Land | August 2021 - Browse Articles

20 pages, 12855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Nature Tourism Route through GIS to Improve the Visibility of the Natural Resources of the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, Ecuador

by Alex Vinicio Gavilanes Montoya, José Fernando Esparza Parra, Carlos Renato Chávez Velásquez, Paúl Eduardo Tito Guanuche, Grace Maribel Parra Vintimilla, Carlos Mestanza-Ramón and Danny Daniel Castillo Vizuete

Land 2021, 10(8), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080884 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7331

Abstract

Tourism in natural areas attracts people seeking contact with pristine ecosystems as opposed to a polluted urban habitat and a stressful pace of life. An adequate tourist route and itinerary guarantees a high level of tourist satisfaction. The objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Tourism in natural areas attracts people seeking contact with pristine ecosystems as opposed to a polluted urban habitat and a stressful pace of life. An adequate tourist route and itinerary guarantees a high level of tourist satisfaction. The objective of this study was to focus on the design of a tourist route and itinerary in the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, central Ecuador, by integrating tourist attractions and facilities. Within the methodological process, the main tourist attractions of the area were identified and georeferenced; then, a thematic map was elaborated using ArcGIS 10.5^® software. Distances were determined by considering the transportation alternatives in relation to the base camps. Finally, the itinerary was structured by considering the possible tourist activities of each place or attraction. As a result, a tourist route was obtained that included 19 attractions and an itinerary that interacts with various activities in the study area. This research will strengthen tourism activities in the Altar Volcano, allowing for an increase in the number of visitors and the development of sustainable tourism thanks to proper planning in the use of a new tourist route. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Use of Natural and Cultural Resources through Tourism Activity for Regional Development)

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18 pages, 5500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coping with Risk. A Deep-Time Perspective on Societal Responses to Ecological Uncertainty in the River Dalälven Catchment Area in Sweden

by Kailin Hatlestad, Joakim Wehlin and Karl-Johan Lindholm

Land 2021, 10(8), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080883 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4018

Abstract

In addressing the current climate crisis, research into how past societies have coped with risk and ecological uncertainty can provide old solutions to new problems. Here, we examine how human niche construction can be seen as risk management in the face of uncertainty [...] Read more.

In addressing the current climate crisis, research into how past societies have coped with risk and ecological uncertainty can provide old solutions to new problems. Here, we examine how human niche construction can be seen as risk management in the face of uncertainty by exploring the spatial patterning of land-use activities over time. Dalarna county, an agriculturally marginal boreal forest environment, provides the opportunity for addressing change in terms of agricultural responses and other activities. C14 archaeological records complied by Dalarna Museum were the base of this analysis. The spatial and temporal components of these Boreal Forest records were analyzed in the open-source software QGIS, guided by a historical ecology framework. Human niches diversified and intensified during specific periods in the Boreal forest environment; our focus has been on how humans managed resource risk related to the ecological uncertainty within this forest environment characterized by long winters and short growing seasons. We conclude that constructed niches shaped the Boreal Forest, spanning its environmentally unique upland and lowland regions, into a more predictable environment. Tracking the diversity, multi-functionality, and intensity of these past land-use activities can provide insights for best practices in land management, not only for the Boreal Forest area, but also for elsewhere. These insights will assist in policy-making decisions, as the methodology is adaptable and replicable for various landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Living with Unpredictability: Insights from Landscape Historical Ecologies)

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16 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does External Shock Influence Farmer’s Adoption of Modern Irrigation Technology?—A Case of Gansu Province, China

by Yongfeng Tan, Apurbo Sarkar, Airin Rahman, Lu Qian, Waqar Hussain Memon and Zharkyn Magzhan

Land 2021, 10(8), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080882 - 22 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

Due to the severe irrigational water scarcity and ever-growing contamination of existing water resources, the potential of improved and innovative irrigation technology has emerged. The risk-taking network may play an essential role in the adoption of modern irrigation technology (MIT). The main goals [...] Read more.

Due to the severe irrigational water scarcity and ever-growing contamination of existing water resources, the potential of improved and innovative irrigation technology has emerged. The risk-taking network may play an essential role in the adoption of modern irrigation technology (MIT). The main goals of the current study were to find the impacts of external shocks on MIT adoption by farmers. For doing so, the study analyzed the mediating effect of economic vulnerability (EV) and the moderating effect of the risk-taking network on farmer’s adaptation of MIT. Economic vulnerability of farmers refers to risks caused by external shocks to the farming system which may affect the farmer’s adoption of MIT. The empirical set-up of the study consists of micro survey data of 509 farmers from the Gansu Province of China. The results show that the external shock has a significant negative impact on adapting MIT by rural farmers. At the same time, EV plays an intermediary effect in increasing the impact of external irrigation on the adaptation of MIT. The intermediary to total effect is 36.57%. The risk-taking network has a moderate effect on the relationship between external shocks, affecting farmers to adopt MIT, while external shocks also increase EV which affects farmers’ adopting MIT. Thus, it can be said that the risk-taking network regulates the direct path of external shocks affecting farmers’ choice to adapt to MIT, and external shocks also affect farmer’s MIT adaptation. The public and private partnerships should be strengthened to facilitate risk minimization. Government should provide subsidies, and financial organizations should also formulate more accessible loans and risk-sharing facilities. The government should expand the support for formal and informal risk-taking network. They should also extend their support for formal and informal risk-taking networks to improve the risk response-ability of vulnerable farmers. The concerned authorities should attach smallholder farmers’ socio-economic structure and reform the existing policies according to their demands. The governmental authorities should also endorse the risk-sharing function of informal institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN))

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21 pages, 4120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship of Ecosystem Services in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on the Production Possibility Frontier

by Jinjin Wu, Xueru Jin, Zhe Feng, Tianqian Chen, Chenxu Wang, Dingrao Feng and Jiaqi Lv

Land 2021, 10(8), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080881 - 22 Aug 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

The supply and demand of ecosystem services are affected by land use. Only a few studies have conducted in-depth quantitative analyses. This study adopted the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region as the research area. The CLUMondo model was adopted to infer the land-use pattern under protection, [...] Read more.

