Land | November 2024 - Browse Articles

31 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Low-Code Development Platforms in Precision Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

by Emin Guresci, Bedir Tekinerdogan, Önder Babur and Qingzhi Liu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111758 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs) empower users to create and deploy custom software with little to no programming. These platforms streamline development, offering benefits like faster time-to-market, reduced technical barriers, and broader participation in software creation, even for those without traditional coding skills. This [...] Read more.

Low-Code Development Platforms (LCDPs) empower users to create and deploy custom software with little to no programming. These platforms streamline development, offering benefits like faster time-to-market, reduced technical barriers, and broader participation in software creation, even for those without traditional coding skills. This study explores the application of LCDPs in Precision Agriculture (PA) through a systematic literature review (SLR). By analyzing the general characteristics and challenges of LCDPs, alongside insights from existing PA research, we assess their feasibility and potential impact in agricultural contexts. Our findings suggest that LCDPs can enable farmers and agricultural professionals to create tailored applications for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and automation, enhancing farming efficiency. However, challenges such as scalability, extensibility, data security, and integration with complex IoT systems must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of LCDPs in PA. This study contributes to the growing knowledge base in agricultural technology, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers looking to leverage LCDPs for sustainable and efficient farming practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Driving Future to Shape Sustainable Agricultural System: Urban-Rural Land Management and Environment Protection)

17 pages, 602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promoting Sustainability: Land Transfer and Income Inequality Among Farm Households

by Yuzheng Zhang, Mengjie Bie, Yundong Li and Shuxian Zhang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1757; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111757 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the dangers of inequality and initiatives on how to reduce it. Income inequality is an important part of this and can cause many social problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of land transfer on [...] Read more.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the dangers of inequality and initiatives on how to reduce it. Income inequality is an important part of this and can cause many social problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of land transfer on income inequality of Chinese farm households and its mechanism of action. This study empirically analyzes the impact of land transfer on farm household income inequality based on the OLS model using 27,134 samples from the 2018–2020 China Family Panel Study (CFPS) data. The study finds that land transfer can effectively reduce income inequality among farm households. However, only land transfers out affect income inequality; the effect of land transfers in is not significant. At the same time, there is some heterogeneity in the impact of land transfers on farm household income inequality. The effect is greater in the east and west than in the center. The effect is greater in the north than in the south. The role is greater in food-producing areas than in non-food-producing areas. Mechanism testing shows that land transfer impacts income inequality among farm households by promoting entrepreneurship. Farm households who use the Internet and have stronger social capital gain more from the impact of land transfer on income inequality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Globalization on Rural Areas: Changes in Land Use and Functions, Deagrarianization, Tertiarization, Urbanization, and Mobility)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 1340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Complexity of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus Based on Emergy Analysis in Crop Production Systems of China

by Beibei Guo, Tingting Cheng, Tingting Sun, Yi Tong and Sifeng Nian

Land 2024, 13(11), 1756; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111756 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

To elucidate the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus, the paper proposes a framework for multifunctional development objectives within the context of CPSs, integrating emergy analysis and the coupled coordination model. The article’s primary focus is on the utilization of blue and green water in the [...] Read more.

To elucidate the food-energy-water (FEW) nexus, the paper proposes a framework for multifunctional development objectives within the context of CPSs, integrating emergy analysis and the coupled coordination model. The article’s primary focus is on the utilization of blue and green water in the cultivation of a variety of food crops and the acquisition of purchased energy. The paper was evaluated according to three key indicators: stability, development, and sustainability. Furthermore, a quantitative evaluation of the trade-offs among the FEW nexus and its constituent sub-nexuses was conducted over the period from 2000 to 2022. The study revealed that China has witnessed an expansion in its total CPS inputs, with renewable inputs accounting for 32.89% and an average annual input-output ratio of 37.98%. The annual emergy values for food, energy, and water resources were 6.85 × 10²³ Sej, 1.43 × 10²³ Sej, and 7.91 × 10²² Sej, respectively. The annual growth rates were 2.16%, 2.11%, and 0.77%, respectively. The CPS exhibits an average proportion of green and blue water resources of 64.37% and 35.63%, respectively. The coupling coordination of the FEW nexus demonstrates a transition between years from mild dysfunctional recession to quality coordinated development, with the coordinated use of FEW resources increasing for maize, largely maintained for rice, and decreasing for wheat, soybean, and potato. The objective of this study is to provide differentiated strategies for regional food conservation and sustainable development worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water, Energy, Land and Food (WELF) Nexus)

22 pages, 5272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Optimization of Ecological Security Patterns Based on Ecosystem Services in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area

by Beiling Chen, Jianhua Zhu, Huayan Liu, Lixiong Zeng, Fuhua Li, Zhiyan Xiao and Wenfa Xiao

Land 2024, 13(11), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111755 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has affected ecosystem stability, and the construction of ecological security patterns (ESPs) can rationally allocate resources and achieve ecological protection. Priority evaluation of critical areas can maximize the benefits of ecological protection, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. However, most [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization has affected ecosystem stability, and the construction of ecological security patterns (ESPs) can rationally allocate resources and achieve ecological protection. Priority evaluation of critical areas can maximize the benefits of ecological protection, which is crucial for sustainable urban development. However, most prior studies have focused on assessing individual elements of the ESP, rarely considering both the protection priority of ecological sources and corridors. We constructed ESPs for the Wuhan Metropolitan Area (WMA) from 2000 to 2020 and evaluated the priority of ecological sources and corridors for protection. The findings indicated that high-level ecological sources exhibited higher overall landscape connectivity and ecosystem service values with lower patch fragmentation. The average area proportions of primary, secondary, and tertiary ecological sources in 2000, 2010, and 2020 were 41.11%, 23.03%, and 29.86%, respectively. High-level ecological corridors had shorter lengths and offered higher comprehensive ecosystem service values. The total length of secondary corridors exceeded that of primary corridors by 1951.19 km, 650.39 km, and 2238.18 km in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively. Primary corridors, which connected fragmented and isolated sources, should have their ecological land percentage increased to enhance connectivity. Secondary corridors connected two independent and distant sources, providing the basis for ecological protection in the intervening area, whose surrounding habitats should be protected. This study identifies the ecological protection priority and offers a theoretical basis and practical reference for balancing urban development with ecological protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dynamics of Urbanization and Ecosystem Services Provision II)

24 pages, 755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Land and Labor Costs Growth on Agricultural Product Prices and Farmers’ Income

by Jiang Wu, Ming Zhang, Xu Yang and Buda Wu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111754 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Widespread attention has been paid to the continuous rounds of rising agricultural product prices in China since 2003. During this period, rising prices were affected by input costs and international market prices; therefore, the degree of benefits obtained by farmers from the rise [...] Read more.

