Land | December 2024 - Browse Articles

18 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Internal and External Collaborative Shaping: The Role of Official Information and Online Communities in Shaping a City’s Image

by Yuxuan Tian, Desheng Xue, Chen Liu and Yubin Ou

Land 2024, 13(12), 2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122010 (registering DOI) - 26 Nov 2024

Abstract

City image is essential for city marketing, yet the impact of “outside–in” shaping by social media in the Web 2.0 era has been largely overlooked. The decentralized and diverse Web 2.0 environment now dominates online information dissemination, influencing not just cyberspace, but also [...] Read more.

City image is essential for city marketing, yet the impact of “outside–in” shaping by social media in the Web 2.0 era has been largely overlooked. The decentralized and diverse Web 2.0 environment now dominates online information dissemination, influencing not just cyberspace, but also the physical urban landscape. These externally driven city images increasingly reflect and interact with traditional “inside–out” images shaped by official sources. Understanding the influence of external actors via social media compared to traditional internal sources, like government websites, is crucial. This dual analysis offers insights into city image formation, helping cities refine their marketing strategies. This study analyzed a representative social media platform alongside official government websites, using programming and a naive Bayes classifier. We developed a method to categorize the city images of selected U.S. world cities based on these two different media sources. The results are as follows: (1) We establish a city image categorization system that divides the considered U.S. world cities into four and five categories based on social media and official government website content, respectively. (2) We compare the groups and logics shaping global city images in different cyber eras based on the example of the U.S. world cities, and based on this, we explore the relative roles of groups outside the city. (3) We identify the preferences of forming different city images between external groups based on social media and internal forces based on government websites. In summary, this article takes world cities as an example to demonstrate that, in the Web 2.0 era, the image of a city depends on both internal and external groups and has varying degrees of preference. The unique urban image of each city is formed through two media content streams and quantitative preference. Full article

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43 pages, 16915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Natural Vegetation of Residual Wetlands in the Hinterland of Western Sicily (Italy)

by Lorenzo Gianguzzi, Orazio Caldarella and Saverio Sciandrello

Land 2024, 13(12), 2009; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122009 (registering DOI) - 26 Nov 2024

Abstract

An overview of the wetland vegetation of the hinterland of western Sicily, between the hills located south of the Palermo Mts. and the Sicani Mts., is presented herein. This study was conducted according to Braun-Blanquet’s phytosociological method, through a survey carried out mainly [...] Read more.

An overview of the wetland vegetation of the hinterland of western Sicily, between the hills located south of the Palermo Mts. and the Sicani Mts., is presented herein. This study was conducted according to Braun-Blanquet’s phytosociological method, through a survey carried out mainly within six important biotopes: (1) Gorgo Lungo (“Bosco Ficuzza”; municipality of Godrano); (2) Gorgo Marosa (on the southern side of Rocca Busambra; municipality of Godrano); (3) Gorgo di Piano Scala (on the northern side of Mt. Cardellia; municipality of Corleone); (4) and (5) Gorgo Carcaci and Gorgo Carcaciotto (both on the south-eastern slope of Mt. Carcaci; municipality of Castronovo di Sicilia); and (6) Gorgo S. Andrea (municipality of Castronovo di Sicilia). A vegetation analysis was carried out on the basis of 107 field relevés, together with other data taken from scientific literature. A total of 28 plant communities were identified, between hydrophytics of the classes Lemnetea minoris (3 associations) and Potamogetonetea pectinati (6 associations), helophytics of the Phragmito-Magnocaricetea class (14 associations and 1 community), ephemeral of the Isöeto-Nanojuncetea class (2 communities) and perennial herbaceous vegetation of the Molinio-Arrhenatheretea class (1 association and 1 community). A new syntaxon is also described (Callitricho obtusangulae-Glycerietum notatae ass. nova), as an endemic association of the hinterland of western Sicily, referred to as the Alopecuro-Glycerion spicatae alliance. For all surveyed communities, new insights into syntaxonomy and diagnostic taxa are provided, as well as for the floristic composition, synecology, syndynamism and synchorology of the aquatic vegetation of western Sicily. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)

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20 pages, 3605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change Effects on Land Use and Land Cover Suitability in the Southern Brazilian Semiarid Region

by Lucas Augusto Pereira da Silva, Edson Eyji Sano, Taya Cristo Parreiras, Édson Luis Bolfe, Mário Marcos Espírito-Santo, Roberto Filgueiras, Cristiano Marcelo Pereira de Souza, Claudionor Ribeiro da Silva and Marcos Esdras Leite

Land 2024, 13(12), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122008 (registering DOI) - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Climate change is expected to alter the environmental suitability of land use and land cover (LULC) classes globally. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of climate change on the environmental suitability of the most representative LULC classes in the southern Brazilian [...] Read more.

Climate change is expected to alter the environmental suitability of land use and land cover (LULC) classes globally. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of climate change on the environmental suitability of the most representative LULC classes in the southern Brazilian semiarid region. We employed the Random Forest algorithm trained with climatic, soil, and topographic data to project future LULC suitability under the Representative Concentration Pathway RCP 2.6 (optimistic) and 8.5 (pessimistic) scenarios. The climate data included the mean annual air temperature and precipitation from the WorldClim2 platform for historical (1970–2000) and future (2061–2080) scenarios. Soil data were obtained from the SoilGrids 2.1 digital soil mapping platform, while topographic data were produced by NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Our model achieved an overall accuracy of 60%. Under the worst-case scenario (RCP 8.5), croplands may lose approximately 8% of their suitable area, while pastures are expected to expand by up to 30%. Areas suitable for savannas are expected to increase under both RCP scenarios, potentially expanding into lands historically occupied by forests, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations. These projected changes may lead to biodiversity loss and socioeconomic disruptions in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Savanna Variation in Form and Function: Theory & Practice)

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25 pages, 3236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Urban Construction Land in Resource-Exhausted Cities: An Empirical Study of Puyang, China

by Xiaodan Li, Gangqiang Zhu and Zhen Liu

Land 2024, 13(12), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122007 - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Resource-depleted cities face challenges of land structure imbalance and ecological environmental degradation, necessitating relevant research. Clarifying the land use evolution path and exploring the rationality of urban expansion are of significant importance for the sustainable development of resource-depleted cities. This study employs a [...] Read more.

