Land

22 pages, 15995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Characteristics and Agglomeration Effect of the Rural Element Spatial Correlation Network in Northeast China

by Yu Sun, Jing Ning and Yongxin Piao

Land 2025, 14(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020240 (registering DOI) - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

In the face of the urgent need for the coordinated development of regional rural functions and the orderly and efficient integration of urban and rural areas, the problem of how to accurately identify the spatial correlation relationships and characteristics of rural elements among [...] Read more.

In the face of the urgent need for the coordinated development of regional rural functions and the orderly and efficient integration of urban and rural areas, the problem of how to accurately identify the spatial correlation relationships and characteristics of rural elements among regions in Northeast China has become a key issue that urgently needs to be resolved. The results show the following: (1) The overall spatial correlation network (SCN) in the Northeast region from the perspective of rural element gravity has obvious differences. Each province has generated a strong connection center, and “strip-shaped” connection belts have been formed across provinces and cities. (2) From the perspective of the spatial pattern of the strong connection attributes of rural elements, Heilongjiang Province presents a polygonal “rhombus network”, Jilin Province presents a closed-loop “triangle network”, and Liaoning Province presents an irregular “trapezoid network”. (3) The connection relationships of rural element nodes within the provincial scope show that Yichun is an important hub connecting all directions within the province; Changchun and Siping have become the central nodes connecting the nodes on the northwest–southeast wings; Fuxin and Yingkou have become the central locations connecting the nodes on the southwest–northeast sides. (4) There are four sectors in the network, and the rural element transfer mechanism among the sectors shows that Block I and Block II are net spillover sectors, playing the role of “resource-based” sectors, and transmitting information to the net inflow Block IV through the broker Block III, presenting a “gradient” transmission mode. Full article

18 pages, 8342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Cultivated Land Productivity in a Large City: Case Study of Chengdu, Sichuan, China

by Yuanli Liu, Qiang Liao, Zhouling Shao, Wenbo Gao, Jie Cao, Chunyan Chen, Guitang Liao, Peng He and Zhengyu Lin

Land 2025, 14(2), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020239 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Given the constraints of limited cultivated land resources, ensuring and enhancing crop productivity are crucial for food security. This study takes Chengdu as a case study. Using the cultivated land productivity (CLP) evaluation model, we calculated the cultivated land productivity index (CLPI) and [...] Read more.

Given the constraints of limited cultivated land resources, ensuring and enhancing crop productivity are crucial for food security. This study takes Chengdu as a case study. Using the cultivated land productivity (CLP) evaluation model, we calculated the cultivated land productivity index (CLPI) and analyzed its spatial distribution characteristics. The Geographical Detector model was employed to identify the main factors influencing CLP, and corresponding countermeasures and measures were proposed based on the limiting degrees of these factors. The findings reveal that Chengdu’s CLP index ranges from 1231 to 3053. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates a spatial agglomeration pattern in Chengdu’s overall crop productivity distribution. The local spatial autocorrelation analysis demonstrates that township (street)-level crop productivity in Chengdu is primarily characterized by “high–high”, “low–low”, and “low–high” clusters. Key factors influencing the spatial differentiation of CLP in Chengdu include the agronomic management level, soil bulk density, irrigation guarantee rate, soil body configuration, field slope, and farmland flood control standard. Interaction detection shows that there are both double-factor and nonlinear enhancements among the factors. Specifically, the interaction between soil bulk density and the agronomic management level among other factors have the most explanatory power for the spatial differentiation of CLP. The CLP in Chengdu is highly restricted by its technical level, with the agronomic management level severely limiting CLP by more than 50%. These research results provide a theoretical reference for regional high-standard farmland construction and the protection and utilization of cultivated land resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Policy and Food Security: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 6258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Street Greening in a Developed City: The Influence of COVID-19 and Socio-Economic Dynamics in Beijing

by Liu Cui, Hanwen Yang, Xiaoxu Heng, Ruiqi Song, Lunsai Wu and Yike Hu

Land 2025, 14(2), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020238 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and structural characteristics of urban greening in Beijing, focusing on three typologies: Single Tree (S-T), Tree–ush (T-B), and Tree–Bush–Grass (T-B-G). The analysis examines how socio-economic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced these structures across [...] Read more.

