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Keywords = forest and grassland ecological space

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15 pages, 3200 KiB  
Review
Research Hotspots and Trends in Soil Infiltration at the Watershed Scale Using the SWAT Model: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Yuxin Ouyang, S. M. Asik Ullah and Chika Takatori
Water 2025, 17(14), 2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142119 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
Understanding soil infiltration at the watershed level is crucial to hydrological studies, as it significantly influences surface runoff, groundwater replenishment, and ecosystem sustainability. Research in this area—particularly employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)—has seen sustained scholarly interest, with an upward trend [...] Read more.
Understanding soil infiltration at the watershed level is crucial to hydrological studies, as it significantly influences surface runoff, groundwater replenishment, and ecosystem sustainability. Research in this area—particularly employing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)—has seen sustained scholarly interest, with an upward trend in related publications. This study analyzed 141 peer-reviewed articles from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection. By applying bibliometric techniques through CiteSpace visualization software, it explored the key themes and emerging directions in the use of the SWAT model for soil infiltration studies across watersheds. Findings revealed that this field integrates multiple disciplines. Notably, the Journal of Hydrology and Hydrological Processes emerged as two of the most impactful publication venues. Researchers and institutions from the United States, China, and Ethiopia were the core contributors to this area. “Land use” and “climate change” are currently the hotspots of interest in this field. There are three development trends: (1) The scale of research is continuously expanding. (2) The research subjects are diversified, ranging from initially focusing on agricultural watersheds to surrounding areas such as hillsides, grasslands, and forests. (3) The research content becomes more systematic, emphasizing regional coordination and ecological sustainability. Overall, the research on soil infiltration at the watershed scale using the SWAT model presents a promising and thriving field. This study provides researchers with a framework that objectively presents the research hotspots and trends in this area, serving as a valuable resource for advancing academic inquiry in this domain. Full article
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20 pages, 3731 KiB  
Article
Can Fire Season Type Serve as a Critical Factor in Fire Regime Classification System in China?
by Huijuan Li, Sumei Zhang, Xugang Lian, Yuan Zhang and Fengfeng Zhao
Fire 2025, 8(7), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/fire8070254 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 285
Abstract
Fire regime (FR) is a key element in the study of ecosystem dynamics, supporting natural resource management planning by identifying gaps in fire patterns in time and space and planning to assess ecological conditions. Due to the insufficient consideration of integrated characterization factors, [...] Read more.
Fire regime (FR) is a key element in the study of ecosystem dynamics, supporting natural resource management planning by identifying gaps in fire patterns in time and space and planning to assess ecological conditions. Due to the insufficient consideration of integrated characterization factors, especially the insufficient research on fire season types (FST), the current understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of fire patterns in China is still limited, and it is necessary to use FST as a key dimension to classify FR zones more accurately. This study extracted 13 fire characteristic variables based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned area data (MCD64A1), active fire data (MODIS Collection 6), and land cover data (MCD12Q1) from 2001 to 2023. The study systematically analyzed the frequency, intensity, spatial distribution and seasonal characteristics of fires across China. By using data normalization and the k-means clustering algorithm, the study area was divided into five types of FR zones (FR 1–5) with significant differences. The burned areas of the five FR zones account for 67.76%, 13.88%, 4.87%, 12.94%, and 0.55% of the total burned area across the country over the 23-year study period, respectively. Among them, fires in the Northeast China Plain and North China Plain cropland areas (FR 1) exhibit a bimodal distribution, with the peak period concentrated in April and June, respectively; the southern forest and savanna region (FR 2) is dominated by high-frequency, small-scale, unimodal fires, peaking in February; the central grassland region (FR 3) experiences high-intensity, low-frequency fires, with a peak in April; the east central forest region (FR 4) is characterized by low-frequency, high-intensity fires; and the western grassland region (FR 5) experiences low-frequency fires with significant inter-annual fluctuations. Among the five zones, FST consistently ranks within the top five contributors, with contribution rates of 0.39, 0.31, 0.44, 0.27, and 0.55, respectively, confirming that the inclusion of FST is a reasonable and necessary choice when constructing FR zones. By integrating multi-source remote sensing data, this study has established a novel FR classification system that encompasses fire frequency, intensity, and particularly FST. This approach transcends the traditional single-factor classification, demonstrating that seasonal characteristics are indispensable for accurately delineating fire conditions. The resultant zoning system effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional methods, providing a scientific basis for localized fire risk warning and differentiated prevention and control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Remote Sensing for Burned Area Mapping)
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19 pages, 4115 KiB  
Article
Status Identification and Restoration Zoning of Ecological Space in Maowusu Sandy Land Based on Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Land Use
by Tiejun Zhang, Peng Xiao, Zhenqi Yang and Jianying Guo
Agronomy 2025, 15(6), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15061445 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 380
Abstract
Maowusu sandy land is characterized by a fragile ecological environment and extreme sensitivity to external disturbances such as climate change and human activities. Identifying and zoning ecological spaces in this region are crucial for maintaining eco-environmental safety and promoting sustainable regional development. With [...] Read more.
