Analysis of the Spatial Structure of Rural Areas in the Context of the Need for Land Consolidation and Exchange Works: A Case Study of the Zagnańsk Municipality

This study examines the spatial structure of rural areas to evaluate the demand for land consolidation and exchange, using the Zagnańsk commune in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland, as a case study. The commune's land use is dominated by forested areas (60.16%), followed by arable land (20.15%), highlighting both its natural resources and agricultural significance. The analysis identifies substantial land fragmentation, with 40.12% of private parcels under 0.10 ha, and a lack of road access to 39% of parcels, especially in districts like Kaniów and Gruszka. Land tenure is primarily divided between state-owned (59%) and privately owned (36.41%) lands, with significant variations across cadastral districts. Soil quality assessments reveal productivity indices ranging from 21.47 to 45.90 for arable land and 26.25 to 43.13 for grasslands, underscoring regional disparities. The study develops a ranking of consolidation needs, identifying Kaniów, Gruszka, and Kajetanów as priorities due to high fragmentation and accessibility issues, while Długojów is deemed least urgent. Findings emphasize the necessity of targeted land management strategies to optimize agricultural efficiency and spatial organization. Prioritizing consolidation efforts can address key challenges, including parcel geometry and accessibility, to enhance rural development.