Journal Description
Land
Land
is an international and cross-disciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal on land system science, landscape, soil–sediment–water systems, urban study, land–climate interactions, water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus, biodiversity research and health nexus, land modelling and data processing, ecosystem services, and multifunctionality and sustainability etc., published monthly online by MDPI. The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), European Land-use Institute (ELI), Landscape Institute (LI) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Land, and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, GeoRef, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q2 (Nature and Landscape Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Urban Physical Environments Promoting Active Leisure Travel: An Empirical Study Using Crowdsourced GPS Tracks and Geographic Big Data from Multiple Sources
Land 2024, 13(5), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050589 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since
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Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since longer trips are associated with increased exercise. Additionally, the most recent studies focus on leisure walking and leisure cycling, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and running are examined less frequently. This study, therefore, compares the similarities and differences of the environmental factors associated with route selection and travel distance through non-parametric tests and Cox proportional hazard models. The results show that two intersecting sets of environmental elements relate to both the route chosen and the distance traveled. Land use diversity and varied topography are appealing for both leisure trips and trip length. In addition, the differences in environmental characteristics among specific leisure travels may be attributed to variations in physical activity requirements, preferences for landscape viewing, and/or sensitivity to crowding. Therefore, conclusions drawn without considering the different types of leisure travel could be skewed. Whether particular surroundings may effectively increase physical activity remains uncertain. A more holistic perspective could be beneficial when studying the connection between the environment, active travel, and health.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Healthy and Sustainable Living Environments: Green and Blue Spaces)
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Hillslope Agriculture on Soil Compaction and Seasonal Water Dynamics in a Temperate Vineyard
by
Jasmina Defterdarović, Lana Filipović, Gabrijel Ondrašek, Igor Bogunović, Ivan Dugan, Vinod Phogat, Hailong He, Mehran Rezaei Rashti, Ehsan Tavakkoli, Thomas Baumgartl, Abolfazl Baghbani, Timothy I. McLaren and Vilim Filipović
Land 2024, 13(5), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050588 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and
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Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and seasonal water content dynamics of the hillslope. Measurements were made at the hilltop and footslope, i.e., soil water content and potential were measured using sensors, wick lysimeters were used to quantify water flux, while a mini-disk infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rate and calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K_unsat). Soil texture showed differences between hillslope positions, i.e., at the hilltop after 50 cm depth, the soil is classified as silty clay loam, and from 75 cm onward, the soil is silty clay, while at the footslope, the soil is silt loam even at the deeper depths. The results show a higher K_unsat at the footslope as well as higher average water volumes collected in wick lysimeters compared to the hilltop. Average water volumes showed a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 between the hilltop and the footslope. The soil water content and water potential sensors showed higher values at the footslope at all depths, i.e., 8.0% at 15 cm, 8.4% at 30 cm, and 27.3% at 45 cm. The results show that, even though the vineyard is located in a relatively small area, soil heterogeneity is present, affecting the water flow along the hillslope. This suggests the importance of observing water movement in the soil, especially today when facing extreme weather (e.g., short-term high-intensity rainfall events) in order to protect soil and water resources.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecosystem Disturbances and Soil Properties)
Open AccessArticle
Energy Utilization and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions of Tillage Operation in Wetland Rice Cultivation
by
Suha Elsoragaby, A. F. Kheiralla, Elkamil Tola, Azmi Yahya, Modather Mairghany, Mojahid Ahmed, Wael M. Elamin and Bahaaddein K. M. Mahgoub
Land 2024, 13(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050587 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
In Malaysia, wetland rice is cultivated over two cropping seasons: the main season, from June to November, and the off-season, from January to June. The aim of this study was to investigate tillage operations in rice production in relation to actual field operations
