Land | Editor’s choice Articles

20 pages, 5054 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Form and Structure of the Knowledge Framework for Urban Planning: Methodological Approach and Assessment Issues: The Case Study of the Municipality of Fondi Urban Plan

by Saverio Torzoni, Carlo Pisano and Fabrizio Battisti

Land 2023, 12(6), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061201 - 9 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1487

Abstract

Analysing the formation of the Knowledge Framework (KF) for the Municipality of Fondi, a medium size municipality in central Italy, this research explains the methodology used to describe and interpret its specific territorial condition, aiming to delineate a series of operative guidelines for [...] Read more.

Analysing the formation of the Knowledge Framework (KF) for the Municipality of Fondi, a medium size municipality in central Italy, this research explains the methodology used to describe and interpret its specific territorial condition, aiming to delineate a series of operative guidelines for further implementations in other contexts. The article deals with comparisons with several urban planning approaches, transposing them to the study area, through the filter provided by the approach of Regional Design. The objective of the research is to produce a comprehensive KF for urban planning containing all the necessary information to unravel the assessment issue to put in place planning actions oriented toward sustainable spatial development. The research reorganizes the information legally required to define a Knowledge Framework into five Systems, articulated in analytical and synthetic products that as a whole aim to innovate the Knowledge Framework by recognizing it not only as an analytical process but also as a fundamental urban planning tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Management at Urban-Rural Interface)

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12 pages, 2021 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Soil Taxonomy (2022) and WRB (2022) Systems for Classifying Paddy Soils with Different Drainage Grades in South Korea

by Dan-Bi Lee, Young-Nam Kim, Yeon-Kyu Sonn and Kye-Hoon Kim

Land 2023, 12(6), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061204 - 9 Jun 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5122

Abstract

Soil classification is the systematic classification of soils based on distinguishing the characteristics of soil, aiding in understanding the properties of soils through soil survey and establishing appropriate strategies for effective soil utilization and management. Globally, the Soil Taxonomy (ST) and the World [...] Read more.

Soil classification is the systematic classification of soils based on distinguishing the characteristics of soil, aiding in understanding the properties of soils through soil survey and establishing appropriate strategies for effective soil utilization and management. Globally, the Soil Taxonomy (ST) and the World Reference Base for soil resources (WRB) are widely used for soil classification. However, the two classification systems have differences in criteria, thus exhibiting difficulties in exchanging classification results. In South Korea, soil classification has been steadily implemented to provide useful soil information to farmers for efficient soil management, contributing to the sustainability of paddy lands, but it has not been easy to establish an accurate classification system due to intensive soil management and variation in soil redox conditions. In this study, two paddy soils with different drainage grades, pedon 1 and pedon 2, were classified using the ST and WRB, and based on the comparative results, a classification criterion for paddy soil in Korea was recommended. According to ST, pedon 1 was classified as a coarse loamy, mesic family (the mean annual soil temperature, 11–14 °C) of Anthroaquic Eutrudepts (artificially irrigated, base saturation > 60%), whereas pedon 2 was a coarse loamy, mesic family of Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts (organic carbon content > 0.2%, water-saturated across the soil profile). Based on the WRB, the two soils were categorized as follows: Stagnic Hydragric Anthrosols (Eutric, Loamic, Oxyaquic) (saturated with surface water, subsurface horizon that is wet-field and human-affected) for pedon 1 and Stagnic Gleyic Hydragric Anthrosols (Eutric, Loamic, Oxyaquic) (saturated with surface and ground water, subsurface horizon that is wet-field and human-affected) for pedon 2. Overall, the two classification systems categorized these pedons consistently by judging the soil properties according to depth, but there was a difference in layer classification upon saturation by water across the soil horizons. Poor soil drainage hinders rice growth in paddies due to lowering soil and water temperature and the occurrence of harmful reduction products. In this regard, we proposed a draft of the classification criteria specialized for paddy soils in Korea based on drainage grades. This will contribute to sustainable paddy soil management by accurately classifying paddy soils and providing better soil information to farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geomorphology and Soils Applied to Natural Resources Sustainability)

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15 pages, 4453 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mapping Soil Organic Carbon in Floodplain Farmland: Implications of Effective Range of Environmental Variables

by Zihao Wu, Yiyun Chen, Yuanli Zhu, Xiangyang Feng, Jianxiong Ou, Guie Li, Zhaomin Tong and Qingwu Yan

Land 2023, 12(6), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061198 - 8 Jun 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2131

Abstract

Accurately mapping soil organic carbon (SOC) is conducive to evaluating carbon storage and soil quality. However, the high spatial heterogeneity of SOC caused by river-related factors and agricultural management brings challenges to digital soil mapping in floodplain farmland. Moreover, current studies focus on [...] Read more.

Accurately mapping soil organic carbon (SOC) is conducive to evaluating carbon storage and soil quality. However, the high spatial heterogeneity of SOC caused by river-related factors and agricultural management brings challenges to digital soil mapping in floodplain farmland. Moreover, current studies focus on the non-linear relationship between SOC and covariates, but ignore the effective range of environmental variables on SOC, which prevents the revelation of the SOC differentiation mechanism. Using the 375 samples collected from the Jiangchang Town near Han River, we aim to determine the main controlling factors of SOC, reveal the effective range of environmental variables, and obtain the spatial map of SOC by using the gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model and partial dependence plots. Linear regression was used as a reference. Results showed that GBDT outperformed linear regression. GBDT results show that the distance from the river was the most important SOC factor, confirming the importance of the Han River to the SOC pattern. The partial dependence plots indicate that all environmental variables have their effective ranges, and when their values are extremely high or low, they do not respond to changes in SOC. Specifically, the influential ranges of rivers, irrigation canals, and rural settlements on SOC were within 4000, 200, and 50 m, respectively. The peak SOC was obtained with high clay (≥31%), total nitrogen (≥1.18 g/kg), and total potassium contents (≥11.1 g/kg), but it remained steady when these covariates further increased. These results highlight the importance of revealing the effective range of environmental variables, which provides data support for understanding the spatial pattern of SOC in floodplain farmland, achieving carbon sequestration in farmland and precision agriculture. The GBDT with the partial dependence plot was effective in SOC fitting and mapping. Full article

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29 pages, 4162 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Empirical Study on the Mismatch Phenomenon in Utilizing Urban Land Resources in China

by Liyin Shen, Lingyu Zhang, Haijun Bao, Siuwai Wong, Xiaoyun Du and Xiaoxuan Wei

Land 2023, 12(6), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061196 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1989

Abstract

Effective land use contributes to sustainable urban development. However, there are various reports suggesting that urban land resources used mismatch to different extents in many Chinese cities. This study measures the degree of the mismatch phenomenon in utilizing urban land resources from a [...] Read more.

Effective land use contributes to sustainable urban development. However, there are various reports suggesting that urban land resources used mismatch to different extents in many Chinese cities. This study measures the degree of the mismatch phenomenon in utilizing urban land resources from a supply–demand perspective, and a mismatching coefficient, namely land resource mismatch (LRM), is adopted as the measurement. The data used for the empirical analysis are from a sample of 35 cities in China. The empirical study shows the effectiveness of employing the mismatching coefficient LRM model in evaluating the degree of the mismatch phenomenon in utilizing urban land resources. The research findings suggest the following: (1) Overall, the mismatch phenomenon in utilizing urban land resources is significant in China in the form of either supply shortage or over-supply. (2) The degree of the mismatch phenomenon is different between different types of land, with the land for administration and public services showing more serious mismatching and the land for commercial and business facilities showing less mismatching. (3) There are significant differences both in the type and the degree of land use mismatch among different cities, which are contributed largely by the intensity of local government’s controlling and planning role on land resources and the maturity of applying market mechanisms. The results from this study can inform the government of the importance and necessity of adopting effective policy measures for mitigating the mismatch phenomenon in utilizing urban land resources. The research method applied in this study can be applied in a larger context internationally for understanding the effectiveness of utilizing urban land resources. Full article

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21 pages, 1373 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Drought Stress Responses of Some Prairie Landscape C4 Grass Species for Xeric Urban Applications

by Fatemeh Kazemi, Mansoure Jozay, Farzaneh Salahshoor, Eddie van Etten and Sahar Rezaie

Land 2023, 12(6), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061195 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1746

Abstract

Creating xeric landscapes in lawns and prairies is a significant challenge and practical need in arid urban environments. This study examined the drought resistance of some C4 grass species for constructing urban lawns and prairies. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block [...] Read more.

Creating xeric landscapes in lawns and prairies is a significant challenge and practical need in arid urban environments. This study examined the drought resistance of some C4 grass species for constructing urban lawns and prairies. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block designs with four replications was conducted. Experimental treatments were two irrigation levels (100% and 50% Field Capacity (FC)) and five warm-season grass species (Andropogon gerardii Vitman, Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash, Panicum virgatum L., Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash, and Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr.). The effects of drought on physiological, morphological, and qualitative characteristics of the grass species were analyzed. Drought conditions induced a decrease in all the measured traits. However, fewer physiological, morphological, and qualitative characteristics were affected by drought stress on Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Bouteloua curtipendula, compared to the other two species. Overall, warm-season grasses of Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Bouteloua curtipendula, had greater adaptability to drought stress, making them promising C4 grass species for prairie or lawn landscaping in arid urban environments. Landscape professionals and decision-makers should consider using Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Bouteloua curtipendula, as these were the most resilient grass species for drought-tolerant prairie landscaping schemes. Sorghastrum nutans and Panicum virgatum may be used as a second priority if a more diverse variety of grasses is required for drought-resilient prairie or lawn landscaping in arid cities. Full article

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21 pages, 7817 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Beyond Biodiversity: Eliciting Diverse Values of Urban Green Spaces in Flanders

by Thomas Bastiaensen, Ewaut Van Wambeke, Camelia El Bakkali, Jomme Desair, Charlotte Noël, Kaat Kenis, Lukas Vincke and Sander Jacobs

Land 2023, 12(6), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061186 - 6 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4286

Abstract

Nature-based solutions are claimed to offer an effective approach to tackle societal challenges and promote biodiversity. While research has mainly focused on biodiversity and material ecosystem services, non-material contributions and relational values of urban green spaces remain underexplored. How to balance the benefits [...] Read more.

Nature-based solutions are claimed to offer an effective approach to tackle societal challenges and promote biodiversity. While research has mainly focused on biodiversity and material ecosystem services, non-material contributions and relational values of urban green spaces remain underexplored. How to balance the benefits of nature, well-being, and relational values in their design and performance evaluation remains unclear. To elicit the values expressed in public communication regarding the benefits of urban nature projects in Flanders, three online repositories that feature diverse nature-based solutions projects in the region were chosen. Using coding and quantitative content analysis of standardized descriptions from these repositories, this study found that relational values were most abundant (55%), followed by instrumental values (30%) and intrinsic values (15%), consistently so over socio-demographic and physical contexts. It was also discovered that larger projects have a higher level of multifunctionality, which is calculated based on the variety of values and value dimensions expressed, and that participation—although considered key—rarely reports on inclusivity. The findings suggest that in Flanders, a greater emphasis is placed on relational values associated with urban nature. A broader value scope for the design, management, and evaluation of urban green spaces tailored to the local context is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning Sustainable Cities through Nature-Based Solutions)

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19 pages, 19655 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Agricultural Drought Risk Assessment Based on a Comprehensive Model Using Geospatial Techniques in Songnen Plain, China

by Fengjie Gao, Si Zhang, Rui Yu, Yafang Zhao, Yuxin Chen and Ying Zhang

Land 2023, 12(6), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061184 - 5 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3158

Abstract

Drought is a damaging and costly natural disaster that will become more serious in the context of global climate change in the future. Constructing a reliable drought risk assessment model and presenting its spatial pattern could be significant for agricultural production. However, agricultural [...] Read more.

