Land | August 2025 - Browse Articles

23 pages, 3071 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Factors of the Relationship Between Land Use Carbon Emissions and Ecosystem Service Value in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei

by Anjia Li, Xu Yin and Hui Wei

Land 2025, 14(8), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081698 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 664

Abstract

Land use change significantly affects regional carbon emissions and ecosystem service value (ESV). Under China’s Dual Carbon Goals, this study takes Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, experiencing rapid land use change, as the study area and counties as the study unit. This study employs a combination of [...] Read more.

Land use change significantly affects regional carbon emissions and ecosystem service value (ESV). Under China’s Dual Carbon Goals, this study takes Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, experiencing rapid land use change, as the study area and counties as the study unit. This study employs a combination of methods, including carbon emission coefficients, equivalent-factor methods, bivariate spatial autocorrelation, and a multinomial logit model. These were used to explore the spatial relationship between land use carbon emissions and ESV, and to identify their key driving factors. These insights are essential for promoting sustainable regional development. Results indicate the following: (1) Total land use carbon emissions increased from 2000 to 2015, then declined until 2020; emissions were high in municipal centers; carbon sinks were in northwestern ecological zones. Construction land was the primary contributor. (2) ESV declined from 2000 to 2010 but increased from 2010 to 2020, driven by forest land and water bodies. High-ESV clusters appeared in northwestern and eastern coastal zones. (3) A significant negative spatial correlation was found between carbon emissions and ESV, with dominant Low-High clustering in the north and Low-Low clustering in central and southern regions. Over time, clustering dispersed, suggesting improved spatial balance. (4) Population density and cultivated land reclamation rate were core drivers of carbon–ESV clustering patterns, while average precipitation, average temperature, NDVI, and per capita GDP showed varied effects. To promote low-carbon and ecological development, this study puts forward several policy recommendations. These include implementing differentiated land use governance and enhancing regional compensation mechanisms. In addition, optimizing demographic and industrial structures is essential to reduce emissions and improve ESV across the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating National Land Day of China)

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19 pages, 16695 KB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS and Multivariate Analysis Approach for Mapping Heavy Metals and Metalloids Contamination in Landfills: A Case Study from Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

by Talal Alharbi, Abdelbaset S. El-Sorogy and Naji Rikan

Land 2025, 14(8), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081697 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) combined with multivariate statistical techniques to evaluate soil contamination at two landfill sites in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A total of 32 soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals and metalloids (HMs) using a range [...] Read more.

This study employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) combined with multivariate statistical techniques to evaluate soil contamination at two landfill sites in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia. A total of 32 soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals and metalloids (HMs) using a range of contamination indices and established soil quality standards. GIS mapping revealed that the Al-Kharj landfill 1 (Kj1) experienced a steady area expansion from 2014 through 2025, while landfill Kj2 expanded from 2014 until 2022, after which its area contracted following the construction of additional facilities. The average values of HMs observed were as follows: Fe (9909 mg/kg), Al (6709 mg/kg), Mn (155.9 mg/kg), Zn (36.4 mg/kg), Cr (24.1 mg/kg), V (22.2 mg/kg), Ni (19.5 mg/kg), Cu (8.20 mg/kg), Pb (7.91 mg/kg), Co (4.32 mg/kg), and As (2.29 mg/kg). Notably, Kj2 exhibited overall higher HM concentrations than Kj1, with particularly elevated levels of Cr, Ni, and Pb. Although most HMs remained within internationally accepted safety limits, only three samples (9.4% of the total) exceeded the WHO threshold for Pb (>30 mg/kg). An analysis using contamination and enrichment factors pointed to increased concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cr, suggesting localized anthropogenic contributions. Additionally, all samples recorded an ecological risk index (Eri) below 40, and the levels of As, Cr, and Pb consistently stayed under their respective effects range-low (ERL) thresholds, indicating minimal contamination risks. The variations in HM contamination between the sites are likely attributable to differences in the sources of metal inputs and removal processes. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and localized remediation strategies to ensure environmental safety and sustainable landfill management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Contamination—Ecological Environment Risk Assessment and Remediation)

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19 pages, 15067 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

If You Burn It, They Will Come: Collared Lizard Colonization of Ozark Mountains Under Prescribed Burns

by Alan R. Templeton and Jennifer L. Neuwald

Land 2025, 14(8), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081696 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

In 1982 a conservation project was initiated to restore glade communities in the Missouri Ozarks with a special emphasis on collared lizards (Crotophytus collaris), a state threatened species at the time. Starting in 1984, collared lizards were translocated onto restored glade [...] Read more.

In 1982 a conservation project was initiated to restore glade communities in the Missouri Ozarks with a special emphasis on collared lizards (Crotophytus collaris), a state threatened species at the time. Starting in 1984, collared lizards were translocated onto restored glade habitats on Stegall Mountain in the Ozarks. The populations persisted but did not colonize other glades on Stegall until 1994, when prescribed fires included not only the glades, but also the surrounding woodland. Starting in 1999, landscape-level burns connected Stegall to three nearby mountains. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that expanding prescribed burns to the forested woodlands between Stegall Mountain and nearby mountains would create dispersal corridors for the colonization of glades on new mountains. Indeed, all three mountains were colonized and direct dispersal of marked lizards from Stegall was observed following the prescribed fires. Inter-mountain colonization dynamics and patterns varied: one was absorbed into the Stegall meta-population, another experienced a founder event followed by rapid colonization, and the third underwent repeated failed colonization attempts before successful establishment years later. These diverse patterns were consistent with differences in landscape resistance in the inter-mountain corridors rather than in geographical distance. Intra-mountain colonization patterns indicated that lizards assessed glade quality based on multiple factors. High landscape resistance resulted in a young age structure in the initial colonizing population. This young age structure interacted with the territorial behavior of collared lizards, age of reproduction, and probability of dispersal. This strong interaction between landscape resistance in the dispersal corridor and social behavior in the colonizing population is a novel factor in predicting colonization dynamics. Moreover, these results highlight the importance of social behavior on dispersal decisions versus habitat quality alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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29 pages, 1515 KB

Open AccessReview

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock-Driven Deforestation in the Amazon: A Bibliometric Analysis 2004–2024

by Diego Hernandez Guzman, Seweryn Zielinski, Adriana Hernandez Guzman, Beliña Annery Herrera Tapias, Omar Ramírez and Celene B. Milanés

Land 2025, 14(8), 1695; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081695 - 21 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The Amazon rainforest, a vital global carbon sink, is experiencing extensive forest loss due to environmental pressures, particularly from livestock production. While research on this topic has grown, a comprehensive synthesis is needed to map the intellectual landscape of this critical field and [...] Read more.