Resource-depleted cities face challenges of land structure imbalance and ecological environmental degradation, necessitating relevant research. Clarifying the land use evolution path and exploring the rationality of urban expansion are of significant importance for the sustainable development of resource-depleted cities. This study employs a comprehensive approach utilizing the land use transfer matrix, expansion intensity, expansion speed, and the equal fan analysis method to investigate the evolution characteristics of construction land in Puyang, a typical resource-exhausted city in China, from 1990 to 2020. Additionally, it identifies the driving factors based on a comprehensive approach combining the variance inflation factor (VIF), grey relational analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. The main findings include the following: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the cultivated land area in Puyang decreased by 181,296 hectares, while the newly added construction land amounted to 24,846.30 hectares, primarily converted from cultivated land. (2) Puyang comprises five counties and one district. Among them, Hualong District exhibited the highest expansion intensity, speed, and area, whereas Taiqian County showed the lowest. This disparity is attributed to resource-centered land development and utilization. (3) From 1990 to 2020, urban expansion in Puyang primarily concentrated in the northeast direction, exhibiting a concentric outward expansion pattern. (4) Socioeconomic factors positively influenced the expansion of construction land, with the “year-end total population” having the most significant impact. Conversely, land use and natural resource factors negatively impacted construction land expansion, with “cultivated land area” being the most prominent. Additionally, policy and institutional frameworks played a regulatory and restrictive role in the evolution of construction land, while topography and location served as fundamental conditions for urban expansion. This study provides methodologies for sustainable development research in resource-exhausted cities and offers a foundation for land use planning research in resource-based regions of China. Full article

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

23 pages, 2472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Detection of Wild Ungulate Herbivory Cessation in Mediterranean Landscapes Using Hill Numbers as Vascular Plant Diversity Indices

by José M. García del Barrio, Ramón Perea, Rafael Villafuerte-Jordán and María Martínez Jaúregui

Land 2024, 13(12), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122006 - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Herbivory by ungulates is a seminal driving force in Mediterranean landscapes, where habitat diversity contributes to supporting high population densities. We investigated the influence of grazing and browsing, primarily by red deer (Cervus elaphus), on herbaceous and woody plant species, using [...] Read more.

Herbivory by ungulates is a seminal driving force in Mediterranean landscapes, where habitat diversity contributes to supporting high population densities. We investigated the influence of grazing and browsing, primarily by red deer (Cervus elaphus), on herbaceous and woody plant species, using a twin-plot design with herbivory exclusion. The prompt detection of herbivory cessation in vegetation was measured in multiscale plots by calculating Hill’s numbers (0, 1, and 2) as diversity indices over two years. The results revealed an increased diversity gradient by habitats (Pine reforestation→Mediterranean woodland→dehesas of Quercus spp.) with an initial increase in overall species and herbaceous species richness in the fenced plots. Woody vegetation did not change significantly in species richness, or typical or dominant ones. In addition to the early changes detected in the richness of herbaceous species (⁰D_her), medium–long term variations in woody species (presence and abundance) would represent good indicators of herbivory pressure for a diverse array of Mediterranean habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Species Vulnerability and Habitat Loss II)

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17 pages, 1866 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The More Advanced, the Better? A Comparative Analysis of Interpretation Effectiveness of Different Media on Environmental Education in a Global Geopark

by Shuhui Zheng, Liqun Zhu, Lisheng Weng and Xiuyu Gu

Land 2024, 13(12), 2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122005 - 25 Nov 2024

Abstract

Tourism interpretation serves as a bridge and link between tourism resources and tourists. Through interpretation, visitors can be effectively conveyed knowledge about environmental education, local history, society and culture, etc. Despite extensive study on tourism interpretation, insufficient attention has been directed towards the [...] Read more.

Tourism interpretation serves as a bridge and link between tourism resources and tourists. Through interpretation, visitors can be effectively conveyed knowledge about environmental education, local history, society and culture, etc. Despite extensive study on tourism interpretation, insufficient attention has been directed towards the medium of interpretation and the variances of interpretation effectiveness across different media. Using Yandang Mountain Global Geopark, Zhejiang Province, China, as a case study, the present study investigates the differences in pre- and post-interpretation and the interpretation effectiveness of different media on visitors’ perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed during two data collection periods, resulting in 554 valid responses. The results indicate that respondents that engaged in tourism interpretation related to environmental education demonstrated superior performance across all three dimensions compared to those who were not exposed to such interpretation. Additionally, the findings suggest that while the novelty of virtual reality may draw increased attention from tourists, the changes in perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding the destination following VR exposure do not exceed those prompted by brochures and videos. The present study can enrich the research on the tourism interpretation of environmental education and offer references for managers to select appropriate media and provide good practices in geopark management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoparks as a Form of Tourism Space Management II)

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29 pages, 15033 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of 777 Traditional Villages in Yunnan Province: A Study Based on GWR Model and Geodetector

by Xi Yuan, Yijiao Li, Yuhong Song, Hongyi Lu, Yi Wang, Beichen Ge and Jing Wang

Land 2024, 13(12), 2004; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122004 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 23

Abstract

Traditional villages (TVs) are clusters for the conservation of farming civilization heritage with multiple values. Studying their spatial distribution and driving mechanisms is conducive to formulating conservation and development strategies. In this study, 777 TVs in Yunnan Province were examined. Spatial analysis methods [...] Read more.

Traditional villages (TVs) are clusters for the conservation of farming civilization heritage with multiple values. Studying their spatial distribution and driving mechanisms is conducive to formulating conservation and development strategies. In this study, 777 TVs in Yunnan Province were examined. Spatial analysis methods such as the nearest neighbor index (NNI), kernel density estimation (KDE), and Moran’s I were used to investigate their spatial distribution patterns. Twelve driving factors were selected from natural, spatial, social, and cultural aspects. The driving mechanisms affecting the distribution of TVs were explored by employing the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model and Geodetector combined with mathematical and statistical methods to systematically study the spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity of TVs in Yunnan. The results of this study indicate that: (1) The 777 TVs in Yunnan Province are evidently clustered in the overall distribution, presenting a contiguous and concentrated distribution pattern of “3 high-density areas + multiple medium-density belts”. However, the distribution of TVs is unbalanced. The spatial distribution is significantly positively correlated globally, and there exist three types of clustering in local areas. (2) The spatial layout of TVs in Yunnan Province is jointly influenced by multiple factors, with obvious spatial heterogeneity. Regional cultural factors are the key ones. TVs tend to be distributed in areas with medium–high elevation, flat slops, sunny slopes, moderate precipitation and temperatures, and a certain distance from water sources and roads. A large number of TVs are distributed in areas with a high proportion of ethnic minorities. (3) The main factors affecting the distribution of national-level TVs in Yunnan are intangible cultural heritage, cultural relic protection units, followed by factors such as transportation, slope, and elevation. The interaction between intangible cultural heritage (X11) and cultural relic protection units (X12) reveals the strongest interactive driving force. This study reveals the diverse characteristics of the spatial distribution of national-level TVs in Yunnan and their influencing mechanisms, which can provide a scientific decision-making basis for the future protection and development of TVs in Yunnan and guide the sustainable development of TV cultural heritage clusters. Full article

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21 pages, 35716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Visitor Patterns in Island Natural Parks: The Relationship Between Photo Locations, Trails, and Land Use

by Eva Calicis, Jorge Costa, Augusto Pérez-Alberti and Alberto Gomes

Land 2024, 13(12), 2003; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122003 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 81

Abstract

Overcrowding in national parks and protected areas can cause irreversible damage to the environment, compromising the quality of soil, water, wildlife, and vegetation. Thus, it is critical for park managers to have detailed information on visitor activities and spatial dynamics in order to [...] Read more.