The supply and demand of ecosystem services are affected by land use. Only a few studies have conducted in-depth quantitative analyses. This study adopted the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region as the research area. The CLUMondo model was adopted to infer the land-use pattern under protection, development, and natural scenarios in 2035. Moreover, the InVEST model was utilized to evaluate carbon sequestration, water yield, and soil conservation under multiple land-use patterns. The production possibility frontier was drawn to visualize the trade-off relationship further. The trade-off intensity index was calculated to quantify the magnitude of the trade-off. (1) Under the development scenario, the accelerated expansion of urbanized land will occupy a large amount of arable and forest land, which should be planned and controlled. (2) The trade-off and synergistic relationships could be transformed under the different land-use scenarios. (3) The production possibility frontier curve for each ecosystem service trade-off and the optimal value of the trade-off configuration were plotted for the different scenarios. The trade-off intensity of ecosystem services was also calculated. This study combined ecosystem services with land-use regulations and revealed the link between ecosystem services and regional land-use pattern change. The aim is to provide a reference for the synergistic progress of the ecological economy in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)

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18 pages, 2833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A GIS-Based Simulation Method for Regional Food Potential and Demand

by Keyu Bao, Rushikesh Padsala, Volker Coors, Daniela Thrän and Bastian Schröter

Land 2021, 10(8), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080880 - 21 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4389

Abstract

A quantitative assessment of food-water-energy interactions is important to assess pathways and scenarios towards a holistically sustainable regional development. While a range of tools and methods exist that assess energetic demands and potentials on a regional scale, the same is not true for [...] Read more.

A quantitative assessment of food-water-energy interactions is important to assess pathways and scenarios towards a holistically sustainable regional development. While a range of tools and methods exist that assess energetic demands and potentials on a regional scale, the same is not true for assessments of regional food demand and potential. This work introduces a new food simulation workflow to address local food potential and demand at the regional level, by extending an existing regional energy-water simulation platform. The goal of this work is to develop a GIS-based bottom-up approach to simulate regional food demand that can be linked to similarly GIS-based workflows assessing regional water demands and energetic demands and potentials. This allows us to study food-water-energy issues on a local scale. For this, a CityGML land use data model is extended with a feed and animal potential raster map as well as a soil type map to serve as the main inputs. The workflow simulates: (1) the vegetal and animal product food potentials by taking climate, crop type, soil type, organic farming, and food waste parameters into account; (2) the food demand of vegetal and animal products influenced by population change, body weight, age, human development index, and other indicators. The method is tested and validated in three German counties with various land use coverages. The results show that restricting land used exclusively for energy crop production is the most effective way to increase annual food production potential. Climate change by 2050 is expected to result in annual biomass yield changes between −4% and 2% depending on the region. The amount of animal product consumption is expected to rise by 16% by 2050, while 4% fewer vegetal products are excepted to be consumed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture in Urban Food Systems: Models and Practices)

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21 pages, 2886 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micro-Analysis of Price Spillover Effect among Regional Housing Submarkets in Korea: Evidence from the Seoul Metropolitan Area

by Leeyoung Kim and Wonseok Seo

Land 2021, 10(8), 879; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080879 - 21 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2981

Abstract

This study examined the price spillover effect of housing submarkets in cities in the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea by using the Granger causality test and vector autoregressive model (VAR). We found that housing prices showed a higher spillover effect within regions [...] Read more.

This study examined the price spillover effect of housing submarkets in cities in the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea by using the Granger causality test and vector autoregressive model (VAR). We found that housing prices showed a higher spillover effect within regions with similar housing market characteristics. Additionally, the spatial spillover of housing prices revealed a difference between sales price and jeonse price. The spillover of jeonse price was characterized by mutual influence among neighboring cities, while that of sales price was characterized by the influence being transferred in one direction hierarchically. Furthermore, the effects of housing price indicated a slight difference between sales price and jeonse price. Although jeonse price was mainly affected by a neighboring area (geographic boundary), sales price was more influenced by the city with the highest housing prices. Lastly, the housing price spillover tended to be expansive around the city with the highest price. These results suggest that housing price policies targeting specific regions or areas in Korea must be differentiated according to the type of occupancy (jeonse or sales), and it is essential to consider the externalities when promoting policies in the housing market wherein externalities may be significant. Full article

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

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16 pages, 7840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flood Risk Assessment under Land Use and Climate Change in Wuhan City of the Yangtze River Basin, China

by Zhihui Li, Keyu Song and Lu Peng

Land 2021, 10(8), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080878 - 21 Aug 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4874

Abstract

Frequently occurring flood disasters caused by extreme climate and urbanization processes have become the most common natural hazard and pose a great threat to human society. Therefore, urban flood risk assessment is of great significance for disaster mitigation and prevention. In this paper, [...] Read more.

Frequently occurring flood disasters caused by extreme climate and urbanization processes have become the most common natural hazard and pose a great threat to human society. Therefore, urban flood risk assessment is of great significance for disaster mitigation and prevention. In this paper, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to quantify the spatiotemporal variations in flood risk in Wuhan during 2000–2018. A comprehensive flood risk assessment index system was constructed from the hazard, sensitivity, and vulnerability components with seven indices. The results showed that the central urban area, especially the area in the west bank of the Yangtze river, had high risk due to its high flood sensitivity that was determined by land use type and high vulnerability with dense population and per unit GDP. Specifically, the Jianghan, Qiaokou, Jiangan, and Wuchang districts had the highest flood risk, more than 60% of whose area was in medium or above-medium risk regions. During 2000–2018, the flood risk overall showed an increasing trend, with Hongshan district increasing the most, and the year of 2010 was identified as a turning point for rapid risk increase. In addition, the comparison between the risk maps and actual historical inundation point records showed good agreement, indicating that the assessment framework and method proposed in this study can be useful to assist flood mitigation and management, and relevant policy recommendations were proposed based on the assessment results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Climate Change)

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20 pages, 5127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Forecasting of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides in the Wildfire Burned Areas of Western Greece

by Spyridon Lainas, Nikolaos Depountis and Nikolaos Sabatakakis

Land 2021, 10(8), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080877 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3387

Abstract

A new methodology for shallow landslide forecasting in wildfire burned areas is proposed by estimating the annual probability of rainfall threshold exceedance. For this purpose, extensive geological fieldwork was carried out in 122 landslides, which have been periodically activated in Western Greece, after [...] Read more.