Drought is a damaging and costly natural disaster that will become more serious in the context of global climate change in the future. Constructing a reliable drought risk assessment model and presenting its spatial pattern could be significant for agricultural production. However, agricultural drought risk mapping scientifically still needs more effort. Considering the whole process of drought occurrence, this study developed a comprehensive agricultural drought risk assessment model that involved all risk components (exposure, hazard, vulnerability and mitigation capacity) and their associated criteria using geospatial techniques and fuzzy logic. The comprehensive model was applied in Songnen Plain to justify its applicability. ROC and AUC techniques were applied to evaluate its efficiency, and the prediction rate was 88.6%. The similar spatial distribution of water resources further verified the model’s reliability. The southwestern Songnen Plain is a very-high-risk (14.44%) region, determined by a high vulnerability, very high hazardousness and very low mitigation capacity, and is the region that should be paid the most attention to; the central part is a cross-risk region of high risk (24.68%) and moderate risk (27.28%) with a serious disturbance of human agricultural activities; the northeastern part is a dry grain production base with a relatively optimal agricultural production condition of very low risk (22.12%) and low risk (11.48%). Different drought mitigation strategies should be adopted in different regions due to different drought causes. The findings suggest that the proposed model is highly effective in mapping comprehensive drought risk for formulating strong drought mitigation strategies and could be used in other drought-prone areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction)

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15 pages, 1477 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Resilience Evaluation—Case Study for Six Cities in China, Europe, and the Americas

by Bruno Oliveira and Brian D. Fath

Land 2023, 12(6), 1182; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061182 - 3 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2834

Abstract

The historical development of the urban realm has brought marvelous benefits to humankind, which has profited from the infrastructure, services, and social networks provided by cities. Nonetheless, considering current and future risks, understanding how cities can absorb impacts and reorganize their structure while [...] Read more.

The historical development of the urban realm has brought marvelous benefits to humankind, which has profited from the infrastructure, services, and social networks provided by cities. Nonetheless, considering current and future risks, understanding how cities can absorb impacts and reorganize their structure while keeping their identities is fundamental and timely. In other words, understanding how to promote resilience is crucial. This study developed a comparative urban resilience index (CURI) formed by 29 indicators and applied it to case studies in Europe, China, and the Americas (Malmö, Vienna, Beijing, Shanghai, Baltimore, and São Paulo). An innovative identity dimension was built to embrace the cultural traits of studied cities. Results point to a systemic property of CURI when comparing cities in both timeframes (2000 and 2020). In addition, two groups were formed: Malmö, Beijing, and Baltimore increased their resilience due to higher performance in at least two dimensions; Shanghai, Vienna, and São Paulo decreased their resilience due to lower performance in at least three dimensions. Ranking the data in terms of the benchmark promoted a quick understanding of which city is the “best in class” for each dimension, creating a clear way forward for other cities to follow. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Resilience and Urban Sustainability under Climate Change)

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13 pages, 9619 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Temporal Patterns of Structural Sagebrush Connectivity from 1985 to 2020

by Erin K. Buchholtz, Michael S. O’Donnell, Julie A. Heinrichs and Cameron L. Aldridge

Land 2023, 12(6), 1176; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061176 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The sagebrush biome within the western United States has been reshaped by disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing processes and species that rely on contiguous, connected sagebrush. Previous studies [...] Read more.

The sagebrush biome within the western United States has been reshaped by disturbances, management, and changing environmental conditions. As a result, sagebrush cover and configuration have varied over space and time, influencing processes and species that rely on contiguous, connected sagebrush. Previous studies have documented changes in sagebrush cover, but we know little about how the connectivity of sagebrush has changed over time and across the sagebrush biome. We investigated temporal connectivity patterns for sagebrush using a time series (1985–2020) of fractional sagebrush cover and used an omnidirectional circuit algorithm to assess the density of connections among areas with abundant sagebrush. By comparing connectivity patterns over time, we found that most of the biome experienced moderate change; the amount and type of change varied spatially, indicating that areas differ in the trend direction and magnitude of change. Two different types of designated areas of conservation and management interest had relatively high proportions of stable, high-connectivity patterns over time and stable connectivity trends on average. These results provide ecological information on sagebrush connectivity persistence across spatial and temporal scales that can support targeted actions to address changing structural connectivity and to maintain functioning, connected ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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16 pages, 5680 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Construction of Ecological Corridors in Karst Areas Based on Ecological Sensitivity and Ecological Service Value

by Yi-Xuan Liang, Da-Fang Wu, Zhao-Jun Wu, Yue Xu, Zi-Wen Zhu, Yu-Cheng Zhang and Hong Zhu

Land 2023, 12(6), 1177; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061177 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2805

Abstract

Ecological corridors play a key role in promoting the flow of ecological processes, guaranteeing ecological function services and maintaining biodiversity. Based on ecological sensitivity and ecological service values, ecological corridors in typical karst areas of Ningyuan County were constructed to lay the foundation [...] Read more.

Ecological corridors play a key role in promoting the flow of ecological processes, guaranteeing ecological function services and maintaining biodiversity. Based on ecological sensitivity and ecological service values, ecological corridors in typical karst areas of Ningyuan County were constructed to lay the foundation for ecological environmental protection and land development and utilization in the county. Based on the current land use situation in 2020, the ecological source sites were identified by the combined results of ecological sensitivity evaluation and ecosystem service value analysis, and then potential corridors were generated based on the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCR) and the minimum cost path method, and key corridors were identified by the gravity model. The results show that (1) the areas exhibiting strong sensitivity are concentrated within regions characterized by better ecological environment quality; the ecosystem service value and ecological sensitivity have a similar distribution pattern, and those with high ecological value are mainly distributed in areas with better habitat quality such as woodlands and along water systems. (2) The total area of ecological source land in Ningyuan County is 879.14 km², accounting for 35.15% of the county area, mainly distributed in the south and north of the county. (3) There are nine ecological corridors in Ningyuan County, which are radially distributed in a spider-web manner, five important ecological corridors and four general ecological corridors, with total lengths of 96 km and 120.87 km, respectively. Full article

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30 pages, 2727 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Environmental Footprint Neutrality Using Methods and Tools for Natural Capital Accounting in Life Cycle Assessment

by Benedetto Rugani, Philippe Osset, Olivier Blanc and Enrico Benetto

Land 2023, 12(6), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061171 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3202

Abstract

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) is becoming a reference tool for an increasing number of organizations transitioning towards environmental impact neutrality. However, one NCA technique applicable to all types of actors (individual, community, company, etc.) is missing because of the lack of consensus on [...] Read more.

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) is becoming a reference tool for an increasing number of organizations transitioning towards environmental impact neutrality. However, one NCA technique applicable to all types of actors (individual, community, company, etc.) is missing because of the lack of consensus on how to quantify both their environmental impacts and dependencies on ecosystems. A coupled systematic and non-systematic review of the grey and scientific literature is performed here to (i) make an extensive review of state-of-the-art NCA methods, identifying their current utilization and limitations, and (ii) discern prospects about the challenges of integrating an Ecosystem Service Accounting in Life Cycle Assessment (ESA-LCA). While NCA methods can extensively evaluate the supply of ES, they tend to disregard the quantification of environmental impacts that imply a demand for ES. The ESA-LCA approach is identified as a robust solution to balance supply and demand of ecosystem services in NCA, allowing private and public actors to quantify their distance from impact neutrality targets. A novel definition of NC(A) in LCA is also formulated to support these future efforts, promoting a Mitigation Hierarchy-based strategy to avoid, minimize, restore, and offset impacts, and outlining a roadmap for practitioners to apply ESA-LCA across multiple economic sectors. Full article

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15 pages, 5754 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessing the Rural–Urban Transition of China during 1980–2020 from a Coordination Perspective

by Shiwei Zhang, Jinghui Zhao, Yanfeng Jiang, Ali Cheshmehzangi and Wenbin Zhou

Land 2023, 12(6), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061175 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4153

Abstract

Under the context of global rapid urbanization, exploring the dynamics of rural–urban transition in China can provide valuable experience for the Global South. In this study, we evaluate the rural–urban transition in China, from 1980 to 2020, based on socioeconomic data and a [...] Read more.

Under the context of global rapid urbanization, exploring the dynamics of rural–urban transition in China can provide valuable experience for the Global South. In this study, we evaluate the rural–urban transition in China, from 1980 to 2020, based on socioeconomic data and a rural–urban transition coordination model by constructing a rural–urban development and integration index system. We identify the state and transition types, and we present optimization paths. The results show that, since the reform and opening-up, the rural–urban development index (URDI) in China has gradually expanded among regions while the rural–urban integrated index (URII) has experienced a trend of decline followed by an increase. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution characteristics of the ΔURDI have been “south high–north low”, while the ΔURII has had a balanced spatial distribution. Over the first two decades of the past 40 years, the rural–urban transition in eastern coastal China was more coordinated, while regions with less coordination showed a two-tiered distribution pattern; over the last two decades, the coordination degree has increased. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution of high coordination presents “T-shaped” coastal and riverside characteristics. The transition types and coupling relationships of state regions are identified. Finally, optimization pathways are proposed for each type to further promote rural–urban integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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25 pages, 9252 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enabling Regenerative Agriculture Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

by Michael Gbenga Ogungbuyi, Juan P. Guerschman, Andrew M. Fischer, Richard Azu Crabbe, Caroline Mohammed, Peter Scarth, Phil Tickle, Jason Whitehead and Matthew Tom Harrison

Land 2023, 12(6), 1142; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061142 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4020

Abstract

The emergence of cloud computing, big data analytics, and machine learning has catalysed the use of remote sensing technologies to enable more timely management of sustainability indicators, given the uncertainty of future climate conditions. Here, we examine the potential of “regenerative agriculture”, as [...] Read more.

The emergence of cloud computing, big data analytics, and machine learning has catalysed the use of remote sensing technologies to enable more timely management of sustainability indicators, given the uncertainty of future climate conditions. Here, we examine the potential of “regenerative agriculture”, as an adaptive grazing management strategy to minimise bare ground exposure while improving pasture productivity. High-intensity sheep grazing treatments were conducted in small fields (less than 1 ha) for short durations (typically less than 1 day). Paddocks were subsequently spelled to allow pasture biomass recovery (treatments comprising 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months), with each compared with controls characterised by lighter stocking rates for longer periods (2000 DSE/ha). Pastures were composed of wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species), kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), and were destructively sampled to estimate total standing dry matter (TSDM), standing green biomass, standing dry biomass and trampled biomass. We invoked a machine learning model forced with Sentinel-2 imagery to quantify TSDM, standing green and dry biomass. Faced with La Nina conditions, regenerative grazing did not significantly impact pasture productivity, with all treatments showing similar TSDM, green biomass and recovery. However, regenerative treatments significantly impacted litterfall and trampled material, with high-intensity grazing treatments trampling more biomass, increasing litter, enhancing surface organic matter and decomposition rates thereof. Pasture digestibility and sward uniformity were greatest for treatments with minimal spelling (3 months), whereas both standing senescent and trampled material were greater for the 15-month spelling treatment. TSDM prognostics from machine learning were lower than measured TSDM, although predictions from the machine learning approach closely matched observed spatiotemporal variability within and across treatments. The root mean square error between the measured and modelled TSDM was 903 kg DM/ha, which was less than the variability measured in the field. We conclude that regenerative grazing with short recovery periods (3–6 months) was more conducive to increasing pasture production under high rainfall conditions, and we speculate that – in this environment - high-intensity grazing with 3-month spelling is likely to improve soil organic carbon through increased litterfall and trampling. Our study paves the way for using machine learning with satellite imagery to quantify pasture biomass at small scales, enabling the management of pastures within small fields from afar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grassland Ecosystem Services: Research Advances and Future Directions for Sustainability)

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23 pages, 7951 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Long-Term Dynamics of Viticultural Landscape in Cyprus—Four Centuries of Expansion, Contraction and Spatial Displacement

by Evangelos Papadias, Vassilis Detsis, Antonis Hadjikyriacou, Apostolos G. Papadopoulos, Christoforos Vradis and Christos Chalkias

Land 2023, 12(6), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061143 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2061

Abstract

Viticulture has historically been an important part of the social and economic life in the Mediterranean, while wine is reckoned among the oldest documented trades. The aim of the study is to record, evaluate and analyze spatial data from historical sources in order [...] Read more.