Overcrowding in national parks and protected areas can cause irreversible damage to the environment, compromising the quality of soil, water, wildlife, and vegetation. Thus, it is critical for park managers to have detailed information on visitor activities and spatial dynamics in order to prioritise actions capable of mitigating undesirable impacts in the most frequently visited areas. In this article, we use georeferenced trails and photographs from the Wikiloc and Flickr web platforms to determine the spatial visitation patterns in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (AINP) from 2008 to 2023. Maps showing trail usage intensity and the distribution of photographs according to land use allowed us to identify the most frequented land uses by visitors and the areas of highest tourist pressure within the AINP. The results show that distribution patterns vary between platforms. Shrubland (37%) and marine cliffs (27%) were the most photographed land uses by visitors, while artificial areas (14%) were the most frequented by Wikiloc users. Cíes island emerges as the most popular tourist destination, as evidenced by the greater number of trails and photographs compared to Ons, Sálvora, and Cortegada. This study shows how social media data, specifically trails and geotagged photographs from Wikiloc and Flickr, can support and complement the monitoring of visitor use and impact in protected areas. Full article

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20 pages, 9749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulating Land Use Through Integrated Soil and Water Ecosystem Services: Case Study of Yanguan City in China

by Hongxu Mu, Xueli Zhang and Shengqi Jian

Land 2024, 13(12), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122002 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 138

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and climate change are driving significant shifts in land use patterns, which pose challenges for maintaining ecosystem services such as water supply and soil retention. This study explores the impact of land use structures on water supply, soil retention, and carbon [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization and climate change are driving significant shifts in land use patterns, which pose challenges for maintaining ecosystem services such as water supply and soil retention. This study explores the impact of land use structures on water supply, soil retention, and carbon sequestration by simulating multiple land use scenarios forecasted for the year 2050 in Yangquan City. Using multi-objective planning methods and the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model, the research examines changes in land use, including an increase in urban construction land and a reduction in cultivated land, addressing future demands for population accommodation and food production. The findings reveal a hierarchical land distribution centered around urban areas, with cultivated land, grassland, and forest land in succession. As greenhouse gas emissions rise, water yield and soil retention also increase. Under different climate conditions, Yangquan City’s water yield and soil retention demonstrate significant variation, with higher emissions linked to more substantial increases in both water yield and soil retention. These results highlight the dynamic interactions between land use changes and ecosystem services in response to climate change. Full article

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20 pages, 6741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity, Productivity, and Soil Nutrient Responses to Different Grassland Degradation Levels in Hulunbuir, China

by Yuxuan Wu, Ping Wang, Xiaosheng Hu, Ming Li, Yi Ding, Tiantian Peng, Qiuying Zhi, Qiqige Bademu, Wenjie Li, Xiao Guan and Junsheng Li

Land 2024, 13(12), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122001 - 25 Nov 2024

Viewed by 126

Abstract

Grassland degradation could affect the composition, structure, and ecological function of plant communities and threaten the stability of their ecosystems. It is essential to accurately evaluate grassland degradation and elucidate its impacts on the vegetation–soil relationship. In this study, remote sensing data based [...] Read more.

Grassland degradation could affect the composition, structure, and ecological function of plant communities and threaten the stability of their ecosystems. It is essential to accurately evaluate grassland degradation and elucidate its impacts on the vegetation–soil relationship. In this study, remote sensing data based on vegetation coverage were used to assess the degradation status of Hulunbuir grassland, and five different grassland degradation degrees were classified. Vegetation community composition, diversity, biomass, soil nutrient status, and their relationships in different degraded grasslands were investigated using field survey data. The results showed that grassland degradation significantly affected the species composition of the vegetation community. As degradation intensified, species richness declined, with the proportion of Gramineae and Legume species decreasing and Asteraceae species increasing. Additionally, the proportion of annual species initially increased and then decreased. Degradation also markedly reduced aboveground, belowground, and litter biomass within the communities. Soil moisture, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total carbon, total potassium, and hydrolyzable nitrogen contents in non-degraded areas were higher than those in severely degraded areas. Conversely, soil total phosphorus content and bulk density gradually increased with degradation. Nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen levels in severely degraded soils were significantly higher than those in non-degraded soils. Plant diversity in the study area was significantly positively correlated with aboveground biomass and belowground biomass, and it positively correlated with soil nutrient total carbon and available carbon but negatively correlated with soil bulk density. Results of the partial least squares path model showed that grassland degradation had significant negative effects on plant diversity, soil nutrients, and biomass. Soil nutrients were the main factors affecting ecosystem productivity. The direct effect of plant diversity on biomass was not significant, suggesting that soil nutrients may play a more important role than plant diversity in determining biomass during grassland degradation. The results illustrated the relationships among soil nutrients, plant diversity, and biomass in degraded grasslands and emphasized the importance of an integrated approach in the effective management and restoration of degraded grasslands. Full article

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24 pages, 3942 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of the Demographic Dividend on Urban Land Use Efficiency

by Juan Yang, Genchuan Bai, Dinghua Ou, Xuesong Gao, Bing Li and Changquan Wang

Land 2024, 13(12), 2000; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122000 - 24 Nov 2024

Viewed by 156

Abstract

: The demographic transition that accompanies the urbanization transformation has a key impact on land use efficiency. This study applies the PVAR, SDM, and threshold models to investigate the influence of China’s demographic dividend composition on urban land use efficiency, aiming to provide [...] Read more.

: The demographic transition that accompanies the urbanization transformation has a key impact on land use efficiency. This study applies the PVAR, SDM, and threshold models to investigate the influence of China’s demographic dividend composition on urban land use efficiency, aiming to provide guidance for the strategic management and allocation of demographic resources, thereby optimizing urban land resource utilization. The key findings are as follows: (1) Spatial effects reveal that the scale and structural dividends of the population size dividend significantly inhibit urban land use efficiency, whereas the technological dividend of the population quality dividend initially restrains but ultimately enhances it. The combined impact of quantitative and qualitative demographic dividends on land use efficiency is most pronounced in the west and least in the east. High population provinces see significant land use efficiency benefits, contrasting with medium and low population provinces. (2) Both population size and quality dividends exhibit a single-threshold effect on land use efficiency. In summary, cultivating diverse talents with superior technical skills is essential for fostering the upgrade of new industrialization models, ultimately significantly enhancing land use efficiency. Full article

23 pages, 3045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Urban–Rural Integration at the County-Scale Interface: The Case of Linqu County, China

by Guiqing Yang, Liyao Wang and Huang Huang

Land 2024, 13(12), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121999 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 399

Abstract

Urban–rural integration (URI) has emerged as a crucial strategy to bridge urban and rural disparities and promote more sustained urbanisation paradigms in China and abroad. The urban–rural interface, where urban and rural spaces and daily activities are closely intertwined, reflects the complex and [...] Read more.

