Typical Agricultural Landscape Research Articles

Social selection analysis reveals limited effect of neighbors' traits in Tree swallows.

Social interactions are ubiquitous in nature and can shape fitness of individuals through social selection. This type of selection arises when phenotypes of neighbors influence the fitness of a focal individual. Quantifying social selection is crucial to better characterise the overall selective landscape. For example, if intraspecific competition is strong, traits that are beneficial for an individual could be detrimental for competitors. In this study, we quantified social selection acting on three key ecological traits (body mass, wing length and laying date) in wild Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) females. We used reproductive success measured at three stages throughout the breeding season as fitness proxies to assess selection acting at those decisive moments. We also quantified the effects of environment on selection using measures of conspecifics' density, type of agricultural landscape and presence of interspecific competitors. Overall, we found no strong evidence of social selection on these traits in our study system, although there were marginally non-significant selection gradients suggesting positive effect of larger neighbors. Environmental variables affected reproductive success but did not strongly affect social selection gradients. Our study calls for more social selection estimates to be reported across environments to better understand its importance in wild populations.

Knowing the lay of the land: changes to land use and cover and landscape pattern in village tank cascade systems of Sri Lanka

Social-ecological systems (SESs) possess a great diversity of land use and land cover (LULC) types with unique assemblages of biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, LULC changes due to landscape fragmentation are emerging as major threats to the system productivity of SESs around the world. This study examined changes to LULC extent and landscape patterns in the Village Tank Cascade Systems (VTCSs) of Sri Lanka using satellite imagery and GIS techniques between 1994 and 2021. Multispectral Landsat images (5 TM and 8 OLI/TIRS) obtained from Google Earth Engine were classified using machine learning algorithms. Overall accuracies obtained were 85.9% (1994) and 88.6% (2021). The LULC change matrix and spatial pattern metrics were used to examine LULC and landscape pattern change dynamics over the VTCS landscapes. LULC change matrix results revealed that forest, which is the dominant LULC class covering 73.7% of the total land area was reduced by 206,725 ha due to transformation into agricultural (70.43%) and scrub (24.33%) lands between 1994 and 2021. Over this time landscape pattern of the VTCS has gradually changed from forest to agricultural land-dominated landscape, with forest and agricultural land types showing a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001; R2 > 0.868), particularly in the southeastern region. Landscape patterns were analysed based on eight spatial metrics calculated at both the landscape and class levels using FRAGSTATS spatial pattern analysis software. At the landscape level, the structure became more dispersed and complex in shape. Heterogeneity was noted to have gradually increased with weakening connectivity, whereas the fragmentation process had gradually accelerated. At the class level, the dominance of forest patches decreased, fragmentation and isolation increased, and connectivity and shape complexity reduced leading to the loss of fragmented forest habitats. The number of patches within the agricultural class increased and became more aggregated and complex in shape. Landscape performance indicators show that VTCSs have experienced a gradual loss of environmental sustainability. Assessment of LULC along with fragmentation can help to monitor the spatial pattern impacts that determine ecological integrity. Thus, the study provides scientific guidance for ecological restoration in degraded VTCSs to effectively improve ecological productivity.

Monitoring of grain crops nitrogen status from uav multispectral images coupled with deep learning approaches

Effective nitrogen nutrition is vital for better crop yield. In order to get the maximum yield from a field, nutrition must be spread evenly among all crops. Therefore, this paper proposes a combination of deep learning image segmentation methods to monitor nutrition across an agricultural field and detect areas with shortages of nutrients. In particular, the authors consider the applicability of five state-of-the-art neural network architectures based on U-Net to solve the nitrogen level rate segmentation problem for crops on an orthophotomap. Training, effectiveness assessment, and applicability of these neural network models are carried out by the authors on their own multi-datasets, collected by using UAS (Geoscan 401) at the Agrophysical Research Institute (ARI) experimental biopolygon for 2020–2021. The survey was performed using a MicaSense RedEdge-MX multispectral camera (5 channels in total). The total size of the collected dataset is more than 20 thousand images of two different agricultural fields (with a total area of about 62 ha). On each field, there are six test areas with known nitrogen nutrition levels (founded by agronomists). Images of these test areas are used for data augmentation and training of the above-mentioned neural network models (U-Net, Attention U-Net, R2-UNet, Attention R2-Unet, and U-Net3+). Also, in this research, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of the choice of different bands of field images on the accuracy of the considered segmentation methods. The experiment showed that among all models, Attention R2U-Net (t2) proved to be more robust and reliable for different kinds of crops (accuracy 97.59–99.96%). The authors also evaluated the impact of using different combinations of image bands (such as RGB, RedEdge, NearIR, and NDVI) on the segmentation accuracy of the neural network model. The combination of RGB, NearIR, and NDVI channels allowed for the high values of all 8 metrics used in this research (0.41–1.77% more than the standard combination of RGB bands). The use of the RedEdge band has a significant negative impact on the quality of segmentation of the nitrogen level in the agricultural field. The proposed method based on Attention R2U-Net (t2) and a combination of RGB, NearIR, and NDVI bands is stable for different types of agricultural landscapes and can help to improve crop nutrition and yield.