A new methodology for shallow landslide forecasting in wildfire burned areas is proposed by estimating the annual probability of rainfall threshold exceedance. For this purpose, extensive geological fieldwork was carried out in 122 landslides, which have been periodically activated in Western Greece, after the devastating wildfires that occurred in August 2007 and burned large areas in several parts of Western Greece. In addition, daily rainfall data covering more than 40 years has been collected and statistically processed to estimate the exceedance probability of the rainfall threshold above which these landslides are activated. The objectives of this study are to quantify the magnitude and duration of rainfall above which landslides in burned areas are activated, as well as to introduce a novel methodology on rainfall-induced landslide forecasting. It has been concluded that rainfall-induced landslide annual exceedance probability in the burned areas is higher when cumulative rainfall duration ranges from 6 to 9 days with local differences due to the prevailing geological conditions and landscape characteristics. The proposed methodology can be used as a basis for landslide forecasting in wildfire-affected areas, especially when triggered by rainfall, and can be further developed as a tool for preliminary landslide hazard assessment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landslide and Natural Hazard Monitoring)

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16 pages, 5680 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Model for Detecting Urban Fringe and Its Expanding Patterns: An Application in Harbin City, China

by Yuan Wang, Yilong Han, Lijie Pu, Bo Jiang, Shaofeng Yuan and Yan Xu

Land 2021, 10(8), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080876 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Urban fringe is an active expanding belt, indicating urban-rural interaction processes. Previous studies have attempted to define urban fringe as the transitional area between urban and rural areas, but there is a lack of quantitative analysis of the periphery boundaries. We developed a [...] Read more.

Urban fringe is an active expanding belt, indicating urban-rural interaction processes. Previous studies have attempted to define urban fringe as the transitional area between urban and rural areas, but there is a lack of quantitative analysis of the periphery boundaries. We developed a novel, the Spatial Segmentation Model (SSM), to detect the extent of urban fringe via calculating the share of the built-up land. Within the urban fringe, we statistically compared the number of built-up patches in each direction and described four urban expanding patterns (stable, sprawling, leaping, and mixing patterns) indicated by the empirical analysis. The results show that this model can reliably detect the urban fringe and could reveal urban growth characteristics. We find the spatial territory changes are highly relative with transport infrastructures in Harbin. Meanwhile, the roads density in the urban core are higher than in the urban fringe. Especially for city roads, roads density in the urban core is more than 4 times higher than in the urban fringe. The growth of the urban fringe is closely related to the development of social economies as well as the space policies and development plans designed by governments. Similar to the post-industry cities worldwide, Harbin should take action to address population decline. Effective land-use and suitable urban growth strategies play an important role in alleviating urban shrinkage. Thus, understanding the dynamics, urban expanding patterns, and driving factors in the urban fringe can help us form a basis for future urban development. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land at the Service of the Regional Growth Coalition: Projects of Special Interest in the Region of Castilla–La Mancha (Spain)

by Luis Alfonso Escudero Gómez

Land 2021, 10(8), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080875 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2779

Abstract

Neoliberal urbanism land planning has led to the development of public–private coalitions associating common interest with lucrative private enterprise projects. In Castilla–La Mancha (Spain), this regional growth coalition was backed by a spatial planning instrument, known as Projects of Special Interest (PSI). The [...] Read more.

Neoliberal urbanism land planning has led to the development of public–private coalitions associating common interest with lucrative private enterprise projects. In Castilla–La Mancha (Spain), this regional growth coalition was backed by a spatial planning instrument, known as Projects of Special Interest (PSI). The aim of this article is to analyse the PSI as a paradigmatic example, to study its key points and examine its current dimensions. This case study employs a review of the literature, desk research, content analysis, interviews and observation. The PSI scheme has permitted private initiatives and developments, and privately used public constructions of many different types, reducing timeframes through possible recourse to expropriation, using basic measures of land reclassification, undervaluing the ecosystems involved and even facilitating construction in areas that had previously been declared protected, or where resources such as water are not guaranteed. Despite the failure of many of these projects and the expected economic growth not being realised, the instrument has been revived, as it is directly linked to multinational enterprises investing in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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21 pages, 3553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Transport Infrastructure Inequality Matter for Economic Growth? Evidence from China

by Anyu Chen, Yueran Li, Kunhui Ye, Tianyi Nie and Rui Liu

Land 2021, 10(8), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080874 - 20 Aug 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4368

Abstract

Transport infrastructure (TI) plays a crucial role in socioeconomic development. The increase of TI inequality, an all-pervading phenomenon in both developed and developing countries, has been an obstacle to sustainable economic growth. The relationship between TI inequality and economic growth has attracted considerable [...] Read more.

Transport infrastructure (TI) plays a crucial role in socioeconomic development. The increase of TI inequality, an all-pervading phenomenon in both developed and developing countries, has been an obstacle to sustainable economic growth. The relationship between TI inequality and economic growth has attracted considerable interest over the past three decades. However, the relationship remains obscure, and people find it impossible to utilize to develop economies. This study collected a panel of empirical data from 1982 to 2015 from China to calculate the Gini coefficient and conduct the Granger causality test. The data analysis results show that TI inequality is not always conducive to economic growth. A softening TI inequality helps address the issues of uneven economic growth across regions in the long term. The short-term effects of improving TI inequality at the national level are reflected in the network effect. In addition, the “social filters” facilitate the region to absorb the economic benefits brought by the improvement of TI inequality. These findings offer a way to address the increase of TI inequality and shed light on the ways to improve transport investment from the perspective of economic growth. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Concentration and Land Grabbing Processes—Evidence from Slovakia

by Lucia Palšová, Anna Bandlerová and Zina Machničová

Land 2021, 10(8), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080873 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4199

Abstract

In Slovakia, the large-scale acquisition of agricultural land in combination with land concentration represents a legitimate threat that can lead to land grabbing. Based on the research, two interrelated areas of protection need to be effectively regulated to limit land grabbing: the protection [...] Read more.

