LAND USE IN ŽUVINTAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Abstract

The aim of the study – to assess the current land use and sustainable farming possibilities in the area of the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve. Mathematical statistical analysis, graphing, interviews, induction and other methods were used during the research. Agricultural censuses, agricultural land and crop declaration (that had been carried out between the years 2012 and 2014) and some other data were analyzed. Intensive farming was established in the group of agrarian areas landscape management zones: conventional industrial farming in the landscape management zone. In the analyzed Simnas, Krosna and Igliauka subdistricts land is used quite extensively, therefore restructuring, in order to improve the ecological conditions, is possible not reducing the volume of production, but in accordance with the guidelines. In the territory of the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve the declared crop area increased by 0.4 per cent from 2012 to 2014, perennial grass area increased by 4.01 per cent. Sustainable farming was set in the Amalvas polder and peat soils as well as in areas sensitive to surface and groundwater pollution. In the major part of the polder extensive agriculture is developed, it is mainly natural grasslands and pastures as well as cultivated grasslands. SWOT analysis was performed.

Keywords: Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve, Amalvas polder, land use, economic activity, declared crop, sustainable farming.

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2015.053