The present study addresses the short-term effects of different harvest intensities under close-to-nature selective management on the upper soil layers in Slovenian and Bosnian Dinaric karst fir-beech forests. The different harvest intensities coincided with the single-tree and irregular shelterwood management, common in the region. The effect of harvesting intensity on the upper soil layers (Ol, Of, Ol and 0–10 cm mineral soil) was investigated by a repeated measurements experiment in Slovenia on 27 research plots in close-to nature managed forests. The properties of the upper layers (concentration of SOC and TN, C/N ratio, weights, BD and SOC stocks) were analyzed twice, before (2011) and after (2014) treatment of 50% and 100% harvest intensity in relation to the total standing growing stock of trees. As a control, we used no-treatment <20% harvesting intensity plots. To extend this experiment, we added three comparable plots from the Bosnian site: one in an old-growth forest with 0% harvest intensity and two in the managed forest with <20% harvest intensity. The results of the assessment of mean differences indicated a significant influence of harvesting intensity on the decrease in SOC, TN concentrations, weights and SOC stocks in the organic layers and the increase in BD and SOC stocks in the 0–10 cm mineral soil. The highest relative decreases in Ol, Of and Oh SOC stocks occurred in 50% (−10 and −38%) and 100% (−16 and −49%) harvest intensities. Negligible relative differences in both organic and 0–10 cm mineral layers were found for the <20% harvest intensity in the region. The change in forest light conditions resulting from differences in canopy openness as a function of applied harvest intensity explained the significant difference in the properties of the upper soil layers. The impact of the short-term losses in SOC stocks, in terms of overall soil productivity, may depend on the regeneration dynamics and melioration methods.

ABSTRACT The Online Biomass Potential Atlas is a tool primarily intended for geo-visualisation of biomass data from the Biomass Potential Monitoring System in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, its role does not have to end here. By developing a functional extension, it can offer an environment for the location analysis of potential biomass users and sources of unused biomass potential. This paper describes an approach for developing tool with such functionality, based on spatial interaction modelling. Determining the optimal location for biogas plants in the region covered by the administrative units of two cantons in Bosnia and Herzegovina is considered as a case study. Based on the analysis conducted in the case study, the feasibility of applying this tool has been demonstrated.

The world agriculture uses about 70% of the world water resources in irrigation. The concern over the sustainability of water use as demand for agricultural, industrial, and domestic uses continues to increase. Conflicts between particular sectors result in tensions, which sometimes lead to “water wars” in different parts of the world. It is the reason why many national and international organizations are putting the water quantity and quality questions on the top of the world’s open questions/problems. The main aim of this paper is to present soil water balance of the Mediterranean region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, prepared for a long-term time series for two locations (Trebinje and Mostar) annually and during the vegetation period. The mean long-term data has been used as a base for future predicted calculation. The predicted PET was based on an increase in air temperature by 2°C and predicted decrease in precipitation by 25%. With so predicted calculated data of monthly PET and monthly precipitation the predicted soil water balance was done.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) there are no available data on permanent losses of agricultural land and it is evident that all the research and professional and scientific literature still uses the information of annual land loss in the amount of 3,000 ha which, according to the available references, has been in use since 1977 (Resulović, 1977-2010). The subject of this scientific research is to investigate changes in the use of agricultural land in BiH, sectoral policies and factors affecting these changes as well as the quality of official data on land and land use change. Analyzed as part of this research were three sets of data: statistical data (1961-1991), cadastral records (1973-1991) and CORINE data on land cover changes (2000-2018). Researches have shown that trends in changes in total agricultural land by all categories of use were not linear and were considerably affected by the socioeconomic development and sectoral policies. This study has shown that total agricultural land, according to statistical records from 1961-1991, was reduced by 101,222 ha (3,374 ha/yr). Within the category of arable land, the biggest permanent losses were recorded in cropland and gardens, amounting to 207,823 ha or 6,927 ha/yr, while in some other categories within the arable land an increase was recorded. According to cadastral records for the period 1973-1991, the total decrease of agricultural land amounts to 58,186 ha (3,232 ha/yr). According to CORINE data, the reduction of agricultural land in the period 20002018 is 14,152 ha or 786 ha/yr.

