Journal Description
Land
Land
is an international and cross-disciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal on land system science, landscape, soil–sediment–water systems, urban study, land–climate interactions, water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus, biodiversity research and health nexus, land modelling and data processing, ecosystem services, and multifunctionality and sustainability etc., published monthly online by MDPI. The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), European Land-use Institute (ELI), Landscape Institute (LI) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Land, and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, GeoRef, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q2 (Nature and Landscape Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Unveiling the Dynamics of Rural Revitalization: From Disorder to Harmony in China’s Production-Life-Ecology Space
Land 2024, 13(5), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050604 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study utilizes provincial panel data from China spanning the period from 2011 to 2020 to assess the coupled and coordinated development of spatial functions related to production, life, and ecology (PLE) in rural areas. The assessment is based on quantifying the spatial
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This study utilizes provincial panel data from China spanning the period from 2011 to 2020 to assess the coupled and coordinated development of spatial functions related to production, life, and ecology (PLE) in rural areas. The assessment is based on quantifying the spatial function indices for PLE in China’s rural regions. Additionally, it examines the characteristics of their spatial and temporal evolution, spatial correlation, and driving factors. The findings indicate a modest upward trend in the spatial coupling and coordination levels of these functions across rural China, although a significant proportion of provinces still exhibit a near-disordered decline. Exploratory spatial data analysis reveals a geographical disparity, with higher levels of coupled and coordinated development observed in the eastern regions, lower levels in the west, and noticeable spatial clustering. By employing the spatial Durbin model to investigate the determinants of coupling degrees, we discovered that factors such as regional economic development, urbanization, the urban–rural income gap, financial support for agriculture, science and technology investment level, and agricultural structural adjustments significantly influence the spatial coupling of rural PLE functions. Furthermore, using the geographic detector model, the analysis identifies science and technology investment level, economic development, and financial support for agriculture as key drivers influencing the spatial coupling and coordination of these functions. These findings provide valuable reference points for policies and strategies related to rural management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interrelations in Urban–Rural Transects: Planning Sustainable Transformations for Human Wellbeing)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Optimization of Multi-Class Land Cover Classification Using Deep Learning with Multispectral Images
by
Yichuan Li, Junchuan Yu, Ming Wang, Minying Xie, Laidian Xi, Yunxuan Pang and Changhong Hou
Land 2024, 13(5), 603; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050603 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, deep learning has become instrumental in land cover classification. While there has been a notable emphasis on refining model structures to improve classification accuracy, it is imperative to also emphasize the pivotal role of data-driven optimization techniques.
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With the advancement of artificial intelligence, deep learning has become instrumental in land cover classification. While there has been a notable emphasis on refining model structures to improve classification accuracy, it is imperative to also emphasize the pivotal role of data-driven optimization techniques. This paper presents an in-depth investigation into optimizing multi-class land cover classification using high-resolution multispectral images from Worldview3. We explore various optimization strategies, including refined sampling strategies, data band combinations, loss functions, and model enhancements. Our optimizations led to a substantial increase in the Mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) classification accuracy, improving from a baseline of 0.520 to a final accuracy of 0.709, which represents a 35.2% enhancement. Specifically, by optimizing the classic semantic segmentation network in four key aspects, we improved the mIoU by 15.5%. Further improvements through changes in data combinations, sampling methods, and loss functions led to an overall 17.2% increase in mIoU. The proposed model optimization methods enabled the OUNet to outperform the baseline model by providing more precise edge detection and feature representation, while reducing the model parameters scale. Experimental evidence shows that in the application of multi-class land surface classification, increasing the quantity and diversity of samples, avoiding data imbalance issues, is equally valuable for improving overall classification accuracy as it is for enhancing model performance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Mapping for Ecological Land)
Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Factors Influencing Housing Prices in Mountain Cities Based on Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression—Demonstrated in the Central Urban Area of Chongqing
by
Yiduo Chen, Qingyuan Yang, Li Geng and Wen Yin
Land 2024, 13(5), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050602 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
By leveraging a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model, this paper delves into the intricate factors that influence housing prices in the prototypical mountainous cityscape of Chongqing’s central urban area. The key findings are as follows: Firstly, the distribution of housing prices in
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By leveraging a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model, this paper delves into the intricate factors that influence housing prices in the prototypical mountainous cityscape of Chongqing’s central urban area. The key findings are as follows: Firstly, the distribution of housing prices in the study region exhibits pronounced spatial heterogeneity, with the core area exhibiting a distinct “high-high” clustering pattern and manifesting characteristics of a multicenter group distribution. Secondly, the MGWR model effectively assigns an individual bandwidth to each feature quantity, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of the varying influence scales exerted by diverse variables. Lastly, the study reveals that factors such as property cost, greening rate, building age, and proximity to rivers have a notable negative impact on housing prices, whereas, educational facilities exert a marked positive influence. Elevation, floor area ratio, and distance from the Central Business District (CBD) exhibit a more complex influence on housing prices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment)
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Open AccessArticle
The Evaluation of Sustainable Development Projects in Marginal Areas: An A’WOT Approach
by
Rubina Canesi and Chiara D’Alpaos
Land 2024, 13(5), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050601 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The increasing urbanization trend, projected to reach 70% of the global population residing in cities by 2050, underscores the pivotal role of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015) and combating climate
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The increasing urbanization trend, projected to reach 70% of the global population residing in cities by 2050, underscores the pivotal role of cities in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015) and combating climate change. Nonetheless, the 2023 report by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) reveals an alarming gap in achieving SDG 11 “Sustainable cities and communities” by 2030. This gap highlights the urgent need for transformative shifts in urban policies and investments to prevent cities from becoming centers of global disparities, including socio-economic inequalities, digital divide, and spatial fragmentation, particularly in marginal areas. Marginal areas suffer indeed from conditions of sub-optimality in planning capacity, valuable decision-making, and project implementation. The inadequate planning, management, and governance of marginal areas, coupled with suboptimal investments, can severely compromise their socioeconomic condition. Planning efforts frequently fall short in achieving long-term sustainability goals due to localized and short-sighted decision-making processes, particularly evident in marginal areas. It is crucial, though, to support their public administrations in the achievement of the SDG 11 targets and in their responsive participation in the calls for the allocation of public funding. In this paper, we provide a theoretical and methodological approach to evaluate urban regeneration projects in marginal areas. In detail, we develop an A’WOT approach, which combines a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to rank alternative urban development projects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Other Perspective. City Networks and Territorial Justice towards a Landscape Ethics)
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Open AccessArticle
Green Infrastructure Fluctuations in Urban Agglomeration of Shanxi Province, China: Implications for Controlling Ecological Crises
by
Cheng Gong, Huijun Pang, Aruhan Olhnuud, Fan Hao and Feinan Lyu
Land 2024, 13(5), 600; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050600 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
The rapid urbanization process means that even moderate-sized cities can quickly become part of larger urban agglomerations, creating new urban zones. Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) plays a crucial role in these clusters, acting as precious green spaces essential for maintaining ecological safety. This
