Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a fast-growing, rhizomatous, perennial C3 grass. It is con-sidered a leading crop for biomass production on marginal and degraded soils with numerous unfavorable conditions such as high salinity, drought, water retention, high and low temperatures and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE). Tailings are a type of technosols con-sisting of the left-over materials from the processing of mined ores. They are characterized by a variety of unfavorable physical and chemical properties that limit or prevent the growth and de-velopment of plants. Tailings pose a potential threat to the environment as they are highly suscep-tible to wind and water erosion which can release significant amounts of PTEs into the environ-ment. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibility of establishing and maintaining the giant reed on the Pb, Zn and Cu mine tailings to facilitate phytostabilization of its surface. The experimental plot was established in 2019. After planting, the plants were fertilized with NPK (15:15:15) at a dosage of 650 kg/ha. The crop was not irrigated. After three years the concentra-tions of the following elements: N, K, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn were determined in the substrate and in the plant material. The highest content of macronutrients was found in the leaves. The ma-jority of PTE, except Mn and Zn were contained within roots, preventing transport to the aerial parts and potentially negative effects on various physiological processes. The preliminary results showed that it is possible to establish a self-sustaining crop of giant reed in a substrate such as mine tailings and provided a basis for future detailed research.

To investigate the quality of soils suitable for the growth of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) L., soil samples and plant material were taken from six different sites in Serbia where the plant grows spontaneously. The basic fertility of the soil was analysed to determine the soil type on which the reed canary grass grows and the content of essential nutrients in the plant material. The soil samples from sites where reed canary grass grows had different pH values, ranging from strongly acidic to almost neutral. The soils differed in humus content, ranging from slightly humic to very humic. The nitrogen content and the available forms of phosphorus in the soil samples were low, while the content of available forms of potassium was medium to well supplied. The lowest nitrogen content and the highest content of potassium and phosphorus were measured in the stalks of reed canary grass.

Faced with the challenges posed by climate change, Serbian viticulture is looking for sustainable solutions for adaptable production. This study shows that grass is a multifunctional tool for overcoming the challenges of intensive viticulture while maintaining the quality of the grapes. In a three-year research experiment (2020–2022), the maintenance of an inter-row sward in a vineyard with four certified high-quality French Cabernet Sauvignon clones was investigated, and its effects on the ampelographic composition of the grapes and the quality of the grape juice (must) were studied as a function of wine quality. A grass sward was established between the rows as a biological soil management system and as a climate change adaptation measure in a high-intensity viticultural system. A grass–legume mixture was used as an inter-row cover crop, with nitrogen applied in two doses (50 and 100 kg ha⁻¹) in spring. The growth of the grasses responded to the nitrogen fertilisation, which was reflected in the biomass production, surface cover and nitrogen content in the biomass. At the end of the study, the biomass of the grass increased threefold when a high dose of nitrogen was applied compared to the non-fertilised grass. In contrast to the effects of nitrogen on the sward, N has no effect on the quantitative or qualitative parameters of the grapes. Clone 169 was separated for most grape mechanical parameters such as the bunch mass, all berries and the bunch stem; clone 15 showed the best grape juice quality parameters such as the sugar content and glycoacidometric index. The results show an option for climate change adaptation in viticulture that can mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, contribute to soil conservation and carbon storage in biomass and enable timely interventions in vineyards after heavy rainfall by creating accessible paths within the vineyards. The three-year effect of the different nutrient management of the sward in the inter-rows of Cabernet Sauvignon showed that the interaction between the two systems, sward and vine, is low and has no negative impact on the ampelographic and qualitative grape parameters.

Coal combustion produces large amounts of ash, often deposited in open landfills without vegetation, posing environmental risks. Vegetation stabilizes ash, reduces erosion and pollutant mobility, and provides organic matter. Brassicaceae species, such as cabbage, can absorb heavy metals, making them suitable for phytoremediation. This study evaluated cabbage (“srpski melez”) growth and metal accumulation on a fly ash landfill in spring 2023. Substrate and plant samples were analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, N, P, K, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Germination and biomass were lower on ash, but metal concentrations in plants remained below phytotoxic thresholds. Cabbage grown on ash can phytostabilize zinc and phytoextract manganese and lead

In recent years, second-generation perennial energy grasses have gained attention for their potential role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the possible health risks associated with their large-scale cultivation remain insufficiently addressed. This paper presents a narrative literature review of the potential allergenic effects of the main perennial grass energy crops (Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Miscanthus × giganteus, Arundo donax), with Zea mays used as a reference first-generation energy crop. A structured search was conducted in major electronic databases using predefined keywords related to bioenergy crops, pollen dispersal, and allergenicity. The search identified a wide body of literature on crop biology and bioenergy potential, but only a limited number of studies addressed allergenic outcomes directly. The evidence suggests that, except for P. arundinacea, most second-generation grasses are late-flowering species. If cultivated on a larger scale near urban centers, these crops could alter the seasonal pattern of allergenic pollen exposure by shifting the allergic burden toward the late growing season (August-October). While the expected overall impact on the annual pollen load appears modest-potentially reducing the June peak typical for Europe while slightly increasing exposure later in the season-these changes warrant consideration in land-use and public health planning.

In recent years, the world's population has been dealing with the increasing challenges of global warming. For this reason, second-generation perennial grass energy crops are increasingly becoming the focus of research. It is expected that the utilisation of these plants can make a significant contribution to achieving the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable development and improving energy efficiency. In our review, we look at the potential of the most interesting second-generation perennial energy grasses in the south-eastern (Phalaris arundinacea L.; Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steude; Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.; Arundo donax L.; Panicum virgatum L.). These plants are notable for high biomass production (average 6-25 t ha-1), low costs, and versatile utilization. In addition to combustion (average 14-18 MJ kg-1), biomass is also used for the production of bioenergy, biofuels, chemicals, biopolymers, biocomposites or as a building material. Perennial energy crops provide sustainable energy production with lower emissions of greenhouse gases than fossil fuels, as part of the CO2 released is returned to the atmosphere from which it was originally absorbed through photosynthesis. These plants are a promising option for biofuel production due to their simple agrotechnology and efficient use of water and nitrogen. Growth possibility on poor quality and degraded soils is also a positive aspect of these plants.