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In Malaysia, wetland rice is cultivated over two cropping seasons: the main season, from June to November, and the off-season, from January to June. The aim of this study was to investigate tillage operations in rice production in relation to actual field operations and under real field conditions for two rice cultivation seasons. The results showed that 80.7%, 17%, and 2.3% of the total time was spent on the actual operation, turning time, and reversing time, respectively. The results also showed that the mean effective field capacity, field efficiency, and fuel consumption were 1.2 ha/h, 80%, and 7.6 L/ha, respectively. The distribution of energy used in the first, second, and third tillage passes amounted to 37%, 33%, and 30% of the total energy, respectively. Fuel, machinery, and total GHG emissions were 62.4, 7.6, and 70 kg CO2eq/ha, respectively. Fuel represented the highest contributor of energy expenditure and GHG emissions. The distributions of GHG emissions in the first, second, and third tillage passes were 37%, 32%, and 31% of the total GHG emissions. The results reveal that carrying out minimum-tillage operations led to a reduction in environmental impacts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Sustainability from the Viewpoint of Carbon Emission)
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Open AccessArticle
Mapping Cropland Abandonment in the Cloudy Hilly Regions Surrounding the Southwest Basin of China
by
Yali Wei, Junjie Wen, Qunchao Zhou, Yan Zhang and Gaocheng Dong
Land 2024, 13(5), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050586 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Cropland is a vital resource intricately connected to food security. Currently, the issue of cropland abandonment poses a serious threat to food production and supply, presenting a significant challenge to rural economies and the stability of the food supply chain. The hilly and
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Cropland is a vital resource intricately connected to food security. Currently, the issue of cropland abandonment poses a serious threat to food production and supply, presenting a significant challenge to rural economies and the stability of the food supply chain. The hilly and cloudy regions of southwest China are particularly affected by cropland abandonment, presenting significant challenges in accurately mapping the distribution of abandoned cropland due to fragmentation and heavy cloud pollution. Therefore, this study focuses on Mingshan County, located in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, China, as the study area. Utilizing Google Earth Engine (GEE) and a random forest algorithm, a method integrating multi-source data from Landsat 8, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1 is proposed to extract abandoned cropland spanning from 2018 to 2022. This study analyzes spatial and temporal characteristics, employing the Geodetector with optimal parameters to explore the underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal the following: (1) The method achieves an overall accuracy of land use classification surpassing 88.67%, with a Kappa coefficient exceeding 0.87. Specifically, the accuracy for identifying abandoned cropland reaches 87.00%. (2) From 2018 to 2022, the abandonment rate in Mingshan County fluctuated between 4.58% and 5.77%, averaging 5.03%. The lowest abandonment rate occurred in 2019–2020, while the highest was observed in 2020–2021. (3) Cropland abandonment is influenced by both natural and social factors. Elevation and slope are the main driving factors, alongside factors such as distance to road, town, and residential settlement that all significantly contribute to abandonment trends. These five factors exhibit positive correlation with the abandonment rate, with distance to the river showing relatively weaker explanatory power.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land – Observation and Monitoring)
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Open AccessArticle
Have Agricultural Land-Use Carbon Emissions in China Peaked? An Analysis Based on Decoupling Theory and Spatial EKC Model
by
Haoyue Wu, Bangwen Ding, Lu Liu, Lei Zhou, Yue Meng and Xiangjiang Zheng
Land 2024, 13(5), 585; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050585 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio
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Assessing the emission-peaking process of agricultural land use provides valuable insights for mitigating global warming. This study calculated agricultural land-use carbon emissions (ALUCEs) in China from 2000 to 2020 and explored the peaking process based on quantitative criteria. Further, we applied the Tapio decoupling index and environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model to discuss the robustness of the peaking process. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2020, China’s average ALUCEs were 368.1 Mt C-eq (1349.7 CO2-eq), peaking at 396.9 Mt C-eq (1455.3 Mt CO2-eq) in 2015 before plateauing. Emissions from agricultural materials and soil management had entered the declining period, while those from rice cultivation were in the peaking period, those from straw burning were still rising, and those from livestock breeding remained at the plateauing phase. (2) The provinces of Beijing, Tianjin, and nine others saw a decline in ALUCEs, while Hainan, Guizhou, and another nine provinces observed plateauing, and Ningxia, Qinghai, and six other provinces experienced peaking. (3) Decoupling analysis confirmed that emission-peaking states remained stable even with agricultural growth. Instead of an inverted U-shaped relationship, we found an N-shaped relationship between ALUCEs and agricultural GDP. The spatial EKC model indicated that the peaking process had spillover effects between provinces. It is recommended that China accelerate ALUCE mitigation based on the source and phase of emissions, considering the peaking process and magnitude.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Environmental and Policy Impact Assessment)
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Open AccessArticle
Does the State of Scientific Knowledge and Legal Regulations Sufficiently Protect the Environment of River Valleys?
