Influence of surface and subsurface drainage systems on the sustainable development of the rural environment in the Moldova River watershed

Abstract

Agriculture plays a strategic role worldwide, as it is the main sector responsible for population food security and has, at the same time, a special contribution to the general sustainable economic development and environmental protection process. In order to regulate the water regime on the surface and on the profile of the soils in the hydrographic basin of the River Moldova, four surface and subsurface drainage systems with an area of 8761 ha of which 3059 ha with works underground drainage were arranged from 1978 to 1980. The improvement of the physical, physicochemical and biological properties of the soil as a result of the hydro and agropedoameliorative works allowed the cultivation of large areas of land previously used as grazing and hay land, as well as the cultivation of a wide range of agricultural plants. The drying-drainage works performed have resulted in high yields in both normal and heavy rainfall years. The constant high yields have resulted in higher income per area unit and, implicitly, in the improvement of the standard of living of the rural population. The 40-year life of the surface and subsurface drainage systems, and the poor management and lack of maintenance works, especially after 1990, require rehabilitation and sustainable exploitation measures, given the major importance of agriculture in the life and development of rural areas.