Maowusu sandy land is characterized by a fragile ecological environment and extreme sensitivity to external disturbances such as climate change and human activities. Identifying and zoning ecological spaces in this region are crucial for maintaining eco-environmental safety and promoting sustainable regional development. With Maowusu sandy land as the study object, the temporal and spatial characteristics of land use and the driving forces were explored via spatial analysis technology—the geographic information system. Then, a 2D relation judgment matrix was constructed by evaluating the importance of ecosystem service functions and ecological sensitivity. Next, restoration zoning of natural ecological space was performed, and relevant restoration suggestions were put forward accordingly. Results show that the land use in Maowusu sandy land has significantly changed in the past 30 years, with construction land and forest continuously expanding, cropland and grassland being squeezed, and some areas of unutilized land being transformed into other land use types. Ecosystem service functions tend to weaken from southwest to northeast, whereas the ecologically sensitive zones are mainly distributed in the middle of Maowusu sandy land. The high-importance and high-sensitivity zones of natural ecological space account for 3.60% of the total area of natural ecological space, mainly distributed near Ejin Horo Banner. A comprehensive restoration project of soil and water conservation should be conducted in this zone to alleviate soil erosion and maintain the management and restoration of ecological protection red lines. Moderately important sensitive zones account for the largest proportion (80.42%) of the total area of natural ecological space, being widely distributed. In such zones, water resources should be taken as constraints, with emphasis on ecological protection and improvement measures. Low-importance and low-sensitivity zones account for the smallest proportion, in which ecosystem protection, near-natural restoration, and moderate development and utilization should be carried out. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for reasonably protecting natural ecological resources and promoting the healthy and ordered development of natural ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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20 pages, 6222 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Prediction of Carbon Storage in Karst Fault Basin Based on FLUS and InVEST Models
by Jiabin Zhang, Rong Tang, Wenting Liu, Guobao Zhang, Xiangru Hao, Yaguang Gong, Ying Zhou and Yuanhui Yang
Sustainability 2025, 17(9), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093931 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 457
Abstract
Karst topography comprises a fragile ecological environment with a significant potential for carbon sequestration. It is characterized by severe rocky desertification, particularly in China’s karst fault basin. Therefore, there is a crucial need to scientifically evaluate the variations in carbon storage over time [...] Read more.
