| Abstract [eng] |
Context – This conceptual study explores the role and application of landscape polarisation principles in addressing applied issues of agriculture and soil health maintenance. The Nature Frame concept reflects universal principles of sustainable landscape management and land use; promoting these principles in agriculture can establish a robust system of sustainable soil use and contribute to policymaking aimed at achieving the objectives of the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive. Objectives – To present the concept of a Nature Frame as a tool for modeling and optimizing the intensity of agroecosystem use and prioritizing agricultural measures in order to ensure their sustainable functioning, biodiversity dispersal, and the preservation of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Methodology – An analysis of the pilot area (Kelmė distr. mun., Lithuania) was performed, incorporating the 2025 crop declaration dataset of the National Paying Agency, and soil erosion and SOC distribution data from the Lithuanian Soil Information System database Dirv_DR10LT. A Nature Frame model for the pilot area was developed to identify soil problems related to SOC migration and accumulation. The importance of the areas for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity was also identified. Based on this analysis, a landscape management model for the pilot area’s agroecosystems was developed, incorporating measures to address these issues. Results – The pilot area, as defined by the measures for managing the quality of agroecosystems and soils, is divided into the following categories: Priority 1 (areas of the Nature Frame), where intensive agriculture is practiced and where problems related to soil degradation are encountered. In these areas, the landscape structure must first be restored and soil degradation issues addressed. Within this priority, the following are distinguished: geoecological divides (agrarian forested hilly landscape) – measures for biogen accumulation and stabilization, anti-erosion measures; geoecological divides (agricultural hilly landscape) – measures for biogenic and carbon accumulation and stabilization, anti-erosion and biodiversity enhancement measures; Internal areas of geoecological stabilization – measures to support biodiversity and the ecological functions of the landscape; migration corridors – control of biogenic accumulation and biodiversity enhancement measures. Priority 2 (hilly areas with eroded soils outside the Nature Frame), where intensive agricultural activity is carried out. Measures for biogens and carbon accumulation and stabilization, as well as anti-erosion measures, are planned for these areas. Conclusions – The study revealed that the Natural Framework covers 75.16% of the territory of Kelmė distr. mun., while as much as 60.73% of all agricultural land within the municipality falls within the Natural Framework. Of this area, 61.24% of agricultural land is intensively used, being cultivated as arable land under crop rotation systems. Furthermore, 78.42% of all eroded soils are concentrated within Natural Framework territories, particularly in geoecological divides and migration corridors. These findings indicate that the agroecosystems of the study area are being managed unsustainably and that landscape planning measures are required. The Natural Framework concept, operating through the identification of landscape geoecological potential as well as potential risks and environmental problems, provides a valuable basis for the targeted differentiation of areas where restrictions on agricultural intensification are environmentally justified. Priority should be given to measures aimed at soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and the restoration of ecosystem functions. Its application may contribute to more effective agroecosystem management, SOC preservation, soil degradation reduction, and the achievement of European Green Deal objectives. Implications – Applying the Nature Frame concept allows support and environmental protection requirements to be specifically directed to areas where soil degradation is most severe, thereby increasing the cost-effectiveness of agricultural investments. This approach integrates ecosystem services into intensive agriculture, rather than simply setting aside protected areas. This enhances the effectiveness of environmental protection. Linking agricultural policy to the Nature Frame becomes a practical tool for restoring soil health. It not only halts erosion but also actively contributes to restoring soil properties and increasing the resilience of agroecosystems. |
