The Changes in Meadow and Natural Pasture Areas in Kaunas And Vilnius Counties

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyse the transformation of meadows and natural pasture areas in Vilnius and Kaunas counties between 2004 and 2024.

The article was prepared using a range of scientific methods, including statistical data analysis, analytical assessment, comparative analysis, and graphical representation. Analytical and logical analysis was applied to identify the factors contributing to the decline in meadows and natural pasture areas in both counties. To achieve the research objective, a comparative method was used to assess changes in these areas at the municipal level over the period 2004–2024, based on data from the Land Fund of the Republic of Lithuania covering two decades.

In 2024, meadows and natural pasture areas in Vilnius County covered 63,018.32 hectares, accounting for 6.48% of the county’s total area. In Kaunas County, these areas amounted to 33,527.58 hectares, representing 4.15% of the county’s territory.

Over the 20-year period, meadows and natural pasture areas in Vilnius County decreased by 7,451.61 hectares, corresponding to a decline of 10.57%. Similarly, in Kaunas County, these areas decreased by 8,757.72 hectares, representing a reduction of 20.71%.

The decline in meadows and natural pasture areas in Vilnius and Kaunas counties can be attributed to factors such as urbanisation, agricultural intensification, and changes in land use.