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The rapid urbanization process means that even moderate-sized cities can quickly become part of larger urban agglomerations, creating new urban zones. Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) plays a crucial role in these clusters, acting as precious green spaces essential for maintaining ecological safety. This study combines fluctuation analysis based on Morphological Spatial Pattern with traditional landscape pattern analysis, comprehensively addressing the evolution of UGI in terms of quantity, characteristics, and morphology. We selected the Taiyuan-Jinzhong agglomeration as our study area, which is currently in an agglomeration process. The results demonstrated the critical role of surrounding mountains as natural ecological barrier zones. During urban agglomeration, management strategies focused on large-scale afforestation to ensure the quantity of UGI. However, this approach also led to a more clustered landscape with reduced connectivity. Additionally, linear or small-scale UGI types such as branch and islet have seen reductions over the past decade. Changes in internal morphological and complex fluctuations within UGI can harm the formation of ecological networks and potentially negatively affect biodiversity and ecological safety. The research highlights how ecological protection and urban planning policies can influence UGI fluctuations. Therefore, urban managers should not just concentrate on maintaining the quantity of UGI, but also give consideration to changes in its internal features and morphology. Before cities further agglomerate into larger urban clusters, it is crucial to address deficiencies in UGI, continuously improving type configurations and functional structures at the landscape scale. Through strategic planning of UGI, cities can mitigate ecological risks and foster sustainable urban development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)
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Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Soil Management and Sustainable Plant Protection Strategies on Soil Biodiversity in a Sangiovese Vineyard
by
Sara Del Duca, Stefano Mocali, Francesco Vitali, Arturo Fabiani, Maria Alexandra Cucu, Giuseppe Valboa, Giada d’Errico, Francesco Binazzi, Paolo Storchi, Rita Perria and Silvia Landi
Land 2024, 13(5), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050599 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Vine growing is one of the most economically important sectors of Mediterranean agriculture, but its cultivation practices are highly detrimental to the environment and the associated biota. The application of both natural products inducing endogenous plant defense mechanisms and natural soil management systems
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Vine growing is one of the most economically important sectors of Mediterranean agriculture, but its cultivation practices are highly detrimental to the environment and the associated biota. The application of both natural products inducing endogenous plant defense mechanisms and natural soil management systems represents a potential solution for the preservation and improvement of soil health and biodiversity. The Life Green Grapes project aimed at evaluating the effects of different natural and sustainable vine protection strategies and soil management on vineyard edaphic communities. Soil TOC, TN, C:N ratio, CaCO3 content and pH were measured. Microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) were characterized through NGS, while nematodes and microarthropods were isolated and identified. Obtained data highlighted a relationshipbetween bacteria, fungi and nematodes with soil chemistry, and an effect of the different soil management on the single and total edaphic communities. Network analysis evidenced a positive effect of the application of sustainable soil managements on the relationships among the different investigated soil trophic levels, suggesting that more natural soil managements allow a better interaction between soil organisms. In conclusion, this work confirms the importance of the application of sustainable and natural soil management practices in agricultural ecosystems, with the aim of conserving and improving soil biodiversity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Biodiversity in Agricultural Ecosystems)
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Open AccessArticle
Eye-Tracking and Visual Preference: Maybe Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder?
by
Patrick A. Miller
Land 2024, 13(5), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050598 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The “Content-Identifying Methodology”, or CIM, is an approach developed by environmental psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan to understand the landscape characteristics that people find visually attractive. The Kaplans did this by surveying people’s landscape preferences and then analyzing the preferences to develop sets
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The “Content-Identifying Methodology”, or CIM, is an approach developed by environmental psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan to understand the landscape characteristics that people find visually attractive. The Kaplans did this by surveying people’s landscape preferences and then analyzing the preferences to develop sets of landscape scenes to which people reacted in a similar pattern. The underlying assumption is that a common stimulus or content exists in the photographs of a set responsible for the preference. However, identifying the common stimulus or content in each set or grouping of scenes and how it affects preference can still be challenging. Eye-tracking is a tool that can identify what the survey participants were looking at when indicating their preference for a landscape. This paper demonstrates how eye-tracking was used in two different landscape preference studies to identify the content important to people’s preferences and provide insights into how the content affected preference. Eye-tracking can help identify a common stimulus, help determine if the stimulus is a physical or spatial characteristic of the landscape, and show how the stimulus varies in different landscape contexts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Multisensory Landscapes: 2023 Visual Resource Stewardship Conference)
