Rolnictwo Podhala

Abstract

The paper presents the main changes in features of Podhale agriculture which have taken place since the World War II. In the middle of the XXth century agriculture was the most important branch of the region's economy and it was the basic source of inhabitants' income. Economic role of agriculture gradually decreased since 1950. At present agriculture is the main source of living for ca 40% of inhabitants. The other important source is tourism, industry and services. The author states that it was possible to change land use pattern in that montane region and to adopt its directions to natural environment conditions. Majority of land (95% of agricultural land and 46% of forests) is private in Podhale. Farms are dispersed and mean area is ca 5 ha. Their average area has decreased by 1,7 ha since a year. The significant feature of Podhale agriculture is great number of people working per 100 ha of arable land (ca 52, in Ponad 26) as well as great sources of living and mechanic draught means which are also used in tractive works connected with tourism. In the period after the World War II the area of agricultural land has decreased in Podhale from 125 thousand ha in 1931 (67% of total area) to 96 thousand ha (50,9%) in 1986. The area of forests has increased from 48,4 thousand ha to 74,5 thousand ha. Great changes were noticed in the structure of crops. Cereals were the main crops in 1931 (63% of all crops) and potatoes (18%), at present fodder crops predominate (49% of crops). Such changes should be connected with development of cattle and sheep breeding as the main branch of agriculture what influenced the crop structure. Such directions of changes in Podhale agriculture is suitable for natural environment protection in Podhale. The author states that stronger links of agricultural production with the needs of tourism should be taken into account.