Land | Special Issue : Water Resources and Land Use Planning

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18 pages, 15681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Cover Changes and Their Influence on Recharge in a Mediterranean Karstic Aquifer (Alicante, Spain)

by María Candela Ruiz, Javier Valdés-Abellán, Concepción Pla, Miguel Fernández-Mejuto and David Benavente

Land 2023, 12(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010128 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1889

Abstract

Groundwater plays a key role in the subsistence of people and their activities throughout the globe, particularly in arid zones. In the highly dynamic context of the Mediterranean landscape, a deep understanding of aquifer systems is essential for their optimal management. The aim [...] Read more.

Groundwater plays a key role in the subsistence of people and their activities throughout the globe, particularly in arid zones. In the highly dynamic context of the Mediterranean landscape, a deep understanding of aquifer systems is essential for their optimal management. The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of land cover on recharge in the Almudaina-Segaria aquifer, through the simulation of different land cover scenarios. The results showed a 32% decrease in the total water volume + entering the aquifer when extensive agriculture was replaced by natural forests, with a remarkable drop in the water table elevation for a large portion of the aquifer, depending on geology and topography. Considering the demographic evolution and ongoing climatic changes, it is fundamental to incorporate a management perspective where surface and underground processes are integrated as a fundamental part of a sustainable system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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20 pages, 3489 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Water Balance Uncertainty of a Hydrologic Model to Lengthy Drought and Storm Events in Managed Forest Catchments, Eastern Australia

by Reza Jamshidi and Deirdre Dragovich

Land 2023, 12(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010003 - 20 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1601

Abstract

Interest has grown in applying hydrologic models in managed catchments despite uncertainties around model inputs and empirical relationships to simulate complex geo-hydrological processes of streamflow and sediment variations. Unquantified interactions between geophysical, climate and management indices can also increase simulation uncertainties. Calibration of [...] Read more.

Interest has grown in applying hydrologic models in managed catchments despite uncertainties around model inputs and empirical relationships to simulate complex geo-hydrological processes of streamflow and sediment variations. Unquantified interactions between geophysical, climate and management indices can also increase simulation uncertainties. Calibration of model outputs against observed values allows identification of the most influential variables and their optimised ranges by which model performance can be enhanced. A rainfall-runoff Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was utilised for four catchments in northern New South Wales, Australia to simulate time series of streamflow across varying rainfall regimes, from dry seasons from 2002 towards rainy 2009. Parameters causing a substantial change on model streamflow outputs were first identified using a sensitivity analysis which indicated that hydrologic factors governing the sources of water supply were critical parameters. These sensitive variables were substantially derived from groundwater modules, basic flow in the main channel, and management practices. Statistical tests of between-catchment differences showed that model simulations performed better in a catchment where the sole rain gauge was installed, while also having the narrowest variations in simulated values (r-index = 0.02). In contrast, the highest uncertainty of model simulations was found in the furthest catchment from the rain gauge where there was not a satisfactory agreement with observed data. Yearly differences between 2002 and 2009 indicated an overestimation of streamflow during low flow periods. However, the calibration process performed well in most peak flows where estimations followed the respective observed values. Long-term dry periods between 2002 and 2007 resulted in an overestimated baseflow by predicting an unrealistic recharge infiltrating aquifers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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19 pages, 4315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rapid Characterisation of Stakeholder Networks in Three Catchments Reveals Contrasting Land-Water Management Issues

by Kathleen C. Stosch, Richard S. Quilliam, Nils Bunnefeld and David M. Oliver

Land 2022, 11(12), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122324 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2020

Abstract

Catchments are socio-ecological systems integrating land, water and people with diverse roles and views. Characterising stakeholder networks and their levels of influence and interaction within catchments can help deliver more effective land and water management. In this study, we combined stakeholder analysis and [...] Read more.

