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

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

Ivaylo IVANOV — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

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

Amelia ANGHEL, Lavinia BURTAN, Monica DUMITRAȘCU, Mihaela LUNGU, Marian MUȘAT — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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, Bilyana BOYCHEVA — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

IMPACT OF DROUGHT AND EXTREME HEAT ON SUNFLOWER SEED YIELD

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.