In Slovakia, the large-scale acquisition of agricultural land in combination with land concentration represents a legitimate threat that can lead to land grabbing. Based on the research, two interrelated areas of protection need to be effectively regulated to limit land grabbing: the protection of access to land and the protection of agricultural land. Due to the absence of relevant data analysis regarding this issue, the main aim of the study was to analyse the emergence of land concentration in Slovakia based on historical and cultural factors and to evaluate the current legislative and institutional framework of both aspects of land protection with a possible impact on the successively graduating threat of land grabbing. In particular, analytical methods were used, presenting the data from secondary literature sources, a questionnaire survey, and representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Slovakia. The research shows that although the state has adopted the necessary legal framework for the protection of property rights to agricultural land, it is not possible to enforce it, as the institutional framework for its implementation is absent. It is also the state’s malfunctioning land protection regulatory mechanism and the absence of indirect action instruments that may be key indicators leading to the processes of industrial agriculture. Therefore, the adoption of legislation limiting agricultural land acquisition is important, but the processes of land grabbing presume the state’s complex provision of a regulatory mechanism and adoption of strategic measures aimed at sustainable land quality and food security. Full article

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16 pages, 1821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Sponge City Concept and Neural Network into Land Suitability Assessment: Evidence from a Satellite Town of Shenzhen Metropolitan Area

by Keyu Luo, Zhenyu Wang, Wei Sha, Jiansheng Wu, Hongliang Wang and Qingliang Zhu

Land 2021, 10(8), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080872 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4224

Abstract

Land suitability assessment is fundamental in space control planning and land development because of its effects on land use and urban layout. Rainstorms and waterlogging have become one of the most common natural disasters in the coastal areas of China. As a result, [...] Read more.

Land suitability assessment is fundamental in space control planning and land development because of its effects on land use and urban layout. Rainstorms and waterlogging have become one of the most common natural disasters in the coastal areas of China. As a result, the concept of an ecological sponge city was incorporated into the construction of cities in the future. Taking Shenzhen–Shantou special cooperation zone (SSCZ), we constructed a storm flooding model based on the SCS flow generation model and GIS to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of the flooding risk in a rainstorm of 100-year lasting 1 h. Combined with population and economic indicators, a radial basis function (RBF) network was utilized to evaluate the environmental risk, the vulnerability of disaster-bearing bodies, and the rain–flood resilience of sponge cities. The self-organizing feature mapping (SOFM) model was used for cluster analysis. Spatial differences were found in the construction suitability of the study area. A suitable construction area (73.59% of the entire area) was located downtown. The construction of the artificial spongy body in the highest vulnerable area (3.25%) needs to be strengthened. The control construction area (3.3%) is located along the banks of the river, with relatively high risk and low resilience of flood control engineering. Ecological construction (19.85%) serves as the sponge body of ecological buffer. The factors of waterlogging, ecology, population, and economy could be integrated comprehensively by applying neural network methods for urban planning and construction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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19 pages, 6740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Spatial Distribution Pattern of Street Greenery and Its Relationship with Socioeconomic Status and the Built Environment in Shanghai, China

by Chao Xiao, Qian Shi and Chen-Jie Gu

Land 2021, 10(8), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080871 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4745

Abstract

Urban greenery is widely acknowledged as a key element for creating livable urban environments and improving residents’ quality of life. However, only a few current studies on the subject of urban greenery focus on a human visual perspective and take street greenery into [...] Read more.

Urban greenery is widely acknowledged as a key element for creating livable urban environments and improving residents’ quality of life. However, only a few current studies on the subject of urban greenery focus on a human visual perspective and take street greenery into consideration. Street greenery is an indispensable component of urban vegetation to which residents have a higher frequency of access. Additionally, few studies focused on the disparity of the green view at a micro-level, such as at a county or community level. This study explored the spatial distribution of street greenery and its influential factors using the green view index (GVI) as the main evaluation indicator. Compared to other traditional indicators of greenery, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and accessibility, GVI is recognized as a human-oriented indicator to evaluate the quantity of greenery viewed by human eyes in daily life. The downtown area of Shanghai was chosen as the case study, as it reflects the common phenomenon of street greenery in many megacities globally. In addition, county/jiedao (the same administrative area as county in China) level was selected as the minimum geographical unit to evaluate the disparity of GVI and its influential factors to fill the knowledge gap. We analyzed 233,000 pieces of street-view images from Baidu Map and other correlated data. The results showed (1) the street greenery of 70% of the downtown area of Shanghai is less than the recommended comforFogre visual environment; (2) street greenery is spatially clustered in Huangpu district, Xuhui district, college town, and the Century Park of Shanghai; (3) street-greenery distribution is positively correlated with housing price and street network density, and negatively correlated with the ratio of society vulnerability; however, it is uncorrelated to population density. According to these findings, local municipalities could improve urban planning and design by introducing a more human-oriented green-space policy that improves social equity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human-Urban Green Space Interactions and Their Integration into Urban and Green Space Planning and Management)

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17 pages, 3218 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Smart Cities Landscape and Urban Planning for Sustainability in Brno City

by Jitka Fialová, Dastan Bamwesigye, Jan Łukaszkiewicz and Beata Fortuna-Antoszkiewicz

Land 2021, 10(8), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080870 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5403

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the case study of Brno city regarding smart city models. We analyzed Brno considering smart and sustainable city elements, i.e., smart mobility/public transport, smart technology, smart people, smart governance, smart economy, smart living, and smart environment based on [...] Read more.

This study aimed to explore the case study of Brno city regarding smart city models. We analyzed Brno considering smart and sustainable city elements, i.e., smart mobility/public transport, smart technology, smart people, smart governance, smart economy, smart living, and smart environment based on transport, energy, and environment referred herein as the smart city and sustainability model. Therefore, we investigated a case study of Brno city in the Czech Republic. We used qualitative techniques such as case study, exploration, observation, and description. We analyzed and comprehended the trends in the various features of smart city and sustainable development of the city of Brno. The findings showed that Brno city is doing its best to maintain smart city models through its governance organs and structures. The city is also working hard to improve some of the aspects that are still lagging. The ongoing developments and the future ones are based on strategic planning for both the short term and long term such as Brno2023, Brno2030, and Brno2050. It was found that Brno has a very well-planned transport system and is integrated with other aspects such as technology, energy, such as the electricity that moves the trolleybuses and trams, and environment. We strongly conclude that even though Brno city still struggles to achieve total sustainability, it is still a model and reflection of a smart and sustainable city. Finally, we noted that Brno city has very good plans and vision the “DNA” of a smart city. However, the implementation still suffers political willingness. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are Land Use Options in Viticulture and Oliviculture in Agreement with Bioclimatic Shifts in Portugal?

by Cristina Andrade, André Fonseca and João Andrade Santos

Land 2021, 10(8), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080869 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3344

Abstract

Land and climate are strongly connected through multiple interface processes and climate change may lead to significant changes in land use. In this study, high-resolution observational gridded datasets are used to assess modifications in the Köppen–Geiger and Worldwide Bioclimatic (WBCS) Classification Systems, from [...] Read more.