Open AccessArticle
Multi-Scenario Prediction of Land-Use Changes and Ecosystem Service Values in the Lhasa River Basin Based on the FLUS-Markov Model
by
Bing Qi, Miao Yu and Yunyuan Li
Land 2024, 13(5), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050597 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The quantitative evaluation and prediction of ecosystem service value (ESV) in the Lhasa River Basin can provide a basis for ecological environment assessment and land-use optimization and adjustment in the future. Previous studies on the ESV in the Lhasa River Basin have focused
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The quantitative evaluation and prediction of ecosystem service value (ESV) in the Lhasa River Basin can provide a basis for ecological environment assessment and land-use optimization and adjustment in the future. Previous studies on the ESV in the Lhasa River Basin have focused mainly on static assessment and evolution analysis based on historical data, and have not considered future development trends. Moreover, most of the current driving factors selected in land use and ESV prediction studies are homogeneous, and do not reflect the geographical and cultural characteristics of the study area well. With the Lhasa River Basin as the research focus, 20 driving factors were selected according to the characteristics of the plateau alpine area, and the land-use changes under three developmental orientations, namely, natural evolution, ecological protection, and agricultural development, were predicted for the year 2030 with the FLUS-Markov model. Based on these predictions, the values of ecosystem services were calculated, and their spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics were analyzed. The results show that the model has high accuracy in simulating land-use change in the Lhasa River Basin, with a kappa coefficient of 0.989 and an overall accuracy of 99.33%, indicating a high applicability. The types of land use in the Lhasa River basin are dominated by the existence of grassland, unused land, and forest, with a combined proportion of 94.3%. The change trends of each land-use type in the basin under the three scenarios differ significantly, with grassland, cropland, and building land showing the most significant changes. The area of cropland increased only in the agricultural development scenario; the areas of forest and grassland increased only in the ecological protection scenario; and the expansion of building land was most effectively controlled in the ecological protection scenario. The ESV increased in all three scenarios, and the spatial distribution of the ESV per unit area in the middle and lower reaches was greater than that in the upper reaches. The ESV was the greatest in the ecological protection scenario, with grasslands, forests, and water bodies contributing more to the ESV of the basin. This study provides decision-making references for the effective utilization of land resources, ecological environmental protection planning, and urban construction in the Lhasa River Basin in the future.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Analysis of Land and Air Temperature in Romania since A.D. 1961
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Ancuta Manea, Marius-Victor Birsan, Viorica Dima and Loredana-Elena Havriș
Land 2024, 13(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050596 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Daily time series with continuous records of mean air and soil temperature from 127 meteorological stations—fairly distributed over the country—were used to compute monthly temperature trends, as well as changes in the timing of the first and the last frost days over Romania
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Daily time series with continuous records of mean air and soil temperature from 127 meteorological stations—fairly distributed over the country—were used to compute monthly temperature trends, as well as changes in the timing of the first and the last frost days over Romania since 1961. Results show that the frequency of the number of days with daily temperature averages below 0 °C in case of air and soil surface temperature is stable for most months, except for January, when (for both soil and air temperature), the number of days with a temperature below 0 °C is decreasing in the majority of the stations. The occurrence of the first day with (mean air and soil surface) temperatures below 0 °C, presents a delay in the south, south-east, and west, and an earlier occurrence in eastern and central regions. The occurrence of the last day with a mean air and soil surface temperature below 0 °C shows a stable trend for most stations (except for some small areas in the north, south-east and south-west of Romania). The regime of the land temperature is more stable, due to the physical characteristics of the soil, compared to the more versatile atmosphere. Linkages between thermal parameters and large-scale atmospheric circulation are also discussed.