Catchments are socio-ecological systems integrating land, water and people with diverse roles and views. Characterising stakeholder networks and their levels of influence and interaction within catchments can help deliver more effective land and water management. In this study, we combined stakeholder analysis and social network methods to provide a novel stakeholder-mapping tool capable of identifying interactions among the land and water management communities across three contrasting study catchments. The overarching aim was to characterise the influence of different stakeholders involved in catchment management based on the perceptions of participants from four key stakeholder groups (Environmental Regulators, Water Industry Practitioners, the Farm Advisor Community, and Academics). A total of 43 participants identified 28 types of specific catchment management stakeholder groups with either core or peripheral importance to our three case study catchments. Participants contributed 490 individual scores relating to the perceived influence of these different stakeholder groups and categorised whether this influence was positive, negative or neutral for the management of catchment resources. Local Government, Farmers and Environmental Regulators were perceived to have the greatest level of influence. Social network analysis further determined which stakeholders were most commonly connected in all of the study catchments and hence formed the core of stakeholder networks in each catchment. Comparing outputs from the analysis of three contrasting river catchments, as well as between participants from four key stakeholder groups allowed identification of which stakeholders were more central to the catchment management networks. Such analyses could help facilitate effective communication within land and water management stakeholder networks by targeting highly connected opinion leaders or promoting peer learning via distinct catchment subgroups. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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20 pages, 4818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Sensitive Urban Plan for Lima Metropolitan Area (Peru) Based on Changes in the Urban Landscape from 1990 to 2021

by Andrea Cristina Ramirez Herrera, Sonja Bauer and Victor Peña Guillen

Land 2022, 11(12), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122261 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4659

Abstract

Lima is the second-largest capital of the world located in a desert and already faces water scarcity. Here, more than 30% of the population is supplied by only 2.2% of the national water resources. The urbanization process has an informal nature and occurs [...] Read more.

Lima is the second-largest capital of the world located in a desert and already faces water scarcity. Here, more than 30% of the population is supplied by only 2.2% of the national water resources. The urbanization process has an informal nature and occurs at a very accelerated rate. These new settlements lack water infrastructure and access to other services. The objectives of this study are to quantify changes in the urban landscape of Lima Metropolitan Area from 1990 to 2021 to propose a water-sensitive urban plan by detecting changes, urbanization trends and identifying alternative water sources. The trend suggests a future constant increment of the urban areas, diversification of the landscape and more equally distributed land cover. Lima has more disconnected settlements and more complex shapes of urban patches nowadays. The landscape is also more mingled, but cracked. Overall, the trend is to become more disaggregated, demanding small and scattered water solutions. The WSUP includes the implementation of treatment plants in new multi-family buildings, hybrid desalination plants at the coast and parks with fog collectors on the hills. Additionally, these solutions will require the beneficiary community and the local authorities to work together in the planning and maintenance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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22 pages, 670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Has China’s Pilot Policy of Water Ecological Civilization City Construction Reduced Water Pollution Intensity?

by Lianju Lyu, Daxue Kan, Wenqing Yao and Weichiao Huang

Land 2022, 11(11), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111999 - 8 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2017

Abstract

To address the deterioration of the water ecological environment, China’s Ministry of Water Resources launched 105 pilot projects for the construction of water ecological civilized cities in two batches in 2013 and 2014. Based on panel data of 283 cities in China from [...] Read more.

To address the deterioration of the water ecological environment, China’s Ministry of Water Resources launched 105 pilot projects for the construction of water ecological civilized cities in two batches in 2013 and 2014. Based on panel data of 283 cities in China from 2008 to 2020, in this study, we investigate the impact of the pilot policy of water ecological civilization city construction on water pollution intensity using the difference-in-differences method. We found that water pollution intensity in the sample period exhibited a downward trend, decreasing most rapidly during the pilot construction period. Controlling for urbanization level, technological innovation, import and export trade, and foreign investment, our study results show that the pilot policy significantly reduced water pollution intensity. Mechanism analysis shows that the reduction effect was achieved through the channels of optimizing industrial structure, increasing sewage treatment, promoting water recycling, promoting technological progress, and speeding up water price reform. The results of this study also show that the policy effect in terms of reducing water pollution intensity is heterogenous across time, in addition to exhibiting regional heterogeneity owing to differences in levels of economic development, water resource endowment, and environmental regulation intensity. The research results also provide a reference for other countries similar to China to reduce water pollution intensity, address the deterioration of the water ecological environment, and improve the water ecological environment in the process of economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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30 pages, 21086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of Weighting Methods in Geospatial Flood Risk Assessment: A Trinidad Case Study

by Cassie Roopnarine, Bheshem Ramlal and Ronald Roopnarine

Land 2022, 11(10), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101649 - 24 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3665

