The research area of the laboratory (Department of Bioengineering/Laboratory of Physics and Agrophysics) covers the main two topics:
- the use of spectroscopic methods as the management tool for monitoring both terrestrial and aquatic environment regarding to properties of organic matter compounds;
- the biological characterization and adaptation of crop plants to changing environmental conditions under abiotic stress: salinity, water deficit, irradiation of UV-B and interaction of these factors as multistress.
Our laboratory has a well-equipped chemical laboratories including:
- IR and UV-VIS spectrophotometers
- fluorescence spectrofluorometer,
- spectroradiometr,
- potentiometric titration set,
- ultrafiltration set,
- liophylizators,
- osmometer,
- mineralization set,
- portable photosynthesis meter TPS 2
- fluorymetr PAM-200
- miniphytotrons
- laboratory centrifuges with cooling.
The expertise offered includes:
1. Extraction of humic substances fractions (water-soluble fraction, fulvic acids, humic acids, , bitumins, humins);
2. Characterization of organic matter fractions by calculating absorption and fluorescence coefficients, and determining total acidity and COOH and OH group content.
3. Assessment of organic matter transformation in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
4. Evaluation of changes in spectroscopic coefficients of dissolved organic matter in environmental monitoring and water quality assessment.
5. Evaluation of the composition of humus-like substances in fertilizers.
6. Study of the interaction and the influence of the formulation of pesticides on soil organic matter fractions.
7. Response of crop plants to abiotic stress: salinity, water deficit, UV-B.
8. Use of luminescence methods to assess plant response to stress factors.
9. Evaluation of phytotoxicity of herbicides.
10. Evaluation of the effects of various substances (humic substances, CO2) on the growth and tolerance of crop plants to stress factors.
The group is interested in cooperation in:
- experimental stations for cultivar testing;
- biology, biodiversity, agriculture, environmental protection;
- seed stations;
- the quarantine and plant protection station;
- breeding and seed companies;
- environmental protection inspectorates;
- individual farmers, agricultural companies, local governments - agricultural and land management.
Thematic area - Cluster in Horizon Europe: 6. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.