The Czech landscape has undergone a significant transformation in the second half of the last century, mostly for the worse. In an attempt to simplify land cultivation, meadows, avenues and copses were destroyed. The consequent cultivation of a few crops on large areas has necessitated the massive use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. The result has been accelerated water runoff and poorer water quality, increased erosion and general soil degradation, a significant reduction in biodiversity and, more generally, the creation of a drab and impenetrable landscape.
In particular, climate change will bring changes in the distribution of rainfall. There will be less snow and periods of moderate, longer-lasting rain. On the other hand, there will be more torrential rain and dry periods. Slowing the rate of water runoff from the landscape by improving its ability to retain rainfall is therefore vital for us. Climate change will also lead to further deterioration of soils and the extinction of some native species unless compensated for by better landscape structure and more appropriate management practices.