by
Monika Konatowska, Adam Młynarczyk, Irmina Maciejewska-Rutkowska and Paweł Rutkowski
Land 2024, 13(5), 584; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050584 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are
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The pressure of human activity in river valley environments has always been high. Even today, despite the increasing awareness of societies around the world regarding the need to protect water and biodiversity, there are concerns that the current river valley management systems are insufficient. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the state of knowledge about the soils and forest ecosystems of river valleys in terms of the possibility of protecting river valley environments. This study used data obtained from the Forest Data Bank (FDB) database, which focuses on forests in Poland. After analyzing 17,820 forest sections where the soils were described as fluvisols, it was found that forest areas associated with fluvisols (typical, fertile soils of river valleys) are quite well recognized and protected in Poland. Most (55%) forested fluvisols are located in Natura 2000 sites (an important European network of biodiversity hotspots), 4% in nature reserves, and 1% in national parks. Additionally, the main forest habitat type associated with fluvisols is riparian forest, composed mainly of Quercus, Ulmus, and Fraxinus, which is protected as Natura 2000 habitat type 91F0. Preserving the sustainability of the forest is also a form of soil protection. Despite the identification of soils and forests in river valleys, as well as appropriate legal tools, their protection may be ineffective due to the fragmentation of forms of protection and the lack of a coherent system for managing river valleys. Because the conservation status of the river valleys is also influenced by the management of areas located outside the river valleys, in order to protect river valley ecosystems, integrated conservation plans for entire catchments should be implemented. Due to potential conflicts related to the management of areas with diverse expectations of local communities, it would be advisable for such plans to be created by local experts but under the supervision of a specialist/specialists from outside the area covered by a given river basin.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture, Forestry, Land Allocation and Environmental Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Changes in Surface Runoff and Temporal Dispersion in a Restored Montane Watershed on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
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Xiaofeng Ren, Erwen Xu, C. Ken Smith, Michael Vrahnakis, Wenmao Jing, Weijun Zhao, Rongxin Wang, Xin Jia, Chunming Yan and Ruiming Liu
Land 2024, 13(5), 583; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050583 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
Surface runoff is a major component of the hydrological cycle, and it is essential for supporting the ecosystem services provided by grassland and forest ecosystems. It is of practical importance to understand the mechanisms and the dynamic processes of runoff in a river’s
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Surface runoff is a major component of the hydrological cycle, and it is essential for supporting the ecosystem services provided by grassland and forest ecosystems. It is of practical importance to understand the mechanisms and the dynamic processes of runoff in a river’s basin, and in this study, we focused on the restored montane Pailugou Basin in the Qilian Mountains, Gansu Province, China, since its water status is extremely important for the large arid area and local economies therein. Our purpose was to determine the annual variation in the surface runoff in the Pailugou Basin because it is important to understand the influence of climate fluctuations on surface water resources and the economy of the basin. In addition, little is known about the annual variations in precipitation and runoff in this region of the world. Daily atmospheric precipitation, air temperature and runoff data from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed by the calculation of the uneven annual distribution of surface runoff, the calculation of the complete adjustment coefficient, and the vector accumulation expressed by the concentration degree. We also used the cumulative anomaly approach to determine the interannual variation trend of runoff, while the change trend was quantified by the sliding average method. Finally, we used the Mann–Kendall mutation test method and regression analysis to establish the time-series trend for precipitation and runoff and to determine the period of abrupt runoff changes. The results indicated concentrated and positive distributions of surface runoff on an annual basis, with a small degree of dispersion, and an explicit concentration of extreme flows. The relative variation ranges exhibited a decreasing trend, and the distribution of the surface runoff gradually was uniform over the year. The runoff was highest from July to September (85% of the annual total). We also determined that annual surface runoff in the basin fluctuated over the 20-year period but showed an overall increasing trend, increasing by 3.94 × 105 m3, with an average increase rate of 0.42 × 105 m3 every ten years. From 2005 to 2014, the annual runoff and the proportion of runoff in the flood season (July to September) to the annual runoff fluctuated greatly. The correlation between the runoff and precipitation was significant (r = 0.839, p < 0.05), whereas the correlation between air temperature and surface runoff was low (r = 0.421, p < 0.05).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)
