. The soil material used for the experiments was harvested from an unpolluted area in the Copșa Mică area. The soil has a fine texture, with a weak alkaline reaction, a medium humus content, a medium nitrogen and potassium supply and a high phosphorus content. The heavy metal contents fall within the normal limits according to Order 756/1997 on the assessment of environmental pollution. To carry out the experiments with induced pollution, the soil material was treated with the appropriate amounts of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) from their soluble salts (acetate), and for each element 6 experimental variants were established depending on the metal content in the soil.
The results obtained were used to parameterize stochastic models that can be used to estimate the accumulation of heavy metals in Dactylis glomerata L. plants depending on the total and mobile (DTPA) content of metals in the soil. The logarithmic plots for the power regression curves estimating the stochastic dependence between the total and mobile content in the soil and aerial part of Dactylis Glomerata L. plants are distinctly statistically significant.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON THE DETERMINATION OF FUNCTIONAL AND QUALITATIVE INDICES OF HYDRAULIC NOZZLES THAT EQUIP SPRAYING MACHINES

Mihnea GLODEANU — 2025-12-30

Obtaining an appropriate effectiveness with minimal expenses of chemical treatments is possible only if they are executed with superior qualitative indices and very precisely in terms of ensuring the stability of the solution norm administered per treated surface unit.
Achieving a biological effectiveness of a spraying treatment is conditioned by ensuring the minimum optimal number of drops per treated surface unit.
The reduction of liquid norms per hectare is possible, however, only under the conditions of maintaining an equal or greater agro-availability of the spraying solution, by using studied spraying systems where the size of the drops can be controlled and directed, as well as their distribution on the plants.
The main objective of the experimental determinations was the determination of some functional and qualitative indices that characterize different types of hydraulic nozzles used in practice.The obtained results will allow a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the treatments carried out with these nozzles, in terms of the biological effect.

SOIL RESILIENCE TO CURRENT CLIMATE CHANGE UNDER THE IMPACT OF NEW AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

Amelia ANGHEL — 2025-12-28

The paper presents the results of physic-chemical and microbiological characteristics of the soil Typical Kastanoziom (SRTS, 2012) in the pedo-climatic conditions of Rîmnicu de Jos, Constanța county (Romania) cultivated using two soil management systems: conventional (classical) and conservative (no-till). Agrophysical profiles were made, from which soil samples were taken (physico-chemical on predetermined depths of 5-10 cm; 25-30 cm and 45-50 cm). The analyses and determinations carried out are in accordance with the standardized methodology commonly used in the ICPA Laboratories and those of the County Offices for Pedological and Agrochemical Studies. No-till is more effective in preserving humus reserves, which is beneficial for long-term soil health and fertility. Bulk density (DAwi g / cm3) in the no-till technology works decreases with depth (the soil is unattached on the first depths – and on the last depth, the soil is very loose), compared to the classical technology where on the depth of 25-30 cm appears a slight compaction. No-till technology improves the chemical characteristics and fertility of the soil, compared to classical (conventional) technology, which can lead to soil alkalization. The implementation of no-till technology seems to greatly increase the resistance of the soil to penetration, which may indicate a better compaction or a more stable structure of the dusty clay soil, which is important for certain crops or for the stability of the land.

APPLICATION OF INTERACTIVE METHODS FOR DEVELOPING HEALTHY LIFESTYLE SKILLS

Rositsa DAVIDOVA — 2025-12-28

The study is part of an experiment aimed at identifying the possibilities for application and the effectiveness of certain interactive teaching methods in “Biology and Health Education” for the purpose of students’ health education. Interactive methods suitable for the lesson aims have been selected from the sections "Kingdom Fungi" and "Kingdom Animals" and methodological variants have been applied at different stages of the macrostructure of the lessons. They have been tested through real teaching activities, and we found that students were interested in the studied health-related problems, and that they were willing to participate and actively involved when taught by means of interactive methods.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES FROM SUGAR BEET PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY BY SEDIMENTATION

