Land | July 2024 - Browse Articles

30 pages, 15012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Spatio-Temporal Examination of Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Smart Cities of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor

by Arun Kanchan, Vilas Nitivattananon, Nitin K. Tripathi, Ekbordin Winijkul and Ranadheer Reddy Mandadi

Land 2024, 13(7), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070957 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2024

Abstract

This study provides a detailed analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) changes at the district level within the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) from 2001 to 2021. Using the Indian Meteorological Department’s sub-divisional framework and MODIS data across seven primary LULC classes, [...] Read more.

This study provides a detailed analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) changes at the district level within the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) from 2001 to 2021. Using the Indian Meteorological Department’s sub-divisional framework and MODIS data across seven primary LULC classes, the analysis is instrumental in informing infrastructure planning for existing and future smart cities and industrial clusters within the DMIC. The key findings reveal a yearly increase of 3031.40 sq. km. per year in agricultural land, with decreases in shrubland, grassland, and bareland of −1774.72 sq. km. per year, −1119.62 sq. km. per year, and −203.76 sq. km. per year, respectively. On the other hand, forests grew by a modest 148.14 sq. km. per year, while waterbodies and built-up lands saw minor increases of 55.73 sq. km. and 21.48 sq. km. per year. Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) were evaluated for LULC changes. The smart cities of Pune and Thane serve as excellent examples of balanced urban development and natural growth management. However, the study also highlights the need for further research to investigate LULC impacts on climatic variables, advocating for a regional planning approach in the DMIC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applying Earth Observation Data for Urban Land-Use Change Mapping)

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22 pages, 9902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Property Rights, Spatial Form, and Land Performance: A Framework of Policy Performance Evaluation on Collective-Owned Construction Land and Evidence from Rural China

by Gaofeng Xu, Jian Liu and Min Zhang

Land 2024, 13(7), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070956 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2024

Abstract

Alongside the proceeding of rural land system reform in China, it becomes more and more critical to conduct policy performance evaluations on collective-owned construction land for profitable use to reflect the achievements and deficiencies of the reform. Traditionally, land policy performance evaluation is [...] Read more.

Alongside the proceeding of rural land system reform in China, it becomes more and more critical to conduct policy performance evaluations on collective-owned construction land for profitable use to reflect the achievements and deficiencies of the reform. Traditionally, land policy performance evaluation is based on the theory of “policy-performance”, which fails to explain the mechanism of transaction costs. From the perspective of spatial planning, land use and the spatial form shaped by land development management and control are a representation of land property rights, as well as an expression of land policy performance. Thus, a correct understanding of the role of spatial form in the relationship between land policy and land performance is of great significance in accurately evaluating land policy performance and further improving land policies. Focusing on the interrelation among the three factors, this article highlights and elaborates on the intermediary role of spatial form between land property rights and land policy performance and puts forward the analytical framework of “land property right–spatial form–land policy performance”. It then takes the case of Wujiang District of Suzhou in southern Jiangsu Province to prove the effectiveness of this analytical framework. The outcome of this study can serve as a supplement to “policy-performance” theory, which refines and deepens the analysis of transaction costs from the perspective of spatial planning. It may also help deepen the recognition of land policy performance through visualized presentations, providing a new perspective for performance evaluation in quantitative and qualitative ways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Land Use Planning and Evaluation of Environmental Carrying Capacity)

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15 pages, 1080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hellenic Archaeological Cadastre: A Land Administration System Specifically Designed for the Documentation and Management of Cultural Heritage

by Sofia Basiouka

Land 2024, 13(7), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070955 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2024

Abstract

How is land management related to cultural policy and how do these two different scientific fields contribute to cultural heritage protection? How may archaeological sites, immovable monuments, and state property be recorded in a specific Land Administration System? What are the records of [...] Read more.

How is land management related to cultural policy and how do these two different scientific fields contribute to cultural heritage protection? How may archaeological sites, immovable monuments, and state property be recorded in a specific Land Administration System? What are the records of the system in numbers? These questions will be answered in this publication, and the example of the Hellenic Archaeological Cadastre (HAC) will be analyzed in detail. The HAC project is one of the most important projects that has been designed, implemented, and launched within the last decade by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. The transition of the whole public sector in the digital era and the urgent need for reliable and updated geospatial documentation of public parcels of land and constructions, archaeological sites, and immovable monuments were the two main factors that led to the compilation and implementation of the specific LAS. This study presents the available tools, administrative procedures, records, qualitative and quantitative data, and prominent examples of public parcels of land accessible online in the open access web GIS platform. A SWOT analysis is also performed for its evaluation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research Approaches & Practices Towards Sustainable Land Management, Preservation & Restoration (Second Edition))

17 pages, 1059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Impacts of Land Environmental Features and Planning on Apartment Resale Prices in Jinan City, China

by Jiaqian Xu, Zhihua Zhang and M. James C. Crabbe

Land 2024, 13(7), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070954 (registering DOI) - 29 Jun 2024

Abstract

As a typical city with a population of 5 to 10 million in China, Jinan has undergone significant increases in land supply during the past decade, resulting in substantial volatility in apartment sale/resale market prices. In this study, we investigated all second-hand apartment [...] Read more.

As a typical city with a population of 5 to 10 million in China, Jinan has undergone significant increases in land supply during the past decade, resulting in substantial volatility in apartment sale/resale market prices. In this study, we investigated all second-hand apartment transactions from 826 communities of Jinan city and explored the multiscale impacts of land environmental features and planning on apartment resale prices throughout the city. Specifically, central and eastern regions had significantly positive impacts on apartment resale prices, while western regions had significantly negative impacts; education resources had consistently positive impacts throughout the city while shopping, business buildings, and medical resources had insignificant impacts; subway stations had insignificant impacts and bus stations had significant effects only in congestion points and northeastern edges. Our results revealed the formation mechanisms and spatial heterogeneity of apartment resale prices in Jinan. Our work will not only help in the decision making of potential apartment purchasers, but will also be conducive to enhancing the spatial justice of local governments in land supply and planning policies. Full article

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

25 pages, 1550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Soil Diversity: Innovative Strategies for Potato Blight Management in Central-Eastern Poland

by Barbara Sawicka, Piotr Barbaś, Dominika Skiba, Ali Hulail Noaema and Piotr Pszczółkowski

Land 2024, 13(7), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070953 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Abstract

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 [...] Read more.

