Land | November 2024 - Browse Articles

26 pages, 2492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Tree Shade on Vineyard Microclimate and Grape Production: A Novel Approach to Sun Radiation Modelling as a Response to Climate Change

by Isilda Cunha Menezes, Mário Santos, Lourdes Bugalho and Mário Gonzalez Pereira

Land 2024, 13(11), 1970; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111970 (registering DOI) - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Climate change threatens established agricultural systems and production, driving the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. Vitiforestry, an alternative cultivation system combining trees and shrubs in the vineyard, promotes environmental sustainability and offers a possible adaptation strategy to climate change. This work scrutinizes [...] Read more.

Climate change threatens established agricultural systems and production, driving the need for adaptation and mitigation strategies. Vitiforestry, an alternative cultivation system combining trees and shrubs in the vineyard, promotes environmental sustainability and offers a possible adaptation strategy to climate change. This work scrutinizes the impact of shading on vineyards using an Integrated Model of Vineyard Shading and Climate Adaptation (IMVSCA), supported by a system dynamics approach. This model estimates solar radiation and computes daily and annual trends of insolation, air temperature, and relative humidity to shading and its influence on vineyard growth stages. It also assesses the effects of shading-related extreme weather events and the occurrence of grapevine disease development driven by daily weather conditions and zoning adaptations. The pilot results depict the effects of tree shading on vineyards, namely the impacts of solar radiation and air temperature on vine phenology, pollination, pollen germination, fungal diseases, and the complimentary indicators of grape production and quality. Our modeling framework and findings suggest that vitiforestry could be an interesting climate change adaptation technique, providing a starting point for further studies in this scope. Full article

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

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25 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Dynamic Change and Driving Force of Isolated Marsh Wetland in Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China

by Shuangwei Zhang, Jiping Liu, Yanhui Chen, Wenhan Pei, Lihui Xuan and Yingpu Wang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111969 (registering DOI) - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Isolated marsh wetlands are crucial for maintaining regional hydrological connectivity and biological contiguity. The Sanjiang Plain is the most typical area of marsh wetland change in China. A large number of isolated marshy wetlands have been formed here due to natural and anthropogenic [...] Read more.

Isolated marsh wetlands are crucial for maintaining regional hydrological connectivity and biological contiguity. The Sanjiang Plain is the most typical area of marsh wetland change in China. A large number of isolated marshy wetlands have been formed here due to natural and anthropogenic influences. However, there have been few quantitative studies of the dynamics of isolated marsh wetlands and their drivers at the regional scale. This study used Landsat series image data provided by the Google Earth Engine. Through field surveys, combined with visual interpretation and the Random Forest Algorithm, the distributional changes in isolated marsh wetlands, non-isolated marsh wetlands, and natural marsh wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain from 1975 to 2020 were identified and extracted. The dynamic change characteristics as well as the patch importance values (dIIC) of isolated and non-isolated marsh wetlands were analyzed using the dynamic degree, standard deviation ellipse model, and the integral index of connectivity (IIC). Finally, the driving factors and interactions affecting the distribution of isolated marsh wetlands were analyzed by the Geodetector model. The results show that (1) the temporal dynamics of the three types of marsh wetlands are less than 0 from 1975 to 2020, and the temporal dynamics of isolated marsh wetlands are the largest. The lost wetlands were concentrated in the northeastern and east–central regions of the Sanjiang Plain. The center of mass of the standard deviation ellipse moved from northeast to southwest, and the isolated marsh wetlands moved the most. (2) The IIC of non-isolated marsh wetlands and natural marsh wetlands decreased and then increased, and the non-isolated marsh wetlands with high-grade connectivity were mainly distributed in the northeastern and east–central regions. On the other hand, the IIC of isolated marsh wetlands increased and then decreased, and the isolated marsh wetlands with high-grade connectivity were mainly distributed in the northeastern region. (3) The elevation is the most important driving factor affecting the distribution of isolated marsh wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain. The interaction between the driving factors had a significantly higher effect on the distribution of isolated marsh wetlands than that of a single driving factor, with the strongest interaction between aspect and elevation in 1975, 1986, 2000, and 2010, and between aspect and slope in 2020. Full article

22 pages, 7650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into Carbon Emissions in Economically Developed Regions Based on Land Use Transitions: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta, China

by Yu Li, Yanjun Zhang and Xiaoyan Li

Land 2024, 13(11), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111968 (registering DOI) - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

This study focused on the land use (LU) structure and carbon emissions (CEs) in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shanghai provinces of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China from 2000 to 2020, using the STIRPAT model and scenario analysis (SA). We conducted [...] Read more.

This study focused on the land use (LU) structure and carbon emissions (CEs) in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Shanghai provinces of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in China from 2000 to 2020, using the STIRPAT model and scenario analysis (SA). We conducted an analysis of the influence exerted by relevant factors on land use carbon emissions (LUCEs) and made forecasts regarding the diverse development scenarios of CE trends, aiming to provide methodological guidance for validating the effectiveness of existing policies in reducing CEs and offer direction for achieving the peak CO₂ emissions target as soon as possible. It also constitutes a significant reference for the early realization of the peak CO₂ emissions target. The results indicated the following: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, CEs resulting from LU in the YRD rose from 2.70 × 10⁸ t to 9.10 × 10⁸ t, marking an increase of 243.77%. In 2020, the built-up area was the predominant contributor to CEs, representing 99.15% of the overall carbon sources, whereas forests served as the main carbon sink, comprising 92.37% of the total carbon sinks (CSs) for that year. (2) For each percent increase in the parameters considered in this study, the corresponding increases in LU CO₂ emissions were estimated to be: 1.932% (population), 0.241% (GDP per capita), −0.141% (energy intensity), 0.043% (consumption structure), 1.045% (industrial structure), and 0.975% (urbanization). (3) According to the existing policy framework and development plans, the YRD is expected to achieve peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. If energy conservation and carbon reduction strategies are implemented, this peak could be achieved as early as 2025. However, if economic growth continues to depend primarily on fossil fuel consumption, the region may not hit its carbon peak until 2035. (4) The low-carbon scenario, which considers the needs of social progress alongside the intensity of carbon emission reductions, represents the most effective development strategy for reaching a carbon peak in LU within the YRD. Effectively managing population size and facilitating the upgrading of industrial structures are key strategies to hasten the achievement of peaking carbon dioxide emissions in the region. Full article

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19 pages, 10315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating System Dynamics, Land Change Models, and Machine Learning to Simulate and Predict Ecosystem Carbon Sequestration Under RCP-SSP Scenarios: Fusing Land and Climate Changes

by Yuzhou Zhang, Yiyang Zhang, Jianxin Yang, Weilong Wu and Rong Tao

Land 2024, 13(11), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111967 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Understanding the impacts of land use and vegetation carbon sequestration under varying climate scenarios is essential for optimizing regional ecosystem services and shaping sustainable socioeconomic policies. This study presents a novel research framework that integrates a system dynamics (SD) model, a patch generation [...] Read more.