Relationships between bird species richness and different facets of landscape heterogeneity – insights from a military area

Military areas often host extraordinary biodiversity compared to the typical agricultural landscape in Europe. It has been suggested that this is due to the high landscape heterogeneity caused by disturbances from military training. This study aimed to test this hypothesis using data from the military area Hradiště and nearby farmland in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). Here, we measured two facets of landscape heterogeneity – the number of woody vegetation patches and habitat diversity – and supplemented these measures with previously published data from bird point counts performed on the same sites. The number of woody vegetation patches was higher in the military area than in the farmland and was positively related to the species richness of birds of conservation concern. Habitat diversity did not differ between both regions. It showed, however, a hump-shaped relationship with total bird species richness. Our results indicate that open landscapes of military areas host a higher number of birds of conservation concern than the farmland due to a finer grain of woodland-grassland mosaic. To support more bird species, it is essential to keep habitat diversity high in open landscapes but at a level that does not harm bird populations by area limitation.

Influence of methods of basic tillage on the yield of spring barley varieties in the zone of influence of field-protective plantations

The article discusses the results of studies on the study of modern released varieties of spring barley in the conditions of an agroforestry landscape and their response to various methods of basic tillage. It was found that in years with different climatic characteristics, there are differences in varieties in the duration of phenological phases. The longest vegetation was observed in the Bulat variety, and the shortest in the Prairie variety. The best results in terms of germination and preservation of plants were obtained in the variant with the Bulat variety, while in all varieties it was noted that these indicators were higher in the forested area than in the agrolandscape without forest belts. Analysis of the productivity of varieties showed that the studied varieties had different yields depending on the methods of tillage and the type of agricultural landscape. On the reclaimed territory and without protective plantings, the Bulat variety can be distinguished. The yield of this variety was the highest in all studied tillage options compared to other varieties. In the variant with flat-cut tillage to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m, it amounted to 2.63 t/ha under the conditions of the agricultural landscape without forest belts, and 2.89 t/ha under the protection of forest belts. Thus, it can be recommended for agricultural producers to cultivate the Bulat variety, and to carry out the main processing of light chestnut soil with a tool with flat-cutting working bodies to a depth of 0.25-0.27 m.

Key Habitat Factors of Breeding Birds in Agricultural Hedgerow Landscapes in East-Fryslân, the Netherlands, in European Perspective – Ecological Evaluation and Relation to Agri-Environmental Schemes

Modern agricultural landscapes suffer heavily from biodiversity loss. To counter this loss, it is important to understand the key factors that affect biodiversity in these landscapes. We studied the relationships between breeding birds and the habitat characteristics of the small-scale hedgerow landscapes of East-Fryslân, The Netherlands, a typical agricultural landscape that is under pressure from upscaling and habitat degradation. We questioned whether our findings collaborate the results of hedgerow studies from other countries. We also analysed whether agri-environmental schemes were effective for breeding birds. In this study, breeding birds and fifteen habitat factors were surveyed along 170 transects in two different regions in East-Fryslân in 2018. 37 bird species were identified, of which 19 were woodland species, 18 shrub species and 7 hedgerow specialists. We found five habitat characteristics to be key factors for breeding bird numbers. Four of these factors were intrinsic factors of the hedges (i.e. shrub cover, cover of brambles and nettles, crown width, hedge width at the base) and one spatial factor (i.e. number of hedge corners within a 150-m radius, corresponding to hedge intersections). Four key factors were the same for the two regions, but effect sizes differed between factors and species groups. As proxies for habitat volume (amount of habitat), the intrinsic key factors for hedgerow breeding birds in East-Fryslân correspond to those found in Britain and Eastern Europe, despite considerable differences in botanical composition, structure and management of the hedges. In contrast to studies on British hedges, we found mainly quantitative key factors and only one qualitative factor (cover of brambles and nettles). We found one spatial key factor (hedge intersections) and no correlation of bird numbers with density of hedges in the vicinity. We discuss the ecology of the key factors with respect to food provisioning and breeding. We also conclude that agri-environmental schemes favour key habitat factors and through this shrub birds. Implications of our findings are that traditional management favours breeding birds, but also that management should partly be extensified.