Karst topography comprises a fragile ecological environment with a significant potential for carbon sequestration. It is characterized by severe rocky desertification, particularly in China’s karst fault basin. Therefore, there is a crucial need to scientifically evaluate the variations in carbon storage over time and space in this area to ensure effective land space planning and regional ecological security, especially considering the dual carbon target. Using land use data (1985–2020) from the karst fault basin in Southwest China, the study employed the InVEST model to evaluate temporal and spatial variations in carbon storage. A time span of 35 years was examined, and predictions regarding carbon storage in 2050 were formulated under three different conditions: natural evolution, ecological protection, and cultivated land protection. These predictions were based on natural, social, and economic driving factors. The results revealed a fluctuating downward trend in regards to carbon storage in the study area from 1985 to 2020, with a total decrease of 2.1 × 106 t. After 2000, there has been significant improvement in the dynamic degree of land use for forest land, grassland, and construction land compared to the levels before 2000. Additionally, many land use types with high carbon density transitioned into those with lower carbon density. Spatially, the carbon density in the karst fault basin was higher in the north and lower in the central and southern basins. At the county spatial scale, except for the northern and central parts of the study area, there was a decrease in total carbon storage in the remaining counties. By 2050, under the ecological protection scenario, total carbon storage is projected to increase by approximately 6 × 106 t, whereas under the natural evolution and cultivated land protection scenarios, it is expected to decrease by 2 × 106 t and 3 × 106 t, respectively. Specifically, under the natural evolution scenario, only five counties will experience an increase in carbon storage, while the other counties will witness a decrease. The findings of this study offer a scientific basis for enhancing ecosystem carbon services through land management practices and the control of rocky desertification in the karst fault basin. They can inform decision-making processes regarding carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land use planning in the region. Full article
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16 pages, 17622 KiB  
Article
Knowledge Map-Based Analysis of Carbon Sequestration Research Dynamics in Forest and Grass Systems: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Quanlin Ma, Xinyou Wang, Baoru Mo, Zaiguo Liu, Yangjun Zhang, Wenzheng Zong and Meiting Bai
Atmosphere 2025, 16(4), 474; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16040474 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 508
Abstract
Forest and grass systems are globally significant carbon-sequestering ecosystems, crucial for mitigating climate change and optimizing ecological management. To clarify the research history, major contributing groups, and research hotspots related to carbon sequestration in global forest and grass systems, this study utilizes the [...] Read more.
Forest and grass systems are globally significant carbon-sequestering ecosystems, crucial for mitigating climate change and optimizing ecological management. To clarify the research history, major contributing groups, and research hotspots related to carbon sequestration in global forest and grass systems, this study utilizes the core ensemble of the Web of Science database as its data source. Employing bibliometric methodology and software, such as VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 5.7.R1, we analyzed the development of 594 relevant publications from 2010 to 2024, focusing on their developmental lineage, research groups, current research status, and visualizing and analyzing research hotspots and frontiers. The results indicate that the volume of the literature on carbon sequestration in forest and grass systems generally follows the pattern of a logistic growth curve, demonstrating an upward trend from 2010 to 2024. The primary contributors consist of 400 researchers, including Nath, Arun Jyoti, and Ajit, as well as 378 research organizations across 42 countries, including China, the USA, and India. China’s contribution to this field is rapidly increasing, accounting for over 20% of the total articles, with ‘Chinese Acad Sci’ and ‘Univ Chinese Acad Sci’ being the most prominent contributors, together representing 10.45% of the total publications in this field. The 179 journals, including Agroforestry Systems and Forests, serve as a significant platform for academic exchange in the development of this field. The predominant research directions are found in the areas of ‘Environmental Sciences & Ecology’ and ‘Agriculture’, which collectively account for over 50% of the publications. Additionally, research focused on ‘Sequestration’ is increasingly examining the relationship between carbon sequestration in forest and grassland systems and factors such as climate change, ecosystem productivity, and biodiversity. The keyword clusters ‘#0 ferralsol’ and ‘#4 forest ecosystem’ have consistently represented important research directions throughout this period. A total of 21 keywords were identified, with ‘land use change’ exhibiting the highest intensity at 4.4524. Future research should not only prioritize the integration of the impacts of global climate change but also enhance collaboration among authors and institutions. Furthermore, it is essential to promote multidisciplinary and cross-regional collaborative innovations by leveraging emerging technologies such as AI and genetic engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystems in a Changing Climate)
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21 pages, 5407 KiB  
Article
Quantification and Analysis of Factors Influencing Territorial Spatial Conflicts in the Gully Region of the Loess Plateau: A Case Study of Qingyang City, Gansu Province, China
by Meijuan Zhang and Xianglong Tang
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3552; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083552 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 500
Abstract
The gullied Loess Plateau, a region characterized by the overlapping of ecological fragility and energy abundance in China, requires urgent analysis of its territorial spatial conflict mechanisms to harmonize human–environment relationships. This study integrated multi-temporal remote sensing data (1990–2020) to develop a Comprehensive [...] Read more.