Urban–rural integration (URI) has emerged as a crucial strategy to bridge urban and rural disparities and promote more sustained urbanisation paradigms in China and abroad. The urban–rural interface, where urban and rural spaces and daily activities are closely intertwined, reflects the complex and evolving dynamics of this integration, serves as a focal point for studying URI, and requires unique considerations in spatial planning. This study focuses on the scale of the county level and the basic spatial units for spatial planning practice in China to examine different types of urban–rural interfaces and their URI dynamics at a county level. By taking Linqu County as a case study region, land use data from Landsat remote sensing datasets were collected every 5 years from 2000 to 2020 to support the analysis of changes in the urban–rural interface. Three dimensions of land mixed-use features were employed, including the area and density, edge and shape, and aggregation and dispersion of the construction land in the region. When combined with the proportion of rural land use, the urban–rural interfaces were identified using the entropy method. This study then employed spatial analysis, the standard deviation ellipse method, and spatial autocorrelation to recognise URI dynamics, and three driving forces were identified and further analysed to support suggestions for county-level spatial planning. This research empirically enriches the understanding of the urban–rural interfaces and URI dynamics of Linqu, China. The methods and suggestions derived from the empirical study can offer potential solutions to promote URI in China and enhance urban–rural linkage in the global context to reach more sustained development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Technologies and Methods in Spatial Planning, 2nd Edition)

22 pages, 5103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of the Coupling Coordination of Urban Ecological Resilience and New Quality Productivity at the Provincial Scale in China

by Li Yang, Yue Xu, Junqi Zhu and Keyu Sun

Land 2024, 13(12), 1998; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121998 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 449

Abstract

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and [...] Read more.

Enhancing urban ecological resilience (UER) is important in promoting sustainable urban development, and developing new quality productivity (NQP) is an intrinsic requirement to promote industrial change and high-quality development. The coordinated development of UER and NQP can help realize the green transformation and upgrading of various industries. This study considered 30 provinces in China as research objects, quantified their UER from nature, economy, and society, and explored the essential connotation of NQP under the guidance of Marx’s productivity theory. The entropy weight-CRITIC method and TOPSIS model were used to comprehensively measure the development levels of the UER and NQP from 2011 to 2022, and their coupling coordination degree (CCD) of UER and NQP was measured by combining the coupling coordination degree model. Consequently, the Global Moran’s I index and Geographical and Temporal Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were used to explore the effects of different influencing factors on the CCD from the spatiotemporal variability perspective. The results indicated the following: (1) UER and NQP improved during the study period but with large differences between the regions. (2) The overall CCD evolved from a mild imbalance to primary coordination. The average CCD values ranged from low to high in the northeastern, western, central, and eastern regions. (3) The GTWR results showed that the levels of economic development, urbanization rate, and technological innovation contributed positively to the CCD, with the urbanization rate having the strongest positive effect. Foreign investment, environmental regulations, and industrial structure generally negatively inhibit the CCD. Full article

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

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21 pages, 16729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation Characteristics of Land Use Change Within the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region During 1985–2022

by Huijuan Wang, Zhiguo Qi, Haiming Yan and Huicai Yang

Land 2024, 13(12), 1997; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121997 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 261

Abstract

Land use change generally varies greatly among functional zones in a large area. This study reveals land use change characteristics across seven functional zones in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region during 1985–2022 based on the latest land use planning data, with the land use dynamic [...] Read more.

Land use change generally varies greatly among functional zones in a large area. This study reveals land use change characteristics across seven functional zones in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region during 1985–2022 based on the latest land use planning data, with the land use dynamic degree, transfer matrix, and comprehensive index of land use intensity. Results suggested cropland, forest land, grassland, and built-up land were dominant land use types in most functional zones, generally with significant decreases in cropland and grassland and noticeable increases in built-up land and forest land. Besides, single land use dynamics of built-up land and forest land were generally above 2.00% and 0.40%, while that of grassland and cropland was generally below zero in most functional zones. Comprehensive land use dynamics were very high in the Central Core Functional Zone (Region IV), Bashang Plateau Ecological Protection Zone (Region I), and Eastern Coastal Development Zone (Region III), peaking above 0.70%, and were low in other functional zones. Additionally, the land use degree increased slowly from 267.28 in 1985 to 274.17 in 2022 on average, varying remarkably among various functional zones. These findings provide a firm foundation for formulating more targeted land management policies across various functional zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deciphering Land-System Dynamics in China)

18 pages, 2166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Public Participation Geographic Information System to Study Social Cohesion and Its Relationship with Activities and Specific Landscape Characteristics in Shanghai’s Modern Historic Parks

by Yuxian Chen, Jiajia Tang and Daixin Dai

Land 2024, 13(12), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121996 - 23 Nov 2024

Viewed by 284

Abstract

Evaluating the perceptions of social cohesion provides an elaborated understanding of the commemorative values of modern heritage. However, little attention has been paid to China’s modern historic parks (MHPs) due to the difficulty of capturing spatially explicit information. Utilizing a public participation GIS, [...] Read more.

Evaluating the perceptions of social cohesion provides an elaborated understanding of the commemorative values of modern heritage. However, little attention has been paid to China’s modern historic parks (MHPs) due to the difficulty of capturing spatially explicit information. Utilizing a public participation GIS, we quantified four types of social cohesion in Shanghai’s existing MHPs, and analyzed their relationships with different types of activities and specific landscape features. The results show that the MHPs are rich in social cohesion, especially in belonging and place attachment. Social cohesion is spatially associated with leisure and sightseeing activities. The perception of different types of social cohesion varies across spaces with different landscape features. Our findings validate the composition of commemorative values of MHPs, and offer a reference for balancing the preservation and regeneration of modern heritage. Full article

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

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25 pages, 2115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capitalising on the Floristic Survey as a Non-Destructive Line of Evidence for Mineral Potential Modelling: A Case Study of Bauxite in South-Western Australia

by Lewis Trotter, Grant Wardell-Johnson, Andrew Grigg, Sarah Luxton and Todd P. Robinson

Land 2024, 13(12), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121995 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 243

Abstract

While geobotanists have long used plant occurrence to locate subsurface resources, none have utilised floristic surveys as evidence in models of mineral potential. Here, we combine plant species distributions with terrain metrics to produce predictive models showing the probability of bauxite presence. We [...] Read more.

