Search Results (80)

Drastic cropland expansion and its internal structural changes have had an obvious impact on agricultural landscapes and ecosystem services. However, a prolonged investigation of this effect is still lacking in China’s grain-producing bases, such as Sanjiang Plain. To address this issue, half a century of study on the ‘land trajectory migration–landscape evolution–ecological effect,’ covering the period 1970–2020, was elucidated using the synergistic methodology of spatial analysis technology, the reclamation rate algorithm, the landscape indicator, and the newly established ecosystem service improvement model. Satellite observation results indicate that the cropland area exhibited a substantial expansion trend from 23,672.69 km² to 42,856.17 km² from 1970 to 2020, representing a net change of +19,183.48 km² and a huge growth rate of 81.04%, which led to an obvious improvement in the level of agricultural cultivation. Concurrently, the internal structure of the cropland underwent dramatic restructuring, with rice fields increasing from 6.46% to 53.54%, while upland fields decreased from 93.54% to 46.46%. In different regions, spatially heterogeneous improvements of 2.64–52.47% in agricultural cultivation levels across all cities were observed. From 1970 to 2020, the tracked cropland center of gravity trajectories exhibited a distinct biphasic pattern, initially shifting westward and then followed by a southward transition, accumulating a displacement of 19.39 km². As for the evolved agricultural landscapes, their integrity has improved (SHDI = −0.08%), accompanied by increased connectivity (CON = +8.82%) and patch edge integrity (LSI = −15.71%) but also by reduced fragmentation (PD = −48.14%). Another important discovery was that the evaluated ecosystem services continuously decreased from 2337.84 × 10⁸ CNY in 1970 to 1654.01 × 10⁸ CNY in 2020, a net loss of −683.84 × 10⁸ CNY and a huge loss rate of 33.65%, accompanied by a center–periphery gradient pattern whereby degradation propagated from the low-value central croplands to the high-value surrounding natural covers. These discoveries will play a significant role in guiding farmland structure reformation, landscape optimization, and ecosystem service improvement. Full article

Traditional centennial olive groves represent ecologically valuable agroecosystems that support both biodiversity and cultural heritage across Mediterranean landscapes. On Lesvos Island, Greece, which marks the westernmost limit of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) distribution, these centennial olive trees serve as essential nesting resources for this regionally Vulnerable species. However, the tree-level mechanisms determining den-site suitability remain insufficiently understood. We examined 288 centennial olive trees, including 36 with confirmed dens, integrating structural, physiological, and thermal metrics to identify the attributes influencing den occupancy. Our results showed that squirrels consistently selected older and taller olives with broad crowns and high photosynthetic activity, indicating a preference for vigorous, architecturally complex trees that provide stable microclimatic conditions. Infrared thermography revealed that occupied trees exhibited lower trunk temperature asymmetries and stronger thermal buffering capacity, highlighting the role of microclimatic stability in den-site selection. Overall, our findings show that den-site selection in S. anomalus is shaped by the interplay of structural maturity, physiological performance, and thermal coherence. By linking tree function to den-site suitability, our work advances a mechanistic understanding of microhabitat selection and emphasizes the importance of centennial olive trees as biophysical refugia within traditional Mediterranean agroecosystems. Full article

To accurately analyze the dynamic response and driving mechanism of forest carbon sequestration in the core area of the Loess Plateau’s Returning Farmland to Forestry Project, this study takes the Beiluo River Basin as the research area. Using spatial autocorrelation, gravity model, a geodetector, and spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression models, it analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution of forest carbon sequestration and the spatial heterogeneity of its influencing factors based on 2000–2023 data. The results show the following: (1) Forest carbon sequestration in the basin increased by 13.55% from 2000 to 2023; its spatial pattern shifted from “middle reaches concentration” to “stable middle reaches core plus significant upper reaches growth”, with the gravity center moving “southeast then northwest”. (2) Forest carbon sequestration had significant positive spatial correlation, with hotspots in soil–rock mountain forest areas and cold spots in ecologically fragile or high-human-activity areas. (3) Natural ecological factors dominated forest carbon sequestration evolution, socioeconomic factors enhanced synergy, and evapotranspiration and NDVI had significant impacts. (4) Factor impacts had spatiotemporal heterogeneity, such as the decaying positive effect of precipitation and the “positive-negative-equilibrium” change in forestry value-added. This study provides scientific guidance for basin and Loess Plateau ecological restoration and “double carbon” goal achievement. Full article