This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and structural characteristics of urban greening in Beijing, focusing on three typologies: Single Tree (S-T), Tree–ush (T-B), and Tree–Bush–Grass (T-B-G). The analysis examines how socio-economic factors and the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced these structures across three time periods: pre-pandemic, during the pandemic, and post-pandemic recovery. To achieve this, a deep learning-based approach utilizing the DeepLabV3+ neural network was applied to analyze the features extracted from Baidu Street View (BSV) images. This method enabled the precise quantification of the structural characteristics of urban greening. The findings indicate that greening structures are significantly influenced by commercial activity, population mobility, and economic conditions. During the pandemic, simpler forms like S-T proved more resilient due to their lower maintenance requirements, while complex systems such as T-B-G experienced reduced support. These results underscore the vulnerability of green infrastructure during economic strain and highlight the need for urban greening strategies that incorporate flexibility and resilience to adapt to changing socio-economic contexts while maintaining ecological and social benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Greenspace Planning, Design and Management)

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28 pages, 7530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Factors Affecting the Use of Urban Parks Through the Lens of Ecosystem Services and Blue–Green Infrastructure: The Case of Gorky Park, Moscow, Russia

by Diana Dushkova, Mina Taherkhani, Anastasia Konstantinova, Viacheslav I. Vasenev and Elvira A. Dovletyarova

Land 2025, 14(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020237 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

As a core and long-established part of urban blue–green infrastructure (BGI), public parks play a significant role in the sustainable development of cities. In particular, they make a major contribution to maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing multiple benefits that support human health and [...] Read more.

As a core and long-established part of urban blue–green infrastructure (BGI), public parks play a significant role in the sustainable development of cities. In particular, they make a major contribution to maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing multiple benefits that support human health and quality of life as a kind of nature-based solution (NBS). Still, planning, design, and management of public parks mostly rely on official standards and technical guidelines, whereas societal perspectives and the use of the ecosystem services (ES) approach (and cultural ecosystem services (CES) in particular) remain inadequately integrated. By assessing CES offered by Gorky Park in Moscow (Russia), the paper aims to bridge this gap and investigate the flow of CES and its relation to park infrastructure and the visitors’ needs. For this purpose, non-participant observation, field notes, and photographs were used in different functional park zones. By investigating visitor activities and factors affecting them, a variety of CES provided by the park have been detected. As aligned with its original idea, the park was mostly used for recreation, leisure, sports, and socializing. Moreover, the CES related to aesthetic, educational, and cultural heritage values were also partially utilized. The park was mostly attractive to the younger generation (the highest number of visitors), whereas visitors over 60 years old were hardly represented. Notably, men were more interested in sports (especially, team sports), whereas women mostly preferred walking (alone, with family, and with friends), relaxation, playing and spending time with children, picnicking, etc., which indicated certain preferences for CES among the park visitors. An interdependent relationship between the CES supply and the park infrastructure was found: the more infrastructural components were identified, the greater variety of park activities and corresponding CES were detected at certain observation points, which could ultimately lead to overcrowding and overutilization of the ES capacity. Given that the Moscow government claims integrating ES into the planning and management of urban BGI as one of the priorities in the city’s environmental policies, the related recommendations are provided. They address the recent challenges of creating integrated BGI, increasing demand for multifunctionality, and the conflicting interests of different visitor groups to maximize the benefits and diversity of CES delivered by the park. Full article

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16 pages, 2883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implications of Land Ownership Heterogeneity on Household Food Security: A Case Study of Urban Farming in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province

by Joyce M. Thamaga-Chitja, Nthabeleng Tamako and Temitope O. Ojo

Land 2025, 14(2), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020236 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Understanding the impact of land ownership on household food security is crucial for achieving sustainable rural and agricultural development in developing countries through improved farm performance. Using a multistage sampling technique to collect data from 156 urban farmers, this study analysed the impact [...] Read more.

Understanding the impact of land ownership on household food security is crucial for achieving sustainable rural and agricultural development in developing countries through improved farm performance. Using a multistage sampling technique to collect data from 156 urban farmers, this study analysed the impact of land ownership on household food security of urban farmers in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. This study employed the probit model to evaluate the drivers of land ownership among urban farmers, while the marginal treatment effects model was employed to address selection bias attributed to observed and unobserved characteristics. The analysis of food security status reveals varying degrees of food insecurity, with the majority of households experiencing mild food insecurity and a smaller proportion facing moderate food insecurity. Our results show that land ownership likelihood is positively and significantly influenced by monthly income, age, and membership to a cooperative, while gender and distance to market have negative and significant impacts. The empirical results also show that land ownership significantly reduces household food insecurity by 50%. In conclusion, the interplay of educational level, household size, access to water, access to credit, and distance to a market with land ownership significantly shapes food security outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of these relationships is essential for developing effective policies aimed at enhancing food security, particularly in regions where land ownership is a critical determinant of agricultural productivity and food availability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Rural-Urban Interactions in Terms of Food Security and Agriculture Development)

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23 pages, 6792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Coupling of Population Distribution and Social Economy in the “Mid-Spine Belt of Beautiful China”

by Qiang Yang, Jinxin Yang, Wenkai Chen, Yutong Liang, Shaokun Jia and Yuanyuan Chen

Land 2025, 14(2), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020235 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Population distribution and socioeconomic development are pivotal elements for achieving national sustainable development and represent critical aspects of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and imbalance within the “Mid-Spine Belt of Beautiful China”. This study examines the spatial distribution patterns and evolutionary characteristics of the population [...] Read more.