While geobotanists have long used plant occurrence to locate subsurface resources, none have utilised floristic surveys as evidence in models of mineral potential. Here, we combine plant species distributions with terrain metrics to produce predictive models showing the probability of bauxite presence. We identified nineteen taxa with statistically significant associations with known bauxite deposits and identified eleven terrain metrics from previous studies. We grouped variables into three variable sets (floristic, topographic, and topo-flora) and produced mineral potential models for each using four algorithms or approaches: (a) a generalised linear model (GLM); (b) random forest (RF); (c) maxent (ME); and (d) a heterogenous stacking ensemble (GLM-RF-ME). Overall, the random forest model outperformed all algorithms including the ensemble based on the area under the curve (AUC) metric. The floristic set of variables outperformed the topographic set (AUC: 0.86 v 0.82). However, together they had the greatest predictive capacity (AUC: 0.89). Six taxa, including Banksia grandis, Leucopogon verticillatus, and Persoonia longifolia, were indicators of bauxite presence, while five other taxa, including Xanthorrhoea preissii and Hypocalymma angustifolium, were associated with bauxite absence. Important topographic variables were topographic wetness, landscape position, and valley depth, which characterised bauxite locations as being well drained, in the upper slope positions of subdued hills, and at some distance from valleys. The addition of floristic surveys provides a new line of evidence about the overlying botanical life that tolerates, accumulates, or avoids bauxite or associated minerals. As opposed to drilling, both datasets can be collected and interrogated at low cost and without impact to the surrounding environment. These data are valuable additions to future applications of mineral potential modelling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geospatial Data in Landscape Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation)

25 pages, 4218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Carbon Emission Trajectory and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Space Transfer: A Case Study of the Harbin-Changchun Urban Agglomeration, China

by Xiwen Bao, Xin Wang, Ziao Ge, Jiayao Xi and Yinghui Zhao

Land 2024, 13(12), 1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121994 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 319

Abstract

The reconstruction of land spatial planning and the increasing severity of carbon emissions pose significant challenges to carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategies. To establish low-carbon and sustainable agricultural spatial planning while achieving dual carbon strategy goals, it is essential to accurately analyze [...] Read more.

The reconstruction of land spatial planning and the increasing severity of carbon emissions pose significant challenges to carbon peak and carbon neutrality strategies. To establish low-carbon and sustainable agricultural spatial planning while achieving dual carbon strategy goals, it is essential to accurately analyze the mechanisms of agricultural spatial transfer and their carbon emission effects, as well as the key factors influencing carbon emissions from agricultural spatial transfer. Therefore, this study, based on land use remote sensing data from 2000 to 2020, proposes a carbon emission accounting system for agricultural space transfer. The carbon emission total from agricultural space transfer in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration over the 20-year period is calculated using the carbon emission coefficient method. Additionally, the spatiotemporal patterns and influencing factors are analyzed using the standard deviation ellipse method and the geographical detector model. The results indicate that: (1) The agricultural space in the Harbin-Changchun urban agglomeration has increased, with a reduction in living space and an expansion of production space. Among land type conversions, the conversion between cultivated land and forest land has been the most intense. (2) The conversion of agricultural space to grassland and built-up land has been the primary source of net carbon emissions. The carbon emission center has shown a migration path characterized by “eastward movement and southward progression,” with a high-north to low-south distribution pattern. Significant carbon emission differences were observed at different spatial scales. (3) Natural environmental factors dominate the carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer, while socioeconomic and policy factors act as driving forces. Elevation is the primary factor influencing carbon emissions from agricultural space transfer. Interactions between factors generally exhibit nonlinear enhancement, with the interaction between elevation, annual precipitation, and industrial structure showing a strong explanatory power. Notably, the interactions between elevation, average annual precipitation, and industrial structure demonstrate significant explanatory power. These findings highlight the necessity for government action to balance agricultural spatial use with ecological protection and economic development, thereby providing scientific references for optimizing future land spatial structures and formulating regional carbon balance policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission: 2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 6353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Framework for Monitoring and Providing Early Warning of Resource and Environmental Carrying Capacity Within the Yangtze River Economic Belt Based on Big Data

by Cheng Tong, Yanhua Jin, Bangli Liang, Yang Ye and Haijun Bao

Land 2024, 13(12), 1993; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121993 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 167

Abstract

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), spanning 11 provinces and municipalities across China, is of paramount importance due to its high economic development and strategic role in national distribution. However, the YREB, which has experienced rapid economic growth, faces challenges resulting from its [...] Read more.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), spanning 11 provinces and municipalities across China, is of paramount importance due to its high economic development and strategic role in national distribution. However, the YREB, which has experienced rapid economic growth, faces challenges resulting from its previously expansive development model, including regional resource and environmental issues. Consequently, a systematic analysis encompassing socio-economic, ecological, and resource-environmental aspects is vital for a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of the YREB’s overall condition. This study explores resource and environmental carrying capacity (RECC) by constructing an integrated framework that includes remote sensing data, geographic information data and social statistical data, which allows for a precise analysis of RECC dynamics from 2010 to 2020. The findings demonstrate an upward trend in the overall quality of RECC from 2010 to 2020, achieving higher grades over time. However, there is significant spatial heterogeneity, with a notable decrease in RECC levels moving from the eastern to the western regions within the YREB. Moreover, low-level RECC areas situated in the northwest of the YREB, show a trend of moving toward regions of higher altitude from 2010 to 2020 based on analysis using the standard deviation ellipse (SDE) method. When considering to the three major urban agglomerations within the YREB, overall RECC in middle and lower agglomerations is generally stable and on an upward trend while cities in upper reaches exhibit significant variation and fluctuations, highlighting them as areas requiring future focus. Therefore, specific indicators were applied to monitor RECC risk for each of these three agglomerations, respectively, after which optimized strategies could be proposed based on different early warning levels. Ultimately this study allows local authorities to implement timely and effective interventions to mitigate risks and promote sustainable development. Full article

21 pages, 2854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Restoration Process of El Hito Saline Lagoon: Potential Biodiversity Gain in an Agro-Natural Environment

by Carlos Nuévalos-Tello, Daniel Hernández-Torres, Santiago Sardinero-Roscales, Miriam Pajares-Guerra, Anna Chilton and Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta

Land 2024, 13(12), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121992 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 284

Abstract

In the global context of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss, the integration of agriculture with ecological restoration is crucial.. This study presents the biodiversity value (Bv) index for the first time as a tool for decision-making and securing funding for future restoration projects. [...] Read more.