Viticulture has historically been an important part of the social and economic life in the Mediterranean, while wine is reckoned among the oldest documented trades. The aim of the study is to record, evaluate and analyze spatial data from historical sources in order to gain insights into the dynamics of the viticultural landscape from the beginning of the Ottoman period to the present day. The study was based on (a) three historical maps published in 1885, 1942 and 1969, (b) records from historical surveys—two from the Ottoman period (1572 fiscal survey, 1832/33 property survey) and the British agricultural census of 1931, (c) present-day records from the vineyard survey of 2009 carried out by the Republic of Cyprus. In the beginning of the study period the center of viticulture was well established within the area of the southern and eastern slopes of Troodos massif. The vineyards expanded mainly around the same growing area until WW2 when they gradually began to be relocated in southwest direction to lower altitudes. This long-term trajectory of spatial patterns was driven by external demand for the product but also by the interplay of environmental, topographic and cultural factors, as well as by the state’s policy framework which largely reflected long-term Mediterranean-wide patterns. Full article

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29 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Territorial and Consumption-Based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessments: Implications for Spatial Planning Policies

by Kimmo Lylykangas, Rebecca Cachia, Damiano Cerrone, Kaie Kriiska, Ulrich Norbisrath, Peter R. Walke, Anssi Joutsiniemi and Jukka Heinonen

Land 2023, 12(6), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061144 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3481

Abstract

The quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is increasingly important in spatial planning for regions, cities, and areas. The combination of territorial and consumption-based accounting (CBA) approaches can currently be considered best practice for calculating GHG emissions at sub-national levels, in terms of [...] Read more.

The quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is increasingly important in spatial planning for regions, cities, and areas. The combination of territorial and consumption-based accounting (CBA) approaches can currently be considered best practice for calculating GHG emissions at sub-national levels, in terms of informing local decision-making about the different climate impacts of spatial planning policies, both within the boundaries of a given region and for the inhabitants of that region. This study introduces four European case studies that were conducted using the two quantification approaches to assess the climate impacts of locally relevant planning policies. The case studies represent different scales of spatial planning, different European planning systems, and different situations in terms of data availability. Territorial results are not suitable for inter-regional comparison, but rather for internal monitoring, while CBA allows for comparison and provides a comprehensive picture of the global carbon footprint of residents, however, with indications that are more difficult to link to spatial planning decisions. Assessing impacts, and in particular interpreting results, requires both methodological understanding and knowledge of the local context. The results of the case studies show that setting climate targets and monitoring the success of climate action through a single net emissions figure can give false indications. The study shows that the two approaches to quantifying GHG emissions provide complementary perspectives on GHG emissions at the sub-national level and thus provide a more thorough understanding of the GHG emission patterns associated with spatial planning policies. The identification of the regional differences in GHG emission sources and mitigation potentials are the main functions of sub-national GHG inventories and the impact assessment for spatial planning. Harmonization of the data collection for sub-national GHG inventories and the transparency of underlying assumptions would greatly support the coherence of climate action and the implications to spatial planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Planning and Architecture Section)

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27 pages, 10538 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

LULC Change Effects on Environmental Quality and Ecosystem Services Using EO Data in Two Rural River Basins in Thrace, Greece

by Katerina Vatitsi, Nena Ioannidou, Anastasia Mirli, Sofia Siachalou, Ifigenia Kagalou, Dionissis Latinopoulos and Giorgos Mallinis

Land 2023, 12(6), 1140; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061140 - 28 May 2023

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Rural abandonment and associated rapid urbanization, agricultural intensification, and climate change have been key factors transforming terrestrial landscapes, with significant impacts on the environmental quality and the ecosystem services (ES) provided to human welfare. In this study, two understudied rural river basins located [...] Read more.

Rural abandonment and associated rapid urbanization, agricultural intensification, and climate change have been key factors transforming terrestrial landscapes, with significant impacts on the environmental quality and the ecosystem services (ES) provided to human welfare. In this study, two understudied rural river basins located in Thrace, North Greece, were selected to assess changes in landscape pattern, composition, and eco-environmental quality and ecosystem services values (ESV). Cloud-based remote sensing (RS) analyses of multitemporal Landsat imagery in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform were applied for multitemporal land use/land cover changes (LULCC) quantification between 1984–2021, along with landscape pattern, eco-environmental quality, and ES assessment. Although ecosystem changes observed were not extensive over this period, eco-environmental quality appeared to be affected due to fragmentation. Preserving the ecosystem’s naturalness can enhance cultural ES to avoid further values loss originating from provisioning ES exploitation. This study highlights the strong connection between landscape configuration and eco-environmental quality, emphasizing the strong impact that anthropogenic activities have on the environment. The monitoring of the effects of LULCC on ecosystem health and the economic value of ES is crucial for the introduction of spatial planning and restoration policies. Full article

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18 pages, 2568 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Village Ecosystem Structure and Stability: Implications for the Karst Desertification Control

by Li Lin, Kangning Xiong, Qi Wang, Rong Zhao and Jiayi Zhou

Land 2023, 12(6), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061136 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3136

Abstract

Villages are places where people gather and live. Due to economic and social development, the irrational behavior of the population has led to an imbalance in the village structure and has threatened the stability of the village ecosystem, resulting in the deterioration of [...] Read more.

Villages are places where people gather and live. Due to economic and social development, the irrational behavior of the population has led to an imbalance in the village structure and has threatened the stability of the village ecosystem, resulting in the deterioration of the village environment. Therefore, it is of great necessity to study the structure and stability of village ecosystems and to optimize the structure of village ecosystems to better guide spatial planning and to restore village ecology. This study conducted a literature search and statistical analysis on the structure and stability of village ecosystems based on WOS and CNKI literature databases. We reviewed 105 relevant articles. The current research status and progress are clarified from structural characteristics, structural optimization, structure and function and stability study. To reveal the research achievements and deficiencies of research on the structure and stability of village ecosystems, the vital scientific issues that need to be addressed are summarized based on current research results. The study found that: (1) the quantity of studies on it were on the rise; (2) the study content mainly focused on structure and function (38%) and structural characteristics (21%); (3) the regions studied are mainly in Asia (73%), Europe (12%) and Africa (10%); and (4) research institutions are mainly colleges and universities. Therefore, future research should give attention to the following three aspects: strengthening the differentiation research on the spatio-temporal scale, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the influence of the Karst Desertification Control (KDC) village structure on stability; based on the mechanism of structure on function, appropriate village ecosystem structure should be established to improve ecosystem service function; based on the influence mechanism of structure on stability, the stability evaluation index system will be constructed so as to lay a solid foundation for the stability strategy of the KDC village ecosystem. By applying the strategy of structure optimization and stability improvement to the KDC village ecosystem, the service function of the Karst village ecosystem can be improved, which can provide scientific reference for the sustainable development of the KDC village ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Land Use Transformation and Agricultural Sustainable Development II)

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20 pages, 5481 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Ornamental Groundcover Habit and Irrigation Delivery on Dynamic Soil Conditions

by Thomas M. McKeown, Jeb S. Fields and Damon E. Abdi

Land 2023, 12(6), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061119 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

Sustainable landscapes provide environmental, social, and financial benefits, with interest and adoption increasing due to environmental awareness. Ornamental ground-cover systems have garnered interest in the landscape due to the reduced need for water, fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance compared to typical landscapes; however, limited [...] Read more.

Sustainable landscapes provide environmental, social, and financial benefits, with interest and adoption increasing due to environmental awareness. Ornamental ground-cover systems have garnered interest in the landscape due to the reduced need for water, fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance compared to typical landscapes; however, limited research on groundcover ability to modulate soil conditions or suppress weeds exists. This study explored how ornamental groundcover systems impact the sustainability of landscapes. The effects of ground-cover growth habit (matting; bunching) and irrigation delivery method (micro spray; overhead) on soil temperature, volumetric water content (VWC), and electric conductivity (EC), along with impacts on weed growth, soil microbial communities, and plant coverage, were measured. Soil temperatures were generally lower under groundcover species with a matting growth habit, and to a lesser extent, bunching growth habits, in comparison to the warmer fallow systems. Groundcovers with a matting form led to lower VWC values compared to taxa with other growth habits, particularly when micro-irrigated. Plant form did not significantly influence EC values; however, micro spray irrigated plots had significantly higher EC values, likely attributed to irrigation spray patterns. Micro spray irrigation in tandem with matting growth habit taxa decreased weed density more effectively than taxa with bunching growth habits or groundcovers maintained under overhead irrigation. Selection of groundcover species with greater foliar coverage along with implementing more efficient irrigation practices can decrease soil temperatures, soil moisture, and weed density. Incorporating groundcovers in the landscape can decrease maintenance requirements and water/chemical use, thus increasing sustainability and decreasing environmental consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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21 pages, 4717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Cumulative Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Anthropogenic Impacts in the Protected Area of the Gran Paradiso National Park in the NW Alps, Italy

by Chiara Richiardi, Maria Rita Minciardi, Consolata Siniscalco and Maria Adamo

Land 2023, 12(6), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061124 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4436

Abstract

Anthropogenic threats are responsible for habitat degradation and biodiversity decline. The mapping of the distribution and intensity of threats to biodiversity can be useful for informing efficient planning in protected areas. In this study, we propose a cumulative spatial and temporal analysis of [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic threats are responsible for habitat degradation and biodiversity decline. The mapping of the distribution and intensity of threats to biodiversity can be useful for informing efficient planning in protected areas. In this study, we propose a cumulative spatial and temporal analysis of anthropogenic impacts insisting on an alpine protected area, the Gran Paradiso National Park. The applied methodology starts with the construction of a spatial and temporal dataset of anthropogenic impacts and normalization based on relative intensity. The impacts analyzed include overgrazing, helicopter flights, road networks, built-up areas, worksites, derivations and discharges, sports activities, and dams and hydroelectric power plants. Each impact was assigned a weight based on its temporal persistence. Threats maps obtained from the collected, normalized, and weighted geodata are thus obtained. Finally, the risk map is calculated by combining the impact map with the vulnerability map, estimated through the methodology outlined in the Green Guidelines of the Metropolitan City of Turin. The risk map obtained was cross-referenced with the Park’s cartography to highlight any critical issues to specific habitats. Results show that most of the territory falls in low-risk (63%) or no-risk (35%) areas. However, there are some habitats that are totally or nearly totally affected by some degree of risk, although different to zero, such as the “Lentic waters with aquatic vegetation [incl. cod. 3130]”, the “Lentic waters partially buried”, the “Mountain pine forests (Pinus uncinata) [cod. 9430]”, and the “Mixed hygrophilous woods of broad-leaved trees [incl. cod. 91E0]”. This study highlights both the potential of these analyses, which enable informed management and planning of the fruition of protected areas, and the limitations of such approaches, which require in-depth knowledge of the territory and ecosystems and how they respond to threats in order to refine the model and obtain realistic maps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

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21 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impact of Climate Change on Agroecosystems and Potential Adaptation Strategies

by Teodoro Semeraro, Aurelia Scarano, Angelo Leggieri, Antonio Calisi and Monica De Caroli

Land 2023, 12(6), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061117 - 23 May 2023

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9062

Abstract

Agriculture is currently one of the leading economic sectors most impacted by climate change. Due to its great field of application and its susceptibility to meteorological variability, the effects of climate change on agriculture have significant social and economic consequences for human well-being. [...] Read more.

