Land

17 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Heritage Protection from the Perspective of Spatial Narrative

by Hui Tao, Yingzheng Wen, Min Liu and Yuruo Wu

Land 2025, 14(5), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051105 - 19 May 2025

Industrial heritage has historical and cultural value and reuse potential. Urban industrialization has a significant social influence on place identity and emotional identity. Shougang Science Fiction Industrial Park (hereinafter referred to as “Shougang Park”) serves as one of the first pilot projects for [...] Read more.

Industrial heritage has historical and cultural value and reuse potential. Urban industrialization has a significant social influence on place identity and emotional identity. Shougang Science Fiction Industrial Park (hereinafter referred to as “Shougang Park”) serves as one of the first pilot projects for the transformation of old industrial areas in China. This study examines Shougang Park through a spatial narrative lens, analyzing its industrial heritage via the “author-text-reader” framework. Research reveals the specific implications of the three dimensions and the connections behind them. The findings offer practical strategies for experiential tourism design and adaptive reuse planning, while establishing theoretical models applicable to global post-industrial heritage revitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Co-Benefits of Heritage Protection and Urban Planning)

26 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From the Agrarian Question to the Territorial Question: Green Grabbing and the Corridors of Extractivist Dispossession in Latin America

by Lia Pinheiro Barbosa and Luciana Nogueira Nóbrega

Land 2025, 14(5), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051104 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

The article aims to analyze the contemporary forms of territorial dispossession that stem from the energy transition, especially those related to free trade corridors and green grabbing in the context of Latin America. To do this, we describe the reconfigurations of contemporary capitalism [...] Read more.

The article aims to analyze the contemporary forms of territorial dispossession that stem from the energy transition, especially those related to free trade corridors and green grabbing in the context of Latin America. To do this, we describe the reconfigurations of contemporary capitalism for territorializing capital in the geopolitical context of Latin America. At the same time, we argue how the territories of Latin America became strategically relevant for the expanded reproduction of capital in contemporary times. We also shed light on the centrality of free trade agreements and the corridors of extractivist dispossession as a turning point in the expansion—relating to the spectrum of hegemonic and imperialist domination of capital—of legal state frameworks for regulating and justifying full access to the neo-extractivist exploitation of Global South territories. Finally, we show that the “energy transition” supports green grabbing—that is, a new model not just of land grabbing, but rather of comprehensive territorial grabbing, since it means the expropriation of subterranean, maritime, wind, solar, and land territory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Social Movements and the Question of the Land in the 21st Century)

21 pages, 4302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Optimization of the Ecological Security Pattern of Pinglu Canal Economic Zone Based on the InVEST-Circuit Theory Model

by Zhanhao Dang, Baoqing Hu, Chunlian Gao, Shaoqiang Wen, Jinrui Ren and Yunfei Liang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051103 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

The strategic delineation of ecological corridors and establishment of robust ecological security frameworks constitute fundamental prerequisites for advancing ecologically balanced growth and premium development within the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt. In this study, a comprehensive framework integrating ecological sources, resistance surfaces, and ecological [...] Read more.

The strategic delineation of ecological corridors and establishment of robust ecological security frameworks constitute fundamental prerequisites for advancing ecologically balanced growth and premium development within the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt. In this study, a comprehensive framework integrating ecological sources, resistance surfaces, and ecological corridors was developed using the InVEST model combined with circuit theory. The framework was then applied to assess the spatial and temporal dynamics of four major ecosystem services over the period from 2000 to 2020. The main findings are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the values of the four ecosystem services showed an overall declining trend. Spatially, areas with high ecosystem service importance were mainly concentrated in woodland and grassland areas in the southwest and northwest of the region. (2) The resistance values of the study area’s resistance surface ranged from 1 to 4.83. High-resistance areas were primarily located in the central region, corresponding to areas of intense human activity, while low-resistance areas were distributed around the periphery and largely overlapped with ecological source areas, presenting a spatial pattern of “high in the center, low at the edges”. (3) In total, 119 ecological barriers, 28 corridors, 8 critical pinch points, and 16 habitat source areas were identified. Building on these results, an enhanced ecological security layout—defined by the ‘three belts and three zones’ strategy—was formulated to guide restoration efforts and inform ecological management across the Pinglu Canal Economic Region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Sensitive Areas: Ecosystem Services, Protected Lands, and Current Challenges (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Impact of Land-Use Characteristics and Demographic Factors on Spatial Variations in Public Bus Usage: A Comparison of Pre- and During COVID-19 Periods

by Sukchan Hong and Byungyun Yang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051102 - 19 May 2025

Abstract

The spread of the coronavirus pandemic led to significant changes in bus-usage patterns in urban areas worldwide. Researchers have frequently employed linear and nonlinear models in bus-usage studies. However, existing linear models assume that each variable affects a uniform range, limiting their ability [...] Read more.

