Land, Volume 12, Issue 10 (October 2023) – 138 articles

Accurately identifying inefficient urban land is essential for urban regeneration and mining underutilized assets. Previous studies have primarily focused on examining the overall efficiency of land use without adequately considering the heterogeneity of urban land use types and comprehensive characteristics of urban quality. As a result, the spatial accuracy and precision of research findings have been relatively low. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive method to identify inefficient urban lands for residential, commercial, and industrial use. The method integrated multi-source geographic data to quantitatively characterize the efficiency of different land use types considering six key dimensions, including building attribute, urban service, transportation condition, environmental quality, business performance, and production efficiency, utilized principal component analysis to reduce the multicollinearity and the dimensionality of the data, and identified land clusters with similar features that were inefficiently used by means of hierarchical clustering. By applying the method to Changsha, China, we validated its effectiveness. The results demonstrate that the method can accurately identify inefficient residential, commercial, and industrial land, with kappa coefficients of 0.71, 0.77, and 0.68, respectively. The identification results reveal the spatial distribution patterns of different types of inefficient land. Inefficient residential land is concentrated towards the city center, particularly in central areas. Inefficient commercial land is relatively evenly distributed, mainly outside the core commercial regions. Inefficient industrial land clusters towards the periphery, forming several agglomeration areas centered around industrial parks. By precisely identifying inefficient urban land and focusing on the key influencing factors, the proposed method enables the site selection of urban regeneration, site redevelopment evaluation, and optimization of urban resources. Full article

In the context of climate change and rural revitalization, numerous solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are being installed on village roofs and lands, impacting the enjoyment of the new rural landscape characterized by PV panels. However, the visual acceptance of PV panels in rural areas of China is not yet fully understood. This study aims to identify and correlate three key influential factors that contribute to the acceptance and appreciation of PV panels in China’s rural settings. A quasi-experiment was conducted, incorporating diverse landscapes into six rural settings, each containing both the original landscape and PV panels. The findings demonstrated that the original rural landscape was significantly more scenic than PV panels, and factors contributing to the appreciation of traditional landscapes, such as nostalgia, played a vital role in rejecting PV panels. Conversely, renewable energy-related factors, such as economic stakes and moral desirability, were found to contribute to the acceptance of PV panels. This study contributes to the strategic planning and design of solar PV panels in rural landscapes, taking into consideration social acceptance and local contexts. Full article

The employment inequality between males and females in the context of land expropriation is not conducive for land-expropriated farmers to earn a sustainable livelihood. In this study, based on the data of two waves of household surveys, the “Chinese Family Panel Study” in 2016 and 2018, the PSM-DID method is used to test the effects of land expropriation on the employment behavior of the rural labor force, and the heterogeneous results of men’s and women’s employment behaviors are analyzed. The following conclusions are drawn. Land expropriation significantly reduces the employment probability of the labor force, encouraging the rural labor force to withdraw from the labor market voluntarily; land expropriation significantly shortens the employment distance of the labor force overall, promoting the urbanization of the rural labor force in the vicinity; land expropriation has a greater impact on the unemployment of the female labor force than that of the male labor force, and it increases the employment distance of males and reduces that of females, promoting the return of females’ labor to the family. The policy significance of this study is to attach importance to the long-term sustainable livelihoods of rural households and the employment equality of males and females in urbanization. Findings suggest family–friendly compensation for land expropriation should be formulated, rural construction land should be allowed to enter the market instead of being expropriated, and cooperation between county and developed regions should be encouraged for the creation of more jobs. Full article

Ancient canal towns in Jiangnan have become important tourist destinations due to their unique water town scenery and historical value. Creating a unique tourist image boosts these ancient towns’ competitive edge in tourism and contributes significantly to their preservation and growth. The vast amount of data from social media has become an essential source for uncovering tourism perceptions. This study takes two ancient towns in Shanghai, Zhaojialou and Fengjing, as case study areas. In order to explore and compare the destination images of the towns, in the perception of tourists and in official publicity, machine learning approaches like word embedding and K-means clustering are adopted to process the comments on Sina Weibo and publicity articles, and statistical analysis and correspondence analysis are used for comparative study. The results reveal the following: (1) Using k-means clustering, destination perceptions were categorized into 16 groups spanning three dimensions, “space, activity, and sentiment”, with the most keywords in “activity” and the fewest in “sentiment”. (2) The perception of tourists often differs significantly from the official promotional materials. Official promotions place a strong emphasis on shaping the image of ancient towns based on their historical resources, presenting a more general picture. Tourist perception, which is fragmented, highlights emerging elements and the experiential activities, along with the corresponding emotional experiences. (3) Comparing the two towns, Fengjing Ancient Town stands out, with more diverse tourist perceptions and richer emotional experiences. This underscores the effectiveness of tourism activities that use space as a media to evoke emotions, surpassing the impact of the spaces themselves. Full article