Agriculture is currently one of the leading economic sectors most impacted by climate change. Due to its great field of application and its susceptibility to meteorological variability, the effects of climate change on agriculture have significant social and economic consequences for human well-being. Moreover, the increasing need for land spaces for population growth has produced strong competition between food and urbanization, leading to a loss of the agroecosystem that supports food security. This review aims to understand the main risks generated by climate change in agricultural production and the potential strategies that can be applied to increase agriculture’s resilience. Agricultural risk can be linked to the decrease in the productivity of foods, weed overgrowth at the crops expense, increase in parasites, water availability, soil alteration, negative impact on production costs and consequent change in the adopted cultivars, reduction in the pollination process, intense fires, and alteration of product quality. Thus, climate change can impact the provisioning of ecosystem services, reducing food security in terms of quantity and quality for future generations. Finally, in this review, we report the main adaptation strategies to increase agroecosystem resilience in adverse environments generated by climate change. Mainly, we highlight new technologies, such as new breeding technologies and agrivoltaic and smart agricultural applications, which, combined with agroecosystems, can reduce the agricultural risks following climate change (for example, drought events and low availability of water). We suggest that the combination of natural capital and technologies can be defined as an “innovation-based solution” able to support and increase ecosystem service flow in agroecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Land Management, Climate Change and Food Security)

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16 pages, 2300 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Land Use Transition and Its Driving Mechanism of “Human–Elephant” Conflicts Zone in Yunnan, China

by Yuan Wang, Zhiyu Liu, Yanfang Wen and Yahui Wang

Land 2023, 12(5), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051104 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2329

Abstract

In recent years, the issue of “human–elephant” conflict in the south of the Yunnan Province, China has been escalating and poses a severe threat to the livelihoods of local residents. To address this problem, this study utilized survey data from farmers in Pu’er [...] Read more.

In recent years, the issue of “human–elephant” conflict in the south of the Yunnan Province, China has been escalating and poses a severe threat to the livelihoods of local residents. To address this problem, this study utilized survey data from farmers in Pu’er City and villages in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. By employing land input–output analysis and spatial analysis methods, this study aims to uncover the land use transition in the research area over the past three decades and identify the driving mechanism behind this transition. The findings of this research can provide valuable guidance for reducing regional conflicts between humans and wild animals, as well as improving the livelihoods of farmers. Research indicates that farmers in the study area have significantly transformed their land use practices. The per capita arable land area has increased, and traditional grain crops are being replaced with economically profitable crops such as rubber. Rubber is the predominant crop in the conflict-prone “human–elephant” core region, while other economic crops dominate the peripheral region. The overall land use index has risen, with a greater diversity and stability in land use structure. However, the input–output efficiency of cultivated land in the “human–elephant” core region remains low, leading to a lower comprehensive land use index than that of the peripheral region. The land use transition is influenced by several factors, including socio-economic development, changes in crop comparative benefits, and the activities of wild Asian elephants. Frequent crop destruction by elephants, which results in damage to farmers’ livelihoods, is the primary cause of land use changes in “human–elephant” conflict areas. Ultimately, this conflict stems from the competition for regional land resources between humans and elephants, as humans dominate production space while elephants dominate ecological space. Local governments should optimize the layout of regional production and ecological spaces to alleviate these conflicts while also regulating circulation markets and improving farmers’ land output levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land, Biodiversity, and Human Wellbeing Section)

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32 pages, 19690 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluating the Applicability of Global LULC Products and an Author-Generated Phenology-Based Map for Regional Analysis: A Case Study in Ecuador’s Ecoregions

by Gladys Maria Villegas Rugel, Daniel Ochoa, Jose Miguel Menendez and Frieke Van Coillie

Land 2023, 12(5), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051112 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2789

Abstract

An accurate and detailed understanding of land-use change affected by anthropogenic actions is key to environmental policy decision-making and implementation. Although global land cover products have been widely used to monitor and analyse land use/land cover (LULC) change, the feasibility of using these [...] Read more.

An accurate and detailed understanding of land-use change affected by anthropogenic actions is key to environmental policy decision-making and implementation. Although global land cover products have been widely used to monitor and analyse land use/land cover (LULC) change, the feasibility of using these products at the regional level needs to be assessed due to the limitation and biases of generalised models from around the world. The main objective of the present study was to generate regional LULC maps of three target areas located in the main ecoregions of Ecuador at a resolution of 10 m using Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based computing. Our approach is based on (1) Single Date Classification (SDC) that processes Sentinel-2 data into fuzzy rule-driven thematic classes, (2) rule refinement using Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) data, and (3) phenology-based synthesis (PBS) classification that combines SDC into LULC based on the occurrence rule. Our results show that the three target areas were classified with an overall accuracy of over 80%. In addition, cross-comparison between the global land cover products and our LULC product was performed and we found discrepancies and inaccuracies in the global products due to the characteristics of the target areas that included a dynamic landscape. Our LULC product supplements existing official statistics and showcases the effectiveness of phenology-based mapping in managing land use by providing precise and timely data to support agricultural policies and ensure food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Cover and Land Use Mapping Using Satellite Image)

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26 pages, 3935 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Canal Bank Engineering Disturbance on Plant Communities: Analysis of Taxonomic and Functional Beta Diversity

by Brittany E. Pugh and Richard Field

Land 2023, 12(5), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051090 - 18 May 2023

Viewed by 2354

Abstract

We aimed to determine how patterns of functional and taxonomic dissimilarities and their components differ between disturbed and undisturbed plant communities. Taxonomic (species) and functional (trait) diversity are key aspects of biodiversity, and their respective dissimilarities are important in diversity scaling and for [...] Read more.

We aimed to determine how patterns of functional and taxonomic dissimilarities and their components differ between disturbed and undisturbed plant communities. Taxonomic (species) and functional (trait) diversity are key aspects of biodiversity, and their respective dissimilarities are important in diversity scaling and for informing conservation. We utilized a pseudo-experimental setting, the Basingstoke Canal, UK, where sections of canal bank have been repaired over a four-year period and are interspersed with sections left undisturbed. We collected plant community data, computed functional beta diversity and taxonomic beta diversity and partitioned them into species loss and replacement components. We compared disturbed and undisturbed plots with respect to these dissimilarity measures, the time since disturbance, invasive species, plant life-forms and environmental dissimilarity. We found high levels of taxonomic (85–90%) and functional (70–76%) dissimilarities between disturbed and undisturbed sites, primarily driven by turnover. The total dissimilarity was lower for functional dissimilarity than taxonomic dissimilarity. Disturbed sites had greater between-site taxonomic and functional dissimilarities and lower plant abundances than undisturbed sites, driven by both turnover and nestedness components. The disturbed site functional diversity diverged strongly from null expectations. We found no significant effects of time since disturbance, environmental variables or invasive species, possibly indicating the dominance of stochastic, local-scale processes. However, disturbed sites had lower levels of phanerophyte richness and higher levels of therophyte richness. Our results indicate that small-scale disturbances may increase taxonomic and functional between-community dissimilarities in anthropogenic habitats without increasing invasive species, lending support to local-scale conservation that enhances habitat heterogeneity to promote taxonomic diversity and its corresponding biotic functions. Full article

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

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17 pages, 5775 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Factors Determining Concurrent Reclamation and Abandonment of Cultivated Land on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

by Yiming Sang and Liangjie Xin

Land 2023, 12(5), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051081 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

The Tibetan Plateau has important functions, such as water and soil conservation, wind and sand control, carbon fixation, and biodiversity protection. Agricultural development on the Tibetan Plateau not only maintains local food security but is also related to the important ecological functions in [...] Read more.

The Tibetan Plateau has important functions, such as water and soil conservation, wind and sand control, carbon fixation, and biodiversity protection. Agricultural development on the Tibetan Plateau not only maintains local food security but is also related to the important ecological functions in China and Asia. This study analyzed the spatial distribution of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land in the Yarlung Zangbo–Lhasa–Nyangqu River (YLN) region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from 2000 to 2020 using high-resolution remote sensing data. Additionally, this study explored the factors influencing spatial distribution patterns using a landscape pattern index and correlation analysis. The results showed that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, cultivated land reclamation and abandonment coexisted in the YLN region. The total areas of reclaimed and abandoned cultivated land were 558.57 and 196.85 km², and their growth and abandonment rates were 25.47 and 8.29%, respectively. (2) Apparent regional differences existed in the distribution of reclaimed and abandoned lands. The reclaimed land was concentrated in the northeast and southwest of YLN, whereas abandoned land was scattered, with relatively higher fragmentation than in the former. (3) Climate and location affected the spatial distribution of both land types, with precipitation, aspect, and SOM having less influence and temperature, elevation, slope, traffic conditions, and farming radius having relatively prominent influence. (4) Socioeconomic factors were the main factors driving changes in cultivated land area in the region, wherein grain output and the number of livestock positively impacted reclamation and abandonment, relatively more significantly for reclamation. This study helps to understand the land use changes and their impacts in the YLN region on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is of great significance for formulating appropriate sustainable development strategies and land management policies, and ensuring the sustainable development of local ecological environment and cultivated land resources utilization. Full article

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17 pages, 3389 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Interactive Effects Determine Radiocarbon Abundance in Soil Fractions of Global Biomes

by Guoai Li, Xuxu Chai, Zheng Shi and Honghua Ruan

Land 2023, 12(5), 1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051072 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is heterogeneous, consisting of fractions with differing turnover rates. Climate, vegetation, and soil properties can all affect the characteristics of these different soil carbon fractions. However, there has been little investigation into the interactive effects of biotic and abiotic [...] Read more.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is heterogeneous, consisting of fractions with differing turnover rates. Climate, vegetation, and soil properties can all affect the characteristics of these different soil carbon fractions. However, there has been little investigation into the interactive effects of biotic and abiotic drivers on a large spatial scale. In this study, we utilized data from the international soil radiocarbon database (ISRaD) to investigate the radiocarbon abundance (an indicator of carbon persistence) in soil fractions from several different biomes. Bulk SOC was categorized into three fractions according to the density fractionation method: a free light fraction (fLF), an occluded light fraction (oLF) and a heavy fraction (HF). In addition to the impacts of significant factors such as depth and climate, interactive effects between soil fractions and environmental factors on radiocarbon abundance were prevalent. Specifically, there were significant interactions between climate, vegetation types, soil properties, and soil fractions affecting Δ¹⁴C levels. The difference in Δ¹⁴C of the shallow depth fractions was significant in the temperate forest, and was not significant in the boreal and tropical forests. The interactive effect between mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) on Δ¹⁴C was significant in the shallower depth (i.e., 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) of the oLF and in the deeper soils (i.e., 30–60 cm and 60–100 cm) of the HF. Soil properties also interact with soil fractions in determining Δ¹⁴C. After accounting for depth effect, oxalate-extractable aluminum (Alo) accounted for 63.5% of the remaining Δ¹⁴C variation in the fLF and accounted for 35.9% of the remaining Δ¹⁴C variation in the oLF. Rather than Alo, cation exchange capacity (CEC) accounted for 46.1% of the remaining Δ¹⁴C variation in the HF. These findings suggest that the way the interactions between climate, vegetation, and soil properties affect soil carbon persistence at various fractional depths is critical for the accurate prediction of soil carbon dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soils for the Future)

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24 pages, 4336 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integrating Energy Systems Language and Emergy Approach to Simulate and Analyze the Energy Flow Process of Land Transfer

by Weiguo Fan, Wei Yao and Kehan Chen

Land 2023, 12(5), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051070 - 15 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

As an effective policy to revitalize rural land assets, land transfer is important to promote reforming rural land systems in poor areas. In this study, we integrated the energy systems language and emergy approach, quantified the energy flow process under the land transfer [...] Read more.