Understanding the impacts of land use and vegetation carbon sequestration under varying climate scenarios is essential for optimizing regional ecosystem services and shaping sustainable socioeconomic policies. This study presents a novel research framework that integrates a system dynamics (SD) model, a patch generation land use simulation (PLUS) model, and the random forest algorithm, coupled with SSP-RCP scenarios from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), to simulate future vegetation net primary production (NPP). A case study in Hubei Province, central China, demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness in elucidating the interactions between land use change, climate change, topography, and vegetation conditions on carbon sequestration. The integration of SSP-RCP scenarios provides a clear understanding of how different climate conditions influence regional carbon sinks, offering valuable scientific insights for regional carbon neutrality and sustainable development policymaking. The simulation results for Hubei Province across the years 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2060, under three pathways—SSP1-1.9, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5—reveal that SSP1-1.9 leads to the highest carbon sequestration, while SSP5-8.5 results in the lowest. The annual total carbon sink ranges from 115.99 TgC to 117.59 TgC, with trends varying across scenarios, underscoring the significant impact of policy choices on local ecosystems. The findings suggest that under low-carbon emission scenarios, there is greater potential for NPP growth, making carbon neutrality goals more achievable. Full article

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

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28 pages, 3792 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring of Habitats in a Coastal Dune System Within the “Arco Ionico” Site (Taranto, Apulia)

by Francesco Maria Todaro, Maria Adamo, Gianmarco Tavilla, Catarina Meireles and Valeria Tomaselli

Land 2024, 13(11), 1966; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111966 (registering DOI) - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Although dune systems play a crucial ecological role and offer various ecosystem services, they are listed among the habitat types of community interest in the European Union that are undergoing the most severe conservation challenges. The subject of this study was the monitoring [...] Read more.

Although dune systems play a crucial ecological role and offer various ecosystem services, they are listed among the habitat types of community interest in the European Union that are undergoing the most severe conservation challenges. The subject of this study was the monitoring of habitat types protected under Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive) along the coastal dune systems of the Taranto Ionian Arc. Vegetation sociological surveys, GIS mapping, landscape metrics, NBR and dNBR indices were employed to assess the conservation status of the dune system and the impact of disturbance factors. Special attention was given to habitat 2250* (Coastal dunes with Juniperus spp.), revealing that it expanded from 2006 to 2019 but then significantly reduced between 2019 and 2022, with increasing fragmentation, mainly due to wildfires. The study also highlighted the impact of invasive species such as Acacia saligna and Carpobrotus acinaciformis, which compete for space and vital resources. These findings provide scientific evidence for the management and restoration of coastal dune ecosystems, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the effects of these disturbances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in the Framework for Integrated Approaches in Vulnerable Coastal Areas: Case Studies & Innovative Proposals)

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21 pages, 8742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using a Light Gradient-Boosting Machine–Shapley Additive Explanations Model to Evaluate the Correlation Between Urban Blue–Green Space Landscape Spatial Patterns and Carbon Sequestration

by Yuting Wu, Mengya Luo, Shaogang Ding and Qiyao Han

Land 2024, 13(11), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111965 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Global ecosystems are facing challenges posed by warming and excessive carbon emissions. Urban areas significantly contribute to carbon emissions, highlighting the urgent need to improve their ability to sequester carbon. While prior studies have primarily examined the carbon sequestration benefits of single green [...] Read more.

Global ecosystems are facing challenges posed by warming and excessive carbon emissions. Urban areas significantly contribute to carbon emissions, highlighting the urgent need to improve their ability to sequester carbon. While prior studies have primarily examined the carbon sequestration benefits of single green or blue spaces, the combined impact of urban blue–green spaces (UBGSs) on carbon sequestration remains underexplored. Meanwhile, the rise of machine learning provides new possibilities for assessing this nonlinear relationship. We conducted a study in the Yangzhou urban area, collecting Landsat remote sensing data and net primary productivity (NPP) data at five-year intervals from 2001 to 2021. We applied the LightGBM-SHAP model to systematically analyze the correlation between UBGSs and NPP, extracting key landscape metrics. The results indicated that landscape metrics had varying impacts on NPP. At the patch and type level, the Percentage of Landscape was significantly positively correlated with NPP in green space, while the contiguity index and fractal dimension index favored carbon sequestration under certain conditions. The contribution of blue space was lower, with some indicators exhibiting negative correlations. At the landscape level, the contagion index and aggregation index of UBGS had positive effects on NPP, while the division index and landscape shape index were negatively correlated with NPP. The results enhance the understanding of the relationship between UBGS and carbon sequestration, and provide a reference for urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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15 pages, 4634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Scenario Insights into Spatial Responses and Promotion Under Ecosystem Services

by Jingya Liu, Keyu Qin, Yu Xiao and Gaodi Xie

Land 2024, 13(11), 1964; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111964 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

The Blue Economic Zone of the Shandong Peninsula is located in the transitional zone between land and sea, with a complex ecological environment. The determination of hot and cold spots in various ecosystem services is crucial for the coordinated development of ecosystem services [...] Read more.

The Blue Economic Zone of the Shandong Peninsula is located in the transitional zone between land and sea, with a complex ecological environment. The determination of hot and cold spots in various ecosystem services is crucial for the coordinated development of ecosystem services and the optimization of the spatial pattern of the ecological environment. This study, based on natural and socio-economic data, utilizes various ecological models to simulate water yield (provisioning service), carbon sequestration (regulating service), biodiversity (supporting service), and aesthetic and scientific research values (cultural service). Using a multi-criteria decision-making approach, it identifies hot and cold spots of ecosystem services in different development–conservation scenarios. Combining the protection efficiency of different areas, it proposes a spatial pattern promotion scheme. The research indicates significant spatial differences in ecosystem services without clear trade-offs and synergies. Changes in the weights of ecosystem services in 11 scenarios result in significant differences in hot and cold spots. Compared to the neutral scenario (S6), the distribution of hot and cold spots in protection scenarios (S1–S5) is relatively scattered, while in development scenarios (S7–S11), hot spots show an increasing trend of concentration in the southeast, with cold spots scattered in the west and northwest. Four spatial pattern promotion schemes are proposed based on protection efficiency and policy preferences. Promotion areas should focus on ecological restoration and improvement to raise local ecosystem service levels. Protection areas should emphasize maintaining their existing high-level ecosystem services to achieve a synergistic enhancement of various ecosystem services. Full article

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17 pages, 8272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retention Levels and Years-After-Harvesting Influence over Soil Microbial Activity and Biomass in Southern Patagonian Forests

by Santiago Toledo, Guillermo Martínez Pastur, Julián Rodríguez-Souilla and Pablo L. Peri

Land 2024, 13(11), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111963 - 20 Nov 2024

Abstract

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) was designed for timber purposes and biodiversity conservation in natural forests. This system was globally tested, but few studies are related to soil microbial components. The objective was to evaluate different retention types (aggregated and dispersed retention) considering different [...] Read more.