Land and climate are strongly connected through multiple interface processes and climate change may lead to significant changes in land use. In this study, high-resolution observational gridded datasets are used to assess modifications in the Köppen–Geiger and Worldwide Bioclimatic (WBCS) Classification Systems, from 1950–1979 to 1990–2019 in Portugal. A compound bioclimatic-shift exposure index (BSEI) is also defined to identify the most exposed regions to recent climatic changes. The temporal evolution of land cover with vineyards and olive groves between 1990 and 2018, as well as correlations with areas with bioclimatic shifts, are analyzed. Results show an increase of CSa Warm Mediterranean climate with hot summer of 18.1%, followed by a decrease in CSb (warm summer) climate of −17.8%. The WBCS Temperate areas also reveal a decrease of −5.11%. Arid and semi-arid ombrotypes areas increased, conversely humid to sub-humid ombrotypes decreased. Thermotypic horizons depict a shift towards warmer classes. BSEI highlights the most significant shifts in northwestern Portugal. Vineyards have been displaced towards regions that are either the coolest/humid, in the northwest, or the warmest/driest, in the south. For oliviculture, the general trend for a relative shift towards cool/humid areas suggests an attempt of the sector to adapt, despite the cover area growth in the south. As vineyards and olive groves in southern Portugal are commonly irrigated, options for the intensification of these crops in this region may threaten the already scarce water resources and challenge the future sustainability of these sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability)

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18 pages, 2598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Sensing Monitoring and Evaluation of the Temporal and Spatial Changes in the Eco-Environment of a Typical Arid Land of the Tarim Basin in Western China

by Lingxiao Sun, Yang Yu, Yuting Gao, Jing He, Xiang Yu, Ireneusz Malik, Malgorzata Wistuba and Ruide Yu

Land 2021, 10(8), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080868 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2403

Abstract

The eco-environment provides various spaces, conditions, and resources for human development, and their quality is a significant factor affecting sustainable development in a region. Most drylands face environmental fragility due to problems such as infertile land, scarce suitable living space, and a lack [...] Read more.

The eco-environment provides various spaces, conditions, and resources for human development, and their quality is a significant factor affecting sustainable development in a region. Most drylands face environmental fragility due to problems such as infertile land, scarce suitable living space, and a lack of resources. Therefore, investigating the temporal and spatial changes in the eco-environment of drylands is vital to developing them sustainably. This paper takes Hetian, which is located in the Tarim Basin of Western China and has typical features of an arid (or a hyper-arid) region, as the research area. The ecological index (EI) was used to construct a comprehensive ecological evaluation system, and five sub-indices (the biological richness index, vegetation coverage index, water network denseness index, land stress index, and pollution load index) were calculated to identify the quality and changes in the eco-environment of Hetian in 1995, 2009, and 2018. The results show that, from 1995 to 2018, the EI in Hetian showed a continuous downward trend (from 24.76 to 16.32), representing a change (ΔEI) of −8.44; this indicates significant deterioration in the quality of the local eco-environment. Large fluctuations in the EI also suggests that the environment in Hetian is very sensitive. In addition, the results revealed a degradation of Hetian, which includes a hyper-arid region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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30 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessReview

Urban Heat Island and Its Regional Impacts Using Remotely Sensed Thermal Data—A Review of Recent Developments and Methodology

by Hua Shi, George Xian, Roger Auch, Kevin Gallo and Qiang Zhou

Land 2021, 10(8), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080867 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 9174

Abstract

Many novel research algorithms have been developed to analyze urban heat island (UHI) and UHI regional impacts (UHIRIP) with remotely sensed thermal data tables. We present a comprehensive review of some important aspects of UHI and UHIRIP studies that use remotely sensed thermal [...] Read more.

Many novel research algorithms have been developed to analyze urban heat island (UHI) and UHI regional impacts (UHIRIP) with remotely sensed thermal data tables. We present a comprehensive review of some important aspects of UHI and UHIRIP studies that use remotely sensed thermal data, including concepts, datasets, methodologies, and applications. We focus on reviewing progress on multi-sensor image selection, preprocessing, computing, gap filling, image fusion, deep learning, and developing new metrics. This literature review shows that new satellite sensors and valuable methods have been developed for calculating land surface temperature (LST) and UHI intensity, and for assessing UHIRIP. Additionally, some of the limitations of using remotely sensed data to analyze the LST, UHI, and UHI intensity are discussed. Finally, we review a variety of applications in UHI and UHIRIP analyses. The assimilation of time-series remotely sensed data with the application of data fusion, gap filling models, and deep learning using the Google Cloud platform and Google Earth Engine platform also has the potential to improve the estimation accuracy of change patterns of UHI and UHIRIP over long time periods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Surface Monitoring Based on Satellite Imagery)

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18 pages, 2337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Dynamic of Land Reclamation and Its Impact on Coastal Flooding: A Case Study in Xiamen, China

by Lilai Xu, Shengping Ding, Vilas Nitivattananon and Jianxiong Tang

Land 2021, 10(8), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080866 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6490

Abstract

While land reclaimed from the sea meets the land demand for coastal development, it simultaneously causes socio-economic systems to be prone to coastal flooding induced by storm surges and sea-level rise. Current studies have seldom linked reclamation with coastal flood impact assessment, hindering [...] Read more.

While land reclaimed from the sea meets the land demand for coastal development, it simultaneously causes socio-economic systems to be prone to coastal flooding induced by storm surges and sea-level rise. Current studies have seldom linked reclamation with coastal flood impact assessment, hindering the provision of accurate information to support coastal flood risk management and adaptation. This study, using Xiamen, China as a case study, incorporates the spatiotemporal dynamics of reclamation into a coastal flood impact model, in order to investigate the long-term influence of reclamation activities on coastal flood inundation and the consequent exposure of the population to coastal flooding. We find that rapid population growth, continual economic development and urbanization drive a substantial logarithmic increase in coastal reclamation. Historical and future expansions of seaward land reclamation are found to cause dramatic surges in the expected annual inundation (EAI) and the expected annual population (EAP) exposed to coastal flooding. In Xiamen, EAI is estimated to increase by 440.2% from 1947 to 2035, owing to continuing land reclamation. Consequently, the population living in the flooded area has also increased sharply: the EAP of total population is estimated to rise from 0.8% in 1947 to 4.7% in 2035, where reclamation contributes over 80% of this increase. Moreover, a future 10 cm sea-level rise in 2035 will lead to extra 5.73% and 8.15% increases in EAI and EAP, respectively, and is expected to cause massive permanent submersion in the new reclamation zone. Our findings emphasize an integration of hard structures and nature-based solutions for building resilient coasts. Full article

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

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14 pages, 3208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Attributes Best Explain the Population Trend of Wintering Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) in the Yangtze River Floodplain

by Sheng Chen, Yong Zhang, Amaël Borzée, Tao Liang, Manyu Zhang, Hui Shi, Bin Chen, Wenbin Xu, Yunwei Song and Lingfeng Mao

Land 2021, 10(8), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080865 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2668

Abstract

Biodiversity in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Floodplain has critically decreased during the last several decades, driven by numerous determinants. Hence, identification of primary drivers of animal population decline is a priority for conservation. Analyzing long time-series data is a powerful way to [...] Read more.

