BEHAVIOUR OF THE PASTURE DRAINAGE NETWORK IN THE ROTOPĂNEŞTI-RĂDĂŞENI-FÎNTÎNA MARE SYSTEM IN SUCEAVA COUNTY

Abstract

The behaviour of the surface and subsurface drainage systems and the efficient removal of excess water are highly dependent on both the manner in which the prepared surfaces are used, and their use class. This paper tackles the behaviour of the drainage network after 28 years of use on pastures. Our research has revealed more significant bank erosion and ditch clogging than in the ditches found on arable land. Sheep grazing caused double bank erosion and alluvial sediments layers, whereas cattle grazing was three to four times more detrimental to the ditches than works carried out on arable land. When grazing sheep, bank erosion and bottom clogging generally range between 0.60 and 1.00 m. On surfaces where cattle graze, bank erosion is as high as 1.20-2.00 m and alluvial sediment layer thickness is 1.20-1.40 m. The preservation of the design parameters of the ditches may be achieved by rational grazing and special crossing facilities for the animals crossing the ditches.