Faced with increasing climate challenges, this pioneering study introduces groundbreaking approaches to ensure the resilience of potato crops in east-central Poland. Our research was aimed at developing an innovative, cost-effective system tailored to the diverse local conditions of this region. Conducted between 2018 and 2020, the study analyzed integrated and organic production systems across different soil types and potato varieties. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications in two locations. Integrated production systems involve the strategic use of mineral fertilization and chemical protection to optimize crop growth and health, whereas organic production systems rely solely on natural inputs and biological pest control methods. Integrated practices, enhanced by mineral fertilization and chemical protection, notably delayed the onset of late blight by 16 days and extended the critical infection period by 17% compared to their organic counterparts. Remarkably, the integrated systems resulted in a 49% increase in total production and a 52% increase in commercial yields, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing crop resilience. Different potato varieties exhibit varied responses to cultivation systems, influencing both yield and disease resistance. Further investigation into these varietal responses can help optimize cultivation practices, leading to improved efficiency and sustainability in potato farming. Location and soil conditions have a significant impact on potato yield and the spread of potato blight. Specific soil properties such as pH levels, organic matter content, soil texture (clay, silt, and sand composition), moisture retention capacity, and nutrient availability are crucial in determining potato productivity and disease dynamics. Further research into these soil properties and the adaptation of varieties to local conditions can contribute to increased productivity and stability in potato production. This study not only paves the way toward sustainable agriculture but also highlights the crucial role of soil diversity in shaping resilient farming practices. Potato producers in the eastern-central region of Poland should implement integrated production systems using mineral fertilization and chemical plant protection, adapted to local soil conditions and potato varieties. These practices can delay the appearance of late blight and increase the total and marketable potato yield. Further research on soil properties and variety adaptation may increase production stability and efficiency. Promoting soil diversity and modern technologies will ensure resilient and sustainable agricultural production in the face of climate change. Full article

20 pages, 2839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of an Inorganic Carbon Sink Influenced by Agricultural Activities in the Karst Peak Cluster Depression of Southern China (Guancun)

by Ning Zhang, Qiong Xiao, Yongli Guo, Pingan Sun, Ying Miao, Fajia Chen and Cheng Zhang

Land 2024, 13(7), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070952 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Land use in karst areas affects soil properties, impacting carbon sinks. Accurate estimation of carbon sink flux in karst areas through zoning and classification is crucial for understanding global carbon cycling and climate change. The peak cluster depression is the largest continuous karst [...] Read more.

Land use in karst areas affects soil properties, impacting carbon sinks. Accurate estimation of carbon sink flux in karst areas through zoning and classification is crucial for understanding global carbon cycling and climate change. The peak cluster depression is the largest continuous karst landform region in southern China, with the depressions primarily covered by farmland and influenced by agricultural activities. This study focused on the Guancun Underground River Basin, a typical peak cluster depression basin, where sampling and analysis were conducted during the agricultural period of 2021–2022. Using hydrochemical analysis and isotopic methods, the results indicated that: (1) The primary hydrochemical type in the Guancun Underground River Basin is HCO₃-Ca, with hydrochemical composition mainly controlled by carbonate rock weathering. (2) The primary sources of Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ are agricultural activities, with agriculture contributing 0.68 mmol/L to dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), accounting for about 13.86%, as confirmed by ion concentration analysis and isotope verification. (3) The size of the depression area is proportional to the contribution of agricultural activities to DIC, while also being influenced by dilution effects. A comparison was made regarding the contribution of other land use types to DIC. The impact of land use on DIC in karst processes should not be overlooked, and zoning and classification assessments of carbon sink flux under different influencing factors contribute to carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Soil Quality and Management in Karst Ecosystem II)

28 pages, 2143 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Heterogeneous Coordination between Urban Development Levels and the Ecological Environment in the Chinese Grassland Region (2000–2020): A Case Study of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

by Yue Wang and Yongchun Yang

Land 2024, 13(7), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070951 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Scientifically identifying the impact of urban development levels on the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions from a classification perspective is crucial for stabilizing grassland ecosystems and optimizing urban development in grassland cities. Using the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, [...] Read more.

Scientifically identifying the impact of urban development levels on the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions from a classification perspective is crucial for stabilizing grassland ecosystems and optimizing urban development in grassland cities. Using the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, this research constructs a conceptual analysis framework for the coordinated state between the urban development level and the ecological environment in China’s grassland regions based on the theory of dual economic structures. Employing the Granger causality test, nonlinear fitting, and coupling coordination degree model methods, the heterogeneity and coordination between urban development levels and ecological environment in China’s grassland areas from 2000 to 2020 are comprehensively analyzed. The findings reveal the following: (1) Capital-type central cities and growing resource-based cities, with high levels of development, positively nurture the grassland ecology, exhibit high labor mobility, and experience low endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in high coordination. (2) Pure agro-pastoral cities, with low development levels, negatively impact the grassland ecology, have low labor mobility, and face high endogenous and exogenous pressures, resulting in low coordination. (3) Regional central cities, with moderate development levels, exert a neutral counterbalance effect on the grassland ecology, with opposing endogenous and exogenous pressures, leading to moderate coordination. (4) When the impact relationship ranges from “positive-neutral-negative,” the endogenous and exogenous pressures on the grassland ecology by declining resource-based cities and developing agro-pastoral cities are determined by their specific development levels, showing variations from “large → balance → small” to “small → balance → large,” with coordination fluctuating between “high-moderate-low”. (5) Special ecological cities are less affected by urban development levels, with coordination levels determined by the ecological foundation. Analyzing the heterogeneous coordination between urban development levels and the ecological environment for different types of cities in grassland regions is significant for improving the overall quality of the grassland ecological environment and exploring distinctive urban development models. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development and Coordinated Governance of Urban and Rural Areas under the Guidance of Ecological Wisdom)

19 pages, 1819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Demonstration Cooperatives on the “Empty Shell” of Farmer Professional Cooperatives in China

by Sixian Li, Yaodong Zhou and Chengjiang Li

Land 2024, 13(7), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070950 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

With the advancement of farmer professional cooperatives in China, the prevalence of the “empty shell” phenomenon has posed a significant challenge to the health and sustainability of these cooperatives. Utilizing data from 1570 such cooperatives in Guizhou Province, China, this study uses the [...] Read more.