Book – 18th Alps-Adria Scientific Workshop 36 Baseline indicators to achive Land Degradation Neutrality at the country level Melisa LJUŠA – Hamid ČUSTOVIĆ University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, BiH, E-mail: melisa.ljusa@gmail.com

Conservation tillage is expected to have a positive effect on soil physical properties, soil Carbon (C) storage, while reducing fuel, labour and machinery costs. However, reduced tillage could increase soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and offset the expected gains from increased C sequestration. To date, conservation tillage is barely practiced or studied in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH). Here, we report a field study on the short-term effects of reduced (RT) and no tillage (NT) on N2O emission dynamics, yield-scaled N2O emissions, soil structure and the economics of cereal production, as compared with conventional tillage (CT). The field experiment was conducted in the Sarajevo region on a clayey loam under typical climatic conditions for humid, continental BH. N2O emissions were monitored in a Maize-Barley rotation over two cropping seasons. Soil structure was studied at the end of the second season. In the much wetter 2014, N2O emission were in the order of CT > RT > NT, while in the drier 2015, the order was RT > CT > NT. The emission factors were within or slightly above the uncertainty range of the IPCC Tier 1 factor, if taking account for the N input from the cover crop (alfalfa) preceding the first experimental year. Saturated soils in spring, formation of soil crusts and occasional droughts adversely affected yields, particularly in the second year (barley). In 2014, yield-scaled N2O emissions ranged from 83.2 to 161.7 g N Mg-1 grain (corn) but were much greater in the second year due to crop failure (barley). RT had the smallest yield-scaled N2O emission in both years. NT resulted in economically inacceptable returns, due to the increased costs of weed control and low yields in both years. The reduced number of operations in RT reduced production costs and generated positive net returns. Therefore, RT could potentially provide agronomic and environmental benefits in crop production in BH.

Th e frequent use of copper fungicides in grape production results in increased accumulation of total copper in the surface layer of vineyard soils. Th e objective of this research was to survey copper concentration and determine degree of pollution or contamination with copper in surface soils of vineyards on island Hvar. Sampling was undertaken on anthropogenic colluvial soils, anthropogenic terrace soils on pleistocene calcareous aeolian sands and anthropogenic soils on quaternary alluvial, aeolian and diluvium depositions. Concentrations of total copper in the vineyard soils under research range from 50.60276.33 mg kg-1. Copper concentrations were signifi cantly (p<0.01) higher in anthropogenic soils on quaternary alluvial, aeolian and diluvium depositions than on other soils sites tested. According to the specifi cations provided within the “Regulations on Protection of Cultivated Land from Contamination by Hazardous Substances” (NN 9/14) sixteen out of twentyseven vineyard soils under research were polluted and fi ve were contaminated with copper. Th e results of this research provide further data relevant to the inventory of heavy metals in vineyard soils of this part of the Croatia.

The amount of the ash and cinder that is generated from thermoelectric energy production in Bosnia and Herzegovina exceeded 2.784 Mg for 2015 according to annual report of “Elektroprivreda BiH”. Electricity production is the greatest environmental ballast for the city of Tuzla. Excavation of coal and deposition of coal combustion products influence drastic and many times terminate degradation of natural landscapes and soil habitat. There are five coal ash disposal sites in the city covering an area of approximately 170 hectares. It is known that this artificial substrate is the main cause of soil contamination; water/groundwater contamination due to leaching toxins (effluents and process waters); dust dispersion; and toxins entering the food chain. The objective of our research study was to explore the adequate practices of stand remediation through compiling the data on properties of ash from five disposal sites in Tuzla area. Long term study determined that the major characteristics of coal ash and effluents at the disposals sites are high alkaline reaction (pH >10) and presence of metals with high potential for toxicity (Ni, Cr, As and B), which concentrations exceeded permitted limits. Based on study results, how model of site rehabilitation would work and how it can be incorporated by applying green infrastructure approach in spatial planning is discussed.

UDK 631.4(497.6) Multi-purpose land evaluation is a method of assessing the quality and value of the land in the service planning and land management, and is the fundamental basis for the development and optimum use of land in general. The subject of the study was evaluation of multi-purpose suitability of land for agricultural use was made according to the Regulations on the uniform methodology for the classification of agricultural land in the class (Official Gazette of the Federation of B&H, No. 43/11), using FAO assessment methodology (FAO, 1976; Brinkman and Smyth, 1973). Based on the results of research was created a database and map of suitability of agricultural land for growing different plants in agriculture vegetable (gardening); arable farming (annual crops); fruits (fruits growing); wine-growing (viticulture) and grassland (pastures and meadows). It was determined the priority of agricultural use as well as dedicated map (1:200 000), which shows the distribution of 36 recommended agricultural and economic programs in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was found that the largest area of 429,685.4 ha or 40.45% of agricultural land in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is suitable for agricultural economic program of grassland. Follow the other agricultural economic programs: fruits-grassland 123,996.4 ha or 11.67%; then fruits-vegetable-annual crops with an area of 89,384.7 ha (8.41%) and grassland-fruits-vegetable occupying 66.562 ha or 6,26% and grassland-vegetable-annual crops with an area 62,136.3 ha (5.85%). Other agricultural economic programs individually occupy an area of less than 4% of land. We believe that the information obtained through this project contribute to the overall development of agriculture in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially in terms of creating a proper and balanced concept as part of sustainable land management and reasonable land use policy.