In the global context of biodiversity and ecosystem services loss, the integration of agriculture with ecological restoration is crucial.. This study presents the biodiversity value (Bv) index for the first time as a tool for decision-making and securing funding for future restoration projects. The Bv index was used to assess biodiversity values in both restored natural habitats and agricultural areas in the saline lagoon of El Hito, a natural reserve located within an agricultural landscape in central Spain. Additionally, we estimated biodiversity gains from habitat transitions and explored the relationship between biodiversity, soil pH, and salinity. Sustainable agricultural practices, combined with ecological restoration methods, can lead to synergistic actions that reduce the potential detrimental effects of agriculture. Our results show that transitioning from agricultural to natural habitats consistently increases biodiversity. Among agricultural practices, multiannual vegetated fallows had the highest Bv values. Restoration led to a continuous biodiversity improvement, with the exception of the final transition from permanent pastures to Elymus 1410, which showed a slight decline in biodiversity. We also found that higher soil salinity and pH were associated with greater biodiversity values, likely due to historical agricultural practices that favored areas with lower salinity and pH for higher productivity. Salinity and pH act as limiting factors for biodiversity; therefore, agricultural plots with lower salinity and pH, particularly those adjacent to natural habitats, are expected to yield greater biodiversity gains if restored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dynamics of Biodiversity and Landscape Ecology: Patterns, Processes, and Planning (Second Edition))

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18 pages, 22767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emission Inventory of Soil Fugitive Dust Sources with High Spatiotemporal Resolution: A Case Study of Daxing District, Beijing, China

by Qianxi Liu, Yalan Liu, Shufu Liu, Jinghai Zhao, Bin Zhao, Feng Zhou, Dan Zhu, Dacheng Wang, Linjun Yu, Ling Yi and Gang Chen

Land 2024, 13(12), 1991; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121991 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 272

Abstract

Soil fugitive dust (SFD) is a significant contributor to environmental particulate matter (PM), which not only pollutes and affects air quality but also poses risks to human health. The emission inventory can provide a basis for the effective prevention and control of SFD [...] Read more.

Soil fugitive dust (SFD) is a significant contributor to environmental particulate matter (PM), which not only pollutes and affects air quality but also poses risks to human health. The emission inventory can provide a basis for the effective prevention and control of SFD pollution. However, current emission inventories with low resolution and frequency make it difficult to assess dust emissions accurately. Obtaining monthly high-resolution bare soil information is one of the solutions for compiling SFD emission inventories. Taking Daxing District, Beijing, as a case study, this study first extracted bare soil for each month of 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, using high-spatial-resolution remote sensing satellite data, and then constructed a 10 m-size emission grid and monthly SFD emission inventories based on the wind erosion equation by inputting vegetation cover factor, meteorological data, and soil erosion index. The total emissions of TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 in Daxing District from 2020 to 2022 were 3996.54 tons, 359.26 tons, and 25.25 tons, respectively. Temporally, the SFD emissions showed a decreasing trend over the years and were mainly concentrated in the winter and spring seasons. Spatially, the SFD emissions were predominantly concentrated in the southern and northern areas. And the emissions of PM₁₀ exhibit a significantly stronger correlation with wind speed and the extent of bare soil area. Full article

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22 pages, 9253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Method for Hydraulic Characterization of Variably Saturated Zone in Peatland-Dominated Permafrost Mires

by Radhakrishna Bangalore Lakshmiprasad, Stephan Peth, Susanne K. Woche and Thomas Graf

Land 2024, 13(12), 1990; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121990 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 265

Abstract

Modeling peatland hydraulic processes in cold regions requires defining near-surface hydraulic parameters. The current study aims to determine the soil freezing and water characteristic curve parameters for organic soils from peatland-dominated permafrost mires. The three research objectives are as follows: (i) Setting up [...] Read more.

Modeling peatland hydraulic processes in cold regions requires defining near-surface hydraulic parameters. The current study aims to determine the soil freezing and water characteristic curve parameters for organic soils from peatland-dominated permafrost mires. The three research objectives are as follows: (i) Setting up an in situ soil freezing characteristic curve experiment by installing sensors for measuring volumetric water content and temperature in Storflaket mire, Abisko region, Sweden; (ii) Conducting laboratory evaporation experiments and inverse numerical modeling to determine soil water characteristic curve parameters and comparing three soil water characteristic curve models to the laboratory data; (iii) Deriving a relationship between soil freezing and water characteristic curves and optimizing this equation with sensor data from (i). A long-lasting in situ volumetric water content station has been successfully set up in sub-Arctic Sweden. The soil water characteristic curve experiments showed that bimodality also exists for the investigated peat soils. The optimization results of the bimodal relationship showed excellent agreement with the soil freezing cycle measurements. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to establish and test bimodality for frozen peat soils. The estimated hydraulic parameters could be used to better simulate permafrost dynamics in peat soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Security of Peatland Ecosystems: Risk Assessment, Pollution Prevention and Restoration)

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26 pages, 18336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Quantification and Characterization of Spatial Heterogeneity in Mid-Sized Urban Landscape of India

by Diksha, Varun Narayan Mishra, Deepak Kumar, Maya Kumari, Bashar Bashir, Malay Pramanik and Mohamed Zhran

Land 2024, 13(12), 1989; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121989 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 416

Abstract

Quantifying landscape features and linking them to ecological processes is a key goal of landscape ecology. Urbanization, socio-economic growth, political influences, and morphology have extended built-up and urban regions from the core to the boundaries. Population expansion and human activity in districts have [...] Read more.

Quantifying landscape features and linking them to ecological processes is a key goal of landscape ecology. Urbanization, socio-economic growth, political influences, and morphology have extended built-up and urban regions from the core to the boundaries. Population expansion and human activity in districts have increased outlying areas and living space borders, segmenting the urban area and affecting the local ecosystem. Current space-based remote sensing (RS) techniques could be used to visualize conditions and future prognoses for district growth to plan the infrastructure. The Land Use Land Cover (LULC) patterns in the Sonipat district, located within the National Capital Region (NCR), were examined using RS data from 2011 (Landsat 7) and 2021 (Sentinel-2) and analyzed on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. LULC datasets for both years were generated, followed by calculations of landscape metrics to evaluate changes across the study area. These metrics, computed using R software version 4.4.2, include analyses at three levels: five metrics at the patch level, five at the landscape level, and nine at the class level. This paper provides detailed insights into these landscape metrics, illustrating the extent and nature of landscape changes within the study area over the decade. Aggregation and fragmentation are observed in the study area, as the results indicate that urban, fallow, and barren areas have merged into larger, contiguous patches over time. This shows a consolidation of smaller patches into more extensive, connected land cover areas. Fragmentation is described as occurring between 2011 and 2021, especially in the cropland LULC class, where the landscape was divided into smaller, isolated patches. This means that larger, continuous land cover types were broken down into numerous smaller patches, increasing the overall patchiness and separation across the area, which might have an ecological impact. Landscape metrics and spatial-temporal monitoring of the landscape would aid the district council and planners in better planning and livelihood sustainability. Full article

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27 pages, 7441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interpretation of Historic Urban Landscape Genes: A Case Study of Harbin, China

by Jianqiao Sun and Long Shao

Land 2024, 13(12), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121988 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 349

Abstract

The intensifying urbanization has led to the increasing risk of urban landscape character fading away. How to inherit and control the “genes” of urban landscape features is a crucial issue that needs urgent resolution. To address this issue, this study draws on the [...] Read more.