The spread of the coronavirus pandemic led to significant changes in bus-usage patterns in urban areas worldwide. Researchers have frequently employed linear and nonlinear models in bus-usage studies. However, existing linear models assume that each variable affects a uniform range, limiting their ability to capture localized pattern changes. This study applies a multiscale geographically weighted regression model reflecting the characteristics of the variables to address these limitations. Linear models are constrained by their inability to account adequately for the complex dynamics of real-world bus usage. This research introduces nonlinear methods to overcome these constraints. The geographical random forest method, an advanced variant of the random forest model, integrates spatial concepts to explain local patterns more effectively than traditional machine learning techniques. The linear models revealed significant changes in four variables (i.e., population size, over-65 population ratio, number of students, and land-use complexity). In contrast, nonlinear models demonstrated diverse movement patterns influenced by several factors, indicating a shift toward new public transportation patterns. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Coordination Relationship and Driving Factors Between Common Prosperity and Tourism Development Levels in the Five Northwestern Provinces of China

by Haiqiang Zhu, Xinru Mao and Xia Xie

Land 2025, 14(5), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051101 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

Promoting the coordinated development of tourism and enhancing residents’ prosperity has become a critical issue in the contemporary era. This study examines five northwestern provinces in China, constructing an index system to measure the dynamic interplay between common prosperity and tourism development. A [...] Read more.

Promoting the coordinated development of tourism and enhancing residents’ prosperity has become a critical issue in the contemporary era. This study examines five northwestern provinces in China, constructing an index system to measure the dynamic interplay between common prosperity and tourism development. A Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model was employed to analyze the key driving factors influencing the coupling coordination between common prosperity and tourism development levels. The results revealed the following: (1) From 2012 to 2022, the level of common prosperity in the five northwestern provinces exhibited an upward trend, while tourism development levels initially increased and then declined. Shaanxi Province had the highest levels of both common prosperity and tourism development, whereas Qinghai Province had the lowest. (2) Although coupled coordination between common prosperity and tourism development has improved, it remains relatively low. Shaanxi Province exhibits superior coupling coordination compared to the other provinces. (3) The analysis of influencing factors indicates that the proportion of tourism income has the most significant impact on the coupling coordination between common prosperity and tourism development. Moreover, the degree and direction of the influence of various factors on coupling coordination differ across regions. Based on these findings, measures are proposed to enhance the coordinated development of tourism and common prosperity in the northwestern provinces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban and Rural Planning for Tourism: Designing a Better Future for Residents)

32 pages, 9486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Landscape Metrics of Pixel Scale Land Cover Extracted from High Spatial Resolution Images to Classify Block-Level Urban Land Use

by Haofeng Luo, Xiaomei Yang, Zhihua Wang, Yueming Liu, Huifang Zhang, Ku Gao and Qingyang Zhang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051100 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

Block-level urban land use classification (BLULUC), like residential and commercial classification, is highly useful for urban planners. It can be achieved in the form of high-frequency full coverage without biases based on the data of high-spatial-resolution remote sensing images (HSRRSIs), which social sensing [...] Read more.