Abstract

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic Small Island Developing State (SIDS), situated on the southern end of the chain of Caribbean islands. Several factors such as climate, topography, and hydrological characteristics increase its susceptibility and vulnerability to flooding which results [...] Read more.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic Small Island Developing State (SIDS), situated on the southern end of the chain of Caribbean islands. Several factors such as climate, topography, and hydrological characteristics increase its susceptibility and vulnerability to flooding which results in adverse socio-economic impacts. Many Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago lack a flood risk assessment tool which is essential for a proactive mitigation approach to floods, specifically in the Caribbean due to the incommensurate flooding events that occur because of the inherent characteristics of SIDS. This research focuses on the problem of flooding using susceptibility analysis, vulnerability analysis and risk assessment for the island of Trinidad, whilst also presenting a repeatable and appropriate methodology to assess these risks in regions that have similar characteristics to Trinidad. This is especially useful in Caribbean countries because of a lack of internal human capacity to support such efforts. Flood hazard indexes (FHI) and vulnerability indexes (VI) were generated for this study using subjective and objective weighting technique models to identify regions that are affected by flooding. These models were Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Frequency Ratio (FR) and Shannon’s Entropy (SE). Comparative analyses of the three models were conducted to assess the efficacy and accuracy of each to determine which is most suitable. These were used to conduct a risk assessment to identify risks associated with each Regional Corporation of Trinidad. Results indicate that FR is the most accurate weighting technique model to assess flood susceptibility and risk assessment in Trinidad, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.76 and 0.64 respectively. This study provides an understanding of the most appropriate weighting techniques that can be used in regions where there are challenges in accessing comprehensive data sets and limitations as it relates to access to advanced technology and technical expertise. The results also provide reasonably accurate outcomes that can assist in identifying priority areas where further quantitative assessments may be required and where mitigation and management efforts should be focused. This is critical for SIDS where vulnerability to flooding is high while access to financial and human resources is limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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13 pages, 3422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distribution of Irrigated and Rainfed Agricultural Land in a Semi-Arid Sandy Area

by Huihui Zheng, Zhiting Sang, Kaige Wang, Yan Xu and Zhaoyang Cai

Land 2022, 11(10), 1621; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101621 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

Under water resource and terrain constraints, a certain scale threshold of irrigated and rainfed agricultural areas exists in semi-arid sandy areas. If this threshold is exceeded, water and soil resources will be unbalanced, and the ecological environment will deteriorate. Accurate assessment of the [...] Read more.

Under water resource and terrain constraints, a certain scale threshold of irrigated and rainfed agricultural areas exists in semi-arid sandy areas. If this threshold is exceeded, water and soil resources will be unbalanced, and the ecological environment will deteriorate. Accurate assessment of the suitable scale of cultivated land in semi-arid sandy areas is of great significance for sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources and regional ecological security. Most existing research methods are based on water resource constraints and rarely consider terrain factors. Therefore, based on the principle of water balance and with the Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner as the research area, this study adopted a multi-objective fuzzy optimization model and relative terrain index analysis method to explore the appropriate spatial ratio of irrigation and rainfed agriculture. The results show that the area of irrigated agriculture in the study area is 77,700 hm², and the appropriate scale is 91,700 hm². The current area of dry farming is 184,600 hm², and the suitable scale is 117,100 hm². The results also show that the utilization efficiency of water and soil resources in irrigated agriculture was not optimal, rainfed agriculture exceeded its suitable scale, and water and soil resources were seriously unbalanced. However, the region of cultivated land that exceeds the appropriate scale is mostly located in an area with poor terrain, less precipitation, and other unsuitable conditions for cultivation, which is prone to abandonment, resulting in deterioration of the ecological environment. Therefore, the spatial layout of agricultural land use in the study area should be adapted to local conditions, and the water-saving structure of irrigated agriculture should be optimized to achieve the maximum comprehensive benefits. Dry farming should be controlled on a reasonable scale, and the part exceeding the appropriate scale should be returned to grassland to ensure sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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19 pages, 1206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Difference Analysis and Impact Factors of Water Ecological Civilization Level: Evidence from Jiangxi Province, China

by Daxue Kan, Wenqing Yao, Lianju Lyu and Weichiao Huang

Land 2022, 11(9), 1459; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091459 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2557

Abstract

The water environment quality is not high, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources is uneven, and the water quality-induced water is in shortage in the world. Strengthening the construction of water ecological civilization is one of the important measures to solve [...] Read more.