With the advancement of farmer professional cooperatives in China, the prevalence of the “empty shell” phenomenon has posed a significant challenge to the health and sustainability of these cooperatives. Utilizing data from 1570 such cooperatives in Guizhou Province, China, this study uses the multi-time differential model and the spatial Durbin model to study the impact of demonstration cooperatives on the “empty shell” of cooperatives and the spatial spillover effect of demonstration cooperatives. The study results show the following: (1) Agricultural professional cooperatives are rated as national or provincial demonstration cooperatives, which are conducive to their development, and the policy evaluation of demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the “empty shell” phenomenon of cooperatives. (2) National and provincial demonstration cooperatives can effectively inhibit the “empty shell” of cooperatives in the region. (3) When there are provincial demonstration cooperatives in the surrounding areas, there will be a spatial spillover effect and the empty shell of regional cooperatives will be inhibited. However, to restrain the “empty shell” of cooperatives, it is essential to capitalize on the spatial policy influence of “demonstration cooperatives” while being vigilant against potential spatial siphoning effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)

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34 pages, 3597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Transformation of the Dubrovnik Summer Villa Setting—From an Idyllic Landscape to an Overbuilt City

by Mara Marić and Mladen Obad Šćitaroci

Land 2024, 13(7), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070949 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 101

Abstract

The landscape surrounding a summer villa is, in a morphological and experiential sense, an inseparable part of the villa and its garden. This research examines the level of preservation of the historic landscapes of eight summer villas in Dubrovnik and the level of [...] Read more.

The landscape surrounding a summer villa is, in a morphological and experiential sense, an inseparable part of the villa and its garden. This research examines the level of preservation of the historic landscapes of eight summer villas in Dubrovnik and the level of their integration into the urban fabric of the contemporary city. The research methods used include the analysis of the relevant scientific literature as well as the analysis and interpretation of graphic materials, i.e., cadastral maps from the second half of the 19th century, orthophoto maps, and spatial planning documentation. In this paper, the immediate landscape in close vicinity to the summer villas is defined as the protective zone of a summer villa (PZSV). Although the original use and extent of the summer villa landscapes have rarely been preserved, it is possible to establish PZSVs in order to preserve, i.e., reinterpret, the setting of the summer villas, which is necessary to experience them in their totality. This research establishes the general principles that enable the identification of three general models of transformation of the summer villa landscape. Furthermore, this research develops possible scenarios for the enhancement of the summer villa landscape based on the identified models. These models and scenarios are generally applicable in the context of the protection and enhancement of the summer villa landscapes in of the south of Croatia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Landscape Transformation vs. Heritage)

20 pages, 3655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transforming Urban Landscapes: Reuse of Heritage Sites through Multi-Value Interpretations in Xi’an, China

by Yiqing Zhao, Keyu Jin, Dingqing Zhang, Li Wang, Ji Li and Tianchen Dai

Land 2024, 13(7), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070948 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

As a catalyst for urban landscape transformation, the reuse of heritage sites plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary urban spaces and influencing socio-economic development. However, this phenomenon is not without controversy, particularly regarding the quality of preservation and the potential risks associated [...] Read more.

As a catalyst for urban landscape transformation, the reuse of heritage sites plays a pivotal role in shaping contemporary urban spaces and influencing socio-economic development. However, this phenomenon is not without controversy, particularly regarding the quality of preservation and the potential risks associated with over-commodification. Consequently, there has been an increasing research focus on reconciling these conflicting aspects. This study employs a multi-value interpretation framework to delve into the reuse of heritage sites in the urban area of Xi’an within the broader context of China’s urbanization. Utilizing a comparative case study method, this research specifically examines the burgeoning phenomenon of heritage parks. This exploration sheds light on how the reuse of heritage intertwines with urbanization processes, by taking into account environmental, economic, social, and cultural values. The findings suggest that a multi-value interpretation framework is crucial to address the limitations of the current heritagization. Heritage sites in Xi’an have been integrated into the urban transformation process through heritage conservation and the production of new heritage spaces. However, the evolving multi-value evaluation of these heritage sites continues to influence the city’s interpretation of its significant and fading past in planning. This study highlights the dynamic nature of heritage sites in the urban context and underscores the need for nuanced approaches to balance heritage preservation with the evolving demands of contemporary urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Landscape Transformation vs. Heritage)

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26 pages, 3278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Agriculture and Its Impact on the Rural Development in EU Countries: A Multivariate Analysis

by Emilia Herman

Land 2024, 13(7), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070947 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to highlight the interrelationship between the environmental, social, and economic pillars of agricultural sustainability and their impact on rural development in EU countries. By considering the cumulative influence of 15 social, economic, and environmental indicators, the study [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to highlight the interrelationship between the environmental, social, and economic pillars of agricultural sustainability and their impact on rural development in EU countries. By considering the cumulative influence of 15 social, economic, and environmental indicators, the study clustered the EU countries into five homogeneous groups using principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The research findings confirm that there is a significant trade-off between the three dimensions of sustainability, particularly between the environmental dimension, on the one hand, and the socio–economic dimension, on the other. Thus, the main real challenges identified for the countries included in cluster 5 (Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Hungary) are related to the socio–economic pillar of sustainability. Moreover, for four EU countries (Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland), included in two different clusters, achieving environmental goals such as reducing agricultural emissions (SDG 2.60) and increasing area under organic farming (SDG 2.40) represents a significant issue in sustainable agriculture. The results highlighted specific challenges to sustainability in agriculture for EU countries that can hinder its effects on rural development. Therefore, tailored measures should be designed to efficiently address these specific issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for the ‘Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues’ Section: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals)

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24 pages, 32512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Urban–Rural Integration in China: A Comparative Case Study of Introducing Small Rural Industries in Huangyan-Taizhou

by Huang Huang, Daijun Song, Liyao Wang, Guiqing Yang, Yizheng Wang, Liyuan Fei and Ava Lynam

Land 2024, 13(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070946 (registering DOI) - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since [...] Read more.

Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since 2019 to address existing urban–rural divides. This concept underlines the ‘rural revitalisation’ strategy and emphasises a two-way flow of urban–rural development factors. Introducing and upgrading ‘appropriate’ rural industries is crucial to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of urban–rural development factors. This research studied three neighbouring villages, situated in urban–rural interface areas in Huangyan-Taizhou, China, each driven by different types of small industries supported by URI. It analyses the impact of small rural industries on the flow of development factors between urban and rural areas. The results showed that small-scale rural industries have been enhanced URL by decreasing urban–rural differences by creating new job opportunities to attract an in-flow population, increasing investments, and upgrading public services and infrastructure. Indigenous industries demonstrated lower profitability but exhibited greater resilience compared to industries linked to global production chains and rural tourism. Thus, this study demonstrates the imperative to carefully consider the opportunities and potential risks associated with pursuing strategies of URI through rural industry development. By providing empirical insights from URI projects in China, this study contributes to theoretical and policy dialogues concerning the concepts of both URL and URI by exploring the localization of SDGs. Furthermore, it offers valuable practical knowledge and experience for other global regions confronting similar challenges to urban and rural development. Full article

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

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24 pages, 1766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Can Public Spaces Contribute to Increased Incomes for Urban Residents—A Social Capital Perspective

by Yiqing Su, Huan Xu and Xiaoting Zhang

Land 2024, 13(7), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070945 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 111

Abstract

The recovery of the global economy in the aftermath of COVID-19 faces enormous challenges. Ensuring stable income growth of the population has become an important means for developing countries to ensure sustained economic development. Raising the overall income of the population is a [...] Read more.

