Increased mobility of people around the globe has facilitated transferring species to new environments, where some have found suitable conditions and even become invasive. False indigo‐bush (Amorpha fruticosaL.) is a plant native to North America but has intentionally or unintentionally spread over the Northern Hemisphere, where it often becomes invasive. The plant is especially easily dispersed within the watersheds of large rivers, where seasonal flooding is regular. Seeds and other propagules are buoyant, and when the water recedes, new plants emerge, forming dense thickets where only a few other species can co‐exist. In order to sustain native biodiversity, spread control is needed. However, mechanical control and eradication measures currently in use are labor demanding and costly, while application of herbicides is limited. On the other hand, the plant possesses a number of beneficial properties, such as phytochemical applications (medical and insecticidal effects), biocoenotic uses (honey plant, ornamental features), and ecosystem services (soil stabilization, provision of food for animals, and fiber and biomass for industry, e.g., nanocellulose). For the reasons above mentioned, the plant is considered quite controversial, and the paper discusses both aspects: potential detrimental effects when introduced to new habitats and its beneficial uses for human society. In addition, the paper presents alternative measures of spreading control (e.g., grazing) and argues that exploiting it for beneficial purposes might help spread control, thus covering the expenses of controlling its distribution.

The hydrochemical properties of groundwater play a crucial role in crop growth and soil health, as well as the maintenance of irrigation equipment. To ensure suitable water quality for irrigation, the present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrochemical properties of irrigation groundwater in a typical agricultural region of Serbia. Groundwater was sampled at three monitoring locations in the Srem region in Republic of Serbia between 2011 and 2020. Examined parameters included electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved salts (TDS), pH values, and the concentrations of cations (sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺) and potassium (K⁺)) and anions (bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), sulfate (SO₄²⁻), and nitrate (NO₃⁻)). Further assessment was done using three classification systems; Nejgebauer’s, the US USSL, and the FAO classification. To obtain a more detailed assessment, additional indices were included, such as Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly’s Ratio (KR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), and Total Hardness (TH). The PCA analysis detected that the concentration of K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺ in the irrigation water were lower in recent years, while the concentration of Cl⁻ was higher. The cluster analysis grouped the parameters into three clusters; I—electroconductivity, II—dry residue and HCO₃⁻, and III—other water parameters for all three monitoring localities. According to the applied classifications, the majority of underground water samples were suitable for irrigation. However, some samples fell out of the range of the first class, indicating the need for regular water quality monitoring. In light of climate changes that influence water deficiency, the urgent need for wise and sustainable water use implies the application of a comprehensive approach to irrigation water quality assessment, as shown in this study.

The Danube River plays significant role not only for preserving natural ecosystems. The aim of this paper is to examine the Middle Danube water quality in the part flowing through Serbia in section Bezdan -Banatska Palanka. Water quality data were examined for seven control points for period 2004-2018, for seven parameters: suspended solids (SS), dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity ( EC ), nitrates (NO ₃ ^– -N), total phosphorus (P _tot ), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD ₅ ) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Data analyses included the application of ANOVA, linear regression analysis and Mann-Kendall trend test. The Mann-Kendall tests in most (32/49) cases, i.e. in 65 %, confirmed the non-existence of a significant trend. Significant downward trends were confirmed in 17 cases. Water quality improvement was confirmed at following control points: Bezdan for NO ₃ ^– -N, P _tot and BOD ₅ ; Bogojevo for NO ₃ ^– -N, P _tot , COD and BOD ₅ ; Novi Sad for P _tot , BOD ₅ and COD; Slankamen for BOD ₅ and COD; Smederevo for NO ₃ ^– -N and COD; Banatska Palanka for NO ₃ ^– -N. Slight deterioration of water quality was confirmed only in two cases, at the Zemun and Smederevo where DO was decreasing. Water quality for the examined period was stable and can be characterised as excellent and/or very good (class I or class II). Results emphasise fact that water quality trends monitoring reveals river sectors where the process of water quality degradation is ongoing. Timely detected critical river sectors can draw the attention of decision-makers, who can improve the existing legislation that would lead to water quality improvement.