The water environment quality is not high, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources is uneven, and the water quality-induced water is in shortage in the world. Strengthening the construction of water ecological civilization is one of the important measures to solve these problems. We took China’s Jiangxi Province and its prefecture-level cities as the research object, the water ecological civilization level was measured from the two dimensions of time and space by principal component analysis, and based on the panel data of prefecture-level cities from 2011 to 2020, the panel data model was used to empirically analyze the impact factors of water ecological civilization. The results show that: (1) The level of water ecological civilization in Jiangxi Province shows a fluctuating upward trend, in which the level of water ecological civilization first increased, then decreased, and then increased from 2013 to 2020. (2) Water ecology is the key to affecting water ecological civilization, and cities with abundant natural endowments of water resources have higher scores for water ecological civilization. (3) There are significant differences in the level of water ecological civilization in different cities in Jiangxi Province; the level of water ecological civilization in southern Jiangxi and central Jiangxi is generally higher than that in northern Jiangxi; among the 11 prefecture level cities, Ji’an, Fuzhou, Jiujiang, Yichun, Ganzhou, and Shangrao have a high level of water ecological civilization. (4) Industrial structure, educational investment, and government governance level have significantly improved the level of water ecological civilization. Environmental pollution is not conducive to improving the level of water ecological civilization. There is an inverted U curve between the level of urbanization and the level of water ecological civilization. Accordingly, all prefecture-level cities in Jiangxi Province need to implement new development concepts and innovation-driven strategy, make up for shortcomings, and strengthen weak points according to their own natural endowments of water resources, such as optimizing the industrial structure, increasing investment in education, improving the level of government governance, and strengthening the connotation construction of urbanization, so as to promote the construction of water ecological civilization in Jiangxi Province. The research results also provide a reference for other countries similar to Jiangxi Province to solve the problem of water pollution, alleviate the pollution-induced water shortage, and improve the water ecological environment in the process of economic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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14 pages, 4176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Price Ecosystem Water Yield Service and Determine the Amount of Compensation?—The Wei River Basin in China as an Example

by Yuanyuan Li, Zhenmin Ding, Shunbo Yao, Caixia Xue, Yuanjie Deng, Lei Jia, Chaoqing Chai and Xiao Zhang

Land 2022, 11(7), 1118; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071118 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1761

Abstract

Determining the price of water yield service is the core of watershed compensation. This is necessary to establish a reasonable and scientific compensation mechanism and achieve the efficient management of water. Unlike previous studies, this study establishes a theoretical model of pricing and [...] Read more.

Determining the price of water yield service is the core of watershed compensation. This is necessary to establish a reasonable and scientific compensation mechanism and achieve the efficient management of water. Unlike previous studies, this study establishes a theoretical model of pricing and a compensation mechanism for achieving a balance between the supply and demand of water yield service. A panel threshold model is used to estimate the production elasticity of water for pricing water yield service. Then, we analyze the spatial and temporal changes of the price and the compensation amounts of water yield service in the Wei River basin, China. The results show that: (1) The water marginal contribution to regional GDP meets the law of diminishing marginal return in the form of the threshold effect. When water input amounts (logarithm) are on both sides of 9.449, the marginal contribution is significantly different. (2) The price of water yield service shows an increasing trend. It was CNY 47.27/m³ in 2015, increasing by 472.94% compared with 2000 (CNY 8.24/m³). The spatial distribution was “high in the southeast and low in the northwest”. (3) Total payment amounts increased from CNY 33.1955 billion in 2000 to CNY 227.1302 billion in 2015 and were mainly distributed in relatively developed areas. The acceptance areas were concentrated in relatively undeveloped areas. Total acceptance amounts increased from CNY 2922.2 million in 2000 to CNY 16,398.6 million in 2015. This study can provide scientific basis for ecological compensation practices and promote high-quality development of the socio-economy of the watershed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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16 pages, 1973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydromorphological Assessment as the Basis for Ecosystem Restoration in the Nanxi River Basin (China)

by Helene Müller, Stephan Hörbinger, Fabian Franta, Ana Mendes, Jianhua Li, Ping Cao, Baiyin Baoligao, Fengran Xu and Hans Peter Rauch

Land 2022, 11(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11020193 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

Hydromorphology is a major component of riverine ecosystems. Therefore, proper assessments of the status quo, as well as the detection of pressures in river basins, are of high relevance. Process-based morphological methods have been developed, relying on a broad data basis and resulting [...] Read more.

