Summary:

The paper describes the problems which are encountered in the upper Notec river catchment in agriculturally used peatlands, with hay-making as the main land use type. Economic situation in agriculture and lack of are the main reasons for the cessation of irrigation system maintaining and conservation as well as controlled water management. Decreased interest in utilization of water facilities is observed. Taking into account the present situation of agriculture in the region and the economic state of most farmers, the simple and cheap technique of controlled run-off of water from existing irrigation-drainage systems is recommended to demonstrate and implement practically as a method of irrigation and peatland protection.