Agriculture Pollution Control Project
TOR 3 Final Report
ROMANIA
AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION CONTROL PROJECT
Assessment of Land-Use Suitability and
Proposals for Land-Use Information System
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
4
2. EVALUATION OF AVAILABLE DATA AND MAPS
5
2.1 INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANISATIONS 5
2.2 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BASE DATA 6
2.3 DISCUSSION 7
3. DESCRIPTION
OF
LAND-USE
SUITABILITY
10
3.1 THE MAIN LAND ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT AREA 10
3.2 LAND UNITS 12
3.3 LAND-USE SUITABILITY 14
3.4 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS 15
3.4.1 AGRI-ENVIRONMENT 15
3.4.2 ENVIRONMENT LEGISLATION 15
3.4.3 FUEL WOOD 16
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
17
4.1 PRODUCTIVITY AND MANAGEMENT 17
4.2 SYSTEMS AND SOURCES FOR GEOGRAPHICAL DATA 17
4.3 COST BENEFIT OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM 18
4.4 SERVICES 19
4.5 INCOME GENERATION 19
4.6 CUSTOMERS 20
4.7 UN-QUANTIFIED BENEFITS 20
ANNEX I - SUMMARY AND DESCRIPTION OF MAPPED INFORMATION
21
ANNEX II - TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR LAND COVER MAPPING
26
BACKGROUND 27
OBJECTIVES 28
REQUIREMENTS 28
DELIVERABLES 29
ANNEX III - EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION GIS AND GPS CAPABILITY
30
BACKGROUND 31
REQUIREMENTS 31
ANNEX IV - FIELD VISIT NOTES
35
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ANNEX V - COST TABLES FOR GIS, GPS AND LAND COVER MAPPING
37
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1. Introduction
This report forms part of the Agricultural Pollution Control Project (APCP)
preparation phase. The report was prepared in Romania and finalised in the UK
during November 2000. Two missions were undertaken to Romania where the
majority of the time was based at the Project Preparation Unit (PPU) located in the
DGAIA offices in Calarasi. A number of field visits were made to the project area,
both on the terrace and polder areas and a number of communes visited. In addition,
a number of institutions were visited including the Romanian Centre for Remote
Sensing Application in Agriculture (CRUTA) and the Research Institute for Soil
Science and Agro-chemistry (ICPA) in Bucharest, and the Environmental Protection
Inspectorate in Calarasi. A detailed mission diary is annexed to this report.
The principle objective of this report is to describe the available map data resources
available to the PPU to facilitate the production of a land suitability map for the
project area. Gaps in such data have been identified and recommendations acquire
such data, in addition investment in a geographical information system (GIS) and
global positioning system (GPS) have been made. Finally, an indicative land
suitability map has been produced based on field visits and consultation with local
experts. The map, approximately 1: 50 000, should be used with caution since it only
serves to indicate where appropriate crops could be grown and a more detailed map
should be developed during the first year of the project, particularly highlighting
problem areas.
The terms of reference addressed in this report are as follows:
Evaluation of available data and maps;
· List of available data;
· Results of field verification;
· Commentary
Description of land use suitability supported with map(s) and recommendations;
· Narrative;
· Land use suitability map(s) at 1:50 000;
· Recommendations for use of other sources and systems in monitoring
use of natural resources
In addition detailed terms of reference are provided for the supply of additional
information and equipment.
The author worked closely with a number of Romanian experts and is particularly
grateful to Ion Toncea, Rotaru Constantin, Mateiu Codreanu and Stefan Nicolau.
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2. Evaluation
of
available data and maps
2.1
Institutions and organisations
A number of organisations were visited to ascertain the scope and quality of mapped
information that may be of use to the APCP for land suitability assessment and
associated activities such as monitoring. A summary appears below and a more
detailed list of mapped information is contained in Annex I of this report.
Regional Soil Agency (OJSPA)
A considerable amount of data is available at the Regional Soils Agency
(OJSPA) located in DGAIA and under the directorship of Mrs. Marin. The
regional agency undertakes detailed soil analyses in the Calarasi Judet in
addition to providing advice on remedial action to take concerning the
maintenance of the soil resource. A number of maps are available at a variety
of scales ranging upward from 1:10 000 and based on field survey describing
soil type, irrigation potential and specific soil quality measures for the project
area. A comprehensive list is provided in table 1. The availability and
accessibility of this data could be improved by maintaining and publishing a
list of the soils information managed by the regional agency. The conversion of
this data into digital databases, stored on a geographical information system
(GIS), would provide a significant asset to the project and to DGAIA.
Research Institute for Soil Science and Agro-chemistry
Such a system has been established at the Research Institute for Soil Science
and Agro-chemistry, under the directorship of Dr. Mihail Dumitru, and a large
volume of soil databases are maintained and managed on a GIS. Much of the
data on the research institutes GIS covering the project area has originated
from the regional Soil Agency. The scale of these maps varied from 1:10 000
upwards. Table 1 captures the data available for the project area maintained by
this institute, however, it must be stressed again that much of this is available,
be it in an analogue format, at the Soils Agency in Calarasi.
Farm maps
Many of the state farms and farm associations have mapped data for the area
they manage. It was not possible to fully evaluate or assess the scope of all of
these although examples are available at the PPU. Certainly for the state farms
associated with the polder area maps are available describing field layout. As
part of the privatisation of these farms an assessment of soil quality and
irrigation potential was undertaken by the Soil Agency as an annex to the
tender documents. This information is available at DGAIA and also held at the
associated farm offices.
Local mayors offices
Of the mayors offices visited for the communes falling within the project area a
variety of mapped data was held. The different themes of the map to some
extent reflected the plans or concerns of the mayors' office. For example, at
Vlad Tepes mapped data was available, at 1:5000, describing a large terraced
area that had been partly forested to provide fuel wood for the local
community. Such information would be useful in the calculation of tree
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seedlings needed to complete the forestation of the remaining terraces. A more
comprehensive search for similar data should be undertaken at the inception of
the project.
ISPIF
The Institute of Studies and Design for Land Reclamation Works in Bucharest
has undertaken a number of studies on the project area, most notably on the
polder area. Two reports1, published in the 1990's document in detail the
reclamation of the polder and the associated impacts of agriculture on the
environment, changes to soil and potential for irrigation. Both reports include
a number of maps (mainly at 1:100 000 scale) which serve as a useful indication
of the land suitability of the area. The reports are comprehensive and give a
useful description of the environmental conditions of the polder area, the
limitations and potential.
CRUTA
The Romanian Centre for Remote Sensing Applications in Agriculture has
developed a number of agricultural and climate databases covering Romania
under the EC MARS (Monitoring Agriculture with Remote Sensing)
programme. The Romanian MARS project was undertaken in the late 1990's
and included the whole of Romania. A detailed archive of SPOT and NOAA
satellite imagery is held by CRUTA covering this period. CRUTA have also
undertaken work funded by WHO (World Health Organisation) to map waste
dumps and areas posing a risk to human health including those associated
with APCP. This data is held on the GIS at CRUTA. Additional digital data
may also be available at such as transport networks. The databases are mainly
at the scale of 1:100 000.