The gullied Loess Plateau, a region characterized by the overlapping of ecological fragility and energy abundance in China, requires urgent analysis of its territorial spatial conflict mechanisms to harmonize human–environment relationships. This study integrated multi-temporal remote sensing data (1990–2020) to develop a Comprehensive Spatial Conflict Index (CSCI) and applied the Optimal Parameter-based Geographical Detector (OPGD) to unravel the driving mechanisms of territorial spatial evolution in Qingyang City, Gansu Province. The results revealed that: (1) Territorial spaces exhibit a transition pattern of ecological restoration, urban expansion, and agricultural contraction. Forest and grassland ecological spaces increased by 1.42 percentage points (to 13.14%) and 1.26 percentage points (to 49.29%), respectively, while industrial-mining production spaces expanded sevenfold (0.01% to 0.08%), and agricultural production spaces decreased by 3.36 percentage points. (2) Spatial conflicts transitioned through three phases: ① A low-intensity stabilization phase (1990–2000), with 90.55% of areas under weak and moderately weak conflict (CSCI ≤ 0.4); ② A moderate conflict contraction phase (2000–2010), where weak conflict zones surged by 28.18 percentage points (13.06% → 41.24%), with moderate and moderately weak spatial conflict (0.2–0.6) decreasing by 28.27 percentage points (86.06% → 57.79%); ③ A moderately strong to strong expansion phase (2010–2020), with moderate and moderately strong conflict areas rising to 16.82%. Strong conflict zones (CSCI ≥ 0.8) expanded to 0.61%, spatially clustered in the Xifeng urban area and the Malian–Pu River corridor, showing significant positive correlations with gully density (>3.5 km∙km−2) and nighttime light index (NL). (3) The interaction between NDVI and land use intensity (LUI) dominated conflict patterns (q = 0.2583). In northern energy development zones (Huanxian County), LUI and precipitation (PRE) synergistically intensified landslide risks, while facility agriculture in central plateau farmlands (Ningxian County) triggered groundwater overexploitation. The coupling of road density (RND) and population (POP) factors (q = 0.1892) formed a transportation–population axial belt compression. Policy interventions exhibited spatial heterogeneity: the Grain-for-Green Program increased weak conflict zones by 28.18 percentage points, whereas wind power development in the Huanxian–Huachi northern belt escalated moderately strong to strong conflict zones by 3.6 percentage points. A three-dimensional governance framework integrating geomorphological adaptation, development phasing, and ecological compensation is proposed to optimize territorial spatial planning in the gullied Loess Plateau. Full article
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22 pages, 4571 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Analysis and Multi-Scenarios Simulation of Ecosystem Service Values in Typical Karst River Basins
by Shishu Lian, Anjun Lan, Zemeng Fan, Bingcheng Feng and Kuisong Xiao
Land 2025, 14(4), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040824 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 494
Abstract
This study, guided by the concept hat “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, focuses on explicating the ecological vulnerability characteristics of the Nanpan and Beipan River Basins, a typical karst river basin in Guizhou Province. In this article, a value equivalent [...] Read more.
This study, guided by the concept hat “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, focuses on explicating the ecological vulnerability characteristics of the Nanpan and Beipan River Basins, a typical karst river basin in Guizhou Province. In this article, a value equivalent table was built to calculate the ecosystem service value (ESV) within the basin from 2000 to 2020. The patch landscape and urban simulation model (PLUS) was improved to forecast ecosystem changes under four scenarios in the future. The Getis-Ord Gi*statistic, a spatial analysis tool, was introduced to identify and interpret the spatial patterns of ESVs in the study area. The research indicates that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, the spatial pattern of ecosystem has significantly improved, and with a notable ESV increase in the Nanpan and Beipan River Basins, especially the fastest growth from 2005 to 2010. Forest and grassland ecosystems are the main contributors to ESV within the basin, and the spatial distribution of ESV shows a decreasing trend from southeast to northwest. (2) Under different scenarios, forest ecosystem still would have the highest contribution rate to update the ESV between 2010 and 2035. The ESV is the lowest under the cropland protection scenario, amounting to CNY 104.972 billion. Compared to other scenarios, the ESV is higher under the sustainable development scenario, reaching CNY 106.786 billion, and this scenario provides a more comprehensive and balanced perspective, relatively achieving a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. (3) The hot spots of ESV are mainly concentrated in the southeast and along the riverbanks of the study area. Urban ecosystems are the cold spots of ESV, indicating that protecting the ecosystems along the riverbanks is crucial for ensuring the ecological security and sustainable development of karst mountainous river basins. In the future development of karst mountainous river basins, it is necessary to strengthen ecological restoration and governance, monitor soil erosion through remote sensing technology, optimize the layout of territorial space to implement the policy of green development, and promote the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, ensuring the ecological security and sustainable development of the basins. Full article
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28 pages, 31921 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Conflict Diagnosis of Territorial Space in Mountainous–Flatland Areas from a Multi-Scale Perspective: A Case Study of the Central Yunnan Urban Agglomeration
by Yongping Li, Xianguang Ma, Junsan Zhao, Shuqing Zhang and Chuan Liu
Land 2025, 14(4), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040703 - 26 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 467
Abstract
Investigating spatio-temporal differentiation patterns of land-use conflicts in mountainous and flatland regions provides critical insights for optimizing spatial regulation strategies and advancing sustainable regional development. Using the Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan (UACY) as a case study, the production–living–ecological space (PLES) was classified [...] Read more.