Effect of forest areas configuration on the community of insectivorous bats in agroforestry landscapes

AbstractIn Chile, many aspects of the ecology of bats and their distribution are unknown, despite their ecological and economic importance. This situation does not allow a correct implementation of conservation efforts even when they are legally recognized as beneficial animals for agriculture. Here, we studied the bats' activity and community in two agricultural landscape types (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) in a hotspot of biodiversity in the centre‐south of Chile. We monitored four transects of 10 km per landscape type with 10 listening points separated by 1 km. These transects were repeated 5 times, once per month. We evaluated the bats activity according to the forest cover type (native, mixed and plantations) and the isolated trees density. Our results showed that the heterogeneous landscape was dominated by T. brasiliensis while the homogeneous landscape was by Lasiurus spp. However, only the species T. brasiliensis was affected by the landscape type. In the heterogeneous landscape, only the forest cover variables had significance in the activity of the bat species, where Lasiurus spp. and M. chiloensis had a positive response for native and mixed forest, as well as Lasiurus spp. had a negative response for plantations. The density of isolated trees had a negative effect on the activity of T. brasiliensis and Lasiurus spp. in the homogeneous landscape type. Our results showed the importance of considering the forest elements in agroforestry landscape to conserve bat communities.

Assessing social-ecological connectivity of agricultural landscapes in Spain: Resilience implications amid agricultural intensification trends and urbanization

CONTEXTAccelerated intensification/disintensification and urbanization are changing agricultural systems and propel the need for spatial approaches to understand sustainability-enhancing resilience. Landscapes are key to this understanding though little is known of the broad-scale, cross-landscape connectivity of social-ecological factors amid changing agricultural systems. OBJECTIVEThis study's goals are to identify broad-scale types of agricultural landscapes in Spain that are associated with intensification/disintensification and urbanization and then to use case studies to assess the types and extent of cross-landscape connectivity. It examines the social-ecological connectivity of environmental resources, resource users, and governance. The overarching purpose is to improve the understanding of social-ecological connectivity in strengthening the sustainability-enhancing resilience of agricultural landscapes amid global agri-food changes. METHODSTo pursue these goals, we conducted a structured literature review of publications to identify major types of agricultural landscapes in Spain that reflect intensification/disintensification and urbanization trends. Case studies of agricultural landscapes and connectivity were undertaken in the Madrid and Granada regions. These case studies used a structured interview with experienced professional experts in fields of social-ecological sustainability and agricultural landscapes in each region. Analyses including Latent Block Modelling were applied to interview results on types and extent of cross-landscape connectivity in both conventional and alternative agriculture. RESULTS and CONCLUSIONSThe structured literature review identified the predominance of three types of broad-scale agricultural landscapes in Spain: intensive, “traditional” rural, and peri-urban/urban. Analysis of case-study results revealed variation of the extent and structure of connectivity among clusters of landscape interactions and social-ecological factors. Landscape-level connectivity created both negative agricultural impacts (e.g., extensive water transfers and nutrient pollution in conventional agriculture) and positive impacts (e.g., knowledge system and seed exchanges in alternative agriculture). Interactions of alternative agricultural systems in peri-urban/urban and “traditional” rural landscapes have benefitted from cross-landscape connectivity amid accelerated agricultural change. SIGNIFICANCEResearch and policy on the landscape-level connectivity of agricultural systems are needed to strengthen sustainability-enhancing resilience of both conventional and alternative agriculture. This study's approach and results are a strategic complement to existing emphasis on within-landscape cycles of social-ecological factors in alternative agriculture. This study's insights are important in the transition phases of alternative agriculture and associated food systems amid changes due to agricultural intensification/disintensification and urbanization. Understanding selective cross-landscape connectivity is important for spatial approaches to strengthen the sustainability-enhancing resilience of agricultural systems.