Biodiversity in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Floodplain has critically decreased during the last several decades, driven by numerous determinants. Hence, identification of primary drivers of animal population decline is a priority for conservation. Analyzing long time-series data is a powerful way to assess drivers of declines, but the data are often missing, hampering effective conservation policymaking. In this study, based on twenty-four years (from 1996 to 2019) of annual maximal count data, we investigated the effects of climate and landscape changes on the increasing population trend of the Greater White-Fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) at a Ramsar site in the Middle and Lower Yangtze Floodplain, China. Our results showed that the availability of a suitable habitat and landscape attributes are the key driving forces affecting the population trend, while the effects of climate factors are weak. Specifically, increasing the area of suitable habitat and alleviating habitat fragmentation through a fishing ban policy may have provided a more suitable habitat to the geese, contributing to the increasing population trend. However, we also observed that the grazing prohibition policy implemented in 2017 at Shengjin Lake may have potentially negatively affected geese abundance, as grazing by larger herbivores may favor smaller geese species by modifying the vegetation community and structure. Based on our results, we suggest several practical countermeasures to improve the habitat suitability for herbivorous goose species wintering in this region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Bio- and Geo-Diversity and Landscape Changes)

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20 pages, 4627 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping the Challenges to the Sustainable Operation of Suburban Villages in a Metropolis: A Comparative Case Study from the Lens of Three Stakeholder-Led Approaches

by Xinyue Lu, Ge Wang, Chang Zhu and Xinyang Chi

Land 2021, 10(8), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080864 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

In the rapid urbanization and land development process, the integration of urban and rural areas has accelerated. Alongside this trend, the sustainable operation of suburban villages in metropolitan areas face many difficulties and challenges, especially in terms of the efficient use of land [...] Read more.

In the rapid urbanization and land development process, the integration of urban and rural areas has accelerated. Alongside this trend, the sustainable operation of suburban villages in metropolitan areas face many difficulties and challenges, especially in terms of the efficient use of land and the coordination of stakeholders’ interests. However, there remains a lack of systematic case studies in the literature targeted toward suburban villages in metropolises. This study selects three typical suburban villages in the metropolis of Jiangning District, Nanjing (i.e., a metropolis in China) to narrow this research gap. We collected primary data based on field investigations, structural interviews, and professional documents. With three typical villages employed as comparative case studies, we developed a theoretical framework to systematically analyze the operation process and the challenges faced by suburban villages in the metropolis. The results revealed the different application scenarios of three stakeholder-led models, including the state-owned enterprise-led model, the grassroots government-led model, and the private capital-led model, in the sustainable operation of metropolis-based suburban villages. The findings shed new light on selecting an appropriate path to boost the sustainable endogenous development of rural areas. This study extends existing research on the sustainable operation of suburban villages in the metropolis, providing practical guidance on aligning stakeholder-led models to better integrate urban and rural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficient Land Use and Sustainable Urban Development)

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19 pages, 6063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Optimization of Production-Living-Ecological Space in an Ecological Foundation Area in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River: A Case Study of Jiangjin District of Chongqing, China

by Hongji Chen, Qingyuan Yang, Kangchuan Su, Haozhe Zhang, Dan Lu, Hui Xiang and Lulu Zhou

Land 2021, 10(8), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080863 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 3554

Abstract

The identification of regional production-living-ecological space (PLES) is the basic work for the optimization of territorial space, which can point to the direction for the protection, utilization and restoration of regional territorial space. Identification and optimization of PLES in an ecological foundation area [...] Read more.

The identification of regional production-living-ecological space (PLES) is the basic work for the optimization of territorial space, which can point to the direction for the protection, utilization and restoration of regional territorial space. Identification and optimization of PLES in an ecological foundation area in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River is of great significance for ensuring national ecological security and promoting sustainable social development. In this study, Jiangjin District, located at the tail of the Three Gorges Reservoir area, was selected as a case study. Moreover, based on the land use data of the study area in 2018, the coordination among production, living and ecological functions are analyzed, and the PLES is identified by using the evaluation method of land production-living-ecological function (PLEF) and the coupling coordination degree model. Then, we formulated an optimized zoning scheme of the PLES according to the principles of ecological priority, area advantage and coordinated development. The results show that (1) The living function and production function presented obvious spatial consistency in the study area, while the spatial distribution of ecological function and production function presented significant spatial complementarity. (2) Four categories of spatial combinations can be identified in the study area. Overall, the study area presented a national spatial pattern with production-living-ecological balanced space (PLEBS) and ecological space (ES) as the main body. (3) The PLES in the study area can be divided into four categories. The ecological function should be determined by the ecological conservation area as the primary responsibility, and the comprehensive improvement zone should further improve the coupling and coordination relationship among the PLEF. Moreover, the main production-living and ecological improvement zone and the main production-ecological and living improvement zone should realize the coordinated development of the PLES on the basis of strengthening the leading function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Conflict Detection and Multi-Objective Optimization Based on the Productivity, Sustainability, and Livability Perspective)

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17 pages, 2100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Land Administration in Ecuador Based on the Fit-for-Purpose Approach

by Dimo Todorovski, Rodolfo Salazar and Ginella Jacome

Land 2021, 10(8), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080862 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3618

Abstract

Land administration is established to manage the people-to-land relationship. However, it is believed that 70% of the land in developing countries is unregistered. In the case of Ecuador, the government has an ambitious strategy to implement a national cadaster on the full territory [...] Read more.