Other data sources
In addition to the institutes and organisations visited it is apparent that there
are many others whom have collected data for the project area. The use of GIS
as an application of remote sensing in Romania is wide spread and this has
encouraged the conversion of mapped data into digital format. Much of this
data will not be of use for the project since it will be too coarse a scale, not
relevant or fall out of the project area. Nonetheless, a more detailed
examination should be made during the inception phase of the project to
examine other possible sources of information (particularly that in digital
format) that may be of use to the project.
2.2
Recommendations for base data
The project area is not large, nevertheless the establishment of a project geographical
information system (GIS) would facilitate the presentation, management and
analyses of data collected by the project (this is discussed in more detail later in the
report).
1 Impact Study in the Boianu-Sticleanu Polder Calarasi (1996) and continuation report (1997). ISPIF, Sos. Oltenitei. 35
- 37, Sector 4, 79656, Bucharest.
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Land suitability assessment may be restricted to soil properties alone but more
commonly refer to land in a broader environmental sense. For the purposes of this
project the following factors should also be considered in assessing the suitability of
land:
· Soil;
· Topography (elevation, slope, aspect, hydrology);
· Climate;
· Vegetation;
· (Socio-economic features - features of the area that may constrain
agricultural development).
2.3 Discussion
Institutions
For the APCP area there is a large body of tabular and mapped data describing
soil properties. Associated with much of this data are descriptions of some of
the other features listed above helpful in land suitability mapping. However,
accessing some of this information is not particularly easy, nor is it in a form
that can be quickly manipulated or analysed.
The Regional Soil Agency at DGAIA has much of the soil data necessary for
land suitability mapping - generally based on detailed to semi-detailed surveys
(i.e. > 1:10 000 or 1:25 000 to 1:10 000). The reports associated with this
information include specific crop or natural vegetation variables related to soil
parameters - e.g. drainage or salinity effects. These types of survey are
sufficiently accurate for the purposes of the project and the derivation of a
semi-detailed land suitability map. For particular hot-spots of pollution or
where significant changes in land use are anticipated then detailed surveys will
be necessary at a scale > 1:10 000 and, in some instances, these will be already
available for example the recent soil surveys undertaken on the State farms on
the polder area.
The Regional Soil Agency (OJSPA) should be the principle point of contact for
the ACPC regarding the provision of soil information and in the development
of successive land suitability maps. Co-operation should be sought with other
institutes, as described above, to supplement this data.
All of the mapped data and associated information was produced to a high
quality. However, there did not appear to be any regular programme for
monitoring soil quality or condition (due largely to financial constraints),
updating land use or land suitability. This is an important issue and will be
addressed by the project.
Field verification
Annex IV provides a summary of the field visits.
The polder area, formerly part of the Danube floodplain, (about 22 000 ha) is a
fragile agricultural habitat that is particularly important for waterbirds. This
area, having been reclaimed was intensively managed for arable agricultural
production although livestock enterprises on the three former state farms were
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also significant. Over the last decade (post-1989) there has been a general
decline in the intensity of management of this area largely due to financial
constraints rather than lack of know how (although it is important to note that
strategically the focus was on, and still is, production rather than a more
balanced approach taking into concern the environmental issues associated
with this habitat). Consequently, much of the pollution (nitrates, phosphates
and pesticides) associated with the polder is historic in nature, and despite the
preponderance of area down to arable land pollution levels are likely to be
generally low. The vegetation bordering the canals along the urban fringe with
the polder area (e.g. Gradistea) are indicative of high levels of eutrophication
and this was confirmed in many places by the high levels of algae in these
canals. It is likely though that much of the pollution causing these problems is
associated with the gardens of properties that back right onto the canals. In the
majority of these gardens it was observed that maize silage garden and animal
waste deposited along the banks of the canal. Run-off high in nitrates and
other pollutants into the canal is likely to be high and be significant
contribution to the pollution of these waterways rather than agricultural
activities per se. There was no evidence of soil erosion from water, although
wind erosion may be a localised problem in some areas.
There is a concern that with the decline in the irrigation and drainage network
that water logging is occurring in places and that the soil is becoming more
saline (and alkaline) in nature. This will affect yields. Indeed, on the
Agroservcom farm over 150 ha of cereals had been lost due to water logging
(equivalent to $30 000). From an environmental point of view the lower
intensity farming, the re-colonisation of areas by reeds and the reversion of
some areas to wetlands is considered positive.
The state farms on the polder area will be privatised. There is concern that
following privatisation there will be greater access to credit or funds to
rehabilitate the irrigation and drainage network and purchase non-farm
resources such as pesticides and inorganic fertilisers leading to a more
intensive form of agricultural production. Many of the current farm managers
of these farms also expressed a desire to start livestock farming as well (on two
of the state farms about 400 sheep are managed). These investments and access
to non-farm resources should result in greater productivity however, these
foreseen changes will also pose a considerable risk to the environment.
There is now an opportunity to influence the development of the polder area
and the type of agricultural practices. Consideration should be given in
identifying areas on the polder that can revert to wetlands or extensive
grassland to encourage waterbirds. The application and timing of inorganic
and organic fertiliser will require careful management to minimise the loss of
nitrate to surface and ground waters. The introduction of agro-forestry and
shelterbelts will reduce the risk of wind erosion and will encourage
biodiversity.
The land use of the terrace area, about 62 000 ha, is almost entirely agricultural,
with the exception of some large water bodies and village areas. The
agriculture practised here is generally intensive in as much that it is largely
mechanised (although the machinery is small relative to field size) and agro-
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chemical based. The farms associated with the terrace are under capitalised
and consequently the inputs in terms of pesticides and fertilisers are relatively
low. Agricultural pollution associated with the terrace area is mainly historical
and attributed to practices pre-revolution (pre-1990's). Current doses of
pesticides are low and fertiliser use conservative. Soil erosion appears to be
minimal, wind erosion being apparent in some of the large fields where there
are no or poorly maintained shelterbelts. Water erosion occurs on some of the
gentle slopes associated with the riparian zones although this is not wide
spread. The rates of soil erosion do not appear to be greater than the accepted
natural rate of 11 t/ha.
Pollution from point sources, mainly manure platforms, or latrines appears to
be a significant problem.
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3.
Description of land use suitability
Detailed descriptions of the natural vegetation, transport infrastructure and access to
markets, socio-economic considerations, climate and agricultural practices are
provided in other reports associated with the project preparation for the APCP.
This section deals with the limitations to agricultural productivity, identifies the
main land units of the project area and assesses the suitability of the land to the
major crops currently grown. Recommendations are given to the management of the
land and possible changes in land use to meet the wider objectives of the project.