Tourists’ Perceived Attitudes toward the Famous Terraced Agricultural Cultural Heritage Landscape in China

Terraces are the major vehicle for agricultural activities in mountainous areas and are an important component of the agro-cultural heritage landscape. This work explores tourists’ perceived attitudes toward, and characteristics of terraced agro-cultural heritage landscapes based on online web travel notes. A framework of visitor perception types of terraced agricultural cultural heritage landscapes was constructed, and each type was analyzed in a targeted manner. The results obtained can provide a reference for the conservation of heritage farming culture and the development of strategies to improve landscape quality for such sites. This study used crawler software to collect online travelogue data from 3991 notes by visitors to seven note-worthy terraced agro-cultural heritage sites in China and used the ROST Content Mining 6 tool to analyze high-frequency feature words, semantic networks, and sentiment distribution and ten-dency. We found that the tourist perception of the diversity of terraced agro-cultural heritage landscape is rich, with a high overall evaluation. The tourists‘ perceptions focused on four elements: landscape, ecology, culture, and service. They were more likely to have a high perception of the landscape than service, which in turn was higher than culture and ecology. The emotional tendency of tourists‘ perceptions is mainly highly positive and neutral, and negative emotions account for a lower proportion and are mostly mild.

MODELING OF TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF SOWING GRAIN CROPS BY OPENERS FOR DIRECT SOWING ON SLOPE

To date, sowing is one of the most urgent tasks, therefore, universal sowing equipment is widely in demand, which should ensure a uniform distribution of the number of plants per unit area to create the same conditions for development. Theoretical studies were carried out using the methods of theoretical mechanics, strength of materials, probability theory, mathematical analysis and modeling. Research is carried out on the basis of numerous implementations of the equations of continuum dynamics in applied engineering calculation programs - CAE systems. The article provides a theoretical analysis of the interaction of the soil layer with the surface of the working body of the seeder for the implementation of the technological process of sowing seeds of grain crops on the slopes. We have obtained a diagram of the forces acting on the soil during the working process, a diagram of the forces acting on the soil layer while moving along the slope, a diagram for determining the parameters of the working plane, initial and limiting conditions for the interaction of the working body with the soil environment, a diagram for determining the speed of the soil layer, a diagram changes in the speed of the soil layer on the slopes, the scheme of forces acting on the soil layer on the slopes, the dependence of the gravity force of the soil layer on the surface of the working body and the backing force on the angle of the slope, the dependence of the backing force on the angle. The initial and limiting conditions of the mathematical model of the technological process are considered, and a technique for implementing the mathematical model of the technological process of the work of the working body on slopes with different values of the angle of inclination of the working surface is developed. A mathematical model of the technological process of tillage on different types of agricultural landscapes by experimental working bodies has been developed. The initial and limiting conditions of the mathematical model of the technological process of processing are established, taking into account the slope of the working surface of the field.

Revealing Spatial Patterns of Cultural Ecosystem Services in Four Agricultural Landscapes: A Case Study from Hangzhou, China.

Monitoring and mapping agricultural cultural ecosystem services (CES) is essential, especially in areas with a sharp contradiction between agricultural land protection and urban development. Despite research assessing CES increasing exponentially in recent years, our knowledge of the CES of agricultural landscapes is still inadequate. This study used four types of agricultural landscapes in Hangzhou, China, as the study area, analyzed their CES spatial patterns, and explored their societal preferences by integrating the multi-sourced datasets, clustering algorithms, and Maxent model. The results indicated that hot spots of agricultural CES correspond to river valley plains, which were also easily vulnerable to urbanization. Moreover, we found that the CES level of paddy field and dry farmland were higher than tea garden and orchard. Based on the above spatial patterns of supply, demand, and flow of CES, we identified four groups of agricultural land by cluster analysis, distinguishing between significant, unimportant, little used, and potential CES. Further, our results showed that natural and human factors could explain societal preferences. This study can provide a valuable basis for stakeholders to develop balanced strategies by the aforementioned results.

