Earthworms are a major component of soil fauna communities. They influence soil chemical, biological, and physical processes and vice versa, their abundance and diversity are influenced by natural characteristics or land management practices. There is need to establish their characteristics and relations. In this study earthworm density (ED), body biomass (EB), and diversity in relation to land use (arable land-AL, permanent grasslands-PG), management, and selected abiotic (soil chemical, physical, climate related) and biotic (arthropod density and biomass, ground beetle density, carabid density) indicators were analysed at seven different study sites in Slovakia. On average, the density of earthworms was nearly twice as high in PG compared to AL. Among five soil types used as arable land, Fluvisols created the most suitable conditions for earthworm abundance and biomass. We recorded a significant correlation between ED, EB and soil moisture in arable land. In permanent grasslands, the main climate related factor was soil temperature. Relationships between earthworms and some chemical properties (pH, available nutrients) were observed only in arable land. Our findings indicate trophic interaction between earthworms and carabids in organically managed arable land. Comprehensive assessment of observed relationships can help in earthworm management to achieve sustainable agricultural systems.

No abstract

Regional product labelling can help develop regional business activities, especially with traditional regional products. Their general popularity is a significant source of income for less-developed regions. The Gemer-Malohont region is an economically underdeveloped area with a high unemployment rate. The subject of the survey was focused on regional food products that are made by small farmers. The analysis was carried out using data from a questionnaire survey on the period April-July 2017 in each of the region's districts. The results obtained by the questionnaire survey were processed with the use of statistical methods (two-step cluster analysis, radar chart, box-plots, regression analysis) using Microsoft Excel and the IBM SPSS Statistics 23 software. We divided consumers into two groups-knowledgeable regional food purchasers and priced-oriented consumers-based on their preference for regional food and through cluster analysis. We show that the more developed regions (Rimavská Sobota and Rožňava) show a higher rate of purchase of regional foods. Less-developed regions (Poltár, Revúca) are represented by lower-income consumers for whom the food price is the decisive criterion. Local residents of backward regions should pay attention to domestic food and local small farmers who are tools for the creation of local capital and local development.

Slovakia, as part of the European Union, participates in all forms of regional development and sustainability. A transparent form of regional development and sustainability is regional labeling, which has a 10-year tradition. Our regions represent excellent potential for the development of domestic products. Acceptance of essential requirements for regional products (domestic raw materials, manual work share, respect for the environment) opens up opportunities for the labor market, promotes tourism, and increases citizens’ purchase ability, none of which are clearly demonstrable in Slovak regions. Residents of individual regions have specific approaches in relation to regional brands depending on the region studied. For the purpose of the survey, four regions of southern Slovakia (with common environmental morphology and different industrial development) were selected. Indicators of age, gender, education, monthly income, and location relative to regional product preferences were studied. The results obtained were processed by cluster analysis (as a way of segmenting consumers). An average conscious purchaser of regional products is a local productive middle-aged person with a secondary or tertiary education, either male or female, and from a more economically advanced region. The results show regional branding as a mobilizing function for connecting inhabitants and the subsequent joint presentation of regional activities.

The paper presents the analyses and evaluates the current state of implementation of eco-innovation in the most energy-intensive sectors in Slovakia and also compares the eco-innovation performance of EU countries. Furthermore, it identifies the economic and environmental benefits from which businesses can profit following the introduction of this type of eco-innovation; it confirms the relationship between investments in environmental technologies and increasing sales of ecological products and services and identifies opportunities for development of eco-innovations in Slovakia. The industrial sectors in Slovakia have the potential to utilise eco-innovation throughout the structure of their economic activities, to develop new technologies and knowledge as well as in creating and developing partnerships, networks and mutual cooperation for the development of eco-innovation on the proviso that appropriate supporting eco-innovation policies and stimulus measures are in place. An analysis of the current state of eco-innovations in the selected enterprises was carried out on the basis of original empirical research which is based on a questionnaire survey on enterprises in the Slovak Republic.