The genus Vaccinium, which includes approximately 450 species, features economically significant berries such as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). Bilberries flourish in acidic, well-drained soils, typically found in heathlands and coniferous forests, while blueberries benefit from a broader range of soil types and intensive agricultural practices. Sustainable cultivation strategies, including organic fertilization and efficient water management, are vital for optimizing production and addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change. Both berries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, driving consumer interest and market growth despite competition from alternative crops. Additionally, tailored fertilization techniques are crucial for maximizing yield and fruit quality. By implementing circular economy principles, the production of bilberries and blueberries can enhance sustainability and profitability, ensuring their long-term success in agricultural systems.

The genus Vaccinium, which includes approximately 450 species, features economically significant berries such as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). Bilberries flourish in acidic, well-drained soils, typically found in heathlands and coniferous forests, while blueberries benefit from a broader range of soil types and intensive agricultural practices. Sus-tainable cultivation strategies, including organic fertilization and efficient water management, are vital for optimizing production and addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change. Both berries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, driving consumer interest and market growth despite competition from alternative crops. Additionally, tailored fertilization techniques are crucial for maximizing yield and fruit quality. By implementing circular economy principles, the production of bilberries and blueberries can enhance sustainability and profitability, ensuring their long-term success in agricultural systems.

In order to analyse seeds germination and seedlings growth of spruce (Picea abies) there were used five treatments with bio and chemical substances for stimulation germination: H2O, Atonik, Cropmax, CuSO4, KMnO4 and five treatments with different substrates: Jiffy pots, peat + conifer humus, peat + conifer humus + perlite, peat + conifer humus + sand, peat + conifer humus + perlite + sand. Of all germination stimulants, the highest percentage of seeds germination was obtained when the seeds have been immersed in aqueous solution with Atonik. From among substrates, the highest percent of germination was obtained using peat + humus + perlite + sand, following by peat + conifer humus + perlite and Jiffy pots. The substrate containing peat and humus of coniferous can not be recommended as a properly germination substrate for spruce seeds. Results showed that using chemical substances for germination, the germination was comprised between 56.7-73.3%. Seeds treated with KMnO4 had the lowest germination, and those treated with Atonik (0.75 ml active substance in one liter tap water) presented the highest germination percentage. The best growth of seedlings was assured by peat + conifer humus + perlite substrate.

Information about the paper titled "LEARNING BY DOING – A METHOD FOR PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES" at IATED Digital Library

Paulownia trees represent a convergence of ecological innovation and economic opportunity. Beyond their extraordinary growth rates, adaptability to diverse climates, and capacity to produce high-value timber, Paulownia farms offer a unique solution to pressing environmental and economic challenges. However, economic sustainability is the crucial factor for any farmer to decide the introduction of this species. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the profitability of seven existing paulownia farms from Romania. The economic analysis has been carried out by adopting the discounted cash flow method. The results showed that the cultivation of Paulownia for both timber and woodchip production as a dual production system with an annual gross margin between 27-55% can present a viable alternative as compared to other agricultural crops. However, the profitability highly depends on the selection of plant species according to certain environmental conditions, agricultural practices applied but also on demand and market price variations.

In recent decades, research on the effects of physical fields– particularly electric and magnetic– on biological processes in plants has developed significantly. These fields can influence seed germination, cellular activity, and the subsequent development of seedlings, offering innovative perspectives in agriculture and forestry. The present study evaluated the impact of electric and magnetic fields on spruce seeds, with the aim of improving germination rates and seedling growth. For the electric field, three voltages (10V, 30V, 50V) and two exposure times (15 and 35 minutes) were tested. The most effective combination was 10V for 35 minutes, while the 50V- 15 minutes’ variant had negative effects. The highest seedling height was obtained at 10V 15minutes. In the case of the magnetic field, the seeds were exposed to three different times intervals- 10, 20, and 30 minutes- at an intensity of 0.22 × 10⁻³ T. A 20-minutes exposure resulted in the highest germination rate and produced seedlings with significantly greater heights compared to the control and other variants. The results demonstrate the positive effect of using physical fields as an ecological and efficient method for stimulating germination and plant development, offering valuable applications in forest regeneration and the production of high-quality seedlings.