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Open AccessArticle
Vulnerability of Farmer Households to Climate Change in Rocky Desertification Areas—A Case Study of Guizhou Province
by
Xian Liu, Shiwei Liu, Rutong Wang, Hanya Tang, Feng Zhang, Luyao Jia and Xizao Sun
Land 2024, 13(5), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050582 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Climate change significantly impacts the livelihoods of farmer households. Particularly vulnerable areas, both economically and environmentally, face significant threats from climate change. This study developed a framework to assess household-level vulnerability to climate change by integrating the Exposure-Sensitivity-Resilience Analysis (ESRA) and Sustainable Livelihoods
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Climate change significantly impacts the livelihoods of farmer households. Particularly vulnerable areas, both economically and environmentally, face significant threats from climate change. This study developed a framework to assess household-level vulnerability to climate change by integrating the Exposure-Sensitivity-Resilience Analysis (ESRA) and Sustainable Livelihoods Analysis (SLA) frameworks. Using Gui-Zhou Province as the study area, the study examined whether livelihood vulnerability differs among various types of farmer households in economically and environmentally vulnerable areas and identified the main factors contributing to vulnerability. Results indicate significant differences in livelihood vulnerability among the three household types, with pure agricultural households (PAH) being the most vulnerable due to high exposure, sensitivity, and low adaptive capacity. Further analysis revealed minor differences in sensitivity but significant differences in adaptive capacity among the three farmer categories. In terms of sensitivity, all three farmer household categories exhibit high sensitivity to water, housing, and agricultural production. Regarding adaptive capacity, significant differences in human and financial capital exist among the three household types, with off-farm households (OFH) possessing the highest adaptive capacity due to their substantial human and financial capital. Further research identified high exposure and low adaptive capacity as the primary causes of livelihood vulnerability, noting no significant difference in the main contributing factors among the three types of farmer households. Common factors contributing to the livelihood vulnerability of farmer households include agricultural cooperatives, labor capacity, temperature changes, drought frequency changes, precipitation changes, agricultural insurance, and losses in agricultural production. Overall, the proposed livelihood vulnerability framework offers guidance for analyzing the vulnerability of farmer households in areas with both economic and environmental vulnerabilities under climate change. Concurrently, tailored measures to reduce farmer households’ livelihood vulnerability should be developed for different household types, considering the local climatic, geographic, and socioeconomic conditions.
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Open AccessArticle
Natural Climate Protection through Peatland Rewetting: A Future for the Rathsbruch Peatland in Germany
by
Petra Schneider, Tino Fauk, Florin-Constantin Mihai, Harald Junker, Bernd Ettmer and Volker Lüderitz
Land 2024, 13(5), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050581 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against
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Draining peatlands to create agricultural land has been the norm in Europe, but in the context of climate change and the loss of biodiversity, these rich ecosystems may reactivate their functions as greenhouse gas sinks and retreat spaces for animals and plants. Against this background, the National Moor Rewetting Strategy was put into effect in Germany in 2023, together with the Natural Climate Protection Action Plan. This article examines the methodology of peatland rewetting from scientific, administrative, social, and technical perspectives. The article focuses on an example of moor rewetting in central Germany: the Rathsbruch moor near the municipality of Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt. To illustrate the importance of rewetting projects for degraded peatlands, five scenarios with different target soil water levels were considered, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for a period of five years. For the planning solution, an estimate of the medium-to-long-term development of the habitat types was made based on current use and the dynamics typical of the habitat. The results for the Rathsbruch moor area showed that increasing the water level in steps of 1, 0.8, or 0.5 m has no significant influence on reducing the CO2 emissions situation, while a depth of 0.3 m has a slight influence. When the water was raised to 0.1 m below the surface (Scenario 5), a significant CO2 reduction was observed. The calculated avoided CO2 costs due to environmental damage show that the environmental benefits multiply with every decimeter of water level increase. The rising groundwater levels and extensification favor the establishment of local biotopes. This means that two of the biggest man-made problems (extinction of species and climate change) can be reduced. Therefore, this research is applicable to the development and planning of recultivation work at municipal and regional levels in Germany and beyond within the framework of EU restoration policy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Simulation of Wetland Ecological Processes)