Mihnea GLODEANU — 2025-12-30

Wastewater from the food industry is characterized by major changes in quality indicators, and their discharge into the natural water cycle causes contamination of the receiving basin. The most important categories of wastewater from sugar beet processing technology (in terms of quantity and quality) are represented by: wastewater resulting from the transport and washing of raw materials; wastewater resulting from the diffusion and pressing process; condensation water. Wastewater from the diffusion and pressing process is characterized by a high nutrient content. The discharge of these wastewaters into a receiving river can cause its rapid siltation, followed by rapid oxygen consumption. Due to the high temperatures specific to this category of wastewater, the discharge area in particular is likely to be completely devoid of oxygen. This process can also be accompanied by anaerobic fermentations (generating a specific unpleasant smell), as well as the development of biocenoses specific to dirty water. A first step in the treatment of wastewater from sugar beet processing technology consists of its decantation (in order to remove suspended matter). with or without coagulation. The process is carried out using decanters which can be: horizontal, vertical, radial or multi-stage. As a rule, vertical or radial decanters are used, which require a smaller installation space.

IMPACT OF DROUGHT AND EXTREME HEAT ON SUNFLOWER SEED YIELD

Florin Gabriel ANTON — 2025-12-28

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is generally considered moderately resistant to drought conditions. However, in years characterized by low rainfall and high air temperatures, significant reductions in seed yield can occur. At the Fundulea location in south eastern Romania, the year 2024 was marked by drought and extreme heat, resulting in low seed yields among the 15 tested sunflower hybrids. Yields ranged from 611 kg/ha for hybrid H5E in the ExpressSun system to 1,299 kg/ha for hybrid H10CLP in the Clearfield Plus system. In contrast, more favourable climatic conditions in 2025 led to substantially higher yields, ranging from 1,579 kg/ha for hybrid H2E (ExpressSun) to 3,046 kg/ha for hybrid H11CLP (Clearfield Plus). These results demonstrate the pronounced impact of extreme heat and drought, particularly during the flowering and seed-filling phenophases, which are the most sensitive stages of sunflower development. Stress occurring in these phases limits pollination efficiency, seed set, and oil accumulation, ultimately leading to significant yield reductions.

RESEARCH REGARDING THE IMPROVEMENT OF MOUNTAIN MEADOWS IN RANCA AREA, GORJ COUNTY

Călin SĂLCEANU — 2025-12-30

Our country has 4.82 million hecare of meadows, of which 3.34 million are used by grazing. Gorj County is occupied by meadows on almost half of the surface, the meadows in the mountain area being the most intensely exploited. The Rânca area is positioned at altitudes of 1350-1680 m, in the upper part of the boreal floor. The average annual temperature is about 5°C, and the rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm annually. Under these conditions, on these surfaces were installed meadows ecosystems with limited potential of production and quality of feed, such as those of Nardus stricta L.. The research carried out in the agricultural year 2024-2025, within the Research base of the mountain meadows belonging the University of Craiova, Faculty of Agronomy, aimed at quantification of the effect of different types of fertilizers on the biodiversity, productivity and quality of the feed on a Nardus stricta L. meadow. Ferilization with complex solids mineral fertilizers, NPK type, led to an increase in the percentage of grasses species and a decrease in the varous species and to an increase in the production and feed quality of Nardus stricta L., meadow. Also, fertilization efficiency had the maximum value in thys case.

SPECIES COMPOSITION OF THE AVIFAUNA IN A FOREST COMPLEX SOUTHWEST OF VARNA CITY

Ivaylo IVANOV — 2025-12-28

The aim of the study is to clarify the species composition of the avifauna in forest habitats located near Varna city, but outside the boundaries of settlements. These are remote territories, allowing for the exclusion of synanthropic species populations. For this purpose, three relatively large and compact forest areas situated southwest of Varna were investigated. This geographical area is poorly studied, with no previous publicly available data or publications identified. The study areas exhibit considerable similarities regarding the type of forest habitat, including the composition, age, and type of vegetation (broadleaf/coniferous, mixed).
The research employs the transect survey method within the forest territory. The chosen approach encompasses three distinct yet relatively close forest areas, which together provide a clear picture of the species composition across this region. The systematic approach allows for a comprehensive, randomized survey of the avifaunal composition across different types of forest communities. It also serves as a robust foundation for subsequent species-specific studies. The survey was conducted via transects along existing forest roads, which varied in their maintenance level and usage intensity.
This paper presents the findings on species composition, emphasizing the similarities and clarifying the differences observed across the three sub-regions. Given that, in geographical terms, there are no insurmountable barriers to species movement within the study area, it is hypothesized that the variations in the avifaunal species composition are primarily driven by differences in the floristic composition and age structure of the forest habitats.