The contemporary regional geography paradigm is characterized by emphasizing the socially constructed nature of regions. However, the discussion on the conceptualization of region is very rich, it does not reach universal conclusion. Such a universal conceptualization is probably neither possible nor desirable. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion. It examines the various approaches towards region with special focus on the conceptualization of the institutionalization of the region based on the heuristic literature review and it attempts to propose more complex (but not ultimate) theoretical conceptualization of region that should enable to bridge the duality of region; addressed as an "animate", constantly changing, phenomenon which also makes it a resource for regional actors to meet their particular goals, one that people may perceive and feel attached to while further mediating their images thereof. The paper builds upon the Lefebvre's theory of the societal production of space and the Paasi's theory of the institutionalization of region and presents the idea of the societal production of region. It argues that any complex approach to region must incorporate three levels of region: "given" (practice of region), "made" (representation of region) and "perceived" (idea of region). Better understanding of the concept of region is still more necessary and relevant especially due to the increasing pressure on the applicability of regional research. Thus, the paper suggests the closer insight into the interrelation of three mentioned levels of region is crucial from the view of the contemporary state of art. This text is also published in Czech as the official on-line supplement of the article.

<p>The soil is becoming less fertile mainly due to today's way of land cultivation, erosion, lack of organic matter, aridity etc. Since soil represents the crucial environment for the life of a broad variety of living organisms, it is also a key material in agricultural production, one of the most important sources of food production, therefore, it is important to start working on its refining or at least on sustaining its crucial properties. There are few possible solutions to improve fertility, water retention, enhance plant growth etc. involving soil conditioners such as lignite, lignohumate or biochar. Biochar is a carbon-rich solid product of thermochemical conversion of biomass under anaerobic conditions (pyrolysis) abounding with attractive chemical (greenhouse gasses reduction, nutrient leaching reduction, plant growth enhancement) and physical (e.g. particles size distribution, porosity and surface area) properties. </p><p>In present work, we focused on the study of the effect the application of EBC (European Biochar Certificate) certified biochar on growth of a model plant (Zea mays) in different –  common widespread soil types in the Czech republic (Regosol, Chernozem, Cambisol, Fluvisol…). Corn seeds were germinated in moist paper wipe for three days and planted into the flowerpot. The used dosage of biochar was 0, 10 and 20 g per 1 kg of dry weight of individual soils. Corn plants were cultivated under controlled conditions (temperature, moisture, cyclic irrigation, controlled light exposure etc.). Corn growth – height and number of leaves were measured three times a week for three months. The individual used soils samples and biochars were characterized before and after experiments by routine physico-chemical methods (pH, content of organic matter and humic substance, humic acids/fulvic acids ratio, total extractable macro and microelements…).</p>

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