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Affordable Housing Land Supply on Housing Prices: Evidence from 284 Cities in China
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Xue Han and Changchun Feng
Land 2024, 13(5), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050580 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
The policy objectives of affordable housing programs in China are two-fold: on the one hand, they are designed to assist low- and moderate-income families and reduce inequality; on the other hand, they are intended to lower commodity housing prices. However, the effects of
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The policy objectives of affordable housing programs in China are two-fold: on the one hand, they are designed to assist low- and moderate-income families and reduce inequality; on the other hand, they are intended to lower commodity housing prices. However, the effects of affordable housing land on housing prices, particularly the between-city variation and the mechanisms behind the market effects, have not been sufficiently examined, making it difficult to evaluate the housing policy and improve it accordingly. In this study, we address these gaps by using a prefecture-level panel dataset covering 2009–2020, obtained from national land and housing transaction information platforms. We use a threshold model to investigate the threshold effect of population size and a mediating model to uncover the channels through which the supply of affordable housing land affects housing prices. The results confirm that the affordable housing land supply can have a beneficial influence in terms of slowing down the increase in housing prices. The population size plays a significant role in explaining the between-city market effect variations. In cities with a population greater than 10.78 million, increasing the supply of affordable housing land would cause the housing prices to increase. Meanwhile, in cities with smaller populations, increasing the supply of affordable housing land could lower the housing prices. The underlying mechanisms of the market effects vary across cities with different population sizes. Although affordable housing land crowds out commodity housing land in all cities, housing demand diversion only exists in cities with a smaller population. At present, China is experimenting with city-specific housing policies; our findings imply that decision makers should explore additional policy options, besides building on incremental construction land, in order to make housing more affordable in supercities in China.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Livable City: Rational Land Use and Sustainable Urban Space)
Open AccessArticle
Does Land Approval Facilitate Conservation Tillage? An Examination through the Lens of Straw- Returning Technology
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Zhiwu Yang, Jinling Bu, Jiahan Qi, Qing Liu and Yan Song
Land 2024, 13(5), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050579 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Well-defined and stable property rights play a pivotal role in shaping human economic behavior by averting the tragedy of the commons. This study employs micro-survey data from Heilongjiang Province, China, to empirically investigate the impact and mechanisms of land approval on the adoption
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Well-defined and stable property rights play a pivotal role in shaping human economic behavior by averting the tragedy of the commons. This study employs micro-survey data from Heilongjiang Province, China, to empirically investigate the impact and mechanisms of land approval on the adoption of straw returning tstraw-returning technology by farmers. Utilizing the Probit model and mediation and moderation effect testing methods, the findings reveal the following: (1) Land approval significantly promotes the adoption of straw-returning techniques by farmers, with a marginal effect of 0.288. This view is further validated through counterfactual inference constructed using the propensity score matching method. (2) Endowment effects mediate the relationship between land approval and farmers’ adoption of straw-returning technology. (3) Digital skills and farming scale negatively moderate the policy’s impact on farmers’ adoption of straw-returning technology. (4) In terms of control variables, the age of farmers and the dispersion of cultivated land have a significant negative impact on the adoption of straw-returning technology by farmers, while training related to agricultural straw-returning skills and government technology promotion significantly positively affects the use of straw-returning technology by farmers. Therefore, the clarity of land property rights helps to harness the policy effects of land approval and provides a research approach for countries with communal land ownership to implement actions for soil quality conservation.