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) was designed for timber purposes and biodiversity conservation in natural forests. This system was globally tested, but few studies are related to soil microbial components. The objective was to evaluate different retention types (aggregated and dispersed retention) considering different years-after-harvesting (6, 9, 16 YAH) on soil microbial community attributes compared with unmanaged primary forests (PF) in Nothofagus pumilio forests of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). This study also evaluated the influence of climate, soil, and understory vegetation. Results showed that aggregated retention increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), and soil basal respiration (SBR) compared to dispersed retention, but with similar values than PF. However, harvested areas decreased MBC/MBN values compared with PF. The results showed an overall decrease in microbial biomass and activity in 9 YAH stands, with a positive recovery at 16 YAH. Soil pH, mean annual temperature, and understory vegetation cover showed a positive relationship with MBC, MBN, and SBR. The recovery after 16 YAH reached to different microbial communities. Therefore, the maintenance of retention components in managed stands for longer periods is needed. The results highlight some advantages of VRH as a tool for conservation of forest-dwelling soil microorganisms, including microbial biomass and activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Forest Landscape Management towards Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity)

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58 pages, 18760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Response of Urban Sustainable Development Standards to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Based on Knowledge Graphs

by Maomao Yan, Feng Yang, Huiyao Pan and Chao Li

Land 2024, 13(11), 1962; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111962 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 19

Abstract

In the new era of the vigorous development of digitalization and intelligence, digital technology has widely penetrated various fields. International authoritative standardization bodies, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), proposed a timely new standard concept [...] Read more.

In the new era of the vigorous development of digitalization and intelligence, digital technology has widely penetrated various fields. International authoritative standardization bodies, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), proposed a timely new standard concept called Standards Machine Applicable, Readable, and Transferable (SMART) in order to meet this development trend. Its core feature is that the standard can be machine-readable, usable, understandable, and resolvable without human labor so as to achieve the goals of standard formulation, promotion, publicity, and implementation more effectively. Simultaneously, China’s standardization industry is responding to the strategic deployment of “new quality productivity” by actively promoting the digital development of standards and establishing standard information databases, standard formulation management systems, etc., which provide data support and a platform basis for applying new technologies. Advanced technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and knowledge graphs can be combined with standardization to improve the efficiency of standard development, application accuracy, and implementation effects. To align with these trends, this study focuses on analyzing the responses of national and international standards in the field of urban sustainable development to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). This study proposes an innovative approach involving the application of knowledge graph technology to the standardization of urban sustainable development and establishing a response correlation between the indicator library for cities’ sustainable development (ILCSD) and SDGs. It also provides additional functions, such as the intelligent extraction of cities’ sustainable characteristic evaluation indicators and aided decision analysis, which greatly enhance the practicability and efficiency of the ILCSD as a technical tool. Based on knowledge graphs, this study analyzes the different responses of important standards in the field of urban sustainable development to the 17 SDGs, accurately identifies weak trends and gaps in standards, and provides a basis for improving the standardization system of urban sustainable development. Simultaneously, by comparing national and international standards and technologies, this study promotes the mutual recognition of standards, which can help China’s urban sustainable development work align with international standards. In addition, the process of establishing and maintaining knowledge graphs facilitates the continuous adoption of new standards through which the indicator library is automatically updated. Finally, in this study, we propose several inspirations for the standardization of urban sustainable development in China, such as an optimization standard system of benchmarking SDGs and a localization application of the original SDG indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment)

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18 pages, 7848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Climate Change and Human Activities on Streamflow in Arid Alpine Water Source Regions: A Case Study of the Shiyang River, China

by Honghua Xia, Yingqing Su, Linshan Yang, Qi Feng, Wei Liu and Jian Ma

Land 2024, 13(11), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111961 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 75

Abstract

Climate change and human activities were identified as the primary drivers of streamflow in arid alpine regions. However, limitations in observational data have resulted in a limited understanding of streamflow changes in these water sources, which hinders efforts to adapt to ongoing climate [...] Read more.

Climate change and human activities were identified as the primary drivers of streamflow in arid alpine regions. However, limitations in observational data have resulted in a limited understanding of streamflow changes in these water sources, which hinders efforts to adapt to ongoing climate change and to formulate effective streamflow management policies. Here, we use the four main tributaries in the upper reach of the Shiyang River in China as a case study to investigate the long-term trends in streamflow within arid alpine water sources, quantifying the individual contributions of climate change and human activities to these changes. The findings revealed that temperatures and precipitation in arid alpine regions have risen over the past 40 years. Although the warming trend has been significant, it has slowed in recent years. Nevertheless, three-quarters of the rivers are experiencing a decline in streamflow. The land types within the watershed remain relatively stable, with land use and cover change (LUCC) primarily occurring in the Gulang River watershed. Climate change has significantly affected streamflow change in high and rugged terrains, with an influence exceeding 70%. For example, Jingta River showed an impact of 118.79%, Zamu River 84.00%, and Huangyang River 71.43%. Human-driven LUCC, such as the expansion of cultivated and urban land, have led to increased water consumption, resulting in reduced streamflow. This effect is particularly pronounced in the low-lying and gently undulating areas of the Gulang River, where LUCC account for 78.68% of the change in streamflow. As human activities intensify and temperatures continue to rise, further declines in streamflow are projected, highlighting the urgent need for effective water resource management. These insights highlight the urgent need for targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies to confront the water scarcity challenges faced by these vulnerable regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Key Hydrological Processes and Its Controlling Factors in Terrestrial Ecosystems)

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13 pages, 6339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Biomass and Blue Carbon Potential: Estimating Carbon Stocks in the Vital Wetlands of Eastern Sumatra, Indonesia

by Mohammad Basyuni, Andi Aznan Aznawi, Muhammad Rafli, Jeli Manogu Tua Tinumbunan, Erika Trinita Gultom, Revani Dwi Arisindy Lubis, Hegi Alfarado Sianturi, Elham Sumarga, Erizal Mukhtar, Bejo Slamet, Erni Jumilawaty, Rudhi Pribadi, Rama Riana Sitinjak and Shigeyuki Baba

Land 2024, 13(11), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111960 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 129

Abstract

Global warming is a critical factor driving climate change, impacting every aspect of life on Earth. The escalating concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the primary contributor to global warming, necessitates immediate action through effective climate mitigation strategies. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Global warming is a critical factor driving climate change, impacting every aspect of life on Earth. The escalating concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, the primary contributor to global warming, necessitates immediate action through effective climate mitigation strategies. This study aimed to quantify the biomass and blue carbon stocks in the eastern coastal mangrove forests of North Sumatra and Aceh Provinces in Indonesia, focusing on key sites in Langkat, Deli Serdang, Batu Bara, Tanjung Balai, and Aceh Tamiang Regencies. We measured carbon stock in three carbon pools: biomass (above and below ground), necromass, and soil. By analyzing tree stands using parameters such as tree height and diameter at breast height within circular plots (7 m in radius, 125 m apart), we gathered fundamental data on forest structure, species composition, and above- and below-ground biomass. Additionally, we collected soil samples at various points and depths, measuring the amount of wood, stems, or branches (necromass) that fell to or died on the forest floor. Data were collected in plots along a line transect, comprising three transects and six circular plots each. Sixteen diverse mangrove species were found, demonstrating rich mangrove biodiversity. The mangrove forests in the five regencies exhibited significant carbon storage potential, with estimated average above-ground carbon ranging from 96 to 356 MgC/ha and average below-ground carbon from 28 to 153 MgC/ha. The estimated average deadwood carbon varied between 50 and 91 MgC/ha, while soil carbon ranged from 1200 to 2500 MgC/ha. These findings underscore the significant carbon storage potential of these mangrove forests, highlighting their importance to global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. This research contributes to a broader understanding of mangroves as vital blue carbon ecosystems, emphasizing the necessity of conservation efforts such as forest restoration and rehabilitation to enhance their role in stabilizing coastal areas and improving global climate resilience. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating 10 Years of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem)

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18 pages, 7864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Variations in Water Physicochemical Status in Pinios River Catchment, at Eastern Mediterranean Region

by Stephanos D. V. Giakoumatos, Nikolaos T. Skoulikidis, Sotirios Karavoltsos, Aikaterini Sakellari and Elias Dimitriou

Land 2024, 13(11), 1959; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111959 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 136

Abstract

Analyzing water quality variations is essential for the allocation of water to different uses and for applying remedial measures. Thessaly Plain was extremely fertile, and up until the early 20th century, the area was a breadbasket for Greece. The highly important for the [...] Read more.