Amidst escalating global environmental challenges, does environmental aid drive tangible conservation outcomes in developing countries or does it merely perpetuate the rift between economic ambition and environmental responsibility? Using a comprehensive ten-year dataset from the OECD, World Bank, Climate Watch, and the Climate Change Laws of the World database, we analyze the relationship between environmental aid and environmental conservation outcomes in recipient countries. Our results indicate that although aid can influence policy development, there is a weak correlation with outcomes such as increased forest cover, expansion of protected areas, and reduced CO₂ emissions. Moreover, the pronounced roles of GDP and population in shaping these outcomes underline the complex interplay of environmental challenges with economic growth and demographic shifts. This dynamic, coupled with the evident mismatch between environmental aid delivery and tangible conservation improvements, emphasizes the need to reconsider current aid distribution strategies. In light of current environmental challenges, this research offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of environmental aid in developing countries and suggests a way forward for more targeted and impactful conservation efforts. Full article

High Nature Value farmland (HNVf) represents a rural landscape characterized by extensive farming practices. These lands not only deliver vital ecosystem services (ES) but also serve as significant harbors of biodiversity, underscoring their critical conservation status. Consequently, European Union countries have prioritized the identification, monitoring, and enhancement of HNVf systems in their policies. As governments and international organizations increasingly lean on green subsidies to promote sustainable environmental practices, the valuation of ecosystem services (VES) emerges as a crucial tool. This valuation offers both an economic rationale for conservation and aids in determining the optimal allocation of these subsidies for maximum environmental and economic return on investment. Given the potential for such valuations to shape and justify conservation subsidies, there is a growing imperative to understand the research trends and knowledge gaps in this realm. This article, through a bibliometric review, seeks to illuminate the size, growth trajectory, and thematic tendencies within HNVf and VES literature. Bibliometric analysis is recognized as promising in identifying research trends; thus, this article consists of a bibliometric review of HNVf and VES research. The objective is to identify the size, growth trajectory, and geographic distribution of HNVf and VES literature between the first publication until 2022, while assessing the critical publishing journals, authors, documents, and conceptual structure of the research fields (e.g., economic, social, and environmental). The analysis revealed a predominant concentration of research on HNVf in Europe, with limited studies conducted outside this continent. The primary focus of these studies revolved around subject areas such as environmental science, agriculture, and biological sciences. Conversely, regarding research on VES, there was no clear regional concentration. VES research publications mainly covered the interdisciplinary fields of economics, biology, and policymaking. As the fields of HNVf and VES have evolved, it is evident that there has been a stronger push towards data-driven approaches, emphasizing the need for tangible assessments and precise understanding. In examining the overlap between topics, the analysis revealed a gap between methodologies for HNVf monitoring and conservation and VES, highlighting the need for further development in crafting an integrated approach encompassing both areas. Full article

This study is based on micro-survey data on rural household transfers in China. This study uses a multiple linear regression model (to analyze the relationship between variables), an instrumental variable model (to solve potential endogenous problems), and an intermediary effect model to explore the impact of farmland rights confirmation and clan network on farmers’ investment in production and operation and the relationship between clan network confirmation of farmland rights and farmer household investment. The research shows that: (1) The confirmation of farmland rights in China substantially bolsters farmers’ investments in agricultural production and operation. It serves as a secure foundation for land property rights, elevating farmers’ confidence and significantly contributing to the growth of rural economies and the improvement of farmers’ income levels in the Chinese context. (2) In the Chinese context, the existence of clan networks exerts a discernible adverse influence on farmers’ investment decisions in agricultural production and operation. This is primarily attributable to the restricted flow of information within these networks, the enforcement of stringent social norms, and the prevalence of risk-averse attitudes. These factors collectively act as barriers, dampening farmers’ enthusiasm for investment and impeding effective decision-making. (3) Importantly, the confirmation of agricultural land rights in China serves as a counterbalance to the inhibitory effects of clan networks. It achieves this by mitigating information asymmetry and reducing cooperation risks. This proactive approach not only promotes but also facilitates farmers’ investments in agricultural production and operation within the Chinese context. Consequently, land rights confirmation emerges as a key driver of increased rural investments in China. This study conducts in-depth research on the impact of farmland ownership confirmation and clan networks on farmers’ investment behavior and the mechanism of action, which provides a useful reference for formulating relevant policies, such as increasing the authority of cultivated land, promoting the modernization of clan networks, cultivating modern management capabilities, etc. Full article