In Eritrea, efforts are being made to tackle the widespread land degradation and promote natural resources and the agricultural sector. However, these efforts lack digital resources assessment, mapping, planning and monitoring. Thus, we developed soil organic carbon (SOC) predictor models for the Western Lowlands of the country, employing 6 machine learning models with different input variables (36, 27, 15, and 08) obtained following these variables selection strategies: (1) all proposed SOC predictor variables; (2) very high multicollinearity (≥0.900 **) reduction; (3) high multicollinearity (≥0.700 **) reduction; (4) the Boruta feature selection algorithm. The results revealed that SOC levels were generally low (mean = 0.43%). Grazing lands, rainfed croplands, and irrigated farmlands all exhibited similarly low SOC values, attributed to unsustainable land management practices that deplete soil nutrients. In contrast, natural forestlands exhibited significantly higher SOC concentrations, highlighting their potential for soil carbon sequestration. Among the tested models, the XGBoost algorithm using 27 covariates achieved the highest predictive performance (RMSE = 0.118, R² = 0.758, RPD = 2.252), whereas the multiple linear regression (MLR) model with 8 variables yielded the lowest performance (RMSE = 0.141, R² = 0.742, RPD = 1.883). Compared to the Boruta-based feature selection, the MLR, PLS, XGBoost, Cubist, and GB models showed performance improvements of 10.41%, 10.06%, 6.72%, 6.50%, and 3.15%, respectively. Rainfall emerged as the most influential predictor of SOC spatial variability in the study area. Other important predictors included temperature, soil taxonomy, SWIR2 and NIR bands from Landsat 8 imagery, as well as sand and clay contents. We conclude that reducing very high multicollinearity is essential for improving model performance across all tested algorithms, while reducing moderate multicollinearity is not consistently necessary. The developed SOC prediction models demonstrate robust predictive capabilities and can serve as effective tools for supporting soil fertility management, land restoration planning, and climate change mitigation strategies in the Western Lowlands of Eritrea. Full article

In response to the widespread decline in ecosystem service value (ESV) caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization-driven land-use transitions in Coastal China—characterized by shrinking farmland and expanding built-up land and crystallized in the “core-city sprawl and surrounding-farmland encroachment” pattern—this study integrated land-use and socioeconomic data from 1980 to 2020. Employing the equivalent-factor method and Geodetector model, we quantified the spatiotemporal evolution of ESV and its driving mechanisms across the entire coastal region. The results show that (i) the total ESV experienced a fluctuating increase. (ii) Spatially, the ESV exhibited a “high in the south, low in the north, and higher inland than along the immediate coast” pattern, with mountain–hill belts and estuarine wetlands in the south forming high-value clusters, whereas the Bohai Rim in the north emerged as a low-value zone. (iii) Socioeconomic factors increasingly dominated the driving forces, while NDVI became the most influential natural factor; the interactions between the drivers consistently produced bi-factor enhancement effects. These findings provide a scientific basis for implementing the “Two-Mountains Theory” and optimizing coastal territorial spatial planning. Full article

This study evaluates the pollution status, ecological risks, health risks, and sources of heavy metals from farmland in a mining city located in the Yangtze River basin, East China. A total of 2361 samples of topsoil were collected and analyzed for the concentration of five heavy metals and pH. The Nemerow index was used to assess integrated pollution, while absolute principal component scores-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) was used to identify the sources of heavy metals. The results revealed that, excluding Hg and Cr, the concentrations of Cd, As, and Pb in some samples exceeded intervention values, with Cd concentrations in 19.7% of samples surpassing this threshold. Based on the Nemerow index, 68.8% of sites were contaminated, with 27.4% classified as heavily polluted, indicating significant pollution in this area. Cd posed the primary ecological risk, with 19.8% of sites at high risk or above, also presenting carcinogenic risks to adults. Additionally, As exceeded safety thresholds for hazard quotient (HQ = 1) and carcinogenic risk (CR = 1 × 10⁻⁴). APCS-MLR revealed that heavy metals in farmland were mainly influenced by mining, agricultural activities, and natural soil-forming processes. This study offers insights into farmland heavy metal management and highlights industrial pollution sources in mining areas. Full article