The recovery of the global economy in the aftermath of COVID-19 faces enormous challenges. Ensuring stable income growth of the population has become an important means for developing countries to ensure sustained economic development. Raising the overall income of the population is a public initiative that benefits all citizens; therefore, governments of developing countries should promote the implementation of relevant public policies and the provision of public goods to ensure that existing economic instruments can benefit the entire population. In this regard, public space, as a typical form of public good, may play an important role in promoting the benefits of existing economic policies for all residents. This paper examines how residents’ use of public space contributes to their income growth through social capital. Hypotheses are tested based on an econometric analysis of 1565 questionnaires received from Chinese workers. The results show that residents’ use of public space can indeed be an important way to increase their income, which is realized through the enhancement of social capital. The research presented in this paper provides a new influence variable of public space to improve residents’ income. Further, it improves people’s understanding of the three classical concepts—public space, social capital, and income—by establishing the logical connection and theoretical explanation of physical space, emotional space, and value space in human society. The conclusions of this paper highlight the important role of public space in urban and rural development planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Livable City: Rational Land Use and Sustainable Urban Space)

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23 pages, 4322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Government’s Decision on Leasing Different Lands under Public Ownership of Land

by Jing Cheng

Land 2024, 13(7), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070944 - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Using the multinomial logit model, this paper investigates the factors influencing the government’s decision to lease different types of land in Shenzhen, China, including residential, industrial, commercial, and public service land. The aspects of the land attributes, economy and government at the district [...] Read more.

Using the multinomial logit model, this paper investigates the factors influencing the government’s decision to lease different types of land in Shenzhen, China, including residential, industrial, commercial, and public service land. The aspects of the land attributes, economy and government at the district level, and land accessibility are considered as the influencing factors. Regarding the factors as the variables, the influencing factors supporting the district government decision to lease different types of land and the probability that a type of land will be consider to be leased by the government are investigated via the multinomial logit model. Using data of factors from 2005 to 2021 in Shenzhen, China, the results of the model can be obtained. After discussing and analyzing the results, it is shown that the land attribute, land accessibility, and economy and polity at the district level affect government decisions on leasing land; furthermore, industrial land is more likely to be leased by the district government than other types of land. Lastly, implications and suggestions for the district government are discussed. Full article

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20 pages, 6193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Balance Zoning and Spatially Synergistic Carbon Reduction Pathways—A Case Study in the Yangtze River Delta in China

by Hui Guo and Wei Sun

Land 2024, 13(7), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070943 - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The concept of major function-oriented zones is highly compatible with the idea of spatially synergistic carbon reduction. In this study, 2005–2020 is taken as the research period, and 305 counties in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region are taken as the research unit. [...] Read more.

The concept of major function-oriented zones is highly compatible with the idea of spatially synergistic carbon reduction. In this study, 2005–2020 is taken as the research period, and 305 counties in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region are taken as the research unit. The S0M-K-means clustering model and GeoDetector are adopted on the basis of carbon emission/absorption accounting to analyse the spatial and temporal variations in the carbon balance in the YRD region. Furthermore, carbon balance zoning and influencing factors are analysed. Then, a regional spatially synergistic carbon reduction pathway is proposed. The results show that carbon absorption in the YRD region struggles to offset carbon emissions; the regional carbon imbalance is gradually becoming worse; and each county’s carbon emission/absorption shows a significant spatial imbalance. Optimised development zones and key development zones are high-value agglomerations of carbon emissions, while the main sources of carbon sinks in the YRD region are the key ecological functional zones. The YRD region has 87 high carbon control zones, 167 carbon emission optimisation zones, and 51 carbon sink functional zones, which are further subdivided into 9 types of carbon balance zones in accordance with the major function-oriented zones (MFOZs). Based on the driving factors of carbon balance changes in the YRD region, this study proposes differentiated spatially synergistic carbon reduction paths for each zone in accordance with the carbon balance zones. As the Yangtze River Delta is an essential engine for China’s economic development, the study of its carbon balance is highly relevant in formulating differentiated low-carbon development pathways for each functional zone and promoting regional spatially synergistic carbon reduction to realise the target of “dual-carbon” development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Sustainable Development of Yangtze River Delta, China II)

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19 pages, 6125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measurement and Spatio–Temporal Pattern Evolution of Urban–Rural Integration Development in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle

by Hao Liu, Gaojie Lu, Kui Luo and Huiming Zong

Land 2024, 13(7), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070942 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 119

Abstract

This paper focuses on the level of urban–rural integration development and its spatio–temporal evolution patterns in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. It constructs an evaluation indicator system encompassing five dimensions: population, economy, society, ecology, and space. By comprehensively using statistical data and multi-source spatio–temporal [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the level of urban–rural integration development and its spatio–temporal evolution patterns in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle. It constructs an evaluation indicator system encompassing five dimensions: population, economy, society, ecology, and space. By comprehensively using statistical data and multi-source spatio–temporal data and employing methods such as the entropy method, ESDA, obstacle degree model, and various statistical techniques, the study measures and analyzes the level of urban–rural integration development at three time points: 2010, 2015, and 2020. The findings are as follows: (1) The overall level of urban–rural integration is low, predominantly at low to lower-middle levels, with a clear core-periphery spatial pattern where central urban areas such as Chengdu’s central seven districts and Chongqing’s central urban districts are high-value cores, whereas peripheral and central regional areas are less integrated. (2) From 2010 to 2020, there was a steady increase in integration levels, transitioning from a single-core to a more dynamic point-axis structure with emerging regional growth poles. However, this transition was accompanied by reduced inequality of urban–rural integration within each city, while disparities among central urban areas within its cities gradually increased. (3) The analysis of obstacles across dimensions indicates that spatial integration faces the most significant barriers, mainly due to geographical conditions and development constraints in southwestern mountainous counties. In contrast, barriers to economic and social integration, though initially lower, have gradually increased, highlighting imbalances between economic growth and social service provision. Overall, this study not only provides a systematic measurement and analytical framework for the integration and development of urban and rural areas in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle but also offers theoretical and empirical support for global research and practice on urban–rural integration. Additionally, it proposes targeted policy recommendations. Full article

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

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13 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyvinyl Acetate Binders Undermine the Effectiveness of Biochar-Based Seed Coatings

by Sean C. Thomas, Yudong Liu and Esther Tang

Land 2024, 13(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070941 - 28 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Pyrolyzed organic matter, commonly referred to as biochar, generally has positive effects on plant growth and can enhance early seedling development. Biochar-based seed coatings may thus be beneficial, specifically under adverse soil conditions such as high soil salinity. Using a series of lab [...] Read more.