As an effective policy to revitalize rural land assets, land transfer is important to promote reforming rural land systems in poor areas. In this study, we integrated the energy systems language and emergy approach, quantified the energy flow process under the land transfer model, simulated the resource storage and energy flow state in the land transfer process, and finally compared and discussed the economic and ecological benefits of land transfer under different scenarios. The results show the following: (1) Economic benefits were significantly improved after the land transfer, and labor storage and infrastructure value were reduced. (2) Government investment enhanced the infrastructure value, and private investment led to a rapid reduction in labor storage. (3) Expanding apple orchards positively affected labor storage and infrastructure value and negatively influenced soil organic carbon storage and rural asset storage. (4) Land transfer behavior reduced the proportion of provisioning and supporting services and increased the proportion of regulating and cultural services. Overall, the research results are helpful for clarifying the complex mechanisms of the various components in the land transfer system and provide a scientific basis for the prediction and evaluation of land transfer in similar areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role Played by Agriculture in Inland Areas)

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20 pages, 1408 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multidimensional Role of Agrovoltaics in Era of EU Green Deal: Current Status and Analysis of Water–Energy–Food–Land Dependencies

by Aikaterini Roxani, Athanasios Zisos, Georgia-Konstantina Sakki and Andreas Efstratiadis

Land 2023, 12(5), 1069; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051069 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

The European Green Deal has set climate and energy targets for 2030 and the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while supporting energy independence and economic growth. Following these goals, and as expected, the transition to “green” renewable energy [...] Read more.

The European Green Deal has set climate and energy targets for 2030 and the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while supporting energy independence and economic growth. Following these goals, and as expected, the transition to “green” renewable energy is growing and will be intensified, in the near future. One of the main pillars of this transition, particularly for Mediterranean countries, is solar photovoltaic (PV) power. However, this is the least land-efficient energy source, while it is also highly competitive in food production, since solar parks are often developed in former agricultural areas, thus resulting in the systematic reduction in arable lands. Therefore, in the context of PV energy planning, the protection and preservation of arable lands should be considered a key issue. The emerging technology of agrovoltaics offers a balanced solution for both agricultural and renewable energy development. The sustainable “symbiosis” of food and energy under common lands also supports the specific objective of the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy, regarding the mitigation of and adaptation to the changing climate, as well as the highly uncertain socio-economic and geopolitical environment. The purpose of this study is twofold, i.e., (a) to identify the state of play of the technologies and energy efficiency measures of agrovoltaics, and (b) to present a comprehensive analysis of their interactions with the water–energy–food–land nexus. As a proof of concept, we consider the plain of Arta, which is a typical agricultural area of Greece, where we employ a parametric analysis to assess key features of agrovoltaic development with respect to energy vs. food production, as well as water saving, as result of reduced evapotranspiration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water-Energy-Food Nexus for Sustainable Land Management)

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17 pages, 4226 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Standardized Description of Degraded Land Reclamation Actions and Mapping of Actors’ Roles: A Key Step for Action in Combatting Desertification (Niger)

by Abou-Soufianou Sadda, Maud Loireau, Nouhou Salifou Jangorzo, Hassane Bil-Assanou Issoufou and Jean-Luc Chotte

Land 2023, 12(5), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051064 - 13 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2136

Abstract

Land degradation is a major issue in the Sahel region. Numerous investments have been made in implementing sustainable land management (SLM) actions to reverse land degradation. Our work aims to (i) describe the variety of degraded land reclamation actions (DLRAs) and (ii) map [...] Read more.

Land degradation is a major issue in the Sahel region. Numerous investments have been made in implementing sustainable land management (SLM) actions to reverse land degradation. Our work aims to (i) describe the variety of degraded land reclamation actions (DLRAs) and (ii) map the stakeholders acting in Niger. A time series (2008–2021) of georeferenced public data was collected and organized using a harmonized nomenclature. The results show that about 279,074 ha could be analysed in our study. Dug structures are the most widespread technique, while treated land is mostly devoted to single agricultural or pastoral uses. DLRAs are unevenly distributed in the Niger. More than 100 stakeholders were part of the effort to restore degraded land in the country—some playing a specific role, while others, such as the Government of the Niger, were responsible for mobilizing funds for implementing sustainable land management programs, while also carrying out certain programmes of their own. Our study points out the added value of creating a geolocalized dataset and, in future, a spatialized database management system to (i) deploy targeted sustainable land management actions complementing past and ongoing actions and (ii) create synergy between all the stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land, Innovation and Social Good 2.0)

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20 pages, 20614 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Evolution of Historic Agroforestry Landscape in the Northern Apennines (Italy) and Its Consequences for Slope Geomorphic Processes

by Filippo Brandolini, Chiara Compostella, Manuela Pelfini and Sam Turner

Land 2023, 12(5), 1054; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051054 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4462

Abstract

Historic agricultural practices have played a dominant role in shaping landscapes, creating a heritage which must be understood and conserved from the perspective of sustainable development. Agroforestry (i.e., the practice of combining trees with agriculture or livestock) has existed since ancient times in [...] Read more.

Historic agricultural practices have played a dominant role in shaping landscapes, creating a heritage which must be understood and conserved from the perspective of sustainable development. Agroforestry (i.e., the practice of combining trees with agriculture or livestock) has existed since ancient times in European countries, and it has been recognised as one of the most resilient and multifunctional cultural landscapes, providing a wide range of economic, sociocultural, and environmental benefits. This research explores aspects of the history, physical characteristics, decline, and current state of conservation of historic agroforestry systems on the Northern Apennines in Italy, using an interdisciplinary approach combining archival sources, landscape archaeology, dendrochronology, and GIS analysis. Furthermore, through computer-based modelling, this research aims to evaluate how the abandonment of this historic rural land-use strategy impacted slope geomorphic processes over the long term. The importance of environmental values attached to traditional rural landscapes has received much attention even beyond the heritage sector, justifying the definition of transdisciplinary approaches necessary to ensure the holistic management of landscapes. Through the integration of the Unit Stream Power-Based Erosion Deposition (USPED) equation with landscape archaeological data, the paper shows how restoring the historic agroforestry landscape could significantly mitigate soil mass movements in the area. Thus, the interdisciplinary workflow proposed in this study enables a deep understanding of both the historical evolution of agroforestry systems and its resulting effects for cumulative soil erosion and deposition in the face of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Historical Landscape Evolution)

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19 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Policy and Technological Innovations of Land Tenure on Small Landholders’ Credit-Worthiness: Evidence from Ethiopia

by Shewakena Aytenfisu Abab, Feyera Senbeta and Tamirat Tefera Negash

Land 2023, 12(5), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051055 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2593

Abstract

Since the early 2000s, Ethiopia has been implementing one of the largest land certification and digitalization programs in Africa, underpinned by technological and policy innovations. The reform indicates a promising avenue for increasing the collateralization of land use rights for smallholder households who [...] Read more.

Since the early 2000s, Ethiopia has been implementing one of the largest land certification and digitalization programs in Africa, underpinned by technological and policy innovations. The reform indicates a promising avenue for increasing the collateralization of land use rights for smallholder households who have been credit constrained. However, there is scant evidence to what extent these reforms have influenced access to credit. To help generate new insights and fill this gap, the study employed administrative data generated from 11 districts’ digital land registers, survey data from 2296 households in 19 districts, key informant interviews, and policy and legal framework review. Descriptive and inferential statistics complemented by qualitative explanations are employed to analyze the results of the study. The results revealed that accessibility of information from the digital rural land registers increased the credit-worthiness of small landholders and reduced transaction costs and risks. The reform related to collateralization of land use rights also incentivizes financial institutions to establish new loan products for small landholders. The study concludes that while the two-stage land certification programs allow smallholders to possess documented land rights, their credit-worthiness may likely remain negligible without further technological and policy innovations. This implies two policy issues: the need to reform secured transaction laws and digitalizing registries for higher land rights trade ability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land, Innovation and Social Good 2.0)

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18 pages, 4372 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Warm-Season Ground Surface Temperature—Surface Air Temperature Difference over China Mainland

by Yiwen Long and Guoyu Ren

Land 2023, 12(5), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051057 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

Examining large-scale characteristics of the difference between ground surface temperature (GST) and surface air temperature (SAT) and its long-term trend will help understand land surface energy exchange and the effect of land-atmosphere interaction on climate change and variability. Based on a homogenized monthly [...] Read more.

Examining large-scale characteristics of the difference between ground surface temperature (GST) and surface air temperature (SAT) and its long-term trend will help understand land surface energy exchange and the effect of land-atmosphere interaction on climate change and variability. Based on a homogenized monthly dataset of GST and SAT from 1961 to 2018, this study analyzes the spatial distribution and long-term trend of the difference between ground surface temperature and surface air temperature (GST–SAT) in the warm season (April to October) over China mainland. The results show that the warm-season mean GST–SAT in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northwestern deserts have the largest GST–SAT. On average, the GST–SAT in China is the greatest in summer, with the maximum monthly value occurring in July. During 1961–2018, the warm-season mean GST–SAT undergoes a significant increasing trend (0.04 °C/10yr, p < 0.01), with the largest increase seen in mid-late spring (April and May), and the smallest increase in August. Spatially, the GST–SAT increases significantly in the northern region, decreases slightly in the southern region, and remains unchanged in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The warm-season mean GST–SAT is significantly positively correlated with altitude and sunshine duration (R = 0.50, 0.40; p < 0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with relative humidity and precipitation (R = 0.48, −0.42; p < 0.05), in the country on a whole in the analysis period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land–Climate Interactions)

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21 pages, 3045 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

China’s Urban and Rural Development Significantly Affects the Pattern of Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production

by Tian Zhang, Jian Peng and Xiaoshu Cao

Land 2023, 12(5), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051062 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Increasing human activities have greatly influenced the ecosystem and the use of ecological resources, and the unbalanced urban–rural development in China (urban and rural areas being two major bases of human activities) has always been accompanied by heterogeneous ecological effects. Human appropriation of [...] Read more.