Widespread attention has been paid to the continuous rounds of rising agricultural product prices in China since 2003. During this period, rising prices were affected by input costs and international market prices; therefore, the degree of benefits obtained by farmers from the rise in agricultural product prices has been questioned. However, limited studies have examined the effect and relationship between rising agricultural product prices and farmers’ income. The purpose of the study was to provide empirical evidence on how the rise in agricultural product prices affects farmers’ income and to understand the role of land and labor costs in this context using provincial data from 2003 to 2020. The findings reveal that there is a threshold effect on the impact of the rise in agricultural product prices on farmers’ income. A moderate rise in agricultural product prices can increase farmers’ income, but excessive price increases have an insignificant effect. The causes behind the price rise significantly influence farmers’ income. An increase attributed to higher land and labor costs can improve farmers’ income, whereas a rise driven by international market prices or the cost of agricultural production inputs is unlikely to benefit farmers. Full article

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

35 pages, 61841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling Climate Change Impacts on Location Suitability for Cultivating Avocado and Blueberry in New Zealand

by Indrakumar Vetharaniam, C. Jill Stanley, Michael Cummins, Carlo van den Dijssel and Karin Müller

Land 2024, 13(11), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111753 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Regional suitability for growing avocados and blueberries may alter with climate change. Modelling can provide insights into potential climate change impacts, thereby informing industry and government policy decisions to ameliorate future risks and capitalise on future opportunities. We developed continuous/sliding-scale models that used [...] Read more.

Regional suitability for growing avocados and blueberries may alter with climate change. Modelling can provide insights into potential climate change impacts, thereby informing industry and government policy decisions to ameliorate future risks and capitalise on future opportunities. We developed continuous/sliding-scale models that used soil, terrain and weather data to assess location suitability for cultivating avocado and blueberry, based on physiological and phenological considerations specific to each crop. Using geographical information system (GIS) data on soil, slope and weather, we mapped cultivation suitability for avocado and blueberry across New Zealand, and, for accuracy, “ground-truthed” these maps in an iterative process of expert validation and model recalibration. We modelled the incremental changes in location suitability that could occur through climate change using “future” GIS-based weather data from climate model simulations for different greenhouse gas (GHG) pathways that ranged from stringent GHG mitigation to unabated GHG emissions. Changes in maps over time showed where suitability would increase or decrease and to what extent. These results indicate where avocado and blueberry might replace other crops that become less suitable over time, and where avocado might displace blueberry. The approach and models can be applied to other countries or extended to other crops with similar growing requirements. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytosociological Investigations on the Afroalpine Vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains (Uganda)

by Salvatore Cambria, Pietro Minissale and Gianmarco Tavilla

Land 2024, 13(11), 1752; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111752 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a phytosociological study on the Afroalpine vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains, one of the most prominent mountain ranges in Africa. This study marks the pioneering comprehensive investigation into the plant communities of this region, which holds significant [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of a phytosociological study on the Afroalpine vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains, one of the most prominent mountain ranges in Africa. This study marks the pioneering comprehensive investigation into the plant communities of this region, which holds significant phytogeographic importance. Through statistical analyses, eight distinct plant communities, three new alliances, two new orders, and one new class were identified within the altitudinal range of 3500 to 4600 m above sea level. These communities are well-defined from both floristic and ecological perspectives. Hierarchical classification was conducted using the quantitative Sørensen (Bray-Curtis) distance measure and the beta flexible linkage method. Furthermore, indicator species for each group were determined by calculating fidelity and constancy (occurrence frequency) within the classified dataset. To assess the validity of the classification results, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was carried out. These analyses provide the first phytosociological arrangement of the Afroalpine vegetation of the Ruwenzori Mountains, providing a solid framework and valuable insights into its floristic and ecological characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetation Spatial Dynamics and Plant Diversity Trends of Natural and Urban Landscapes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing Site-Specific Prescription Maps for Sugarcane Weed Control Using High-Spatial-Resolution Images and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

by Kerin F. Romero and Muditha K. Heenkenda

Land 2024, 13(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111751 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Sugarcane is a perennial grass species mainly for sugar production and one of the significant crops in Costa Rica, where ideal growing conditions support its cultivation. Weed control is a critical aspect of sugarcane farming, traditionally managed through preventive or corrective mechanical and [...] Read more.

Sugarcane is a perennial grass species mainly for sugar production and one of the significant crops in Costa Rica, where ideal growing conditions support its cultivation. Weed control is a critical aspect of sugarcane farming, traditionally managed through preventive or corrective mechanical and chemical methods. However, these methods can be time-consuming and costly. This study aimed to develop site-specific, variable rate prescription maps for weed control using remote sensing. High-spatial-resolution images (5 cm) and Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) were acquired using a Micasense Rededge-P camera and a DJI L1 sensor mounted on a drone. Precise locations of weeds were collected for calibration and validation. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index derived from multispectral images separated vegetation coverage and soil. A deep learning (DL) algorithm further classified vegetation coverage into sugarcane and weeds. The DL model performed well without overfitting. The classification accuracy was 87% compared to validation samples. The density and average heights of weed patches were extracted from the canopy height model (LiDAR). They were used to derive site-specific prescription maps for weed control. This efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods could optimize weed control, reduce herbicide usage and provide more profitable yield. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5695 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Scale Evaluation Model of Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 for Problem-Solving at Different Levels

by Kan Wang, Xing Dang and Jianjun Bai

Land 2024, 13(11), 1750; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111750 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 (SDG 11.7) aims to promote the improvement of urban public spaces. However, the localization process of SDG 11.7 mainly relies on a bottom-up problem-solving approach, which fails to fully encompass the connotation of SDG 11.7. Additionally, existing evaluations primarily [...] Read more.