The Amazon rainforest, a vital global carbon sink, is experiencing extensive forest loss due to environmental pressures, particularly from livestock production. While research on this topic has grown, a comprehensive synthesis is needed to map the intellectual landscape of this critical field and inform actionable policies. Unlike a systematic review, which synthesizes findings qualitatively, this analysis focuses on a quantitative overview of research trends, key authors, and collaborative networks regarding greenhouse gas emissions from livestock-driven deforestation in the Amazon from 2004 to 2024. Additionally, the study makes a thematic synthesis of reviewed literature providing overview on emissions, mitigation, and biodiversity impacts. The review, based on data from Scopus and Web of Science processed through Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software, reveals a growing and increasingly collaborative field, with research output showing significant growth post-2010, dominated by institutions in Brazil and the United States, with a conceptual focus that has shifted from basic deforestation metrics to sophisticated analyses of mitigation strategies and policy impacts. The findings highlight recurrent deforestation drivers, including export-oriented agriculture and weak land tenure, and demonstrate the effectiveness of specific mitigation options. Key mitigation strategies identified include silvopastoral systems with more than 30% tree cover, rotational grazing, and targeted pasture restoration, which can halve emissions within 5–7 years when combined with credit incentives and secure land tenure. The review underscores the evolution of research toward more policy-relevant and interdisciplinary approaches, but also highlights the need for more empirical validation and collaborative efforts to translate these findings into scalable climate solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Based Greenhouse Gas Mitigation for Carbon Neutrality (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 3667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multispectral Remote Sensing Monitoring Methods for Soil Fertility Assessment and Spatiotemporal Variation Characteristics in Arid and Semi-Arid Mining Areas

by Quanzhi Li, Zhenqi Hu, Yanwen Guo and Yulong Geng

Land 2025, 14(8), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081694 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Soil fertility is the essential attribute of soil quality. Large-scale coal mining has led to the continuous deterioration of the fragile ecosystems in arid and semi-arid mining areas. As one of the key indicators for land ecological restoration in these coal mining regions, [...] Read more.

Soil fertility is the essential attribute of soil quality. Large-scale coal mining has led to the continuous deterioration of the fragile ecosystems in arid and semi-arid mining areas. As one of the key indicators for land ecological restoration in these coal mining regions, rapidly and accurately monitoring topsoil fertility and its spatial variation information holds significant importance for ecological restoration evaluation. This study takes Wuhai City in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China as a case study. It establishes and evaluates various soil indicator inversion models using multi-temporal Landsat8 OLI multispectral imagery and measured soil sample nutrient content data. The research constructs a comprehensive evaluation method for surface soil fertility based on multispectral remote sensing monitoring and achieves spatiotemporal variation analysis of soil fertility characteristics. The results show that: (1) The 6SV (Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum Vector version)-SVM (Support Vector Machine) prediction model for surface soil indicators based on Landsat8 OLI imagery achieved prediction accuracy with R² values above 0.85 for all six soil nutrient contents in the study area, thereby establishing for the first time a rapid assessment method for comprehensive topsoil fertility using multispectral remote sensing monitoring. (2) Long-term spatiotemporal evaluation of soil indicators was achieved: From 2015 to 2025, the spatial distribution of soil indicators showed certain variability, with soil organic matter, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and available potassium contents demonstrating varying degrees of increase within different ranges, though the increases were generally modest. (3) Long-term spatiotemporal evaluation of comprehensive soil fertility was accomplished: Over the 10 years, Grade IV remained the dominant soil fertility level in the study area, accounting for about 32% of the total area. While the overall soil fertility level showed an increasing trend, the differences in soil fertility levels decreased, indicating a trend toward homogenization. Full article

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26 pages, 6019 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations in Grain Yields and Their Responses to Climatic Factors in Northeast China During 1993–2022

by Ruiqiu Pang, Dongqi Sun and Weisong Sun

Land 2025, 14(8), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081693 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 379

Abstract

Global warming impacts agricultural production and food security, particularly in high-latitude regions with high temperature sensitivity. As a major grain-producing area in China and one of the fastest-warming regions globally, Northeast China (NEC) has received considerable research attention. However, the existing literature lacks [...] Read more.

Global warming impacts agricultural production and food security, particularly in high-latitude regions with high temperature sensitivity. As a major grain-producing area in China and one of the fastest-warming regions globally, Northeast China (NEC) has received considerable research attention. However, the existing literature lacks sufficient exploration of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in climate change impacts. Based on data on rice, corn, and soybean yields, as well as temperature, rainfall, and sunshine duration in NEC from 1993 to 2022, this study employs Sen’s slope estimation, the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of grain yields and their responses to climate change. The results show that ① 1993–2022 witnessed an overall rise in grain yields per unit area in NEC, with Liaoning growing fastest. Rice yields increased regionally; corn yields rose in Liaoning and Jilin, while soybean yields increased only in Liaoning. During the growing season, rainfall trended upward with fluctuations, temperatures rose steadily, and sunshine duration declined in Heilongjiang. ② Except for corn and soybeans in the early period, other crops exhibited significant yield spatial agglomeration. High–high agglomeration areas first expanded, then shrank, eventually shifting northward to the region of Jilin Province. ③ Climatic factors show marked spatiotemporal heterogeneity in impacts: positive effect areas of rainfall and temperature expanded northward; sunshine duration’s influence weakened, but its negative effect areas spread. ④ Differences in crop responses are closely linked to their physiological characteristics, regional climate evolution, and agricultural adaptation measures. This study provides a scientific basis for formulating region-specific agricultural adaptation strategies to address climate change in NEC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adaptation Strategies of Sustainable Agriculture to Climate Change and Land Use)

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18 pages, 1593 KB

Open AccessArticle

A New Perspective on Functional Zoning by Integrating Coupling Coordination Analysis of Ecological Environment and Urbanization Level: A Case Study of Inner Mongolia

by Yu Liu, Zhengjia Liu, Wenfeng Chi, Bowen Jin, Xun Zhang and Yu Wang

Land 2025, 14(8), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081692 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 311

Abstract

Rapid urbanization intensifies disturbances to the ecological environment, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to guide regional development towards sustainability. Functional zoning offers a promising approach to address this challenge. However, in eco-fragile regions, functional zoning has often failed to incorporate the [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization intensifies disturbances to the ecological environment, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to guide regional development towards sustainability. Functional zoning offers a promising approach to address this challenge. However, in eco-fragile regions, functional zoning has often failed to incorporate the spatially explicit coupling coordination degree (CCD) between ecological environment and urbanization level. Taking Inner Mongolia as a case study, this study evaluated the spatial coordination between these two systems by leveraging geographic big data. Functional zones were then delineated using the K-means clustering method, incorporating the geospatial relationships between ecological environment and urbanization level. Results revealed significant geospatial heterogeneity in both ecological environment and urbanization level. Ecological environment generally declined from east to west, while urbanization was generally low throughout the region. Substantial variations in CCD were observed, with the global Moran’s I value confirming a significant spatial clustering pattern. Based on the findings above, five functional zones were identified, with the urbanization promotion zone as the dominant one. This study provides a valuable reference for regional pattern optimization and sustainable development of social-ecological systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leveraging Big Data and Emerging Technologies for Agricultural Land Monitoring and Management)

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23 pages, 7049 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Accessibility in Last-Mile Logistics: A New Dimension of Urban–Rural Integration

by Song Liu, Yongwang Cao, Qi Gao and Weitao Liu

Land 2025, 14(8), 1691; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081691 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 429

Abstract

Under the advancing urban–rural integration strategy, last-mile logistics, and their spatial accessibility, have become key indicators for measuring regional coordination. Focusing on Guangzhou as the case study area, this study constructs an urban–rural spatial accessibility assessment model integrating multimodal convolutional neural networks and [...] Read more.

