In the theory and practice of valuation, it is commonly accepted that the key feature determining the value of agricultural land is its location, both general and in a specific part (zone) of a village. The model approach used in the present study can provide the answer to the question of how to maximize the value of agricultural land as part of a conducted arrangement, agricultural works. The study used data on the market sale of agricultural parcels in 10 Polish municipalities. Each parcel was described using a set of features (parameters) that were key to its value and entered into a database. Using the database, two statistical models were built: a multiple regression analysis model (MRA) and an artificial neural network model (ANN). The studies conducted have shown that changes in such features as surface area, shape, and access to a public road were accompanied by significant changes in the market values of parcels. Another important observation was that potential decreases in the value of agricultural parcels as a result of changes in their surface areas were offset (where it was reasonable) by the elimination of their excessive elongation and providing them with an access to a public road. Based on the findings, it has been concluded that change in land value should be considered one of the effects of executed land consolidation projects (LCP), during which the parameters of agricultural parcels are subject to the biggest changes.

The objective of this study is to present the approach to assess needs of land consolidation to prepare rural areas for proper water resource management. The study presented links of water management with land consolidation, which is a new approach in rural development planning in Central Europe. The results of this research are presented in the form of a needs assessment matrix for water retention. The matrix includes the main groups of parameters that are related to water resource management systems and rural development planning, which are classified into three groups: (1) water resources and retention, (2) technical systems and water management measures, and (3) information about land space distribution in rural areas. A verification of the proposed matrix was carried out for two sites that differ in terms of factors influencing the retention size; one is located in southern Poland in Lower Silesia—in the village of Mokrzeszów—and the other is located in Strzelce Wielkie—a village located in Lesser Poland. Both sites were evaluated using different needs assessment methods in terms of retention. The main factors influencing a reduced retention potential are related to the insufficient retention capacity of river channels and valleys and the inadequate maintenance of melioration systems. In Strzelce Wielkie, the land consolidation favours longer catchment response on rainfall, which is an advantage to mitigating drought and flood problems. The developed matrix can be applied for an assessment of the retention potential of rural areas based on the relatively accessible data. The method is universal and can be used in different regions. The approach presents practical tools dedicated to authorities to deciding on land consolidation in regards to water resources management; it aims at resolving agricultural land use conflicts and sustainably using space in order to manage water domains.

This research aimed to use the cause-and-effect diagram (model) as a method to describe the 15 main factors (for example, awareness, knowledge and motivation of farmers, farmers income, institutional and financial support, condition of the natural environment, healthiness of the population, etc.) leading to soil acidification, their impact on soil health and ecosystem functions, and how soil liming serves as a remedial measure. The cause-and-effect model was developed based on questionnaire studies as a part of the project ‘Opportunities and Barriers to the Use of Soil Liming for Improving the Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Reducing Eutrophication of Surface Waters’ in 2022–2023. The results showed that the effects of soil acidification and liming as well as their interrelationships are multifaceted and affect agricultural production economics, agricultural land and crop prices, environmental health and biodiversity, as well as soil productivity and food security. The causes of this situation can be attributed to social, technological–logistical–technical, and economic factors. To change the existing situation, it is necessary to take effective steps to motivate farmers to lime their soils. The most effective would be (1) offering training courses for farmers to discuss the benefits that a farmer can achieve by maintaining optimum soil pH levels while growing a specific crop species; (2) implementing liming payment programs that will be more attractive and motivating from the farmers’ perspective; and (3) linking agri-environmental payments to the necessity of systematic testing of soil pH levels and maintaining optimal pH levels under specific crops species.

This article explores the problem related to preparing the digital data used for 3D visualizations on big areas. Because of the frequent problem of having only a small amount of such data the authors introduce a technology allowing densification of the data that make up the Digital Terrain Model. This is where SURFER software finds its application. These methods are sufficient to generate images for landscape visualization.

In the article the author presents the results of research and implementation works, concerning the possibility of widespread introduction in Polish conditions of the modern principles of the implementation of village renewal programs. Currently, these programs are implemented in a much shallower form, restricted only to investments in selected items of social and technical infrastructure. Apart from Opolskie Voivodship – and part of Dolnośląskie and Pomorskie voivodships — its full potential within village renewal of the building of social capital in rural areas is not used. In addition, a properly executed village renewal project may contribute to the protection and development of natural elements in rural settlements.