Analyzing water quality variations is essential for the allocation of water to different uses and for applying remedial measures. Thessaly Plain was extremely fertile, and up until the early 20th century, the area was a breadbasket for Greece. The highly important for the national agricultural production, albeit severely degraded Pinios River, has been assessed for its chemical–physicochemical (C-P) status. The research was based on the results of the national monitoring program for the years 2018–2020, considering 218 seasonal samples. A total of 39% of the total samples and 70% of the 30 monitoring stations revealed a lower-than-good C-P status based on Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) boundaries. The exceedances are attributed predominately to elevated phosphate, total phosphorous, and nitrate concentrations. Exceptionally, the Pinios River seems to be mainly affected by point sources of organic pollution and secondarily by agricultural return flows and drainage processes, whereas dominant mineralization and nitrification processes control the concentration and type of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. The coronavirus lockdown seems not to have affected aquatic quality significantly, whereas the improvement of C-P status at the river outflow via dilution by local mountain springs is threatened by an ongoing dry spell affecting the country. Within the upcoming river basin management plans, prompt remediation measures in the Pinios basin should target point sources of pollution and control agrochemicals, particularly focusing on adaptation strategies for extreme weather events. Full article

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27 pages, 15718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Continuity and Change in the Ricote Valley Region (Southeastern Spain): An Integrated Analysis of Socio-Demographic, Territorial and Landscape Transformations

by Rubén Giménez-García, Ramón García-Marín and José Molina-Ruiz

Land 2024, 13(11), 1958; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111958 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 166

Abstract

Historically, the Ricote Valley Region (Region of Murcia) has based its economic development on traditional agriculture based on the exploitation of water resources for the cultivation of citrus and fruit trees. Since the middle of the last century, industrial and service development, urban [...] Read more.

Historically, the Ricote Valley Region (Region of Murcia) has based its economic development on traditional agriculture based on the exploitation of water resources for the cultivation of citrus and fruit trees. Since the middle of the last century, industrial and service development, urban attraction and agricultural policies have generated a multitude of social, population and territorial transformations in this geographical area. The Ricote Valley Region has suffered an unprecedented demographic decline, making it one of the areas with the greatest depopulation problem in SE Spain. The demographic emptying of this region brings with it other associated problems, such as the abandonment of the land and traditional farming systems, with the consequent change in land use. This work aims to analyse both the demographic transition experienced by this Murcian region, the changes in land use/land cover generated and the possible relationship between both phenomena. In order to address these objectives, the methodology and sources used have been diverse. In this regard, population dynamics have been assessed by analysing the evolution experienced by different demographic indicators whose information has been obtained from the National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and the Murcia Regional Statistics Centre (MRSC). In turn, the transformations of the territorial surface have been obtained by comparing the representation of land cover/use present in the years 1990 and 2018 by means of georeferenced spatial information elaborated by the Corine Land Cover project (CLC). The results obtained show that, despite the fact that the region as a whole has experienced a positive population evolution, three of the seven municipalities that comprise it have been suffering the most significant depopulation process in their history for decades. In addition, the analysis of changes in land cover/land use revealed that 27.5% of the territory of the region has been transformed over the last 30 years, with a significant increase in permanently irrigated land. Finally, the correlation of information derived from the two proposed objectives shows a significant relationship between demographic evolution and the degree of territorial transformation suffered by each of the municipalities studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Topical Advisory Panel Member Solicited Papers Series: Land Use Changes in Rural Areas)

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29 pages, 39045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Functional Zoning in Urban Fringe Areas Based on the Trade-Offs Between Ecological–Social Values in Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Jiangning District, Nanjing

by Ning Xu and Haoran Duan

Land 2024, 13(11), 1957; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111957 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 100

Abstract

Amid the rapid socio-economic development of urban fringe areas, promoting the multi-functional supply of ecosystems and sustainable development is essential. Taking Jiangning District in Nanjing as a case study, this study explores the relationships and spatial clustering characteristics among various ecosystem service values [...] Read more.

Amid the rapid socio-economic development of urban fringe areas, promoting the multi-functional supply of ecosystems and sustainable development is essential. Taking Jiangning District in Nanjing as a case study, this study explores the relationships and spatial clustering characteristics among various ecosystem service values in urban fringe areas, focusing on the trade-offs between ecological and social values. Ecological functional zones were delineated based on the ecosystem service clustering results and regional conjugation principles, followed by an analysis of the trade-offs and synergies among the values within each zone. The findings reveal the following: (1) trade-offs between ecological and social ecosystem service values are prevalent across the entire region, as well as within sub-regions in urban fringe areas; (2) Jiangning District can be divided into five key ecological functional zones—the Vibrant Industry-Urbanization Integration Zone, Important Habitat Conservation Zone, Livable Organic Renewal Zone, Characteristic Rural Landscape Development Zone, and Riparian Recreation and Ecological Conservation Zone. Each zone exhibits significant differences in the types and features of the services provided; and (3) understanding the relationships among ecological and social values within each zone may help to resolve trade-offs between them. This progressive trade-off analysis, from the regional to sub-regional level, enables more precise identification of ecosystem functions, providing reference for decision-making to enhance the overall regional value and guide sustainable planning and management practices in urban fringe areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Services Design from Single Space Solution to Landscape Vision)

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19 pages, 4035 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Life Cycle Assessment for Torrent Control Structures: A Review

by Mirabela Marin, Nicu Constantin Tudose, Cezar Ungurean and Alin Lucian Mihalache

Land 2024, 13(11), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111956 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 202

Abstract

Mountain areas are prone to the occurrence of extreme events, especially torrential floods, amplified by climatic and environmental changes. In this context, it is mandatory to increase resilience and guide decision-makers toward more effective measures. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered as a [...] Read more.