Under the advancing urban–rural integration strategy, last-mile logistics, and their spatial accessibility, have become key indicators for measuring regional coordination. Focusing on Guangzhou as the case study area, this study constructs an urban–rural spatial accessibility assessment model integrating multimodal convolutional neural networks and Graph Neural Networks (GNN) to systematically examine the evolving accessibility patterns in last-mile logistics distribution across urban and rural spaces. The study finds that Guangzhou’s urban space continues to expand while rural space gradually decreases during this period, showing an overall development trend from centralized single-core to multi-polar networked patterns. The spatial accessibility of last-mile logistics in Guangzhou exhibits higher levels in urban core areas and lower levels in peripheral rural areas, but the overall accessibility is progressively expanding and improving in outlying regions. These accessibility changes not only reflect the optimization path of logistics infrastructure but also reveal the practical progress of urban–rural integration development. Through spatial distribution analysis and dynamic simulation of logistics networks, this study establishes a novel explanatory framework for understanding the spatial mechanisms of urban–rural integration. The findings provide decision-making support for optimizing last-mile logistics network layouts while offering both theoretical foundations and practical approaches for promoting co-construction and sharing of urban–rural infrastructure and achieving integrated regional spatial governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Urbanization: Urban-Rural Coordination and Sustainable Development)

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21 pages, 1096 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Linear Programming and CLUE-S Modeling for Scenario-Based Land Use Optimization Under Eco-Economic Trade-Offs in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions

by Mufeng Zhang, Qinghua Gong, Bowen Liu, Shengli Yu, Linyuan Yan, Yanqiao Chen and Jianping Wu

Land 2025, 14(8), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081690 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 455

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has intensified eco-economic trade-offs, necessitating integrated optimization frameworks that balance development with environmental conservation in land use planning. Traditional methods often fail to optimize both objectives simultaneously, highlighting the need for systematic approaches addressing competing demands. This study develops an integrated [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization has intensified eco-economic trade-offs, necessitating integrated optimization frameworks that balance development with environmental conservation in land use planning. Traditional methods often fail to optimize both objectives simultaneously, highlighting the need for systematic approaches addressing competing demands. This study develops an integrated linear programming (LP) and CLUE-S modeling framework using Guangzhou, a rapidly urbanizing megacity in China, as a case study. The methodology combines LP quantitative optimization with CLUE-S spatial allocation under dual objectives: maximizing ecosystem service value and economic benefits across four policy scenarios: ecological protection, cultivated protection, economic development, and balanced development. Data inputs include the 2020 land-use database, 12 socio-economic and biophysical driving factors, and territorial planning constraints. Results show that the coupled framework effectively balances urban expansion with ecological protection, reducing habitat fragmentation and preserving key ecological corridors compared with business-as-usual scenarios. Accuracy assessments further confirm the robustness and reliability of the framework. The integrated LP-CLUE-S framework captures land use dynamics and spatial constraints, providing a robust tool for territorial spatial planning. This approach offers actionable insights for reconciling development pressures with environmental conservation, contributing a replicable methodology for sustainable land resource management with strong transferability potential for other rapidly urbanizing regions facing similar eco-economic challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Optimization and Sustainable Development of Land Use (Second Edition))

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35 pages, 11074 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Can We Achieve Carbon Neutrality During Urban Expansion? An Empirical Study from Qionglai City, China

by Xinmei Wang, Dinghua Ou, Chang Shu, Yiliang Liu, Zijia Yan, Maocuo La and Jianguo Xia

Land 2025, 14(8), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081689 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 466

Abstract

While technologies like renewable energy and low-carbon transportation are known to mitigate carbon emissions from urban expansion, achieving carbon neutrality during this process remains a critical unresolved challenge. This issue is particularly pressing for developing countries striving to balance urbanization with carbon reduction. [...] Read more.

While technologies like renewable energy and low-carbon transportation are known to mitigate carbon emissions from urban expansion, achieving carbon neutrality during this process remains a critical unresolved challenge. This issue is particularly pressing for developing countries striving to balance urbanization with carbon reduction. Taking Qionglai City as a case study, this study simulated the territorial spatial functional patterns (TSFPs) and carbon emission distribution for 2025 and 2030. Based on the key drivers of carbon emissions from urban expansion identified through the Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) model, carbon-neutral pathways were designed for two scenarios: urban expansion scenarios under historical evolution patterns (Scenario I) and urban expansion scenarios optimized under carbon neutrality targets (Scenario II). The results indicate that (1) urban space is projected to expand from 6094.73 hm² in 2020 to 6249.77 hm² in 2025 and 6385.75 hm² in 2030; (2) total carbon emissions are forecasted to reach 1.25 × 10⁶ t (metric tons) and 1.40 × 10⁶ t in 2025 and 2030, respectively, exhibiting a spatial pattern of “high in the central-eastern regions, low in the west”; (3) GDP, Net Primary Productivity (NPP), and the number of fuel vehicles are the dominant drivers of carbon emissions from urban expansion; and (4) a four-pronged strategy, optimizing urban green space vegetation types, replacing fuel vehicles with new energy vehicles, controlling carbon emissions per GDP, and purchasing carbon credits, proves effective. Scenario II presents the optimal pathway: carbon neutrality in the expansion zone can be achieved by 2025 using the first three measures (e.g., optimizing 66.73 hm² of green space, replacing 800 fuel vehicles, and maintaining emissions at 0.21 t/10⁴ CNY per GDP). By 2030, carbon neutrality can be achieved by implementing all four measures (e.g., optimizing 67.57 hm² of green space, replacing 1470 fuel vehicles, and achieving 0.15 t/10⁴ CNY per GDP). This study provides a methodological basis for local governments to promote low-carbon urban development and offers practical insights for developing nations to reconcile urban expansion with carbon neutrality goals. Full article

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20 pages, 4005 KB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing the Priorities for Rural Infrastructure Maintenance Through Complex Network Analysis: Evidence from 98 Counties in China

by Zheng Li, Yaofu Huang, Muzhe Pan, Yaxin Pei and Xun Li

Land 2025, 14(8), 1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081688 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 346

Abstract

Driven by the Rural Revitalization Strategy, China has substantially increased its investment in rural infrastructure. Nevertheless, widespread issues such as underutilization and inadequate management persist. Recognizing rural infrastructure as a complex and interdependent system, this study applies complex network analysis to evaluate data [...] Read more.