The installation of solar facilities is increasing rapidly in the Mojave Desert USA, with the largest facility in North America (3227 ha) currently being built 30 km north of Las Vegas, NV. At the state level, Nevada (USA) has developed an energy plan to diversify its energy portfolio by 2030 with green energy representing 50% of the energy produced. Although solar is considered a clean energy, it does require significant amounts of land and as such may have negative consequences at the habitat and ecosystem levels. A multi-year study was conducted to assess the impact a photovoltaic facility in the Mojave Desert had on the growth and physiological response of two native shrubs (Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata) growing inside and outside the facility. These species were selected because they were the dominant species at the site and are representative of desert scrub communities throughout the Mojave Desert. At the time of construction, native plants and washes were left intact inside the solar facility. The solar panel arrays were separated at either 8 m or 10 m. Plants were selected for monitoring on the basis of location: at the panel drip line, below the panels, or midway between panel rows. Abiotic factors, including PAR, reference evapotranspiration, precipitation, soil water in storage, and infiltration, were monitored bi-monthly. The growth and physiological status of the plants were assessed by monitoring leaf water potential, chlorophyll index, canopy temperatures, non-structural carbohydrates in the roots and stems, leaf tissue ion concentrations, stem elongation, and seed production. Plants at the bottom edges of the panels received more precipitation due to runoff from the panels, which led to increased soil moisture in the long spacing but not the short spacing. The lower soil water in storage in the short spacing was related to greater growth and higher soil water extraction. Although the area under the panels provided shade in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter, the incoming PAR was reduced by as much as 85%, causing plants growing under the panels to be spindly with lower canopy volume (L. tridentata, p = 0.03) and seed yield (A. dumosa, p = 0.05). Ambrosia plants remained green in color year-round (not going into winter dormancy) inside the facility and had elevated levels of starch in their roots and stems compared with plants growing at the outside control sites (p < 0.001). Larrea growing outside the facility had lower xylem water potentials compared with those inside the facility (p < 0.001), lower chlorophyll index (p < 0.001, Ambrosia as well), and lower stem elongation (p < 0.001), supporting the conclusion that both Larrea and Ambrosia performed better inside the facility. Shifts in δ¹³ C suggested greater water-use efficiency at the locations with the least amount of soil water in storage. Our results support the installation of solar facilities that minimize the impact on native plants and wash connectivity (ecovoltaics), which should translate into a reduced negative impact at the habitat and ecosystem levels. Basedon our results, energy companies that embrace ecovoltaic systems that take an engineering and biological approach should provide acceptable environments for desert fauna. However, corridors (buffers) will need to be maintained between solar facilities, and fences will need to have openings that allow for the continuous flow of animals and resources. Full article

Landslide and mudslide susceptibility predictions play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, ecological protection, settlement planning, etc. Currently, multi-modal remote sensing data have been used for precise landslide and mudslide disaster prediction with spatial details, spectral information, or terrain attributes. However, features regarding landslide and mudslide susceptibility are often hidden in multi-modal remote sensing images, beyond the features extracted and learnt by deep learning approaches. This paper reports our efforts to conduct landslide and mudslide susceptibility prediction with multi-modal remote sensing data involving digital elevation models, optical remote sensing, and an SAR dataset. Moreover, based on the results generated by multi-modal remote sensing data, we further conducted landslide and mudslide susceptibility prediction with semantic knowledge. Through the comparisons with the ground truth datasets created by field investigation, experimental results have proved that remote sensing data can only enhance deep learning techniques to detect the landslide and mudslide, rather than the landslide and mudslide susceptibility. Knowledge regarding the potential clues about landslide and mudslide, which would be critical for estimating landslide and mudslide susceptibility, have not been comprehensively investigated yet. Full article

Fires in forested raised bogs occur both as a result of natural processes and as a result of human activity. Although there is a generally accepted opinion that their impact on ecosystems is significant, there is still a lack of scientifically reliable research on how individual components of damaged ecosystems change and recover under the influence of fires. The purpose of our study was to assess whether and how these fires affect the chemical composition of the peat layers. This study is based on a geochemical analysis of surface peat layers in areas after a controlled fire and in adjacent areas which were untouched by the fire in a raised bog of Čepkeliai. This study showed a low concentration of potentially toxic elements in the peat layers. In this respect, it is clear that there is no risk of environmental contamination in this natural raised bog. Furthermore, the research revealed other important insights on the combination of potentially toxic elements that can be used as a tracer for the identification of fire events that occurred in the past. Multiple analyses on various combinations of potentially toxic elements revealed the optimal combination (Cu-Zr-Pb-Se-Fe) for distinguishing between the burnt and non-burnt areas. Based on the results of our research, it can be stated that the low-temperature, controlled burning of the peat layers of raised bog forests can be successfully carried out to achieve the environmental and ecological goals of forest management. Full article