Increasing human activities have greatly influenced the ecosystem and the use of ecological resources, and the unbalanced urban–rural development in China (urban and rural areas being two major bases of human activities) has always been accompanied by heterogeneous ecological effects. Human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) is an integrated indicator quantifying the human domination of productivity and harvest in the biosphere. Identifying the unbalanced constraints of urban and rural development on HANPP has become necessary for improving human–land relationships. This study analyzed the spatial distribution and regional differentiations of the HANPP in China in 2015 and investigated how HANPP and its components responded to unbalanced regional urban–rural development. The results show that the total amount of HANPP was 2.68 PgC and gradually decreased from the southeast to the northwest of China in 2015, representing 60.33% of the NPP_pot. In addition, HANPP_luc, harvest through cropland, livestock grazing, and forestry contributed 60.70%, 29.86%, 8.53%, and 0.91%, respectively, to the total HANPP, with HANPP_luc playing the dominant role in 21 provinces. There was a significant differentiation (p < 0.05) in the spatial distribution of HANPP (gC/m²), HANPP_harv (gC/m²), and HANPP_luc (gC/m²), especially between the Huanyong Hu Line and the western–eastern part of China, fundamentally resulting from uneven regional development. In addition, biomass production–consumption decoupling existed in most regions in China, 17 provinces were identified as consumption type, and a universal positive correlation (p < 0.05) was identified between the production–consumption ratio of occupied biomass and HANPP_harv (%HANPP). Different drive mechanisms were found between urban–rural development and HANPP, and each HANPP index was more likely to be affected by urban economy (UE), rural population (RP), and rural agricultural technology (RA) in China. The higher regional average nighttime light intensity, the proportion of the built-up area, and the urban road area corresponded with a large HANPP_luc value. Conversely, HANPP would decrease as the proportion of urban green spaces increased. Furthermore, HANPP (%NPP_pot) and HANPP (gC/m²) mostly depended on the rural development index, while HANPP_luc and HANPP_harv were mainly controlled by urban and rural development, respectively. Our findings help understand, first, how unbalanced regional development influences human-induced biomass occupation, the comprehensive urban ecological construction, and rural ecological restoration and, second, that the overall planning of urban–rural integration development must be strengthened to face greater ecological pressures in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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30 pages, 12116 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Measuring Access to Services of General Interest as a Diagnostic Tool to Identify Well-Being Disparities between Rural Areas in Europe

by Mar Ortega-Reig, Carsten Schürmann, Adrian Ferrandis Martínez and Andrew Copus

Land 2023, 12(5), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051049 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2861

Abstract

The gradual reorientation of rural policy paradigms away from competitiveness and economic growth and towards well-being and sustainability creates a need for more appropriate diagnostic tools to assess disparities and policy outcomes. One of the most cited determinants of rural well-being is access [...] Read more.

The gradual reorientation of rural policy paradigms away from competitiveness and economic growth and towards well-being and sustainability creates a need for more appropriate diagnostic tools to assess disparities and policy outcomes. One of the most cited determinants of rural well-being is access to Services of General Interest. Areas with relatively poor access to services can be described as “inner peripheries”, and peripherisation literature provides helpful insights into the challenges faced and policy needs. This paper presents a methodology for modelling and mapping access to a suite of ten key services, covering all of Europe at a 2.5 km grid square level. The approach is intrinsically relative, comparing the travel time to services from each grid square with the average for surrounding regions. Maps are provided for 2017 and 2021, and changes between these dates are described. ‘Inner peripheries’ are found in every country, their configuration being influenced not only by geographical features, but also by service delivery practices. Further analysis explores patterns of risk, identifying areas in which service provision is in a precarious position. The results presented are rich in practical policy implications, not least the suggestion that, in terms of patterns of well-being, local roads are at least as important as trunk infrastructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Territorial Impact Analysis of Rural Policies: Approaches, Methods and Results from a Multidisciplinary Point of View)

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21 pages, 6322 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

On Farmland and Floodplains—Modeling Urban Growth Impacts Based on Global Population Scenarios in Pune, India

by Raphael Karutz, Christian J. A. Klassert and Sigrun Kabisch

Land 2023, 12(5), 1051; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051051 - 11 May 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3846

Abstract

Emerging megacities in the global south face unprecedented transformation dynamics, manifested in rapid demographic, economic, and physical growth. Anticipating the associated sustainability and resilience challenges requires an understanding of future trajectories. Global change models provide consistent high-level urbanization scenarios. City-scale urban growth models [...] Read more.

Emerging megacities in the global south face unprecedented transformation dynamics, manifested in rapid demographic, economic, and physical growth. Anticipating the associated sustainability and resilience challenges requires an understanding of future trajectories. Global change models provide consistent high-level urbanization scenarios. City-scale urban growth models accurately simulate complex physical growth. Modeling approaches linking the global and the local scale, however, are underdeveloped. This work introduces a novel approach to inform a local urban growth model by global Shared Socioeconomic Pathways to produce consistent maps of future urban expansion and population density via cellular automaton and dasymetric mapping. We demonstrate the approach for the case of Pune, India. Three scenarios are explored until 2050: business as usual (BAU), high, and low urbanization. After calibration and validation, the BAU scenario yields a 55% growth in Pune’s population and 90% in built-up extent, entailing significant impacts: Pune’s core city densifies further with up to 60,000 persons/km², adding pressure to its strained infrastructure. In addition, 66–70% more residents are exposed to flood risk. Half of the urban expansion replaces agriculture, converting 167 km² of land. The high-urbanization scenario intensifies these impacts. These results illustrate how spatially explicit scenario projections help identify impacts of urbanization and inform long-term planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Urban Contexts and Urban-Rural Interactions)

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12 pages, 3190 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Urban Grassland Afforestation as a Public Land Management Tool for Environmental Improvement: The Example of Krakow (Poland)

by Miłosz Podwika, Krystyna Ciarkowska and Katarzyna Solek-Podwika

Land 2023, 12(5), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051042 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1661

Abstract

Afforestation can play a significant role in greenhouse gas emission reduction through increased carbon (C) sequestration in the biomass and soil. However, its environmental effects, especially through changes in soil characteristics as a result of afforestation, are still poorly understood. In this work, [...] Read more.

Afforestation can play a significant role in greenhouse gas emission reduction through increased carbon (C) sequestration in the biomass and soil. However, its environmental effects, especially through changes in soil characteristics as a result of afforestation, are still poorly understood. In this work, we studied the response of grassland soils derived from two different parent materials to afforestation. We measured the basic soil properties, including pH, C accumulation, nutrient contents and enzyme activity, in soils from grasslands and mature forests. We focused on the parameters associated with organic matter and the changes resulting from afforestation. We established that in the humus layers, habitat played a more important role in creating the soil properties, including organic-C accumulation, than land use (forest vs. grassland). We created models to explain the C storage in the soils, which indicated the substantial role of certain conditions in promoting the stabilisation of the organic matter, such as pH, and the amount of clay, humines and residue. We determined negative changes in the soil properties when compared with grassland and forest soils, but we found increased C storage, which counteracts the increased emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The results of our work may be of use for afforestation planners and urban managers. Full article

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14 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Storage and Stability of Soil Organic Carbon in Two Temperate Forests in Northeastern China

by Dongwei Liu, Shanlong Li, Weixing Zhu, Yongyang Wang, Shasha Zhang and Yunting Fang

Land 2023, 12(5), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051019 - 6 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

Forests worldwide store large quantities of carbon (C), particularly in soils as soil organic C (SOC). In northeastern China, two dominant forest types, secondary mixed forest (MF) and larch plantation forest (LF), cover extensive areas. However, we lack an understanding of the patterns [...] Read more.

Forests worldwide store large quantities of carbon (C), particularly in soils as soil organic C (SOC). In northeastern China, two dominant forest types, secondary mixed forest (MF) and larch plantation forest (LF), cover extensive areas. However, we lack an understanding of the patterns and the mechanisms of SOC storage and stabilization in MF and LF, especially in deep soil layers. This research aims to illustrate the vertical distribution and mineral protection of SOC over soil depth; we also used δ¹³C values of soil fractions to evaluate SOC stability. Samples from the surface litter (O_i), organic layer (O_a+e), and 0–40 cm mineral soils were collected from both MF and LF plots. We used two different methods to separate bulk soils into distinguished fractions: (1) macro- and micro-aggregates and the non-aggregated fraction, and (2) particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). The C concentrations, C stocks, and δ¹³C of all soil fractions were determined. Our findings were as follows: (1) SOC was mainly stored in mineral soils and was 13.6% lower in LF (8609 ± 1180 g C m⁻²) than MF (9969 ± 2084 g C m⁻²). (2) In both MF and LF, the SOC stock was mainly stored in aggregates (averaged 92.7%); macroaggregates dominated in the surface layers (O_a+e layer and 0–10 cm) but microaggregates dominated in the deep layers (10–20 cm and 20–40 cm). In mineral soils, MAOM was the dominant fraction of the C stock (averaged 81.6%). (3) The proportion of C distributed in microaggregates and MAOM increased from O_a+e to the 20–40 cm layer. (4) The C/N ratios and δ¹³C values of MAOM were smaller and heavier compared to those of POM. Our study demonstrated that in both forests, aggregate formation and mineral association predominantly contributed to SOC storage, and large stocks of SOC were distributed in the deep soil. The increasing proportion of SOC in microaggregates and MAOM along the soil depth, most likely derived from microbial turnover and microbial necromass, influenced SOC stability in both forest types. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Effects on Carbon Storage and Greenhouse Gas Emissions)

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22 pages, 2631 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Land Use Structure Optimization and Ecological Benefit Evaluation in Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration Based on Carbon Neutrality

by Zhi Wang, Fengwan Zhang, Shaoquan Liu and Dingde Xu

Land 2023, 12(5), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051016 - 5 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Optimizing land use structure in urban agglomerations is essential to mitigating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. However, the studies on low-carbon (LC) land use in the urban agglomeration based on carbon neutrality are still limited and lack the consideration of the optimized [...] Read more.

Optimizing land use structure in urban agglomerations is essential to mitigating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. However, the studies on low-carbon (LC) land use in the urban agglomeration based on carbon neutrality are still limited and lack the consideration of the optimized land ecological benefits. To reduce land use carbon emissions (LUCEs) and improve the ecological benefits of urban agglomerations, we constructed the framework of land use structure optimization (LUSO) under carbon neutrality. Then, in view of land use quantity structure and spatial distribution, we compared the results of LUCEs and the ecological benefits of the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration (the CCUA) in 2030 under different scenarios. The results showed that in 2030, the LUCEs of the CCUA is 3481.6632 × 10⁴ t under the carbon neutral scenario (CN_Scenario), which is significantly lower than the baseline scenario (BL_Scenario) and 2020. In the CN_Scenario, the land use/cover change (LUCC) in the CCUA is more moderate, the aggregation degree of the forestland (FL), grassland (GL), wetland (WL), and water (WTR) patch area deepens, and the overall landscape spreading degree is increased, which is more conducive to play the ecological benefit of carbon sink land. The results can provide a reference for the more efficient use of land resource areas and the formulation of land use and spatial planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Land Use Transformation and Agricultural Sustainable Development II)

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25 pages, 1306 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Analysis of Neighborhood Sustainability Assessment Systems from the USA (LEED–ND), Germany (DGNB–UD), and India (GRIHA–LD)

by Swati Bahale and Thorsten Schuetze

Land 2023, 12(5), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051002 - 3 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3527

Abstract

Neighborhood sustainability assessment systems support the planning of sustainable and resilient cities. This research analyses, compares, and evaluates three neighborhood sustainability assessment systems (NSA) of (i) the German Sustainable Building Council for Urban Districts (DGNB–UD), (ii) the USA Leadership in energy and environmental [...] Read more.

