Evaluation and analysis of drained land state in Lithuania

Abstract

The most productive farming lands are drained lands in Lithuania. Yearly investments for drained land and reclamation constructions maintenance and repair can not ensure the normal functioning of reclamation systems. Considering Lithuanian's integration into the EU it is necessary to establish competitive agricultural structures. The productivity of farming lands is directly related to condition of reclamation systems and the largest part of agricultural production takes place in the drained land. There are not enough funds for renovation all reclamation systems; therefore the allocation of money has to be grounded economically. This task can be solved having effective system for evaluation of drained lands and reclamation constructions. Aim of the research is to evaluate and analyze the state of drainage systems. There were many evaluations of drained land and reclamation constructions since 1965 in Lithuania. Such works require many financial, human and time resources, but effectiveness of adopted decisions and efficiency of regulation and management of the entire land reclamation infrastructure depends on the actual information about land reclamation system. At present the reclamation GIS system (Mel GIS) has been used for effective evaluation of drained lands and reclamation constructions. This database also facilitates collection and update of information on reclamation systems. Analysis showed, that in 2006 the area of reclaimed lands of bad condition is less in comparison with that of 2000. Most likely, such result was influenced by united methodology of the evaluation of the condition of reclaimed lands and the increased financing for the repair works and reconstruction of drainage systems. Analysis of the inventory data of drained land condition and its changes in local and state level allows to substantiate financing of reclamation systems.