Land administration is established to manage the people-to-land relationship. However, it is believed that 70% of the land in developing countries is unregistered. In the case of Ecuador, the government has an ambitious strategy to implement a national cadaster on the full territory in a short time period. Therefore, the objective of this study was the assessment of land administration in Ecuador based on the fit-for-purpose approach as an assessment framework. A literature review was performed on the topic of land administration, including guidelines for improvement and assessment frameworks. The basic concept of fit-for-purpose land administration was reviewed with the three frameworks, which are: spatial, legal, and institutional. Interviews and focus group discussions were performed in Ecuador for collecting primary and secondary data about land administration in this country. Results from these activities are presented and discussed using the structure of the basic concept of fit-for-purpose land administration with the three frameworks. It was found that during the field data collection precise land survey of fixed boundaries was performed and around 55–60 attributes per parcel were collected as a part of the field land survey in Ecuador. Based on the findings, discussions were developed, and a score table was created identifying which principles should be addressed if rapid mapping and land registration are desired by the government of Ecuador to be implemented on the whole territory in a short time period. Finally, the paper ends with conclusions and recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration-Providing Secure Land Rights at Scale)

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16 pages, 1808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Identification of Multiple Cropping Index of Farmland and Regional Optimization Scheme in China Based on NDVI Data

by Tingting Li, Yanfei Wang, Changquan Liu and Shuangshuang Tu

Land 2021, 10(8), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080861 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3775

Abstract

The multiple cropping index of farmland is a significant characterization of land use intensity. Based on the NDVI data, this paper calculated the multiple cropping index of farmland in China using the S-G filtering method, and proposed an optimized regionalization scheme for the [...] Read more.

The multiple cropping index of farmland is a significant characterization of land use intensity. Based on the NDVI data, this paper calculated the multiple cropping index of farmland in China using the S-G filtering method, and proposed an optimized regionalization scheme for the farmland use. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2018, the multiple cropping index of farmland in China underwent the fluctuation of rising first, then falling and rising continuously, which was closely associated with the agricultural support policies enforced in China. Counties whose multiple cropping indexes decreased from 2009 to 2018 were mainly located in areas primarily producing grain, which exerted a greater influence on food security. The gap between the multiple cropping index and potential multiple cropping index of farmland is increasingly widening from north to south in China. Accordingly, four types of grain producing zones were delineated: key development zone, potential growth zone, appropriate development zone, and restricted development zone. Some suggestions, such as rotation, fallow, determination of yield by water and offsetting the quantity balance of farmland by increasing the multiple cropping index, are put forward based on different zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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18 pages, 1239 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Farmers’ Intention towards the Management and Conservation of Wetlands

by Naser Valizadeh, Samira Esfandiyari Bayat, Masoud Bijani, Dariush Hayati, Ants-Hannes Viira, Vjekoslav Tanaskovik, Alishir Kurban and Hossein Azadi

Land 2021, 10(8), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080860 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3537

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to analyze the farmers’ intention towards participation in the management and conservation of wetlands through the lens of the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). To do this, a cross-sectional survey of Iranian farmers was carried [...] Read more.

The aim of the present research was to analyze the farmers’ intention towards participation in the management and conservation of wetlands through the lens of the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB). To do this, a cross-sectional survey of Iranian farmers was carried out. To select the samples, a multi-stage random sampling process with a proportional assignment was employed. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire whose validity and reliability were verified using various quantitative and qualitative indicators. The results of the extended TPB using structural equation modeling showed that four variables, namely moral norms of participation in management and conservation (MNPMC), attitude towards participation in management and conservation (APMC), subjective norms towards participation in management and conservation (SNPMC), and self-concept about participation in management and conservation (SCPMC) had positive and significant impacts on intention towards participation in management and conservation (IPMC). The results also revealed that that entering MNPMC and SCPMC into TPB could increase its explanatory power. Also, the fit indicators supported the extended TPB. From a practical point of view, the present study provides justifications and insights for the use of MNPMC, APMC, SNPMC, and SCPMC in policies and programs intended to encourage farmers and local communities to participate in wetlands management and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Celebrating 25 Years of World Wetlands Day)

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25 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scalable Shared Scripting for Spatial Structure of Regionalized Ratings

by Wayne L. Myers

Land 2021, 10(8), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080859 - 16 Aug 2021

Viewed by 2062

Abstract

Incisive inquiry involving indicators of ecological and environmental integrity entails exploration of spatial structure at selected scales from landscape level to regional regimes. Conventional colorization of digital displays provides perspective but is largely lacking for localization, elaboration, and explication. An overall objective for [...] Read more.

Incisive inquiry involving indicators of ecological and environmental integrity entails exploration of spatial structure at selected scales from landscape level to regional regimes. Conventional colorization of digital displays provides perspective but is largely lacking for localization, elaboration, and explication. An overall objective for recent research is explicit extraction of spatial structure as hyper-hills and proximal propensity. Shared scripting as a computational configuration affords analytical advantage, adaptability and availability. Conservation context captures challenges of changing conditions for complex components at several spatial scales. Hyper-hill hypotheses, relativized ratings, and post patterned nucleated networks supporting secondary scaling scenarios are current contributions. Computational concerns in indicant informatics are also addressed. Retrospective results are cogent comparators for change. Shared scripting couples R software with Python as R||Python (R in parallel with Python), which is supplemented by strategic sequencing of compilation capabilities in general GIS (geographic information systems). The specific research question(s) is/are what is the particular pattern of placement and propagation in intensification of an indicant of biodiversity (avian species richness), and how does this relate to some other co-located indicants of environmental effects. This is addressed in a legacy dataset for Pennsylvania, USA. Emergent emphasis is on truncated trees of topology and impaneled indicators. Shareable software has HIDN (hexagonal indicant dual networking) as an aggregate acronym with duly drawn disclaimers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multiscale Geospatial Approaches for Landscape Ecology)

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24 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substituting Organic Fertilizer for Chemical Fertilizer: Evidence from Apple Growers in China

by Pingping Fang, David Abler, Guanghua Lin, Ali Sher and Quan Quan

Land 2021, 10(8), 858; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080858 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 11340

Abstract

This study investigates the key factors affecting farmers’ decisions to use chemical fertilizer and/or organic fertilizer in Chinese apple production. This study calculates partial output elasticities and elasticities of the substitution between organic and chemical fertilizer, using a stochastic frontier production function model [...] Read more.

