Simulation of nitrate movement in the subsoil profile of agricultural systems
Models are important tools in assessing the effect of agricultural practices on the quality of surface and ground waters. In this work, the model RZWQM (Root Zone Water Quality Model) is used in estimating nitrate concentration in the subsoil profile of an agricultural field cultivated with corn, under different fertilization and irrigation practices. The model was applied in a field near Kimmeria Village in Xanthi for year 2008. Meteorological data from the station of the Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, located in the area, were used. Three scenarios were evaluated with the model: the scenario of current condition, scenario 1 with double fertilization applied compared to the current condition, and scenario 2 where a different irrigation program was applied compared to scenario 1. In the top subsoil layer (depth 15cm), increased nitrate concentrations were predicted under scenario 2. In depths 60 cm, 90 cm, and 120 cm increased nitrate nitrogen concentrations 72 μg/g, 64 μg/g and 45 μg/g, respectively, were observed under scenario 1. RZWQM is a useful model for the estimation of impact of agricultural activities on ground water.
The sacred woods called “meadows” in Zagori, Pindos mountains, Greecev
In the mountains of Zagori, NW Greece the toponym “livadi” (literally ‘meadow’) occurs, in the vicinity of villages. These “meadows” have not the typical appearance of a grassland but of a woodland functioning mostly as a protective wood above villages Archive study and ethnographic research showed that these woods were considered as sacred by local communities in order to prevent use for private needs and to conserve them for the Community. Most of the times wood cutting was strictly prohibited or controlled by local Authorities and the Church, but grazing was allowed according to local covenants. Those pastures had the form of a savannah type woodland pasture. Such local systems of natural resources conservation functioned efficiently during the period of the Ottoman Occupation and lasted until the Second World War. However supernatural beliefs continue to protect ‘livadia’ in Zagori until today and as a result some of the oldest trees of the region occur there. Nowadays these locally adapted systems have a special scientific value for the study of ecological history, sustainable natural resources management and biodiversity as also for their aesthetic and historical values.
Organic agriculture in Greece with emphasis in the prefecture of Korinthos
Τhis study represents a general review on the organic agriculture practiced in the prefecture of Korinthos as well as an historical review on organic agriculture in Europe and Greece. Additionally, based on a survey held in the area on the opinion of the local growers on this land use, it appears that even thought most of them were aware of it, they were reluctant in applying it. The main reasons were the consumers’ unwillingness to buy these products, possibly due to their high prices, and the lack of state subsidies. Most of them believe that the government should support them with more incentives in order to convert their intensive cultures to organic ones.
Edible plant species in rangeland ecosystems of N. Greece
A great number of botanical taxa exists in the rangelands of Greece. The main use of these taxa is for animal feed as well as for wild life. A lot of rangeland plants are used for ornamental purposes, in turfgrasses for aesthetic and functional reasons, in medicine, in apiculture, as energy plants as well as for reclamation of disturbed areas. Besides these uses, native taxa of rangelands constituted human food since prehistoric time. Some of these species improved and became crops with agricultural development, other disappeared from human diet while some other are still collected for gastronomic purposes in various local cuisines. The interest for Mediterranean diet, which has developed recently, will probably increase the demand for the edible wild plants that have been a part of this diet. The objective of this study was the investigation and the report of the wild edible plants of rangeland ecosystems in northern Greece. Beside the well known Taraxacum sp., many other wild edible plants exist in various rangeland types like Vaccinium myrtillus, Asparagus acutifolius, Lactuca serriola, Sisymbrium officinale, Papaver sp. and Capsella bursa-pastoris.
Ethnomycology: Myths and traditions around mushrooms
Mushrooms used by humans with various ways. Especially once, that didn’t exist the modern way of life, they had many application in popular medicine. They had been valuable food, collected from ancient time, wherefrom exist written evidence for their use and value. Many people have tradition in collecting wild species. Others, through the characteristic of some mushroom, they glorify them and used them in rituals. Many of the species that had been used are coming from prairies. The mushrooms need to induct in the lives of modern people as value and healthy food.