Water scarcity and quality are critical impediments to sustainable crop production. In this study, HYDRUS-2D was calibrated using field measurements of water contents and salinities in the soil under wine grapes irrigated with river water (Rw, 0.32 dS/m). The calibrated model was then used to evaluate the impact of (a) four different water qualities ranging from 0.32 (Rw) to 3.2 dS/m (brackish water, Gw) including blended (Mix) and monthly alternating (Alt) irrigation modes; (b) two rainfall conditions (normal and 20% below normal); and (c) two leaching options (with and without 30 mm spring leaching irrigation) during the 2017–2022 growing seasons. Irrigation water quality greatly impacted root water uptake (RWU) by wine grapes and other water balance components. Irrigation with brackish water reduced average RWU by 18.7% compared to river water. Irrigation with blended water or from alternating water sources reduced RWU by 8.8 and 7%, respectively. Relatively small (2.8–8.2%) average annual drainage (Dr) in different scenarios produced a very low (0.05–0.16) leaching fraction. Modeling scenarios showed a tremendous impact of water quality on the salts build-up in the soil. The average electrical conductivity of the saturated soil extract (EC_e) increased three times with Gw irrigation compared to Rw (current practices). Blended and alternate irrigation scenarios showed a 21 and 28% reduction in EC_e, respectively, compared to Gw. Irrigation water quality substantially impacted site-specific actual basal (K_{cb act}) and single (K_{c act}) crop coefficients of grapevine. Threshold leaching efficiency estimated in terms of the salt mass leached vs. added (LE_s; kg/kg) for salinity control (LE_s > 1) was achieved with LFs of 0.07, 0.12, 0.12, and 0.15 for the Rw, Mix, Alt, and Gw irrigations, respectively. Applying annual leaching irrigation (30 mm) before bud burst (spring) in the Mix and Alt with Rw and Gw scenarios was found to be the best strategy for managing irrigation-induced salinity in the root zone, lowering the EC_e to levels comparable to irrigation with Rw. Modeling scenarios suggested that judicious use of water resources and continuous root zone monitoring could be key for salinity management under adverse climate and low water allocation conditions. Full article

Gogland Island, located in the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea, was densely populated in the past but has been nearly abandoned since the Second World War. The self-restoration of wildlife takes place there. Recent research on the island aimed to evaluate the conservation value of this process. It was expected that the island would demonstrate a standard for the perfect state of protected areas of the boreal zone of Europe. The island has been overgrown with forests; open areas occupy insignificant parts and tend to shrink. Picturesque landscapes have been formed, but the conservation value of these areas are questionable as the biodiversity is rather low there. They contain “empty forest” that is partly impassable. The island demonstrates that to achieve the maximum effect for biodiversity conservation, the abandonment of land without any management would be insufficient. The fate of the island partly supports the concept of Pleistocene rewilding: a mosaic of forests and meadows, maintained by ungulates, should be considered a normal state of environments. Full article

Metal beneficiation activities may cause soil pollution in the surrounding cropland, making it crucial to conduct heavy metal pollution assessment and source analysis of the cultivated land in mining areas for the protection of the ecological environment and human health. In this study, a total of 205 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected on site from the Tianheba cropland near the lead–zinc concentrator in Xieping Village, Huixian County, Gansu Province, China; their pH values and their SOM, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb contents were determined. Based on the data, we used the Kriging spatial interpolation, the Nemero index, the index of geoaccumulation, and the PMF model to analyze the characteristics of the spatial distribution of soil heavy metals in the region, the degree of contamination, the sources, and the contribution rate. The results indicated that the heavy metals with contamination levels in the Tianheba cropland were Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, As, and Cr in descending order, with the average concentrations of Cd (0.39 mg/kg), Zn (122 mg/kg), Pb (30.4 mg/kg), and Hg (0.07 mg/kg) being significantly higher than the background values of the Gansu soils. The soil in the region as a whole was heavily polluted; it was heavily polluted with Cd, moderately polluted with Zn, and mildly polluted with Pb. Hg had a larger value in the index of geoaccumulation. By analyzing the spatial distribution and sources of the soil metals, it was found that the cropland contaminated with heavy metals in Tianheba was distributed around the mineral processing plant and the infiltration area of the canal. The PMF model revealed three pollution sources: the industrial source related to mining activities, the fertilizer application source, and the natural source. This study provides a scientific basis for the precise management of heavy metal pollution in the area. Full article