Hydromorphology is a major component of riverine ecosystems. Therefore, proper assessments of the status quo, as well as the detection of pressures in river basins, are of high relevance. Process-based morphological methods have been developed, relying on a broad data basis and resulting in suitable instruments, such as the Morphological Quality Index (MQI). In this study, the hydromorphological status of the Nanxi river system in Eastern China was assessed by an adapted application of the MQI. Adaptations and amendments in the methodical approach were developed in cycles and carried out to transfer the well-approved method for European river systems to another geographical setting. The strengths of the tested approach are the few data requirements, the applicability for modified river basins, and the decoupling of historical information. The assessment of 161 river kilometers resulted in a hydromorphological status quo with the focus being a relative comparison of different sections ranging from “moderate” to “bad”, with an average classification of a “poor” state. On the one hand, the results build the basis for future restoration and river management planning, specifically, and on the other hand, they create a foundation for the development of an assessment method fitted for modified river systems conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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18 pages, 1724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Governance in Mediterranean Farming Systems through the Social-Ecological Systems Framework—An Empirical Case in Southern Portugal

by Taiana Homobono, Maria Helena Guimarães, Catarina Esgalhado and Lívia Madureira

Land 2022, 11(2), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11020178 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

Water governance is a major challenge in the Mediterranean context. Any action to drive water governance towards sustainability needs to be grounded in a holistic understanding of such challenges. Therefore, a first step towards the improvement of water governance is a grounded understanding [...] Read more.

Water governance is a major challenge in the Mediterranean context. Any action to drive water governance towards sustainability needs to be grounded in a holistic understanding of such challenges. Therefore, a first step towards the improvement of water governance is a grounded understanding of what is at stake, who are the actors involved, and how they interact. To achieve this level of understanding, we propose the use of the social–ecological Systems (SES) framework. This framework was developed to grasp the complexity of issues related to the sustainable use of public goods such as water. This study looks at water governance in the farming sector of three municipalities in the Alentejo and Algarve, in the south of Portugal. Data were collected using a literature review and 22 semi-structured interviews with territorial actors (i.e., public administration, non-governmental associations, private sector, decision-makers, and farmers). By using the SES framework, we provide an integrated characterization of water governance in the case study and identify the implicated factors. Between these factors, and focusing on the overlap between literature and actors’ perspectives, are (1) the lack of integrated and supported strategies for development, and (2) lack of communication between the actors that need to congregate efforts towards sustainable use of water resources. The study found few examples of collective efforts and long-lasting networks of collaboration, especially between science and practice. We conclude by arguing that place-based tailored policies are needed. Such policies should promote communication and collective actions between researchers, local organizations, public administration, and farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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20 pages, 521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Urbanization to Improve Agriculture Water Use Efficiency—An Empirical Analysis Based on Spatial Perspective of Panel Data of 30 Provinces of China

by Weinan Lu, Apurbo Sarkar, Mengyang Hou, Wenxin Liu, Xinyi Guo, Kai Zhao and Minjuan Zhao

Land 2022, 11(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11010080 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5322

Abstract

China has witnessed accelerated urbanization since the reforms and open policies which began in 1978. This eventually resulted in increased residential water requirements and worsening water shortages, particularly in the current century. In the context of resource and environmental constraints, improving agricultural water [...] Read more.

