Resources

Phosphorus is one of the elements necessary for life and the proper growth of organisms, including humans, yet its natural resources are very limited. The bioavailability of phosphorus is especially critical during the initial phases of plant growth. A deficiency at this stage cannot be fully compensated for later, even despite increased phosphorous supplementation. Global reserves of phosphate rocks, the main source of phosphorus used in fertilizer production, are gradually being depleted. This situation prompts the need to search for alternative sources and to pay closer attention to the sustainable management of available resources. In this article, we focus on the Vistula–Bug interfluve in southeastern Poland, where relatively high phosphate concentrations have been documented. Our goal is to present geochemical and mineralogical data from bedrock in the areas richest in phosphorus and to discuss their significance in the context of domestic phosphorous management, with particular reference to southeastern Poland. We also discuss phosphate fertilizer production in Poland and its use in agriculture as well as phosphorus content in groundwater and surface water in the study area, with emphasis on the most readily assimilable forms, orthophosphates. Finally, we address the challenges of sustainable phosphorous management at both the local and global scale.

This study presents the results of an analysis of public perceptions of flood safety and river valley management in southeastern Poland. The aim of the study was to identify sociodemographic and spatial factors influencing preferences for two distinct river valley management models: the traditional, technical model (a strategy to move water away from people, MWAfP), and the ecosystem-based model (leaving space for the river, LSfR). A diagnostic survey was employed using a custom-designed questionnaire completed by 563 respondents residing in southeastern Poland. The research tool enabled the identification of flood risk perceptions and attitudes toward retention and flood control solutions. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and exploratory analysis was conducted to identify clusters of respondents and to test for differences between groups. Correlation analysis between items was performed, and a model of determinants of river valley management strategy selection was calculated using logistic regression. The results enabled the identification of three dominant perception clusters, reflecting diverse approaches to hydrological safety and environmental adaptation. The calculated logistic regression model includes a number of factors, among which significant determinants of the LSfR strategy selection include level of education, belief in the need to slow water runoff from the catchment, and support for the cultivation of permanent meadows in floodplains. The applied methodological approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of the social determinants of flood risk perception and supports the development of adaptive water management strategies in flood-prone areas.

Sustainable agriculture is a key pillar of the transition to agri-food systems that ensure global food security and the preservation of resources and ecosystems. This study evaluates the environmental impacts of different soil management practices in an agricultural system producing energy crops (maize and sorghum), using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, comparing conventional tillage, minimum tillage and no-tillage agricultural practices. The results show no significant differences between conventional and minimum tillage in most impact categories, while no-tillage shows a significant reduction in environmental impact of almost 50%. The hotspot analysis shows that organic fertilisation, especially the application of digestate, is the main contributor to environmental impacts, particularly in the Climate Change and Eutrophication categories. The results highlight key methodological challenges in LCA, such as the allocation of impacts between digestate and biogas production, and the need to integrate biological and chemical soil processes. While conservation agriculture can improve soil health, its environmental benefits are not fully captured by LCA. This study highlights the need to integrate LCA methodologies with complementary analyses to better assess the sustainability of agricultural practices and support informed decision-making.