Block-level urban land use classification (BLULUC), like residential and commercial classification, is highly useful for urban planners. It can be achieved in the form of high-frequency full coverage without biases based on the data of high-spatial-resolution remote sensing images (HSRRSIs), which social sensing data like POI data or mobile phone data cannot provide. However, at present, the extraction of quantitative features from HSRRSIs for BLULUC primarily relies on computer vision or deep learning methods based on image signal characteristics rather than land cover patterns, like vegetation, water, or buildings, thus disconnecting existing knowledge between the landscape patterns and their functions as well as greatly hindering BLULUC by HSRRSIs. Well-known landscape metrics could play an important connecting role, but these also encounter the scale selection issue; i.e., the optimal spatial unit size is an image pixel or a segmented image object. Here, we use the task of BLULUC with 2 m satellite images in Beijing as a case study. The results show the following: (1) pixel-based classification can achieve higher accuracy than segmented object-based classification, with an average of 3% in overall aspects, while some land use types could reach 10%, such as commercial land. (2) At the pixel scale, if the quantity metrics at the class level, such as the number of patches, and the proportion metrics at the landscape level, such as vegetation proportion, are removed, the accuracy can be greatly reduced. Moreover, removing landscape-level metrics can lead to a more significant reduction in accuracy than removing class-level metrics. This indicates that in order to achieve a higher accuracy in BLULUC from HSRRSIs, landscape-level land cover metrics, including patch numbers and proportions at the pixel scale, can be used instead of object-scale metrics. Full article

19 pages, 6841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Economic Performance of Urban Sponge Parks Uncovered by an Integrated Evaluation Approach

by Xiao Peng and Shipeng Wen

Land 2025, 14(5), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051099 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

Climate change and extreme rainfall events pose great pressures on a city’s resilience to flooding and waterlogging. Designed as a kind of green infrastructure to manage stormwater, urban sponge parks (USPs) in China have been demonstrated to have ecological and societal benefits, while [...] Read more.

Climate change and extreme rainfall events pose great pressures on a city’s resilience to flooding and waterlogging. Designed as a kind of green infrastructure to manage stormwater, urban sponge parks (USPs) in China have been demonstrated to have ecological and societal benefits, while their landscape economic values lack evaluation. Taking the real-estate choices surrounding six USPs in China as an example, an evaluation framework integrating text mining with housing introduction documents and hedonic price model (HPM) regression with housing prices was constructed to combine the stated preferences and revealed preferences of citizens when purchasing properties. The main findings include the following: (1) USPs do contribute to property appreciation, especially in newer urban areas, although they are not as strong as location and property characteristic factors; (2) the extent of the influence of USPs on houses decreases as the distance increases, with a maximum radius of 3 km; (3) a USP’s effects vary according to the urban and environmental context, as HPM with GWR (R² ranges from 0.203 to 0.679) outperforms the OLS method (R² ranges from 0.149 to 0.491), which evokes the need for more affluent and detailed analyses in the future. This study demonstrates the economic benefits of USPs and provides an evaluation approach based on citizen science data, which could contribute to the policy-making of USPs in China and promote the implementation of Nature-based Solutions. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 11901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deformation Monitoring Along Beijing Metro Line 22 Using PS-InSAR Technology

by Fenze Guo, Mingyuan Lyu, Xiaojuan Li, Jiyi Jiang, Lan Wang, Lin Guo, Ke Zhang, Huan Luo and Fengzhou Wang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051098 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

The construction of subways exacerbates the non-uniformity of surface deformation, which in turn poses a potential threat to the safe construction and stable operation of urban rail transit systems. Beijing, the city with the most extensive subway network in China, has long been [...] Read more.

The construction of subways exacerbates the non-uniformity of surface deformation, which in turn poses a potential threat to the safe construction and stable operation of urban rail transit systems. Beijing, the city with the most extensive subway network in China, has long been affected by land subsidence. Utilizing data from Envisat ASAR, Radarsat-2, and Sentinel-1 satellites, this study employs PS-InSAR technology to monitor and analyze land subsidence within a 2 km buffer zone along Beijing Metro Line 22 over a span of 20 years (from January 2004 to November 2024). The results indicate that land subsidence at Guanzhuang Station and Yanjiao Station along Metro Line 22 is particularly pronounced, forming two distinct subsidence zones. After 2016, the overall rate of subsidence along the subway line began to stabilize, with noticeable ground rebound emerging around 2020. This study further reveals a strong correlation between land subsidence and confined groundwater levels, while geological structures and building construction also exert a significant influence on subsidence development. These findings provide a crucial scientific foundation for the formulation of effective prevention and mitigation strategies for land subsidence along urban rail transit lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessing Land Subsidence Using Remote Sensing Data)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between the Perceived Restorativeness of Urban Parks and Sociocultural Value: A Case Study of Labor Park in Dalian, China

by Jidong Guo and Hyeogin Kwon

Land 2025, 14(5), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051097 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

Urban parks are important places, reflecting the culture of residential communities. The role of urban parks in providing cultural experiences and creating local cultural value is becoming increasingly prominent. Based on attention restoration theory (ART), this paper uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to [...] Read more.

