Wide shot of the Hungarian Great Plain

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Wide Shot of the Hungarian Great Plain

Hajdú-Bihar County

Hajdú-Bihar County, located in eastern Hungary, is the economic, educational, and cultural hub of the Northern Great Plain region. Spanning 6,210 km², it features a predominantly flat landscape divided into three microregions: Hajdúság, with fertile Chernozem soils ideal for agriculture; Hortobágy, a UNESCO World Heritage site with salt-affected soils and prairie vegetation mainly used for grazing; and Nyírség, where sandy soils influence agricultural and economic possibilities.

The region has a continental climate with hot summers (above 30°C), cold winters (below -5°C), low annual precipitation (500-600 mm), and high sunshine hours (2,000-2,100 per year). Major watercourses include the Tisza, Berettyó, and Sebes-Körös rivers, alongside artificial lakes and thermal waters.

Agriculture is a key economic sector, supported by high-quality arable land, while natural gas reserves and thermal springs contribute to industry and tourism. The county lies at the crossroads of major European trade routes and features 12 industrial parks covering nearly 700 hectares. Its capital, Debrecen, serves as a regional hub and is home to the University of Debrecen, one of Hungary’s largest universities, offering a wide range of academic programmes.

Urbanisation poses a significant threat to rural and agricultural land, with increasing artificial surfaces and settlements encroaching on natural and semi-natural areas. Greenfield investments have resulted in the loss of some of the most fertile soils, while land-use changes and unauthorised residential developments have occurred without adequate regulation or enforcement. Highway construction has led to habitat fragmentation, further impacting biodiversity.

Agricultural soils face multiple forms of degradation, including wind and water erosion, declining organic material due to excessive use of artificial fertilisers, and soil compaction from intensive farming practices. In addition, soil pollution, particularly nitrate contamination, threatens both soil health and groundwater quality. Climate change exacerbates these issues, contributing to desertification and aridification, which further endanger agricultural productivity and ecological stability in the region.

The SPADES project provides an opportunity to integrate soil sustainability into long-term spatial planning policies. By addressing soil health and land use within a strategic policy framework, the project aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and responsible urban development while mitigating environmental degradation.

The local team will work on revising long-term spatial planning policies to ensure that soil and land management are effectively incorporated into strategic decision-making. This process will be conducted using a living lab methodology, engaging key stakeholders to develop practical, science-based solutions for sustainable land use in Hajdú-Bihar County. Orgnisations involved: BURST Group and Hajdú-Bihar County Government.