This study investigates the key factors affecting farmers’ decisions to use chemical fertilizer and/or organic fertilizer in Chinese apple production. This study calculates partial output elasticities and elasticities of the substitution between organic and chemical fertilizer, using a stochastic frontier production function model and data for 2017–2019. Subsequently, it analyzes how different sales channels impact the partial output elasticities of organic fertilizer. It also examines the impact of economic incentives on organic fertilizer use and technical inefficiency levels in apple production. The empirical results indicate that the organic matter in organic fertilizer has a medium level of substitutability with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in chemical fertilizer. Further, the results indicate that an increase in the total number of available sales channels incentivizes farms to use more organic fertilizer to optimize apple quantity at the expense of the quality. Contrary, the use of any of the three most commonly used sales channels among apple growers (dealer door-to-door purchases, enterprise sales for juice pressing, and apple brokers) has the opposite effect on the use of organic fertilizer. From these findings, the subsidized provision of organic fertilizer and educating apple farmers about the economic and ecological benefits of sustainable land management measures are suggested. Finally, the study suggests measures to improve farmers’ income, sustainable land management, and lowering the footprint of chemical fertilizers in apple production in China. Full article

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

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25 pages, 10009 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Habitat Quality and Its Topographic Gradient Effect in Northwest Hubei Province from 2000 to 2020 Based on the InVEST Model

by Mengyao Li, Yong Zhou, Pengnan Xiao, Yang Tian, He Huang and Liang Xiao

Land 2021, 10(8), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080857 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 4627

Abstract

Regional land use change and ecological security are important fields and have been popular issues in global change research in recent years. Regional habitat quality is also an important embodiment of the service function and health of ecosystems. Taking Shiyan City of Hubei [...] Read more.

Regional land use change and ecological security are important fields and have been popular issues in global change research in recent years. Regional habitat quality is also an important embodiment of the service function and health of ecosystems. Taking Shiyan City of Hubei Province as an example, the spatiotemporal differences in habitat quality in Shiyan City were evaluated using the habitat quality module of the InVEST model and GIS spatial analysis method based on DEM and land use data from 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. According to the habitat quality index values, the habitats were divided into four levels indicating habitat quality: I (very bad), II (bad), III (good), and IV (excellent), and the topographic gradient effect of habitat quality was studied using the topographic position index. The results show the following. (1) The habitat quality of Shiyan City showed relatively high and obvious spatial heterogeneity overall and, more specifically, was high in the northwest and southwest, moderate in the center, and low in the northeast. The higher quality habitats (levels III, IV) were mainly distributed in mountain and hill areas and water areas, while those with lower quality habitats (levels I, II) were mainly distributed in agricultural urban areas. (2) From 2000 to 2020, the overall average habitat quality of Shiyan City first increased, then decreased, and then increased again. Additionally, the habitat area increased with an improvement in the level. There was a trend in habitat transformation moving from low to high quality level, showing a spatial pattern of “rising in the southwest and falling in the northeast”. (3) The habitat quality in the water area and woodland area was the highest, followed by grassland, and that of cultivated land was the lowest. From 2000 to 2020, the habitat quality of cultivated land, woodland, and grassland decreased slightly, while the habitat quality of water increased significantly. (4) The higher the level of the topographic position index, the smaller the change range of land use types with time. The terrain gradient effect of habitat quality was significant. With the increase in terrain level, the average habitat quality correspondingly improved, but the increasing range became smaller and smaller. These results are helpful in revealing the spatiotemporal evolution of habitat quality caused by land use changes in Shiyan City and can provide a scientific basis for the optimization of regional ecosystem patterns and land use planning and management, and they are of great significance for planning the rational and sustainable use of land resources and the construction of an ecological civilization. Full article

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20 pages, 4929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kaleka Agroforest in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia): Soil Quality, Hydrological Protection of Adjacent Peatlands, and Sustainability

by Yosefin Ari Silvianingsih, Kurniatun Hairiah, Didik Suprayogo and Meine van Noordwijk

Land 2021, 10(8), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080856 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4366

Abstract

Increased agricultural use of tropical peatlands has negative environmental effects. Drainage leads to landscape-wide degradation and fire risks. Livelihood strategies in peatland ecosystems have traditionally focused on transitions from riverbanks to peatland forests. Riparian ‘Kaleka’ agroforests with more than 100 years [...] Read more.

Increased agricultural use of tropical peatlands has negative environmental effects. Drainage leads to landscape-wide degradation and fire risks. Livelihood strategies in peatland ecosystems have traditionally focused on transitions from riverbanks to peatland forests. Riparian ‘Kaleka’ agroforests with more than 100 years of history persist in the peatlands of Central Kalimantan (Indonesia), where large-scale open-field agricultural projects have dramatically failed. Our field study in a Dayak Ngaju village on the Kahayan river in the Pulang Pisau district involved characterizing land uses, surveying vegetation, measuring soil characteristics, and monitoring groundwater during a period of 16 months. We focused on how local practices and farmer knowledge compare with standard soil fertility (physical, chemical, biological) measurements to make meaningful assessments of risks and opportunities for sustainable land use within site-specific constraints. The Kaleka agroforests around a former settlement and sacred historical meaning are species-rich agroforests dominated by local fruit trees and rubber close to the riverbank. They function well with high wet-season groundwater tables (up to −15 cm) compatible with peatland restoration targets. Existing soil quality indices rate the soils, with low soil pH and high Al_exch, as having low suitability for most annual crops, but active tree regeneration in Kaleka shows sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)

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17 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of an Urban Development Boundary Policy in China Based on the IAD Framework

by Jiaojiao Luo, Wei Wang, Yuzhe Wu, Yi Peng and Linlin Zhang

Land 2021, 10(8), 855; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080855 - 15 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2772

Abstract

Although urban growth control policies are widely adopted to help sustainable development in various countries, including China, few studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness and optimization of such policies in Chinese cities. Hangzhou, China, was chosen for this study as the [...] Read more.

Although urban growth control policies are widely adopted to help sustainable development in various countries, including China, few studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness and optimization of such policies in Chinese cities. Hangzhou, China, was chosen for this study as the research object, where the local authorities manage the urban sprawl via an urban development boundary policy. The institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework was employed to identify the conflicts between the central government and the local government as well as the developers and homebuyers in the formal/informal stage. The analysis shows that, with the implementation of the policy, problems such as fiscal crises, property inflation, and illegal construction will appear as a result of actors’ interactions. The study also highlights that industrial land transfer inside the boundary should be controlled in a reasonable range and that a land value tax should be introduced during the implementation of the urban development boundary policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land Planning and Landscape Architecture)

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