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Open AccessArticle
Spatial Effects of Economic Modernization on Carbon Balance in China
by
Nan Huang, Chenghao Liu, Yaobin Liu, Biagio Fernando Giannetti and Ling Bai
Land 2024, 13(5), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050595 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Exploring the impact of economic modernization on carbon balance is an essential endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality and combat climate change. However, the spatial impact of economic modernization on carbon balance remains ambiguous. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial spillover effects
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Exploring the impact of economic modernization on carbon balance is an essential endeavor to achieve carbon neutrality and combat climate change. However, the spatial impact of economic modernization on carbon balance remains ambiguous. Therefore, this study aims to explore the spatial spillover effects of agricultural modernization, industrialization, and urbanization on carbon balance during the economic modernization process in China, taking 30 provinces and cities in China as examples from 2010 to 2021. This study utilizes the spatial Durbin model to derive the following results: In the past decade, the carbon balance ratio has shown a fluctuating and decreasing dynamic evolution trend. There is an increase in regions with serious carbon deficits. Further investigation into the spatial spillover effect of carbon balance unveils that for every 1% increase in the carbon balance ratio of a province, neighboring provinces experience a decrease of 0.833%. Additionally, the spatial spillover effects of the three modernizations in China on the carbon balance ratio behave differently. Agricultural modernization and urbanization demonstrate negative spatial spillover effects on the carbon balance in neighboring regions, while industrialization exerts a significant positive spatial spillover effect on the carbon balance of neighboring regions. Regarding control variables, the level of innovation solely contributes to local carbon balance realization without generating a trickle-down effect, whereas infrastructure development operates inversely. At the same time, there are differences in the spatial effects of agricultural modernization and industrialization on the carbon balance between the eastern region and the central and western regions. The study underscores the importance of economic modernization and development processes focusing on fostering synergistic growth between economic and environmental benefits within both local and neighboring areas.
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Open AccessReview
Ill Fares the Land: Confronting Unsustainability in the U.K. Food System through Political Agroecology and Degrowth
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Mark Tilzey
Land 2024, 13(5), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050594 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
The U.K. food system exhibits strong unsustainability indicators across multiple dimensions, both in terms of food and nutritional insecurity and in terms of adverse climate change, biodiversity, and physical resource impacts. These indices of an unsustainable and inequitable social metabolism are the result
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The U.K. food system exhibits strong unsustainability indicators across multiple dimensions, both in terms of food and nutritional insecurity and in terms of adverse climate change, biodiversity, and physical resource impacts. These indices of an unsustainable and inequitable social metabolism are the result of capitalist agriculture and society in general and, more specifically, of neoliberal and austerity policies adopted with vigour since the global financial crisis. The causal, capitalistic, and, latterly, more neoliberal bases of the U.K. food system are delineated in the first section of the paper. These bases are then detailed in terms of their impacts in exacerbating climate change, biodiversity (and resource) decline and loss, and food and nutritional insecurity. The political narratives and policy frameworks available to dissemble, mitigate, or, more rarely, to address (resolve) these impacts are then delineated. It is argued that the only policy framework available that strongly integrates food security (social equity) with ecological sustainability is political agroecology and an accompanying degrowth strategy. The final section of the paper details what political agroecology and degrowth might entail for the U.K. food system.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for Land Systems and Global Change Section)
Open AccessArticle
The Ecological Potential of Poplars (Populus L.) for City Tree Planting and Management: A Preliminary Study of Central Poland (Warsaw) and Silesia (Chorzów)
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Jan Łukaszkiewicz, Andrzej Długoński, Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz and Jitka Fialová
Land 2024, 13(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050593 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to