Investigating spatio-temporal differentiation patterns of land-use conflicts in mountainous and flatland regions provides critical insights for optimizing spatial regulation strategies and advancing sustainable regional development. Using the Urban Agglomeration in Central Yunnan (UACY) as a case study, the production–living–ecological space (PLES) was classified through land-use functional dominance analysis based on 2010–2020 geospatial datasets. Spatio-temporal evolution patterns and mountain–dam differentiation were analyzed using spatial superposition, dynamic degree analysis, transfer matrices, and geospatial TuPu methods. A multi-scale conflict index incorporating landscape metrics was developed to assess PLES conflict intensities across spatial scales, with contribution indices identifying key conflict-prone spatial types. Analysis revealed distinct regional differentiation in PLES distribution and evolutionary trajectories during 2010–2020. Forest Ecological Space (FES) and Agricultural Production Space (APS) dominated both the entire study area and mountainous zones, with APS exhibiting particular dominance in dam regions. Grassland Ecological Space (GES) and Other Ecological Space (OES) experienced rapid conversion rates, contrasting with stable or gradual expansion trends in other space types. Change intensity was significantly greater in mountainous zones compared to flatland area (FA). PLES conflict exhibited marked spatial heterogeneity. FA demonstrated substantially higher conflict levels than mountainous zones, with evident scale-dependent variations. Maximum conflict intensity occurred at the 4000 m scale, with all spatial scales demonstrating consistent escalation trends during the study period. ULS, FES, and WES predominantly occurred in low-conflict zones characterized by stability, whereas APS, Industrial and Mining Production Space (IMPS), RLS, GES, and OES were primarily associated with high-conflict areas, constituting principal conflict sources. Full article
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23 pages, 12794 KiB  
Article
Effects of Forest Swamp Succession and Soil Depth on Distribution Pattern of Soil Nematode Communities
by Liqiang Xuan, Lina Che and Luhe Wan
Forests 2025, 16(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16010133 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1061
Abstract
The forest swamp ecosystem, as a special wetland ecosystem, is a key link in the material cycle and an important carbon sink in the carbon cycle. The global carbon cycle is of great significance, but the impact of forest swamp succession and soil [...] Read more.