Protecting the Identity of Sheep-Farming Landscapes in the Outer Carpathians: A Typology, Delimitation, and Interpretation

The article sets out to identify, delimit, and interpret the sheep-farming landscapes of Wallachian origin that lie within the area of medium and low mountain ranges of the Outer Carpathians and that share a uniform geological and morphological structure (the Flysch Carpathians). The subjects of the research are the mid-forest clearings and the farm buildings erected on them, which form a specific type of landscape on which sheep farming has identifiable impacts. The article is an attempt to elaborate a typology of sheep farming and the mixed pastoral/agricultural, sheltering and sheep-farming (Polish: <i>polaniarskie</i>) landscapes of the subecumene zone based on the structure and function of the economic activity on those landscapes. Sheepfarming landscapes are those shaped by the pastoral-agricultural economy in the mountain regions of the Carpathians. The study responds to the need to interpret areas and forms of sheep farming with the aim of protecting not only the unique heritage of the Wallachian shepherds’ lifestyle and culture but also the landscapes resulting from the European Landscape Convention (October 20, 2000). These landscapes are disappearing rapidly due to the unprofitability of rearing livestock, and they are becoming relics and being absorbed through natural forest succession. Preserving the practices and unique history and culture of Carpathian sheep-farming landscapes, including those in the Outer Carpathians, will allow for the protection of not only the landscapes’ identity but also the heritage of the Wallachian highlanders and their biodiverse high alpine meadows. In line with innovative ethnographic research methods, the study’s first stage consisted of taking stock of sheep-farming areas by combining cartographic materials supported by remote sensing with source materials collected through interviews with living witnesses of sheepfarming practices. Sheep-farming landscapes within the Outer Carpathians have a complex historical and cultural structure strongly linked to its current socioeconomic situation. Yet, the sheep-farming landscape of this mountain region has yet to be defined architecturally and physiognomically as a type of rural agricultural landscape. With the aim of promoting the preservation of the region’s sheep-farming landscapes, the article presents its complex structure and function, along with the conditions needed to maintain it. The abandonment of mid-forest clearings would have implications beyond sheep-farming landscapes: it would also result in a lack of viewing opportunities within the mountain landscape, resulting in a loss of beauty and visual value that would impact the status of the Carpathians as a priority landscape.

Agricultural landscapes and rural spatial configurations in the Peruvian Central Rainforest

ABSTRACT The Peruvian Central Rainforest is a territory delimited by socio-cultural affinity and economic dynamics. The diversity of ecological zones in this territory has allowed agriculture to be the main activity of its rural population. This research seeks to analyse the factors that influence the spatial configuration of agricultural landscapes in the Peruvian Central Rainforest. The Río Negro district was selected as a case study to analyse three factors groups: settlements, ecosystems, and housing. Mapping, photo-interpretation, and field data collection were used to carry out the study. As a result, three types of agricultural landscapes have been identified, which include four modes of settlement organisation, three types of agricultural ecosystems, and eight types of agricultural housing. The discussion shows different heterogeneity levels in each type of agricultural landscape determined by the various configurations of its elements that should be considered for future territorial planning and studies in the Peruvian Central Rainforest.

Overlooked jewels: Existing habitat patches complement sown flower strips to conserve pollinators

Flower strips are a frequently adopted measure to conserve insects, especially pollinators, and are subsidized as Agri-Environmental Scheme in many regions. They provide a high quantity of flowers, but their flower species composition and phenological development is mostly uniform. This may result in only a fraction of pollinator species being enhanced. Flower-rich semi-natural habitat patches along slopes, fences or ditches, may provide resources for additional species, but they are not politically promoted. In this study, we compare pollinator communities in sown perennial flower strips with existing flower-rich herbaceous semi-natural habitat patches, both located at the edge of conventional apple orchards in Southern Germany. The flower strips attracted a higher pollinator abundance and species richness than the existing habitat patches. However, the bee species composition differed between the two habitat types. The existing habitat patches attracted bee species with different pollen specialization than the sown flower strips. Pollinator abundance and species richness varied between the different existing habitat patches indicating a high heterogeneity of these existing habitats, whereas the flower strips showed consistently high pollinator abundance and richness. We conclude that existing herbaceous habitat patches are attractive for pollinators and should be promoted by policy actions. Flower-rich semi-natural habitat patches develop without sowing next to typical agricultural landscape elements like slopes, fences and ditches with moderate mowing or herbicide application. They generally do not compete with agricultural land use and thus have a high potential to promote pollinator conservation.