Driven by the Rural Revitalization Strategy, China has substantially increased its investment in rural infrastructure. Nevertheless, widespread issues such as underutilization and inadequate management persist. Recognizing rural infrastructure as a complex and interdependent system, this study applies complex network analysis to evaluate data from 98 counties, treating each county as an analytical unit and various infrastructure types as network nodes. A rural infrastructure interdependency network is constructed to examine the interdependencies among infrastructure and the overarching structural characteristics of the system. The analysis demonstrates that the rural infrastructure network exhibits pronounced modularity, with three distinct functional clusters: (1) electricity–water–broadband internet, (2) public service infrastructure, and (3) housing–environmental governance infrastructure. Furthermore, by employing a network dismantling approach that simulates facility management failures through the progressive removal of nodes, this study identifies paved roads and electricity supply stability as critical nodes within the rural infrastructure network. The failure of these infrastructures triggers systemic fragmentation and functional collapse, indicating their pivotal role in maintaining overall network integrity. These findings offer theoretical support for the optimization of infrastructure maintenance strategies, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the overall resilience and sustainable development capacity of rural infrastructure systems. Full article

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24 pages, 1188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of Saline–Alkali Land Consolidation Based on the Optimal Land Use Value: Evidence from Jilin Province, China

by Man Teng, Longzhen Ni, Hua Li and Wenhui Chen

Land 2025, 14(8), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081687 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 437

Abstract

China, facing severe saline–alkali land degradation, is grappling with the paradox of technically adequate but systemically deficient land consolidation. In response to the existing evaluation system’s over-reliance on physicochemical indicators and neglect of socioeconomic value, this study proposes the use of the Optimal [...] Read more.

China, facing severe saline–alkali land degradation, is grappling with the paradox of technically adequate but systemically deficient land consolidation. In response to the existing evaluation system’s over-reliance on physicochemical indicators and neglect of socioeconomic value, this study proposes the use of the Optimal Land Use Value (OLV) to construct a comprehensive benefit evaluation indicator system for saline–alkali land consolidation that encompasses ecosystem resilience, supply–demand balancing, and common prosperity. Considering a case project implemented from 2019 to 2022 in the Western Songnen Plain of China—one of the world’s most severely affected soda saline–alkali regions—this study combines the land use transition matrix with a comprehensive evaluation model to systematically assess the effectiveness and sustainability of land consolidation. The results reveal systemic deficiencies: within ecological spaces, short-term desalination succeeds but pH and organic matter improvements remain inadequate, while ecosystem vulnerability increases due to climate fluctuations and grassland conversion. In production spaces, cropland expansion and saline land reduction are effective, but water resource management proves unsustainable. Living spaces show improved infrastructure and income but face threats due to economic simplification and intergenerational unsustainability. For the investigated case, recommendations include shifting from technical restoration to systemic governance via three strategies: (1) biological–engineering synergy employing green manure to enhance soil microbial activity; (2) hydrological balancing through groundwater quotas and rainwater utilization; (3) specialty industry development for rural economic diversification. This study contributes empirical evidence on the conversion of saline–alkali land, as well as an evaluation framework of wider relevance for developing countries combating land degradation and pursuing rural revitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)

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27 pages, 9426 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Unpacking Park Cool Island Effects Using Remote-Sensed, Measured and Modelled Microclimatic Data

by Bill Grace, Julian Bolleter, Maassoumeh Barghchi and James Lund

Land 2025, 14(8), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081686 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 461

Abstract

There is increasing interest in the role of parks as potential cool refuges in the age of climate change. Such potential refuges result from the Park Cool Island (PCI) effect, reflecting the temperature differential between the park and surrounding urban areas. However, this [...] Read more.

There is increasing interest in the role of parks as potential cool refuges in the age of climate change. Such potential refuges result from the Park Cool Island (PCI) effect, reflecting the temperature differential between the park and surrounding urban areas. However, this study of different park typologies in Perth, Australia, illustrates that while surface temperatures are 10–15 °C lower in parks during summer afternoons (much less than at other times), air temperatures are generally no different from the adjacent streetscape for the smaller parks. Only the largest park in the study had 1–2 °C lower morning and mid-afternoon air temperature differentials. The study illustrates that while the PCI is a real phenomenon, the magnitude in terms of air temperature is small, and it is of less relevance to the conditions felt by humans in average summer daytime conditions than the direct effects of solar radiation. Many studies have assessed the PCI effect, an indicator that has shown a wide range across different studies and measurement techniques. However, this novel paper utilises satellite remote-sensed land surface temperatures, on-ground measurements of surface temperatures, air temperatures, and humidity, as well as modelling using the microclimatic simulation software ENVI-met version 5.0. A reliance on land surface temperature, which in isolation has a marginal correlation with human experience of thermal comfort, has led some researchers to overstate the PCI effect and its influence on adjoining urban areas. The research reported in this paper illustrates that it is the shade provided by the canopy in parks, rather than parks themselves, that provides meaningful thermal comfort benefits. Accordingly, adaptation to increasing temperatures requires the creation of a continuous canopy, ideally over parks, streetscapes, and private lots in an interconnected network. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: Searching for Sustainable Planning, Design and Management Solutions)

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22 pages, 10627 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Impact of Climate and Land Use Change on Greek Centipede Biodiversity and Conservation

by Elisavet Georgopoulou, Konstantinos Kougioumoutzis and Stylianos M. Simaiakis

Land 2025, 14(8), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081685 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1040

Abstract

Centipedes (Chilopoda, Myriapoda) are crucial soil predators, yet their vulnerability to climate and land use change remains unexplored. We assess the impact of these drivers on Greek centipedes, identify current and future biodiversity hotspots, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 Network [...] Read more.

Centipedes (Chilopoda, Myriapoda) are crucial soil predators, yet their vulnerability to climate and land use change remains unexplored. We assess the impact of these drivers on Greek centipedes, identify current and future biodiversity hotspots, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Natura 2000 Network of protected areas for their conservation. We used an updated species occurrence database of Greek centipedes, derived from literature reviews and museum collections, and evaluated database completeness and geographic sampling biases. Species Distribution Models were employed to predict future distribution shifts under climate and land use change scenarios. Biodiversity hotspots were identified based on species richness (SR) and corrected-weighted endemism (CWE) metrics. We overlapped SR and CWE metrics against the Natura 2000 Network to assess its effectiveness. We found that sampling effort is highly heterogeneous across Greece. All species are projected to experience range contractions, particularly in the 2080s, with variation across scenarios and taxa. Current biodiversity hotspots are concentrated in the south Aegean islands and mainland mountain ranges, where areas of persistent high biodiversity are also projected to occur. The Natura 2000 Network currently covers 52% of SR and 44% of CWE hotspots, with projected decreases in SR coverage but increases in CWE coverage. Our work highlights the vulnerability of Greek centipedes to climate and land use change and reveals conservation shortfalls within protected areas. We identify priority areas for future field surveys, based on sampling bias and survey completeness assessments, and highlight the need for further research into mechanisms driving centipede responses to global change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Vulnerability and Habitat Loss (Third Edition))

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18 pages, 3300 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Large-Language-Model-Based Dataset of Plant Species for Green Roofs in China

by Haoyu Han, Xiliang Liu, Shaofu Lin, Yumiao Chang, Shimin Ding and Jing Zhang

Land 2025, 14(8), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081684 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates, a host of negative ecological impacts have become increasingly prominent. Green roofs, as a sustainable solution, can effectively mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce carbon footprints. However, the lack of datasets on plant species suitable for green roofs [...] Read more.

