SPECIFIC ROLES OF SOIL IN AGROECOSYSTEMS OF NERETVA AND TREBIŠNJICA RIVER BASIN

UDK 631.4(497.6) The diversity of soils and climate in the Neretva and Trebišnjica River Basin spreads from the lower, higher, high to very high zone over 2,000 meters above sea level. The most important agricultural land is in river valleys and karst poljes of belonging zones. Ameliorative systems are mostly out of function while actual systems are comprised of very intensive farming; vegetable growing, modern fruit plantations on the open field and protected areas (greenhouses), but also of the low-intensity farming system in a mountainous area. The current climate changes obviously are not a temporary phenomenon, but are a specific one; there are no more “dry” or “rainy years” as it was in the past -now we have both in the same year. In spring, the soil needs quick and efficient drainage of the sufficient water by drainage system, but in dry – vegetation period, compensation of water deficiency by irrigation is needed. Therefore, today's generation of decision-makers and users of soil as a public treasure cannot avoid the question as to which soil/land areas and at which way to focus investments. We propose the construction of multi-purpose water accumulation, to collect (excess) precipitation in autumn-winter season for irrigation in dry summer vegetation period, but it is necessary to focus land management on (pedo) biological properties and activity.