Population distribution and socioeconomic development are pivotal elements for achieving national sustainable development and represent critical aspects of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and imbalance within the “Mid-Spine Belt of Beautiful China”. This study examines the spatial distribution patterns and evolutionary characteristics of the population from 1935 to 2020 and economic dynamics from 2010 to 2020 in the “Mid-Spine Belt of Beautiful China” through methods such as spatial interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, and other advanced spatial analytical techniques. Furthermore, the article explores the coordination between population and economic development within this region by employing the gravity index and inconsistency index. The findings reveal that the population distribution in the “Mid-Spine Belt of Beautiful China” lacks significant aggregation characteristics, with pronounced spatiotemporal differentiation observed along the “Hu Line”. From 2010 to 2020, socioeconomic indicators exhibited substantial disparities in spatial agglomeration, characterized by marked heterogeneity. Regarding the coordination between population and economic dynamics, this study highlights a progressive reduction in the distance between the centers of population and economic gravity, accompanied by a declining deviation trend. This indicates an improvement in balance and an increase in the degree of coupling over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Intelligence and Resilience: Creative Solutions for Further Urban Transition)

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20 pages, 12148 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Geomorphological Settings and Environmental Influences on Crop Utilization in the Mid-to-Late Neolithic Period in Shaanxi Province, Northwest China

by Zhikun Ma, Mile Zhou, Zhongya Hu, Francesca Monteith, Bingxin Shao and Jinhui Xiang

Land 2025, 14(2), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020234 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

During the Middle-to-Late Neolithic period (7000–3800 BP), Shaanxi Province served as a critical juncture in the transmission of crops. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and rice (Oryza sativa) spread westwards into the Gansu–Qinghai region [...] Read more.

During the Middle-to-Late Neolithic period (7000–3800 BP), Shaanxi Province served as a critical juncture in the transmission of crops. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and rice (Oryza sativa) spread westwards into the Gansu–Qinghai region and southwards into the Sichuan basin, whilst wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum vulgare) were transmitted through the Shaanxi region to the middle and lower Yellow River regions. Neolithic settlements are found in all three of the main geomorphic settings in Shaanxi: the Loess Plateau, plains, and mountainous areas. While the extent to which crop diffusion and distribution were influenced by environmental changes has previously been highlighted, the strategies of crop utilization in different geomorphic contexts have not been specified. Based on crop-remains data from 33 archaeological sites in Shaanxi, this study uses statistical modeling and ArcGIS-based spatial analysis to investigate prehistoric crop utilization in Shaanxi during the Neolithic period and its environmental determinants. Our results indicate the following: (1) The dominant crops in the Neolithic Shaanxi were foxtail millet and broomcorn millet, with the proportion of foxtail millet increasing over time. (2) The Guanzhong Plain was the earliest region in Shaanxi to adopt millet and rice (~7000–3800 BP). Subsequently, millet and rice had influenced the Qinba Mountains by ~5000 BP at the latest. By ~3800 BP, millet had affected the entire northern Shaanxi Plateau, with rice only found at the Shimao site around 4000 BP. Finally, wheat and barley influenced the Guanzhong region and the Qinba region in Shaanxi around 4000 BP. In addition, rice, wheat, and barley mainly enhanced agricultural diversity in the Guanzhong Plain and Qinba Mountains but had limited impact in the Northern Plateau, where cattle and sheep have enriched subsistence strategies since about 4500 BP. (3) Environmental factors affected the distribution of crops to different extents—elevation and river proximity had minimal effects on foxtail millet and broomcorn millet but significantly influenced the presence of rice, wheat, and barley. These factors led to a spatial pattern where millet dominated in the Northern Plateau, while the Guanzhong Plain and Qinba Mountains developed mixed farming systems incorporating all four seed types. This study provides new insights into the environmental mechanisms influencing crop diffusion and prehistoric human adaptation during the Neolithic period in Shaanxi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Archaeology)

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15 pages, 20935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Street Tree Redevelopment in Rome’s Historical Landscapes: From Strategic Vision to Streetscape Design

by Matteo Clemente

Land 2025, 14(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020233 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

Street trees play a fundamental role in shaping pedestrian sidewalks, squares, and small rest areas, enriching the public space, together with paving, street furniture, and lighting. However, the project of street tree lines along urban sidewalks remains an underestimated issue in urban design [...] Read more.

