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Land
Volume 13
Issue 7
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Land, Volume 13, Issue 7 (July 2024) – 214 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): The goal for this study was to identify changes in land cover occurring in Great Lakes Basin (GLB) landscapes over three time periods to provide insights into historical land cover changes occurring on a bi-national watershed scale and to better understand legacy effects on current conditions. Both radiometric and categorical change analysis was used for assessing the time series data. Results include maps of annual land cover transition from 1985 to 1995 and 1995 to 2010 in the GLB and an assessment of the magnitude and direction of change by land cover type. Change for both time periods displayed large net decreases in deciduous forest and agriculture and net increases in suburban cover, which is shown to influence the aquatic nitrogen implicated in the expansion of the invasive wetland plants. View this paper
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20 pages, 6848 KiB  
Article
Ecological Zoning Management Strategies in China: A Perspective of Ecosystem Services Supply and Demand
by Xiaoyan Jiang, Boyu Wang, Qinhua Fang, Peiyuan Bai, Ting Guo and Qi Wu
Land 2024, 13(7), 1112; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071112 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 938
Abstract
Ecological zoning management aims to ensure ecological functions and improve environmental quality, serving as an essential means to optimize the development and protection of territorial space. However, comprehensive research on ecological zoning management that combines human needs with natural resources is still relatively [...] Read more.
Ecological zoning management aims to ensure ecological functions and improve environmental quality, serving as an essential means to optimize the development and protection of territorial space. However, comprehensive research on ecological zoning management that combines human needs with natural resources is still relatively scarce. In this study, we selected water yield (WY), food provision (FP), and carbon sequestration (CS) as the critical ecosystem services (ES) in China. An InVEST model, ecosystem services supply–demand index (ESI), random forest (RF), and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) were used to analyze the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of ES supply and demand, and the four-quadrant model was used to analyze the spatial matching patterns. The results showed that: (1) from 2005 to 2020, the supply and demand of WY, FP, and CS increased. Among them, WY, FP, and CS supply increased by 16.06%, 34%, and 22.53%, respectively, while demand increased by 5.63%, 12.4%, and 83.02%, respectively; (2) the supply of WY and CS follow a “high in the southeast and low in the northwest” pattern, while all of the demands exhibit a “high in the east and low in the west” pattern; and (3) the average ecosystem service supply–demand index (ESI) values for WY, FP, and CS in China are 0.45, 0.12, and −0.24, respectively, showing an overall upward trend. The study identified three dominant functional zones for WY, FP, and CS, and four classification management zones, including protection zones, conservation zones, improvement zones, and reconstruction zones. These research findings provide a scientific basis for future territorial space planning in China and the application of ecosystem service supply and demand in sustainable development. Full article
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16 pages, 2541 KiB  
Article
Improving the Estimation Accuracy of Soil Organic Matter Content Based on the Spectral Reflectance from Soils with Different Grain Sizes
by Xayida Subi, Mamattursun Eziz and Ning Wang
Land 2024, 13(7), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071111 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Accurate and rapid estimation of soil organic matter (SOM) content is of great significance for advancing precision agriculture. Compared with traditional chemical methods, the hyperspectral estimation is superior in rapidly estimating SOM content. Soil grain size affects soil spectral reflectance, thereby affecting the [...] Read more.
Accurate and rapid estimation of soil organic matter (SOM) content is of great significance for advancing precision agriculture. Compared with traditional chemical methods, the hyperspectral estimation is superior in rapidly estimating SOM content. Soil grain size affects soil spectral reflectance, thereby affecting the accuracy of hyperspectral estimation. However, the appropriate soil grain size for the hyperspectral analysis is nearly unknown. This study propose a best hyperspectral estimation method for determining SOM content of farmland soil in the Ibinur Lake Irrigation Area (ILIA) of the northwest arid zones of China. The original spectral reflectance of the 20-mesh (0.85 mm) and 60-mesh (0.25 mm) sieved soil were obtained, and the feature wavebands were selected using five types of spectral transformations. Then, hyperspectral estimation models were constructed based on the partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. Results show that the SOM content had relatively higher correlation coefficient with spectral reflectance of the 0.85 mm sieved soil than that of the 0.25 mm sieved soil. The transformation of original spectral reflectance of soil effectively enhanced the spectral characteristics related to SOM content. Soil grain size obviously affected spectral reflectance and the accuracy of hyperspectral estimation models. The overall stability and estimation accuracy of RF model was significantly higher compared with the PLSR, SVM, and XGBoost. Finally, the RF model combined with the root mean first-order differentiation (RMSFD) of spectral reflectance of the 0.85 mm sieved soil (R2 = 0.82, RMSE = 2.37, RPD = 2.27) was identified as the best method for estimating SOM content of farmland soil in the ILIA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Hyperspectral Imaging and Signal Processing)
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18 pages, 6196 KiB  
Article
A Study on the Current Situation of Public Service Facilities’ Layout from the Perspective of 15-Minute Communities—Taking Chengdu of Sichuan Province as an Example
by Yihua Sun and Shixian Luo
Land 2024, 13(7), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071110 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 872
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of cities, the construction of 15-minute communities has become an important way to improve the urban living environment and enhance the quality of life of residents. In this study, based on the perspective of a 15-minute community in Chengdu, [...] Read more.
