Impact of loess relief on land use mosaic in SE Poland

Land cover is one of the most changeable environment components in time and space. The type, intensity and spatial distribution of land use forms result directly from the actual and former character of agriculture. In this study, an attempt was made to assess the impact of loess relief on the spatial diversity of land use patch features. The research was carried out within three test areas covering a total of about 100 km2. The test areas are located within the loess areas of SE Poland. Spatial analyses were carried out using GIS software. Eight landscape metrics were used; altogether 170 averaged parameters (based on almost 13,000 patches) were calculated. In general, the patterns were similar in all three test areas, bigger slopes favour occurrence of larger land use mosaic. Observed land use diversity is as a form of adaptation of agriculture to the existing geomorphological conditions (soil erosion threat). The implementation of land consolidation programmes is very low in loess areas, which results besides social and economic aspects from the occurrence of a diverse mosaic of fields and varied topography. That is why loess areas require special land consolidation programmes taking into account specific geomorphological conditions.

► The spatial distribution of land use patches within loess areas is influenced by geomorphology.
► Land use diversity is a form of adaptation of agriculture to the existing geomorphological conditions (soil erosion).
► Land use mosaic and the diverse relief pose a major challenge to the implementation of the national land use policy.