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Open AccessArticle
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Transformation Regulation Strategies of Rural Residential Land on the Grand Canal (China)
by
Jintao Li and Lei Chu
Land 2024, 13(5), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050578 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2024
Abstract
Land use is an embodiment of human socio-economic activities and represents a bridge between these activities and natural systems. Rural residential land represents a space for rural residents to reside in and exhibits spatial characteristics that evolve over time, which is proof of
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Land use is an embodiment of human socio-economic activities and represents a bridge between these activities and natural systems. Rural residential land represents a space for rural residents to reside in and exhibits spatial characteristics that evolve over time, which is proof of rural socio-economic development. As one of the most developed regions in China, cities along the Beijing–Hangzhou Canal experienced significant changes in rural residential land use from 1990 to 2020. This paper analyses the spatial differentiation of rural residential land in 21 cities on the Grand Canal. Then, it explores the driving factors of this land using spatial grid analysis and the geographic detector model. According to the spatial differentiation characteristics and the driving factors of rural residential land, the study proposed an improved potential model for rural residential land improvement. Lastly, it proposes three different forms of rural residential land based on the results. The study found that (1) the change in rural residential land in the northern part of the Grand Canal was more volatile than that in the southern part. The change in rural residential land from 1990 to 2020 conformed to the pattern of cultivated land–rural residential land–urban construction land. (2) Based on the driving factors of rural residential land, the land is divided into one-dimensional cities, two-dimensional cities, and three-dimensional cities. Circular, linear, and scattered cities of different sizes were affected by socio-economic factors, transportation accessibility, and the natural environment, respectively. (3) Based on the potential scale of rural residential land consolidation, different types of development strategies were proposed through research, including constructing large-scale villages, relocating and reconstructing new villages, and constructing high-quality villages, respectively. Enhancing the scientific planning of rural residential land and its efficiency and tapping into the potential of land consolidation can offer the protection of agricultural land and the integration of urban and rural areas in the new era.
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Open AccessArticle
Assessment of the Spatial Variation of the Economic Benefits of Urban Green Spaces in a Highly Urbanized Area
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Cheol-Joo Cho, Kwangil Cheon and Wanmo Kang
Land 2024, 13(5), 577; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050577 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Urban green spaces play a vital role in improving the quality of life and well-being of urban residents. However, their economic benefits in different spatial contexts within highly urbanized areas remain a critical yet understudied topic. This study delves into the economic value
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Urban green spaces play a vital role in improving the quality of life and well-being of urban residents. However, their economic benefits in different spatial contexts within highly urbanized areas remain a critical yet understudied topic. This study delves into the economic value of urban green spaces in Cheongju City, Republic of Korea, and investigates the distance-decay features associated with the proximity of green spaces to residential properties. Two spatial econometric models were employed to address these questions: the spatially autoregressive (SAR) model and the generalized additive model (GAM). The SAR model was used to assess the economic benefits of urban green spaces, whereas the distance decay of these benefits was examined with the GAM. Empirical analyses revealed that small-sized parks or forests under 20 ha hold greater economic value when in proximity to residential areas compared to medium-sized parks or forests between 20 and 200 ha. Conversely, large parks or forests over 200 ha appeared to have a disamenity effect, negatively impacting property prices when in close proximity. The GAM’s smooth functions illustrated that the distance-decay effect was shorter for small-sized green spaces and exhibited an inverted U-shape for large-sized ones, resulting in a negative benefit of proximity. Our findings suggest that urban green spaces have a positive impact on property prices, but this effect may not apply uniformly to large-sized parks or forests. Therefore, to enhance the residents’ welfare, green infrastructure policies should prioritize the provision of accessible small- and/or medium-sized parks or forests near residential areas.
