Impact of Water Meadow Restoration on Forage Hay Production in Different Hydro-Meteorological Conditions: A Case Study of Racot, Central Poland

Water meadows in river valleys are a source of very valuable forage. Due to their specificity, an appropriate approach water management is required. This study assessed the impact reclamation traditional gravity irrigation system, aimed at saving and reducing loss from through controlled drainage. The main purpose this was evaluate investment drainage system restoration context improving yield fodder hay under changing hydrometeorological conditions. analysis performed on basis meteorological hydrological data 30 years period 1989–2018. research conducted two assumptions. first concerned without use subsoil based only amount supplied rainfall. second variant assumed deficit periodic with systems ditches channels that depending currently available nearby river. field during crop season 2019 2020. Drainage allowed be increased. In analysed period, average, almost mm delivered ditch system. There also increase yields 32%. However, costs, which amounted EUR 23,382.48, were too high for type farm production. A positive net present value (NPV) obtained 25% cases conditions (first quartile). For other years, not profitable.