Kultúrna krajina Hronskej pahorkatiny – vývoj a využívanie / Cultural Landscape of Hronská pahorkatina Upland – Development and Land Use

Abstract

Land predominantly used for agriculture is a most important feature of the cultural landscape and the traditional agricultural landscape is a very special element of our cultural heritage. Moreover, the agricultural landscape is a phenomenon of environmental adaptation, and increasing consumption, globalisation and business demands bring many negative values. In addition to these adaptations, there are also problems created by losses of unique parts of the agricultural landscape. These especially include the valuable old vineyards and the small-scale arable fields on terraces. We observe the continuous impact of agricultural intensification and changes in the traditional methods of farming in the southern part of the Hronská pahorkatina Upland, and we therefore focus on the negative impacts of land use and especially the development and consequences of water erosion. This paper identifies the disappearance of traditional agricultural landscape elements and analyses the loss of natural heritage factors due to agricultural intensification. Finally, we establish the development and consequences of soil erosion on the slopes and we outline future measures to stabilise this agricultural landscape.

Keywords

• agricultural land
• landscape structure
• relief
• slope
• exposure
• negative impacts of agriculture
• water erosion