Sustainable Development Goal 11.7 (SDG 11.7) aims to promote the improvement of urban public spaces. However, the localization process of SDG 11.7 mainly relies on a bottom-up problem-solving approach, which fails to fully encompass the connotation of SDG 11.7. Additionally, existing evaluations primarily focus on a single scale, neglecting the impact of scale issues. These limitations can lead to imbalanced development or misallocation of responsibilities when guiding governments at different levels in promoting the sustainable development of public spaces. Therefore, this article introduces a multi-scale assessment model of SDG 11.7. It employs a top-down problem-solving approach to construct a sustainable development indicator framework, setting appropriate sustainable development indicators for various levels of government based on the connotation of SDG 11.7, and generates city-scale results by integrating three scales: apartment complexes, street blocks, and counties. Testing this model in Xi’an, China, revealed that it adequately captures four key aspects of SDG 11.7—safety, inclusiveness, accessibility, and greenness—through 11 indicators. The evaluation outcomes at the apartment complex, street block, and county levels effectively guide future development directions for various levels of government. Ultimately, the synthesis of these scales reveals the spatial pattern of SDG 11.7 at the city scale and identifies focal areas for development. Overall, this exploratory model demonstrates high accuracy and robustness, providing a comprehensive understanding of the essence of SDG 11.7. It also alleviates challenges posed by scale issues, offering decision support for monitoring SDG 11.7 across different levels of government in Chinese cities and promoting the process of sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 2nd Conference on Future Challenges in Sustainable Urban Planning & Territorial Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indicators of Cultural Ecosystem Services for Peri-Urban Agricultural and Natural Areas at an Intermediate Scale: A Case Study of Arequipa, Peru

by Merari Torreblanca, Flavio Choquehuanca, Javier Martínez and Michael Alfaro

Land 2024, 13(11), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111749 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

The evaluation of management in peri-urban agricultural and natural areas (PANAs) constitutes a complex topic, particularly when considering its scale in cities where landscape planning is a priority. Therefore, indicators are required to assess the non-material well-being, biodiversity, and quality of life of [...] Read more.

The evaluation of management in peri-urban agricultural and natural areas (PANAs) constitutes a complex topic, particularly when considering its scale in cities where landscape planning is a priority. Therefore, indicators are required to assess the non-material well-being, biodiversity, and quality of life of society, which are criteria of cultural ecosystem services (CESs). This research develops identification and subclassification CESs and tangible and intangible indicators that facilitate the management of the PANA landscape, using the city of Arequipa as a case study—a dynamic cultural city with a declared cultural heritage, in turn located in an artificial oasis in the Atacama Desert. Therefore, the results will enable the selection of indicators that are practically applicable to planning instruments, serving as support systems for decision-making regarding interventions in PANAs. The methodology began with a systematic and meta-analytic (PRISMA) review, identifying 25 articles containing 230 indicators across 19 subclassifications. Using the Multiscale Indicators Framework (MSIF), the literature was integrated with a participatory workshop to validate these findings. The level of impact was assessed for 115 indicators across 13 subclassifications, applying criteria such as diversity, sustainable management, quality of life, and scalability—factors necessary to comply with urban sustainability policies. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

1 pages, 126 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Günther, P.; Ekardt, F. Human Rights and Large-Scale Carbon Dioxide Removal: Potential Limits to BECCS and DACCS Deployment. Land 2022, 11, 2153

by Philipp Günther and Felix Ekardt

Land 2024, 13(11), 1748; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111748 - 25 Oct 2024

Abstract

The original publication [...] Full article

31 pages, 29173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatially Explicit Model for Assessing the Impacts of Groundwater Protection Measures in the Vicinity of the Hranice Abyss

by Jozef Sedláček, Hana Vavrouchová, Kryštof Chytrý, Ondřej Ulrich, Petra Oppeltová, Milan Geršl, Kristýna Kohoutková, Radim Klepárník, Petr Kučera, Vítězslav Vlček, Jana Šimečková and Eva Žallmannová

Land 2024, 13(11), 1747; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111747 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a novel spatially explicit modeling framework developed to quantify the secondary environmental benefits of groundwater protection strategies in karst landscapes, with a specific application to the Hranice Abyss region. The model employs a multi-criteria decision analysis, integrated with hydrological modeling [...] Read more.

This study introduces a novel spatially explicit modeling framework developed to quantify the secondary environmental benefits of groundwater protection strategies in karst landscapes, with a specific application to the Hranice Abyss region. The model employs a multi-criteria decision analysis, integrated with hydrological modeling and a high-resolution random forest-based prediction algorithm, to downscale land surface temperature (LST) in order to obtain high-resolution 1 × 1 m spatial results. The primary contribution of this research lies in its capacity to assess not only the core objectives of groundwater protection but also its wider environmental impacts, including enhanced stormwater retention and the mitigation of land surface temperature increases. Key model predictors include land use and land cover data, and the framework is adaptable across diverse landscape types. In the case study area, water retention capacity demonstrated an increase of up to 30%, with an average rise in precipitation retention of 18.2 mm per microbasin. However, reductions in surface temperature were more modest, with a maximum decrease of 7.3%, corresponding to an average temperature drop of 1.5 °C. The model further identified pronounced seasonal and land-use-specific variations in surface temperature, particularly on agricultural land, where temperature fluctuations reached up to 2.6 °C between pre- and post-harvest periods. The findings of this study offer critical insights into how targeted land-use interventions can not only safeguard groundwater resources but also enhance landscape resilience to climate change. As such, this modeling approach provides an essential tool for the advancement of sustainable water resource management and climate-adaptive environmental planning. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2563 KiB

Open AccessReview

Landscape Agroecology: Methodologies and Applications for the Design of Sustainable Agroecosystems

by Miguel A. Altieri, Clara I. Nicholls, Manuel González de Molina and Angel Salazar Rojas

Land 2024, 13(11), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111746 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

Agroecosystem function is related to the positioning of the agroecosystem and its connectivity relationship with the surrounding landscape. Herein, three methodologies are presented, which allow assessment of the links between agroecosystems and the surrounding matrix, yielding information for promoting patterns and mechanisms that [...] Read more.

