According to the assumptions of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD, the share of biofuels in the global transport sector is estimated to reach 15–23% by 2050. The triticale can be used to produce bioethanol. The appropriate production process should generate as much renewable energy as possible per production unit. Plant production can be carried out in various tillage systems and using appropriate doses of nitrogen fertilization. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of traditional tillage system (TRD) and reduced (RED) tillage technology and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 kg N ha−1) on grain and bioethanol yield of spring triticale. The field experiment was performed in the south east of Poland (50°42′ N, 23°15′ E) on medium dystrophic typical brown soil. Based on research and calculations, the TRD system and between 40 and 80 kg ha−1 of N fertilizer are recommended for use in the cultivation of triticale for bioethanol production purposes. Such a variant will ensure a sufficient yield of grain (5.190 and 5.803 t ha−1), starch (3.462 and 3.871 t ha−1) and bioethanol (2487.3 and 2780.7 L ha−1) and good agronomic efficiency of N fertilizer (16.96 and 12.15 L of bioethanol per 1 kg of nitrogen (N) applied). The best ratio of energy efficiency of bioethanol production (EROI—Energy Return on (Energy) Investment or “net energy”) was recorded for the TRD system (1.138:1) and for the N fertilizer at 40 kg N ha−1 (1.144:1).

The integration of environmental education into sustainable development is essential for preparing future generations to understand and value ecosystems. This exploratory study examines the short-term effectiveness of two pedagogical approaches—traditional classroom lectures and field workshops with a game-based format—in enhancing adolescents’ awareness of ecosystem services, with emphasis on intangible cultural values. The intervention involved 150 sixth- and seventh-grade students from two schools in Lublin, Poland. The control group attended a lecture, while the experimental group engaged in a six-hour outdoor lesson including a 90 min workshop in the semi-natural green area of Górki Czechowskie. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Both methods improved knowledge, but workshops significantly enhanced place-based awareness (p = 0.017) and showing a statistical trend on recognition of intangible values (p = 0.063). Cluster analysis identified learner profiles: Absorbers (low baseline knowledge, strong relative gains), Narrators (high-achieving girls with improved recognition of intangible services), Eco-Masters (high baseline, limited gains), and Nature Lovers (frequent contact with nature, modest improvement). Notably, low-achieving boys also benefited substantially from experiential activities. These results highlight the value of experiential, narrative-driven education in fostering both cognitive understanding and value-based environmental awareness. Tailoring strategies to learner diversity and preserving semi-natural urban green areas as “living laboratories” are crucial for effective sustainability education. As this research was based on a single-session intervention, the findings should be interpreted as indicative rather than generalizable, offering a preliminary insight into how experiential formats can enhance environmental awareness among adolescents.

The paper describes the floristic diversity and specifies its use value in terms of feeding preferences of konik polski horses and their consumption of permanent grassland in a section of the Wieprz river valley in Roztocze National Park. The flora assessment was conducted by analyzing 79 phytosociological relevés using the Braun-Blanquet method. The results of phytosociological surveys made it possible to distinguish 7 complexes in the Phragmitetea class, 5 complexes and 1 plant community in the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class, and 1 complex in the Nardo-Callunetea class. Natural values of the examined associations were described based on the total and average number of species in a phytosociological relevé, the Shannon-Wiener index, and the phytosociological structure of plant communities. The use value of dry weight of the analyzed meadows and pastures was estimated by means of the use value number (UVN) and taking into account the and yield size. The phytocoenoses identified in the meadows in the section of the Wieprz river valley under study exhibited high natural values (H’ = 3.20–4.62). The dry weight yields of the examined communities varied (from 1.32 to 5.37 t ha–1), but their sward usually had poor and very poor use value (UVN = from –0.55 to 5.8). Furthermore, it should be noted that the sward of wet meadows is readily consumed by the grazing animals, which contributes to the improvement of the natural and use value of meadows.