UDK 631.4:551.583(497.6) The value of the landscape in the karst region of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is the foundation of its existence and the key role in its appearance and formation is played by geomorphology and the soil. Through history the man has created a „cultural landscape” which is completely adapted to the natural conditions. He further enriches the space and makes it more appealing. Soils in B&H karst are extremely heterogeneous and form a real pedological mosaic. Found on the Mesozoic sediments of limestone and dolomite of the Middle and Upper Jurassic and Early and Late Cretaceous are Bare rocks (barren land), Rocky grounds (Lithosol), Limestone-dolomite Black soil (Calcomelanosol) and Brown soil on limestone and dolomite (Calcocambisol). A specificity of these rocks are the screes that are transported down the hillside. A series may occur on them in which, if shale materials are contained, Rendzina appears as a calcareous soil. In addition to the above mentioned limestone and dolomite, there are marly limestones of Jurassic and Cretaceous age and Quaternary sediments on which Alluvial soils (Fluvisol) developed as well as the soils of karst fields which are sometimes very porous and skeletal and sometimes heavy and clayey on impermeable substrate (hydromorphic soils). The paper will provide an overview of characteristic soil types in the Sub-Mediterranean upper and lower karst region of B&H taking into account a range of properties that make them sensitive and vulnerable within the ecosystem. These should include a lack of water on the surface and large fluctuations in the amount of water during the rainy and dry seasons and whimsicality of climate in general, which has a huge impact on the state of biodiversity and human lives in this region.

UDK 630*114:630*242(497.6) Large areas of European fir-beech forests are characteristic for the Dinaric Mountains and represent one of the most important forest ecosystems in the region. Such forests extend in high karst plateaus from the eastern Alps in SE Slovenia to the N Albanian massifs at the altitudes from 700 to 1200 (1500) m a.s.l. This is the area with a diverse landscape configuration. The bedrock is consisted of limestone, occasionally of dolomite limestone and dolomite. There are various soil conditions, where in a small area, a mosaic of Leptosols, Rendzic Leptosols, Chromic Cambisol, Calcaric and Chromic Luvisols occur. As climate conditions are very favourable for the growth of forests (high precipitation and air humidity), production function of wood is much more emphasized. Very little is known about the long-term effects of forest management and intensity of logging on soil organic matter quality and carbon stocks in these forest soils. Therefore, with an objective to understand better variations in soil properties, both in space and time, aiming to minimize the uncertainties of the SOC (soil organic carbon) and TN (total nitrogen) stocks, we have set up a research objects in silver fir-beech forests, in Slovenia (research plots in Kočevje, Snežnik and Trnovo) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (research plots on MT Bjelašnica). We analysed soil properties of the unmanaged and managed sites studying differences between treatments and also changes for the two years period of observations. Preliminary results from Slovenian sites show that the high intensity of logging (50 and 100% cut of growing stock) causes a decrease in SOC and TN contents, wider C/N ratio and higher pH values, with the largest level of alternations in the organic part of the soils. The study in Bosnia gave information on inherent SOC and TN concentrations in the organic and surface mineral soil, and also indicated no differences in soil properties between unmanaged and managed sites characterized by low (14-18%) intensities of logging.

UDK 631.164(497.6) The main act to consider the value of land from the perspective of various sectors and their needs (urban planning, agriculture etc.) in the Federation of B&H is the Decree on unique methodology for preparation of the spatial planning documents (Official Gazette of the Federation of B&H, No. 63/04 and No. 50/07), which prescribes the obligation of making the Land capability study as a segment of spatial basis. Land capability study projects are being implemented by the Institute of Soil, Agro chemistry and Melioration (PAM) of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences University of Sarajevo. By using defined soil bonity categories, land capability study defines the natural potential of soils in terms of agricultural production and food production, and defines the zones for various land use types. From the rational land use point of view, it means adequate spatial planning, urban development and environmental protection. This paper aims to present the importance, characteristics as well as use of the Land capability study at the municipality level using municipalities of Tuzla Canton as example. Agricultural areas of on the territory of five municipalities in Tuzla Canton (Gradacac, Gracanica, Kalesija, Zivinice, Sapna) account for 44,356.1 ha or 42.6% of the total area. Represented in these areas are soil bonity categories that range from II to VII. The first four bonity categories that are determined exclusively as agricultural land account for 28,739.91 ha or 63.1% of the total area. Within this group, the most represented is the IVb category with 17,229.8 ha. The best quality bonity categories II and III account for 7,514.3 ha or 16.5% of the total area. Analysis of the orthophoto images has identified a significant dynamics of change in space in the period 2008-2012 in four municipalities (Gradacac, Kalesija, Zivinice, Gracanica). Analysis has established that artificial areas (developed) increased by 737 ha, agricultural areas without orchards decreased by 1,136.72 ha, while the areas under orchards increased by 283.13 ha. The largest expansion of developed areas and settlements was recorded within the bonity categories IVb (47% of the total change) and III (27%).