Agroecosystem function is related to the positioning of the agroecosystem and its connectivity relationship with the surrounding landscape. Herein, three methodologies are presented, which allow assessment of the links between agroecosystems and the surrounding matrix, yielding information for promoting patterns and mechanisms that foster biodiversity and the provision of multiple ecosystem services such as biological pest control, as well as energy flows and material exchanges. The three methodologies are complementary when assessing agrolandscape-level interactions in situations of regional agroecological transition. Through the use of 11 indicators, a methodology (Assessment of Beneficial Insect Habitat Suitability-ABIHS) was applied in two northern California vineyards to determine whether each agrolandscape provided suitable environmental opportunities to sponsor biological insect pest control. The Main Agroecological Structure [MAS] applied in Chilean family farms elucidates some of the relationships between farms and their biophysical environment, generating data to analyze the links between agroecosystem landscapes, management practices, and insect diversity in family farms. Social Agrarian metabolism (SAM) applied in Spanish agrolandscapes quantifies the biophysical and energy flows in agricultural systems, testing whether such flows are capable of reproducing and/or improving fund elements such as soil, biodiversity, and landscape vegetation in successive production cycles. The three methodologies provide key information for the design of sustainable agroecosystems in the context of an agroecological transition. Full article

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

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating How Policies and Other Conditions Contribute to Influencing Agricultural GHG Emissions in the EU

by Francesco Galioto, Irene Criscuoli, Andrea Martelli, Maria Valentina Lasorella, Ilaria Falconi, Danilo Marandola, Giovanni Dara Guccione and Francesca Varia

Land 2024, 13(11), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111745 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

The present study aims at investigating the potential impacts of agricultural policies on GHG emissions from agriculture across the European Union. The study begins by providing evidence on how the key CAP reforms contributed to the structural changes the European agriculture faced in [...] Read more.

The present study aims at investigating the potential impacts of agricultural policies on GHG emissions from agriculture across the European Union. The study begins by providing evidence on how the key CAP reforms contributed to the structural changes the European agriculture faced in the past. Based on these facts, we introduce the context of implementation of the 2014–2022 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), within which many interventions were designed to improve sustainability and increase competitiveness, and we formulate hypotheses on how CAP instruments can contribute differently to influencing GHG emissions from agriculture. The hypotheses formulated concern the following: (1) the influence of the income support payment on land prices and, consequently, on land distribution between small and large landowners; (2) the influence of the coupled payment on agricultural specialization; (3) the influence of agri-environmental-climate measures on the sustainable management of agricultural lands. These causalities can have direct and indirect effects on GHG emissions from agriculture. The method of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is used to investigate the above-mentioned causalities and to cluster observations based on similar combinations of conditions (i.e., drivers) and outcomes (i.e., positive or negative variations in GHG emissions from agriculture between the end and the beginning of the CAP programming period). The results reveal that the increase in GHG emissions from agriculture over the study period is mainly attributable to the low share of agricultural land under management contracts targeting climate change mitigation and carbon sequestration through the CAP. CAP payments coupled with production were found to contribute to further increasing GHG emissions from agriculture in some eastern and northern EU countries. Livestock concentrations, income support payments and the high price of agricultural land drive the increase in GHG emissions for other central and eastern EU countries. The paper concludes by addressing existing shortcomings due to conflicting interventions in the current CAP strategic plans. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Urban Vulnerability to Emergencies: A Spatiotemporal Approach Using K-Means Clustering

by Ibrahim Mutambik

Land 2024, 13(11), 1744; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111744 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

Today, urban areas across the world are increasingly vulnerable to emergencies due to expanding populations and the impact of climate change. This paper presents a data-driven method for assessing the susceptibility of urban regions to emergencies, using publicly available data and a clustering-based [...] Read more.

Today, urban areas across the world are increasingly vulnerable to emergencies due to expanding populations and the impact of climate change. This paper presents a data-driven method for assessing the susceptibility of urban regions to emergencies, using publicly available data and a clustering-based algorithm. The study incorporates both spatial and temporal dynamics, capturing the fluctuating nature of urban infrastructure and patterns of human movement over time. By introducing the notion of Points of Temporal Influence (PTIs) and a new “susceptibility level” parameter, the proposed model offers an innovative approach to understanding urban susceptibility. Experiments conducted in London, the UK, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Spatiotemporal K-means Clustering algorithm in identifying areas with heightened time-sensitive susceptibility. The findings highlight the value of incorporating both spatial and temporal data to enhance emergency response strategies and optimize urban planning efforts. This study contributes to the literature on smart cities by providing a scalable and adaptable method for improving urban resilience in the face of evolving challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Smart Cities and Territories)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Land Transfer Alleviate Multidimensional Relative Poverty in Rural Areas?

by Benjian Wu, Yiyuan Rong, Xinyu Liang, Haibo Zhu and Xue Shi

Land 2024, 13(11), 1743; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111743 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

After eliminating absolute poverty, China’s anti-poverty efforts have shifted towards multidimensional relative poverty. This study uses microdata from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) from 2012 to 2021, applies the Kakwani index to construct a multidimensional relative poverty indicator, and uses an [...] Read more.

After eliminating absolute poverty, China’s anti-poverty efforts have shifted towards multidimensional relative poverty. This study uses microdata from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) from 2012 to 2021, applies the Kakwani index to construct a multidimensional relative poverty indicator, and uses an endogenous transformation model to analyze the impact of land transfer on multidimensional relative poverty in rural areas. The study found that (1) land transfer can effectively reduce the multidimensional relative poverty of farm households. (2) Land transfer has a better mitigating effect on young farmers, farmers with higher literacy levels, and farmers who have not acute poverty. (3) Land transfer alleviates multidimensional relative poverty by increasing agricultural mechanization, business income, off-farm employment, and wage income. (4) The effects of land transfer out and land transfer in on the dimensions of multidimensional relative poverty are heterogeneous. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Policy and Food Security)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Economy as a Buffer: Alleviating the Adverse Effects of Land Resource Mismatch on Food Security

by Wenjie Li, Guanyu Guo, Huangying Gu, Shuhao Lai, Yuanjie Duan and Chengming Li

Land 2024, 13(11), 1742; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111742 - 24 Oct 2024

Abstract

In the era of the digital economy (DE), technology factors and data factors, like a two-wheel drive, have not only redefined the mode of production but also innovatively reshaped production relations. To examine how the DE can ensure food security (FS) in China, [...] Read more.

In the era of the digital economy (DE), technology factors and data factors, like a two-wheel drive, have not only redefined the mode of production but also innovatively reshaped production relations. To examine how the DE can ensure food security (FS) in China, this study explores the negative impacts of land resource mismatch (LRM) on FS, the mechanisms of the impacts, and the critical role played by the DE in mitigating its negative impacts, based on China’s provincial-level panel data from 2011 to 2022. This study finds that, first, LRM leads to a reduction in food production, which, in turn, threatens FS, and this conclusion remains robust after a series of robustness tests. Second, the heterogeneity analysis finds that LRM has a greater negative impact on FS in regions with high urbanization levels, regions with a short tenure of officials, and regions that are not major food-producing regions. Finally, in a further analysis, the specific channels and solution paths of the negative impact of LRM on FS are explored in depth. LRM negatively affects the material base and production capacity of food production, including reducing the supply of land, labor, and capital factors for food production; the DE reduces the negative impact of LRM on FS through the use of digital technology and open government data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Policy and Food Security)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6544 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scale-Dependent Effects of Urban Canopy Cover, Canopy Volume, and Impervious Surfaces on Near-Surface Air Temperature in a Mid-Sized City

by Carson Ralls, Anne Y. Polyakov and Vivek Shandas

Land 2024, 13(11), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111741 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

Cities are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural environments. Known as the ‘urban heat island effect’, it can affect the health of urban residents and lead to increased energy use, public health impacts, and damage to infrastructure. Although this effect is extensively researched, [...] Read more.