3.1
The main land elements of the project area
The terrace and polder areas distinguish the project area. The terrace area has a
uniform topography being largely flat with sloping lands leading into ephemeral or
permanent drainage areas. The southern 'tail' of the terrace slopes gently down onto
the floodplain of the Danube (now reclaimed agricultural land). The landscape is
dominated by agriculture that is mainly arable with some grassland areas to support
livestock. Field size is typically large (> 50 ha) with few physical field boundaries
creating a landscape which should be considered as 'open'. Bisecting this landscape
is artificial irrigation and drainage canals (poorly maintained), an irregular network
of windbreaks, and a number of small villages. The transport network is well
established, although not dense, the major roads sealed with a high density of
unmetaled farm tracks.
The polder area is a reclaimed floodplain of the Danube. The landscape is typically
flat and uniform with a patchwork of depressions of various sizes. The land is
drained, although this system is not well managed and frequently these depressions
become waterlogged. At the northeastern end of the polder area is a large expanse of
freshwater, the Iezer Calarasi, providing an important habitat for waterbirds. The
immediate area around the southern part of this water body is grassland. Along the
edge of the Danube River is an area of natural vegetation and wetlands including
forest areas. The landscape is bisected by an extensive network of poorly maintained
irrigation and drainage canals and unmetaled farm tracks. Field size is large (> 50
ha), with few physical field boundaries or natural areas of vegetation. There are no
villages associated with the polder area and only some farm buildings.
A transect of the project area is captured in figure 1.
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Low-lying depressions
Some windbreaks or
Water body
Natural area along
(micro-depressions)
small forested areas
or drainage
bank (freshwater
Irrigated /
channel
Commune
alluvium)
drained area
Irrigated /
Da
nube
(reclaimed
Commune
drained area
polder)
(reclaimed
polder)
High watertable
Irrigation / drainage
canals
Approximately 14 km
After Ion Toncea, (2000)
Polder area
Terrace
Soils
Alluvial soils with various textures and stages of siltation
Dark brown to reddish carbon based chernozems; cambic
chernozems; clayed chernozems, formed on a loess base with a
fine to medium texture
Crops
Wheat
Wheat
Barley
Barley
Maize
Sunflower
Sunflower
Maize
Soya-bean
Key issues
· Poorly maintained irrigation and drainage infrastructure (mixture
· Poorly maintained irrigation and drainage infrastructure
of soil moisture problems, i.e. water logging or draughtiness in dry
(soil moisture problems in dry years)
years)
· Soil erosion (water erosion on sloping land,, wind erosion
· Wind erosion
elsewhere)
· Soil compaction
· Soil compaction
· Soil salinity
· Decrease in organic matter
· Soil alkalinity
· Soil contamination (isolated and largely associated with
· Decrease in organic matter
manure platforms)
· Eutrophication
· Lack of fuel wood for communities
Schematic transect of the project area showing the polder and terrace area
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3.2 Land
Units
During the mission it was not feasible to determine a comprehensive and detailed
description of the land units of the project area. Nonetheless, this section seeks to
indicate the minor landforms associated with the project area and to briefly
characterise them. However, the mapped information (appended to this report) has
only been approximately transcribed to the land suitability map since it was not
feasible to determine the exact geographical extent of these land units.
Polder area
Freshwater alluvium
This 'strip' of land extends along the northern embankment of the
Danube and is a remnant of the former floodplain. The strip of land is
effectively a buffer between the reclaimed polder area and Danube
river. The vegetation associated with this area is a mixture of wetland
grasses, reed beds and trees (e.g. various willows). The alluvial soils
occur with various textures and stages of siltation and generally
waterlogged.
This area is suitable as a natural habitat providing an important haven
for wildlife and in particular waterbirds. The area also acts as
important buffer zone between the agricultural area acting as a
biological filter trapping silts, toxic compounds and diffuse pollutants.
The area could be more actively managed to improve the biodiversity
of the surrounding area i.e. where it borders the reclaimed polder (i.e.
establishment of wildlife corridors into the polder area and may also
benefit from the development of agro-tourism.
Reclaimed polder
A reclaimed floodplain bordering the Danube this substantial
agricultural area (22 000ha) is characterised by a range of alluvial soils
including chernozems, mollic alluvial soils and alluvial protosoils
with large areas which are either waterlogged and / or salinised.
Irrigation and drainage is widely practised in this area, although in
the last decade the overall management and infrastructure has
declined significantly.
The productivity of this area is mixed and highly dependent on
appropriate irrigation and drainage practices. According to the ISPIF
reports2 about 60% of the land area in the polder area is considered as
suitable for irrigation, and only 26% as good or very good land
suitable for irrigation. The crops grown (typically wheat, barley,
maize, sunflower and soya-bean) give low to medium yields receiving
low inputs of inorganic fertiliser and pesticides. The scope to improve
yields is significant but it is important that this is not at the expense of
the environment. The increase in the area affected by alkalinity is a
concern as is the threat of salinity.
2 ISPIF (1996 & 1997). Impact study on the Boianu Iezer Polder Calarasi - land reclamation study.
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Nutrient management for the area will be critical to minimise diffuse
pollution, Nitrate levels associated with the polder are recorded as
low3. Practices in the past have not been conducive to low nitrate
levels e.g. irrigation using waste water from livestock enterprises and
poor manure management on the terrace area giving rise to run-off
onto the polder.
Micro-depressions
There a number of areas that forms lower lying areas or depressions
that are commonly waterlogged. These would generally have been
wetland areas or small lakes and the soils of these features are of a low
productivity and difficult to manage.
Given the current decline in irrigation and drainage capital these areas
would be more suitable for agro-forestry (e.g. willows), extensive
grassland production (for grazing purposes) or to be left to revert to a
natural habitat (mixture of reeds and grasses). Wildlife corridors
could be established from Calarasi lake to the freshwater alluvial area
to encourage biodiversity and generally enrich the habitat.
Terrace area
Riparian zone
These areas are associated with the water bodies and ephemeral
drainage networks of the terrace area. These areas may be prone to
water erosion since they are associated with sloping land and will also
be potential hot-spots for diffuse sources of agricultural pollution such
as run-off carrying sediments, nitrates or pesticides. The banks
around water bodies are also prone to collapse in places, particularly
where cultivation is taking place right up to the edge of these banks.
For sloping land associated with natural drainage networks
agricultural practices are acceptable as long as measures are taken to
minimise the risk from water erosion (e.g. cultivation across the
slope). Buffer strips, particularly at the foot of slopes, would minimise
the sedimentation of water courses and act as a filter thereby
improving water quality. In some areas, particularly in close
proximity to communes, the establishment of agro-forestry or
community forestry as a source of fuel wood may be considered as a
more suitable land use.
Terrace
Agriculture is the dominant land use of the terrace area that is
composed of largely uniform and fertile soils, typically chernozems,
cambic chernozems and clayed chernozems. Crop productivity is low
to medium, the main hindrance being soil moisture particularly in dry
years, and lack of inorganic fertiliser and pesticides. Concern at the
decline in fertility has been expressed and greater use of organic
fertiliser and introduction of soil moisture conservation practices
(these will be addressed by the APCP) could address this.
