Selected problems in the development of mountain catchments for the protection of dam reservoirs in the Polish Carpathians

Abstract

The current spatial development of the catchment area in the Polish Carpathians shows features that accelerate the water cycle and its erosive activity. The region is characterized, among others, by: insufficient forest cover, the presence of fallow land and abandoned land, scattering of buildings, disturbance of the course of agro-forest borders, excessive number of dirt roads and various hardened surfaces, degradation of forest ecosystems. This translates into siltation and pollution of Carpathian dam reservoirs important for the water and economic system of the country. The aim of the article is to present selected principles and methods of arranging the catchment area in the Polish Carpathians in terms of improving the catchment retention capacity and, at the same time, the quality of water. The result of proper management would be a stable supply of good quality water to the reservoirs. Protective activity for water resources should focus on replacing surface runoff with ground runoff in order to increase the retention capacity of the area and protect against erosion. The key is to properly shape the plant cover, which at the same time protects the water quality. The watershed zones and steep slopes should be forested. Permanent grasslands for extensive animal breeding should be considered the optimal form of agricultural use of the Carpathian areas. Together with forest areas with a good health condition, they not only create favorable water conditions, but also ensure the preservation of biodiversity. The maintenance of arable land is permitted up to an altitude of 700 m a.s.l. and requires good agricultural practice to minimize soil erosion and nitrate migration. It is unacceptable to leave the soil without plant cover. River bed zones and watercourse beds require appropriate technical or biological support to prevent the development of bedside erosion and sediment displacement, as well as the ingestion of material from slopes. Plant communities near the river beds should be protected under landscape protection. Pol. J. Mater. Environ. Eng. June 2021, vol. 1(21), 1–15