Cities are significantly warmer than their surrounding rural environments. Known as the ‘urban heat island effect’, it can affect the health of urban residents and lead to increased energy use, public health impacts, and damage to infrastructure. Although this effect is extensively researched, less is known about how landscape characteristics within cities affect local temperature variation. This study examined how tree canopy cover, canopy volume, and impervious surface cover affect daytime near-surface air temperature, and how these effects vary between different scales of analysis (10, 30, 60, 90 m radii), ranging from approximate street corridor to city block size. Temperature data were obtained from a car-mounted sensor, with traverse data points recorded during morning, afternoon, and evening times, plotted throughout the city of Portland, OR. The variability in near-surface air temperature was over 10° F during each traverse period. The results indicate that near-surface air temperature increased linearly with impervious surface cover and decreased linearly with tree canopy cover, with canopy volume reducing the temperature by 1° F for every 500 cubic feet of canopy volume for evening temperatures. The magnitude of the effect of tree canopy increased with spatial scale, with 60 and 90 m scales having the greatest measurable effect. Canopy volume had a positive relationship on presumed nighttime and early-morning temperatures at 60 and 90 m scales, potentially due to the impacts of wind fluctuation and air roughness. Canopy cover still contributed the largest overall decrease in street-scale temperatures. Increasing tree canopy cover and volume effectively explained the lower daytime and evening temperatures, while reducing impervious surface cover remains critical for reducing morning and presumed nighttime urban heat. The results may inform strategies for urban foresters and planners in managing urban land cover and tree planting patterns to build increased resiliency towards moderating urban temperature under warming climate conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure: Enhancing Resilience and Well-Being in the Face of Climate Change and Urbanization)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 4056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Do “One-Time Bidding, Average Price Win” Land Auction Rules Affect Land Prices: A Quasinatural Experiment in Suzhou, China

by Duo Chai, Shunru Li and Pengyuan Zhang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1740; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111740 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

The land price reflects the supply and demand relationship in the land market and plays an important role in regulating land use. Improving land auction rules is of great significance for avoiding abnormal fluctuations in the land market and promoting the sustainable use [...] Read more.

The land price reflects the supply and demand relationship in the land market and plays an important role in regulating land use. Improving land auction rules is of great significance for avoiding abnormal fluctuations in the land market and promoting the sustainable use of land resources. To regulate the abnormal fluctuations in the state-owned land use rights’ auction prices, Chinese local governments have implemented a “sealed one-time bidding, average price wins” rule. However, limited theoretical and empirical research that assesses its policy impact exists. This study examines the policy motivations behind this rule, constructing three game models; namely, static complete information, static incomplete information, and multiperiod repeated games. By deducing bidding strategies and equilibrium results, hypotheses are formulated. A baseline difference-in-differences (DID) and a dynamic policy effect model are designed, and the Python crawler is used to obtain 1182 microland auction samples in Suzhou. This study evaluates the impact of the one-time bidding rule on the starting prices, transaction prices, and premium rates. The empirical results underwent multiple robustness tests, eliminating potential endogeneity issues and biases. The results show that while the policy is effective in restraining the premium rate, indicating the bidding intensity in single-land auctions, it proves challenging to curb the long-term rise in land prices through continuous bidding auctions. Moreover, the policy may stimulate local governments to increase auction starting prices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Commons Governance and Sustainable Land Use)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 15203 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mobilizing Global Change Science for Effective Multi-Actor Governance in the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve

by Trace Gale, Andrés Adiego, Fabien Bourlon and Alexandra Salazar

Land 2024, 13(11), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111739 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

The 1950s initiated transformative shifts in human interactions and societal behaviors, exacerbating global environmental challenges—notably, biodiversity loss. The post-2020 Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) addressed these challenges with ambitious plans to halt and reverse biodiversity losses. Supported by initiatives like UNESCO’s Man and [...] Read more.

The 1950s initiated transformative shifts in human interactions and societal behaviors, exacerbating global environmental challenges—notably, biodiversity loss. The post-2020 Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) addressed these challenges with ambitious plans to halt and reverse biodiversity losses. Supported by initiatives like UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere program, the GBF seeks to enhance sustainability through country-level strategies that will mainstream nature-positive policies and expand multi-actor conservation governance. This study supports the local-level implementation of the GBF through a roadmap for the initial phase of the knowledge-action network creation. Through a case study of the Laguna San Rafael and Guayaneco Biosphere Reserve (LSRGBR) in Chilean Patagonia, this research explores the potential for inexpensive, readily available methods to support local decision makers by increasing access to and the visibility of relevant sustainability research. The study analyzes two decades of global change (GC) research within LSRGBR zones to understand spatial trends and identify applied insights with the potential to inform governance and management strategies. Findings highlight where GC research has occurred, areas of GC research interest, how applied content has manifested, and how existing research can inform and support governance action plans. Ultimately, this research proposes an adaptable knowledge mobilization framework for the LSRGBR that can be applied to a variety of place-based needs and contexts to mobilize science for broader sustainability objectives and enhance the potential for multi-actor collaboration and governance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosphere Reserves in the Global South)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

35 pages, 9016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Scale Evaluation and Simulation of Livelihood Efficiency in Post-Poverty Mountainous Areas

by Yuxuan Xu, Jiangbo Chang and Fang Su

Land 2024, 13(11), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111738 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

Promoting the coordination of livelihoods at the county and farmers’ scales is essential for achieving balanced regional development and rural revitalization in post-poverty mountainous areas. Existing studies predominantly focus on farmers’ or regional livelihood capital and livelihood efficiency at a single scale, lacking [...] Read more.

