Regional Variation in Changes in Agricultural Production in Poland in the Context of Environmental Impact

Abstract

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: Agricultural production activity brings about specific environmental effects. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in agricultural production in regions of Poland (NUTS-2) in the context of environmental impact using the gross nitrogen balance. Materials and methods: The analysis covered the medium-term perspective of 2001-2016. The primary source of information was statistical data of the Polish Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny - GUS). Results: During the 2002-2004 period, the balance of gross nitrogen balance in Poland did not change and amounted to an average of 47.5 kg N∙ha-1 UAA (Utilized Agricultural Area). The progressive extensification of plant production in the following provinces: Slaskie, Malopolskie, Podkarpackie and Swietokrzyskie, is accompanied by a rapid reduction in the stocking density of livestock. Conclusions: The nitrogen balance, highly differentiated regionally, just as its individual elements, show the potential differentiation scale of the agricultural impact on the state of the environment. Very high balance surpluses occurring in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lodzkie and Wielkopolskie provinces may indicate high environmental pressure from the agricultural production.