Street trees play a fundamental role in shaping pedestrian sidewalks, squares, and small rest areas, enriching the public space, together with paving, street furniture, and lighting. However, the project of street tree lines along urban sidewalks remains an underestimated issue in urban design and strategic planning, even if it could be a pivotal opportunity for a widespread redevelopment of living streets and public spaces. The present study focuses on landscape aspects of the ‘street tree project’ intrinsically linked with the identity, perception, and morphological issues of urban spaces, from a strategic vision of the city to the human scale of the urban landscape. In this perspective, we discussed the case of Rome, Italy, where the historical heritage has had an extraordinary value, and where street trees are considered a notable contribution to the landscape identity of the whole city. The administrative council of the Municipality of Rome has initiated a comprehensive census of street trees and is currently developing a Street Tree Masterplan. This plan will serve as a guiding framework, outlining strategies for the conservation of arboreal heritage and the revitalization of the urban tree population along city streets. Based on the empirical evidence stemming from this case study, the discussion highlights the relevance of poorly debated issues, in both the academic and practitioner’s literature, mainly concerning the choice of urban trees’ species. Choosing the ‘right tree species in the right place’ has implications that are not only ecological and environmental, but also perceptive and architectural, being intimately associated with the urban scene and the identity of places. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Architecture and Design in Urban and Peri-Urban Environment: 2nd Edition)

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24 pages, 9488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity and Influencing Factors of Remotely Sensed Regional Heat Island Effect in the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration

by Yunling He, Ning Pu, Xiaohua Zhang, Chunyan Wu and Wu Tang

Land 2025, 14(2), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020232 - 23 Jan 2025

Abstract

The urban heat island effect (UHI) has become a major challenge for sustainable urban development. In recent decades, the significant development of urban agglomerations has intensified the complex interaction and comprehensive impact of the UHI effect, but the spatiotemporal pattern of regional heat [...] Read more.

The urban heat island effect (UHI) has become a major challenge for sustainable urban development. In recent decades, the significant development of urban agglomerations has intensified the complex interaction and comprehensive impact of the UHI effect, but the spatiotemporal pattern of regional heat islands has been poorly understood. Based on the land surface temperature (LST) from 2001 to 2020, this study uses the relative land surface temperature (RLST) method to quantify the regional heat island (RHI) of the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration (CYUA) beyond a single city, combines a variety of spatial analysis tools to identify the multi-scale spatiotemporal pattern, and explores the multidimensional driving factors of RHIs. The combined effects of indicators such as urbanization intensity, blue–green space intensity (2D), and building height characteristics (3D) on the mitigation or exacerbation of RHIs are included. The results are as follows: (1) The RHI was significantly enhanced, especially during 2011–2014, when the heat island intensity and influence range expanded rapidly, especially in the core areas such as Kunming and Qujing. (2) The main urban areas of prefecture-level cities have a greater contribution to the RHI, and the intercity heat interaction further intensifies the heat island effect on county-level regions. (3) Different land cover types have different effects on RHI. The human and social factors have a positive effect on the RHI, the blue–green intensity has a strong inhibitory effect, and the cooling effect of blue space is better than that of green space. Topographic and meteorological factors have little influence. To effectively address the challenge of UHI, the CYUA must strengthen the construction of green infrastructure, optimize urban planning, promote energy conservation and emission reduction, and improve climate adaptation planning. This paper discusses the spatiotemporal variation in the heat island effect and the influencing factors from a new regional perspective, which enriches the research content of urban agglomeration thermal environment and improves the research system of the heat island effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation Planning in Urban Areas)

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24 pages, 2124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Source Data-Driven Quality Assessment of Waterfront Public Spaces in Urban Contexts

by Xiaowen Wu and Xinru Li

Land 2025, 14(2), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020231 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Quality assessment of public spaces is critical in sustainably enhancing urban spatial quality. Existing studies focus on fundamental indicators (e.g., geographic accessibility, planning rationality, and social benefits) and often rely on geographic big data as the primary research input. However, multidimensional interactive analyses [...] Read more.

