Kothencz Kelemen (szerk.): Víz, ember, örökség. Tanulmányok a 90 éves született Solymos Ede tiszteletére - Bajai dolgozatok 21. (Baja, 2017)

Andrásfalvy Bertalan: A hagyományos ártéri haszonvételek összhangja

Bertalan Andrásfalvy Harmony of traditional floodplain farming

Traditional floodplain farming in the Carpathian-Basin was based on specific hydrological conditions. The annual waterfall in the central parts of the Basin is relatively low, but many rivers flow down to the drier regions providing moisture surplus. The key factor of the water flowing system was the levée and the man-made ditch, called fok, which allowed the water to flow back and forth in case of flood and fall. People of the Carpathian-Basin maintained a conscious water management for specified purposes. The use of the floodplain combined several agricultural activities. River-flats served as a rich pasture for cattle and pig. During the winter the floodplain provided the only pasture. Stalls were built on the higher and drier parts of the terrain. An unbeliavable amount of fruit was grown in the forests due to the abundance of water and sunshine. Other important products were waterfowl egg and rush. Rush had a great importance in housing and furnishing.

This traditional water management and farming came to an end with the drainage and canalization of Hungarian rivers. Landlords were interested in crop production. In accordance with the parliamentary acts they dried up floodplains and canalized the rivers in order to increase the area of arable land, and to make rivers fit for transportation.

Now we are facing several environmental and social problems as an aftermath of the drainage. Cooperation of the whole Hungarian society is needed in order to reevalute the water regime.

[Translated by Gábor Máté]

96