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Urban environments face escalating challenges due to uncontrolled urbanization, rapid population growth, and climate changes, prompting the exploration of sustainable solutions for enhancing urban green spaces (UGSs). For this reason, poplars (Populus L.), due to their rapid growth, wide range adaptability to environmental conditions and versatility of use, have emerged as very promising. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding poplar’s application in urban landscapes, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions and benefits. However, challenges arise from the variable lifespans of different poplar cultivars, necessitating strategic management approaches. Selecting cultivars based on growth rates, root system characteristics, and adaptability to urban conditions is pivotal. Adaptive replanting strategies, incorporating species with varying lifespans, offer solutions to maintain continual greenery in urban landscapes. Collaborative efforts between researchers, urban planners, and policymakers are essential for devising comprehensive strategies that maximize benefits while addressing challenges associated with their variable lifespans. In conclusion, harnessing poplar’s potential in urban greenery initiatives requires a balanced approach that capitalizes on their benefits while mitigating challenges. Further research and adaptive strategies are crucial for sustained and effective utilization to create resilient and vibrant urban landscapes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Ecosystem Services IV)
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Open AccessArticle
Resilience of Terraced Landscapes to Human and Natural Impacts: A GIS-Based Reconstruction of Land Use Evolution in a Mediterranean Mountain Valley
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Titouan Le Vot, Marianne Cohen, Maciej Nowak, Paul Passy and Franck Sumera
Land 2024, 13(5), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050592 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
Terraced historical landscapes have multiple functions in mountain land, limiting erosion, enabling agricultural production and constituting cultural heritage. Currently, they are largely abandoned in Mediterranean regions and facing the ongoing impacts of climate change. Our aim is to reconstruct the evolution of land
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Terraced historical landscapes have multiple functions in mountain land, limiting erosion, enabling agricultural production and constituting cultural heritage. Currently, they are largely abandoned in Mediterranean regions and facing the ongoing impacts of climate change. Our aim is to reconstruct the evolution of land use on the terraces in order to test the hypothesis of the resilience of these landscapes and their age in recent history (17th–21st century). To achieve this, we used various current and archive spatial datasets and GIS knowledge to detect and map terraces and the changes in land use. We tested this hypothesis in a territory impacted by a recent extreme event, facing the challenge of its reconstruction. Our main outcome showed that the optimal use of the terraces corresponded to the demographic optimum of the mid-19th century, and they were gradually abandoned after the Second World War, with significant differences between Mediterranean and mountain lands. Despite this evolution, the terraces persisted and withstood an extreme event, validating our resilience hypothesis and opening avenues for the revitalization of this territory based on this heritage. These findings are drawing perspectives for the future of terraced landscapes in Mediterranean mountains in the context of climate change.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilience in Historical Landscapes)
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Open AccessArticle
Relative Pollen Productivity Estimates for Mediterranean Plant Taxa: A New Study Region in Turkey
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Esra Ergin, Laurent Marquer, Florence Mazier, Ugo Bisson and Hasan Nüzhet Dalfes
Land 2024, 13(5), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050591 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
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This study estimates relative pollen productivity (RPP) for plant taxa from Southern Anatolia, an important region in the Mediterranean with a long history of human settlements. RPP estimates are required for quantitative pollen-based reconstruction of past land cover modelling. The application of the
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This study estimates relative pollen productivity (RPP) for plant taxa from Southern Anatolia, an important region in the Mediterranean with a long history of human settlements. RPP estimates are required for quantitative pollen-based reconstruction of past land cover modelling. The application of the reconstruction by the REVEALS model in the Mediterranean basin is constrained due to the scarcity of the RPP values specific to the region. To better understand the relationship between vegetation cover and land use in the Mediterranean area, the present study aims to provide a set of RPPs for Turkey and the Mediterranean region. The study area centres around Gölhisar Lake in southwestern Turkey. Modern pollen data are collected from moss pollsters from 21 sites together with vegetation surveys. RPP estimates for the main taxa characteristic of the Mediterranean region are obtained (referenced to evergreen Quercus t.) using the extended R-value (ERV) model through the analysis of modern pollen assemblages. The most reliable results are acquired with the ERV sub-model 2 and Prentice’s taxon-specific method (using a Gaussian plume dispersal model) to distance-weighted vegetation data, corresponding to a Relative Source Area of Pollen (RSAP) value of 102 m. RPPs of dominant taxa in the study area are obtained for Quercus coccifera/Fagaceae (1 ± 0), Juniperus/Cupressaceae (0.279 ± 0.001), Fabaceae (0.008 ± 0.000), Pinus/Pinaceae (5.782 ± 0.011), and Poaceae (0.112 ± 0.001) and are comparable with other RPPs obtained in the Mediterranean region.
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Open AccessBook Review
Book Review: Bourgon, L. Tree Thieves: Crime and Survival in North America’s Woods; Little Brown Spark: New York, NY, USA, 2022; ISBN: 978-0316497442
by
Jerry A. Griffith
Land 2024, 13(5), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050590 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
When considering individuals who illegally harvest trees from public lands, author Lyndsie Bourgon “wonder(s) how someone who lives surrounded by the crushing beauty of a redwood forest can simultaneously love it and kill it [...]
