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The aim of this paper was to study the microbiological stability of bio-based composite building materials, which are made using organic-rich lake sediments (further -sapropel) with lime and magnesium cement as binders and hemp shives as filler. The microbial stability properties of the obtained composite materials were investigated and compared to similar composites. Because of their high organic content, these materials are prone to biodegradation; therefore, they were coated with ALINA LIFE TM organoclay coating, which helps to extend the product life, reducing the rate of biodegradation compared to the biocides used in industry. The effect of the coating on the resistance to decay by the Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium chrysogenum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium herbarum, Chaetomium sp. and Trichoderma asperellum fungi was investigated under different conditions: relative humidity modes of 75% and 99% at 20°C for 45 days and four months. The results indicated that the composites made of sapropel and lime have similar microbial stability properties as lime and magnesium cement binder composite materials. ALINA LIFE TM organoclay coating showed advanced resistance to biodegradation; sapropel-lime composites have shown several good properties that make them suitable to be considered for use in the construction material industry.

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Demand for new biological technologies in agriculture is ever growing, particularly with respect to the need of restoring the soil organic matter and soil fertility. Products of natural origin are developed to stimulate plant growth and productivity. Humic substances (HS) are the decay products of living matter, with high molecular weight and complex structure. Nowadays, HS are industrially produced from various materials like peat, lignin, soil and compost. The objective of this study is to make a comparison of the impact of HS of different origin on plant development. In total, eight different HS were used; four were extracted from various materials and four were commercially available products. To evaluate the stimulating effect, three different species of plants were used (Triticum aestivum, Sinapis alba, Lepidum sativum). The tests were carried out on Phytotestkit plates, germinating the seeds in different solutions of HS in various concentrations in dark, with or without added nutrient solution. Then, the growth parameters were measured. All tested products showed increase in at least some concentrations compared with the control sample. Significant differences in the stimulating effect of HS depending on their origin were found.