Crop diversity at the gmina level and its causes in the Podlasie district of Poland

Crop diversity is an important feature from agricultural and ecological points of view, because it secures preservation of natural biodiversity (flora and fauna species) and reduces negative effects of agricultural production. It is especially important in regions with valuable natural conditions such as the Podlasie district (northeast region of Poland). This study presents a distribution of crop diversity in the Podlasie district’s gminas and attempts to probe into its possible causes. Crop diversity was evaluated based on Shannon’s index and assessed on the share of the main crops. The data applied were obtained in the National Agricultural Census of Poland in 2002. Relationships between Shannon’s index and several characteristics of socio-economic and environmental conditions were estimated using multiple linear regression. The results obtained demonstrated that crop diversity depended mainly on share of light soils; the bigger share caused lower crop diversity. Livestock density was another factor influencing crop diversity; the effect of cattle density was positive while that of pig density is negative. The results of this study identify factors that can be taken into consideration in planning a future policy for sustainable development of the district; these factors are share of light soils and livestock density.