3 Op cit.
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3.3
Land use suitability
The development of a detailed land suitability assessment within the scope of this
report is not feasible due to the lack of readily available information. Nonetheless,
based on the indicative land units described in section 3.2 Land Units an indication of
the land suitability for the predominant crops gown in the APCP area are given in
the table below4. Crucially, for the polder area, agricultural productivity and land
suitability will depend on the viability of the irrigation and drainage infrastructure,
and the careful management of waters and soil. Whilst irrigation and drainage are
not so significant for the terrace area (although would certainly improve yields
during dry seasons), the maintenance of soil fertility will be crucial.
Table of suitable crops
Land Unit
Natural
Erosion
fertility
risk
Crop Suitability
(Small holder or commercial production)
Wheat Maize Sun-
Barley Soya Grass Agro-
flower
beans
forestry
Polder area
Riparian
plain
Low
Low
* * * * * ****
*****
Reclaimed
plain
Medium
Low **** **** **** **** **** **** **
Micro-
Low Low *** *** *** *** *** **** *****
depressions
Terrace area
Riparian
zones
High Medium
**** **** **** **** *** **** ****
Terrace High
Low
*****
*****
****
*****
***
****
***
Key to crop suitability
***** Highly
suitable
**** Suitable
***
Marginally suitable or partially unsuitable
** Largely
unsuitable
* Totally
unsuitable
Alternative crops are not discussed in this report, although the land is suitable for
growing vegetables, root crops such as sugar beet, and sorghum. However, a more
detailed study into the economic viability of establishing these crops would be
required and are outside the scope of this report.
Livestock production is not as significant as historically (pre-revolution). A more
mixed farming system could play an important role in the management of the APCP
environment via the recycling of organic manures and the use of rotational
grasslands to improve soil structure and maintain or increase organic matter.
In the polder area the introduction of extensively managed grassland breaks in the
rotation could contribute to minimising the amount of nitrogen leached. The use of
cover crops during the autumn, such as mustard, may also reduce the amount of
4 Based on Landon (editor) (1991). Booker tropical soil manual. Longman. ISBN 0-582-00557-4.
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nitrate leached. Livestock production is suitable for the polder area but the
associated manure management will be critical to ensure the loss of nitrate to the
environment is minimised.
3.4 Additional
considerations
Land is well suited to agricultural production within APCP area, however, there are
a number of other related issues that could be considered to enhance the
environment and rural community and a brief description of them follows.
3.4.1 Agri-environment
Agri-environment schemes are an increasingly important part of the EU's Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP) to which Romania will have to comply before joining the
EU. The overarching objective of the agri-environment programmes implemented
by Member States is to minimise or reduce the impact of agricultural activities on the
environment. The SAPARD (Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and
Rural Development) pre-accession instrument provides opportunities to introduce
and develop appropriate agri-environment schemes. Consideration for a SAPARD
programme in the APCP area would seem appropriate since the objectives are
mutually beneficial.
3.4.2 Environment legislation
Important EC environmental legislation relevant to the project area include the
Nitrates Directive (EC 676/91) and Habitats and Birds Directive (EC 43/92 and EC
409/79 respectively). Allied to these latter Directives is the international Ramsar
convention.
The Nitrates Directive, address both nitrate pollution in surface and groundwaters
through the designation of nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZ's). The Directive requires
that a set of rules are put in place in NVZ's to reduce existing nitrate pollution from
agricultural land and to prevent further pollution from arising. The rules are known
as Action Programme rules or measures. Compliance with the rules is a legal
requirement within those areas designated by the government as NVZ's. The APCP
will be a good basis on which to develop and educate farmers of this forthcoming
piece of legislation that they may be required to adhere to if the project area is
designated an NVZ.
The Birds Directive seeks to conserve all species of naturally occurring birds in the
wild state in the European territory of the Member States. Whilst the Habitats
Directive seeks to contribute towards ensuring biodiversity through the conservation
of natural habitats and wild flora and fauna in the EU. The Ramsar convention
addresses the stemming of loss of wetlands and to ensure their conservation and
wise use.
Section 3.1 and raised the importance of Iezer Calarasi as an important habitat for
waterbirds. The Iezer Calarasi wetland is about 3200 ha and the waterbody itself
about 400 ha and is an important migratory passage. There is a risk that increasing
agricultural activity in the area will threaten this important habitat and therefore the
site has been put forward to be gazetted as a protected area by the government, the
400 ha forming the core area and the remainder making up a buffer zone. A detailed
management plan will be required to ensure that the objectives of the proposed
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protected area are fully met. Consideration must be given to getting the co-operation
of local farmers and farms in the implementation of the management plan and cross
compliance with other agri-environment measure and programmes should be fully
explored and developed to ensure maximum benefit.
3.4.3 Fuel wood
Fuel wood is an important supplement to heating during the winter months for the
village population. There appears to be a shortage of fuel wood in the local vicinity
and consequently people have to travel considerable distances, frequently relying on
crop residues as an alternative. There is considerable scope to develop community
wood lots to supplement the source of fuel wood and the land around villages
appears quite suitable for this. High calorific and fast growing species such as poplar
and willow would be appropriate.
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4. Recommendations
4.1
Productivity and management
A number of important land characteristics must be observed when assessing a
particular area regarding its agricultural suitability and need for any specific soil
management and recovery practices. Important land facets include topography and
rainfall and these will influence land management practices and ultimately land
productivity. In addition, the productivity of the soil will be limited by the
following:
· Acidity;
· Alkalinity and sodicity;
· Salinity;
· Low cation exchange capacity;
· Phosphorus fixation and;
· Cracking and swelling properties.
Working with the Regional Soil Agency at DGAIA the APCP should seek to
regularly monitor the above soil facets so as to determine whether the land and soil is
being appropriately managed. Information concerning these facets combined with
additional soil and water quality measurements can be applied to develop strategies
to ensure that agricultural activities in the APCP area enhance the environment.
4.2
Systems and sources for geographical data
Mapped data for preparation of land suitability and to assist in monitoring and
selection of demonstration sites for the project activities is available although the
distribution is disparate and not readily accessible nor in a format (i.e. digital) that
enables easy manipulation or analyses. Much of this data, as already described is
available at DGAIA in one form or another however during the early stages of the
project (year 1) it will be necessary and important to capture the appropriate data
digitally. These digital geographical databases can then be stored in a geographical
information system.
A geographical information system (GIS) is computer-based software that stores
digital map data associated attribute data. A PC based GIS is recommended for the
project serving as a database of mapped data and other monitoring data collected
during the project. The PPU and DGAIA will be able to easily produce colour map
(up to A3 size) to communicate monitoring results and progress. In addition, as this
capability strengthens DGAIA will be able to develop value added and new services
to its existing products.