Pyrolyzed organic matter, commonly referred to as biochar, generally has positive effects on plant growth and can enhance early seedling development. Biochar-based seed coatings may thus be beneficial, specifically under adverse soil conditions such as high soil salinity. Using a series of lab and greenhouse experiments, we evaluated germination and early plant development in radish (Raphinus sativa) seeds coated with conifer-feedstock slow-pyrolysis biochar. Following the precedent of prior studies, polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) was used as the binding agent. Biochar-based seed coatings reduced germination rates and radicle extension in Petri dish trials; however, leaching of coated seeds largely eliminated this effect. PVAc applied in solution inhibited seed germination to a similar extent, suggesting that toxicity of PVAc or chemical products derived from it is the main mechanism for germination inhibition. A meta-analysis of published literature also indicates negative effects of biochar-based seed coatings using PVAc. In greenhouse trials, the same biochar seed coatings improved aspects of plant growth and physiological status relative to controls, specifically enhancing root development. We conclude that biochar-based seed coatings have promise in promoting early seedling growth and potentially in combating salinity stress in agronomic and restoration applications. However, our findings contraindicate PVAc use as a binding agent. Further research is needed to test non-phytotoxic, readily biodegradable binding agents and to optimize biochars and seed coating processes for specific applications in agronomy and ecological restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Agronomy, Soil Health and Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions)

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17 pages, 6247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Implementation Effects of Main Functional Area Planning in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Ming Wei, Wen Chen and Yi Wang

Land 2024, 13(7), 940; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070940 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 121

Abstract

The Yangtze River Economic Belt, relying on the golden waterway of the Yangtze River, serves not only as a vital industrial and urban stronghold in China but also bears the significant responsibility of the Yangtze River’s major conservation efforts. The implementation of the [...] Read more.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt, relying on the golden waterway of the Yangtze River, serves not only as a vital industrial and urban stronghold in China but also bears the significant responsibility of the Yangtze River’s major conservation efforts. The implementation of the main functional zones within the economic belt can provide regional synergies for development and protection through the optimization and organization of spatial structures, which is conducive to promoting the green and high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt in accordance with local conditions. In pursuit of these objectives, this paper utilizes multi-source data and selects corresponding indicators based on the main form of functional zoning to analyze the land protection and development patterns of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and to assess the effectiveness of the main functional zone planning implementation. The findings reveal that the enactment of main functional area planning has incrementally enhanced the level of land development and conservation in terms of certain aspects across the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This is evidenced by the burgeoning expansion of construction land in areas earmarked for optimization and pivotal development, bolstered by robust population and economic concentration capabilities, alongside a surge in per capita output. Moreover, ecological lands within critical ecological function zones exhibited signs of rejuvenation. Nonetheless, the outcomes are not universally aligned with the anticipated goals: the expanse of arable land in primary agricultural production zones has contracted, accompanied by a downturn in the proportion of grain output; the proliferation of construction land within key ecological function zones continues unabated, and ecological lands have experienced reductions over various intervals. The main functional zones have yet to fully embrace and enact protective strategies, highlighting an urgent need for more formidable institutional frameworks to guarantee their rigorous enforcement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Sustainable Development of Yangtze River Delta, China II)

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15 pages, 2488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Competition for Land: Equity and Renewable Energy in Farmlands

by Mary Ann Cunningham and Jeffrey Seidman

Land 2024, 13(7), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070939 - 28 Jun 2024

Viewed by 144

Abstract

The development of renewable energy in agricultural landscapes has led to new debates about siting solar, wind, and other energy projects. Concerns for protecting food production and prime agricultural soils are often leading points of resistance to renewable energy projects. This resistance has [...] Read more.

The development of renewable energy in agricultural landscapes has led to new debates about siting solar, wind, and other energy projects. Concerns for protecting food production and prime agricultural soils are often leading points of resistance to renewable energy projects. This resistance has grown, even as the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels has increased. The economic stakes are high, particularly for farmers seeking to diversify and stabilize farm income with renewables, but few studies have examined the likely magnitude of effects, either on food production or on farm incomes, implied by expanding renewables. How extensively are hosting communities likely to be impacted, and what do farmers stand to gain, or lose, in these debates? Focusing on a portion of New York State (NYS), with its aggressive solar development goals, we evaluated the effects of state solar targets on farmland and the economic potential for farmers leasing land. In comparison to current income from leading crops, land leasing alone would imply an increase of $42 million per year in local revenue, while affecting less than 12 percent of non-food producing, non-prime soils within the study area. The areal impacts are larger in our imaginations than in the real landscapes, and the debate has far-reaching implications for policy beyond farming areas. Full article

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30 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Coordination Relationship and Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity between Urbanization and Ecosystem Services in the Songhua River Basin

by He Bai, Yuanyuan Chen, Shaohan Wang, Rui Chu, Jiyuan Fang, Huina Zhang, Shuhan Xing, Lei Wang and Dawei Xu

Land 2024, 13(7), 938; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070938 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 151

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in the Songhua River Basin (SRB), a crucial ecological barrier in China and Northeast Asia, has led to the degradation of ecosystem service functions and a decline in their value, thereby posing a significant threat to regional ecological security. Clarifying the [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization in the Songhua River Basin (SRB), a crucial ecological barrier in China and Northeast Asia, has led to the degradation of ecosystem service functions and a decline in their value, thereby posing a significant threat to regional ecological security. Clarifying the complex coupling coordination relationship between urbanization and ecosystem services (ESs) and identifying the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of their interactions will facilitate the high-quality and coordinated development of urbanization and ESs in the SRB. This study employed a systems approach, treating urbanization and ESs as overarching systems and delineating different aspects of urbanization and ecosystem service functions as subsystems within these systems. The spatiotemporal characteristics of urbanization and the ecosystem service value (ESV) in the SRB from 1985 to 2021 were revealed. The coupling coordination relationship and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the interactions between urbanization and ESs in the SRB at both the system and subsystem levels were analyzed using the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model and the spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression (GTWR) model. The findings indicated that during the study period: (1) The urbanization index of SRB rose from 0.09 to 0.34, while the ESV experienced a decrease from 2091.42 × 10⁷ CNY to 2002.44 × 10⁷ CNY. (2) The coupling coordination degree (CCD) between urbanization and ESs in the SRB at both the system and subsystem levels increased significantly, generally transitioning from the moderately unbalanced to the basically balanced stage. Areas with high CCD values were mainly distributed in ecological function areas and low-level urbanized areas, while areas with low CCD values were mainly distributed in grassland ecological degradation areas, ecologically fragile areas, resource-dependent old industrial cities, and highly urbanized areas. (3) The subsystems of urbanization had an overall negative impact on Ess, with varying trends, but the spatial distribution pattern of the interactions remained relatively stable. Conversely, the subsystems of ESs all exhibited a trend of initially strengthening and then weakening their negative impacts on urbanization, and the spatial distribution pattern was highly correlated with the spatial distribution pattern of ESV in the SRB. Full article