China has witnessed accelerated urbanization since the reforms and open policies which began in 1978. This eventually resulted in increased residential water requirements and worsening water shortages, particularly in the current century. In the context of resource and environmental constraints, improving agricultural water use efficiency (AWUE) is a crucial issue to ensure food security, improve the ecological environment, and meet the needs of sustainable agricultural development. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 1999 to 2018, the article uses the Super-SBM model to measure the AWUE. Moreover, the study uses the entropy method to establish the urbanization evaluation index system from the dimensions of population, land, economy, measures the comprehensive level of urbanization development, and further constructs a dynamic spatial econometric model. We use the unconditional maximum likelihood estimation method to evaluate the impact of urbanization development on AWUE and its heterogeneity. The findings reveal that the AWUE considering undesired outcomes has generally shown a steady improvement, but there is ample space for resource conservation and environmental protection, and there are noticeable differences among regions. The decomposition of spatial effects shows that urbanization development in each region has a short-term positive effect on AWUE in the region and neighboring regions, and a long-term effect exists only in the western region. The impact of urbanization in different dimensions has been found that both land urbanization and economic urbanization contribute to the improvement of AWUE, while population urbanization helps to improve AWUE by improving the awareness level of the farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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19 pages, 8756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Restoration of Degraded Farm Land by the Sheet-Pipe System

by Koremasa Tamura, Hiroshi Matsuda, Budi Indra Setiawan and Satyanto Krido Saptomo

Land 2021, 10(12), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121328 - 2 Dec 2021

Viewed by 1934

Abstract

For the sustainable restoration of wet farm land degraded by the climate change-induced rise of ground water level (GWL) and soil salinity etc., the sheet pipe system is one of the most useful technologies which reduces cultivation obstacles due to the poor drainage [...] Read more.

For the sustainable restoration of wet farm land degraded by the climate change-induced rise of ground water level (GWL) and soil salinity etc., the sheet pipe system is one of the most useful technologies which reduces cultivation obstacles due to the poor drainage by controlling the rapid drainage function and enabling farmers to produce profitable crops. This system is characterized mainly as a perforated polyethylene rolled-band sheet 180 mm in width and 1 mm thick which is drawn into the subsurface layer while transforming a drainage pipe with φ = 50 mm. The major advantage of this system is that since the sheet pipe is installed without trenching, the disturbance of land is minimized and the construction period can be shortened to about 1/4 (which reduces the cost approximately by 50%). In this study, by using the sheet pipe installed miniature-type model soil box, the drainage capacity of the sheet pipe was confirmed as being the same as the pipe-shaped standard drainage pipes. Based on the observations of the saturated–unsaturated flow and the maximum lowering rate of GWL was predicted. Finally, at the farm land wherein the free board of the adjoining canal was limited, the effectiveness of the sheet-pipe system was confirmed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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20 pages, 2399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Mosaic Land Use and Land Cover on the Quality of River Waters (Case Study: Lubelskie Province, E Poland)

by Dorota Dymek, Wojciech Zgłobicki and Bogusława Baran-Zgłobicka

Land 2021, 10(12), 1318; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121318 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2050

Abstract

Human activity with respect to land use and land cover can impact the quality of river water. Understanding the correlation between these two factors makes it possible to improve the management of space and mitigate negative human impacts on the environment. The present [...] Read more.

Human activity with respect to land use and land cover can impact the quality of river water. Understanding the correlation between these two factors makes it possible to improve the management of space and mitigate negative human impacts on the environment. The present study encompassed 34 catchments in Lubelskie Province, a typically agricultural region in eastern Poland. Six main types of land use and land cover (LULC) and 15 indices of water quality have been analysed. An unequivocally negative impact of LULC on the river water parameters has not been found. For some indices, no correlations occur, while for others the statistical correlations are weak. One possible reason is the impact of other factors or the unique land use mosaic of the province having a significant impact on the circulation of pollutants in the landscape. It may be that the absence of clear correlations is the result of the relatively low anthropogenic pressure in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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15 pages, 3019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Soil Properties, Topography, and Environmental Features on Soil Water Holding Capacities (SWHCs) and Their Interrelationships

by Hyunje Yang, Hyeonju Yoo, Honggeun Lim, Jaehoon Kim and Hyung Tae Choi

Land 2021, 10(12), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121290 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2715

Abstract

Soil water holding capacities (SWHCs) are among the most important factors for understanding the water cycle in forested catchments because they control available plant water that supports evapotranspiration. The direct determination of SWHCs, however, is time consuming and expensive, so many pedotransfer functions [...] Read more.