Urban parks are important places, reflecting the culture of residential communities. The role of urban parks in providing cultural experiences and creating local cultural value is becoming increasingly prominent. Based on attention restoration theory (ART), this paper uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to verify the relationship between perceived restorativeness and various factors in the sociocultural value of urban parks. The results show that being away, fascination, coherence, and compatibility all have significant positive effects on residents’ aesthetics; being away and fascination have direct positive effects on well-being; and fascination, coherence, and compatibility have direct positive effects on place identity. Therefore, the paper concludes that urban parks play a key role as cultural spaces. A higher level of perceived restorativeness of urban parks helps to enhance the social and cultural value of the area, promote residents’ aesthetics and well-being, improve residents’ sense of local identity, help build community culture, and showcase local residents’ lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Livable City: Rational Land Use and Sustainable Urban Space (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 596 KiB

Open AccessReview

Literature Review on Public Transport and Land Use: Based on CiteSpace Statistical Analysis

by Yinjie He, Biao Liu, Chengyou Xu and Dafang Wu

Land 2025, 14(5), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051096 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

With the growing demand for mobility fueled by global population expansion and rapid urbanization, the intricate interplay between public transport and land use, along with their economic, environmental, and social externalities, has emerged as a critical concern for policymakers and the public alike. [...] Read more.

With the growing demand for mobility fueled by global population expansion and rapid urbanization, the intricate interplay between public transport and land use, along with their economic, environmental, and social externalities, has emerged as a critical concern for policymakers and the public alike. This study assembles publicly available academic literature, including papers, reports, books, and news articles, to construct a comprehensive database. Using CiteSpace 5.8.R3 software, this study conducts a visualized analysis of 10,470 scholarly works on public transport and land use published since 1932, identifying and synthesizing the researcher, research stages, research theories, research models, and research hotspots. Findings reveal that since Mitchell and Rapkin first introduced the transport–land use relationship in 1954, research in this field has steadily gained traction, particularly after the 1973 oil embargo crisis. The Journal of Transport and Land Use and institutions such as the University of Minnesota’s Transportation Research Center have played pivotal roles, particularly with the establishment of the World Society for Transport and Land Use Research (WSTLUR). In recent years, China’s high-speed rail expansion has further revitalized interest in this field. Prominent scholars in this domain include Robert Cervero, Reid Ewing, Michael Duncan, and Peter Calthorpe. Major theoretical frameworks encompass utility theory, urban economic theory, and the human–land system theory. Key modeling approaches include the spatial interaction model, the stochastic utility model, and urban economic models. Current research hotspots center on safety and public health, equity and valuation, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency, as well as transit-oriented development (TOD) and accessibility. This systematic literature review offers valuable insights to inform land use planning, enhance spatial structure, guide transportation project decision making, and optimize transport infrastructure and service provision. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Territorial Space and Transportation Coordinated Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing High-Quality Livable Cities: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Street Livability Using an Approach Based on Human Needs Theory, Street View Images, and Deep Learning

by Minzhi Li and Zhongxiu Fan

Land 2025, 14(5), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051095 - 18 May 2025

Abstract

Driven by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11), the construction of high-quality livable cities has emerged as a central issue on the global agenda. However, existing research primarily focuses on optimizing physical functions, neglecting the dynamic hierarchical nature and emotional experiences [...] Read more.