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

23 pages, 7796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interaction Effect of Carbon Emission and Ecological Risk in the Yangtze River Economic Belt: New Insights into Multi-Simulation Scenarios

by Hongjiao Qu, Weiyin Wang, Chang You and Luo Guo

Land 2024, 13(7), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070937 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 130

Abstract

The scientific quantification of the ecological effects of carbon emissions, the reduction of ecological risk (ER), and the evaluation of the interaction effect between carbon emissions and ER are the pivotal measures for ensuring the longevity and continuity of sustainability. However, a dearth [...] Read more.

The scientific quantification of the ecological effects of carbon emissions, the reduction of ecological risk (ER), and the evaluation of the interaction effect between carbon emissions and ER are the pivotal measures for ensuring the longevity and continuity of sustainability. However, a dearth of comprehensive and macro-level evaluations exist pertaining to the ER and carbon emissions within the entirety of the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB). We have constructed four distinct simulated scenarios within the YREB, which include natural development (ND), cultivated land protection (CLP), ecological conservation (EC), and low carbon (LC) scenarios. Based on the consideration of future uncertainty, we predicted LUCEs and ERI under different scenarios, and analyzed the spatial interaction effects of LUCEs and ERI from the dual perspectives of the spatial spillover effect and spatial coupling effect. The results showed that under the four outlined scenarios, encompassing diverse parameters, conversion possibilities, and areas subject to restrictions, the land utilization patterns of the YREB in 2030 have unveiled pronounced disparities. The LUCEs in the YREB showed significant spatial heterogeneity under the four scenarios; the maximum value was 6.65 under the CLP scenario and the minimum value was 4.65 under the LC scenario. The ER has the highest value under the ND scenario and the lowest value under LC scenario. Construction land is the largest contributor to increased LUCEs, and forest land is the form of terrestrial utilization that reduces the impact of LUCEs. In different scenarios, LUCEs have a significant negative spillover effect on ER, while the bidirectional spatial coupling effect between LUCEs and ERI presents significant differences. Under the LC scenario, land with a strong carbon sequestration capacity increased significantly, the fragmentation of water bodies was alleviated, and the CCD was the highest. This study offers scientific counsel for the sustainable development of various regions within the YREB, thereby fostering the achievement of a harmonious coexistence between the ecological milieu and economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission)

20 pages, 1552 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Optimization Strategy of Ecological Security Pattern in County-Level Cities under Spatial and Temporal Variation of Ecosystem Services: Case Study of Mianzhu, China

by Keming Xiang, Liang Chen, Wenyu Li and Zhengwei He

Land 2024, 13(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070936 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 136

Abstract

Climate change and human activities are seriously affecting the ecological level and economic development of county-level cities. Mianzhu City is a typical county-level city located within the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The study selected primary ecological sources by [...] Read more.

Climate change and human activities are seriously affecting the ecological level and economic development of county-level cities. Mianzhu City is a typical county-level city located within the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The study selected primary ecological sources by analyzing high-level ecosystem service functions over time, using Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA). Ecological resistance surfaces were constructed using natural factors to address ecological risks associated with future urbanization. The construction of the ecological security pattern (ESP) followed the source–corridor–node paradigm, incorporating changes in ecosystem service risks. From 2010 to 2020, ecosystem service functions and values in Mianzhu City declined overall, with significant spatial variations. Human activities increased in ecologically fragile areas, aggravating exposure to ecological risks from climate change and urban expansion. Ecological protection and restoration zones were identified, with nature reserves in the north and the southern center as the core. In 2020, 19 ecological sources and 46 ecological corridors were identified, with a spatial distribution pattern of “more length and short resistance in the north, less length and long resistance in the south”. Additionally, 41 ecological pinch points and 16 ecological barrier points were determined. Considering the spatial distribution of the core areas of ecosystem services and lands with human-intensive activities, setting up the general idea of the ecological restoration pattern centered on forests, river corridors, and natural and artificial landscapes. The study provides new insights into constructing and optimizing the ESP, offering crucial references for the rapid urbanization of ecological restoration and development planning in urban regions. Full article

26 pages, 19360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Protection in Urban–Rural Fringes through Coordinated Ecological Network Construction and Territorial Planning

by Yuting Xie, Jiaxin Ying, Jie Zou, Ruohao Li, Haoxun Zhang, Qie Shi and Yonghua Li

Land 2024, 13(7), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070935 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 167

Abstract

Urban–rural fringes (URFs) are crucial for biodiversity yet often neglected in conservation efforts. This study refines URF habitat evaluation and integrates it into a coordinated ecological network (EN) and territorial planning framework. Using Qingpu District, Shanghai as a case study, we defined its [...] Read more.

Urban–rural fringes (URFs) are crucial for biodiversity yet often neglected in conservation efforts. This study refines URF habitat evaluation and integrates it into a coordinated ecological network (EN) and territorial planning framework. Using Qingpu District, Shanghai as a case study, we defined its URF via k-means clustering of night-time light data and applied the InVEST model, MSPA, Integrated Habitat Value, Patch Importance, and Betweenness Centrality analyses to identify high-value URF habitats. Furthermore, we constructed the EN using circuit theory and evaluated the impact of URF sources on network connectivity and construction costs. Our findings reveal that integrating URF sources increased connectivity indices significantly (α by 127.18%, β by 47.00%, and γ by 33.4%) and decreased construction costs (CR index by 0.07). Despite these benefits, under China’s “Three Zones and Three Lines” policy, 78.18% of Qingpu’s URF sources remain unprotected, with 56.78% at risk of conversion to construction land. Our study proposes a comprehensive evaluation system for URF habitats and strategic recommendations for their incorporation into regional ENs, thus informing policy making and planning for more inclusive ecological conservation. Full article

16 pages, 4655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Soil Moisture Content on Condensation Water in Typical Loess and Sandy Soil

by Cheng Jin, Zhifeng Jia, Ge Li, Lingke Zhao and Yuze Ren

Land 2024, 13(7), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070934 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 137

Abstract

Many scholars have used samples of drying soil to observe the amount of soil condensation water, which may have exaggerated the amount of regional condensation water, as the soil water content in the natural state was not considered. To analyze the effect of [...] Read more.