The impacts of climate change are already pushing beyond the threshold for sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods. In Sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable due to limited resources and adaptive capacity. Early warnings are critical in mitigating and reducing climate-related dangers and building resiliency. That notwithstanding, there needs to be higher coverage of early warnings in developing countries, and there is even less knowledge of their contribution to rural development. Using a cross-sectional survey involving smallholder farmer households (n = 517), this study investigates the relationship between early warnings and perceived climate preparedness in Ghana’s semi-arid Upper West Region. From ordered logistic regression presented as an odds ratio (OR), factors that influenced climate preparedness in the past 12 months before the study include exposure to early warnings (OR = 2.238; p < 0.001) and experiences of prior climate events such as drought (OR = 9.252; p < 0.001), floods (OR = 6.608; p < 0.001), and erratic rain (OR = 4.411; p < 0.001). The results emphasize the importance of early warning systems and various socioeconomic factors in improving the climate resilience of smallholder farmers in Ghana. In conclusion, the study puts forth policy suggestions worth considering. Full article

Coastal is the coupling of socio-economic and fragile ecosystems area existing development and protection problems, with lots of reserve land resources (i.e., bottomland and tidal flats). Analyzing and predicting the carbon storage changes caused by land use/land cover (LULC) on the Jiangsu coast were critical for revealing the potential problems of land surface changes and sustainable development. Then, we utilized the single dynamic degree and transfer in/out contribution, exploring the characteristics of LULC change in the study area from 1980 to 2018. Using the InVEST model, PLUS-LEAS model, and PLUS-Markov chain module, we assessed the spatiotemporal of the study area at the county level to reveal the LULC change strategy and driving factor contribution, as well as the composition of LULC and carbon storage in 2036. The results show that the LULC structure in the study area significantly changed from 1980 to 2018, in which the tidal flat and high coverage grassland decreased by 552.84 km² and 383.71 km² while the reservoir ponds and urban residential land increased by 1210.69 km² and 101.70 km². The major driving factor of LULC change has shifted from a single-factor to multi-factor coupling, and the influence contribution of human activity increased by 6.73%, especially the population. The carbon storage of study areas showed a significant decrease trend during 1980–2010, followed by a slight increase during 2010–2018. High-density carbon storage was mainly distributed in Lianyungang and Nantong and presented a decreasing trend along the coastline extending inland. The dry land and reservoir ponds are the main composition of LULC types in 2036, and the carbon storage increased to 2.39 × 10⁸ t. In addition, more than decades of LULC change will cover part or all of the land use change process and trends, especially high-covered grasslands, so we suggest a 10-year LULC change to analyze coastal areas with lots of tidal flats and bottomlands. Therefore, this study can provide reference and theoretical guidance for ecologically sustainable development and future LULC evolution in coastal cities. Full article

Long-term monitoring and adaptive ecological management are essential to the conservation of biodiversity. Yet, achieving successful long-term ecological monitoring and management, especially at the landscape level, has proven challenging. In this paper, we address the hurdles faced in sustaining long-term monitoring and management for landscape-scale efforts by offering three promising conceptual and methodological developments that support such initiatives. Then, we introduce L-TEAM, a long-term ecological adaptive monitoring and management framework that integrates those three components using four tools: a conceptual model, clearly defined and measurable objectives, scientifically robust experimentation, and decision support tools. Finally, using a case study, we demonstrate L-TEAM’s effectiveness in supporting the long-term monitoring and management of a landscape conservation project with diverse habitat types and multiple management objectives. This structured decision framework not only facilitates informed decision making in management practices, but also ensures the implementation of scientifically grounded long-term monitoring. Additionally, L-TEAM holds the potential to enhance our understanding of ecosystem functioning and biodiversity responses to disturbances and management actions. Full article

In the planning process, it is crucial to involve every key stakeholder for effective collaborative participation. However, in real-world practice, planners often face difficulties engaging stakeholders who remain passive. The authors argue that the Delphi method, when modified to enhance planners’ roles as a communication channel, can bridge this gap, serving as a tool to facilitate communication with these passive stakeholders and fostering consensus between those who actively voice their opinions and those who do not. Therefore, this study introduces a ‘planner-aided’ policy Delphi method, which is a revised version of existing Delphi methods tailored to better serve these goals. The authors then explore the effectiveness of this proposed method in engaging voiceless stakeholders in the participatory planning process through a case study of the Seohak-dong Art Theme Street design project in Jeonju, South Korea. This study finds that the PAP Delphi technique integrated into participatory planning effectively reflected the thoughts of voiceless stakeholders. This research contributes by proposing a practical and easy-to-use method for urban planners to engage less-vocal groups and demonstrating its effectiveness. Full article

