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Abstract: The history of the region called Ecsedi-láp wetland was partly determined by tectonic movements and by the surface forming forces, such as the work of river-water in filling up the riverbeds, the destroying effects of floods, and the climatic influences. It was also determined by people’s transformative role affecting nature and the region: the flooding of the surroundings of castles for defensive reasons, the effect of native economy in brooks by building watermills, land drainage work, and by digging of drains, inland draining channels, the effect of afforestation, and the construction of dams. Natural forces, geological conditions and human activities all played significant roles in the emergence of the wetland of Ecsed, but its devastation and soil alkalisation (sodification) is definitely imputable to human action.

Keyword: Ecsedi-láp. Wetland, Floods, Szamos (Someş), Kraszna (Crasna), Nagykároly (Carei), River regularisation, Drainage, Alcalinization.