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Open AccessArticle
Urban Physical Environments Promoting Active Leisure Travel: An Empirical Study Using Crowdsourced GPS Tracks and Geographic Big Data from Multiple Sources
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Yunwen Chen, Binhui Wang, Jing Huang, Hei Gao and Xianfan Shu
Land 2024, 13(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050589 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since
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Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since longer trips are associated with increased exercise. Additionally, the most recent studies focus on leisure walking and leisure cycling, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and running are examined less frequently. This study, therefore, compares the similarities and differences of the environmental factors associated with route selection and travel distance through non-parametric tests and Cox proportional hazard models. The results show that two intersecting sets of environmental elements relate to both the route chosen and the distance traveled. Land use diversity and varied topography are appealing for both leisure trips and trip length. In addition, the differences in environmental characteristics among specific leisure travels may be attributed to variations in physical activity requirements, preferences for landscape viewing, and/or sensitivity to crowding. Therefore, conclusions drawn without considering the different types of leisure travel could be skewed. Whether particular surroundings may effectively increase physical activity remains uncertain. A more holistic perspective could be beneficial when studying the connection between the environment, active travel, and health.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy and Sustainable Living Environments: Green and Blue Spaces)
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Hillslope Agriculture on Soil Compaction and Seasonal Water Dynamics in a Temperate Vineyard
by
Jasmina Defterdarović, Lana Filipović, Gabrijel Ondrašek, Igor Bogunović, Ivan Dugan, Vinod Phogat, Hailong He, Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Ehsan Tavakkoli, Thomas Baumgartl, Abolfazl Baghbani, Timothy I. McLaren and Vilim Filipović
Land 2024, 13(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050588 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and
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Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and seasonal water content dynamics of the hillslope. Measurements were made at the hilltop and footslope, i.e., soil water content and potential were measured using sensors, wick lysimeters were used to quantify water flux, while a mini-disk infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rate and calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K_unsat). Soil texture showed differences between hillslope positions, i.e., at the hilltop after 50 cm depth, the soil is classified as silty clay loam, and from 75 cm onward, the soil is silty clay, while at the footslope, the soil is silt loam even at the deeper depths. The results show a higher K_unsat at the footslope as well as higher average water volumes collected in wick lysimeters compared to the hilltop. Average water volumes showed a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 between the hilltop and the footslope. The soil water content and water potential sensors showed higher values at the footslope at all depths, i.e., 8.0% at 15 cm, 8.4% at 30 cm, and 27.3% at 45 cm. The results show that, even though the vineyard is located in a relatively small area, soil heterogeneity is present, affecting the water flow along the hillslope. This suggests the importance of observing water movement in the soil, especially today when facing extreme weather (e.g., short-term high-intensity rainfall events) in order to protect soil and water resources.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Disturbances and Soil Properties)
Open AccessArticle
Energy Utilization and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions of Tillage Operation in Wetland Rice Cultivation
by
Suha Elsoragaby, A. F. Kheiralla, Elkamil Tola, Azmi Yahya, Modather Mairghany, Mojahid Ahmed, Wael M. Elamin and Bahaaddein K. M. Mahgoub
Land 2024, 13(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050587 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
In Malaysia, wetland rice is cultivated over two cropping seasons: the main season, from June to November, and the off-season, from January to June. The aim of this study was to investigate tillage operations in rice production in relation to actual field operations