As urbanization accelerates, a host of negative ecological impacts have become increasingly prominent. Green roofs, as a sustainable solution, can effectively mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce carbon footprints. However, the lack of datasets on plant species suitable for green roofs in China has hindered the advancement of relevant research and practical applications. Therefore, this study constructed a diversified dataset of plant species for green roofs in China, using data sources from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS). Generated by integrating the Kimi large language model (Kimi LLM) API with knowledge graph technology, the dataset contains 2248 plant records. It specifically includes a statistical CSV file with detailed plant information, a CSV file of species combinations, a CSV file linking plant combinations to cities, and original plant data extracted from research papers. Technical experiments have validated the accuracy and efficiency of this dataset in acquiring plant species. Suitable for plant selection in green roof projects, this dataset will provide strong support for in-depth research and wider applications in the field of urban sustainability. Full article

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19 pages, 2721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Unit Delineation Based on Soil-Forming Factors: A Tool for Soil Survey in Mountainous Protected Areas

by William Trenti, Mauro De Feudis, Massimo Gherardi, Gilmo Vianello and Livia Vittori Antisari

Land 2025, 14(8), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081683 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 412

Abstract

The present study applied a GIS-based methodology for assessing soil diversity in a protected mountain area of Italy. Using QGIS, morphological (i.e., altitude and slope), lithological, climatic, and land use layers were intersected to delineate 16 land units (LUs), each representing relatively homogeneous [...] Read more.

The present study applied a GIS-based methodology for assessing soil diversity in a protected mountain area of Italy. Using QGIS, morphological (i.e., altitude and slope), lithological, climatic, and land use layers were intersected to delineate 16 land units (LUs), each representing relatively homogeneous conditions for soil formation, according to Jenny’s equation. To obtain the soil map units, a total of 112 soil profiles were analyzed, including 79 from previous studies and 33 that were newly excavated during 2023–2024 to fill gaps in underrepresented LU types. Most soils were classified as Inceptisols/Cambisols, occurring in both Dystric and Eutric variants, mainly in relation to lithology (i.e., arenaceous or pelitic facies). Alfisols, Umbrisols, and hydromorphic soils were also identified. The physicochemical properties showed marked variability among LUs, with sand content ranging from 39 to 798 g kg⁻¹, pH from 4.4 to 7.9, and organic carbon content from 1.6 to 6.1%. This LU-based framework allowed efficient field sampling, if compared to grid-based surveys, while retaining information on fine-scale pedodiversity. No quantitative accuracy assessment (e.g., boundary precision, internal homogeneity metrics) was conducted, even if the spatial coherence of the delineated LUs was supported by the distribution of soil profiles, which provided empirical validation of the LU framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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21 pages, 3151 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Cross-Regional Mobility Contributes to the Metacoupling Between Urbanization and the Environment for Regional Sustainability

by Ying Huang, Lan Ye, Qingyang Jiang, Yufeng Wang, Guo Wan, Peiyun He and Bo Zhou

Land 2025, 14(8), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081682 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

As a result of rapid urbanization, ecological and environmental problems have become increasingly severe. Sustainable regional development requires a balance between urbanization and the environment. With the intensification of economic globalization and technological innovation, the flow of various elements such as population, capital, [...] Read more.

As a result of rapid urbanization, ecological and environmental problems have become increasingly severe. Sustainable regional development requires a balance between urbanization and the environment. With the intensification of economic globalization and technological innovation, the flow of various elements such as population, capital, information, and resources has gradually blurred administrative boundaries, leading to new cross-scale evolutionary characteristics in this relationship. However, existing studies have primarily been conducted at the local scale and have failed to capture the impact of cross-regional element flows on the relationship between urbanization and the environment. Under the metacoupling framework, this study improves the existing methodological framework by integrating the flows of production factors and ecosystem service (ES) to characterize the metacoupling between urbanization and the environment in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA). A new comprehensive index system for urbanization and environment was constructed, considering the cross-regional flow of multiple factors. The Coupling Coordination Degree model was employed to calculate the degree of intracoupling, pericoupling, and telecoupling between urbanization and the environment. The Geodetector model was used to determine the effects of local, adjacent, and distant flows of production and ES factors on these degrees. The results show that the intracoupling between urbanization and the environment was low, while the pericoupling and telecoupling increased from local to distant scales. Production factor and ES flows were the common factors affecting the metacoupling between urbanization and the environment, but population flows and capital flows were more strongly explained at the local scale, and ES flow was more strongly explained at the adjacent and distant scales. Based on these results, a systematic understanding of the complex relationship between urbanization and environment is provided, which in turn provides a basis for decision making regarding the coordinated and sustainable development of urban and ecological management in the CCUA as well as other urban agglomerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coupled Man-Land Relationship for Regional Sustainability)

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23 pages, 6686 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Bare Soil to Green Infrastructure: Micrometeorological Benefits from the Restoration of a Small Urban Park in a Mediterranean City

by Nikolaos D. Proutsos, Alexandra D. Solomou and Stefanos P. Stefanidis

Land 2025, 14(8), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081681 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1117

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGSs) are a vital component of urban landscapes nowadays, with an impact on energy distribution in cities and local climate regulation. This study aims to quantify the thermal and optical behavior of various materials in a small-scale Mediterranean UGS and [...] Read more.