Given that the increasing non-agricultural conversion of cultivated land (NACCL) endangers food security, studying the spatial and temporal variation characteristics and driving mechanisms of NACCL in Sichuan Province can offer a scientific foundation for developing local farmland preservation measures and controlling further conversion. Guided by the theoretical framework of land use transition, this study utilizes land use datasets spanning multiple periods between 2000 and 2023. Comprehensively considering population scale factors, natural geographical factors, and socioeconomic factors, the county-level annual NACCL rate is calculated. Following this, the dynamic evolution and underlying driving forces of NACCL across 183 counties in Sichuan Province are examined through temporal and spatial dimensions, utilizing analytical tools including Nonparametric Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and the Geographical Detector model with Optimal Parameters (OPGD). The study finds that: (1) Overall, NACCL in Sichuan Province exhibits phased temporal fluctuations characterized by “expansion—contraction—re-expansion—strict control,” with cultivated land mainly being converted into urban land, and the differences among counties gradually narrowing. (2) In Sichuan Province, the spatial configuration of NACCL is characterized by the expansion of high-value agglomerations alongside the dispersed and stable distribution of low-value areas. (3) Analysis through the OPGD model indicates that urban construction land dominates the NACCL process in Sichuan Province, and the driving dimension evolves from single to synergistic. The findings of this study offer a systematic examination of the spatiotemporal evolution and underlying drivers of NACCL in Sichuan Province. This analysis provides a scientific basis for formulating region-specific farmland protection policies and supports the optimization of territorial spatial planning systems. The results hold significant practical relevance for promoting the sustainable use of cultivated land resources. Full article

The numerous inhabited small islands of the Mediterranean basin are marginal geographic territories of high natural value. Historically, island communities have developed complex, poly-cultural agricultural systems, based on the use of native genetic resources and traditional ecological knowledge, to address the challenges linked to unfavorable climate, geology, and topography. However, economic, socio-demographic, and climatic factors have caused farmland abandonment, leading to soil and land degradation and to a decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to assess the state of scientific research with regard to agriculture on small Mediterranean islands. After screening records retrieved on Scopus, Web of Science, CABI, and Google Scholar, 167 articles published before July 2025 were included in the analysis. The articles covered 6 countries and 126 islands, with Greek and Italian islands being the most represented. Key topics included trajectories, drivers, and consequences of land use change, agrobiodiversity, and water resources. To complete the systematic review, 30 relevant EU-funded projects were identified and analyzed. Overall, the scientific research aimed at supporting agriculture on Mediterranean small islands tends to focus on a single issue or very few issues. However, we suggest that given the complexity of the drivers and consequences of farmland abandonment, more integrated approaches could have a greater impact. By providing a systematic overview of the current state of the research on agriculture on small Mediterranean islands, this review offers a solid basis for guiding ongoing and future research, actions, and policies aimed at building resilience in these fragile and endangered lands. Full article

This paper examines the characteristics of agriculture in High Nature Value farmlands (HNVf) in Poland and assesses their capacity to implement key environmental measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027. Using spatial and statistical analyses at the municipal level, the study compares agricultural structures, production types, participation in eco-schemes, organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures under the CAP 2023–2027. The delimitation of HNVf areas was based on the EU methodology, focusing on the extent of agricultural production and the environmental value of the surrounding landscape. The results indicate that HNVf areas are predominantly located in regions with challenging natural conditions, a high share of permanent grasslands, and limited capacity to diversify crop structures. Farms in these areas show lower participation in eco-schemes compared to more intensive farming regions, suggesting that current instruments may not fully align with the specific needs of low-intensity systems. In contrast, higher levels of engagement were observed in organic farming and agri-environment-climate measures in HNVf. These findings highlight the need for better-adapted CAP instruments that reflect the environmental and economic realities of HNVf areas. Enhancing support mechanisms for these regions is essential to safeguard biodiversity, promote sustainable land use, and maintain the socio-environmental functions of rural landscapes. Full article