Neighborhood sustainability assessment systems support the planning of sustainable and resilient cities. This research analyses, compares, and evaluates three neighborhood sustainability assessment systems (NSA) of (i) the German Sustainable Building Council for Urban Districts (DGNB–UD), (ii) the USA Leadership in energy and environmental design for Neighborhood Development (LEED–ND), and (iii) the Indian Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment for Large Developments (GRIHA–LD). The theoretical background, certification types, process, and evaluation methods of the three NSAs are discussed. The qualitative and quantitative comparative analysis and evaluation methods of the NSAs included identifying and assessing ten weighted essential urban sustainability themes. Indicators under each theme were identified and compared in the NSAs. The comparison showed the importance of particular themes based on assigned weights. LEED–ND focuses on “transportation” and “site planning”, while DGNB–UD addresses all dimensions of sustainability in a balanced manner. GRIHA–LD has limitations concerning social, economic, and governance concerns. The research results define differences and similarities in international neighborhood sustainability assessment and illustrate the quality and quantity differences of sustainability and resilience aspects addressed by the three existing NSA systems as a starting basis for the future improvement of existing and development of new land sustainability and resilience assessment systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Resilience and Urban Sustainability under Climate Change)

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17 pages, 4149 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Changes of Desertification and Its Driving Factors in the Gonghe Basin of North China over the Past 10 Years

by Hong Jia, Rui Wang, Hang Li, Baijian Diao, Hao Zheng, Lanlan Guo, Lianyou Liu and Jifu Liu

Land 2023, 12(5), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050998 - 1 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2462

Abstract

Desertification is one of the most severe environmental and socioeconomic issues facing the world today. Gonghe Basin is located in the monsoon marginal zone of China, is a sensitive area of climate change in the northeastern of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, desertification [...] Read more.

Desertification is one of the most severe environmental and socioeconomic issues facing the world today. Gonghe Basin is located in the monsoon marginal zone of China, is a sensitive area of climate change in the northeastern of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, desertification issue has become very severe. Remote sensing monitoring provides an effective technical means for desertification control. In this study, we used Landsat images in 2010 and 2020 to extract desertification information to constructed the Albedo-NDVI feature space in the Gonghe Basin. And then analyzed temporal and spatial evolution of desertification and its driving factors using Geodetector in the Gonghe Basin from 2010 to 2020. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Albedo-NDVI feature space method can accurately classify desertification information with accuracy of more than 90%, which was benefit to quantitative analysis of desertification. (2) The desertification situation in the Gonghe Basin had improved from 2010 to 2020, especially in the west of the basin, desertification land area decreased by 827.46 km², and desertification intensity had been obviously reversed. (3) The changes of the desertification in the Gonghe Basin from 2010 to 2020 was affected by both natural and human factors, and the influence of human activities on desertification reversal had increased gradually. The results indicate that the desertification status in the Gonghe Basin had been effectively controlled, and can provide useful basis for the desertification combat in the Gonghe Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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19 pages, 3119 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Anthropocene in the Aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark Schelde Delta Area: Geological History, Human Resilience and Future Landscape Management

by Sjoerd Kluiving and Ronald Waterman

Land 2023, 12(5), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050990 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2680

Abstract

In north-western Europe, the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers have created a large river delta over the past 3 million years. Geological phenomena in the Scheldt region in north-western Belgium and in the southern Netherlands testify from a highly dynamic landscape, showing a [...] Read more.

In north-western Europe, the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers have created a large river delta over the past 3 million years. Geological phenomena in the Scheldt region in north-western Belgium and in the southern Netherlands testify from a highly dynamic landscape, showing a range from very old (50 MY) to very young (recent) geological processes. The great diversity in geological processes and resulting landscapes is unprecedented on a global scale and has had its impact on the region’s cultural and economic history, shaping today’s reality in the global polycrisis. However, the area is usually observed by people as a flat and featureless type of terrain, although sometimes, unexpected elevation differences and sharp contrasts in landscapes occur alternating with omnipresent waterways. Therefore, here, the seven most conspicuous landforms are reviewed and presented in conjunction with the geological history of the area, including the typical lowland theme of the human battle against water. This study aims to (a) reconstruct the Tertiary and Quaternary to Holocene Dutch–Flemish Schelde Delta history, (b) review a cultural history that evolves into the present of the Anthropocene, and (c) project the desired future for sustainable landscapes in the aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark Schelde Delta between plural landscape management scenarios of Revitalised Land- and Waterscape and Improved Biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience in Historical Landscapes)

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18 pages, 1721 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nitrogenous and Phosphorus Soil Contents in Tierra del Fuego Forests: Relationships with Soil Organic Carbon, Climate, Vegetation and Landscape Metrics

by Guillermo Martínez Pastur, Marie-Claire Aravena Acuña, Jimena E. Chaves, Juan M. Cellini, Eduarda M. O. Silveira, Julián Rodriguez-Souilla, Axel von Müller, Ludmila La Manna, María V. Lencinas and Pablo L. Peri

Land 2023, 12(5), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050983 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2658

Abstract

Soil nitrogen (SN) and soil phosphorus (SP) contents support several ecosystem services and define the forest type distribution at local scale in Southern Patagonia. The quantification of nutrients during forest surveys requires soil samplings and estimations that are costly and difficult to measure. [...] Read more.

Soil nitrogen (SN) and soil phosphorus (SP) contents support several ecosystem services and define the forest type distribution at local scale in Southern Patagonia. The quantification of nutrients during forest surveys requires soil samplings and estimations that are costly and difficult to measure. For this, predictive models of soil nutrients are needed. The objective of this study was to quantify SN and SP contents (30 cm depth) using different modelling approaches based on climatic, topographic and vegetation variables. We used data from 728 stands of different forest types for linear regression models to map SN and SP. The fitted models captured the variability of forest types well (R²-adj. 92–98% for SN and 70–87% for SP). The means were 9.3 ton ha⁻¹ for SN and 124.3 kg ha⁻¹ for SP. Overall, SN values were higher in the deciduous forests than those in the mixed evergreen, while SP was the highest in the Nothofagus pumilio forests. SN and SP are relevant metrics for many applications, connecting major issues, such as forest management and conservation. With these models, the quantification of SN and SP stocks across forests of different protection status (National Law 26,331/07) and national/provincial reserve networks is possible, contributing to the determination of nutrient contents at landscape level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Carbon-Nitrogen-Water Relations in Forests)

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21 pages, 2236 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mixed Land Use as an Intrinsic Feature of Sprawl: A Short-Term Analysis of Settlement Growth and Population Distribution Using European Urban Atlas

by Alessia D’Agata, Giovanni Quaranta, Rosanna Salvia, Margherita Carlucci and Luca Salvati

Land 2023, 12(5), 972; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050972 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

This study investigates the land-use/population mix over time as the base to derive an indicator of urban sprawl. Land-use individual patches (provided by Urban Atlas, hereafter UA, with a detailed spatial geometry at 1:10,000 scale) were associated with the total (resident) population based [...] Read more.

This study investigates the land-use/population mix over time as the base to derive an indicator of urban sprawl. Land-use individual patches (provided by Urban Atlas, hereafter UA, with a detailed spatial geometry at 1:10,000 scale) were associated with the total (resident) population based on official statistics (census enumeration districts and other public data sources), providing a comprehensive mapping of the spatial distribution of population density by land-use class in a representative case study for the Mediterranean region (metropolitan Athens, Greece). Data analysis adopted a mix of statistical techniques, such as descriptive statistics, non-parametric curve interpolation (smoothing splines), and exploratory multivariate statistics, namely hierarchical clustering, non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and confirmative factor analysis. The results of this study indicate a non-linear gradient of density decline from downtown (dominated by compact settlements) to peripheral locations (dominated by natural land). Population density in agricultural land was locally high and increasing over time; this result suggests how mixed land use may be the base of intense sprawl in large metropolitan regions. The methodology implemented in this study can be generalized over the whole sample of European cities included in Urban Atlas, providing a semi-automatic assessment of exurban development and population re-distribution over larger metropolitan regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Urbanisation Dynamics Research Ⅱ)

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20 pages, 8866 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Computational Decision Support for Socio-Technical Awareness of Land-Use Planning under Complexity—A Dam Resilience Planning Case Study

by Andreas Tolk, Jennifer A. Richkus, F. LeRon Shults and Wesley J. Wildman

Land 2023, 12(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050952 - 25 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1954

Abstract

Land-use planning for modern societies requires technical competence as well as social competence. We therefore propose an integrative solution enabling better land-use planning and management through better-informed decision-making. We adapt a method developed for cross-disciplinary team building to identify the stakeholders and their [...] Read more.

Land-use planning for modern societies requires technical competence as well as social competence. We therefore propose an integrative solution enabling better land-use planning and management through better-informed decision-making. We adapt a method developed for cross-disciplinary team building to identify the stakeholders and their various objectives and value systems. We use these results to populate artificial societies embedded into a dynamic data analytics framework as a tool to identify, explore, and visualize the challenges resulting from the different objectives and value systems in land-use planning and management. To prove the feasibility of the proposed solution, we present two use cases from the dam resilience planning domain, show how to apply the process and tools, and present the results. The solution is not limited to such use cases but can be generalized to address challenges in socio-technical systems, such as water resource evaluations or climate change effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Land Systems Mapping and Monitoring under Global Environmental Changes)

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20 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Government Support and Social Networks on Peasants’ Effective Participation in High-Standard Farmland Construction: Evidence from Yancheng City, China

by Huawei Zheng, Kunyu Lou, Yuanyuan Yang, Han Wang and Yong Lu

Land 2023, 12(5), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050955 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

The effective participation of peasants can raise the quality of high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) in China. How to avoid inefficient participation is an urgent issue that needs to be solved in the field of HSFC. However, the factors that influence peasants’ effective participation [...] Read more.

The effective participation of peasants can raise the quality of high-standard farmland construction (HSFC) in China. How to avoid inefficient participation is an urgent issue that needs to be solved in the field of HSFC. However, the factors that influence peasants’ effective participation in the HSFC remains to be further studied. This study used factor analysis and a comprehensive evaluation method to calculate social networks and the level of peasants’ effective participation in HSFC based on a survey dataset of 347 peasants in Yancheng City, China. The influence of information support, incentive support, constraint support, network interaction, network trust, and network norms on the level of peasants’ effective participation in HSFC was analyzed using an ordered logistic model. The results of the study indicate that: (1) The overall level of peasants’ effective participation in the HSFC is at a “medium” level, and the level of peasants’ effective participation needs to be further raised. (2) Government support considerably influences peasants’ effective participation in HSFC. Information support, incentive support, and constraint support significantly impact peasants’ effective participation in HSFC. (3) Social networks possess a significant positive impact on the level of peasants’ effective participation in HSFC, with the core variables contributing to peasants’ effective participation in the order of network interaction, network trust, and network norms. (4) Peasants’ cognition significantly impacts peasants’ effective participation in HSFC. Therefore, to enhance the level of peasants’ effective participation in HSFC, it is suggested to further improve government information support, incentive support, and constraint support; strengthen network interaction, enhance network trust, improve network norms, and effectively play the role of social networks; and to strengthen peasants’ education and training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rural Land Use Transformation and Agricultural Sustainable Development II)

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23 pages, 21144 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modeling of Gully Erosion in Ethiopia as Influenced by Changes in Rainfall and Land Use Management Practices

by Tadesual Asamin Setargie, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Mitsuru Tsubo, Mauro Rossi, Francesca Ardizzone, Matthias Vanmaercke, Sofie De Geeter, Ayele Almaw Fenta, Kindiye Ebabu, Mesenbet Yibeltal, Mulatu Liyew Berihun, Dagnenet Sultan, Benedict Nzioki and Taye Minichil Meshesha

Land 2023, 12(5), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050947 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3675

Abstract

Gully erosion is one of the most extreme land degradation processes that exhibit spatial and temporal variation depending on topography, soil, climate, and land use and management characteristics. This study investigated the impact of changes in rainfall, land use/land cover (LULC), and land [...] Read more.

