|
|
|
||||||||||
SUMMARYDue to an overly expansionist and unsophisticated agricultural policy in the countries of the Central-Eastern European region, many land areas with low-grade soil were forced into agricultural production during the past five decades. Plant growing on these low-quality lands is very costly, as a consequence of which farmers complain continuously about unfavourable growing conditions. Mapping and classification of land, which has become a reality with the aid of computer technology and consequently a routine task in many countries, could be done in order to identify agriculturally unproductive land areas. In the present study we would like to examine the prospects of growing biomass on these agriculturally unproductive land areas, based on historical data-series analysis. We will develop our own land classification methodology, then describe the appropriate and most recommended types of biomass for each land categories, and move on to assess the socio-economic dimension and the environmental effects of such energy forest developments. Biomass planting can promote land re-cultivation. Finally, we shall outline a theoretical decision-support system in order to facilitate land management and decision making. Research results will be published at each stage of the project. Work is to be carried out in 6 Work Packages
Coordinator GEO-Montan Co., Hungary www.geomontan.hu |