Identifying the soil quality and the sources of heavy metals in the production areas of characteristic agricultural products is crucial for ensuring the quality of such products and the sustainable development of agriculture. This research took the farmland soil of Luzuo Town, a characteristic production area of Cangshan garlic in Linyi City, as the research object. The contents of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Hg, and Cd in farmland soil were analyzed. The ecological risks were evaluated using the Geographical Cumulative Index (I_geo) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index. The spatial distribution characteristics of the elements were determined through geostatistical analysis, and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) was used for source apportionment. The results show the following: (1) The average concentrations of all heavy metals exceeded local background values, with Cr and Hg surpassing the screening thresholds from China’s “Soil Pollution Risk Control Standards” (GB 15618-2018). (2) The results of the Moran’s index show that, except for Hg and Cd, all the elements had a high spatial autocorrelation, and there are two potential highly polluted areas in the study area. (3) Soils were generally uncontaminated or low risk, with Hg and Cd as the primary ecological risk contributors. (4) Five sources were quantified: fertilizer and pesticide sources (32.28%); mixed sources of fertilizer, pesticides, and manure (14.15%); mixed sources of traffic activities and agricultural waste discharge (19.95%); natural sources (20.55%); and incineration sources (13.07%). This study demonstrates the value of integrating geospatial and statistical methods for soil pollution management. Targeted control of Hg/Cd and reduced agrochemical use are recommended to protect this important agricultural region. Full article

The Huaihe River Basin stands as a vital grain-producing base in China. Predicting the dynamic evolution of its carbon storage (CS) is of great theoretical value and practical significance for maintaining regional ecological security, guaranteeing food production capacity, and coping with climate change. This study established a multi-dimensional analysis framework of “scenario simulation–reservoir assessment–value quantification”. Using a sample of 195 cities, the PLUS-InVEST-GIS method was combined to explore the overall CS, spatial differentiation, and value changes in future scenarios. The results indicate that the following: (1) From 2000 to 2020, CS kept on declining, with cultivated land and forest land being the dominant carbon pools, accounting for over 86% of the total CS. (2) From a “city–grid–raster” perspective, the spatial pattern of high-value hot spots of CS remained stable, and the overall pattern remained unchanged under multi-scenario simulation, yet the overall carbon sink center of gravity shifted to the southwest. (3) The top five driving factors are elevation, slope, NDVI, GDP per capita, and population density, accounting for 77.2% of the total driving force. (4) The carbon sequestration capacity at the county scale continued to weaken, and the overall capacity presented the following order: 2035 Farmland protection scenario (FPS) > 2035 Natural development scenario (NDS) > 2035 Urban development scenario (UDS). The resulting carbon economic losses were USD 2.28 × 10⁸, 4.57 × 10⁸, and 6.90 × 10⁸, respectively. The research results will provide scientific land use decision-making support for the realization of the “double-carbon” goals in the Huaihe River grain-producing area. Full article

Confronting escalating urban ecological risks, this study investigates ecosystem resilience evolution in the Jinan metropolitan area’s mountain–plain structure. We establish a Resistance–Adaptability–Resilience (RAR) framework integrating ecosystem service value and landscape patterns. Using Optimal Multi-layered Geo-Detector and Markov–FLUS modeling, we quantify natural–socio-economic interactions and simulate resilience under three scenarios: inertial development, cultivated land protection, and ecological priority. The results show fluctuating resilience (0.1863→0.1876→0.1863) with functional intensification in high-value areas and escalating vulnerability in low-value regions, alongside the spatial dichotomy between the resilient southern mountains and northern plains, dominated by natural factors. Cultivated land protection degrades mountain resilience via slope farming, while ecological priority stabilizes it through transitional controls. The proposed “resilience red line–development permit” mechanism demonstrates terrain and policy integration optimizing resilience allocation. This framework offers strategies to reconcile ecological conservation and farmland security in urbanizing regions. Full article