Quality assessment of public spaces is critical in sustainably enhancing urban spatial quality. Existing studies focus on fundamental indicators (e.g., geographic accessibility, planning rationality, and social benefits) and often rely on geographic big data as the primary research input. However, multidimensional interactive analyses that integrate users, places, and spatial configurations are often lacking, making it hard to capture actual user needs and satisfaction levels precisely. To address this issue, we propose a multi-source data-driven approach for spatial quality evaluation, where three types of data (user satisfaction (people), points of interest (places), and urban morphology (space)) are combined. Through a comprehensive comparison of nine representative high-quality waterfront public spaces with multi-source data, common characteristics that are crucial for assessing waterfront public space quality in urban contexts have been analyzed and discussed. The results reveal three key factors significantly influencing waterfront public space quality: the spatial distribution, land-use attributes, and proportion of types of service facilities. First, service facilities with the highest user satisfaction tend to exhibit clustered spatial patterns. Second, municipal and commercial functions play a leading role in spatial quality. Thirdly, a suitable ratio of service facility types is advantageous for enhancing user satisfaction. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation requires consideration of facility distributions, urban morphologies, and surrounding land-use functions. The proposed multi-source data-driven approach holds great potential for developing innovative and sustainable waterfront design strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

17 pages, 878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Relevance of Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Infrastructures: A Mixed Qualitative–Quantitative Case Study Approach

by Sofia Baldessari, Isabella De Meo, Maria Giulia Cantiani and Alessandro Paletto

Land 2025, 14(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020230 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Urban green infrastructures (UGIs) are important elements of the urban matrix providing ecological functions and several ecosystem services beneficial to citizens. Recently, their contribution to the well-being and quality of life of citizens has been widely recognized by both the scientific community and [...] Read more.

Urban green infrastructures (UGIs) are important elements of the urban matrix providing ecological functions and several ecosystem services beneficial to citizens. Recently, their contribution to the well-being and quality of life of citizens has been widely recognized by both the scientific community and policymakers. This study aims to explore the social relevance of UGI ecosystem services through a mixed qualitative–quantitative case study approach. First, a quantitative literature review was conducted using bibliometric network analysis, followed by a participatory process through a Scientific Café with a sample of Italian stakeholders involved in the UGIs’ planning and management. The bibliometric network analysis identified 443 documents (from 2000 to 2024) primarily focused on three ecosystem services provided by UGIs—climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and cultural services, such as health benefits, aesthetic, and recreation. The qualitative results of Scientific Café highlight a particular interest of stakeholders in cultural services such as physical and mental benefits provided by UGIs, as well as improving the urban aesthetic value. Additionally, the role of UGIs in microclimate regulation and heat mitigation was emphasized. The combined analysis of perspectives from the scientific community, policy-makers, stakeholders, and citizens provides a foundation for developing a participatory governance approach to UGIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban and Peri-Urban Forests—Status, Ecosystem Services, and Future Perspectives)

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30 pages, 3202 KiB

Open AccessArticle

(Dis-)Continuation of Territoriality: A Framework for Analysis of the Role of Social Practices in (Re-)Production of Space

by Anica Dragutinovic and Susanne Kost

Land 2025, 14(2), 229; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020229 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

The paper explores the correlation between the concepts of territoriality and social practices in the context of urban and rural (re-)production of space. It traces the degree of “habitualisation” of certain actions and the behaviour of stakeholders, identifying those defined as practices, [...] Read more.

The paper explores the correlation between the concepts of territoriality and social practices in the context of urban and rural (re-)production of space. It traces the degree of “habitualisation” of certain actions and the behaviour of stakeholders, identifying those defined as practices, and revealing their role in the (dis-)continuation of territoriality of a region. It takes a German region Ostwestfalen-Lippe (OWL) as a case study. The research methodology is based on the practice theory of Andreas Reckwitz and his “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, which is applied in this study. The research process includes (a) semi-structured interviews with the representatives of several institutions from the region, (b) narrative analysis and thematic content structuring of the interviews and (c) synthesis analysis. The study clarifies relations between the artefacts and discourses mentioned by the interviewees, and their impact on the practices of the institutions and others contributing to the (dis-)continuation of territoriality and identity of the region. The main findings are related to the (1) methodological contribution—operationalisation of the “praxeological quadrat of cultural analysis”, and (2) substantive contribution—revealing the role of social practices on the continuation of territoriality of the region. The article presents cultural patterns in the perception of and orientation towards long-past territorialities by the interviewees and makes clear what significance these historical and historicising spatial references have for the spatial planning of the present. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Spatial Planning in Urban and Regional Sustainability Transitions)

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27 pages, 2276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Prediction of Land Use Spatial Conflicts in Urban Agglomeration on the Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountains Under the Background of Urbanization

by Yunfei Ma, Yusuyunjiang Mamitimin and Ailijiang Nuerla

Land 2025, 14(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020228 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

In past decades, urbanization has entered a phase of rapid development, resulting in an intensified utilization of land resources. The finite nature of these resources has led to increased pressure on land availability, giving rise to a phenomenon known as land use conflict. [...] Read more.