Driven by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 11), the construction of high-quality livable cities has emerged as a central issue on the global agenda. However, existing research primarily focuses on optimizing physical functions, neglecting the dynamic hierarchical nature and emotional experiences of residents’ needs. This study, employing Guangzhou’s Tianhe District as an empirical case, proposes an innovative framework that integrates Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory, the Method of Empathy-Based Stories (MEBS), and deep learning technology for the first time. It constructs a dynamic assessment model of “needs-streetscape elements-spatial quality”, systematically analyzing the livability characteristics and driving mechanisms of high-density urban streets. Tianhe District’s street spaces exhibit the common issue of “functional-experiential imbalance” faced by high-density cities. Furthermore, different streetscape elements in the city demonstrate significant variability in satisfying different hierarchical demand dimensions, with strong sequential relationships among these hierarchies. Adjusting and optimizing the relationships between elements can result in the creation of higher-quality street spaces that meet higher-level needs. The research findings provide differentiated renewal pathways for tropical high-density cities, offer methodological support for global urban governance under the SDG 11 objectives, and indicate directions for improving street quality in urban regeneration practices. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 398 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Communal Land Titling and New Geographies of Development in Northern Thailand

by Ian G. Baird and Chusak Wittayapak

Land 2025, 14(5), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051094 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

In 1964, the National Forest Reserve Act (B.E. 2507) of Thailand classified all unoccupied forested areas as forest reserve, or pa sanguan. It became illegal to obtain individual land titles in forest reserves, thus reducing the land rights of farmers. In addition, [...] Read more.

In 1964, the National Forest Reserve Act (B.E. 2507) of Thailand classified all unoccupied forested areas as forest reserve, or pa sanguan. It became illegal to obtain individual land titles in forest reserves, thus reducing the land rights of farmers. In addition, roads could not be built, electricity access could not be provided, and agricultural support programs could not operate on land without land titles. However, in recent years, Thailand’s National Committee on Land Policy (Khana Kammakarn Natyobai Thidin Haeng Chat) has been promoting the Kor Tor Chor (KTC) program for communal land titling, designed to create land tenure clarity but not to provide full ownership rights. The objective of this article is to assess the vertical geographies associated with the KTC program in Nan Province, northern Thailand, and their implications with regard to land rights and accessing government funding, one of the key objectives of KTC. The article reveals that vertical land classification aspects associated with watershed classification present particular challenges to KTC. In particular, we argue that while farmers are generally happy with the benefits that have come to them due to KTC, vertical geographical circumstances have significantly influenced the abilities of village communities to benefit from the KTC program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use: Integration of Rural and Urban Landscape)

23 pages, 8553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of Cropland Slope Structure and Its Implications for Fragmentation and Soil Erosion in China

by Guangjie Liu, Yi Xia and Li Bao

Land 2025, 14(5), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051093 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

Cropland slope structure is a key factor influencing agricultural sustainability and ecological risk, especially in topographically complex regions. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates slope spectrum analysis with H3 hexagonal grid partitioning to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland slope across [...] Read more.

Cropland slope structure is a key factor influencing agricultural sustainability and ecological risk, especially in topographically complex regions. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates slope spectrum analysis with H3 hexagonal grid partitioning to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland slope across China from 1990 to 2023. Using 30 m CLCD land cover data, we derived key indicators, including the T-value, upper slope limit (ULS), peak area proportion (PaP), slope at maximum area (SMA), and cropland slope change index (CSCI). This grid-based, multi-indicator approach enables the fine-scale detection of slope structure transitions. Results show that the average slope of cropland fluctuated at around 4.12°, peaking at 4.18° in 2003, while the ULS remained stable at 17°, with 95% of cropland below this threshold. Regionally, cropland in southwest and northwest China was concentrated on steeper slopes (ULS > 26°, PaP < 10%), whereas flatter areas in north and south China had cropland mainly below 15°. From 1990 to 2023, upslope expansion was evident in south China (CSCI > 10), while downslope shifts aligned with high-slope cropland in the western regions. Geographically weighted regression revealed significant positive correlations between increasing ULS and CSCI and elevated cropland fragmentation and soil erosion in hilly areas. These findings highlight the ecological risks of cropland expansion into steep terrain. The proposed framework offers a spatially explicit perspective of cropland slope evolution and supports targeted strategies for land management and ecological restoration. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Evolution of Grassland Ecological Carrying Capacity and Low-Carbon Development Pathways for Animal Husbandry in Inner Mongolia

by Bingxuan Liu, Dacheng Wang, Guozhu Mao, Aixia Yang, Yue Jiao and Kaichen Zhang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051092 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

Inner Mongolia’s grasslands, covering 22% of China’s total grassland area, face critical challenges in balancing livestock production with carbon sequestration under climate change pressures. This study establishes an integrated assessment framework combining remote sensing monitoring, InVEST modeling, and life cycle assessment to analyze [...] Read more.