Additional data, to assist in project monitoring and planning, should include land
cover / land use. This should be collected at least twice in a growing season
(autumn and spring since these are critical times during which nitrate leaching will
occur). This data can be easily collected from satellite data at a suitable scale (1:10000
or 1:50000) from a variety of platforms including:
· Landsat TM
· SPOT XS
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· IKONOS
· IRS - C or IRS - D;
· KVR 1000
According to consultation with CRUTA the Russian imagery (KVR 1000) is not yet
available in Romania and, the software necessary to process the imagery is
prohibitively expensive (about 30000-40000 $ USD). If high resolution imagery is the
preferred choice then IKONOS images, which is available in Romania, would be a
suitable alternative, with each scene covering about 10 km x 10 km and having a
resolution of 1-2 m in panchromatic mode and 3-5 m in multi-spectral mode. This
imagery can be processed with readily available software (e.g. ERDAS Imagine.
Up to two satellite images should be acquired each year and processed to derive land
cover information for the project area (it is more likely that a more precise land cover
database will be derived from more than one satellite image). The satellite imagery,
if acquired at a suitable time, could also be used to detect alga blooms in water
bodies and therefore serve as an indicator for water quality. Crop and grassland
quality could also be determined to quantify improvements in management. Satellite
processing in Romania is readily available. The processed imagery can then be
stored on the project GIS for further analyses or combination with other geographical
data.
Additional data will be collected during the project (soil and water quality data).
Using a global position system (GPS) accurate (± 10m in x and y) geographical
information can be quickly and easily collected including point (e.g. monitoring
stations, wells, spot heights etc.) and line data (e.g. boundaries, networks etc.). The
data can then be uploaded into the project GIS database. Such data can be used to
facilitate project monitoring including areas planted under agro-forestry, converted
to grassland or natural areas.
The project should establish close links with the Romania institute responsible for
implementing the Corine Land Cover program and MARS (Monitoring Agriculture
using Remote Sensing). These data will prove useful additional data sources for the
project. In addition, the GIS unit should forge working links with the Danube Delta
GIS at Tulcea Research Institute.
4.3
Cost benefit of the geographical information system
The investment in a geographical information system is justified on the added value
it will bring to the project as a means of storing and analysing mapped based data
and information and the ability to produce quality cartographic products for
stakeholders of the project.
The benefits to the project and DGAIA are listed below:
· Storage of project data;
· Improved efficiency in handling and manipulating geographical data;
· Improved access to geographical data;
· Functionality to combine databases to derive new information;
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· Spatial analyses functionality enabling interpolation of database to derive
new information e.g. spot height information interpolated to derive a
slope or aspect database;
· Ability to produce quality map and cartographic products;
The investments associated with establishing the GIS and GPS capability are
captured below.
Item $
Hardware (PC, printer and digitising
6700
tablet)
GPS (x 3)
19350
GIS software
4000
Data capture
8600
Sub total
38650
Consumables (annual)
1500
TOTAL 40150
4.4 Services
In principle a number of improved or new services could be offered by DGAIA on
the basis of the investment. Some of these services are:
· Automated map production (GIS);
· Automated geographical data collection (GPS);
· Derivation of new information (e.g. slope or aspect maps from elevation
data);
· Added value to soil analyses service (soil maps and interpolated surfaces
of soil properties).
4.5 Income
generation
The calculation of income derived from the establishment of a GIS and GPS
capability is based on a number of assumptions. It is assumed that the market for
map based products will grow, this is likely as the agricultural sector is reformed and
new instruments and markets opportunities for agriculture develop under the EC
SAPARD programme and accession process. Certainly with the planned
privatisation of the state farms associated with the polder area there will be a
demand for regular analysis of soil quality and the opportunity to assist in the
planning and allocation of land for different farm enterprises. The ability for DGAIA
to offer a geographical data collection service (GPS), to produce soil maps (GIS and
GPS) should be highly attractive to these new enterprises. This assumption can also
be applied to the larger farms associated with the terrace area although the amount
of disposable income to invest in soil mapping for example may be less in the short
term.
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There will be ample opportunity during the project life to demonstrate the utility of
GIS based maps to assist farmers and growers, not only in the project area but also
Calarasi Judet. The income stream captured below does not reflect staff costs
(assumed to be already costed since DGAIA staff will be trained by the project and
no staff will have to be recruited to operate the GIS and GPS) and is based on the
area covered by DGAIA, rather than just the project area. The estimates are
considered therefore to be rather conservative.
Service
Units / yr.
$
Total (annual)
Map production
50
50
2500
Data collection (GPS)
50
100
5000
Data processing
50
100
5000
Total
12500
4.6 Customers
A number of potential customers would utilise the service making it necessary to
provide differential costing depending on the client. Certainly, different prices
should be imposed for the public and private sectors. Full costs and a margin should
be charged for the private sector, and for the public sector costs should be at least
recovered. Potential customers might include:
Private sector
· Individual farms;
· Private farms (particularly those on the Polder);
· Farm associations and family farms;
· Private industry, construction and engineering companies;
· Non-government organisations (particularly those associated with
nature protection).
Public sector
· Local government offices (e.g. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
INSPECTORATE, Forestry service);
· Communes and mayors office;
· Research institutes and universities.
4.7 Un-quantified
benefits
In addition to the more tangible benefits associated with the establishment of the GIS
and GPS capability there are a number of un-quantified benefits that will also accrue
to DGAIA:
· The ability to quickly produce new products from existing data held
at DGAIA
· Improved access to geographical data held at DGAIA;
· Greater efficiency in the management and distribution of mapped
data.
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ANNEX I - Summary and description of mapped information
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Evaluation of available data and maps
Source
Data
Description
Comments / Suitability
ISPIF - 'Impact study in the
Maps / plans
Map 4 - ownership of land in 1990 on Polder
Scale too large for derivation of
Boianu-Sticleanu Polder
all at 1:100 000 Map 5 - ecological areas on the flood plain
suitability map but serves as a useful
Calarasi' (1996)
Map 6 - area before land reclaimed
guide to evolution of the project area
Map 7 - land reclamation plan; dykes; drainage
covering the Polder
channels etc
Map 8 - irrigation network
Map 10 - Potential for irrigation in 1969 (6 classes)
Map 11 - Potential for irrigation in 1990
Map 12 - extent of salty soils in 1990
Map 13 - depth of water table in 1975
Map 14 - depth of water table in 1990
Map 18 - planned land to be reclaimed
ISPIF - 'Impact study in the
Maps / plans
Map1 - river drainage to Danube in Romania
Scale to large for derivation of suitability
Boianu-Sticleanu Polder
at 1:100 000
Map 8 - soil potential
map but serves as a useful guide to
Calarasi' (1997)
Map 9 - ecological zones
evolution of the project area covering the
Map 10 - proposal for new ecological zones
Polder
Topographic map (National
1:100 000(?)