The intensifying urbanization has led to the increasing risk of urban landscape character fading away. How to inherit and control the “genes” of urban landscape features is a crucial issue that needs urgent resolution. To address this issue, this study draws on the theory of biological genes, employing methods such as historical information translation, deconstruction and extraction of landscape features, and genetic analysis to establish a research paradigm of “holistic composition interpretation—dynamic evolution interpretation” for historic urban landscape genes. The study applies this paradigm in practice using Harbin, China, as an example. The results indicate that: (1) The historic urban landscape genes are comprised of explicit landscape pattern genes; street and alley texture genes; architectural appearance genes; and implicit human settlement culture genes, industrial culture genes, historical culture genes, and spiritual culture genes. (2) The evolutionary traits of Harbin’s historic urban landscape genes manifest in several ways: the evolution of its landscape pattern genes, featuring “three-tiered terraces, balanced spatial arrangement, surrounded by mountains and rivers, and fan-shaped radial layout”; the evolution of its street and alley texture genes, exhibited through “a blend of Chinese and Western styles, sprawling and interconnected, unit linkage, and multi-dimensional intersections”; the evolution of its architectural style genes, marked by “diverse styles, a harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western elements, grouped interdependence, and adaptation to the times”; the evolution of its human settlement culture genes, highlighted by “a secluded lifestyle, diverse customs, and the coexistence of Chinese and Western cultures”; the evolution of its historical culture genes, distinguished by “unity in diversity and multicultural differentiation”; and the evolution of its spiritual culture genes, characterized by “pluralistic beliefs and inclusiveness”. (3) The essential difference between historic urban landscape genes and other genes lies in their adaptive evolution in response to environmental changes over generations and their ability to reveal the influence mechanisms among genes, between genes and landscape features, and between genes and the environment. The distinction between historic urban landscape genes and other types of genes lies in the adaptive changes that historic urban landscape gene types undergo in response to changes in time and environment. The historic urban landscape gene system itself undergoes adaptive evolution with the urban environment of various historical periods, leading to the emergence and differentiation of new levels. This study can provide new insights into urban heritage conservation, urban landscape management, and rational allocation of urban land use. Full article

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13 pages, 1960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil-Water Retention Curves and Pore-Size Distribution in a Clay Loam Under Different Tillage Systems

by Jay Jabro, William Stevens, William Iversen, Upendra Sainju, Brett Allen, Sadikshya Dangi and Chengci Chen

Land 2024, 13(12), 1987; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121987 - 22 Nov 2024

Viewed by 307

Abstract

Tillage practices significantly impact soil structure, pore-size distribution (PSD), and soil-water retention curves (SWRC). The SWRC, which represents the relationship between soil water content and soil water potential, is important for various studies involving plants, soil, environment, irrigation, drainage, modeling, and hydrology. In [...] Read more.

Tillage practices significantly impact soil structure, pore-size distribution (PSD), and soil-water retention curves (SWRC). The SWRC, which represents the relationship between soil water content and soil water potential, is important for various studies involving plants, soil, environment, irrigation, drainage, modeling, and hydrology. In this study, the HYPROP method was used to measure SWRCs and estimate soil physical and hydraulic properties under conventional tillage (CT), strip tillage (ST), and no-tillage (NT) systems in clay loam soil. Undisturbed soil cores were collected from 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths within sugarbeet rows, with sampling replicated five times following a randomized block design. Soil-water retention curves were modeled using the van Genuchten (vG) model for each depth under each tillage system. The results showed that none of the soil parameters from the vG equation, plant-available soil water content, or pore-size distribution were significantly influenced by tillage type. This lack of significant difference may be attributed to considerable soil disturbance from sugarbeet root harvesting, freeze and thaw cycles between tillage and sampling, or soil displacement caused by beet root growth. However, small differences in soil parameters among the three tillage systems were noted at both soil depths, due to minor variations in soil porosity and pore-size distribution. Regardless of the tillage system, understanding SWRC is essential for insights into soil and water processes such as water flow, soil water storage, and water availability for plants. Full article

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

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1 pages, 118 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Liu et al. Automatic Extraction for Land Parcels Based on Multi-Scale Segmentation. Land 2024, 13, 158

by Land Editorial Office

Land 2024, 13(12), 1986; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121986 - 22 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The Land Editorial Office would like to make the following correction regarding the academic editor listed in this published paper [...] Full article

20 pages, 11497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Ecosystem Service Values into Urban Planning for Sustainable Development

by Wenbo Cai, Chengji Shu and Li Lin

Land 2024, 13(12), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121985 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 336

Abstract

Urbanization, despite driving regional economic growth, has led to significant disparities in development levels among cities. Many studies have made valuable suggestions for ecological conservation in economically underdeveloped regions. However, for medium-level cities with large economic development needs, the question of how to [...] Read more.

Urbanization, despite driving regional economic growth, has led to significant disparities in development levels among cities. Many studies have made valuable suggestions for ecological conservation in economically underdeveloped regions. However, for medium-level cities with large economic development needs, the question of how to strike a balance between development and conservation in land development patterns is a critical issue to be addressed. By integrating ecosystem services assessment models and land use prediction models, we proposed a framework for guiding future land-use strategies based on ecosystem service values, using Jiaxing City as a case study. Firstly, we assessed and mapped the current status of ecosystem services value. Then, we simulated the land use distribution pattern and ecosystem services value under three development strategies: inertial development, cropland protection, and ecological development. Eventually, we determined the optimal urban land development pattern. The results showed that the total ecosystem service value for Jiaxing is CNY 124.82 billion, with climate regulation, water conservation, and flood mitigation contributing the most. The ecological development strategy yields the highest service value, with a 0.81% increase compared to the current situation, while the cropland protection and inertial development strategies result in decreases of 0.73% and 10.93%, respectively. Furthermore, the ecological strategy expands high-value service areas, concentrated in the northern river network and southern hilly regions. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers in formulating sustainable strategies and integrating ecosystem service values into economic policies to promote urban development. Full article

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21 pages, 3385 KiB

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“Pasture Not Pavements”: Governmental Planning Failure and the Slow Death of Melbourne’s Green Belt

by Michael Buxton and David Mercer

Land 2024, 13(12), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121984 - 21 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Extensive literature on peri-urban issues has paid only occasional attention to the details of spatial planning systems and their impacts on peri-urban natural resources. This paper investigates the relationships between a deregulated land use planning system and declining natural resource and agricultural values [...] Read more.

