348
M. Kejna et al.
Keywords Integrated Environmental Monitoring Program · Climate change · Flow
rate · Runoff · Water chemistry · Struga Toru´ nska. Poland
15.1 Introduction
Small river or lake catchments allow comprehensive research to be conducted into the
state of an environment subject to continuous changes from natural and anthropogenic
processes. Rapid climate changes in the world (IPCC 2018) and in Poland [1–3]
and increasing environmental anthropopressure call for regular observations and
monitoring of the environment.
Multi-year series of observations make it possible to conduct not only diagnostic
but also predictive studies, and to develop environmental scenarios [4]. An understanding of the operating principles of analysed ecosystems makes it possible to
identify risks and threats to the environment. Environmental protection is only practicable through sustainable management of its natural resources and respect for the
rights of both animate and inanimate nature.
Particular risks occur in urban and agricultural areas. In Poland, agricultural land
takes up as much as 60% of the area [5]. Since the end of World War II its extent has
been decreasing due to afforestation [6], but it is paramount to look into the functioning of those ecosystems. Natural and artificial fertilisers are widely used in the
cultivation of plants [7]. In the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, the level of artificial
fertiliser use is among the highest: in 2015 the nitrogen balance reached 73.3 kg/ha
and the phosphate balance was 4.4 kg/ha [5]. Farming has a strong impact on the
state of the environment, especially on the soil and on the surface- and groundwater
[8].
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an analysis of the functioning of the
catchment of the Struga Toru´ nska river (Chełmno Lakeland, Central Poland), which
represents a typical agricultural catchment, in the years 1994–2017.
15.2 Integrated Environmental Monitoring in Poland
Integrated Environmental Monitoring (IEM) in Poland started in 1992, as a part
of the State Environmental Monitoring Programme. The purpose of the IEM is
to collect data on the condition of the natural environment that is representative
for Polish geo-ecosystems and to interpret transformations undergoing in the environment [4]. The flow of energy and the circulation of matter in the environment
cause changes in the landscape. Using identified regularities, it is possible to determine threshold values and elaborate development scenarios for the monitored geoecosystems where climate changes and various forms of anthropopressure are being
considered. Comprehensive IEM studies have been carried out in the form of 18
observation projects, including biotic and abiotic elements of the environment [9].
M. Kejna et al.
Keywords Integrated Environmental Monitoring Program · Climate change · Flow
rate · Runoff · Water chemistry · Struga Toru´ nska. Poland
15.1 Introduction
Small river or lake catchments allow comprehensive research to be conducted into the
state of an environment subject to continuous changes from natural and anthropogenic
processes. Rapid climate changes in the world (IPCC 2018) and in Poland [1–3]
and increasing environmental anthropopressure call for regular observations and
monitoring of the environment.
Multi-year series of observations make it possible to conduct not only diagnostic
but also predictive studies, and to develop environmental scenarios [4]. An understanding of the operating principles of analysed ecosystems makes it possible to
identify risks and threats to the environment. Environmental protection is only practicable through sustainable management of its natural resources and respect for the
rights of both animate and inanimate nature.
Particular risks occur in urban and agricultural areas. In Poland, agricultural land
takes up as much as 60% of the area [5]. Since the end of World War II its extent has
been decreasing due to afforestation [6], but it is paramount to look into the functioning of those ecosystems. Natural and artificial fertilisers are widely used in the
cultivation of plants [7]. In the Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, the level of artificial
fertiliser use is among the highest: in 2015 the nitrogen balance reached 73.3 kg/ha
and the phosphate balance was 4.4 kg/ha [5]. Farming has a strong impact on the
state of the environment, especially on the soil and on the surface- and groundwater
[8].
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an analysis of the functioning of the
catchment of the Struga Toru´ nska river (Chełmno Lakeland, Central Poland), which
represents a typical agricultural catchment, in the years 1994–2017.
15.2 Integrated Environmental Monitoring in Poland
Integrated Environmental Monitoring (IEM) in Poland started in 1992, as a part
of the State Environmental Monitoring Programme. The purpose of the IEM is
to collect data on the condition of the natural environment that is representative
for Polish geo-ecosystems and to interpret transformations undergoing in the environment [4]. The flow of energy and the circulation of matter in the environment
cause changes in the landscape. Using identified regularities, it is possible to determine threshold values and elaborate development scenarios for the monitored geoecosystems where climate changes and various forms of anthropopressure are being
considered. Comprehensive IEM studies have been carried out in the form of 18
observation projects, including biotic and abiotic elements of the environment [9].