Changes in crop structure in Lithuanian municipalities and their threats

Abstract

Relevance of the topic: Soil is one of the main natural resources necessary for growing crops. In Lithuania, the area of both utilized agricultural land and crops is increasing. The structure of crops is changing rapidly. However, the counties and municipalities of the country vary greatly in soil quality and opportunities to grow the most suitable crops, and thus ensure the sustainable use of land resources. The research aim is to determine the tendencies of changes in the structure of crops used for biomass production in Lithuania. Methodology: Peculiarities and dynamics of crop structure in 2003–2020 were analysed at the level of Lithuanian municipalities according to five groups of soil quality, classified by J. Mažvila, G. Staugaitis, Z. Vaišvila, P. Aleknavičius, A. Juozokas, R. Mockevičius and L. Lukšienė (2011). Land productivity assessment data, last updated on January 1, 2019, was used. Statistical data of Eurostat, OECD, Statistics Lithuania was used. Applied research methods: Statistical data analysis, induction and deduction. Results: Long-term changes in crop structure were identified across the country and in municipal areas, classified according to the soil productivity score. Conclusions & practical implications: Trends in crops structure show increasing ecological threats and negative environmental impact.