Many scholars have used samples of drying soil to observe the amount of soil condensation water, which may have exaggerated the amount of regional condensation water, as the soil water content in the natural state was not considered. To analyze the effect of soil moisture content on soil condensation in the natural state, the soil condensation volume in loess and sandy soil under different gravimetric moisture content conditions was measured in the autumn of 2022 and spring of 2023 using micro-lysimeters combined with the weighing method at the groundwater and environment site of Chang’an University, Guanzhong Basin, China. The results showed that the average daily condensation of loess under 0%, 3%, 7%, 11%, and 15% moisture content conditions was 0.34, 0.09, 0.01, −0.05, and −0.07 mm with the condensation days of 54, 40, 24, 21, and 16, respectively, and that of sandy soil was 0.21, −0.02, −0.28, −0.82, and −1.35 mm with condensation days of 54, 24, 2, 3, and 1, respectively. Under the same moisture content conditions, loess had more condensation and condensation days than sandy soil. Soil condensation water occurred mainly when the water content was less than 7%, and it was negatively correlated with soil water content. The quantity of soil condensation water was positively correlated with relative humidity and negatively correlated with air temperature–dew point differences. Relative humidity exceeding 60% and air temperature–dew point differences below 8 °C were more favorable for the formation of soil condensation water. This study provides a reference for the assessment of soil condensation in the natural state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil-Sediment-Water Systems)

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19 pages, 4820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Thermal Environment Based on the Urban Neighborhood Heat/Cool Island Effect

by Li Qi, Yuanman Hu, Rencang Bu, Binglun Li, Yue Gao and Chunlin Li

Land 2024, 13(7), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070933 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 139

Abstract

Under rapid urbanization, the urban heat island (UHI) effect is increasing, which poses a serious threat to human settlements. Changes in neighborhood land surface temperature (LST) reflect the UHI effect at a finer scale, with implications for the thermal comfort of residents. Landsat [...] Read more.

Under rapid urbanization, the urban heat island (UHI) effect is increasing, which poses a serious threat to human settlements. Changes in neighborhood land surface temperature (LST) reflect the UHI effect at a finer scale, with implications for the thermal comfort of residents. Landsat images were used to analyze the distribution of the urban neighborhood heat/cool island (UNHI/UNCI) within the fourth ring area of Shenyang City. Three-dimensional buildings and the urban functional zones (UFZs) were combined to explore the relationships with the UNHI and UNCI. Using boosted regression trees to analyze the relative importance of UFZs in the UNHI and UNCI, the results showed a significant lowering effect on the neighborhood LST with increased building height, which may be due to the fact of more architectural shadows generated by higher buildings. As the size of the green space patches increased, the cooling amplitude and the influence distance had an increasing trend. Industrial and public service zones had the most significant effect on the UNHI, with influences of 30.46% and 19.35%, respectively. In comparison, green space zones and water contributed the most to the UNCI effect, with influences of 18.75% and 11.95%, respectively. These results will provide urban decision-makers with crucial information on mitigating UHI problems through urban planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land–Climate Interactions Section II)

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16 pages, 3718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corticolous Lichen Communities and Their Bioindication Potential in an Urban and Peri-Urban Ecosystem in the Central Region of Colombia

by Miguel Moreno-Palacios, Alfredo Torres-Benítez, Edier Soto-Medina, Marta Sánchez, Pradeep K. Divakar, Iris Pereira and María Pilar Gómez-Serranillos

Land 2024, 13(7), 932; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070932 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 203

Abstract

The richness, composition, abundance, and correlation with the atmospheric oxide concentrations of the community of corticolous lichens in the urban and peri-urban areas of the city of Ibagué (Colombia) were evaluated, selecting 25 individuals of the four most abundant phorophyte species. Twenty-nine lichen [...] Read more.

The richness, composition, abundance, and correlation with the atmospheric oxide concentrations of the community of corticolous lichens in the urban and peri-urban areas of the city of Ibagué (Colombia) were evaluated, selecting 25 individuals of the four most abundant phorophyte species. Twenty-nine lichen taxa grouped in 13 families and 17 genera were recorded, with a higher lichen coverage and taxa richness in the urban area. A non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis showed the conformation of two lichen communities associated with the urban and peri-urban areas of the city, and variation in composition among the phorophyte species. Exclusive and indicator taxa were found for both zones, as well as associations between variables through the application of a general linear model. Higher concentrations of atmospheric gases CO, SO₂, NO₂, and O₃ were found in the urban zone, and positive/negative relationships with some lichen taxa. There is high variability in the response of the lichen assemblage of urban and peri-urban ecosystems to environmental effects, with substantial or minimal changes in the variables of richness, coverage, and phorophyte association, and according to their interaction with atmospheric oxides, the patterns of potential tolerant and/or sensitive species are formed for their implementation in bioindication studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services: 5th Edition)

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18 pages, 8073 KiB

Open AccessArticle

MaxEnt-Based Potential Distribution Mapping and Range Shift under Future Climatic Scenarios for an Alpine Bamboo Thamnocalamus spathiflorus in Northwestern Himalayas

by Rajendra K. Meena, Maneesh S. Bhandari, Pawan Kumar Thakur, Nitika Negi, Shailesh Pandey, Rama Kant, Rajesh Sharma, Netrananda Sahu and Ram Avtar

Land 2024, 13(7), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070931 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 176

Abstract

Thamnocalamus spathiflorus is a shrubby woody bamboo invigorating at the alpine and sub-alpine region of the northwestern Himalayas. The present investigation was conducted to map the potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in the western Himalayas for current and future climate scenario using Ecological [...] Read more.

