ABSTRACT
Under the impact of human activity the soil degradation is progressing rapidly. Nowadays, 0.50.7% of soils disappear every year and degraded lands occupy about 2 billions ha in the world (Molo 2010). This threaten sustainable development (Sztumski 2016, Żukowska et al. 2016). To restore the original and/or utilizable properties of degraded lands, technical and biological reclamation is required. Biological restoration involves humus layer forming, as well as scarps and slopes planting. Humus layer forming occurs due to the cultivation of suitable plant mixtures, mainly containing grass and legume species. Scarps or slops planting requires application of appropriate trees, shrubs and perennial herbaceous plants. Plant growth on degraded soils is supported by organic and mineral fertilization. Organic fertilization can be realized using, among others, manure, compost, peat or sludge from biological sewage treatment. Sometimes the afore-mentioned materials —especially sewage sludge should be applied with caution because it can contain large amount of pathogens or increased heavy metals concentrations (Czechowska-Kosacka & Pawłowski 2006). Mineral fertilizing mostly enriches soils with macronutrients, especially with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (Maciak 1999, Karczewska 2008). Nitrogen fertilization increases plant yield with a relatively low efficiency, because a
i. to determine the effect of increasing nitrogen doses applied as nitrate monoionic form on growth of orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) —species recommended as a constituent of plant restoration mixtures
ii. to compare the effectiveness of application of monoionic nitrate form and conventional fertilizer (calcium nitrate) for enhanced nitrogen fertilization of degraded soils.