Urban green spaces (UGSs) are a vital component of urban landscapes nowadays, with an impact on energy distribution in cities and local climate regulation. This study aims to quantify the thermal and optical behavior of various materials in a small-scale Mediterranean UGS and provide insights into the use of green and artificial materials in urban parks. The analysis also includes the changes in the UGS’s optical and thermal properties following its restoration in 2024. The thermal comfort in the UGS is assessed for the 2020–2024 period, along with the reflectivity and surface temperatures of the different materials pre- (in 2022) and post-restoration (in 2024), using in situ measurements. The results show notable seasonal and interannual variability in the thermal comfort of the site. The impact of vegetation on the UGS was critical. The vegetation-covered surfaces exhibited surface temperatures close to ambient air temperature, highlighting their effective thermal regulation. During summer mornings, the average temperatures of the vegetation-covered surfaces were around 30.5 °C, lower compared to artificial or non-green materials, like asphalt, concrete, gravel, and dry bare soil, which were above 42 °C. The vegetation albedo was relatively lower (around 0.19), while artificial covers showed a greater reflectance (up to 0.35), thus boosting the heat retention. These results highlight the essential importance of green infrastructure incorporation to boost the thermal dynamics of urban open spaces and mitigate climate change effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Spaces: An Effective Tool to Regulate Urban Climate and Biodiversity, 2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 6028 KB

Open AccessArticle

Vegetation Dynamics and Climate Variability in Conflict Zones: A Case Study of Sortony Internally Displaced Camp, Darfur, Sudan

by Abdalrahman Ahmed, Brian Rotich, Harison K. Kipkulei, Azaria Stephano Lameck, Bence Gallai and Kornel Czimber

Land 2025, 14(8), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081680 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 486

Abstract

Understanding vegetation dynamics and climate variability in the vicinity of Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps is critical due to the high dependency of displaced populations on local natural resources. This study investigates vegetation cover changes and long-term climate variability around the Sortony IDP [...] Read more.

Understanding vegetation dynamics and climate variability in the vicinity of Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps is critical due to the high dependency of displaced populations on local natural resources. This study investigates vegetation cover changes and long-term climate variability around the Sortony IDP camp in Darfur, Sudan, using satellite and climate data spanning 1980 to 2024. High-resolution imagery from PlanetScope and Sentinel–2 Level 2A was used to assess vegetation cover changes from 2015 to 2024, while precipitation, temperature, and drought trends were analyzed over 44 years (1980–2024). Vegetation changes were quantified using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and drought conditions were assessed through the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at 6-, 9-, and 12-month timescales. Future precipitation predictions were modeled using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. The results revealed a substantial increase in vegetative cover: the dense vegetation class increased by 3.50%, moderate vegetation by 17.33%, and low vegetation by 30.22%. In contrast, sparse and non-vegetated areas declined by 4.55% and 46.51%, respectively. The SPEI analysis indicated a marked reduction in drought frequency and severity after 2015, following a period of prolonged drought from 2000 to 2014. Forecasts suggest continued increases in rainfall through 2034, which may further support vegetation regrowth. These findings underscore the complex interplay between climatic factors and human activity in conflict-affected landscapes. The observed vegetation recovery highlights the region’s potential for ecological resilience, reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable land-use planning and climate-adaptive management strategies in humanitarian and post-conflict settings such as Darfur. Full article

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21 pages, 9974 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Spatial Pattern of Water Conservation Services Using Multi-Scenario Land Use/Cover Simulation and Bayesian Network in China’s Saihanba Region

by Chong Liu, Liren Xu, Fuqing Kang, Zhaoxuan Ge, Jing Zhang, Jinglei Liao, Xuanrui Huang and Zhidong Zhang

Land 2025, 14(8), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081679 - 20 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Optimizing the spatial pattern of water conservation services (WCSs) is essential for enhancing regional water retention and promoting sustainable water resource management. The Saihanba region, a critical ecological barrier in northern China, has experienced severe degradation due to historical over-logging, leading to weakened [...] Read more.

Optimizing the spatial pattern of water conservation services (WCSs) is essential for enhancing regional water retention and promoting sustainable water resource management. The Saihanba region, a critical ecological barrier in northern China, has experienced severe degradation due to historical over-logging, leading to weakened WCS functions. This study used remote sensing techniques to interpret land use/land cover change (LULC) and combined it with meteorological and basic ecological data to assess changes in WCS capacity in the Saihanba region, China, under multiple 2035 scenarios using CA-Markov and Bayesian network models. The Bayesian belief network identified priority areas for spatial optimization. Results showed the following: (1) The spatial distribution patterns of WCSs showed a strong dependence on land-use types, with both forest and grassland areas demonstrating superior water conservation capacity compared to other land cover categories; (2) although total WCS capacity varied across scenarios, spatial distribution remained consistent—high-value zones were mainly in the south and central-east, while lower values occurred in the west; and (3) WCS areas were categorized into key optimization, ecological protection, and general management zones. Notably, the Sandaohekou Forest Farm and the western Qiancengban Forest Farm emerged as critical areas requiring urgent optimization. These findings offer practical guidance for spatial planning, ecological protection, and water resource governance, supporting long-term WCS sustainability in the region. The study also contributes to cleaner production strategies by aligning ecosystem service management with sustainable development goals. Full article

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16 pages, 262 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Commons and Care in Senegal: Social Security in the Face of Social and Environmental Change in Casamance

by Alina Schönmann and Tobias Haller

Land 2025, 14(8), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081678 - 20 Aug 2025

Viewed by 347

Abstract

This article examines shifting practices of commoning among the Jola in the Casamance region of Senegal. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a theoretical background of New Institutional Political Ecology as well as commoning, it explores how a collective social security system formed through [...] Read more.

This article examines shifting practices of commoning among the Jola in the Casamance region of Senegal. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork and a theoretical background of New Institutional Political Ecology as well as commoning, it explores how a collective social security system formed through collectively labored rice fields is increasingly strained by socio-economic pressures and environmental change. While migration due to environmental change is often cited as a primary cause for labor shortages in the rice fields, the study highlights deeper transformations linked to a powerful naturalist ontology leading to deagrarianization. Newly formed systems of solidarity, such as the association Servir Bubajum Áyii, adapt persisting commoning principles to contemporary needs, maintaining commoning principles rooted in pre-colonial commons and support mechanisms with values such as discretion and dignity despite the changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Past and the Present of Food Sustainability and Resilience of Local Food Production: 2nd Edition)

19 pages, 2847 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multidimensional Urbanization and Its Links to Energy Consumption and CO₂ Emissions: Evidence from Chinese Cities

by Xiaoye You, Penggen Cheng, Haiqing He and Congyi Li

Land 2025, 14(8), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081677 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 536

Abstract

This study develops an integrated analytical framework to examine the interplay of urbanization, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions at the city level in China. Utilizing the Entropy-TOPSIS method for multidimensional urbanization measurement, the GM_Combo model for spatial spillover analysis, and Random Forest [...] Read more.

This study develops an integrated analytical framework to examine the interplay of urbanization, energy consumption, and CO₂ emissions at the city level in China. Utilizing the Entropy-TOPSIS method for multidimensional urbanization measurement, the GM_Combo model for spatial spillover analysis, and Random Forest for identifying emission drivers, we analyze data from 282 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2020. Results reveal significant hierarchical differences in urbanization, with K-means clustering identifying high, medium, and low urbanization groups reflecting diverse regional development pathways. Energy consumption increasingly drives emissions, while urbanization’s influence declines, indicating partial decoupling. Strong spatial spillovers highlight the need for regional coordination. Ecological assets provide moderate mitigation effects. These findings contribute to the literature by introducing a multidimensional urbanization index, uncovering nonlinear energy–emissions dynamics, and quantifying intercity spillovers, offering empirical support for tailored low-carbon policies and sustainable urban governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)

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21 pages, 17434 KB

Open AccessArticle

Towards Sustainable Human–Land Symbiosis: An Empirical Study of Chinese Traditional Villages

by Jianmin Wang, Xiaoying Wen, Shikang Zhou, Zhihong Zhang and Dongye Zhao

Land 2025, 14(8), 1676; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081676 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 363

Abstract

In response to the growing urban–rural dichotomy and escalating human–land conflicts in rural China, this study investigates the role of soundscapes as emotional mediators to enhance environmental satisfaction and foster sustainable human–land symbiosis. To address this need, we carried out a series of [...] Read more.