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In Malaysia, wetland rice is cultivated over two cropping seasons: the main season, from June to November, and the off-season, from January to June. The aim of this study was to investigate tillage operations in rice production in relation to actual field operations and under real field conditions for two rice cultivation seasons. The results showed that 80.7%, 17%, and 2.3% of the total time was spent on the actual operation, turning time, and reversing time, respectively. The results also showed that the mean effective field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption were 1.2 ha/h, 80%, and 7.6 L/ha, respectively. The distribution of energy used in the first, second, and third tillage passes amounted to 37%, 33%, and 30% of the total energy, respectively. Fuel, machinery, and total GHG emissions were 62.4, 7.6, and 70 kg CO2eq/ha, respectively. Fuel represented the highest contributor of energy expenditure and GHG emissions. The distributions of GHG emissions in the first, second, and third tillage passes were 37%, 32%, and 31% of the total GHG emissions. The results reveal that carrying out minimum-tillage operations led to a reduction in environmental impacts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission)
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Open AccessArticle
Mapping Cropland Abandonment in the Cloudy Hilly Regions Surrounding the Southwest Basin of China
by
Yali Wei, Junjie Wen, Qunchao Zhou, Yan Zhang and Gaocheng Dong
Land 2024, 13(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050586 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cropland is a vital resource intricately connected to food security. Currently, the issue of cropland abandonment poses a serious threat to food production and supply, presenting a significant challenge to rural economies and the stability of the food supply chain. The hilly and
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Cropland is a vital resource intricately connected to food security. Currently, the issue of cropland abandonment poses a serious threat to food production and supply, presenting a significant challenge to rural economies and the stability of the food supply chain. The hilly and cloudy regions of southwest China are particularly affected by cropland abandonment, presenting significant challenges in accurately mapping the distribution of abandoned cropland due to fragmentation and heavy cloud pollution. Therefore, this study focuses on Mingshan County, located in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, China, as the study area. Utilizing Google Earth Engine (GEE) and a random forest algorithm, a method integrating multi-source data from Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1 is proposed to extract abandoned cropland spanning from 2018 to 2022. This study analyzes spatial and temporal characteristics, employing the Geodetector with optimal parameters to explore the underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal the following: (1) The method achieves an overall accuracy of land use classification surpassing 88.67%, with a Kappa coefficient exceeding 0.87. Specifically, the accuracy for identifying abandoned cropland reaches 87.00%. (2) From 2018 to 2022, the abandonment rate in Mingshan County fluctuated between 4.58% and 5.77%, averaging 5.03%. The lowest abandonment rate occurred in 2019–2020, while the highest was observed in 2020–2021. (3) Cropland abandonment is influenced by both natural and social factors. Elevation and slope are the main driving factors, alongside factors such as distance to road, town, and residential settlement that all significantly contribute to abandonment trends. These five factors exhibit positive correlation with the abandonment rate, with distance to the river showing relatively weaker explanatory power.
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(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)
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Open AccessArticle
Have Agricultural Land-Use Carbon Emissions in China Peaked? An Analysis Based on Decoupling Theory and Spatial EKC Model
by
Haoyue Wu, Bangwen Ding, Lu Liu, Lei Zhou, Yue Meng and Xiangjiang Zheng
Land 2024, 13(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050585 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio
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Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio decoupling index and environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model to discuss the robustness of the peaking process. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, China’s average ALUCEs were 368.1 Mt C-eq (1349.7 CO2-eq), peaking at 396.9 Mt C-eq (1455.3 Mt CO2-eq) in 2015 before plateauing. Emissions from agricultural materials and soil management had entered the declining period, while those from rice cultivation were in the peaking period, those from straw burning were still rising, and those from livestock breeding remained at the plateauing phase. (2) The provinces of Beijing, Tianjin, and nine others saw a decline in ALUCEs, while Hainan, Guizhou, and another nine provinces observed plateauing, and Ningxia, Qinghai, and six other provinces experienced peaking. (3) Decoupling analysis confirmed that emission-peaking states remained stable even with agricultural growth. Instead of an inverted U-shaped relationship, we found an N-shaped relationship between ALUCEs and agricultural GDP. The spatial EKC model indicated that the peaking process had spillover effects between provinces. It is recommended that China accelerate ALUCE mitigation based on the source and phase of emissions, considering the peaking process and magnitude.
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(This article belongs to the Section Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment)
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