Extensive literature on peri-urban issues has paid only occasional attention to the details of spatial planning systems and their impacts on peri-urban natural resources. This paper investigates the relationships between a deregulated land use planning system and declining natural resource and agricultural values in the peri-urban area of Melbourne, in the state of Victoria, Australia. This paper uses a case study area consisting of Melbourne’s green belt and an outer peri-urban area northeast of Melbourne, concentrating on the effectiveness of an urban growth boundary and controls over land uses. A document analysis was undertaken on the provisions of the land use planning system, supporting documents, urban and peri-urban development, land ownership, land uses, and natural resources in the case study area. Threats from urban and rural–residential development, land fragmentation, and land development were identified, and the impacts of the planning system on current and future land uses were analysed. Particular reference was given to the debate on the concept of multi-functional land uses. This paper investigates the likely impacts of peri-urban development and the spatial planning framework on a range of sectors, particularly agricultural production, biodiversity, and landscapes, and highlights the failure of the spatial planning system to protect remnant peri-urban natural resources from increasing threats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management: 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 31510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Effects of Forest Conservation and Population Resettlement on the Ecological Restoration of Qilian Mountain National Park

by Xi Wang, David Lopez-Carr and Liang Zhou

Land 2024, 13(12), 1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121983 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 337

Abstract

The combined pressures of climate change and human activities have exacerbated ecological risks in fragile and sensitive areas. Assessing the ecological restoration status of key nature reserves and developing a new conservation and development framework are fundamental for achieving ecological civilization and enhancing [...] Read more.

The combined pressures of climate change and human activities have exacerbated ecological risks in fragile and sensitive areas. Assessing the ecological restoration status of key nature reserves and developing a new conservation and development framework are fundamental for achieving ecological civilization and enhancing sustainability. As an ecological security barrier in the northwestern alpine region, Qilian Mountain National Park (QMNP), is of great significance for maintaining the sustainable ecological environment of western China. By measuring changes in ecological land use and monitoring key vegetation indicator trends in QMNP, we constructed the Regional Ecological Resilience Indicator (RERI) and proposed a new restoration and restoration framework. The results show that: (1) the ecological land restoration in QMNP was remarkable, with a total of 721.76 km² of non-ecological land converted to ecological land, representing a 1.44% increase. Forest restoration covered 110 km², primarily made up of previously unused land from 2000 to 2020. (2) The average NDVI value increased by 0.025. Regions showing productivity growth (NPP) accounted for 51.82% of the total area from 2000 to 2020. The four typical eco-migration zones reduced the building profile area by 47.72% between 2015 and 2019. The distribution of high Composite Vegetation Index (CFI) values overlapped with concentrated forest restoration areas, revealing two main restoration models: forest conservation and population relocation. (3) RERI calculations divided the park into three ecological zones, Priority Conservation Area (PCA), Optimization and Enhancement Area (OEA), and Concerted Development Area (CDA), leading to the proposal of an ecological restoration and development framework for QMNP, characterized by “three zones, two horizontal axes, and one vertical axis”. Our findings contribute to strengthening the ecological security barrier in northwestern China; they offer new insights for the long-term, stable improvement of the ecological environment in QMNP and in other critical protected area systems globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Ecosystems: Protection and Restoration II)

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31 pages, 21237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Interaction Effects of Landscape Pattern on the Synergistic Trade-Offs of Ecosystem Services Based on Multi-Model Fusion: A Case Study of Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle

by Yuhao Jin, Yuanhang Li, Weiping Shen and Hengkang Zhu

Land 2024, 13(12), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121982 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 306

Abstract

A deep understanding of the spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem services (ESs) under the influence of urbanisation, as well as clarifying the trade-offs and synergies between different services and their driving factors, is crucial for sustainable regional development and the formulation of rational urban [...] Read more.

A deep understanding of the spatiotemporal changes in ecosystem services (ESs) under the influence of urbanisation, as well as clarifying the trade-offs and synergies between different services and their driving factors, is crucial for sustainable regional development and the formulation of rational urban expansion policies. Dramatic changes in landscape patterns, driven by the interplay of human activities and natural processes, can have profound effects on regional ESs. Existing research primarily discusses the synergistic trade-offs between ESs, with less focus on the interactions among different landscape patterns and the synergies among ESs. In the present study, we established a multi-model fusion method for ES analysis (PLUS-InVEST-Trade-offs/Synergies-Geographical Detectors (GDs)) to explore the synergistic trade-offs of ESs and their driving factors in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle from an urban agglomeration perspective. Our findings indicated the following. (1) The distribution of synergistic/trade-offs relationships among ESs exhibited spatial variability. The varying responses of different urban clusters to these policies, along with their unique topography and landforms, are the reasons behind the differences in the synergistic/trade-offs relationships of ESs among these urban clusters. (2) In the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, the driving factors of the synergistic/trade-offs effects among ESs displayed spatial differentiation. In a certain range, the degree of landscape agglomeration interacts with the degree of landscape fragmentation to promote synergistic/trade-offs effects of ESs. Our findings will provide a new analytical perspective for policymakers in the region and serve as a valuable reference for formulating targeted policies in different sub-regions. Full article

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

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16 pages, 3890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Detecting Serbia’s Settlement Patterns: A Fuzzy Logic-Based Approach to Rural–Urban Area Delimitation for Spatial Planning

by Aleksandra Gajić Protić, Nikola Krunić and Branko Protić

Land 2024, 13(12), 1981; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121981 - 21 Nov 2024

Viewed by 292

Abstract

Over the past decades, numerous studies have attempted to capture the heterogeneity of rural areas from different perspectives. Meanwhile, rural areas have undergone various changes, primarily due to urban pressure. Rejecting a dichotomous approach, the majority of studies focus exclusively on the analysis [...] Read more.

Over the past decades, numerous studies have attempted to capture the heterogeneity of rural areas from different perspectives. Meanwhile, rural areas have undergone various changes, primarily due to urban pressure. Rejecting a dichotomous approach, the majority of studies focus exclusively on the analysis of either rural or urban areas, attempting to demonstrate their diversity and propose a method for their delimitation. This study maps rural and urban areas in Serbia. We present an approach for rural–urban area delimitation that integrates a comprehensive, multidimensional approach based on fuzzy logic. Conducted on a settlement level, this applied approach highly recognizes different settlement types ranging from rural to urban. Based on selected variables and employing a fuzzy inference system, we extract different distinctive settlement features varying from urban (0) to rural (1). The results demonstrate the nuanced classification of settlements varying from completely rural to urban. In addition, such an approach detects settlements that have functional significance in the settlement system. Therefore, it is possible to identify different forms of rural and urban areas (from the rural periphery to metropolitan areas). This method offers a framework that could be used in urban and spatial research and planning and defining rural/urban development strategies and policies. This study provides valuable insights into prioritized areas for planning strategies and support toward mitigating village loss and improving urban and rural sustainability. Our findings can contribute to future functional settlement zoning in Serbia, or the monitoring of planning decisions on different territorial levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Spatial Modeling in Urban Land Dynamics and Planning)

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