Gully erosion is one of the most extreme land degradation processes that exhibit spatial and temporal variation depending on topography, soil, climate, and land use and management characteristics. This study investigated the impact of changes in rainfall, land use/land cover (LULC), and land use management (LUM) practices on gully erosion in two midland watersheds (treated Kecha and untreated Laguna) in the Upper Blue Nile basin of Ethiopia by using the LANDPLANER model in combination with intensive field measurements and remote sensing products. We simulated gully erosion under past (in 2005), present (in 2021), and three potential future curve number conditions, each time under four rainfall scenarios (10, 30, 60, and 100 mm) using the dynamic erosion index (e), static topographic (esp), and erosion channel (esp_channel) thresholds. Density plot analyses showed that gullies frequently occur in low-lying gentle slope areas with relatively higher curve number values. The best predictions of gullies identified through true positive rates (TPR) and true negative rates (TNR) were achieved considering the static esp_channel > 1 for Kecha (TPR = 0.667 and TNR = 0.544) and the dynamic e > 0.1 for 60 mm of rainfall in Laguna (TPR = 0.769 and TNR = 0.516). Despite the 10 mm rainfall having negligible erosion-triggering potential in both watersheds, the 60 and 100 mm rainfall scenarios were 4–5 and 10–17 times, respectively, higher than the 30 mm rainfall scenario. While the LULC change in the untreated Laguna watershed increased the impact of rainfall on gully initiation by only 0–2% between 2005 and 2021, the combination of LULC and LUM significantly reduced the impact of rainfall in the treated Kecha watershed by 64–79%. Similarly, the gully initiation area in Kecha was reduced by 28% (from 33% in 2005 to 5% in 2021) due to changes in LULC and LUM practices, whereas Laguna showed little increment by only 1% (from 42% in 2005 to 43% in 2021) due to LULC change. In addition, the future predicted alternative land use planning options showed that gully initiation areas in Laguna could be reduced by 1% with only LULC conversion; 39% when only LUM practices were implemented; and 37% when both were combined. These results indicate that LUM practices outweigh the impact of LULC on gully erosion in the studied paired watersheds. Overall, LANDPLANER successfully simulated the spatio-temporal variation of gully erosion with scenario-based analyses and hence can be used to predict gullies in the study area and other data-scarce regions with similar agro-ecological settings. Full article

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18 pages, 3826 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sustainability Consequences of Making Land Change Decisions Based on Current Climatology in the Brazilian Cerrados

by Daniel S. Silva and Eugenio Y. Arima

Land 2023, 12(4), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040914 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3481

Abstract

Brazil is one of the largest suppliers of commodities in the world, partly due to the agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savannas (also known as Cerrado) that began in the 1970s. However, as areas with better soil and climate for agriculture become scarce, [...] Read more.

Brazil is one of the largest suppliers of commodities in the world, partly due to the agricultural expansion in the Brazilian savannas (also known as Cerrado) that began in the 1970s. However, as areas with better soil and climate for agriculture become scarce, farmers have been advancing to the ecotone between the savanna and xeric shrubland, where precipitation is less reliable for rainfed agriculture. The expected increase in temperature will lead to extended drought periods, with negative consequences for surface and groundwater resources. This study explores the hazards associated with making land-use decisions based on current climatology in regions where projected increases in temperature and reductions in water availability are anticipated to pose significant challenges to rainfed agriculture in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. We modeled future farmland expansion and how that matches with future climate change predictions (2016–2046). According to our estimates, at least 129 thousand km² of cropland and 418 thousand km² of pastures will be added in places with projected higher annual temperatures ranging from 26–30 °C. This is equivalent to ~60% of the current agricultural areas, and a novel agro-climatology will emerge for the Cerrado biome. Therefore, we discuss the agro-environmental policies that are pushing and pulling farmland expansion in the Cerrado. For instance, payments for environmental services could support the conservation of native vegetation on private land in regions with the highest temperature increases and deforestation risks. Moreover, in areas with expected reduced water yields, such as in the western Cerrado, the protection of riparian vegetation and strict regulation of water use could mitigate future risks to agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Savanna Variation in Form and Function: Theory & Practice)

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17 pages, 33463 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Vulnerability of Wheat Crops to Flooding Outweighs Benefits from Precision Farming and Agroecology Practices: A Case Study in Central Italy

by Enrico Santangelo, Claudio Beni, Loredana Oreti, Adriano Palma and Marco Bascietto

Land 2023, 12(4), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040915 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2522

Abstract

This study aimed at testing whether the integration of precision farming (PF) and agroecological practices could influence wheat yield in the short term on soils exposed to varying degrees of risk from flooding. The study embraced two years (2018–2019 and 2020–2021) of wheat [...] Read more.

This study aimed at testing whether the integration of precision farming (PF) and agroecological practices could influence wheat yield in the short term on soils exposed to varying degrees of risk from flooding. The study embraced two years (2018–2019 and 2020–2021) of wheat cultivation in Central Italy. A two-way factorial grid with agronomic practice (two levels: agroecology vs. conventional on-farm management) and soil vulnerability to flooding (three levels: extreme, mild, non-vulnerable) as factors was set up. The agroecology level included a number of agroecology practices (rotation, use of nitrogen-fixing crops, mulching, and reduction in chemical fertilization). Crop phenology and photosynthetic activity of wheat was monitored by remotely-sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Grain yield was estimated at twenty sampling points at the end of year 2. A flooding event occurred during year 2, which led to significantly lower photosynthetic activity compared to year 1 in extremely vulnerable plots regardless of agronomic practices. Grain yield measurements confirmed that vulnerability was the sole factor significantly affecting yield. The study concludes that food security on vulnerable land can be guaranteed only when precision farming and agroecological practices are coupled with water management techniques that strengthen the resilience of vulnerable soils to floods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land–Climate Interactions)

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21 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Periphery and Integrated Planning: Coping with Rural and Touristic Challenges across Scales in the German Wadden Sea Region

by Nora Mehnen, Ingo Mose, Peter Schaal, Frans Sijtsma, José Muñoz-Rojas, Mariia Fedoriak and Per Angelstam

Land 2023, 12(4), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040904 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2944

Abstract

Rural landscapes face multiple challenges, but they can be attractive for developing nature-based tourism. Encouraging place-based participatory governance in local communities represents a relevant transdisciplinary landscape approach. In this study, we map (1) rural and touristic challenges and (2) coping strategies in peripheral–rural [...] Read more.

Rural landscapes face multiple challenges, but they can be attractive for developing nature-based tourism. Encouraging place-based participatory governance in local communities represents a relevant transdisciplinary landscape approach. In this study, we map (1) rural and touristic challenges and (2) coping strategies in peripheral–rural municipalities, and we (3) discuss the need for integration of local and regional-level actions. Two island and two mainland municipalities with different demographic profiles and different degrees of touristic specialization in the German Wadden Sea Region were selected as case studies. Through meetings and interviews we mapped perceived challenges and analyzed policies and other coping strategies. We then discuss the need for integration at multiple scales. Island municipalities were more exposed to tourism development challenges than mainland municipalities. Securing public services and welfare, and the sustainable conservation of ecological green infrastructures were particularly challenging. Applying a participatory approach was a coping strategy at the local level. However, there is a need for activities at multiple scales. In coping with rural development challenges, local level participatory approaches and regional planning complement each other. Combination and integration of local and regional-level concepts should be encouraged to support collaborative learning through evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversifying Forest Landscape Management Approaches)

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25 pages, 9057 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biogeophysical Effects of Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes in South Asia: An Analysis of CMIP6 Models

by Juliana Freitas Santos, Udo Schickhoff, Shabeh ul Hasson and Jürgen Böhner

Land 2023, 12(4), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040880 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4298

Abstract

The identification of the biogeophysical effects due to land-use, land-cover, and land- management changes (LULCC) is yet to be clearly understood. A range of factors, such as the inclusion of an interactive ocean model component, representation of land management, transient LULCC, and accountability [...] Read more.

The identification of the biogeophysical effects due to land-use, land-cover, and land- management changes (LULCC) is yet to be clearly understood. A range of factors, such as the inclusion of an interactive ocean model component, representation of land management, transient LULCC, and accountability for atmospheric feedback, potentially shifts how models may detect the impacts of the land surface on the climate system. Previous studies on the biogeophysical effects of LULCC in South Asia have either neglected one of those factors or are single model results. Therefore, we analyzed the outputs from 11 models, participants of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project in its Sixth Phase (CMIP6), which derived from experiments with and without LULCC and compared the two simulations with respect to changes in near-surface temperature and total precipitation means. The CMIP6 simulations, to a certain extent, accounted for the elements previously overlooked. We examined the grid cells that robustly indicated a climatic impact from LULCC. Additionally, we investigated the atmospheric feedback and the dominant fluxes with their associated land surface variables involved in the changes in temperature and precipitation. Our results indicated that the biogeophysical effects from LULCC favored surface net cooling and surface net drying over the robust areas at all seasons. The surface net cooling was strongly influenced by the decrease in available energy and the increase in latent heat and total evapotranspiration. Surface net drying was highly promoted by local hydrological processes, especially in areas outside the monsoon core. The study also revealed that non-local sources might influence precipitation in some parts of South Asia, although this was inconclusive. Our research presented similar results to previous studies but with different magnitudes, which highlighted the added value of CMIP6-GCMs simulations but also their pitfalls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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19 pages, 11033 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Determining the Extent of Soil Degradation Processes Using Trend Analyses at a Regional Multispectral Scale

by Mohamed A. E. AbdelRahman, Mohamed R. Metwalli, Maofang Gao, Francesco Toscano, Costanza Fiorentino, Antonio Scopa and Paola D’Antonio

Land 2023, 12(4), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040855 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3668

Abstract

In order to ensure the sustainability of production from agricultural lands, the degradation processes surrounding the fertile land environment must be monitored. Human-induced risk and status of soil degradation (SD) were assessed in the Northern-Eastern part of the Nile delta using trend analyses [...] Read more.

In order to ensure the sustainability of production from agricultural lands, the degradation processes surrounding the fertile land environment must be monitored. Human-induced risk and status of soil degradation (SD) were assessed in the Northern-Eastern part of the Nile delta using trend analyses for years 2013 to 2023. SD hotspot areas were identified using time-series analysis of satellite-derived indices as a small fraction of the difference between the observed indices and the geostatistical analyses projected from the soil data. The method operated on the assumption that the negative trend of photosynthetic capacity of plants is an indicator of SD independently of climate variability. Combinations of soil, water, and vegetation’s indices were integrated to achieve the goals of the study. Thirteen soil profiles were dug in the hotspots areas. The soil was affected by salinity and alkalinity risks ranging from slight to strong, while compaction and waterlogging ranged from slight to moderate. According to the GIS-model results, 30% of the soils were subject to slight degradation threats, 50% were subject to strong risks, and 20% were subject to moderate risks. The primary human-caused sources of SD are excessive irrigation, poor conservation practices, improper utilisation of heavy machines, and insufficient drainage. Electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable soil percentage (ESP), bulk density (BD), and water table depth were the main causes of SD in the area. Generally, chemical degradation risks were low, while physical risks were very high in the area. Trend analyses of remote sensing indices (RSI) proved to be effective and accurate tools to monitor environmental dynamic changes. Principal components analyses were used to compare and prioritise among the used RSI. RSI pixel-wise residual trend indicated SD areas were related to soil data. The spatial and temporal trends of the indices in the region followed the patterns of drought, salinity, soil moisture, and the difficulties in separating the impacts of drought and submerged on SD on vegetation photosynthetic capacity. Therefore, future studies of land degradation and desertification should proceed using indices as a factor predictor of SD analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measurement of Within-Field Spatial Variability for Evaluating Soil Degradation)

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