Agriculture plays a dual role in shaping biodiversity, providing secondary habitats while posing significant threats to ecological systems through habitat fragmentation and land-use intensification. This study aims to assess the relationship between bird species composition and land-use types in Apulia, Italy. Specifically, we investigate how different agricultural and semi-natural landscapes influence avian biodiversity and which agricultural models can have a positive impact on biodiversity. Biodiversity indices were calculated for each bird community observed. The abundance curves showed a geometric series pattern for the AGR communities, indicative of ecosystems at an early stage of ecological succession, and a lognormal distribution for the MIX and NAT communities, typical of mature communities with a more even distribution of species. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in richness and diversity between AGR and NAT sites, but not between NAT and MIX, which had the highest values. Logistic regression estimated the probability of sites belonging to the three ecosystem categories as a function of biodiversity, confirming a strong similarity between NAT and MIX. Finally, linear discriminant analysis confirmed a clear separation from AGR areas, as evidenced by the canonical components. The results highlight the importance of integrating high-diversity landscape elements and appropriate agricultural practices to mitigate biodiversity loss. Even a small increase in the naturalness of agricultural land would be sufficient to convert it from the AGR to the MIX ecosystem category, with significant biodiversity benefits. Full article

The abandonment of farmland in Europe is a significant issue due to its environmental, socio-economic, and landscape consequences. This tendency mainly impacts marginal and inner areas, located far from large urban districts, because of biophysical and/or socio-economic factors. Although European and national regulations try to turn the fragility of these territories into an opportunity for sustainable development, many of these areas, especially in southern Europe, continue to suffer socio-economic disparities. For this reason, it is necessary to consider regional and district-wide initiatives that can economically revitalize marginal areas while safeguarding their natural capital. Alternative cropping systems, capable of optimizing the quality of some food crops, can play an essential role in the economic development of populations living in marginal areas. These areas, represented by inland zones often abandoned due to the difficulty of applying mechanized agriculture, can represent an opportunity to rediscover sustainable and profitable practices. Among the high-value crops, saffron (Crocus sativus L.), “red gold” and “king of spices”, stands out for its potential. Indeed, thanks to the use of tuff tubs, a more eco-sustainable choice compared to the plastic pots already mentioned in the literature, it is possible to improve the quality of this spice. Furthermore, Crocus sativus L. not only lends itself to multiple uses but also represents a valid opportunity to supplement agricultural income. This is made possible by its high profitability and beneficial properties for human health, offering a way to diversify agricultural production with positive economic and social impacts. It is known that the saffron market in Italy suffers from competition from developing countries (Iran, Morocco, India) capable of producing saffron at lower costs than European countries, thanks to the lower cost of labor. Therefore, this study seeks to identify marginal areas that can be recovered and valorized through an eco-sustainable cultivation system with the potential to enhance the quality of this spice, making it unique and resilient to competition. Specifically, this paper is organized on a dual scale of investigation: (a) at the local level to demonstrate the economic-ecological feasibility of saffron cultivation through the adoption of an alternative farming technique on an experimental site located in Tricarico (Basilicata—Southern Italy, 40°37′ N, 16°09′ E; 472 m. a.s.l.) that, although fertile, is not suitable for mechanized cropping systems; (b) at the regional level through a spatially explicit land suitability analysis to indicate the possible location where to export saffron cultivation. The final map, obtained by combining geo-environmental variables, can be considered a precious tool to support policymakers and farmers to foster a broad agricultural strategy founded on new crop management systems. The adoption of this alternative agroecological system could optimize the use of land resources in the perspective of increasing crop productivity and profitability in marginal agricultural areas. Full article

The value of ecosystem services (ESV) serves as a crucial metric for assessing the cost-effectiveness of ecosystems and evaluating their economic worth. Predicting the evolution of ESV across various land uses under different scenarios is essential for maintaining ecological stability and fostering sustainable developm0ent. Utilizing land use change data combined with the PLUS predictive model and ecosystem service value equivalence techniques, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal patterns and underlying drivers of ESV in Yuzhong County, China. The results indicate that the overall ESV distribution exhibits a “fragmented northeast, clustered southwest” pattern, dominated by high-high and low-low clustering. Among the driving factors, elevation exerts the greatest influence on ESV, followed by precipitation and population density, while slope contributes least. Under natural development scenarios, the ESV remains relatively stable compared to the base year of 2020. In contrast, the farmland protection scenario effectively preserves the ESV associated with cultivated land. However, the economic development scenario leads to a significant decline in the overall ESV, with a retraction of high-value areas and an expansion of low-value regions. These insights provide a fresh perspective for analyzing the factors influencing ESV and for conducting multi-scenario predictions, thereby aiding in the development of ecological resource conservation and landscape ecological risk prevention strategies in the study region. Full article