Analyzing of Morphometric Parameters and Designing of Thematic Maps Using Raster Geoprocessing Tool

GIS techniques, digital elevation models (DEM), raster geoprocessing tools, and software such as ArcMap are a quick and simultaneous solution for the assessment, measurement, and analysis of morphometric parameters of river basins. This paper aims to show the use of the Digital Elevation Model and the ArcGIS program for the analysis of morphometric parameters and the construction of a set of thematic maps needed for spatial planning, water resources management, and similar purposes. Through these techniques, 18 morphometric parameters were determined and analyzed in the study area, which is located in the central part of the Republic of Kosovo and covers an area of 38 km2, and 15 thematic maps were constructed. The altitude of the area varies from 544 m to 1019 m, the slope from 24%, with a total number of stream segments of 601 and a drainage density of 5.02 km/km2. The analysis of morphometric parameters presents an important indicator regarding the space and other elements of the river basin. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-09-06 Full Text: PD

Groundwater Quality Assessment for Irrigation: Case Study in the Blinaja River Basin, Kosovo

Groundwater is an important source for a drink and irrigation in the Blinaja river basin. Understanding knowledge of irrigation water quality is critical to the management of water for long-term productivity. Historically for this study area there is no data and information regarding the quality and use of water for irrigation needs. Therefore, there was a need to assess water quality based on data analysed from eight sampling points. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate, relying on analytical results, the quality of groundwater in the Blinaja river basin for the purpose of its use for irrigation of agricultural crops. For this purpose, in the Blinaja River Basin in different months during 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019, 28 water samples were taken to assess the quality of groundwater for irrigation. Water samples were analysed in a laboratory for some of the key quality indicators; pH, EC, hardness (TH), Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, SO4, Cl, etc. and then irrigation water quality indices were calculated such as: percentage of Na (% Na), SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio), PI (Permeability index), KR (Kelly's ratio), etc. The overall objective of this study was to assess the quality of water to be used by the inhabitants of the area for irrigation of agricultural crops. Analytical procedures for the laboratory determinations of water quality have been given in several publications (USDA Handbook 60 by Richards, 1954; FAO Soils Bulletin 10 by Dewis and Freitas1970; APHA 2005). Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091740 Full Text: PD

ANALYSIS OF THE "GURI I PLAKËS" AREA AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION, TOURISM AND ECONOMY, REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO

Space has an essential character for human life and activity. The reduction of touristic, recreational, sports spaces, etc., are affecting the quality of life and the health of the community in many urban areas of our country. Natural, hereditary values, etc., are of great importance for present and future generations, as a living environment for tourism and, physical and mental recreation. Tourism as an economic activity aims at the economic utilization and maximization of the natural and artificial values that a certain area, region or country has. This paper aims, based on the research results, to bring to every reader authentic data and information that show what it offers and what are the possibilities to form a tourist, recreational and sports center in the "Guri i Plakës" area, after considering the economic benefits that can be generated from this area. The work materials were: notebooks for keeping notes from the field work, handheld GPS for measuring coordinates where necessary, meter tape also for measurements, cameras, topographical maps at scale 1:50 000, geological and hydrogeological map (1:200 000), etc. The "Guri i Plakës" - in (eng: Old Woman's Stone) study area has an area of 125.08 hectares. 104.98 ha or 83.93% belong to the Municipality of Drenas (Gllogoc), while 20.10 ha or 16.07% belong to the Municipality of Obiliq. The research work identified two groups of values which make this area interesting for the development of tourism and recreation and are: natural and artificial values. The natural values include: the Drenica river the Dobroshec water source, the "Guri i Plakës", the Dora Stone (Guri Dora), the Folds in the Paleozoic formations, the karst relief in the limestone rocks. The Drenica River represents the main watershed in the "Guri i Plakës" research area. Relatively rich in aquatic flora and fauna. The study area is located in the central part of Kosovo, between coordinates 42° 40ꞌ 20ꞌꞌ N, 20° 56ꞌ 40ꞌꞌ E and belongs to the territory of Municipality of Drenas (Gllogoc) and Kastriot (Obiliq). It has an area of 125.08 hectares, with hilly mountainous relief with an altitude of up to 712 m. Important natural and artificial values have been distinguished in the study area. The proposed area "Guri i Plakës" has a physical and geographical position quite favorable for the development of a center (mini-center) for the development of tourism and recreation. Tourist activities (transit type or type of tourism) can be developed there, including activities such as: walking, camping, fishing, partly cycling, photography, recording video clips, part of the activities related to traditional nutrition (traditional food). The "Guri i Plakës" area can be used as a miniature laboratory because it contains many educational, research, scientific research components, etc. Lastly, the development of this area brings social, economic, etc. benefits for the entire community in its vicinity and other local and international visitors