In response to the growing urban–rural dichotomy and escalating human–land conflicts in rural China, this study investigates the role of soundscapes as emotional mediators to enhance environmental satisfaction and foster sustainable human–land symbiosis. To address this need, we carried out a series of systematic field surveys at five representative traditional villages in a major provincial capital city in China, and we implemented a comprehensive questionnaire and surveyed 524 residents about their perceptions of sound, land affection, and environment. We employed a mixed-methods approach combining questionnaire surveys, association rule mining (ARM), and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the ‘sound–land–environment’ interaction chain. ARM analysis identified strong associations among tour guide narratives, local dialects, natural sounds (e.g., rustling leaves, birdsong), and tourist-generated sounds (support = 50%, confidence = 78%, lift = 1.33). SEM results revealed that soundscapes significantly and positively influence land dependence (β = 0.952, p < 0.001) and land rootedness (β = 1.812, p < 0.001), which in turn jointly affect environmental satisfaction (β = –0.192, p = 0.027) through a chain mediation pathway. These findings suggest that optimizing rural soundscapes can strengthen emotional bonds between people and land, thereby enhancing environmental satisfaction and promoting performance of sustainable human–land symbiosis. The study contributes theoretically by elucidating the emotional mechanisms linking soundscapes to human–land relationships and offers insights for incorporating soundscape considerations into village planning and developing policies to cultivate land attachment, supporting the sustainable development of traditional villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Solutions to Urban-Rural Coordinated Development in the Megacity Regions (3rd Edition))

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26 pages, 9154 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Prediction of Urban Growth and Sustainability Challenges Based on LULC Change: Case Study of Two Himalayan Metropolitan Cities

by Bhagawat Rimal, Sushila Rijal and Abhishek Tiwary

Land 2025, 14(8), 1675; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081675 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 702

Abstract

Urbanization, characterized by population growth and socioeconomic development, is a major driving factor of land use land cover (LULC) change. A spatio-temporal understanding of land cover change is crucial, as it provides essential insights into the pattern of urban development. This study conducted [...] Read more.

Urbanization, characterized by population growth and socioeconomic development, is a major driving factor of land use land cover (LULC) change. A spatio-temporal understanding of land cover change is crucial, as it provides essential insights into the pattern of urban development. This study conducted a longitudinal analysis of LULC change in order to evaluate the tradeoffs of urban growth and sustainability challenges in the Himalayan region. Landsat time-series satellite imagery from 1988 to 2024 were analyzed for two major cities in Nepal—Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC) and Pokhara metropolitan city (PMC). The LULC classification was conducted using a machine learning support vector machine (SVM) approach. For this study period, our analysis showed that KMC and PMC witnessed urban growth of over 400% and 250%, respectively. In the next step, LULC change and urban expansion patterns were predicted based on the urban development indicator using the Cellular Automata Markov chain (CA-Markov) model for the years 2040 and 2056. Based on the CA-Markov chain analysis, the projected expansion areas of the urban area for the two future years are 282.39 km² and 337.37 km² for Kathmandu, and 93.17 km² and 114.15 km² for PMC, respectively. The model was verified using several Kappa variables (K-location, K-standard, and K-no). Based on the LULC trends, the majority of urban expansion in both the study areas has occurred at the expense of prime farmlands, which raises grave concern over the sustainability of the food supply to feed an ever-increasing urban population. This haphazard urban sprawl poses a significant challenge for future planning and highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to ensure sustainable urban growth, especially in restoring local food supply to alleviate over-reliance on long-distance transport of agro-produce in high-altitude mountain regions. The alternative planning of sustainable urban growth could involve adequate consideration for urban farming and community gardening as an integral part of the urban fabric, both at the household and city infrastructure levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Patterns and Urban Indicators on Land Use and Climate Change)

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24 pages, 2893 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Food–Energy–Water Nexus Considering the Carbon Footprint and Trade-Offs in Crop Production Systems in China

by Beibei Guo, Xian Zou, Tingting Cheng, Yan Li, Jie Huang, Tingting Sun and Yi Tong

Land 2025, 14(8), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081674 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 504

Abstract

To elucidate the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus, in this paper, a food–energy–water–carbon (FEWC) measurement method is established, and the evolutionary mechanisms within the nexus are determined to optimize crop production systems (CPSs). A quantitative assessment of the trade-offs and synergies among the constituent sub-nexuses [...] Read more.

To elucidate the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus, in this paper, a food–energy–water–carbon (FEWC) measurement method is established, and the evolutionary mechanisms within the nexus are determined to optimize crop production systems (CPSs). A quantitative assessment of the trade-offs and synergies among the constituent sub-nexuses is presented. This assessment is achieved through carbon footprint analysis of CPSs. In addition to examining FEW resource interactions, we employ the logarithmic mean divisia index methodology—a tool well-suited for practical energy decomposition—to explore the nexus interrelationships. This research further accounts for anthropogenic inputs in CPSs, specifically using blue water and energy consumption as key indicators for characterizing water and energy dynamics, respectively. Five crops are selected for CPS carbon emissions analysis to inform cropping structure optimization. The results show that during 2000–2022, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from China’s CPSs exhibited significant fluctuations characterized by a concentrated–dispersed–concentrated distribution pattern: the food system’s carbon footprint decreased notably, the food–energy (FE) system’s impact increased substantially, and the food–water (FW) system’s footprint fluctuated before decreasing. The spatial diversity in the FE system’s provincial carbon footprint increased over time, while the FW nexus exhibited fluctuating yet significant efficiency gains, indicating movement toward more balanced spatial distribution along the Hu Huanyong Line and Botai Line. The net effect of the FEW nexus interactions on GHG emissions exhibited a slight mitigating influence. Full article

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4 pages, 137 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas

by Mita Drius, Maria Laura Carranza and Robert Philipp Wagensommer

Land 2025, 14(8), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081673 - 19 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Coastal areas provide various benefits through regulating, provisioning, and cultural ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, protection from coastal erosion, recreation, and ecotourism [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological and Cultural Ecosystem Services in Coastal Areas)

39 pages, 3940 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

AI-Enhanced Remote Sensing of Land Transformations for Climate-Related Financial Risk Assessment in Housing Markets: A Review

by Chuanrong Zhang and Xinba Li

Land 2025, 14(8), 1672; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081672 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 743

Abstract

Amid accelerating climate change, climate-related hazards—such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and sea-level rise—increasingly drive land transformations and pose growing risks to housing markets by affecting property valuations, insurance availability, mortgage performance, and broader financial stability. This review synthesizes recent progress in two distinct [...] Read more.