Commune, roads, drainage / irrigation network,
Initial planning purposes
Survey)
water bodies, administration boundaries
Topographic map (National
1:50 000
Commune, roads, drainage / irrigation network,
Useful base map for developing
Survey)
water bodies, forested areas, administration
indicative suitability map
boundaries
DGAIA - OJSPA
1:50 000
Soil description (4 different soil types in project area)
Useful for suitability map
DGAIA - OJSPA
1:10 000
Soil potential map(s) for Commune in APCP
Appropriate for suitability maps
Note that much of the data held at the
Regional Soil Agency has been used,
along with other sources, to develop a
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GIS at the Research Institute of Soil
Science and Agro-chemistry. There is no
reason why the Regional Agency under
the Directorship of Mrs. Marin should
develop a land information system
(using GIS technology) and based on the
data held at DGAIA.
Add hoc maps from
1:50 000
Mainly plans of farms or terraced areas
Useful for developing specific suitability
Commune and state farms
plans for associated areas
Research Institute for Soil
1:200 000
The data described below is based on a variety of
Much of the data described is held in the
Science and Agro-chemistry
although
published and un-published data sources, at different Institutes geographical information
sufficiently
scales, collected by the Institute and stored on their
system allowing efficient retrieval and
detailed to
GIS.
manipulation. Inspection of the soil
derive 1:50 000
database illustrated the degree of detail
maps
-
Ecological unit
available that would be highly relevant
-
Soil
to the APCP and greatly facilitate
Soil type
planning and monitoring activities.
Sub-type
Family
See note above regarding the
Variety
development of a similar capability at
-
Physical and geophysical unit
DGAIA based on the Regional Soil
Altitude
Agency data of paper maps and allied
Major form of relief
reports.
Micro-relief
Slope
The Institute also has developed a
Aspect
number of agri-environment models that
-
Climate
operate at field and catchment scales.
Annual mean temperature
The catchment based models are
Annual mean rainfall
relatively easy to parameterise and
No. days equal or exceeding 10°C
would be relevant to modelling the
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Moisture exceedence or deficient
impact of changed husbandry, land
-
Water table depth
management practices and land use on
Range of variation in water table
sources of agricultural diffuse pollution.
Degree of mineralisation of water table
Parent rock description
Depth to parent rock
Presence of leaching at recorded depth
Soil description and structure
Horizon A
Horizon B
B profile
Soil texture
- Other physical features
Organic matter content
Presence of waterlogging
Salanisation
Alkalinity
Erodability value
Resistance to ploughing
Water capacity
Permeability
Porosity (%)
- Agro-chemical features
Humus content (%)
Humus description
Nitrogen index
Mobile P reserve
Mobile K reserve
- Floodability
- Sources of soil pollution
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- Existing land reclamation infrastructure
Centre for Remote Sensing
Maps at a
Topographic
CRUTA have an extensive computer
Applications for Agriculture variety of
centre utilising both Unix and PC
(CRUTA)
scales
platforms in a networked environment.
including
Erdas Imagine software is used
1:50 000
extensively for processing of remotely
sensed data. ArcInfo and ArcView GIS
software is used for the storage and
manipulation of geographical databases.
An extensive collection of satellite
imagery (Landsat and SPOT) is available
covering the APCP area for 1997, 1998 /
1999. Historic aerial photography is also
believed to exist covering the area
(1960's).
The satellite data has been processed to
derive agricultural classes based on the
MARS (Monitoring Agriculture using
Remote Sensing) nomenclature.
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ANNEX II - Terms of Reference for Land Cover Mapping
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Terms of Reference
Provision of remotely sensed land cover information
Background
The wider objective of the APCP is to reduce agricultural sources of pollution to the
river Danube and Black Sea. There is considerable evidence of poor water quality
arising from agricultural activities such as fertiliser and pesticide application and
poor manure management and a decline in the drainage and irrigation infrastructure
resulting in water logging, salanisation and alkaline soils particularly in the polder
area. In some years farmers have witnessed algae blooms, an indicator of poor water
quality, in some of the larger water bodies associated with the project area.
The reduction of agricultural sources of pollution will be achieved using a number of
techniques including the introduction of improved land practices and
environmentally friendly farming practices, such as integrated crop management, the
introduction of agro-forestry measures and wind breaks. Associated with these new
practices a large area falling within the project will be designated a nature reserve
affording a degree of protection from agriculture activities and other forms of
economic activity. The core nature area, which includes lake Calarasi, will be
protected by a substantial buffer zone within which there are anticipated land use
changes, for example afforestation with native tree species and less intensive forms
of agriculture.
Monitoring these changes will be an important part of the project. Although there
will be an extensive field campaign to collect soil and water quality data and to
assess and measure (using GPS equipment) changes in land use it is unlikely that a
comprehensive assessment of the whole project (75,000 ha) will be achievable.
Therefore to supplement the data collected via the soil and water monitoring
campaign, and ancillary data alluded to above, the use of remotely sensed
information is deemed appropriate to the overall scheme of monitoring. The
remotely sensed information will be stored and managed by the project GIS which
will include other thematic layers of information such as soil type, hydrological
network, topographic information, elevation, slope and so on. It is anticipated that
the general scale of the digital geographical databases will range from 1:10 000 - 1:50
000 and will be projected on the standard national co-ordinate system.
At this stage it is not clear what imagery will be most appropriate for the project,
although it is likely to be SPOT XS or panchromatic or IRS - C or D since these
provide sufficient spatial accuracy to derive 1:10 000 - 1:50 000 geographical
databases. However, it may be appropriate to utilise the high resolution KVR 1000
imagery from the Russian space mapping system, Kometa, which although only
providing panchromatic images are of high resolution (1 metre) and would enable
mapping of small features such as manure platforms, wind breaks, community forest
lots and so on.
The land use of the project area is primarily agricultural and therefore in deriving
land cover information the agricultural growing season must be accounted for. In
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terms of assessing the impact of agricultural activity on the environment an
assessment of land cover at the beginning of the agricultural season (i.e. drilling or
sowing of crops), that is the autumn period coinciding with September - October,
will be important. This information combined with land cover information in the
spring (when the crops are emerging and when spring cereals are drilled (April -
May) would also be preferable. Naturally, obtaining suitable imagery for these
windows in the growing season will depend on a number of variables particularly
weather.
Objectives
The purpose of the contract will be to meet the needs of the GIS unit at DGAIA with
remotely sensed derived information.
The primary objective of the contract is to:
1. Provide advice and procure the most suitable imagery to monitor land cover
within the project area;
2. To acquire the imagery and process to derive a geo-rectified image (corrected
and filtered for any geometric and atmospheric distortions) of the project area
(if necessary the image should split into a number of tiles to facilitate data
management and manipulation within the project GIS);
3. To derive a geographical database describing land cover of the project area.
The exact attributes will be agreed with DGAIA, but should include the
principle crop types and natural vegetation types of the project area, water
bodies, wet lands, urban and village areas. The land cover database should
be supplied in a format that can be stored on the project GIS, and include full
documentation.
The secondary objective of the contract will be to provide more general advice
concerning remotely sensed information anticipating future or additional
information products that may complement or enhance the basic land cover
information and monitoring programme of the project.
Requirements
The contractor should be well informed of the different remotely sensed imagery
available covering the project area and with anticipated developments of the
technology.