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(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)
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Open AccessArticle
Living Together, Living Apart: Residential Structures in Late Bronze Age Shirenzigou, Xinjiang
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Meng Ren, Lixun Chen, Tongyuan Xi, Yue You, Duo Tian, Jianxin Wang, Marcella Festa and Jian Ma
Land 2024, 13(5), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050576 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The spatial organization within ancient settlements offers valuable insights into the evolution of social complexity. This paper examines spatially and chronologically contextualized architectural structures and artifacts uncovered at the Late Bronze Age Shirenzigou site to explore the relationship between the use of space
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The spatial organization within ancient settlements offers valuable insights into the evolution of social complexity. This paper examines spatially and chronologically contextualized architectural structures and artifacts uncovered at the Late Bronze Age Shirenzigou site to explore the relationship between the use of space and underlying social dynamics in the Eastern Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang (China). Central to our findings is a distinctive centripetal compound structure, consisting of a larger non-domestic building surrounded by smaller dwellings. This arrangement, along with the variety and distribution of the artifacts, reveals a complex interplay between private and communal spaces at the site, reflecting a growing complexity within the social fabric of the community. The formation of conglomerates of houses around a central communal structure which occurs across the Tianshan Mountains appears to be a strategic adaptation in response to environmental challenges and socio-political transformations across this region at the end of the second millennium BCE.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Archaeological Landscape and Settlement II)
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Extracting Features from Satellite Imagery to Understand the Size and Scale of Housing Sub-Markets in Madrid
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Gladys Elizabeth Kenyon, Dani Arribas-Bel and Caitlin Robinson
Land 2024, 13(5), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050575 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
The following paper proposes a novel machine learning approach to the segmentation of urban housing markets. We extract features from globally available satellite imagery using an unsupervised machine learning model called MOSAIKS, and apply a k-means clustering algorithm to the extracted features to
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The following paper proposes a novel machine learning approach to the segmentation of urban housing markets. We extract features from globally available satellite imagery using an unsupervised machine learning model called MOSAIKS, and apply a k-means clustering algorithm to the extracted features to identify sub-markets at multiple intra-urban scales within a case study of Madrid (Spain). To systematically explore scale effects on the resulting clusters, the analysis is repeated with varying sizes of satellite image patches. We assess the resulting clusters across scales using several internal cluster-evaluation metrics. Additionally, we use data from online listings portal Idealista to measure the homogeneity of housing prices within the clusters, to understand how well sub-markets can be differentiated by the image features. This paper evaluates the strengths and weakness of the method to identify urban housing sub-markets, a task which is important for planners and policy makers and is often limited by a lack of data. We conclude that the approach seems useful to divide large urban housing markets according to different attributes and scales.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Remote Sensing and Geospatial Big Data for Land Use Mapping and Monitoring)
Open AccessArticle
A Territorial Strategy for the Activation of Tourism in Low Population Density Heritage Landscapes
by
Mercedes Linares Gómez del Pulgar, Marina López Sánchez, Cristina Vicente Gilabert, Miguel Ángel Antonio-García, Francisco Sánchez-Salazar and Antonio Tejedor Cabrera
Land 2024, 13(5), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050574 - 26 Apr 2024
Abstract
Sustainable and balanced territory development involves management and planning based on the cultural and natural values that characterise it. In contrast to solutions based exclusively on quantitative growth, today, we defend qualitative territorial planning based on specific characteristics and identity what, ultimately, is
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Sustainable and balanced territory development involves management and planning based on the cultural and natural values that characterise it. In contrast to solutions based exclusively on quantitative growth, today, we defend qualitative territorial planning based on specific characteristics and identity what, ultimately, is the heritage content and significance of the territory. In line with these arguments, this article reflects on the need to design territorial planning strategies to activate territories with low demographic density through their heritage and landscape values, specifically referring to rural areas made up of small, scattered population centres. The wide territorial dispersion of these settlements, which represent a large proportion of Latin American and European territory, calls for specific planning and management models and criteria. This article proposes a territorial strategy for these sites aimed at sustainable tourism activation through itineraries and potential identity facilities. The application of the strategy is shown in a pilot case study of the island of Fuerteventura (Canary Islands, Spain).
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Heritage: Geomorphology, Geoheritage and Geoparks)
Open AccessEditorial
Perspectives on Cadastre and Land Management in Support of Sustainable Real Estate Markets
by
Chryssy Potsiou and Gerhard Navratil
Land 2024, 13(5), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050573 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Land is a limited resource and its responsible use requires administration, management, and planning [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cadastre and Land Management in Support of Sustainable Real Estate Markets)
Open AccessArticle
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Ecological Parameters in Various Land Use Types in China during the First 20 Years of the 21st Century
by
Cong Zhang, Xiaojun Yao, Lina Xiu, Huian Jin and Juan Cao
