Protective significance of meadows and pastures for the natural environment of the Western Carpathians (as an example of the Upper Dunajec River basin)

During the period of 1995–2005 in the mountain areas of southern Poland (Western Carpathians), in the catchment areas of the Upper Dunajec River basin in particular, significant structural changes took place. The share of arable lands decreased in the range of 17.7–27.6% of the total area. Simultaneously the area of permanent grasslands (meadows and pastures) has increased from 9.8 to 21.1%. The objective of the work was an assessment of biogenic ingredients content (N-NH4, N-NO3, and PO4) in surface water on area of the Białka catchment with the domination of permanent grasslands with low production intensification based on natural fertilizers and scattering input of mineral fertilizers. In years 2002–2005 the average share of arable land amounted 16.2%, pastures and meadows 83.7% and 0,1% of orchards. Studies showed that surface water quality in this catchment area was very good, in the range of the 1st class. Mountain grasslands are fulfilling an important protective role contributing for sustain high quality of surface water.