Promoting the coordination of livelihoods at the county and farmers’ scales is essential for achieving balanced regional development and rural revitalization in post-poverty mountainous areas. Existing studies predominantly focus on farmers’ or regional livelihood capital and livelihood efficiency at a single scale, lacking research on cross-scale coordination between farmers’ and county livelihoods. Consequently, these studies fail to reveal the interactions and synergistic enhancement pathways between the two scales. This study, using the Qinba mountains in southern Shaanxi as a case, employs system dynamics to construct a coupled system dynamics model of farmers’ livelihood efficiency and county livelihood efficiency. From the perspective of livelihood capital, five regulatory modes, comprising a total of 17 scenarios, were designed and simulated. The results indicate the following data: (1) The coupling coordination degree between farmers’ livelihood efficiency and county livelihood efficiency in the Qinba mountains is 0.623, indicating a moderate level of coordination overall. However, the coupling coordination relationship requires further optimization and adjustment. Specifically, Foping exhibits a severe imbalance, while the coupling coordination degree of Shiquan, Zhashui, Baihe, Pingli, and Lan’gao is in a state of basic coordination. Additionally, 19 other counties, including Lueyang, Ningqiang, Yang, and others, exhibit moderate coordination. (2) Enhancing social or financial capital through various means typically promotes the coordinated development of farmers’ and county livelihood efficiency. On average, social capital and financial capital regulation models can increase the coupling coordination degree by 0.08 and 0.17, respectively. Additionally, strategies such as increasing fixed asset investment and regulating other capital types, including reducing arable land, also effectively improve the coupling coordination degree of farmers’ and county livelihood efficiency. This study provides a decision-making basis for improving the coordination of farmers’ and county livelihoods in post-poverty mountainous areas, thereby promoting economic development and intensive resource utilization. It assists in formulating more precise policy measures and offers a reference for sustainable development and rural revitalization in similar regions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 2071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cocoa Farmers’ Perceptions of Drought and Adaptive Strategies in the Ghana–Togo Transboundary Cocoa Belt

by Afi Amen Christèle Attiogbé, Udo Nehren, Emmanuel Quansah, Enoch Bessah, Seyni Salack, Jean Mianikpo Sogbedji and Sampson K. Agodzo

Land 2024, 13(11), 1737; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111737 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the perception of drought by cocoa farmers and explored the effectiveness of adaptive strategies (ASs) used in smallholding farms in the transboundary region between Ghana and Togo. Drought significantly threatens cocoa production in this region, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and cocoa [...] Read more.

This study investigated the perception of drought by cocoa farmers and explored the effectiveness of adaptive strategies (ASs) used in smallholding farms in the transboundary region between Ghana and Togo. Drought significantly threatens cocoa production in this region, affecting farmers’ livelihoods and cocoa supply chains. This study used a multistage sampling approach, which involved surveys with questionnaires administered to 330 cocoa farmers throughout the study area, along with on-site observations. Statistical analysis included binary logistic and Poisson regression models to explore the relationship between farmer socioeconomic characteristics and adaptation practices. The findings revealed that cocoa farmers in the region have a nuanced understanding of drought, attributed to changing climatic patterns and unsustainable land management practices such as deforestation. To mitigate its impacts, farmers employ a variety of ASs, including investment in farm management, soil management, and intercropping with crop diversification. Furthermore, socioeconomic factors, including age, formal education, household size, land tenure right, adaptation cost assessment, and an underestimation of self-efficacy, were shown to affect the choice in the AS. Among the ASs adopted, only farm management practices (weeding, pruning, fertilizer application, etc.) significantly improved yield. This study contributes to understanding drought as a critical issue for cocoa farmers and the adaptation practices used by smallholder cocoa farmers. Given that among the strategies adopted, only farm management practices, also known as good agricultural practices (GAPs), significantly improves yield, this study recommends well-designed and innovative packages of sustainable farm management based on farm and owner characteristics. These include irrigation schemes, timely soil fertilizer monitoring and supply, and the provision of drought-resistant varieties along with technical itineraries. Additional interventions require drought emergency responses, with other factors such as education and financial support mechanisms expected to improve farmers’ timely decision-making to adapt and improve cocoa production resilience to drought episodes in international transboundary regions with complex governance structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land, Soil and Water)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 10092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Multi-Dimensional Layers in Historic Districts Based on Theory of the Historic Urban Landscape: Taking Shenyang Fangcheng as an Example

by Yuan Wang, Chengxie Jin, Danyang Xu, Tiebo Wang and Baoxi Wang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111736 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

The accelerated process of urbanisation in China is resulting in a decline in and threat to the historic landscape of historic districts. This study is based on the theory of historic urban landscapes and employs a multi-dimensional layers research framework for historic districts. [...] Read more.

The accelerated process of urbanisation in China is resulting in a decline in and threat to the historic landscape of historic districts. This study is based on the theory of historic urban landscapes and employs a multi-dimensional layers research framework for historic districts. It adopts a single case study and a research method that combines quantitative and qualitative methods. The stratification elements of Fangcheng in Shenyang are identified and summarised, the process of stratification is analysed, and the stratification patterns and laws are summarised through the acquisition and collection of multivariate data. The findings of this study indicate that the stratification elements of the Fangcheng Historic District have undergone five distinct phases of stratification evolution. The resulting stratification pattern can be summarised as follows: newborn, preserve, override, juxtaposition and decession. The spatial elements are layered in the following pattern: The historic landscape can be conceptualised as comprising four layers: (1) the layering of the historic landscape with large public buildings as the anchor point; (2) the layering of the historic landscape with the spatial pattern as the skeleton; (3) the layering of the historic landscape with the iconic buildings as the nodes; and (4) the layering of the historic landscape with the correlative elements as the substrate. The law of value element layering primarily reflects the principles of concentration, diversity and adaptation. In light of the urban historic landscape theory, the reconstruction and restoration strategies, integration of old and new and adaptive conservation of historic landscapes are proposed to offer novel insights and guidance for the conservation of the historic landscape in the Fangcheng Historic District. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 47304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracting Meso- and Microscale Patterns of Urban Morphology Evolution: Evidence from Binhai New Area of Tianjin, China

by Xiaojin Huang, Ran Cheng, Jun Wu, Wenjian Yang, Longhao Zhang, Pengbo Li and Wenzhe Zhu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111735 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

Understanding and recognizing urban morphology evolution is a crucial issue in urban planning, with extensive research dedicated to detecting the extent of urban expansion. However, as urban development patterns shift from incremental expansion to stock optimization, related studies on meso- and microscale urban [...] Read more.