Aging and urbanization significantly impact the physical and mental well-being of the elderly population. Empirical investigations have highlighted the contribution of the built environment to promoting elderly health. However, there is a need for further exploration of the factors within the built environment that impact the subjective well-being (SWB) of the elderly. To address this, this study selected 50 communities in Guangzhou, where 1403 elderly people were surveyed. Employing the random forest, we have identified contributing factors of the built environment affecting the SWB of the elderly. Meanwhile, we used a prediction model constructed by random forest to predict the SWB level of the elderly. The results indicated that accessibility to parks (positive emotions (PA): 0.822, positive experiences (PE): 0.235), hospitals (PA: 0.680, PE: 0.546), and supermarkets (PA: 0.237, PE: 0.617) significantly contributed to PA and PE. On the other hand, factors such as population density had a significant contribution to negative emotions (NA: 0.431) and negative experiences (NE: 0.194). Based on the prediction results, the spatial distribution of SWB among the elderly can be derived. Overall, our study can provide planning and improvement strategies for built environments that promote SWB among the elderly. Full article

Resilient cities have emerged as novel urban ecosystems that respond to the increasing challenges of contemporary urban development. A new methodological approach is needed to measure and assess the degree of resilience of the urban landscape during the ongoing planning process, considering different planning and design scenarios. Based on this consideration, the first attempt of this study was to develop a resilience index that summarizes the application of resilience theory in urban landscape planning. Is geodesign an appropriate tool to assess urban resilience? This was the main research question and the topic of the workshop ’’IGC—Resilient City of Belgrade’’ at the Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade (Master Landscape Studio). The main result of this research is a model for urban resilience assessment with IGC geodesign, which allows to measure scenario changes through developed resilience indicators (index), which are determined by a set of parameters (area, redundancy, diversity, porosity, carbon sequestration, edge type, edge length, etc.). The methodological approach allows quantifying the impact of adopted innovations in geodesign scenario proposals, which plays a crucial role in strengthening the connection between landscape planning and design. In the context of the novel urban ecosystem, future urban landscape planning should focus on resilience as a measure to achieve sustainable development goals, supported by geodesign as a collaborative and spatially explicit negotiation tool. Full article

In rapidly growing urban contexts, water plays a pivotal role in the transitions the urban environment goes through to sustain the quality of life of its population. Spatial planning and design are essential for the facilitation and manifestation of such transitions. Focusing on Bhuj, a rapidly growing Indian city in a hot arid desert climate, its crucial yet changing sensitivity to urban water flows over time is assessed. The concept of water sensitivity is coined as a goal to pursue by the Water-Sensitive Urban Design approach. In India, however, much of the urban design and development processes are of an unplanned and informal nature, seemingly inhibiting the water sensitivity of urban transitions. Reviewing spatial planning paradigms and their manifestation in space in Bhuj over time, however, brings to light a pre-existing water sensitivity. Yet it also shows a shift from the supply security-oriented ingenious watershed expansion to catastrophe-steered and urban expansion-driven water system negligence. Review and discussion of past and present urban water transitions and management points out drivers, barriers, and their interrelationships, to enable and advance water-sensitive urban development tied to local history, traditional knowledge, and context specificities. Full article

Drought is a phenomenon that is strengthening with the progress of climate change. Many fields of human activities such as agriculture, forestry, ecology, economy, water supply, or energy production are affected. Municipalities are one of the most important actors, because final adaptation often takes place at this level. However, planning measures is challenging for small municipalities, with adaptation capacity being lower than in big cities. A model working with data from the Global Change research Institute CzechGlobe and the Czech national drought monitor Intersucho allows for information to be obtained at the landscape scale about drought, and their utilization for small municipalities is introduced. In addition to detailed maps for the years 1991–2014, the model enables long-term prediction of drought prevalence for the years 2021–2040 and 2041–2060. GIS-integrated Random Forest regression and twelve climate, topography, and land use/land cover variables were involved in the model construction. The tuned model could explain 70% of reference data variability, and was used for drought prevalence mapping in 20 m spatial detail. Utilisation of overlay and visualisation tools and consultation of actual spatial planning maps helped create maps for spatial decision-making support in precautionary measure and landscape management within the municipalities. Full article

In the context of rural development and transformation, it is crucial to identify the impact of rural multifunctionality on non-point source (NPS) pollution. This study applies the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), geographical detector, and principal component analysis in Liyang, a typical hilly subbasin in China, in order to assess the rural multifunctional development that influences the spatial differentiation of NPS pollution and detect the interactive effects of rural multifunctionality. The R² and NSE demonstrated that the calibrated SWAT model successfully simulated NPS pollution in Liyang. The village scale was identified as the optimal research scale for examining the rural multifunctional development on NPS pollution distribution. The rural multifunctional indicators, such as the proportion of vegetable farming, sowing area, and grain farming, would influence NPS distribution. The number of family farming cooperatives, the area of pond farming, and the nature reserves area were also significant. The rural multifunctionality in Liyang could be classified into five categories: grain production, mixed agriculture, ecological conservation, leisure tourism, and industry and business function. The superposition of rural multifunctionality has a strengthening effect on NPS pollution, especially when the ecological conservation function is combined with the grain production or modern agriculture function. The study could provide NPS pollution control strategies for policymaking in rural multifunctional development. Full article

Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) has become an effective tool for promoting the coordinated development of production, living, and ecological spaces (PLES) in rural China. Given the remarkable territorial differentiation, planning strategies that are geared towards local conditions are indispensable for implementing CLC projects. This study employs the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model to simulate the horizontal competition among PLES in Chongqing. The suitability evaluation index system for PLES was developed using natural ecological data, socio-economic data, and land use data from Chongqing Municipality. The results show that: (1) Based on the principles of productivity, livability, and sustainability, the suitability of PLES in Chongqing is classified into highly suitable, moderately suitable, generally suitable, unsuitable, and extremely unsuitable areas. The spatial distribution of suitability across different levels in Chongqing exhibits certain degrees of overlap, intersection, and clustering. (2) Based on the different resistance relationships, 1031 townships in Chongqing were divided into seven types of CLC areas. The northeastern and southeastern regions of Chongqing Municipality exhibit distinct ecological and functional advantages, whereas the northern and western parts of the city are characterized by greater multifunctionality. (3) Tailored CLC measures are suggested for various suitability scenarios, aligning with local conditions and planned developments. The MCR model and PLES theory integrated zoning methods for CLC are practicable and effective, providing a scientific foundation for the construction of land consolidation plans in Chongqing and important references for regional sustainable development. Full article

Plastic in agriculture is frequently used to protect crops and its use boosts output, enhances food quality, contributes to minimize water consumption, and reduces the environmental impacts of agricultural activities. On the other hand, end-of-life plastic management and disposal are the main issues related to their presence in this kind of environment, especially in respect of plastic degradation, if not properly handled (i.e., storage places directly in contact with the ground, exposure of stocks to meteoric agents for long periods, incorrect or incomplete removal). In this study, the possibility of using an in situ near infrared (NIR: 1000–1700 nm) hyperspectral imaging detection architecture for the recognition of various plastic wastes in agricultural soils in order to identify their presence and also assess their degradation from a recovery/recycling perspective was explored. In more detail, a Partial Least Squares—Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) classifier capable of identifying plastic waste from soil was developed, implemented, and set up. Results showed that hyperspectral imaging, in combination with chemometric approaches, allows the utilization of a rapid, non-destructive, and non-invasive analytical approach for characterizing the plastic waste produced in agriculture, as well as the potential assessment of their lifespan. Full article

The current paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey which examines the trail path usage conditions on Peranthi Hill in Arta, a medium-sized city in northwestern Greece. The key element of the survey is the detailed mapping of the suburban trail path network of the city, and it focuses on questions about the types of activities of people who walk or bike on the trail paths and the day, time, duration and distance of their trips, as well as their equipment (bicycles, clothes, shoes, etc.). Further questions focus on maintenance and safety issues (e.g., security, guarding, cleanliness) and infrastructures which are considered necessary in order to improve the trail paths’ environment and their use. Taking into consideration that several routes are being developed on Peranthi Hill, with distinct differences in their layouts, the preferred layout is explored in relation to each activity selected by the users. The results of the questionnaire survey, and the cluster analysis specifically, aim to address these issues and assist stakeholders and policymakers in improving the trail paths in terms of their utility and usability level. Full article

Soil salinization and its detrimental agricultural, environmental, and socioeconomic impact over extended regions represent a major global concern that needs to be addressed. The sustainability of agricultural lands and the development of proper mitigation strategies require effective monitoring and mapping of the saline areas of the world. Therefore, robust modeling techniques and efficient sensors that assess and monitor the spatial and temporal variations in soil salinity within an area, promptly and accurately, are essential. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the modeling approaches for the assessment and mapping of saline soils using data collected by the EM38 and EM38MK2 (MK2) sensors at different scales. By examining the current and latest approaches and highlighting the most noteworthy considerations related to their accuracy and reliability, the intention of this review is to elucidate and underline the role of the EM38 and the MK2 type in the recent needs of detecting and interpreting soil salinity. Another aim is to assist researchers and users in selecting the optimal approach for future surveys and making well-informed decisions for the implementation of precise management practices. The study’s findings revealed that the integration of the EM38 and MK2 sensors with remote sensing data and advanced methods like machine learning and inversion is a promising approach to the accurate prediction and mapping of the spatiotemporal variations in soil salinity. Therefore, future research focused on validating and expanding such sophisticated modeling applications to regional and global scales should be increased. Full article

It has been a century since the Great Kanto earthquake and 78 years since WWII, both of which were catastrophic events in Japan’s history. Preserving memories of urban disasters is essential for preventing future tragedies, and while survivors’ testimonies hold great power, their numbers dwindle over time. However, trees which bear the scars of disaster can also serve as valuable storytellers. This study investigates earthquake and war-damaged trees, including 11 Gingo trees, 1 Chinquapin, and 1 Japanese nutmeg tree, located at the Yushima Seido Temple in Tokyo, and highlights their importance in preserving memories. The trees were measured using a sonic tomography tree internal diagnosis device, resulting in a total of 41 cross-sections that captured their conditions in images. The results indicated an ideal measurement method for trees located on slopes, as well as identifying a new type of classification shape for measurement cross-sections. The results of this research should primarily be of benefit to tree owners, but it is hoped that the benefits can also extend to a wider audience by increasing awareness about the significance of trees with unique urban historical narratives, aiding the preservation of urban green space, aiding in disaster preparedness, and promoting the role of such tress in peace education. Full article

The systematic advancement of land urbanization coupled with the pursuit of a low-carbon economy constitutes a critical challenge faced by numerous nations across the globe. Utilizing panel data spanning 195 countries from 1990 to 2020, this study employed a panel regression model to scrutinize the impact mechanisms of land urbanization on CO₂ emissions across income groups. The findings revealed a consistent overall increase in both land urbanization and per capita CO₂ emissions during the period examined, with marked disparities evident among countries of varying income levels. The regression analysis further identified an “inverted U-shaped” curve relationship between land urbanization and per capita CO₂ emissions in the global context and within high-income panels. Conversely, a “U-shaped” curve relationship was discerned in lower-middle-income nations, whereas a linear relationship was observed in upper-middle-income and low-income countries. These insights serve to deepen the understanding of the CO₂ emission implications of land urbanization across countries at different development stages. This study underscores the necessity for countries to attentively consider their unique stage of development when devising CO₂ reduction policies, reinforcing the complex interplay between urbanization, economic categorization, and environmental stewardship. Full article

Urban forests by the riverside are important habitats for various animals and contribute various soundscapes for citizens. Unfortunately, urban forests are exposed to the influence of riverside traffic noises from freeways. This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal variation of soundscape, conduct soundscape optimization for multiple parameters, and find a balance and its interval of soundscape elements through optimizing a soundscape map. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather soundscape information in an urban forested area in Fuzhou, China. Diurnal variations and soundscape mapping were used to analyze spatial and psychophysical relationships between soundscape drivers. We then conducted optimization for a soundscape map, which included normalization, critical value determination, target interval of optimal SPL determination, and modification of SPL and mapping. Our findings suggest that biological activities and natural phenomena are potential drivers for diurnal variation of soundscapes, especially tidal phenomena contributing water and shipping soundscapes. Our results also suggest that all the high values of perceived soundscapes were found at the southwest corner of the study area, which includes both riverside and urban forest elements. Furthermore, we suggest combining both optimal soundscape and SPL correction maps to aid in sustainable design in urban forests. This can contribute to the understanding and methodology of soundscape map optimization in urban forests when proposing suitable design plans and conservation of territorial sound. Full article

Ecosystems provide humanity with a wide variety and high economic value-added services, from biomass structuring to genetic information, pollutants’ decomposition, water purification and climate regulation. The foundation of ecosystem services is the Eltonian Pyramid, where via prey–predator relationships, energy metabolism and biomass building take place. In the context of existing ecosystem services classification and valuation methods (e.g., CICES, MEA, TEEB), financial investments in ecosystem services essentially address the conservation of trophic pyramids. Our work’s main target is to investigate how trophic pyramids’ dynamics (stability or instability) impact the long-run discounting of financial investments on ecosystem services’ value. Specifically, a trophic pyramid with highly fluctuating populations generates higher risks for the production of ecosystem services, hence for ecological finance instruments coupled to them, due to higher temporal uncertainty or information entropy that should be incorporated into their discount rates. As this uncertainty affects negatively the net present value (NPV) of financial capital on ecosystem services, we argue that the minimization of biomass fluctuations in trophic pyramids via population control should be among the priorities of ecosystem management practices. To substantiate our hypothesis, we construct a logistic predation model, which is consistent with the Eltonian Pyramid’s ecological energetics. As the logistic predator model’s parameters determine the tropic pyramid’s dynamics and uncertainty, we develop an adjusted Shannon entropy index (H(N)_ADJ) to measure this effect as part of the discount rate. Indicatively, we perform a Monte Carlo simulation of a pyramid with intrinsic growth parameter values that yield oscillating population sizes. Finally, we discuss, from an ecological energetics standpoint, issues of competition and diversity in trophic pyramids, as special dimensions and extensions of our analytical framework. Full article