Agricultural Landscapes in Brandenburg, Germany: An Analysis of Characteristics and Spatial Patterns

The increasing demand for agricultural commodities for food and energy purposes has led to intensified agricultural land management, along with the homogenization of landscapes, adverse biodiversity effects and robustness of landscapes regarding the provision of ecosystem services. At the same time, subsidized organic agriculture and extensive grassland use supports the provision of ecosystem services. Yet little is understood about how to evaluate a landscape’s potential to contribute to protecting and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services. To address this gap, we use plot-level data from the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) for Germany’s federal state of Brandenburg, and based on a two-step cluster analysis, we identify six types of agricultural landscapes. These clusters differ in landscape structure, diversity and measures for agricultural land management intensity. Agricultural land in Brandenburg is dominated by high shares of cropland but fragmented differently. Lands under organic management and those with a high share of maize show strong spatial autocorrelation, pointing to local clusters. Identification of different types of landscapes permits locally- and region-adapted designs of environmental and agricultural policy measures improves outcome-oriented environmental policy impact evaluation and landscape planning. Our approach allows transferability to other EU regions.

A rapid qualitative methodology for ecological integrity assessment across a Mediterranean island's landscapes

Rapid qualitative field methods can be used to evaluate ecological integrity (EI) at a landscape level. This study evaluates the EI of 63 landscape types (LCTs) in Cyprus derived from Landscape Character Mapping. Following a stratified sampling, LCTs were evaluated using 209 Land Description Units (LDUs) i.e., homogeneous map entities, sharing a similar pattern of natural and cultural elements. In every LDU, six ecological integrity (EI) indicators were visually assessed consistently namely naturalness, habitat continuity, number of habitats, dominant habitat type, management intensity and scale. TwoStep Cluster Analysis was employed to identify EI categories, and Categorical Principal Components Analysis (CATPCA) to associate the individual indicators with overall EI in the LDUs. Linear regressions were used to predict EI based on the most important indicators. Forested and shrubland landscapes have consistently good EI with low variation, while urbanized and agricultural landscapes have lower EI. There is great variation in the number of agricultural landscape types and their EI. There are significant linear relationships between EI and naturalness, habitat continuity and intensity. The novelty of this work lies with the fact that it provides the first island-wide study in the Mediterranean assessing EI spatially through a small number of indicators. Results indicate that LCA can be an appropriate consistent and inexpensive spatial framework for assessing EI, which can be directly associated with management intervention to maintain or improve EI.

Flood-induced ground effects and flood-water dynamics for hydro-geomorphic hazard assessment: the 21–22 October 2019 extreme flood along the lower Orba River (Alessandria, NW Italy)

ABSTRACT The knowledge of flood-induced ground effects and flood-water dynamics is a crucial issue for hydro-geomorphic hazards assessment and mapping, and thus for river management and land use planning. This paper and the related 1:15,000 map illustrate the lower Orba River (NW Italy) and its adjacent floodplain geomorphic response to the 21–22 October 2019 extreme flood. This was estimated to be a 500-years flood and caused severe damage to cultivated fields, structures, and infrastructures. The research is based on extensive post-flood field surveys, ante- and post-flood GNSS surveys, and aerial photographs interpretation. Intense in-channel sediment mobilization, bank retreats, and channelization structures collapses were surveyed. Furthermore, alluvial gullies, overbank deposits, crevasse splays, and surficial-erosion evidences were mapped over the floodplain, along with the flooded area (17.65 km2) and the flood-water features. A specific legend developed for flood-related and anthropogenic elements mapping in a typical lowland agricultural landscape with regulated rivers is proposed.