The forest swamp ecosystem, as a special wetland ecosystem, is a key link in the material cycle and an important carbon sink in the carbon cycle. The global carbon cycle is of great significance, but the impact of forest swamp succession and soil depth on soil active organic matter and nematode community structure and diversity is unclear. This study used the “space instead of time” method to investigate the succession process of forest swamps from grasslands (WC) and shrubs (WG) to forests (WS) in national nature reserves. The results showed that during the forest succession process, the dominant nematode communities in the WC and WG stages were dominated by the genera Apis and Labroidei, while the dominant genera increased in the WS stage. The total abundance of nematodes increased, and the number of groups was ordered WG > WC > WS. The diversity in soil nematode communities according to Shannon–Wiener (H′), Pielou (J), and Trophic diversity (TD) was WS > WG > WC, which is related to vegetation, soil physical and chemical properties, and microbial community structure. The maturity index (MI) was WG > WS > WC. The soil food web was dominated by bacterial channels and had characteristics in forest metabolic activity and regulation ability. At different soil depths, there were significant differences in the community, with species such as the spiny cushioned blade genus being key. The number and group size of nematodes varied from 0–10 cm > 10–20 cm > 20–30 cm. The relative abundance of feeding nematodes changed with depth, while diversity indices such as H′, J, and TD decreased with depth. Ecological function indices such as MI and PPI showed depth variation patterns, while basic indices (BI) and channel indices (CI) showed significant differences. In terms of soil variables, during the forest succession stage, soil organic carbon (SOC), soluble organic nitrogen (DON), easily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) showed a gradually increasing trend with WC-WG-WS, while total nitrogen (TN), soluble organic carbon (DOC), soil temperature (ST), and soil moisture (SM) showed opposite changes. There were significant differences in soil ST, SM, and DON values with succession (p < 0.05). At different soil depths, except for DON and ROC, which increased first and then decrease with depth, the values of other physical and chemical factors and active carbon and nitrogen components at depths of 0–10 cm were higher than those at other depths and decreased with depth. An analysis of variance showed significant differences in MBC and MBN values at different soil depths (p < 0.05), which is of great significance for a deeper understanding of the mechanism of soil nematode community construction and its relationship with the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Soil)
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23 pages, 6962 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Evolution and PLUS Simulation Prediction of Ecosystem Service Value in the Southern Jiangsu Urban Agglomeration Based on Land Use Changes
by Qingqing Ma, Shi He, Haitao Jing, Wensheng Wang, Shiye Zhang and Xiujuan Liang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010195 - 29 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 905
Abstract
In recent years, rapid urbanization in the Southern Jiangsu urban area has significantly altered land use patterns, impacting local ecosystem service value (ESV). This study examines land use changes (LUCs) from 2000 to 2020 and assesses ESV changes with the equivalent factor method. [...] Read more.
In recent years, rapid urbanization in the Southern Jiangsu urban area has significantly altered land use patterns, impacting local ecosystem service value (ESV). This study examines land use changes (LUCs) from 2000 to 2020 and assesses ESV changes with the equivalent factor method. The PLUS model is also used to project future LUCs in line with the “Land and Space Planning of Jiangsu Province (2021–2035)”. The simulation considers scenarios for natural development (NDS), ecological protection (EPS), farmland protection (FPS), and comprehensive development (CDS) for the year 2035. The research findings show that over the past two decades, urbanized areas have persistently grown, whereas there has been a steady decline in the extents of farmland, forested areas, and grasslands. The total ESV has shown a decreasing trend, with the spatial distribution of ESV exhibiting higher values in the eastern regions and lower values in the west. The relationship between land use and ESV is negative, as evidenced by both the comprehensive land use (LA) and the Moran’s I index. Scenario predictions reveal that farmland, forest land, and grassland show a decreasing trend under the NDS, while it is the opposite under the EPS. The FPS is predominant in farmland area, and all land types in the CDS comply with national land planning requirements. Overall, the research findings reveal and predict the influence of LUCs on ESV in the study area under four scenarios, which is beneficial optimizing regional resource planning schemes and formulating ecological compensation policies. Full article
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19 pages, 18448 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Land Use and Its Hydrological Effects in the Fenhe River Basin Under the Production–Living–Ecological Space Perspective
by Junzhe Zhang, Azhar Ali Laghari, Qingxia Guo, Jiyao Liang, Akash Kumar, Zhenghao Liu, Yongheng Shen and Yuehan Wei
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11170; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411170 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1098
Abstract
Analysing the patterns and impacts of land-use changes in the production–living–ecological space (PLES) of the Fenhe River Basin (FRB 39,721 km2), China, is necessary to support sustainable development. Based on remote sensing images from 1990 to 2020, we aimed to analyse [...] Read more.