The contractor should have considerable experience in the acquisition of satellite and
remotely sensed imagery. They will have already gained experience in undertaking
the processing of this imagery to derive land cover information suitable for GIS
databases. It would be desirable if they were familiar with the CORINE land cover
mapping programme and the associated typology since there may be synergies
between ongoing national land cover mapping programmes. Ideally, they will be
familiar with the associated land cover and vegetation types peculiar to the project
area and, since the area is predominately a agricultural landscape, with the
associated agricultural practices and crop rotations.
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The contractor will be expected to liase closely with DGAIA, the Project Management
Unit (PMU) and, if necessary the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
INSPECTORATE to determine the most appropriate land cover types that can be
derived from the chosen satellite sensor. Since this is only a small component of the
overall project the contractor should assume that they would be limited to a
maximum of two images a year (although this may be negotiable subject to budget).
Therefore they must be confident that what they are recommending in terms of
derived land cover information will be achievable.
Deliverables
The APCP is planned for five years and at least one comprehensive land cover
database should be produced per agricultural season (five in total), based on two
remotely sensed images per season. However, it is expected that an intermediary
land cover database will be derived at the start of each season (i.e. autumn). This
will be based on the first image acquired for that season (and using supplementary
knowledge from the previous seasons land cover database combined with an
understanding of the crop rotations and allied agricultural practices).
Therefore two land cover databases will be produced a season, an intermediary and
final product.
In summary, and based on the above, the deliverables from the contractor will
include:
1. GIS compatible (geo-rectified and processed for atmospheric and geometric
distortions) remotely sensed imagery of the project area (two images a season
is anticipated) on CD-ROM or preferred media as specified by the PMU;
2. GIS land cover database with complete attribute database, based on agreed
land cover typology, minimum mapping unit and agreed scale (likely to be
1:10 000 - 1:50 000 depending on selected satellite sensor) to be supplied on
CD-ROM or preferred media as specified by the PMU;
3. Full documentation of the methodology, description and limitations of the
land cover database.
The contractor will be expected to undertake some field checking of the classified
remotely sensed data and a break down of this with budget should be specified in
the proposal.
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ANNEX III - Equipment specification GIS and GPS capability
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Equipment specification
Background
During the APCP life considerable data will be collected to monitor the progress of
the project against milestones. For example, there will be an extensive water and soil
monitoring programme to assess the impact of different farming practices and land
management techniques on the reduction of diffuse and point pollution from
agricultural activities. Associated with these changes, in current farm practices there
are anticipated changes in land-use, for example an extensive afforestation
programme, designation of protected areas for nature conservation, increase in
grassland and wetland areas, uptake of small community forest programmes and
introduction of soil conservation techniques such as windbreaks and shelterbelts.
Monitoring these land use changes will be an essential element in assessing the
uptake of new practices and to determine the overall impact of the project on the
environment and local communities. All of the changes described above will be
associated with an area or point in the project area and therefore, using technologies
such as geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems
(GPS) it will be feasible to develop a detailed geographical database of the project
area describing where these changes are occurring.
GPS technology will be employed to regularly update these changes and to collect
data determining exactly where soil and water monitoring programmes have been
established in the project area.
The GIS technology will be used to store, manage and manipulate the geographical
database to derive maps and associated products for the stakeholders and policy
makers operating in the area. Furthermore the GIS will provide a powerful means of
communicating to the wider public the impacts of the project on environment.
Requirements
The GIS and mapping unit will be based at DGAIA in Calarasi and staffed by the
organisation. Training and technical support, will form an important part of the
procurement of the equipment specified below. Indeed, basic training should be
provided to DGAIA staff concerning the operation and use of the GIS software and
GPS hardware and associated software. All of the equipment and software specified
below is available through agents operating in Romania, and to facilitate
implementation and development of this capability within DGAIA every effort
should be made to obtain the equipment in country.
It should be clearly specified in the offer of equipment what technical support would
be available to DGAIA following installation of software, and what costs, if any, may
be necessary should technical assistance, either via telephone or a site visit be
necessary. Furthermore, it should be clearly stated if there are any anticipated
upgrades to the GIS or GPS software likely to occur in the foreseeable future and
whether will be made available to DGAIA freely or will incur a cost. An estimate
should be provided.
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Personal computer and printer
The project will invest in a GIS to maintain and facilitate the analyses of the
data collected by the project and also to allow the production of simple A3
maps, initially of the project area. The project anticipates the need for only
one GIS licence and therefore there is only the need for one PC to operate
the GIS software.
The minimum specifications of the PC to operate the GIS software are set
out below:
· Pentium III processor 800MHz
· 128MB 100 MHz SDRAM
· 15GB Hard Drive
· 17" Colour SVGA Monitor
· 256KB Integrated L2 Cache
· 20/48X2 CD-ROM Drive and floppy drive
· Window 98 OS
· Microsoft Office Professional (to include MS Access)
The minimum printer specifications are:
· Colour inkjet
· Printing up to A3 size
· Windows drivers
Geographical Information System
There is a requirement for one GIS software license for the APCP. The GIS
software selected for this project should be PC based and compatible with
Windows software (i.e. Window2000 or Windows NT). The software should
provide the functionality to manage and store geographically referenced
data (vector based geographical databases) in a number of native, and
commonly used, formats such as those complying or using MapInfo or
ArcView formats. The GIS software must provide for linking to a relational
database such as Microsoft Access.
The software should also be able to store and present raster or image based
databases such as satellite images or digital photographic imagery that has
been geo-referenced (e.g. jpeg, tiff, Erdas Imagine formats and associated
world reference files).
It is anticipated that there will be a requirement to capture point, line and
polygon data from paper maps. The GIS software should provide either via
an additional module or built in functionality for data capture via a
digitising tablet or on screen data capture from raster images.
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Ideally, the GIS software will be modular allowing the expansion of
functionality to suit the users needs. For example, it is anticipated that as
the experience grows within the organisation in the use of GIS software
there may be a need to expand the functionality to undertake spatial
analyses such as kriging or interpolation.
Full and comprehensive training should be provided with the GIS software.
In particular the training should focus on:
1. data capture (using the digitising tablet and 'head up' or on screen
data capture);
2. data storage and relating geographical data to a relational
database such as MS Access;
3. basic data manipulation;
4. map production.
Digitising tablet
The project expects to undertake some digitising of maps in order to
propagate the GIS database. One digitising tablet is required. The required
digitising tablet should be A3 and commonly available and supported in
Romania. The product should be fully compatible with the selected GIS
software and operate on the Wintab driver.
Global Positioning System
Global positioning system (GPS) technology will provide the project with an
easy means of collecting geographically referenced data that can be
uploaded and stored in the GIS.
Since the GPS will be used principally for mapping and GIS data collection
functionality should exist for the post processing of the GPS data into files
compatible with the GIS software. It would also be highly desirable,
although not an essential requirement if the GPS software could handle the
native formats of the GIS data (e.g. coverage, shapefile or MapInfo files).
