Head: dr hab. inż. Anna Walkiewicz
Profile of scientific activity:
• Emission and uptake of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) by soils (especially agricultural soils) with different land uses 
Our aim is both to quantitatively assess gas exchange in the soil-atmosphere system, to identify the mechanisms as well as the regulating factors, as allowed by the multi-level approach to research. Methods used include field studies and incubations of soils under laboratory conditions involving microbiological assessment. We are interested in the environmental effects (and especially the impact on greenhouse gas emissions) of various agrotechnical treatments and mitigation practices. Through the techniques and methods used, we estimate the balance of key greenhouse gases, assess physicochemical parameters of soils and isolate soil DNA for microbial community assessment.
• Water erosion of soils with special emphasis on soil splash erosion as the first stage of water erosion
We focus on the physical description of the erosion, which, on the one hand, allows us to improve the modelling of this phenomenon and, on the other hand, offers the possibility to propose new or improve existing ways to prevent it. We carry out research on a laboratory scale by observing high-speed phenomena with high-speed cameras and tracking and analysing objects/particles in two- and three-dimensional systems based on PIV/PTV techniques. The studies include the evaluation of the impact of water droplets on the surfaces of various materials, taking into account the phenomena accompanying the splash. Furthermore, they are extended by 3D scanning of objects and analysis of their shape/deformation, e.g. soil surfaces in erosion processes.
