ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND USE CHANGES (A CASE STUDY OF TELŠIAI COUNTY)

Abstract

The article analyzes the environmental aspects of agricultural land change in Telšiai county in the period 2013–2025. The aim of the study is to assess the change in agricultural land in Telšiai county municipalities in 2013–2025 according to environmental aspects. During the study, data on land use area change in Telšiai county municipalities were analyzed, applying statistical analysis and graphical representation methods, in order to determine the main trends in agricultural land change. It was found that Mažeikiai and Plungė districts and Telšiai district municipalities significantly increased the areas of built-up areas, indicating the intensification of urbanization. Telšiai district and Rietavas municipalities recorded a growth in forest area, which is assessed as a positive change for carbon dioxide accumulation and landscape stability. The distribution of road and water areas shows the relative impact of uniform infrastructure and hydrographic network on the environment. Rietavas and Plungė districts The area of agricultural land in the municipality has been increasing. Forecasts until 2035 show uneven trends in the change of agricultural land in the municipalities of the county. The results of the study emphasize the need to apply sustainable land use solutions.