Impact of land use changes on ecosystem services provision in grasslands: a case study from Slovakia

Grasslands play a key role in biomass production and provide multiple ecosystem services. This study examines how land-use changes between 2001 and 2022 have affected the provision of ecosystem services in grasslands, reflecting two decades of agricultural transformation in the EU. The research focuses on the Veselianka River Basin in northern Slovakia, using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) to select and assess relevant services. Land-use dynamics were analysed using GIS, while selected ecosystem services were evaluated using indicator-based approaches under the CICES. Grasslands covered 25.8% of the study area in 2001, declining slightly to 23.5% by 2022, primarily due to land abandonment, settlement expansion, and the development of recreational facilities. Transition analysis showed the largest increases in shrubland/small woodland and built-up areas, indicating progressive restructuring of the rural landscape. Ecosystem services assessment showed that extensively managed grasslands, particularly hay meadows, mesophilic pastures, and species-rich Nardus grasslands, had the highest multifunctional value. These habitats provided strong potential for biomass production, biodiversity conservation, pollination support, and cultural services linked to landscape aesthetics and recreation. In contrast, land abandonment and infrastructure expansion reduced habitat continuity and may weaken long-term ecosystem service capacity. The results highlight the importance of maintaining traditional extensive grassland management to preserve multifunctional rural landscapes. Integrating ecosystem service assessments into agri-environmental policy and spatial planning can support sustainable land management in mountain regions of Central Europe and comparable rural landscapes elsewhere.