Inner Mongolia’s grasslands, covering 22% of China’s total grassland area, face critical challenges in balancing livestock production with carbon sequestration under climate change pressures. This study establishes an integrated assessment framework combining remote sensing monitoring, InVEST modeling, and life cycle assessment to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution of grassland ecological carrying capacity and livestock-related carbon emissions from 2000 to 2020. Key findings reveal a 78.8% increase in actual livestock carrying capacity (from 53.09 to 94.94 million sheep units), with Tongliao experiencing 185% growth, while Alxa League showed a 229,500 sheep unit decrease. The theoretical carrying capacity grew by 50.6%, yet severe ecological pressure emerged in western regions, as evidenced by Alxa League’s grass–livestock balance index exceeding 2100%. Carbon sequestration exhibited a northeast–southwest spatial pattern, decreasing by 7.4% during 2015–2020, while greenhouse gas emissions from intensive livestock systems reached 6.40 million tons CO₂-eq in Tongliao by 2020. The results demonstrate that regions combining high-intensity husbandry with low carbon storage require urgent intervention. We propose three pathways: adaptive grazing management to reduce overloading in western pastoral zones, carbon monitoring systems to enhance sequestration in vulnerable ecosystems, and emission reduction technologies for intensive farming systems. These strategies provide actionable solutions for reconciling grassland sustainability with China’s dual carbon goals, offering insights for global pastoral ecosystem management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Management Practices for Enhancing Ecosystem Services: Cases and Experiences)

22 pages, 5698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Multi-Criteria Analysis for Urban Planning: Selection of Municipal Units in Which to Conduct Studies of Development Rights’ Transfer Zones (RTZs) in Greece

by Dimitrios Kitsakis, Avgi Vassi, Alkistis Iliadi and Efthimios Bakogiannis

Land 2025, 14(5), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051091 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

The transfer of development rights (TDR) is a legal instrument, introduced in 1961, that allows transferring of development rights from a land parcel where restrictions are imposed (sending parcel) to another land parcel (receiving parcel). TDRs aim to ensure environmental and cultural heritage [...] Read more.

The transfer of development rights (TDR) is a legal instrument, introduced in 1961, that allows transferring of development rights from a land parcel where restrictions are imposed (sending parcel) to another land parcel (receiving parcel). TDRs aim to ensure environmental and cultural heritage protection with respect to the rights of individual land parcel owners, thus constituting a high impact tool in sustainability and urban planning. Although extensive research has been applied in defining development rights’ transfer zones (RTZ), mainly in the proximity of the sending parcels, limited is the research on defining this “proximity”. This research examines the process of identifying the areas that can host RTZs, using as a case study the implementation of TDR in Greece. Greek TDR legislation was challenged by the Hellenic Council of the State as non-conformant to the principles of rational urban and spatial development, thus requiring the identification of the areas that can host rights’ transfer zones. In order to align with the Council’s decisions, the Ministry of Environment and Energy introduced Law 4759/2020 along with Technical Requirements for the delineation of development rights’ transfer zones. Given that restrictions on the transfer of development rights do not exist in all municipalities in Greece, multi-criteria analysis was used to propose municipal units where studies on development rights’ transfer zones (RTZs) could be conducted, based on the number of sending parcels, geographic and urban planning requirements, and funding limitations. The analysis resulted in 83 municipal units, covering about 75% of the country’s need for development rights’ transfer. The deployment of RTZ studies in the selected areas would benefit the owners of the restricted land parcels (where existing TDR titles are currently inactive or where new ones cannot be issued) and assist urban space management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in Urban Planning: Enhancing Community Engagement and Heritage Conservation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Three Fertilizers on Improving Soil Characteristics and Growth Performance of Mahonia fortunei (Lindl.) Fedde in Rocky Desertification Areas

by Xiuwen Fang, Yue Sun, Xiangxiang Huang, Bo Pan, Haiying Gao and Zhishui Liang

Land 2025, 14(5), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051090 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

Rocky desertification, a severe form of land degradation in tropical and subtropical regions driven by vegetation loss and soil erosion, poses significant ecological and economic challenges. Field trials in Fengshan County, Guangxi, China, evaluated the efficacy of NPK compound fertilizers, slow-release fertilizers, and [...] Read more.

