engleski

Geomorphological features of Danilsko Polje near Šibenik as basis for historical-geographical valorization

Suitable agriculture zones in karst regions have extraordinary existential meaning. Danilsko polje, one of such zones, is situated in microregion of Šibenik-Rogoznica littoral, in Šibenik hinterland, Croatia. The relief of Šibenik surroundings is characterized by parallel forms extending in NW-SE (Dinaric) direction with three distinguished morphological elements: valleys and ridges (that successively replace each other from islands to Zagora) and plateaus. The ridges are built of thick and stratified Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene limestone, while the valleys are covered with Neogene dolomite, marl and sandstone. Danilsko polje is, morphologically, an oval shaped valley placed between two karst ridges, the extension of Trtar with Velika Glava (542 m) from north-northeast, and significantly lower Crno Brdo with Podi from south-southwest in the area of Danilo Biranj and Danilo Gornje settlements. The length of the polje is about 8 km, maximal width is 1.5 km, and height above sea level is from 137 m to 190 m. The polje is slightly inclined from NE to SW and the lowest point is placed where the waters of polje are drained by Dabar stream towards south, i.e in the direction of Morinje Bay at the coast of Donje Polje. Due to high soil quality, the cultivation of polje is the process that has lasted for thousands of years. Polje is characterized by scarce water sources, which were, nevertheless, very important for the survival of population in the past. The Neolithic population, whose traces have been preserved in the remains of famous middle Neolithic culture on Adriatic, so called Danilo culture (4500 BC - 3900 BC), had been the first farmers of Danilsko polje. Later settlers from Metal Age had fortified themselves at peak Gradina, where they could easily control the polje from their hill-fort. Roman conquerors founded their municipium Rider in the central part of Danilsko polje, and valorized its natural- geographical potentials. From numerous nations who passed through here during the Great Migrations the only ones who settled down and continued to valorize polje were Croats. During High and Late Middle Ages, Danilsko polje was in possession of the Commune of Šibenik, and well-known for cultivation of vineyards, olive trees and cereals. Long-lasting period of unstable geopolitical conditions began with Ottoman conquest and with formation of their strongholds in Skradin and Drniš. It was only in the second half of 18th century that the war turmoil ceased, and after that, to a certain extent, the colonization of deserted areas and Danilsko polje started as well. Ever since, practically until today, the main feature of Danilsko polje is traditional peasant crop production in various conditions of agrotechnical cultivation. The most important crops nowadays are many newly-planted vineyards and olive trees and then figs and vegetable crops. For future valorization of Danilsko polje it is necessary to stimulate ecological production and development of rural tourism. This can surely be a long-lasting process, but they can also give excellent results in the future.

Danilo; geomorphological features; historical geography; polje; valorization

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