Analysis of changes in a shelterbelt network landscape in central Jutland, Denmark

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 66; no. 2; pp. 171 - 183
• Main Authors: Kristensen, Søren Pilgaard, Caspersen, Ole Hjorth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2002; Elsevier; Academic Press Ltd
• Subjects: Agriculture; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Climate; Conservation of Natural Resources; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Denmark; Ecology; Ecosystem; Environmental Monitoring; Farms; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agroecology; General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping; General agronomy. Plant production; General aspects; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Geographic Information Systems; landscape grain size, shelterbelt planting activities, GIS, questionnaire survey, landscape ecology; Trees; Denmark; Jutland; Europe; landscape grain size, shelterbelt planting activities, GIS, questionnaire survey, landscape ecology; Decision making; Time series; Environmental factor; Wooded strip; Environmental management; Land use; Agroecosystem; Ecological connectivity; Artificial forest stand; Geographic information system; Network; Planning; Farmer; Anthropogenic factor; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1006/jema.2002.0582

This paper investigates the changes in a shelterbelt network between 1950 and 1997 in a study area in central Jutland, Denmark. The analysis consists of two parts. Firstly, the changes in key parameters which are of landscape ecological importance (shelterbelt density, connectivity, node type and landscape grain size) are examined. The results of this analysis show that shelterbelt density varied considerably during the period due to changes in biophysical and socio-economic factors. A GIS analysis shows that landscape grain size decreased in 45 percent of the area. A major change of shelterbelt type occurred in the area with landscape ecological and visual scenery implications. It appears that public-subsidised shelterbelt planting programmes were the most important factors influencing changes in the shelterbelt network in the study area while differences in soil type were less important. Secondly, data from a questionnaire survey were used to examine the driving forces behind shelterbelt activities over a 10 year period. Hobby farmers were the most active farmer group in shelterbelt planting and agronomic reasons were the most important motives for shelterbelt planting in the study area during this period. Furthermore, it appeared that microclimate effects and aesthetical considerations have become important reasons for shelterbelt planting.