Tree-Ring Analysis of Intermediate Hawthorn (Crataegus media Bechst.) in NW Poland

Intermediate hawthorn (Crataegus × media Bechst.) is broadly distributed in Europe but very rarely examined by dendrochronologists. In NW Poland, it is one of three naturally occurring hawthorn species, growing mainly at forest margins, along roads, in mid-field woodlots, and on uncultivated land. Biocenotically, it is a very valuable species. This study aimed to determine the age of trees, tree-ring dynamics, and growth–climate relationship for intermediate hawthorn. Signature years were also determined. Samples for analysis were collected from 22 trees growing in a typical agricultural landscape in a monospecific mid-field woodlot comprised of several hundred specimens of various ages and forms (shrubs and trees). Using classic methods of dendrochronological dating, a 40-year long chronology spanning 1981–2020 was constructed. The radial growth rate of intermediate hawthorn is comparable to other tree species forming stands in NW Poland and equals 2.41 mm/year. Considerable intersubject variability is noted, from 1.48 to 4.44 mm/year. The chronology was also used for dendroclimatological analyses, including correlation and response function and signature years. Of the meteorological parameters analyzed, annual incremental growth in hawthorn is the most strongly shaped by precipitation totals from May to August of the current vegetation year: high rainfall favors the formation of wide tree-rings. Statistically significant growth–climate relationships were also obtained for winter months (December of the preceding vegetation year, January and February), for which period negative correlation and regression values are noted for air temperature and insolation. Furthermore, high precipitation, low-temperature and low insolation late in the preceding vegetation year (especially in August) make a positive influence on the condition of trees in the upcoming growing season. Signature year analysis clearly pointed to precipitation as the dominant factor in shaping tree-rings in the studied hawthorn population. As there are no dendrochronological papers concerning indigenous hawthorn species, future studies should be expanded to include diverse geographic locations and habitat conditions and should include all three species of hawthorn occurring in Poland.

Regularities of water consumption of grasses in forest pastures by types of agricultural landscape in the Volga steppe zone

Water consumption and productivity of grasslands are closely related to the type and degree of protection from erosion of the agricultural landscape. One of the main indicators of the type of agricultural landscape is the slope of the slope, which determines the level of soil fertility and productivity of agricultural land. With an increase in the slope, especially on erosive types of agricultural landscape (&gt;30), the thickness of the a+B horizons decreases by more than 3 times from 64 cm on the plakor (&lt;10) to 20 cm on steep slopes (10-200). The humus content in the soil horizon a decreases from 4.69 to 1.97%, or 2.72% in absolute value. Over 35 years, the complex of anti-erosion techniques has increased the power of soil horizons A+B, depending on the type of agricultural landscape, by 1-6 cm, the content of humus-by 0.16 - 0.36%, NPK – by 9.1-30.0%: a larger increase corresponds to the erosive types of agricultural landscape (&gt;30). Productivity and water consumption of pasture lands depend on the level of soil fertility, snowiness of winters, the degree of moisture in the growing season, and the growth dynamics of pasture grasses. In the average humidification years (2015,2016) on open types of agricultural landscape, the productivity of grasses was 1.23-3.14 t / ha, the coefficient of water consumption -675-1538 m3 / t, and under the influence of anti-erosion techniques, respectively-1.73-4.05 t/ha and 627-1242 m3/t. The difference in water consumption coefficients reaches 23.8% on steep slopes (10-200). In dry years with the previous snowy winter on open types of agricultural landscape, the coefficient of water consumption is 930-1500m3/t, under the influence of anti-erosion techniques-703-1169 m3/t, or less by 32.7-28.3%. In wet years, the water consumption coefficient takes the lowest values due to the high productivity of grasses (5.61-8.89 t/ha). The complex of anti-erosion agrotechnical and forest-reclamation techniques is created in accordance with the type of agricultural landscape: on slopes with a steepness of 0-50-forest strips and mulched crevices; 5-80-forest strips and shrubby scenes; &gt;80 - protective forest stands on terraces.

Agro-landscape arrangement of agricultural lands

The article deals with adaptive landscape farming systems focused on differentiated use of land, taking into account their degradation hazard. These systems include optimization of technologies for crop rotation and pasture use, creation of protective forest stands and objects of anti-erosion hydrotechnical and irrigation-water reclamation. The microclimate of the surrounding fields changes under the influence of protective forest stands, as well as the ecological structure of field associations. This increased the phytomass of cultural agrocenoses. The optimal shape of the area of protective forest plantations, the location and nature of their location, as well as the width of forest strips and mixing schemes that determine the design, must be made taking into account the type of agricultural landscape.