Soil water holding capacities (SWHCs) are among the most important factors for understanding the water cycle in forested catchments because they control available plant water that supports evapotranspiration. The direct determination of SWHCs, however, is time consuming and expensive, so many pedotransfer functions (PTFs) and digital soil mapping (DSM) models have been developed for predicting SWHCs. Thus, it is important to select the correct soil properties, topographies, and environmental features when developing a prediction model, as well as to understand the interrelationships among variables. In this study, we collected soil samples at 971 forest sites and developed PTF and DSM models for predicting three kinds of SWHCs: saturated water content (

θ_{S}

) and water content at pF1.8 and pF2.7 (

θ_{1.8}

and

θ_{2.7}

). Important explanatory variables for SWHC prediction were selected from two variable importance analyses. Correlation matrix and sensitivity analysis based on the developed models showed that, as the matric suction changed, the soil physical and chemical properties that influence the SWHCs changed, i.e., soil structure rather than soil particle distribution at

θ_{S}

, coarse soil particles at

θ_{1.8}

, and finer soil particle at

θ_{2.7}

. In addition, organic matter had a considerable influence on all SWHCs. Among the topographic features, elevation was the most influential, and it was closely related to the geological variability of bedrock and soil properties. Aspect was highly related to vegetation, confirming that it was an important variable for DSM modeling. Information about important variables and their interrelationship can be used to strengthen PTFs and DSM models for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessReview

To What Extent Is Hydrologic Connectivity Taken into Account in Catchment Studies in the Lake Tana Basin, Ethiopia? A Review

by Anik Juli Dwi Astuti, Sofie Annys, Mekete Dessie, Jan Nyssen and Stefaan Dondeyne

Land 2022, 11(12), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122165 - 30 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1858

Abstract

Knowledge of hydrologic connectivity is important to grasp the hydrological response at a basin scale, particularly as changes in connectivity can have a negative effect on the environment. In the context of a changing climate, being able to predict how changes in connectivity [...] Read more.

Knowledge of hydrologic connectivity is important to grasp the hydrological response at a basin scale, particularly as changes in connectivity can have a negative effect on the environment. In the context of a changing climate, being able to predict how changes in connectivity will affect runoff and sediment transport is particularly relevant for land-use planning. Many studies on hydrology, geomorphology and climatology have been conducted in the Lake Tana Basin in Ethiopia, which is undergoing rapid development and significant environmental changes. This systematic literature review aims at assessing to what extent the hydrologic connectivity has been taken into account in such research, and to identify research gaps relevant to land and water management. On the Web of Science and Scopus databases, 135 scientific articles covering those topics were identified. Aspects of hydrologic connectivity were mostly implicitly taken into account based on process-based, statistical and descriptive models. Amongst the drivers of changing connectivity, the climate was covered by a large majority of publications (64%). Components of structural hydrologic connectivity were accounted for by considering geomorphology (54%) and soils (47%), and to a lesser extent, hydrography (16%) and geology (12%). Components of functional connectivity were covered by looking at surface water fluxes (61%), sediment fluxes (18%) and subsurface water fluxes (13%). While numerous studies of the Lake Tana Basin accounted for the hydrologic connectivity implicitly, these related predominantly to functional components. The structural components are given less attention, while in the context of a changing climate, better insights into their influence on the hydrologic seem most relevant. Better knowledge of the static aspect of connectivity is particularly important for targeting appropriate soil and water conservation strategies. Being able to explicitly assess the ‘structural connectivity’ is therefore of direct relevance for land management and land-use policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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17 pages, 2619 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sediment Augmentation for River Rehabilitation and Management—A Review

by Christian Mörtl and Giovanni De Cesare

Land 2021, 10(12), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10121309 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4578

Abstract

Sediment management is an important part of river rehabilitation and management. Global case studies provide a growing number of examples of successful sediment augmentation measures that can counter the adverse effects of disturbed sediment regimes. The initial river state and the objectives of [...] Read more.

Sediment management is an important part of river rehabilitation and management. Global case studies provide a growing number of examples of successful sediment augmentation measures that can counter the adverse effects of disturbed sediment regimes. The initial river state and the objectives of the reported measures can vary largely, however. In this review, a summary of selected case studies is presented, and an objective-focused classification of sediment augmentation measures is introduced. Case-specific restrictions, design approaches and assessment methods based on the literature review and our own experience from working in the field are presented. This summary aims to provide an overview on up-to-date knowledge for applied river rehabilitation and management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources and Land Use Planning)

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