Amid accelerating climate change, climate-related hazards—such as floods, wildfires, hurricanes, and sea-level rise—increasingly drive land transformations and pose growing risks to housing markets by affecting property valuations, insurance availability, mortgage performance, and broader financial stability. This review synthesizes recent progress in two distinct domains and their linkage: (1) assessing climate-related financial risks in housing markets, and (2) applying AI-driven remote sensing for hazard detection and land transformation monitoring. While both areas have advanced significantly, important limitations remain. Existing housing finance studies often rely on static models and coarse spatial data, lacking integration with real-time environmental information, thereby reducing their predictive power and policy relevance. In parallel, remote sensing studies using AI primarily focus on detecting physical hazards and land surface changes, yet rarely connect these spatial transformations to financial outcomes. To address these gaps, this review proposes an integrative framework that combines AI-enhanced remote sensing technologies with financial econometric modeling to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and policy relevance of climate-related risk assessment in housing markets. By bridging environmental hazard data—including land-based indicators of exposure and damage—with financial indicators, the framework enables more granular, dynamic, and equitable assessments than conventional approaches. Nonetheless, its implementation faces technical and institutional barriers, including spatial and temporal mismatches between datasets, fragmented regulatory and behavioral inputs, and the limitations of current single-task AI models, which often lack transparency. Overcoming these challenges will require innovation in AI modeling, improved data-sharing infrastructures, and stronger cross-disciplinary collaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Innovations—Data and Machine Learning: 2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 13692 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Urban Underground Space Supply–Demand Imbalances Based on Remote Sensing and POI Data: Evidence from Nanjing, China

by Ziyi Wang, Guojie Liu, Yi Hu and Liang Sun

Land 2025, 14(8), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081671 - 19 Aug 2025

Viewed by 446

Abstract

With rapid urbanization, the development of Urban Underground Space (UUS) has become essential to addressing various urban challenges. However, the accelerated expansion of UUS has also introduced problems such as duplicated infrastructure, functional deficiencies, and underutilized spaces. Fundamentally, these issues result from imbalances [...] Read more.

With rapid urbanization, the development of Urban Underground Space (UUS) has become essential to addressing various urban challenges. However, the accelerated expansion of UUS has also introduced problems such as duplicated infrastructure, functional deficiencies, and underutilized spaces. Fundamentally, these issues result from imbalances between the supply and demand for UUS, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in the central areas of major cities. Therefore, employing scientific methods to accurately identify and quantify these gaps is crucial. Leveraging recent advances in remote sensing and point-of-interest (POI) data, this study constructs a multi-source data-driven framework for assessing UUS supply–demand relationships, applied using a grid-based analysis to the central urban area of Nanjing. The results indicate that both the highest supply capacity and demand intensity occur in Xinjiekou Street in Nanjing’s Old City. Most high and medium–high supply and demand zones are concentrated in the Old City. Areas with prominent supply–demand conflicts are identified and classified into five types using the Jenks natural breaks method, further categorized into three groups based on their spatial characteristics, with tailored development strategies proposed accordingly. The proposed evaluation framework provides a robust scientific approach for analyzing UUS supply–demand relationships, offering significant theoretical and practical value for refined urban governance in large cities with extensive data availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas Under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom—2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 1536 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Impact of the National Agricultural Green Development Pilot Zone Policy on Agricultural Carbon Emission Efficiency—A Quasi-Natural Experiment in 41 Cities in the Yangtze River Delta, China

by Shuang Liu, Huimin Liu and Jie Shang

Land 2025, 14(8), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081670 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 324

Abstract

Improving the agricultural carbon emission efficiency (ACEE) has important practical significance for the green development of agriculture (GDA). However, few studies have analyzed the impact of the national agricultural green development pilot zone (NAGDPZ) policy on the ACEE. This study is based on [...] Read more.

Improving the agricultural carbon emission efficiency (ACEE) has important practical significance for the green development of agriculture (GDA). However, few studies have analyzed the impact of the national agricultural green development pilot zone (NAGDPZ) policy on the ACEE. This study is based on panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2013 to 2023. Through the creation of the NAGDPZ, a quasi-natural experiment was designed. By using the difference-in-differences (DID) method, a systematic analysis was conducted on the impact of the NAGDPZ policy on the ACEE. The research findings are as follows: (1) The overall ACEE in the YRD region has improved, and the spatial distribution is higher in the southeast and lower in the northwest. (2) The NAGDPZ policy can significantly enhance the ACEE, with a coefficient of 0.049. This positive effect is still observed even after many robustness tests. (3) The NAGDPZ policy has expanded the agricultural operation scale (AOS) and enhanced agricultural labor productivity (ALP), improving the ACEE. Therefore, it is suggested that the pilot scope of the NAGDPZ should be expanded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Sustainable Development of Yangtze River Delta, China (3rd Edition))

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21 pages, 7943 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Meaning: Perceptions of Green Infrastructure and Cultural Ecosystem Services in the Rapidly Urbanizing Town of Vác, Hungary

by István Valánszki, László Zoltán Nádasy, Tímea Katalin Erdei, Anna Éva Borkó, Vera Iváncsics and Zsófia Földi

Land 2025, 14(8), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081669 - 18 Aug 2025

Viewed by 507

Abstract

Urban sprawl and suburbanization are reshaping peri-urban areas, challenging urban planning and community well-being. Our study investigates questions regarding the perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) and development preferences (DP) related to Green Infrastructure (GI) in Vác, Hungary, including how CES and DP [...] Read more.

Urban sprawl and suburbanization are reshaping peri-urban areas, challenging urban planning and community well-being. Our study investigates questions regarding the perception of Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) and development preferences (DP) related to Green Infrastructure (GI) in Vác, Hungary, including how CES and DP indicators related to GI vary spatially; how they align with municipal DI designations; how they relate to sociodemographic factors; and how they are applicable to urban planning practices. We used PPGIS and structured interviews with 375 residents to collect over 4900 spatial data points in order to analyze how perceived values, development preferences, officially designated GI elements and sociodemographic characteristics, relate to each other. The results show that CES are strongly associated with GI elements, especially along the riverfront and in downtown areas. However, development preferences, especially congestion and safety concerns, were more dispersed, often located in outer residential areas and along transportation routes. Statistical analyses showed significant differences across age, marital status, and co-residence with children, influencing both CES perception and development preferences. Our study highlights the gap between official GI designations and community-valued spaces, emphasizing the importance of participatory planning and the integration of sociodemographic dimensions into planning practices in rapidly transforming suburban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services in Relation to Landscape Design, Planning and Management)

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Land, Volume 14, Issue 8 (August 2025) – 194 articles

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