Land 2024, 13(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050572 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Ecological quality in China has experienced significant improvements due to the interplay of climate change and human activities. Nevertheless, previous studies exploring the trend of ecological parameters have always overlooked the effects of land use types. Therefore, in this study, we explored the
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Ecological quality in China has experienced significant improvements due to the interplay of climate change and human activities. Nevertheless, previous studies exploring the trend of ecological parameters have always overlooked the effects of land use types. Therefore, in this study, we explored the spatiotemporal variation in ecological parameters in various land use types and discussed the relationship between ecological parameters and climatic factors in China during the first 20 years of the 21st century. The results show that: (1) The area of grassland and unutilized land decreased, and the area of other land use types increased. (2) Distinct variations in the average, slope, and interval distribution of ecological parameters across various land use types were evident. Particularly significant increases in ecological parameters were observed in cultivated land and forest. (3) The influence of land use and land cover change on ecological parameters was evident. The conversion of cultivated land, forest, and grassland into water bodies, constructive land, and unutilized land resulted in a significant decrease in ecological parameters. (4) The distinct climatic conditions resulted in heightened monthly variations in the ecological parameters. Significant monthly fluctuations in ecological parameters were observed for cultivated land, forest, grassland, and constructed land, while water bodies and unutilized land did not exhibit such variations. (5) The correlation between ecological parameters and climatic factors varied considerably in various land use types in different regions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Land Use and Land Cover Mapping)
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Open AccessArticle
Multi-Scenario Simulating the Impacts of Land Use Changes on Ecosystem Health in Urban Agglomerations on the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountain, China
by
Ziyi Hua, Jing Ma, Yan Sun, Yongjun Yang, Xinhua Zhu and Fu Chen
Land 2024, 13(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050571 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
It is of great significance for scientific land use planning and ecological security protection to clarify the impacts of land use changes on an ecosystem’s health. Based on the dynamic evolution of land use and ecosystem health on the Northern Slope of Tianshan
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It is of great significance for scientific land use planning and ecological security protection to clarify the impacts of land use changes on an ecosystem’s health. Based on the dynamic evolution of land use and ecosystem health on the Northern Slope of Tianshan Mountain (NSTM) from 2000 to 2020, this study utilized the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model, the Vitality–Organization–Resilience–Services (VORS) model, and the elasticity approach to assess the impacts of land use changes on ecosystem health under four different scenarios: Natural Development Scenario (ND), Farmland Conservation Priority Scenario (FP), Ecological Conservation Priority Scenario (EP), and Urban Development Priority Scenario (UD). The results indicate that (1) land use on the NSTM from 2000 to 2020 was predominantly characterized by barren land and grassland. (2) The overall level of ecosystem health on the NSTM was poor from 2000 to 2020 but showed a gradual improvement trend. (3) Ecosystem health levels vary greatly across scenarios. In general, ecosystem health improves under FP and EP scenarios but deteriorates significantly under ND and UD scenarios. The resilience of ecosystem health varies significantly across different land categories. In the future, optimizing the current land use pattern and refining the ecological protection policy are essential to enhance ecosystem health and services in the NSTM.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Remote Sensing and GIS for Monitoring Land Use Change and Its Ecological Effects)
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Open AccessArticle
The Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Ecological Security Pattern in the Loess Plateau, China
by
Manya Luo, Xia Jia, Yonghua Zhao, Huanyuan Wang, Chunyang Chen, Dongqian Li, Shuyuan Yang and Juan Li
Land 2024, 13(5), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13050570 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
As a typical ecologically fragile area, the ecological security of the Loess Plateau has been seriously threatened. Ecological security patterns (ESP) have gradually become an effective method for protecting ecological security and supporting the management and sustainable development of ecosystems. Therefore, this study
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As a typical ecologically fragile area, the ecological security of the Loess Plateau has been seriously threatened. Ecological security patterns (ESP) have gradually become an effective method for protecting ecological security and supporting the management and sustainable development of ecosystems. Therefore, this study constructed a novel ESP based on ecological “function–structure”, utilizing minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) to identify ecological source areas and corridors. Additionally, time scales were introduced into the ESP, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of ecological security in the Loess Plateau. The study revealed that the number of ecological sources decreased from southeast to northwest, with 27, 41, and 77 sources covering total areas of 4263.810 km2, 18,566.034 km2, and 113,209.595 km2 from 2000 to 2020, respectively. Similarly, the number and complexity of ecological corridors increased over the same time period, with 64, 85, and 105 corridors totaling lengths of 4579.326 km, 6526.996 km, and 7015.174 km, respectively. The expansion of ecological security zones was mainly observed in the southeast part of the Loess Plateau. Overall, the ESP of the Loess Plateau saw an improvement, with the southeastern part showing better ecological security than the northwestern part. These findings hold great significance for regional ecological security evaluations and are crucial for promoting ecological management and healthy development in the Loess Plateau.
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(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)
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