Rocky desertification, a severe form of land degradation in tropical and subtropical regions driven by vegetation loss and soil erosion, poses significant ecological and economic challenges. Field trials in Fengshan County, Guangxi, China, evaluated the efficacy of NPK compound fertilizers, slow-release fertilizers, and bio-organic fertilizers on soil rehabilitation, microbial diversity, and the growth of Mahonia fortunei, a key species for ecological restoration and understory cash crop cultivation. The results demonstrated the bio-organic fertilizer’s superiority in soil regeneration, increasing organic matter by 30.4% (Bolin), 15.73% (Longlai), and 21.83% (Longlei) compared to NPK compound fertilizers, alongside elevating the total nitrogen (reaching 19.4 g/kg in Bolin) and phosphorus (85.45% higher in Bolin). Bio-organic fertilizer increased enzyme activities by 27–202% and enhanced microbial diversity, notably Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Slow-release fertilizers maximized micronutrient availability (e.g., Cu increased by 151.65% in Bolin) and improved plant growth, achieving peak Mahonia fortunei (Lindl.) Fedde height (3.62 cm, increasing 9.04%) and ground diameter (4.5 cm, increasing 18.42%) in Longlei compared to NPK compound fertilizers. Regional variability highlighted the bio-organic fertilizer’s dominance in soil fertility metrics, while slow-release formulations excelled in micronutrient enrichment and plant performance. NPK compound fertilizers exhibited the lowest efficacy, potentially exacerbating soil degradation. This study advocates integrating bio-organic fertilizers for soil regeneration with targeted slow-release applications for crop productivity, particularly in understory cash crop systems. Such a dual approach bridges ecological restoration with economic resilience in karst ecosystems, offering scalable solutions for global rocky desertification mitigation. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Agricultural Credit on Planting Structure: An Empirical Test of Factor Allocation

by Huishuang Jin and Hui Liu

Land 2025, 14(5), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051089 - 17 May 2025

Abstract

Rural finance provides financial support for agricultural production. Agricultural credit, as the most important rural financial resource, is designed to regulate rural economic activity and guide the rational adjustment of the rural economy and industrial structure. However, the relationship between the availability of [...] Read more.

Rural finance provides financial support for agricultural production. Agricultural credit, as the most important rural financial resource, is designed to regulate rural economic activity and guide the rational adjustment of the rural economy and industrial structure. However, the relationship between the availability of credit to farmers and their choice of cropping behavior in the agricultural production process remains unexplored in depth. To fill this gap, this study constructs an analytical framework for ‘Agricultural credit-production factor allocation-planting structure decision-making behaviour’. Using data from a large-scale rural survey in China, this paper empirically examines the impact of agricultural credit on the specialization and ‘grain-oriented’ of farm households’ planting structure using the OLS model, the mediated effects model, and the 2SLS model. In addition, this study explores the mechanism of the allocation of agricultural production factors in this process. This has enriched the theoretical and practical research on rural finance for agricultural development. Studies have shown that agricultural credit contributes significantly to the specialization and ‘grain-oriented’ of the planting structure. The findings of the study also show that agricultural credit promotes cropping restructuring among farmers through large-scale operations, technological advancement, and green production. In addition, there are differences in the impact of agricultural credit on the planting structure depending on the type of food-producing area, the scale of operation, the development of digital infrastructure, the education of the head, and the source of credit. These findings suggest that increasing rural financial support and promoting the restructuring of land improvement, agricultural machinery, and green production factors may be an effective path to optimizing the cropping structure and improving the efficiency of production factor utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating World Food Day—Rural Economic Transformation and the Green Development of Agriculture in Developing Countries)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 14597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Urban Greenery for Climate Resilience: A Case Study in Perth, Australia

by Xiaoqi Ma and Boon Lay Ong

Land 2025, 14(5), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051088 - 16 May 2025

Abstract

Urban vegetation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and enhancing ecological resilience amid accelerating global urbanization. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation coverage and its interplay with climatic factors and surface thermal patterns in Perth, [...] Read more.