Understanding and recognizing urban morphology evolution is a crucial issue in urban planning, with extensive research dedicated to detecting the extent of urban expansion. However, as urban development patterns shift from incremental expansion to stock optimization, related studies on meso- and microscale urban morphology evolution face limitations such as insufficient spatiotemporal data granularity, poor generalizability, and inability to extract internal evolution patterns. This study employs deep learning and meso-/microscopic urban form indicators to develop a generic framework for extracting and describing the evolution of meso-/microscale urban morphology. The framework includes three steps: constructing specific urban morphology datasets, semantic segmentation to extract urban form, and mapping urban form evolution using the Tile-based Urban Change (TUC) classification system. We applied this framework to conduct a combined quantitative and qualitative analysis of the internal urban morphology evolution of Binhai New Area from 2009 to 2022, with detailed visualizations of morphology evolution at each time point. The study identified that different locations in the area exhibited seven distinct evolution patterns: edge areal expansion, preservation of developmental potential, industrial land development pattern, rapid comprehensive demolition and construction pattern, linear development pattern, mixed evolution, and stable evolution. The results indicate that in the stock development phase, high-density urban areas exhibit multidimensional development characteristics by region, period, and function. Our work demonstrates the potential of using deep learning and grid classification indicators to study meso-/microscale urban morphology evolution, providing a scalable, cost-effective, quantitative, and portable approach for historical urban morphology understanding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Morphology: A Perspective from Space (Second Edition))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 6755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Coupling Coordination Relationship and Driving Factors of the Digital Economy and High-Quality Development of Rural Tourism: Insights from Chinese Experience Data

by Hanni Liu, Zhixiong Tan and Zancai Xia

Land 2024, 13(11), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111734 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

Globally, rural tourism development faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient marketing resources, and unreliable service quality, all of which limit its potential. However, digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address these barriers. China’s experience in integrating digital technology into rural tourism provides [...] Read more.

Globally, rural tourism development faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient marketing resources, and unreliable service quality, all of which limit its potential. However, digital technology offers unprecedented opportunities to address these barriers. China’s experience in integrating digital technology into rural tourism provides a valuable case study for understanding the digitalization of rural tourism. This study constructs an index system to assess the coupling coordination relationship between the digital economy and the high-quality development of rural tourism (HQDRT). By employing methods such as the entropy method, coupling coordination degree model, obstacle factor model, and geographic detector, the study examines the evolution of this coupling coordination relationship and its driving mechanisms across 31 provinces (including regions and municipalities) in China from 2012 to 2021. The findings reveal that (1) The development of the digital economy generally lags behind that of the rural tourism, but the coupling coordination relationship between the two is steadily improving. (2) The level of coupling coordination increases from west to east, with spatial distribution patterns evolving from ‘antagonism’ to ‘adaptation’ and then to ‘coordination’ as they move eastward. Most provinces belong to the ‘adaptation’ type. (3) From a nationwide perspective, the primary obstacles impeding the development of the digital economy include an insufficient internet penetration rate, which consequently leads to underdeveloped internet finance development and telecommunications industry development. The major barriers to the HQDRT stem from an inadequate number of tourists and a lack of physical infrastructure. (4) Population density, consumer spending, and R&D are significant drivers of the coupling coordination relationship, with the interaction between urbanization rates and other factors generally weakening the degree of coupling. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Driving Force Analysis of Blue–Green Space in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle, China

by Guangshun Zhang, Yi Su, Ziming Wang, Ying Chen, Jiangjun Wan and Haichao Bai

Land 2024, 13(11), 1733; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111733 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

In the rapid process of urbanization, revealing the patterns and driving forces behind the evolution of blue–green spaces holds significant value for optimizing urban blue–green environments. This study systematically investigates the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and driving forces of blue–green space in the Chengdu–Chongqing [...] Read more.

In the rapid process of urbanization, revealing the patterns and driving forces behind the evolution of blue–green spaces holds significant value for optimizing urban blue–green environments. This study systematically investigates the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and driving forces of blue–green space in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle from 1990 to 2020, utilizing GIS technology, landscape pattern analysis, and geographic detectors. The research findings indicate the following: (1) The area of blue–green space in the study area exhibits a general trend of initial growth followed by decline, with significant changes occurring between 2010 and 2020. (2) The fragmentation degree of blue–green space is gradually increasing, while connectivity among landscapes is decreasing; however, there has been an increase in landscape distribution uniformity. More than 90% of blue–green spaces expanded mainly through adjacency patterns. (3) In examining driving forces, it was found that temperature, topographic relief, elevation, population density, and construction intensity are the primary driving factors. Notably, the influence of natural factors has diminished over time while human social factors have significantly intensified. This study offers solutions for optimizing the configuration of blue–green spaces within the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle. It also serves as a reference case for promoting high-quality urbanization in developing countries undergoing rapid urbanization. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 6215 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Improved Framework of Major Function-Oriented Zoning Based on Carrying Capacity: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Region

by Qun Zhang, Lili Wang, Hanmei Wang, Yang Chen, Chunhua Tian, Yixi Shao and Tiange Liu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1732; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111732 - 23 Oct 2024

Abstract

Major function-oriented zoning, a key spatial planning strategy in China, aims to coordinate resource endowments, socio-economic development, and subsequent planning initiatives. However, the existing framework for major function-oriented zoning relies predominantly on socio-economic statistical indicators at the regional level, often neglecting the critical [...] Read more.

Major function-oriented zoning, a key spatial planning strategy in China, aims to coordinate resource endowments, socio-economic development, and subsequent planning initiatives. However, the existing framework for major function-oriented zoning relies predominantly on socio-economic statistical indicators at the regional level, often neglecting the critical role of carrying capacity. To address this limitation, we assessed both the current state and dynamic trends of the carrying capacity to identify risk and advantageous zones for major functions, with the objective of optimizing major function-oriented zoning in the Yangtze River Delta region, China. Our findings indicate that 47 counties are experiencing significant pressure under the current carrying capacity, while 57 counties exhibit a deteriorating trend in their capacity. Over half of the counties are categorized as having an overloaded carrying capacity. Based on this analysis, 66 counties have been designated as risk zones for major functions. Consequently, the optimization of major function-oriented zoning requires adjustments in 10 counties, incorporating the identified risk and advantageous zones to enhance spatial planning efficacy. This study proposes an enhanced methodological framework for major function-oriented zoning by fully integrating carrying capacity assessments, offering substantial support for territorial spatial planning in China. We believe that these improvements contribute significantly to more resilient and sustainable regional development strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Governance and Spatial Planning for Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 13791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Coupled Model for Forecasting Spatiotemporal Variability of Regional Drought in the Mu Us Sandy Land Using a Meta-Heuristic Algorithm

by Changfu Tong, Hongfei Hou, Hexiang Zheng, Ying Wang and Jin Liu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111731 - 22 Oct 2024

Abstract

Vegetation plays a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems, and droughts driven by rising temperatures pose significant threats to vegetation health. This study investigates the evolution of vegetation drought from 2010 to 2024 and introduces a deep-learning-based forecasting model for analyzing regional spatial and [...] Read more.