In past decades, urbanization has entered a phase of rapid development, resulting in an intensified utilization of land resources. The finite nature of these resources has led to increased pressure on land availability, giving rise to a phenomenon known as land use conflict. This conflict is particularly evident in the frequent conversion of land categories, with urban impervious surfaces increasingly encroaching upon forests, grasslands, and agricultural land. Such encroachments trigger a series of land use conflict issues, which subsequently impact the function and structure of regional ecosystems. This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) within the urban agglomeration on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain. It measures and evaluates the spatial and temporal evolution of land use conflicts in the study area from 1990 to 2020, utilizing conflict-related theories and the landscape risk evaluation model. Additionally, the paper explores the spatial and temporal dimensions of land use conflicts under three scenarios—natural development (ND), cultivation priority (CP), and ecological priority (EP)—for the years 2030 and 2050, informed by the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results indicate that unused land constitutes the predominant land use type, accounting for over 50% of the total area. The areas of cultivated land, water bodies, and urban land are experiencing an increasing trend, while the areas of forestland, grassland, and unused land are witnessing a decreasing trend. The level of land use spatial conflicts during the study period showed a decreasing and then increasing trend, with an overall upward trend and an increase in the average value of 0.03. In terms of the proportion of spatial units, mild and general conflicts exhibited a decreasing trend, with reductions of 4.21% and 2.95%, respectively. Conversely, the proportion of medium conflicts increased significantly, rising by 7.33%, while severe conflicts experienced a slight increase of 0.23%. Under the ND, CP, and EP scenarios, the spatial and temporal dynamics of future land use conflicts varied. However, the study area was predominantly characterized by general conflicts in both 2030 and 2050. In 2030, the proportions of spatial units experiencing general conflicts in the three scenarios are projected to be 61.20%, 60.39%, and 57.51%, respectively. In comparison, these proportions are projected to be 59.24%, 62.70%, and 56.29% in 2050, respectively. The anticipated future changes in land use spatial conflicts vary across different scenarios. Notably, the ND scenario indicates a rising conflict level in the study area over the next 30 years, with an overall increase of 0.03 in the mean value. In contrast, the changes in the index under the CP and EP scenarios are relatively stable. Full article

17 pages, 22853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Carbon Storage Dynamics Driven by Tea Plantation Expansion: Insights from Meitan County, China

by Renhui Zuo, Yan Ma, Ming Tang, Hao Luo, Junqin Li, Tao Liao, Yuanfang Gong, Shunfu Zhang, Jiyi Gong and Yin Yi

Land 2025, 14(2), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020227 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the tea plantation area in Meitan County, China, has expanded nearly 30-fold, driving significant land use and cover changes (LUCC) with unclear impacts on regional carbon storage. This study uses the PLUS-InVEST model to analyze LUCC impacts on [...] Read more.

Over the past two decades, the tea plantation area in Meitan County, China, has expanded nearly 30-fold, driving significant land use and cover changes (LUCC) with unclear impacts on regional carbon storage. This study uses the PLUS-InVEST model to analyze LUCC impacts on carbon storage from 2000 to 2020 and predict future changes by 2060. Results show a decline in total carbon storage from 3977.83 × 10⁴ t in 2000 to 3960.85 × 10⁴ t in 2020, primarily due to reductions in cultivated land and grassland. Although carbon storage in forest land and tea plantations increased, the overall trend remained negative. Multi-scenario simulations indicate that the sustainable development scenario (SDS) mitigates carbon loss, with a decrease of 31.53 × 10⁴ t, compared to larger reductions in the natural development (NDS) and economic development (EDS) scenarios. Under the SDS scenario, carbon storage in forest land and grassland increased while construction land expansion was controlled. This study emphasizes optimizing land use and agricultural management to enhance carbon sequestration and protect ecosystems, highlighting the need for a balance between ecological protection and economic development for sustainable carbon management in Meitan County. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing and GIS for Monitoring Land Use Change and Its Ecological Effects)

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25 pages, 10740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revaluating CUNA Places (CUltural Place of High Relevance for NAture): Rome as a Multifaced Example of Outstanding Values and Potentials

by Giulia Caneva, Zohreh Hosseini, Flavia Bartoli, Giulia Capotorti, Fabio Attorre and Carlo Blasi

Land 2025, 14(2), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020226 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

The Global Frameworks for Enhancing Natural and Cultural Capital, as expressed in the Charter of Rome (2014), have relevant importance in the broader context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The intricate connection between cultural and natural heritage emerges in various documents from UNESCO, [...] Read more.

The Global Frameworks for Enhancing Natural and Cultural Capital, as expressed in the Charter of Rome (2014), have relevant importance in the broader context of sustainable development goals (SDGs). The intricate connection between cultural and natural heritage emerges in various documents from UNESCO, IUCN, and ICOMOS; however, the categories and methods for their assessment are not completely defined. Evolving from the concept of “mixed properties” used in the UNESCO definitions, we introduce the concept of CUNA places: cultural places of high relevance for nature. It provides a methodological tool for identifying and typifying these places based on their values, attributes, and significance. Then, we propose definitions and categories for three different CUNA typologies, comprising 16 categories, considering both tangible and intangible heritage. We also provide a preliminary application to the city of Rome, where a rich historical heritage intersects with outstanding natural values. All the typologies and categories of CUNA places are present in Rome, and further analysis could show the multifaced aspects represented here. On a broader scale, such an application offers the opportunity to enhance the heritages that could be valorized, strengthening the territorial identity, promoting sustainable development, and generating income for conservation efforts. Full article

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23 pages, 3902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Threats to Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, Togo, Using Birds as Indicators of Biodiversity Conservation

by Lin-Ernni Mikégraba Kaboumba, Irene Di Lecce, Komlan M. Afiademanyo, Yendoubouam Kourdjouak and Nico Arcilla

Land 2025, 14(2), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020225 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Protected areas are crucial for the conservation of West Africa’s increasingly imperiled wildlife, but are under unprecedented pressure associated with exponential human population growth in the region. Using birds as biodiversity indicators, we investigated the conservation status of Togo’s Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, which [...] Read more.

Protected areas are crucial for the conservation of West Africa’s increasingly imperiled wildlife, but are under unprecedented pressure associated with exponential human population growth in the region. Using birds as biodiversity indicators, we investigated the conservation status of Togo’s Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, which was managed by a private foundation from 1990 to 2015, and since 2015 has been managed by the state. Between 2022 and 2024, we conducted 90 days of bird surveys in the park and documented a total of 240 bird species. Our findings include 34 species new to the park, including the first record of Emin’s Shrike (Lanius gubernator) in Togo, the first sightings of the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) since 1990, and first observations of the Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) since 2019. Many such species survive in Togo only in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, but its exceptional biodiversity has come under increasing assault from illegal activities, including poaching, logging, road construction, charcoal production, cattle grazing, and land clearance to establish agricultural plantations. We were unable to document 91 bird species previously reported for the park during our surveys, suggesting a possible ~31% decline in avian species richness in the park compared to historical records. Apparent extirpations of globally-threatened raptors such as the Critically Endangered White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) and Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus), and declines of the Endangered Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) further indicate that current conservation strategies are failing to adequately protect wildlife in the park. Togo’s two other historical national parks have already been almost entirely destroyed by human activities, and unless urgent conservation action is taken, there is a high risk that Fazao-Malfakassa National Park will share the same fate. We urgently recommend improving support for law enforcement capacity and park staff, conducting community conservation outreach, and ongoing monitoring of wildlife in the park to assess its conservation success. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystems: Protection and Restoration II)

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24 pages, 3819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systematic Literature Review of Water-Sensitive Urban Design and Flood Risk Management in Contexts of Strategic Urban Sustainability Planning

by Tahia Tasnia and Anna Growe

Land 2025, 14(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020224 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Despite various sustainable urban development frameworks, over the years, inadequate land use patterns and infrastructure have worsened existing problems related to climate disasters such as flooding, heavy precipitation and droughts. Based on a systematic PRISMA literature search and bibliographic analysis, we analyzed statistical [...] Read more.