The minimum functionality of the GPS should include:
· Collection of point, line and features with attribute information
· 1 to 5 meter precision after differential correction5
· Integrated high-performance 12-channel GSP receiver and antenna
· Rugged and water-resistant design
· Carrier phase processing for sub-meter precision
· Creation and storage of multiple data dictionaries in the office or
directly on the unit
5 * Without post processed or real-time differential correction, all GPS receivers are subject to degradation of position
and velocity precision under the U.S. Department of Defence-imposed Selective Availability (S/A), although the S/A
has recently been removed by Presidential decree. Nonetheless precision may be degraded so that 95% of positions
are within 100 meters (330 feet) of truth. The above precision values assume tracking of 4 satellites (5 satellites for
carrier phase), a PDOP of <6, SNR >4 and reasonable multipath conditions, Ionospheric conditions, multipath signals
or obstructions of the sky by building or heavy tree canopy may degrade precision by interfering with signal
reception. Real-time precision assumes a standard RTCM SC-104 format broadcast from a reference station.
Notwithstanding this, with the removal of S/A precision of 10 - 12 metres or better should be achievable.
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· Upload of existing data for data maintenance (relocation,
verification, and update)
· Real-time map display
· Graphical satellite skyplot
· Graphical navigation skills
· Internal digital compass for navigation at low velocity
· National and custom coordinate system support
· NMEA output
· All-day internal rechargeable battery
· Two-level backlit screen with 160 x 160 pixel graphical display
· Selectable English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and
Russian language interface
It is anticipated that there will be a heavy requirement for GPS and therefore
it is recommended that three units be supplied, one of these units should be
capable of serving as base unit for the continuous collection of data to
provide differential correction to the roaming units if required.
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ANNEX IV - Field visit notes
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Field visits - general observations / comments
Polder area (area visited Gradistea) - signs of eutrophication (algae bloom in canals);
nitrate 'loving' plants evident; inappropriate use of land (i.e. on Agroservcom State
Farm 150 ha of cereals lost due to waterlogging, equivalent to $30 000); considerable
scope to improve land management particularly in view of nutrient management
(Polder area candidate area for Nitrate Vulnerable Zone); enhancing wetland areas
along Danube; little evidence of soil erosion (although feasible that wind erosion may
occur); alkalinity increasing (although farm Director nor aware) with soil pH as high
as 8.9 (unsuitable for cereal production); yields are generally good though.
Lake Calarasi and surrounding area - irrigation canals appeared in varying degrees
of maintenance, reeds (Phramites) fringe these canals. Water table in adjacent fields
was about < 0.50m below soil surface. Evidence of soil crusting and a plough pan.
Area visited had been recently harvested of soya-beans (harvesting was still going
on) and in many fields weed infestation was very high.
Lake Calarasi - grassland surrounding southern area of lake, north-eastern areas
bordered by abandoned industrial complex, eastern area by cultivated land (cereals),
western area by grassland onto urban area (Gradistea commune). Narrow reedbeds
(Phramites) fringe the lake which is an important feeding site for waterbirds
particularly those breeding at Sreberna reserve (Bulgaria), in riverine forest along the
Danube and at other wetland sites. It is also an important stop over site during
spring and autumn migration. Bird species include: Pygmy Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax pygmeus), Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Night Heron
(Nycticorax nycticorax) and White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons).
Terrace area
Gradistea (Rasa Comuna - Agras S.A.) - yields generally good; low inputs (relative to
intensive system); farmers observed algae blooms occasionally in Lacul Potcoava;
reed beds evident around lake shore; bank erosion of lake evident particularly when
lake high; cultivation observed up to lake edge (or within 10 - 20 m); soil moisture
limiting factor to production; where land not cultivated around lake evidence
ladybirds observed and other beneficial insects; no evidence of soil erosion.
Vlad Tepes (Mihai Viteazu) - in particular small lake draining into Barza; terraces on
east side of lake leading up to common grassland; terraces in reasonable condition;
Accacia planted on some terraces - establishment good but generally lacked good
management - appears to be little community commitment to the trees; desire to
increase wooded area here to supplement fuel source; poor sward on grassland -
overgrazed (?); water courses need protecting; little water erosion observed.
Cuza Voda (Total Chim) - yields good; soil generally fertile; soil moisture limiting
productivity; little grassland in the rotation; low use of inputs; OM declining;
phosphorous declining; interested in use of agro-forestry to improve productivity;
some wind erosion.
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Agriculture Pollution Control Project
TOR 3 Final Report
ANNEX V - Cost tables for GIS, GPS and Land Cover Mapping
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Agriculture Pollution Control Project
TOR 3 Final Report
Cost tables for land suitability mapping and monitoring
Romania APCP - Cost table
TOR 3 Land-Use Suitability Map and Programmes for environment-
friendly agricultural practices and agro-forestry
A Investment
Unit Cost
Activity
Unit
US$
Pre-project PY1 PY2 PY3 PY4 PY5
Total
1 Civil works:
0
none
0
2 Goods
0
2.1
Vehicles
item
0
0
list vehicle types
0
0
2.2
Equipment
0
PC
1
1500
1500
0
0
0
0
1500
MS Windows 98 OS
1
500
500
0
0
0
0
500
MS Office (include MS Access)
1
1000
1000
0
0
0
0
1000
GIS
software
1
1400
1400
0
0
0
0
1400
GIS
spatial
analysis
software
1
2600
0
2600
0
0
0
2600
Digitising
tablet
1
2500
2500
0
0
0
0
2500
A3
Colour
printer
1
1200
1200
0
0
0
0
1200
Digital map data
lump
8600
8600
1000
1000
1000 1000
12600
Global Positioning System (GPS)
3
10500
31500
0
0
0
0
31500
GPS processing software
1
6500
6500
0
0
0
0
6500
GPS ancillaries (batteries, battery charger etc)
2
2350
4700
0
0
0
0
4700
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Agriculture Pollution Control Project
TOR 3 Final Report
3 Technical assistance
3.1 International
0.25
13200
3300
0
3300
0 3300
9900
3.2 Local (Geometric corrections to images)
10 images in total
1600
3200
3200
3200
3200 3200
16000
3.3 Local (Derivation of land cover from images)
2 land cover databases /
3000 3000
3000
3000
3000 3000
15000
yr
4 Field observations
Unit cost or lump sum
0
4.1 Field work for image checking to produce land
1
2320 2320
2320
2320
2320 2320
11600
cover database
5 Training
0
5.1
Conference
(dissemination
of
GIS
work)
1
2500
0
0
2500
0 2500
5000
5.2
Short
courses
(GIS)
1
3500
3500
3500
0
0
0
7000
5.3
Short
courses
(GPS)
1
2500
2500
0
0
0
0
2500
sub-total
133000
B Recurrent
costs
Satel ite imagery
10 images (2/yr)
4000
8000
8000
8000
8000 8000
40000
Printer
consumables
1
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500 1500
7500
sub-
47500
total
TOTAL
180500
(A + B)
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