Mountain areas are prone to the occurrence of extreme events, especially torrential floods, amplified by climatic and environmental changes. In this context, it is mandatory to increase resilience and guide decision-makers toward more effective measures. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered as a decision support tool that can provide the qualitative and quantitative criteria required by the Do No Significant Harm, thus contributing to a more accurate assessment of environmental impacts of the torrent control structures. This study aimed to investigate the current state of the LCA applications in the torrent control to provide practitioners perspectives for new research and a pathway for optimized LCA analysis. Our analysis reveals that in the torrent control area, these studies are still limited. Most of the papers considered Ecoinvent as the main database source and cradle to grave as the main system boundary. This study suggests that restoring the functional capacity of dams and other torrent control structures instead of demolition or decommissioning from the end-of-life stage will ensure an orientation towards more sustainable and circular strategies. Although strong partnerships and consistent efforts are needed, general findings reveal that LCA is a useful tool for moving towards more sustainable construction practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land, Biodiversity, and Human Wellbeing)

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46 pages, 3013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Local Governments Plan to Give Their Past a Future: A State-Wide Analysis of Heritage Strategy Documents in New South Wales (Australia)

by Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Land 2024, 13(11), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111955 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 150

Abstract

The authorized heritage discourse sensu Smith asserts that cultural heritage, and in particular heritage places, can be managed for the benefit of present and future generations through appropriate measures of identification, protection and conservation. Comprehensive planning at the individual place as well as [...] Read more.

The authorized heritage discourse sensu Smith asserts that cultural heritage, and in particular heritage places, can be managed for the benefit of present and future generations through appropriate measures of identification, protection and conservation. Comprehensive planning at the individual place as well as community/local government level is the backbone to good management if ad hoc decisions are to be avoided. While all local government authorities (councils) in New South Wales (Australia) are mandated to produce Local Strategic Planning Statements with a ten-year horizon that may include statements related to heritage management, some councils also promulgated dedicated heritage strategies. So far, the nature and comprehensiveness of such planning instruments have never been formally investigated. This paper provides a state-wide analysis of Local Strategic Planning Statements and council heritage strategies in NSW. The review shows that the priorities expressed in heritage strategies are often mundane, with none of the strategies expressing aspirational priorities or actions. The value of heritage to a community is assumed axiomatically, with very few heritage strategies expressing a vision for why heritage management is of community relevance. Only a few heritage strategies demonstrate how they, and their strategic priorities, are interlinked with other local, let alone state-level, strategies and policies. Very few of the documents provide evidence for the basis on which the strategies are founded, such as canvassing public opinion, situational analysis or projections of demographic, social, societal and economic trajectories based on strategic foresight. This review highlights much room for improvement. In a post-modernist age of alternative truths, where trust in governments is declining, it is imperative that local government heritage strategies be grounded in the community, offer transparency in how priorities are decided and, above all, provide a clear and aspirational vision for the role that cultural heritage shall play in the community. Full article

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

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21 pages, 5835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Agricultural Areas to Restore Through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)

by Beatrice Petti and Marco Ottaviano

Land 2024, 13(11), 1954; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111954 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 233

Abstract

This study aims to present a methodological approach based on the objectives of the Nature Restoration Law and the concept of Forest Landscape Restoration to identify areas that are best suited for the implementation of Nature-based Solutions for the improvement of landscape and [...] Read more.

This study aims to present a methodological approach based on the objectives of the Nature Restoration Law and the concept of Forest Landscape Restoration to identify areas that are best suited for the implementation of Nature-based Solutions for the improvement of landscape and habitat status in the city of Campobasso (1028.64 km²). Using open data (ISPRA ecosystem services and regional land use capability), an expert based approach (questionnaire), and a multicriteria analysis (Analytical Hierarchy Process), the Total Ecosystem Services Value index was determined as a weighted additive sum of the criteria considered. The index was then classified into eight clusters, and the land use “Cropland” was extracted. Cluster 1 croplands (740.09 Ha) were identified as the areas to be allocated to Nature-based Solutions since they were those characterized by fewer ecosystem services provisioning, while Cluster 8 croplands (482.88 Ha) were identified as valuable areas to be preserved. It was then possible to compare the “Forest” areas currently present in the study area with those of a possible future scenario, represented by the areas occupied today by forest with the addition of Cluster 1 croplands. A landscape analysis was conducted; it showed greater dispersion and fragmentation of forest patches in the future scenario, but also greater connectivity and thus greater ecological functionality of the patches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Land Degradation Processes and Control)

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27 pages, 35919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Construction and Application of a SVM-Based Quantification Model for Streetscape Visual Complexity

by Jing Zhao and Wanyue Suo

Land 2024, 13(11), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111953 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 206

Abstract

Visual complexity is a crucial criterion for evaluating the quality of urban environments and a key dimension in arousal theory and visual preference theory. Objectively quantifying visual complexity holds significant importance for decision-making support in urban planning. This study proposes a visual complexity [...] Read more.

Visual complexity is a crucial criterion for evaluating the quality of urban environments and a key dimension in arousal theory and visual preference theory. Objectively quantifying visual complexity holds significant importance for decision-making support in urban planning. This study proposes a visual complexity quantification model based on a support vector machine (SVM), incorporating six key indicators, to establish a mapping relationship between objective image features and subjective complexity perception. This model can efficiently and scientifically predict street view complexity on a large scale. The research findings include the following: (1) the introduction of a new quantification dimension for the urban environment complexity—hierarchical complexity– which reflects the richness of street elements based on an in-depth semantic understanding of images; (2) the established complexity quantification model demonstrates high accuracy, with the indicators ranked by contribution for compression ratio, grayscale contrast, hierarchical complexity, fractal dimension, color complexity, and symmetry; and (3) the model was applied to predict and analyze the visual complexity of the Xiaobailou and Wudadao Districts in Tianjin, revealing that the visual complexity of most streets is moderate, and targeted recommendations were proposed based on different levels of visual complexity. Full article

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19 pages, 14781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Spatial Correlation Network Structure and Carbon Balance Zoning of Land Use Carbon Emission in the Tarim River Basin

by Zhe Gao, Jianming Ye, Xianwei Zhu, Miaomiao Li, Haijiang Wang and Mengmeng Zhu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1952; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111952 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 319

Abstract

An accurate understanding of the structure of spatial correlation networks of land use carbon emissions (LUCEs) and carbon balance zoning plays a guiding role in promoting regional emission reductions and achieving high-quality coordinated development. In this study, 42 counties in the Tarim River [...] Read more.

An accurate understanding of the structure of spatial correlation networks of land use carbon emissions (LUCEs) and carbon balance zoning plays a guiding role in promoting regional emission reductions and achieving high-quality coordinated development. In this study, 42 counties in the Tarim River Basin from 2002 to 2022 were chosen as samples (Corps cities were excluded due to missing statistics). The LUCE spatial correlation network characteristics and carbon balance zoning were analyzed by using the Ecological Support Coefficient (ESC), Social Network Analysis (SNA), and Spatial Clustering Data Analysis (SCDA), and a targeted optimization strategy was proposed for each zone. The results of the study indicate the following: (1) The LUCEs showed an overall upward trend, but the increase in LUCEs gradually slowed down, presenting a spatial characteristic of “high in the mid-north and low at the edges”. In addition, the ESC showed an overall decreasing trend, with a spatial characteristic opposite to that of the LUCEs. (2) With an increasingly close spatial LUCE correlation network in the Tarim River Basin, the network structure presented better accessibility and stability, but the individual network characteristics differed significantly. Aksu City, Korla City, Bachu County, Shache County, Hotan City, and Kuqa City, which were at the center of the network, displayed a remarkable ability to control and master the network correlation. (3) Based on the carbon balance analysis, the counties were subdivided into six carbon balance functional zones and targeted synergistic emission reduction strategies were proposed for each zone to promote fair and efficient low-carbon transformational development among the regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Land Use under the Target of Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutralization)

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22 pages, 8643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Expansion Characteristics and Nonlinear Relationships of Driving Factors in Urban Agglomerations: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China

by Bochuan Zhao, Yifei Wang, Huizhi Geng, Xuan Jiang and Lingyue Li

Land 2024, 13(11), 1951; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111951 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 192

Abstract

Urban agglomerations are increasingly becoming the primary regional units in global competition, characterized by the rapid expansion of impervious surface areas, which negatively impacts both society and the environment. This study quantifies the spatiotemporal expansion of these surfaces in the Yangtze River Delta [...] Read more.