Thamnocalamus spathiflorus is a shrubby woody bamboo invigorating at the alpine and sub-alpine region of the northwestern Himalayas. The present investigation was conducted to map the potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in the western Himalayas for current and future climate scenario using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). In total, 125 geo-coordinates were collected for the species presence from Himachal Pradesh (HP) and Uttarakhand (UK) states of India and modelled to predict the current distribution using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model, along with 13 bioclimatic variables selected after multi-collinearity test. Model output was supported with a significant value of the Area Under the “Receiver Operating Characteristics” Curve (AUC = 0.975 ± 0.019), and other confusion matrix-derived accuracy measures. The variables, namely precipitation seasonality (Bio 15), precipitation (Prec), annual temperature range (Bio 7), and altitude (Alt) showed highest level of percentage contribution (72.2%) and permutation importance (60.9%) in predicting the habitat suitability of Th. spathiflorus. The actual (1 km² buffer zone) and predicted estimates of species cover were ~136 km² and ~982 km², respectively. The predicted range was extended from Chamba (HP) in the north to Pithoragarh (UK) in southeast, which further protracted to Nepal. Furthermore, the distribution modelling under future climate change scenarios (RCP 8.5) for year 2050 and 2070 showed an eastern centroidal shift with slight decline of the species area by ~16 km² and ~46 km², respectively. This investigation employed the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate (MIROC6)–shared socio-economics pathways (SSP245) for cross-validation purposes. The model was used to determine the habitat suitability and potential distribution of Th. spathiflorus in relation to the current distribution and RCP 8.5 future scenarios for the years 2021–2040 and 2061–2080, respectively. It showed a significant decline in the distribution area of the species between year 2030 and 2070. Overall, this is the pioneer study revealing the eco-distribution prediction modelling of this important high-altitude bamboo species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Transformation, Climate Change and Agroecosystems Response and Adaptation)

32 pages, 1963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media Users’ Visual and Emotional Preferences of Internet-Famous Sites in Urban Riverfront Public Spaces: A Case Study in Changsha, China

by Yuanyuan Huang and Bohong Zheng

Land 2024, 13(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070930 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 180

Abstract

With the increasing online exposure of urban public spaces, the new concept of “internet-famous sites” has emerged in China. Social media users are the main contributors to this new phenomenon. To fully understand social media users’ preferences in such kinds of public spaces, [...] Read more.

With the increasing online exposure of urban public spaces, the new concept of “internet-famous sites” has emerged in China. Social media users are the main contributors to this new phenomenon. To fully understand social media users’ preferences in such kinds of public spaces, this article took 27 typical riverfront internet-famous sites (RIFSs) in Changsha City (China) as an example. Through social media platform selection, keyword research, text and image data extraction, visual and emotional symbol coding, and manual calculations of coding frequency, this study investigated social media users’ perception of RIFSs, especially on visual and emotional preferences. The online images and review comments were extracted from the popular Chinese social media platform “Xiaohongshu”. We found that (1) the popularity of each RIFS had a significant head effect and there were far more positive emotions than neutral and negative emotions in review comments. (2) RIFSs in Changsha were divided into five categories: commercial RIFSs, art exhibition RIFSs, historical and cultural RIFSs, ecological recreational RIFSs, and uncultivated RIFSs. Social media users had different visual focuses on each kind of RIFS. (3) Social media users provided specific reasons for their emotional preferences towards different types of RIFSs. This study can provide a new perspective on improving waterfront vitality and offer a targeted and attractive method for waterfront regeneration that is different from traditional methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Governance in the Age of Social Media (Second Edition))

18 pages, 4584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Composite Fingerprint Analysis of Sediment Sources in a Watershed Disturbed by Road Construction in Southeastern Tibet

by Xin Li, Baicheng Zhu, Longxi Cao, Rui Li, Chunlian Bai and Xinjun Wang

Land 2024, 13(7), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070929 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 190

Abstract

Construction activities such as road projects modify original land uses and intensify soil erosion. Understanding the sediment contributed by these projects and its spatial variation throughout a watershed is critical in terms of guiding conservation. Based on field sampling in a road construction-disturbed [...] Read more.

Construction activities such as road projects modify original land uses and intensify soil erosion. Understanding the sediment contributed by these projects and its spatial variation throughout a watershed is critical in terms of guiding conservation. Based on field sampling in a road construction-disturbed watershed in southeastern Tibet, a composite fingerprint analysis was conducted to explore the contributions of different sources to the deposited sediment. The results showed that 10 factors, including Al₂O₃, TFe₂O₃, Sn, total phosphorous (TP), Cr, Na₂O, Mn, W, SiO₂, and Sr, formed an optimum composite fingerprint combination. The multivariate mixed model revealed that the average contribution percentage rates of sediment deposited along the main channel were as follows: bank material (52.52%) > roads (33.02%) > forest and grassland (14.46%). The contribution percentage of road-related sediment fluctuated from the beginning point along the channel and was significantly correlated with factors such as the flow length to the channel (R = −0.6), road segment slope (R = 0.66), and ratio of the road length to the channel length (R = 0.65). The flow length to the channel was the most important factor affecting the road sediment contribution and a decreasing logarithmic function was established to describe the effect. These results have clarified how road construction spatially affects sediment at the watershed scale. They can therefore offer guidance for evaluating the environmental impact of human activities and supporting efforts in watershed soil and water conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil-Sediment-Water Systems)

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24 pages, 15876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landslide Detection Using the Unsupervised Domain-Adaptive Image Segmentation Method

by Weisong Chen, Zhuo Chen, Danqing Song, Hongjin He, Hao Li and Yuxian Zhu

Land 2024, 13(7), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13070928 - 26 Jun 2024

Viewed by 179

Abstract

After a landslide, swift and precise identification of the affected area is paramount for facilitating urgent rescue operations and damage assessments. This is particularly vital for land use planners and policymakers, enabling them to efficiently address hazard mitigation, the resettlement of those affected [...] Read more.

After a landslide, swift and precise identification of the affected area is paramount for facilitating urgent rescue operations and damage assessments. This is particularly vital for land use planners and policymakers, enabling them to efficiently address hazard mitigation, the resettlement of those affected by the hazards, and to strategize land planning in the impacted regions. Despite the importance, conventional methods of monitoring landslides often fall short due to their restricted scope and the challenges associated with data acquisition. This study proposes a landslide detection method based on unsupervised multisource and target domain adaptive image segmentation (LUDAS) that is capable of achieving robust and generalized landslide mapping across multiple sources and target domains. Specifically, LUDAS consists of two phases. In the first phase, we introduce an unsupervised interdomain translation network to align the styles of multiple source domains to multiple target domains, generating pseudotarget domain data. Our interdomain translation network is capable of style transfer between any two domains. Through careful design of the network structure and loss functions, we ensure effective style transfer while preserving the content structure of the source domain images. In the second phase, the landslide segmentation model is trained in a supervised manner using annotated data from multiple source domains and multiple pseudotarget domains, resulting in a model with strong generalization capabilities that can adapt to multiple source and target domains. Finally, through extensive qualitative and quantitative analysis experiments, our study confirms that the proposed domain-adaptive segmentation model not only achieves exceptional landslide segmentation performance across multiple target domains but also, due to its good generalizability and transferability, has great potential for application in the emergency response to landslide. This capability can provide strong support for post-disaster emergency rescue, disaster assessment, and land planning in areas with scarce data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Innovations – Data and Machine Learning)

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