An increase in the number of reports of legionellosis in the European Union and the European Economic Area have been recorded in recent years. The increase in cases is significant: from 6947 reports in 2015 to 11,298 in 2019. This is alarming as genus Legionella, which comprises a large group of bacteria inhabiting various aquatic systems, poses a serious threat to human health and life, since more than 20 species can cause legionellosis, with L. pneumophila being responsible for the majority of cases. The ability to colonize diverse ecosystems makes the eradication of these microorganisms difficult. A detailed understanding of the Legionella habitat may be helpful in the effective control of this pathogen. This paper provides an overview of Legionella environments in Europe: natural (lakes, groundwater, rivers, compost, soil) and anthropogenic (fountains, air humidifiers, water supply systems), and the role of Legionella spp. in nosocomial infections, which are potentially fatal for children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients. Graphical abstract

Agricultural practices, including tillage systems and postharvest residue management, strongly affect a wide range of soil properties. Depending on the degree of soil inversion, both negative and beneficial changes of its structure, chemical composition, and biological activity may occur as a result of these treatments. The three-year experiment was carried out on the soil under winter wheat (cv. Arktis) monoculture. The effect of various tillage systems and stubble management on the soil environment’s biological and chemical features was investigated. The total number of microorganisms (TNM); bacteria (B); actinobacteria(A); fungi (F); soil respiratory activity (SR); pH in 1 M KCl (pH); organic carbon content (OC); content of available phosphorus (Pa); potassium (Ka); magnesium (Mg); and content of total nitrogen (TN) and mineral nitrogen forms were determined in soil samples. It was shown that manure application was the factor with the greatest influence on soil properties. The manure fertilization resulted in a higher number of microorganisms in arable soil. Conventional tillage procedures combined with manure application increased the amounts of available forms of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and mineral nitrogen. Introduction of the chopped straw in the field enhanced the beneficial effect of manure on soil properties.

Increasing climate change, through its impact on the economy, results in measures to reduce its negative effects. In agriculture, the expected positive effects may come from the implementation of practices with high carbon sequestration potential (e.g., straw incorporation). The idea of using straw as an energy feedstock requires an in-depth analysis of the impact of this practice on the organic carbon content of arable soils. Straw incorporation combined with the use of biopreparations can provide an attractive alternative to conventional fertilization and plant protection systems. This study aimed to assess the effect of straw, effective microorganisms preparation, and biostimulant on the physicochemical and biological soil parameters. The analyses included organic carbon, available P, K, and Mg, total and mineral nitrogen content, pH, bulk density, soil penetration resistance, and the number of soil-culturable heterotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi determination. It was found that straw and EM addition resulted in the highest SOC content. Statistically lower values of bulk density and soil penetration resistance were also observed after straw incorporation. The results of our research revealed that, while the addition of straw beneficially affects soil quality, the impact of biopreparations application on soil parameters varies depending on the experimental combination used.