Urban agglomerations are increasingly becoming the primary regional units in global competition, characterized by the rapid expansion of impervious surface areas, which negatively impacts both society and the environment. This study quantifies the spatiotemporal expansion of these surfaces in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration and explores its driving factors using a Geographically Weighted Random Forest model. The results demonstrate a transition from “point expansion” to “infill development”, while also revealing a gradual southward shift in the developmental focus of the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration. Although expansion intensity has decreased, spatial clustering has intensified. Based on the expansion patterns of impervious surface areas, we propose a novel regional classification method, dividing the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration into three zones: “A-Development Decline Zone”, “B-Development Core Zone”, and “C-Development Ascendance Zone”. Socio-economic factors are the primary drivers of this expansion, followed by science and education, and then the ecological environment, while physical geography factors have the least impact. The study reveals differentiated regional development characteristics and further refines the sub-regions within the urban agglomeration, providing a new perspective for future regional coordinated development policies. Full article

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

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18 pages, 14396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Temporal Assessment of Soil Erosion After a Wildfire in Tuscany (Central Italy) Using Google Earth Engine

by Francesco Barbadori, Pierluigi Confuorto, Bhushan Chouksey, Sandro Moretti and Federico Raspini

Land 2024, 13(11), 1950; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111950 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 191

Abstract

The Massarosa wildfire, which occurred in July 2022 in Northwestern Tuscany (Italy), burned over 800 hectares, leading to significant environmental and geomorphological issues, including an increase in soil erosion rates. This study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate [...] Read more.

The Massarosa wildfire, which occurred in July 2022 in Northwestern Tuscany (Italy), burned over 800 hectares, leading to significant environmental and geomorphological issues, including an increase in soil erosion rates. This study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate soil erosion rates with a multi-temporal approach, investigating three main scenarios: before, immediately after, and one-year post-fire. All the analyses were carried out using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform with free-access geospatial data and satellite images in order to exploit the cloud computing potentialities. The results indicate a differentiated impact of the fire across the study area, whereby the central parts suffered the highest damages, both in terms of fire-related RUSLE factors and soil loss rates. A sharp increase in erosion rates immediately after the fire was detected, with an increase in maximum soil loss rate from 0.11 ton × ha⁻¹ × yr⁻¹ to 1.29 ton × ha⁻¹ × yr⁻¹, exceeding the precautionary threshold for sustainable soil erosion. In contrast, in the mid-term analysis, the maximum soil loss rate decreased to 0.74 ton × ha⁻¹ × yr⁻¹, although the behavior of the fire-related factors caused an increase in soil erosion variability. The results suggest the need to plan mitigation strategies towards reducing soil erodibility, directly and indirectly, with a continuous monitoring of erosion rates and the application of machine learning algorithms to thoroughly understand the relationships between variables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding Disasters in a Changing Landscape: Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Strategies)

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20 pages, 15708 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

Returning to Integrated Landscape Management as an Approach to Counteract Land Degradation in Small Mediterranean Islands: The Case Study of Stromboli (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

by Rita Biasi, Francesco Valerio Collotti and Stefano Baia Curioni

Land 2024, 13(11), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111949 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 210

Abstract

The small Mediterranean islands, unique geographical places where coastlines and mountains converge due to volcanic genesis, are among the most threatened environments on Earth. Their marginality, which has historically led to their use as places of detention and punishment, coupled with the extreme [...] Read more.

The small Mediterranean islands, unique geographical places where coastlines and mountains converge due to volcanic genesis, are among the most threatened environments on Earth. Their marginality, which has historically led to their use as places of detention and punishment, coupled with the extreme climate and rugged geomorphology shaped by terracing practices, has resulted in the loss of systematic land management. This loss stems from the abandonment of cropland in favor of alternative activities and migrations, impacting essential ecosystem services such as the water cycle, soil fertility, and the cultural landscape. The need to counteract the land degradation in these vulnerable areas has been acknowledged for some Mediterranean small islands, including the UNESCO heritage site of Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy—an especially captivating location due to its active volcano. The agricultural abandonment on terraces, intensively cultivated with olives groves and vineyards until the mid-20th century, has rendered the area highly fragile and susceptible to risks such as fires and soil erosion, particularly as a consequence of extreme weather events, as proven in 2022, which saw a destructive fire followed by storms. To mitigate the negative effects of hydrogeological disruptions, the implementation of integrated landscape management—managing ecosystems at the landscape level—has been proposed. Specifically, an agroforestry intervention, coupled with the restoration of dry stone walls, the shaping of soil slopes by recovering the traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and the design of water-collecting devices incorporated with the traditional hydraulic knowledge, may be proposed as a strategic approach to minimize the soil erosion risks, adapt to climate change, and extensively restore the use of traditional agrobiodiversity to support the local economy and tourism. A pilot intervention by local stakeholders based on these principles is described as an emblematic agrobiodiversity-based landscape design project in a vulnerable area, aiming at the preservation of the cultural landscapes of the small Mediterranean islands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Runoff and Soil Erosion in the Mediterranean Region)

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27 pages, 1857 KiB

Open AccessReview

Water, Ecosystem Services, and Urban Green Spaces in the Anthropocene

by Marianna Olivadese and Maria Luisa Dindo

Land 2024, 13(11), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111948 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 254

Abstract

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman [...] Read more.

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman aqueducts, Maya rainwater harvesting systems, and ancient Chinese flood control techniques—can be adapted to address contemporary water challenges in modern cities. We evaluate these historical practices through a lens of contemporary environmental pressures, including climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. By integrating ancient methods with modern technologies, we propose adaptive solutions to enhance urban water resilience. Case studies from five cities (Singapore, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) illustrate how modern green infrastructure, inspired by ancient techniques, is being successfully implemented to manage stormwater, mitigate urban flooding, and improve water conservation. By integrating historical practices with modern technologies—such as advanced filtration systems and water recycling—these cities are enhancing their water resilience and sustainability. The findings suggest that urban planners can draw valuable lessons from historical systems to design adaptive, climate-resilient cities that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. This paper concludes with actionable recommendations for future urban planning, emphasizing the importance of decentralized water systems, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable urban water management in the Anthropocene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Collection for the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE))

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22 pages, 9118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Changes of Air Particle Pollutants and Scale Regulation of Forest Landscape in a Typical High-Latitude City

by Chang Zhai, Ning Fang, Xuan Xu, Bingyan Liu, Guangdao Bao, Zhibin Ren and Ruoxuan Geng

Land 2024, 13(11), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111947 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 291

Abstract

Particulate pollutants, particularly PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, pose serious threats to human health and environmental quality. Therefore, effectively mitigating and reducing the concentrations of these pollutants is crucial for human survival and development. In this study, we analyzed the distribution characteristics [...] Read more.