Despite various sustainable urban development frameworks, over the years, inadequate land use patterns and infrastructure have worsened existing problems related to climate disasters such as flooding, heavy precipitation and droughts. Based on a systematic PRISMA literature search and bibliographic analysis, we analyzed statistical data from 44 articles relevant to water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) and flood risk management (FRM) worldwide from 2013 to 2023. We focused on specific selection criteria that focused on settlement typologies and outcomes, indicators and planning approaches to analyze the impact of flooding on urban infrastructure of four different settlement types in 23 case studies, summarized into nine different approaches. The results show that WSUD and FRM have shared sustainability goals but differ in their focus and applicability depending on the settlement type and indicators. In the context of strategic planning for urban sustainability, it can be stated that WSUD has a much stronger focus on integration and future orientation than FRM. Therefore, WSUD seems better suited to be linked to strategic planning for urban sustainability than FRM. Finally, we propose to extend WSUD to “water-sensitive regional design (WSRD)”. This broader framework would integrate regional hydrological, ecological and socioeconomic aspects to address water issues at a larger scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Planning for Urban Sustainability)

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20 pages, 5646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Ecological Recovery Potential of Various Plants in Soil Contaminated by Multiple Metal(loid)s at Various Sites near XiKuangShan Mine

by Yanming Zhu, Jigang Yang, Jiajia Zhang, Yiran Tong, Hailan Su, Christopher Rensing, Renwei Feng and Shunan Zheng

Land 2025, 14(2), 223; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020223 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Soil metal(loid) pollution is a threat to ecological and environmental safety. The vegetation recovery in mining areas is of great significance for protecting soil resources. In this study, (1) we first gathered four types of soils to analyse their contamination degree, including tailings [...] Read more.

Soil metal(loid) pollution is a threat to ecological and environmental safety. The vegetation recovery in mining areas is of great significance for protecting soil resources. In this study, (1) we first gathered four types of soils to analyse their contamination degree, including tailings mud (TM), wasteland soil (TS) very near TM, as well as non-rhizosphere soils of pepper (PF) and maize (MF) in a farmland downstream from the TM (about 5 km). Geo-accumulation and potential ecological risk indices indicated that the soil samples were mainly polluted by antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) to different degrees. Leachates of TM resulted in increased Sb, As, and Cd accumulation in TS. (2) Then, we sampled six local plants growing in the TS to assess the possibilities of using these plants as recovery vegetation in TS, of which Persicaria maackiana (Regel) Nakai ex T. Mori absorbed relatively high Sb concentrations in the leaves and roots. (3) After that, we collected rhizosphere soil and tissue samples from eight crops on the above farmland to assess their capacities as recovering vegetation of contaminated farmland soil, of which the fruits of maize accumulated the lowest concentrations of most monitored metal(loid)s (except for Pb). Further, we compared the differences in the bacterial community structure of MF, PF, TM, and TS to assess capacities of cultivating pepper and maize to improve soil microbial community structure. The MF displayed the best characteristics regarding the following attributes: (1) the highest concentrations of OMs and total P; (2) the highest OTU numbers and diversity of bacteria; and (3) the lowest abundance of bacteria with potentially pathogenic and stress-tolerant phenotypes. Full article

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25 pages, 4059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Dynamic Changes and Driving Mechanism of Land Green Utilization Efficiency in the Context of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Synergistic Development

by Huizhen Cui, Linlin Cheng, Yang Zheng, Junqi Wang, Mengyao Zhu and Pengxiang Zhang

Land 2025, 14(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14020222 - 22 Jan 2025

Abstract

Studying the development of land green utilization efficiency and the factors that influence it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region can improve the distribution of land resources among regions and reinforce interregional integrated planning. By constructing a super-efficiency SBM model, calculating the Malmquist–Luenberger index, and [...] Read more.

Studying the development of land green utilization efficiency and the factors that influence it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region can improve the distribution of land resources among regions and reinforce interregional integrated planning. By constructing a super-efficiency SBM model, calculating the Malmquist–Luenberger index, and constructing a Tobit model, this study explores the spatial features and temporal variations of land green use efficiency in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 2010 to 2022. It also examines the mechanism that drives land green use efficiency in the context of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei synergistic development. According to this research, Beijing has consistently had the highest land green usage efficiency and a strong green development strength, whereas Baoding, Xingtai, Handan, and other cities in Hebei Province have lower land green utilization efficiency. According to the geographical dimension, the research area’s land green use efficiency exhibits a pattern of “high in the middle and low in the surroundings”, with Cangzhou, Langfang, and Tangshan standing out in terms of both industrial transformation and ecological building. Based on the results of the driving mechanism of land green use efficiency, it is evident that while the degree of urbanization and population concentration has a negative effect on land green use efficiency, the degree of economic development, industrial synergy, opening up to the outside world, environmental regulation, and ecological output all have positive and promoting associations with it. In summary, increasing the optimization of the economic and industrial structure, bolstering technological innovation and policy coordination, and attaining a harmonious coexistence of the economy and ecology are all essential steps in the process to increase the land green use efficiency in the research area when attempting to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the region. Full article

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