Urban vegetation plays a pivotal role in mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and enhancing ecological resilience amid accelerating global urbanization. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation coverage and its interplay with climatic factors and surface thermal patterns in Perth, Australia, from 2014 to 2023, leveraging multi-source remote sensing data, geostatistical modeling, and spatial analysis. Utilizing Landsat-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), and Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) datasets, combined with meteorological statistics, the research quantifies vegetation trends, evaluates seasonal and annual climate correlations, and stratifies UHI intensity zones. Key findings reveal the following: (1) Perth’s vegetation cover has decreased over the past decade, and LST has increased, with a negative correlation between the two. (2) NDVI demonstrated a strong negative correlation with annual maximum temperature (r = −0.754) and a positive correlation with precipitation (r = 0.779). (3) Seasonal analysis of NDVI-LST relationships showed intensified cooling effects in summer (r = −0.527) compared to winter (r = −0.180), aligning with evapotranspiration dynamics in Mediterranean climates. (4) Spatial stratification of LST identified “low-temperature green islands” in forested regions, contrasting sharply with high-temperature zones in built-up areas. This study suggests that vegetation optimization—particularly preserving urban forests and integrating green infrastructure—can effectively mitigate UHI impacts, thus reducing surface temperatures. In particular, it shows that urban greenery is a more significant factor towards lowering UHI than urban density. This research advances the understanding of how vegetation optimization can mitigate thermal stress in growing urbanization and provides quantitative evidence for climate-adaptive urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Urban Design and Landscape Architecture (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 16319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Gobi Wall: Archaeology of a Large-Scale Medieval Frontier System in the Mongolian Desert

by Dan Golan, Gideon Shelach-Lavi, Chunag Amartuvshin, Zhidong Zhang, Ido Wachtel, Jingchao Chen, Gantumur Angaragdulguun, Itay Lubel, Dor Heimberg, Mark Cavanagh, Micka Ullman and William Honeychurch

Land 2025, 14(5), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14051087 - 16 May 2025

Abstract

The Gobi Wall is a 321 km-long structure made of earth, stone, and wood, located in the Gobi highland desert of Mongolia. It is the least understood section of the medieval wall system that extends from China into Mongolia. This study aims to [...] Read more.

The Gobi Wall is a 321 km-long structure made of earth, stone, and wood, located in the Gobi highland desert of Mongolia. It is the least understood section of the medieval wall system that extends from China into Mongolia. This study aims to determine its builders, purpose, and chronology. Additionally, we seek to better understand the ecological implications of constructing such an extensive system of walls, trenches, garrisons, and fortresses in the remote and harsh environment of the Gobi Desert. Our field expedition combined remote sensing, pedestrian surveys, and targeted excavations at key sites. The results indicate that the garrison walls and main long wall were primarily constructed using rammed earth, with wood and stone reinforcements. Excavations of garrisons uncovered evidence of long-term occupation, including artifacts spanning from 2nd c. BCE to 19th c. CE. According to our findings, the main construction and usage phase of the wall and its associated structures occurred throughout the Xi Xia dynasty (1038–1227 CE), a period characterized by advanced frontier defense systems and significant geopolitical shifts. This study challenges the perception of such structures as being purely defensive, revealing the Gobi Wall’s multifunctional role as an imperial tool for demarcating boundaries, managing populations and resources, and consolidating territorial control. Furthermore, our spatial and ecological analysis demonstrates that the distribution of local resources, such as water and wood, was critical in determining the route of the wall and the placement of associated garrisons and forts. Other geographic factors, including the location of mountain passes and the spread of sand dunes, were strategically utilized to enhance the effectiveness of the wall system. The results of this study reshape our understanding of medieval Inner Asian imperial infrastructure and its lasting impact on geopolitical landscapes. By integrating historical and archeological evidence with geographical analysis of the locations of garrisons and fortifications, we underscore the Xi Xia kingdom’s strategic emphasis on regulating trade, securing transportation routes, and monitoring frontier movement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Archaeological Landscape and Settlement II)

Journal Description

Latest Articles

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Highly Accessed Articles

Latest Books

E-Mail Alert

News

Topics

Conferences

Special Issues

Topical Collections

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI