No. 1 (2001)

Published May 27, 2001

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Articles

  • The dual function of soil: natural resources and production site
    5-19
    Views:
    64

    First, we begin with a review of the global situation, followed by a description of that in Hungary itself. Next, we consider the conditions affecting soil utilization, and their relevant problems. Finally, we make a brief prediction of what can be expected in the coming two decades or so. For this latter reason, it is necessary to briefly illustrate the situation, processes and relationships.

    308
  • Establishing regional cultivating districts on the basis of the Kreybig practical soil mapping system
    20-25
    Views:
    86

    With the help of this report evaluating the current situation of the region, characteristics of the development in agricultural production and regional differences can be clarified. By mapping out the regional soil, land use and climatic conditions and organizing these into a geographical information system, one can easily determine which plants are the most ideal to cultivate in that particular region. Moreover, it is a useful tool that enables us to
    establish the most favorable land use structure suited to ecological demands and also helps to determine the methods of soil protection.
    During our work, we chose administrative units in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, based on the latest aspects of regional cultivation.
    Our pilot areas are: the small regions of Nyíregyháza, Nyírbátor, Nagykálló, Mátészalka and Csenger.
    Using the database, we separated and uncovered the soil conditions of the pilot areas: the chemical and physical properties of the soil layer which is exploited by the roots of the plants, the humus content, the nutrient supply, the thickness of the cultivated layer and the water management conditions.
    We separated the districts of regional cultivation, where the basic elements of the traditional Kreybig color systems were applied (light yellow, dark yellow, light brown, dark green, blue, pink, red, gray, greenish brown, reddish purple, light purple, dark purple, light green).
    By using the data collected from the pilot areas, we compiled a map database, which is suitable to illustrate the plant cultivating characteristics of the region. We made recommendations to determine the most favorable plants to cultivate in the specific region with the given meteorological and soil conditions, as well as for the shifting of crops.
    Our recommendations were also illustrated in a map with a resolution of 1:25000. 

    115
  • Effects of production factors on the yield and yield component of winter wheat
    26-31
    Views:
    76

    The effect of major production factors (forecrop, fertilisation, irrigation, soil cultivation and soil preparation) on the yield components and yield of winter wheat were studied in a long-term  experiment set up at the Látókép Experimental Nursery of the Agricultural Sciences Centre of the University of Debrecen. The results of regression analysis led to the following conclusions:
    • In our experiments in 2000, after using maize as a forecrop –based on the results of analysis of regression – fertilisation determined the yield.
    • After using pea as a forecrop, a N50 P35 K40 kg/ha fertiliser rate led to an economical increase in the yield of winter wheat.
    • None of the determinative yield components varied significantly for winter wheat produced after using pea as a forecrop.
    • There is a closed, significant correlation between plant height, spike length, plant and spike mass, the number of spikelets and grains per spike after using maize as forecrop. The thousand grain mass is different from the other yield components, because it is not part of the relation system of
    those yield components.
    • The increased yield of winter wheat after maize has been used as a forecrop is due to the positive change in grain number per spike yield component.

    118
  • Correlation between sowing time of maize hybrids, yield and seed moisture content at harvest on chernozem soil
    32-41
    Views:
    103

    In this paper, we analysed the results of maize sowing time experiments conducted by the Department of Crop Sciences and Applied Ecology of the University of Debrecen Agricultural Sciences Centre, during the period from 1997-1999. We made the experiments at the experimental garden of DE ATC, on a chernozem soil with lime deposits.
    In 1997, we examined five hybrids, in 1998 six hybrids, and in 1999 three hybrids, with three sowing times. Sowing times were early (10. Apr. and 08. Apr.), optimal (25. Apr. and 28. Apr.) and late (15. May and 17. May). 
    We examined the following standards: yield, seed moisture content at harvest, thousand kernel mass, duration of flowering, emergence time and profitability.
    In 1977, the emergence times, in order of sowing, were: 24, 12 and 9 days. Yields of the sowing times were the following, in mean, for the five hybrids: in the early sowing time (10. Apr.) 11,81 t/ha, in the optimal sowing time (25. Apr.) 11,67 t/ha, and in the late sowing time (15. May) 12,9 t/ha. The seed moisture content of the five hybrids at harvest was 8% less in early sowing time, than in the late sowing time. The thousand kernel mass was the biggest in late sowing time, but we could not prove any significant connection attributable to the effect of sowing time. We examined
    profitability, too. Of the five hybrids, four attained the greatest profit with the early sowing time in 1997.
    In 1998, the emergence times, in the order of sowing, were: 21, 10 and 11 days. Yields of the sowing times were the following, in mean, for the six hybrids: 08. Apr. 10,34 t/ha, 25. Apr. 11,02 t/ha, 15. May 11,52 t/ha. There were no significant differences between yields in 1998. The seed moisture content of the six hybrids at harvest was 7% less for the early sowing time, than for the late sowing time. In 1998, the profits were greatest for the
    early and traditional sowing times.
    In 1999, the numbers of days from sowing to emergence were 18, 9 and 9 days, in the order of sowing times. Yields of the sowing times were the following, in mean, for the three hybrids: 13,25  t/ha, 12,51 t/ha and 12,34 t/ha, in the order of sowing times. The seed moisture content of maizes at harvest was 6% less with an early sowing time in the mean of all hybrids. In 1999, hybrid maizes gave big profits with early sowing times.
    Summing up the results of the three years, we can conclude that we get a significant yield increase and reduced seed moisture content at harvest if we apply the early sowing time, which can considerably increase the efficiency of maize cultivation. 

    160
  • Impact of fertilization on production capacity and reaction to fertilization in maize hybrids
    42-46
    Views:
    66

    New varieties and fertilization have significantly increased yields of maize in recent decades. It has to be taken into account however that the interactions and the balanced combination of cropping factors (ecological, biological and agrotechnical) are the main factors which determine yields. Weather conditions were rather unfavourable during the last decade. Extreme weather conditions occurred due to global warming; 6 of 10 years were plagued by drought. Consequently yields increased from 10-20% to 30-50%. In view of varieties the situation is advantageous, maybe the supply of hybrids is too high, nevertheless those hybrids need to be selected which are particularly well adjusted to the ecological conditions. Many technologies can be applied which vary according to intensity, but the balanced combination of cropping factors should be secured on the basis of the hybrid’s intensity. Among agrotechnical factors the compensation of nutrients and technological conditions were inadequate. These days farmers only use nitrogenous fertilizers consequently they significantly decrease the easily available P and K content of the soil which in long term leads to the deterioration of the soil’s productivity. The technological background is therefore important, because sufficient yields can only be expected if agrotechnical operations are carried out in the right time and quality. 

    88
  • Previous data on the relationship between the intensity of pruning and the degree of damage in integrated and organic applegrowing systems
    47-52
    Views:
    87

    In Hungary, fruit growers are increasingly interested in environmentally friendly growing methods, such as organic and integrated systems. Vital is the establishment of a strengthened system of cultivar-pruning-plant protection in production technology. Consequently, our aim was to examine the susceptibility of apple cultivars to diseases and pests and the effect of pruning technique on diseases and pests in organic and integrated growing systems.
    Two pathogens (Venturia inaequalis, Podosphaera leucotricha) and two pests (Leucoptera malifoliella, Pannonychus ulmi) were observed in organic and integrated systems under „strong” and „weak” pruning techniques. Our results on six cultivars showed that the pathogens and pests infested the trees more in the organic system, as compared to that of integrated production. The pruning technique affected mainly the susceptible
    cultivars to diseases and pests. The „weak” pruning technique caused a higher level of diseases and pests infestations than the „strong” pruning technique, especially in the organic growing system. The likely reason is that the shoots grow fast and powerfully under “strong” pruning technique. This supports better preservation of the trees supported by susceptibility of plant tissues to diseases and pests.

    119
  • Cytokinin and auxin levels in micropropagating Red Fuji and McIntosh apple varieties
    53-59
    Views:
    87

    Effects of media hormone content on in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting were examined in cv. Red Fuji and McIntosh apple scions. Multiplication responses of shoots to different concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mg/l) of 6-benzylaminopurine and 6-benzylaminopurine riboside were tested at two levels (0.1 and 0.3 mg/l) of indole-3-butyric acid. The best proliferation rate was achieved on medium containing 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid in cv. Red Fuji (5.3) and on medium containing 1.0 mg/l 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.3 mg/l
    indole-3-butyric acid in cv McIntosh (10.3). The length of shoots on these media was enough for rooting (38.4 mm in cv. Red Fuji and 39.3 mm in cv McIntosh). Shoots developed on the best proliferation medium were used for rooting. Effects of different concentrations of auxin in the root induction media and presence of activated charcoal in the root elongation media were examined on rooting capacity. The best rooting rate (100% in cv. McIntosh and 83% in cv. Red Fuji) was achieved when the root induction medium contained 1.0 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid. In general, rooting was inhibited in the presence of activated charcoal.  Because of high in vitro multiplication and rooting rate and high percent of survival during acclimatisation, the methods described here make effective micropropagation processes possible for cv. Red Fuji and McIntosh. 

    97
  • Developing vegetable and fruit marketability potentials in Hajdu-Bihar county in terms of Hungary’s EU accession
    60-69
    Views:
    76

    prearrangement, Hungary will be ready to join the EU by the 1st of January 2003. In the course of negotiations, the Government places special emphasis on agriculture, because Hungary is an agrarian country. Agricultural production is an important economic factor in Hungary: larger a factor in its economic structure than in those of the present EU member-states. In order to preserve competitiveness, Hungarian farmers and its
    processing industry require information on the EU's CAP and other market influences.
    In Hajdú-Bihar county the quality of agricultural products fall behind the standards of the European Union. There is no real solidarity among farmers, so they are left alone and are unable to meet higher, those standards, which were introduced by the structural changes of the market. Unfortunately, there is only one fruit and vegetable marketing organization (PO) in the county, although its necessity and effectiveness has been proved several times.
    Within the framework of Rural Development, agricultural marketing is vital, because together with the local FVM institutes, it can help the farmers by providing consultation, information, and by marketing their products. Since fruit and vegetable growing has a considerable history in Hajdú-Bihar county, marketing activities can be effective in assisting both the farmers and the processing industry in preparation for EU integration.

    210
  • Enhancement potentials for labour efficiency in small and large scale cattle farms
    70-75
    Views:
    66

    The author examined the possibilities of increasing the labour efficiency at 6 large-scale farms and at 109 small-scale farms in Hajdú-Bihar county. He stated that the level of labour efficiency was higher for large scale farms than for small-scale farms. However, there is potential for work organisation of milking, feeding and other jobs on the large-scale farms, too. The reason for the low labour efficiency on small-scale dairy farms is the small number of livestock, obsolete machinery, and lack of expertise. The author points out that the quality of raw milk is also an important issue. Using examination methods of work organisation, he determined the critical points of raw milk production.

    110
  • Economic impacts of applying EU animal protection regulations in hog breeding farms
    76-80
    Views:
    78

    Hungary’s intention to join the EU makes it necessary to adopt, introduce and use the EU system of law. In Hungary, the legal control of animal welfare has improved (XXVIIIth law in 1998); however, most of our pig farms do not meet the EU animal welfare law requirements for some reason. We examined 9 pig farms in Hajdú-Bihar, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén and Heves counties. We chose those farms which use the combined breeding
    technology most frequently used in Hungary. The most important part of the welfare directive is the definition of the minimum space per animal. We analysed the data in comparison with EU laws. On the basis of the analysis, it can be said that there is a narrow cross-section: the breeding of piglets. During the cost analysis, we analysed cost and highlighted the permanent cost. We studied how these costs would change if EU animal welfare laws were observed. We also examined the specific data per 1 sow and per 1 kilogram of slaughter pig. We compared the present data (1999) with those we get if EU animal welfare laws concerning minimal space per pig were now followed. It can be stated that after decreasing the sow live-stock in accordance with EU directives, the permanent cost would increase by 17,7% per sow. If the required space per sow were provided, the total cost per sow would increase by 1,9% from 421,1 thousand forints to 429 thousand forints, on average. This would mean a decrease of 7,9
    thousand forints profit per sow. As with the decrease of the number of sows, the number of slaughter pigs also decreases. Total cost per 1 kg of slaughter pig would increase from 214,7 forints to 218,2 on average. 

    170
  • Description of the Micro-Loan Program, payment and conclusions
    81-86
    Views:
    69

    The system of microcapital goes back 8 years in Hungary. Its strategy and practice developed at a time when really small enterprises emerged with little practise and even less capital. Specialists organising and executing programs started with microcapital with little experience. This programme provided the young and experienced an opportunity to gain experience they lacked, and seems to have been extremely successful.

    176
  • Motivation in various agricultural organizations
    87-91
    Views:
    76

    As a PhD student I have studied the role of motivation within Hungarian agriculture among leaders of different levels and in several kind of organisations in order to find out the significance of various elements contributing to a motivated leaders and manpower.
    450 respondents were asked to describe their motivational situation by filling in a questionnaire.

    Pecuniary rewards are the most important incitement to  motivation within all categories of leaders followed by responsibility and result feedback. The possibility of punishment and job enrichment however, was not essential. Among limited corporation leaders result feedback and improvement of work conditions were the outmost source to motivation. Among cooperative leaders aim definitions and improvement of work condition were considered as the most important contribution to motivation. In their opinion punishment and job enrichment could not motivate.

    163
  • Molecular genetic investigations for increasing the production results of farm animals
    92-96
    Views:
    71

    The author analysed the publications related to molecular genetics presented at the 51st annual meeting of the European Association for Animal Production. Her aim was to make the latest molecular genetic results known and to emphasise that this discipline plays an increasingly important role in research and the practical fields of animal breeding and production.

    148
  • ‘Reinventing’ agricultural education for 2020 (action programme in the USA)
    97-99
    Views:
    72

    The world of agricultural education continues to grow more complex. We develop, disseminate and interpret more information in less time than ever before. These rapid changes require new ways of thinking, working and interacting. On January 1, 1996, in the United States of America, The National Council for Agricultural Education inaugurated „Reinventing Agricultural Education for the Year 2020” an initiative to strengthen agricultural and food systems education for the 21st Century. This project is a national effort on behalf of agricultural education, vision and strategic plan for agricultural education in the longer range future. „Reinventing Agricultural Education for the Year 2020” is a visionary planning initiative that brings together key stakeholders at the local, state, regional and national levels. These groups share their thoughts and ideas while developing concensus on what agricultural education should be in the 21st century. 

    106