Inland water situation in agriculture

By: STA Date: 2024. 02. 20. 09:45

In the country at the beginning of 2024, the amount of agricultural land covered by inland water is considerable, but not particularly high. Based on satellite radar images, at the end of January of this year, nearly 116,000 hectares of land were affected. In addition to the harmful effects of inland water on agricultural land, let’s not forget its role in groundwater replenishment.

(Photo: Pixabay)

At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Earth Observation Operative Center (Lechner Knowledge Center) carried out a national inland water mapping based on optical satellite images in order to assess and evaluate the extent of the affected agricultural areas at the beginning of 2024. The largest increase in inland water coverage was experienced in the county of Győr-Moson-Sopron. Compared to the agricultural area as a whole, the degree of inland water coverage was the highest in the counties of Győr-Moson-Sopron (3 percent) and Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok (2.5 percent), while it was the lowest in the counties of Komárom-Esztergom and Tolna. A slight increase in inland water areas was typically observed in the central and eastern parts of the Great Plain, while their gradual decrease was observed in the central areas of the country.

About forty-five percent of Hungary is lowland, and a quarter is a low-lying, flat area from which water does not drain naturally

Groundwater occurs when, as a result of unfavorable meteorological and hydrological factors, the free pores in the upper layer of the soil are saturated with water and the groundwater escapes to the surface. Weather extremes with sudden heavy rainfall are becoming more common these days, especially after periods of drought. These contribute to the creation of inland water areas and their expansion. The abundant rainfall experienced in November 2023 led to the high water saturation of the soils throughout the country, and at the same time to the formation of inland water spots in several places on the Great Plain. The rainy weather continued in December, which further increased the inland water coverage.

In addition to its harmful effects, ground water plays an important role in terms of groundwater supply

For farmers, the long, rain-free periods that are becoming more common make water retention, water retention and soil moisture conservation, as well as the conscious practical application of procedures that help maintain soil fertility, vital. In addition to recognizing the self-interest of the producers, these goals are encouraged by many elements of the currently operating agricultural support system. The government primarily supports the improvement of the water-holding capacity of soils and ecosystems by supporting the change of land use, the mosaic of surface cover (fringe habitats, non-productive areas), the development of infrastructure for water retention, and the use of water-conserving agro-techniques.