Landscape sustainability in terms of landscape services in rural areas: Exemplified with a case study area in Poland

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the landscape sustainability in terms of landscape services (LS) provided in seven study areas with different characteristics located in Malopolska Province. The results of the qualitative categorization of LS using an assessment matrix were juxtaposed with the results of the quantitative assessment using indicators.As a result, study areas were divided into three groups regarding the bundle of provided LS. In multifunctional landscapes characterized by moderate flow of most LS and often high flow of cultural LS, there were: high landscape diversity, moderate connectivity of forest patches and moderate values of regulating LS. Mountainous landscape with a high flow of regulating LS was characterized by moderate landscape diversity, high connectivity of forest class and high values of erosion control and climate regulation. In agricultural landscapes with a high flow of agricultural production LS, there were: low landscape diversity and connectivity of forest patches, low values of erosion control and climate regulation, but high values of nutrient retention. Consequently, all analyzed landscapes may be described as sustainable in terms of LS, as every landscape provides a specific bundle of LS and a reasonable level of landscape diversity, connectivity and regulating LS.The qualitative categorization of LS provided the most complete perspective on LS provided in the study areas. Landscape metrics (LM) allow the significance of landscape diversity and connectivity to be emphasized, whereas the quantitative analysis of regulating LS allow to compare the results of quantitative assessment and qualitative categorization. These two types of indicators are especially useful when threshold values are required. Composition metrics (proportion of forest and arable land) allow a determination of landscapes dominated by regulating and provisioning LS, whereas configuration metrics (especially Shannon’s Diversity Index and Contagion Index) allow landscapes with a high flow of cultural LS to be identified.