Particulate pollutants, particularly PM_2.5 and PM₁₀, pose serious threats to human health and environmental quality. Therefore, effectively mitigating and reducing the concentrations of these pollutants is crucial for human survival and development. In this study, we analyzed the distribution characteristics of air particulate pollutants in a typical high-latitude city, extracted urban forest areas from high-resolution remote sensing images, and examined the changing characteristics of PM concentration and the relationship between landscape pattern indexes and PM at different scales. The results showed that the concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were highest in winter and lowest in summer. At the small scales of 0.5 km × 0.5 km to 1.5 km × 1.5 km, PM concentration decreased with the decrease in PARA (Perimeter–Area Ratio). At the mesoscales of 2 km × 2 km to 2.5 km × 2.5 km, both PARA and CIRCLE (Related Circumscribing Circle) were highly significant (p < 0.001) correlated with PM concentration. At the large scales of 3 km × 3 km to 4 km × 4 km, PARA and PAFRAC (Perimeter–Area Fractal Dimension) were positively correlated with PM concentration. Our study indicates that reducing the complexity of forest patches in small-scale planning can help mitigate particulate air pollution. In the medium scale of urban forest planning, the more regular the forest patch shape and the more similar the patch shape to the strip, the better PM can be alleviated, while in large-scale planning, increasing the forest area and making the patches more normalized and simplified can reduce PM concentration. Moreover, reducing the complexity of forest patches can significantly mitigate PM pollution at all scales. The results of this research provide theoretical support and guidance for improving air quality in urban forest planning at different scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing of Urban Forests and Their Ecological Functions)

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24 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Impact Mechanism of Cultivated Land Use in the Mountainous Areas of Southwest Hubei Province, China

by Zhengxiang Wu, Qingbin Fan, Wen Li and Yong Zhou

Land 2024, 13(11), 1946; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111946 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 261

Abstract

Changes in cultivated land use significantly impact food production capacity, which in turn affects food security. Therefore, accurately understanding the spatial and temporal variations in cultivated land use is critical for strategic decision-making regarding national food security. Since the second national soil survey [...] Read more.

Changes in cultivated land use significantly impact food production capacity, which in turn affects food security. Therefore, accurately understanding the spatial and temporal variations in cultivated land use is critical for strategic decision-making regarding national food security. Since the second national soil survey was conducted in around 1980, China has implemented major efforts, such as a nationwide soil testing and fertilization project in around 2005 and the establishment of the National Standards for Cultivated Land Quality Grading in 2016. However, limited research has focused on how cultivated land use has changed during these periods and the mechanisms driving these changes. This study, using Enshi Prefecture in the mountainous region of southwestern Hubei Province as a case study, examines the spatiotemporal changes in cultivated land use during 1980–2018. Land use data from 1980, 2005, and 2018 were combined with statistical yearbook data from Enshi Prefecture, and remote sensing and GIS technology were applied. Indicators such as the dynamic degree of cultivated land use, the relative rate of change in cultivated land use, and a Geoscience Information Atlas model were used to explore these changes. Additionally, principal component analysis was employed to examine the mechanisms influencing these changes. The results show that (1) the area of cultivated land in Enshi Prefecture increased slightly from 1980 to 2005, while from 2005 to 2018, it significantly decreased; compared with the earlier period, the transformation of land use types during 2005–2018 was more intense; (2) the increase in cultivated land area from 1980 to 2005 was mainly due to deforestation, the creation of farmland from lakes, and the reclamation of wasteland, while the decrease in land area was primarily attributed to the conversion of farmland back to forests and grassland. From 2005 to 2018, the main drivers for the increase in cultivated land were deforestation and the reclamation of wasteland, while the return of farmland to forests remained the primary reason for the decrease in land area; (3) from 1980 to 2005, the dynamic degree of cultivated land use in each county and city of Enshi Prefecture was generally low. However, between 2005 and 2018, the dynamic degree increased in most counties and cities except Enshi City and Xianfeng County; (4) there were significant variations in the relative rate of change in cultivated land utilization across counties and cities from 1980 to 2005. However, from 2005 to 2018, the relative rate of change decreased in all counties and cities compared to the previous period; (5) since 1980, nearly 50% of the cultivated land in Enshi Prefecture has undergone land classification conversion, with frequent shifts between different land classes; and (6) economic development, population growth, capital investment, food production, and production efficiency are the dominant socioeconomic factors driving changes in cultivated land use in Enshi Prefecture. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the protection and optimization of cultivated land resources in the mountainous regions of southwestern Hubei Province. Full article

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24 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Mixed Livestock Systems to Optimize Forage Utilization and Modify Woody Species Composition in Semi-Arid Communal Rangelands

by Mhlangabezi Slayi and Ishmael Festus Jaja

Land 2024, 13(11), 1945; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111945 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 238

Abstract

Communally owned rangelands serve as critical grazing areas for mixed livestock species such as cattle and goats, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and woody species composition of communal rangelands where [...] Read more.

Communally owned rangelands serve as critical grazing areas for mixed livestock species such as cattle and goats, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Southern Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and woody species composition of communal rangelands where cattle and goat flocks graze together and to investigate the influence of grazing intensity on vegetation dynamics. Vegetation surveys were conducted across varying grazing intensities to assess species richness, biomass, and dietary preferences, while soil properties were analyzed to determine their interaction with vegetation attributes. Stepwise regression and path analyses were used to explore the relationships between soil characteristics, vegetation structure, and livestock dietary choices. The results revealed that high grazing pressure significantly reduced grass biomass (p = 0.003) and woody species density (p = 0.007) while increasing shrub cover (p = 0.018). Nutritional analysis indicated that goats preferred woody shrubs, which contributed 42.1% of their diet compared to 27.8% for cattle (p = 0.008). Regression analysis further showed that soil organic carbon (p = 0.002) and tree height (p = 0.041) were strong predictors of shrub cover. Seasonal variation significantly affected forage availability and nutritional content, with higher crude protein levels recorded during the wet season (p = 0.007). These findings suggest that grazing management strategies should be tailored to the distinct forage needs of cattle and goats to maintain the productivity and ecological stability of communal rangelands. A holistic approach that considers livestock dietary preferences, vegetation composition, and soil health is essential for sustainable rangeland management in mixed-species grazing systems. Full article

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

25 pages, 20678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial–Temporal Evolution Pattern of Soil Erosion and Its Dominant Factors on the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020

by Panpan Liu, Bing Guo, Rui Zhang and Longhao Wang

Land 2024, 13(11), 1944; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111944 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 288

Abstract

Global changes have led to significant changes in soil erosion on the Loess Plateau. Soil erosion leads to the degradation of land resources and a decline in soil fertility, adversely affecting agricultural production and the socioeconomic situation. Therefore, revealing the spatiotemporal evolution patterns [...] Read more.