Analysing the patterns and impacts of land-use changes in the production–living–ecological space (PLES) of the Fenhe River Basin (FRB 39,721 km2), China, is necessary to support sustainable development. Based on remote sensing images from 1990 to 2020, we aimed to analyse the PLES land-use changes. Industrial production and living spaces continuously encroached on the agricultural production and ecological spaces between 1990 and 2022 owing to industrialisation and urbanisation, and the ecological land area decreased by 699.21 km2, while the industrial production land area increased by 521.32 km2. We used the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model to quantitatively analyse the impact of PLES changes on runoff in the FRB. With the continuous expansion of production and living spaces, the extensive use of concrete in cities has led to ground hardening, making it difficult for precipitation to infiltrate, with surface runoff increasing by 0.3 mm annually. The reduction in ecological space has led to a reduction in forests and grasslands, weakening the water-holding capacity of the watershed and affecting groundwater storage. This study provides a scientific basis for watershed management and the integrated development of PLES. Full article
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24 pages, 4978 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scenario Simulation of Future Land Use in the Beijiang River Basin Under Multidimensional Ecological Constraints
by Yi Wang, Jun Wang, Beibei Hao, Siyi Zhang, Junwei Ding and Bin He
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10910; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410910 - 12 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1015
Abstract
This study takes the Beijiang River Basin in Guangdong Province as an example, examining the changes in land usage throughout time and space between 1980 and 2020. Using multidimensional ecosystem service functions and the loop theory, this study constructs ecological constraints (ES) for [...] Read more.
This study takes the Beijiang River Basin in Guangdong Province as an example, examining the changes in land usage throughout time and space between 1980 and 2020. Using multidimensional ecosystem service functions and the loop theory, this study constructs ecological constraints (ES) for the Beijiang River Basin. Based on these ecological constraints, an ES-PLUS model is developed to simulate future land cover changes under multiple scenarios in the Beijiang River Basin by 2050. The results indicate the following: (1) Currently, the major land use types in the Beijiang River Basin are forest, cropland, and grassland, accounting for over 95% of the area. Significant changes in land use were observed between 1980 and 2020, including the severe degradation of forests and grasslands, a notable expansion of construction land, intense human–land conflicts, and the highest single land use dynamic degree for unused land at 5.67%, with a comprehensive land use dynamic degree of 0.18%. (2) In the four development scenarios of the Beijiang River Basin in 2050, construction land increased by 32.97%, 74.75%, 26.01%, and 45.50%, respectively, suggesting that ecological constraints as flexible constraint spaces can effectively control the disorderly expansion of construction land. Therefore, formulating ecological protection policies, optimizing the land use structure in the Beijiang River Basin, and constructing ecological sources and corridors in line with the distribution of urban areas, roads, and railroads in the basin may offer direction for the best use of land resources, the preservation of the environment, and sustainable growth in the Beijiang River Basin. Full article
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7 pages, 4626 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Construction and Application of an Ecological Quality Evaluation System Based on a PIE-Engine
by Pengdu Li, Cuiheng Ye, Lei Li and Jie Jiang
Proceedings 2024, 110(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2024110009 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Ecosystem services, including climate regulation and biodiversity maintenance, are vital for human well-being and sustainable development. The ecological quality evaluation system, based on the three dimensions of ecological function, ecological stability, and ecological stress, was established using the Pixel Information Expert Engine (PIE-Engine) [...] Read more.
Ecosystem services, including climate regulation and biodiversity maintenance, are vital for human well-being and sustainable development. The ecological quality evaluation system, based on the three dimensions of ecological function, ecological stability, and ecological stress, was established using the Pixel Information Expert Engine (PIE-Engine) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products to assess the ecological quality of the Taihu Basin from 2001 to 2020. The findings reveal that (1) the average Ecological Function Index (EFI) of the Taihu Basin showed a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing, with significant spatial differences. The highest EFI was observed in the western and southwestern regions of the Taihu Basin, which are mainly covered by forest and grassland, while the relatively lower EFI was found in the densely urbanized northeastern part of the basin. (2) The average Ecological Stability Index (ESI) of the Taihu Basin showed a similar trend to the EFI, with the rate of increase higher than the rate of decrease. The ESI was higher in the southwestern part, while in the southeastern and western parts of cropland and wetlands, the ESI was relatively low. (3) The Ecological Threat Index (ETI) of the Taihu Basin showed a fluctuating decrease followed by an increase, with the rate of increase higher than the rate of decrease. The reduction in grassland and the expansion of urban space are the main factors contributing to the increase in ecological stress. The research results of this paper will provide an important reference value for the coordinated and sustainable development of the economy and ecosystem in the Taihu Basin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 31st International Conference on Geoinformatics)
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20 pages, 12729 KiB  
Article
Multi-Scenario Simulation of the Production-Living-Ecological Spaces in Sichuan Province Based on the PLUS Model and Assessment of Its Ecological and Environmental Effects
by Yu Fu, Qian Li, Julin Li, Kun Zeng, Liangsong Wang and Youhan Wang
Sustainability 2024, 16(23), 10322; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162310322 - 26 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1018
Abstract
Research investigates the transformations in production–living–ecological spaces (PLES) across diverse scenarios and their ecological effects, with the aim of offering advice for environmental preservation and long-term growth in Sichuan Province. Utilizing the PLUS model, we simulated the PLES configuration in Sichuan Province for [...] Read more.
