ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ON FARMS WITH ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Livestock production contributes to climate change primarily through the emission of greenhouse gases, which lead to an increase in average air temperature and, consequently, global warming. However, various production strategies can mitigate its negative impact on the climate and the environment. The objective of this study is to identify key production factors affecting the natural environment on farms engaged in animal production. The analysis is based on data collected from 42 farms in the Podkarpackie and Podlaskie voivodeships specializing in pig, cattle, and poultry farming. The study presents the findings of research conducted between 2022 and 2023, utilizing a survey questionnaire to extract data from farm records. The results indicate that environmental sustainability, in terms of appropriate animal stocking rates and fertilizer management, was achieved on cattle and pig farms. A beneficial proportion of cereals was observed in crop rotations across all specializations. Additionally, more than half of the farms managed organic fertilizers appropriately, reducing ammonia emissions by minimizing the deposition period on field surfaces. Organic fertilizers were stored on hardened surfaces to prevent leachate infiltration into the soil and groundwater. The estimated on-farm use of nitrogen fertilizers per hectare of agricultural land exceeded the national average reported by the Central Statistical Office. Most environmental protection measures implemented focused on improving the efficiency of water resource utilization on farms. The adoption of strategies to minimize agriculture’s negative environmental impact is essential for sustainable development and effective environmental protection.