With the rapid expansion of cities, the construction of 15-minute communities has become an important way to improve the urban living environment and enhance the quality of life of residents. In this study, based on the perspective of a 15-minute community in Chengdu, the current situation of the spatial layout in the 12 main urban districts of 15,941 public service facility points is studied. Additionally, the matching relationship between the supply and demand of five major categories (19 subcategories) of public service facilities and the population is assessed by using the kernel density analysis method, the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method, the hierarchical analysis method and the bivariate spatial autocorrelation. Finally, suggestions for the optimization of basic service facilities are made in the light of the current development situation in Chengdu. The results show that (1) there is a large spatial heterogeneity in the distribution and accessibility of public service facilities in the study area; (2) there is a mismatch between the supply and demand of public service facilities and the population in Chengdu; and (3) in order to further optimize the allocation of public service facilities, it is necessary to focus first on areas where demand exceeds supply. This study built a framework for assessing the current status of spatial distribution of public service facilities, which measures the 15-minute accessibility of basic public service facilities in a more comprehensive way and bridges the gap of previous single-type studies, which make it difficult to make comprehensive optimization recommendations directly. Meanwhile, the bivariate spatial autocorrelation reveals the areas of mismatch between supply and demand more accurately, and more clearly shows the areas that need to be focused on for optimization by policy makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Biophilic Cities and Communities: Human-Environment Interaction and Sustainable Governance)
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22 pages, 3367 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Human Needs: A Study on the Spatial Justice of Medical Facility Services in Social Housing Communities in Guangzhou
by Ruixia Chao, Desheng Xue and Benshuo Wang
Land 2024, 13(7), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071109 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 825
Abstract
Mainstream empirical studies on the spatial justice of medical facilities focus on equal accessibility or resource availability based on population scale, overlooking critiques that emphasize the importance of assessing inequality and the multidimensionality of human needs. However, access to medical care, particularly for [...] Read more.
Mainstream empirical studies on the spatial justice of medical facilities focus on equal accessibility or resource availability based on population scale, overlooking critiques that emphasize the importance of assessing inequality and the multidimensionality of human needs. However, access to medical care, particularly for vulnerable groups in social housing, often demands a higher level of consideration. Evaluating whether people can access the facilities they demand and expect is crucial for improving living standards. This study categorizes medical facilities into primary healthcare and hospital facilities based on their service grade, and integrates survey-based satisfaction into a spatial analysis of cost–distance-based accessibility and gravity-2SFCA-based availability. Analysis reveals that satisfaction primarily correlates with two factors: the distance to primary healthcare and the ease of reaching hospital facilities. While low accessibility to primary healthcare contributes to the evident distribution injustice of medical resources, satisfaction with service quality and scope is more strongly associated with the ease of reaching hospitals. To reduce injustice in social housing, specific remedies are needed to improve the difficult conditions for accessing primary healthcare faced by communities such as Guangdan, Likang, and Jinshazhou. Moreover, improving the easiness of reaching hospital facilities may significantly enhance the resident satisfaction with the level of medical service provided. Findings obtained in this research may not only enlighten Guangzhou’s urban planning, but may also be noteworthy for developing livable cities, which people anticipated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in RS&GIS-Based Urban Planning)
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14 pages, 3371 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Climate on Strongly Disturbed Vegetation of Bait Sites in a Central European Lower Montane Zone, Hungary
by Katalin Rusvai, Judit Házi and Szilárd Czóbel
Land 2024, 13(7), 1108; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071108 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 731
Abstract
Human landscape-transforming activities contribute to the global change in vegetation in different forms. Hunting is one of the most ancient human landscape-shaping activities. Feeders for hunting are particularly disruptive to vegetation. In the present study, we conducted a vegetation survey in these highly [...] Read more.