Research investigates the transformations in production–living–ecological spaces (PLES) across diverse scenarios and their ecological effects, with the aim of offering advice for environmental preservation and long-term growth in Sichuan Province. Utilizing the PLUS model, we simulated the PLES configuration in Sichuan Province for the year 2030 and subsequently evaluated its ecological impacts using an ecological effect assessment model. The findings reveal that: (1) population and GDP are key drivers of the expansion of Industrial-Production Spaces (IMPS), Urban-Living Spaces (ULS), and Rural-Living Spaces (RLS), whereas altitude has a crucial influence on shaping the expansion of Agricultural-Production Spaces (APS), Forest-Ecological Spaces (FES), Grassland-Ecological Spaces (GES), Water-Ecological Spaces (WES), and Other-Ecological Spaces (OES); (2) significant changes in PLES are observed in Sichuan Province by 2030 across four scenarios, with notable distinctions between the production priority scenario and the other three; (3) variations in ecological quality exist among the four scenarios concerning PLES; (4) the reasons behind better or worse ecological conditions differ across scenarios. The research demonstrates that the PLUS model can effectively simulate PLES in Sichuan Province under multiple scenarios for 2030, offering various potential development pathways and their corresponding ecological effects, thereby aiding in the selection of optimal development pathways. Full article
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25 pages, 4218 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Carbon Emission Trajectory and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Space Transfer: A Case Study of the Harbin-Changchun Urban Agglomeration, China
by Xiwen Bao, Xin Wang, Ziao Ge, Jiayao Xi and Yinghui Zhao
Land 2024, 13(12), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121994 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 994
Abstract
The reconstruction of land spatial planning and the increasing severity of carbon emissions pose significant challenges to carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategies. To establish low-carbon and sustainable agricultural spatial planning while achieving dual carbon strategy goals, it is essential to accurately analyze [...] Read more.
The reconstruction of land spatial planning and the increasing severity of carbon emissions pose significant challenges to carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategies. To establish low-carbon and sustainable agricultural spatial planning while achieving dual carbon strategy goals, it is essential to accurately analyze the mechanisms of agricultural spatial transfer and their carbon emission effects, as well as the key factors influencing carbon emissions from agricultural spatial transfer. Therefore, this study, based on land use remote sensing data from 2000 to 2020, proposes a carbon emission accounting system for agricultural space transfer. The carbon emission total from agricultural space transfer in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration over the 20-year period is calculated using the carbon emission coefficient method. Additionally, the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors are analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse method and the geographical detector model. The results indicate that: (1) The agricultural space in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration has increased, with a reduction in living space and an expansion of production space. Among land type conversions, the conversion between cultivated land and forest land has been the most intense. (2) The conversion of agricultural space to grassland and built-up land has been the primary source of net carbon emissions. The carbon emission center has shown a migration path characterized by “eastward movement and southward progression,” with a high-north to low-south distribution pattern. Significant carbon emission differences were observed at different spatial scales. (3) Natural environmental factors dominate the carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer, while socioeconomic and policy factors act as driving forces. Elevation is the primary factor influencing carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer. Interactions between factors generally exhibit nonlinear enhancement, with the interaction between elevation, annual precipitation, and industrial structure showing a strong explanatory power. Notably, the interactions between elevation, average annual precipitation, and industrial structure demonstrate significant explanatory power. These findings highlight the necessity for government action to balance agricultural spatial use with ecological protection and economic development, thereby providing scientific references for optimizing future land spatial structures and formulating regional carbon balance policies. Full article
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