Vegetation plays a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems, and droughts driven by rising temperatures pose significant threats to vegetation health. This study investigates the evolution of vegetation drought from 2010 to 2024 and introduces a deep-learning-based forecasting model for analyzing regional spatial and temporal variations in drought. Extensive time-series remote-sensing data were utilized, and we integrated the Temperature–Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI), Drought Severity Index (DSI), Evaporation Stress Index (ESI), and the Temperature–Vegetation–Precipitation Dryness Index (TVPDI) to develop a comprehensive methodology for extracting regional vegetation drought characteristics. To mitigate the effects of regional drought non-stationarity on predictive accuracy, we propose a coupling-enhancement strategy that combines the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) with the Informer model, enabling more precise forecasting of long-term regional drought variations. Unlike conventional deep-learning models, this approach introduces rapid convergence and global search capabilities, utilizing a sparse self-attention mechanism that improves performance while reducing model complexity. The results demonstrate that: (1) compared to the traditional Transformer model, test accuracy is improved by 43%; (2) the WOA–Informer model efficiently handles multi-objective forecasting for extended time series, achieving MAE (Mean Absolute Error) ≤ 0.05, MSE (Mean Squared Error) ≤ 0.001, MSPE (Mean Squared Percentage Error) ≤ 0.01, and MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) ≤ 5%. This research provides advanced predictive tools and precise model support for long-term vegetation restoration efforts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep Learning of Climate Change and Extreme Events, Hydrological Processes and Land Use Dynamics Relationships)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Achieve the Ecological Sustainability Goal of Ecologically Fragile Areas on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: A Multi-Scenario Simulation of Lanzhou-Xining Urban Agglomerations

by Zeyuan Gong, Wei Liu, Jing Guo, Yi Su, Yapei Gao, Wanru Bu, Jun Ren and Chengying Li

Land 2024, 13(11), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111730 - 22 Oct 2024

Abstract

The future of the ecologically fragile areas on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a matter of concern. With the implementation of the Western Development Strategy, the Lanzhou-Xining Urban Agglomeration (LXUA) has encountered conflicts and compromises between urban expansion, ecological protection, and farmland protection [...] Read more.

The future of the ecologically fragile areas on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a matter of concern. With the implementation of the Western Development Strategy, the Lanzhou-Xining Urban Agglomeration (LXUA) has encountered conflicts and compromises between urban expansion, ecological protection, and farmland protection policies in the rapid development of the past 2 decades. These deeply affect the land use layout, making the ecological sustainable development of the ecologically fragile areas of the QTP a complex and urgent issue. Exploring the impact of different policy-led land use patterns on regional ecosystem services is of great significance for the sustainable development of ecologically fragile areas and the formulation of relevant policies. Following the logical main line of “history-present-future”, the Patch-level Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model, which explores potential factors of historical land use, and the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model were used to construct three future scenarios for the modernization stage in 2031 dominated by different land use policies in this study. These scenarios include the Business-as-Usual Scenario (BS), the Cropland Protection Scenario (CP), and the Ecological Protection Scenario (EP). The study analyzed and predicted land use changes in the LXUA from 2001 to 2031 and assessed carbon storage, habitat quality at different time points, and water yield in 2021. The results indicated that land use changes from 2001 to 2021 reflect the impacts and conflicts among the Western Development Strategy, ecological protection policies, and cropland preservation policies. In 2031, construction land continues to increase under all three scenarios, expanding northwards around Lanzhou, consistent with the actual “northward expansion” trend of Lanzhou City. Changes in other land uses are in line with the directions guided by land use policy. By 2031, carbon storage and habitat quality decline under all scenarios, with the highest values observed in the EP scenario, the lowest carbon storage in the BS scenario, and the lowest habitat quality in the CP scenario. Regarding water yield, the LXUA primarily relies on alpine snowmelt, with construction land overlapping high evapotranspiration areas. Based on the assessment of ecosystem services, urban expansion, delineation of ecological red lines, and improvement of cropland quality in the LXUA were proposed. These findings and recommendations can provide a scientific basis for policy makers and planning managers in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Ecological Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 11060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Assessment of Land Suitability for Urban Expansion and Renewal for Coastal Urban Agglomerations: A Pilot Study of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

by Tingting Pan, Fengqin Yan, Fenzhen Su and Liang Xu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1729; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111729 - 22 Oct 2024

Abstract

Effectively and rationally allocating land resources, while coordinating urban expansion with internal renewal strategies, is crucial for achieving high-quality regional development in coastal urban agglomerations. Land-use suitability assessment (LSA) is a key method for coastal land-use planning, but it is primarily used to [...] Read more.

Effectively and rationally allocating land resources, while coordinating urban expansion with internal renewal strategies, is crucial for achieving high-quality regional development in coastal urban agglomerations. Land-use suitability assessment (LSA) is a key method for coastal land-use planning, but it is primarily used to delineate ecological redlines or areas for urban expansion, often overlooking the spatial analysis needed for urban renewal. This is particularly critical in coastal urban agglomerations facing land scarcity and ecological fragility. Here, we combined land use and the Analytical Hierarchical Process (to consider stakeholder priorities) in a Minimum cumulative resistance model (MCRM) to determine suitable coastal urban growth and renewal based on a suite of 12 indicators relevant to development intensity and stock space. Application to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) indicates a dominance of the Ecological Buffer Zone (70.5%), and the available stock space in the GBA comprises only 9.2% of the total area. Our modeling framework tailored different development strategies for different cities: Huizhou and Zhaoqing had space for urban expansion to varying degrees, while other cities were found to be suitable for urban renewal due to low stock space and high development intensity. Our modeling approach, incorporating stakeholder input and objective evaluation of geographic land-use information, can assist planners in improving ecological security while promoting high-quality developments in coastal areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Green Infrastructure: Enhancing Resilience and Well-Being in the Face of Climate Change and Urbanization)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Land, Volume 13, Issue 11 (November 2024) – 32 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI