Ameliorative measures aimed at prevention/mitigation consequences of climate change in agriculture in Croatia

Abstract

Climate change can be represented as a change in climate elements (temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind, insolation) relative to average values, or as a change in the distribution of climate events relative to average values. Climate change causes more frequent occurrences of floods and droughts, which can cause major damage to agriculture and the environment. Ameliorative measures in hydrotechnical amelioration include protection from flood and catchment waters, drainage of surplus water land and irrigation (Soskic et al, 2001). Protection of a certain area from flooding and catchment water implies hydrotechnical measures and solutions aimed at preventing or diminishing harmful effects and consequences of surface runoff of large amounts of precipitation or torrents water from higher elevations to lower parts, as well as consequences of flooding events from watercourses and other water bodies in the riparian and a wider area. Drainage of surplus water from a land area can be achieved by designing an adequate drainage system (hydro‒ameliorative drainage system) consisting of different technical solutions and structures: pumping stations channels/pipes for various purposes, of different dimensions and shapes, additional structures/equipment and infrastructures (roads, bridges). For the purpose of preventing or mitigating droughts as a natural occurrence that causes a shortage of water in the soil (rhizosphere), an amelioration measure of irrigation should be provide favourable soil moisture condition for plant growth and development where there is lack of precipitation in an area. Successful agricultural production can be achieved if there is a favourable water-air ratio in the soil during the growing season, as excess or shortage of water in the soil causes a decrease in yield. At aimed preventing/mitigation the consequences of climate change in agriculture and the environment, existing (built) hydro-technical facilities, surface and underground drainage systems as well as irrigation systems should be adequately used and maintained, and continue with activities for the construction of new hydro-technical facilities and drainage and irrigation systems