Global changes have led to significant changes in soil erosion on the Loess Plateau. Soil erosion leads to the degradation of land resources and a decline in soil fertility, adversely affecting agricultural production and the socioeconomic situation. Therefore, revealing the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of soil erosion in the Loess Plateau region and investigating the influencing factors that contribute to soil erosion are crucial for its management and restoration. In this study, the RUSLE monthly model and the Geodetector model were utilized to reveal the spatiotemporal trends of soil erosion in the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020 and to determine the dominant influencing factors in different periods. The main results are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the soil erosion in the Loess Plateau initially weakened and then intensified, indicating that precipitation and precipitation intensity have different effects on surface soil. (2) From 2000 to 2015, the area experiencing slight and mild erosion increased. This is attributed to the increase in vegetation coverage in the Loess Plateau region, which has alleviated soil erosion in the area. (3) From 2000 to 2020, zones of severe soil erosion were mainly located in the cities of Yan’an and Yulin and their surrounding areas. The gravity center of soil erosion shifted northwestward from Yan’an City overall, indicating an improvement in the soil erosion conditions in the Yan’an area. (4) The predominant level of soil erosion across different land-use types was slight erosion, accounting for over 40%. This may be a result of forestry ecological projects that effectively reduce soil loss. (5) In slope zones of 0–5°, slight erosion accounted for the largest area proportion. As the slope increased, the area proportion of severe and extremely severe erosion also increased. This is attributed to the protective role of vegetation on soil in gentle slope areas. (6) From 2000 to 2020, vegetation was the dominant single factor influencing the spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion, while the interactions between vegetation and land use had the largest explanatory power, indicating that changes in land-use types partially affect variations in vegetation coverage. Our research findings could provide important data support for soil erosion control and eco-environment restoration in the Loess Plateau region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Disaster and Environment Monitoring Based on Multisource Remote Sensing Images)

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19 pages, 16431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Urbanization and Habitat Quality: Interactive Coercive Relationships

by Weisong Li, Jiahui Wu, Yanghaoyue Yuan, Binqiao Duan, Sipei Pan, Wanxu Chen and Yan Chen

Land 2024, 13(11), 1943; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111943 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 289

Abstract

Urbanization is inevitably accompanied by drastic changes in regional land use and therefore presents an evident influence on ecosystems. Habitat quality (HQ) reflects the ability of a habitat to provide suitable conditions for the survival of an individual or population, and clarifying the [...] Read more.

Urbanization is inevitably accompanied by drastic changes in regional land use and therefore presents an evident influence on ecosystems. Habitat quality (HQ) reflects the ability of a habitat to provide suitable conditions for the survival of an individual or population, and clarifying the interrelationships between urbanization level (UL) and HQ provides insights into sustainable urbanzation and ecosystems conservation. Much attention has focused on how urbanization related to HQ at multi-scales, but few studies have analyzed the interactive coercive relationships between UL and HQ on the global county level. To address this gap, we adopted the bivariate spatial autocorrelation and coupling coordination degree (CCD) model to determine their interactive coercive relationships at the county level globally. Results showed that the global average UL was 0.0807, 0.0838, and 0.0857 in 2000, 2010, and 2020, respectively, with a continuously increasing trend. The global average HQ was 0.6186, 0.6133, and 0.6111 for 2000, 2010, and 2020, reflecting opposite declining trends. The Moran’s I of population urbanization and HQ in 2000, 2010, and 2020 globally remained negative but showed an increasing trend, with values of −0.189, −0.228, and −0.254, respectively, while those of economic urbanization and HQ and land urbanization and HQ also remained negative and exhibited a similar increasing trend. The spatial autocorrelations for UL and HQ in different dimensions indicated that deserts and plateaus functioned as catchment areas with low UL and HQ. The CCD between UL and HQ in each county globally ranged from 0 to 0.70, while CCD between land urbanization and HQ was the most optimal at 0–0.90. The CCD between population urbanization and HQ was similar to that of economic urbanization in terms of spatial distribution. Nevertheless, the CCD of land urbanization in HQ exhibited the greatest degree of coordination among the three urbanization dimensions during the study period. These findings provided important support for sustainable urbanization and ecosystem protection globally. Full article

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23 pages, 25552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Outdoor Area Implications of Mixed Housing Tenure Initiatives—A Swedish Case in Tynnered, Gothenburg

by Robin Biddulph and Mattias Sandberg

Land 2024, 13(11), 1942; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111942 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 288

Abstract

Mixing tenure types is often seen as a means of reducing segregation by breaking up concentrations of poverty. Previous research suggests that introducing new tenure types may also result in homeowners erecting fences and attempting to control activity by public housing tenants in [...] Read more.

Mixing tenure types is often seen as a means of reducing segregation by breaking up concentrations of poverty. Previous research suggests that introducing new tenure types may also result in homeowners erecting fences and attempting to control activity by public housing tenants in outdoor spaces. These have often meant that tenure mix rather than reducing segregation has instead inscribed it within neighbourhoods. We conducted a case study of a mixed-tenure neighbourhood in Sweden, relying primarily on resident interviews. The results were analysed thematically using the concepts of nested commons, gentrification of outdoor space, and a smorgasbord of places. We found some evidence of new fencing and of attempts to modify shared outdoor area use, but overall, relations remained harmonious. We argue that this was largely because the smorgasbord of places created by the original planners has largely remained intact, and because there were not sharp social differences between the residents of the different tenure forms. Nevertheless, we argue that the outdoor implications of tenure mix initiatives can be crucial to the outcomes of such initiatives, and that they deserve serious attention from policymakers and practitioners. Full article

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23 pages, 28843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driving Factors of Soil Salinization: A Case Study of the Yutian Oasis, Xinjiang, China

by Shiqin Li, Ilyas Nurmemet, Jumeniyaz Seydehmet, Xiaobo Lv, Yilizhati Aili and Xinru Yu

Land 2024, 13(11), 1941; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13111941 - 18 Nov 2024

Viewed by 301

Abstract

Soil salinization is a critical global environmental issue, exacerbated by climatic and anthropogenic factors, and posing significant threats to agricultural productivity and ecological stability in arid regions. Therefore, remote sensing-based dynamic monitoring of soil salinization is crucial for timely assessment and effective mitigation [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is a critical global environmental issue, exacerbated by climatic and anthropogenic factors, and posing significant threats to agricultural productivity and ecological stability in arid regions. Therefore, remote sensing-based dynamic monitoring of soil salinization is crucial for timely assessment and effective mitigation strategies. This study used Landsat imagery from 2001 to 2021 to evaluate the potential of support vector machine (SVM) and classification and regression tree (CART) models for monitoring soil salinization, enabling the spatiotemporal mapping of soil salinity in the Yutian Oasis. In addition, the land use transfer matrix and spatial overlay analysis were employed to comprehensively analyze the spatiotemporal trends of soil salinization. The geographical detector (Geo Detector) tool was used to explore the driving factors of the spatiotemporal evolution of salinization. The results indicated that the CART model achieved 5.3% higher classification accuracy than the SVM, effectively mapping the distribution of soil salinization and showing a 26.76% decrease in salinized areas from 2001 to 2021. Improvements in secondary salinization and increased vegetation coverage were the primary contributors to this reduction. Geo Detector analysis highlighted vegetation (NDVI) as the dominant factor, and its interaction with soil moisture (NDWI) has a significant impact on the spatial and temporal distribution of soil salinity. This study provides a robust method for monitoring soil salinization, offering critical insights for effective salinization management and sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions. Full article

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Land, Volume 13, Issue 11 (November 2024) – 244 articles

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