Grassland communities consist primarily of perennial herbaceous species, with grasses forming a dominant or significant component. These ecosystems have been utilised for economic purposes since the earliest periods of human history. In the natural environment, they fulfil numerous critical functions that, despite increasing awareness of climate change, often remain undervalued. Grasslands contribute directly to climate regulation, air purification, soil conservation, flood mitigation, and public health—all of which positively affect the well-being of nearby populations. Moreover, they satisfy higher-order human needs known as “cultural” services, providing aesthetic enjoyment and recreational opportunities. These services, in tangible terms, support the development of rural tourism. The objective of this study was to examine the perception of cultural ecosystem services provided by different types of grassland communities—meadows, pastures, and lawns. The study employed a structured questionnaire to evaluate the perceived significance and functions of these communities. Respondents assessed their aesthetic and recreational value based on land-use type. To quantify these dimensions, the study applies the Recreational and Leisure Attractiveness Index (RLAI), the Aesthetic Attractiveness Index (AAI), ranking methods, and contingent valuation techniques. Based on the respondents’ declared WTP (willingness to pay) and WTA (willingness to accept) values, statistically significant differences in the perceived value of land-use types were identified. Lawns were rated highest in terms of recreational attractiveness, meadows in terms of aesthetics, while pastures achieved the highest economic values. Significant differences were also observed depending on respondents’ place of residence and academic background. The results indicate that the valuation of cultural services encompasses both functional and psychological aspects and should be integrated into local land-use and landscape planning policies.

The aim of the study was to determine the biophysical and monetary value of ecosystem services of the Spa Park in Nałęczów. It was also important to learn about the significance of the individual functions of the Park for the public as well as about the most valuable category of ecosystem services. The following hypotheses were formulated in this study: therapeutic, natural, and recreational functions are the most important functions of the Park, while provisioning services are the most valuable category of its ecosystem services. The study assumed that the public was ready to bear the costs of the possibility to use a healthy environment, benefits and services provided by the park, and willing to demand compensation for restrictions on the access to these benefits and services. The research was based on the analysis of the literature on the subject and a field survey. The methods used to estimate the value of ecosystem services included: observation and survey walk, document analysis, and contingent valuation method. The park was found to provide several ecosystem services arising from its multi-functional character, which translates into their high value. The respondents regarded provisioning services as the most valuable category of ecosystem services, while therapeutic, natural, and recreational functions as the most valuable. Celem badań była próba oszacowania wartości świadczeń ekosystemowych Parku Zdrojowego w Nałęczowie oraz pozyskanie wiedzy na temat znaczenia dla społeczeństwa poszczególnych jego funkcji oraz najcenniejszej kategorii usług ekosystemowych. W pracy postawiono następujące hipotezy badawcze: najważniejszymi funkcjami pełnionymi przez park są funkcje lecznicze, środowiskowe i wypoczynkowe, natomiast najcenniejszą kategorią jego usług ekosystemowych są usługi zaopatrzeniowe. W pracy założono, że społeczeństwo jest gotowe ponosić koszty z tytułu możliwości korzystania ze zdrowego środowiska oraz z dóbr i usług pochodzących z parku, a także żądać rekompensaty za ograniczenie dostępu do tych dóbr i usług. Badania poprzedzono analizą literatury przedmiotu oraz wizją lokalną. Do oszacowania wartości usług ekosystemowych wykorzystano metody wyceny, takie jak obserwacja i spacer badawczy, analiza dokumentów, oraz metodę wyceny warunkowej. Badania potwierdziły, że park pełni szereg usług ekosystemowych wynikających z jego wielofunkcyjności, co przekłada się na wysoką wartość tych usług. Najcenniejszą kategorią usług ekosystemowych są usługi zaopatrujące, a najważniejszymi funkcjami są funkcje lecznicze i środowiskowe oraz wypoczynkowe.

The results of the research devoted to the change of the biological composition of the soil under the conditions of activation of microbiological vital activity and increase in the number of earthworms in the technology of spring barley cultivation are presented. It was found that the organic system of growing crops against the background of manure, cereal straw and green manure in comparison with the organo-mineral system obtained a positive dynamics of decomposition of linen tissue and the development of earthworms in the soil.The highest grain yield was formed by agrocenosis of spring barley with the introduction of Lancelot 450 WG – 0.033 kg·ha–1 + Axial 50 EC – 1 dm3·ha–1 (tube exit phase) – 4900 kg·ha–1 and 4700 kg·ha–1 for organo-mineral and organic fertilizer systems in accordance.