Human landscape-transforming activities contribute to the global change in vegetation in different forms. Hunting is one of the most ancient human landscape-shaping activities. Feeders for hunting are particularly disruptive to vegetation. In the present study, we conducted a vegetation survey in these highly disturbed places. We investigated the vegetation dynamics over several years in the turkey oak–sessile oak zone, in two areas with different moisture and shade conditions (forest and clearing). Important background factors are the changes in precipitation and temperature. Our results confirm that weed infestation is detectable at bait sites over a long period. The seasonal changes in field weed vegetation, as well as the increase in the number and coverage of weed species at the end of summer, resulting from lifestyle characteristics, were generally detectable in all years and locations, especially in the case of open and more strongly degraded clearings. Meteorological factors played a role in the degree of weed infestation in each year. Degradation was more significant in drought years, while regeneration was also observed in wetter periods. At baits located in the clearing, we showed a positive correlation between the amount of summer precipitation and the total coverage of weed species, as well as between the average spring temperature and the coverage of certain weed species. With the drying of the climate, the disturbed areas are constantly losing their natural value, but wetter weather is not an automatic solution either. Considering that there are approx. 30,000 bait sites in the country, and they are used regularly and very intensively, they can serve as major infection hotspots for alien species in a network. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Terrestrial Vegetation Dynamics and Its Response to Environmental Change)
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21 pages, 27375 KiB  
Article
The Identification, Spatial Distribution, and Reconstruction Mode of Abandoned Mining Areas
by Viorel Gligor, Emanuela-Adina Nicula and Remus Crețan
Land 2024, 13(7), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071107 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1500
Abstract
The rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites is an increasingly pressing issue in the context of sustainable development. Recent research has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the abandoned mining sites and their environmental rehabilitation. Based on field analysis, environmental assessments, satellite [...] Read more.
The rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites is an increasingly pressing issue in the context of sustainable development. Recent research has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the abandoned mining sites and their environmental rehabilitation. Based on field analysis, environmental assessments, satellite imagery processing and geographic information operations, this paper pushes forward the existing knowledge by conducting a comprehensive assessment of abandoned mining sites in the Romanian Carpathians and by proposing innovative and sustainable rehabilitation solutions. Our findings highlight that abandoned mining sites and their surrounding territories in the Romanian mountains have significant ecological imbalances and complex socio-economic issues. The findings also suggest that by adopting innovative, integrated, and sustainability-oriented approaches, territories affected by mining can be transformed into valuable and sustainable spaces to meet human needs. We conclude by presenting the importance of innovation in ecological reconstruction and spatial–functional reintegration of mining sites in mountain areas as a useful tool in making fair decisions, both in the context of implementing appropriate development policies as well as for the resilience and environmental sustainability of mining-affected mountain areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Restoration and Reusing Brownfield Sites)
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23 pages, 14686 KiB  
Article
The Path of Rural Social Capital Improvement in China from the Perspective of Planners: A Case Study of Hongtang Village in Yunnan Province
by Xianyu Hou, Luan Chen, Yaofu Huang, Ye Long and Xun Li
Land 2024, 13(7), 1106; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071106 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 821
Abstract
China’s rural areas have long been backward in development, and many villages have completed poverty alleviation with the help of the government. Facing the requirements of sustainable development, it is necessary to change the development path, continuously increase social capital, and effectively connect [...] Read more.
China’s rural areas have long been backward in development, and many villages have completed poverty alleviation with the help of the government. Facing the requirements of sustainable development, it is necessary to change the development path, continuously increase social capital, and effectively connect with government investment resources. The existing research and practice mostly construct the strategy of social capital from the inside of the village, lacking interaction with the superior government. This paper argues for the method of planners’ intervention. The advantage is that it links the power of government and villagers, creates a perceptible, experiential, valuable material environment, and promotes collective action. Through this process, the knowledge interaction and social relations in the village can be improved. The purpose of this paper is to study how participatory planning affects the content and mechanism of this process mentioned above. Taking Hongtang village as a case study, we analyze the in-depth changes that participatory planning has brought to the rural space and social level. In the participatory planning practice of Hongtang village, college rural planners took a small vegetable garden as the breakthrough point to stimulate villagers’ participation. In the process of the upgrade, planners evolved the interaction between the village committee and villagers in the path of IMEE, which is “Intervene, Motivate, Enable, Empower”. Moreover, planners always maintained contact with the higher-level government. Through the upgrade of small vegetable gardens, the villagers’ initiative was brought into practice, the social capital was fully explored, and an effective link with the government’s resource allocation was realized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Solutions to Urban-Rural Coordinated Development in the Megacity Regions II)
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25 pages, 9684 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Little Giant Enterprises in China’s Megacity Clusters Based on Random Forest and MGWR
by Jianshu Duan, Zhengxu Zhao, Youheng Xu, Xiangting You, Feifan Yang and Gang Chen
Land 2024, 13(7), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071105 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 824
Abstract
As a representative of potential “hidden champions”, a concept originating in Germany, specialized and innovative Little Giant Enterprises (LGEs) have become exemplary models for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. These enterprises are regarded as crucial support for realizing the strategy of [...] Read more.
As a representative of potential “hidden champions”, a concept originating in Germany, specialized and innovative Little Giant Enterprises (LGEs) have become exemplary models for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. These enterprises are regarded as crucial support for realizing the strategy of building a strong manufacturing country and addressing the weaknesses in key industrial areas. This paper begins by examining urban agglomerations, which serve as the main spatial carriers for industrial restructuring and high-quality development in manufacturing. Based on data from LGEs in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and Pearl River Delta (PRD) urban agglomerations from 2019 to 2023, the study employs the Random Forest (RF) and Multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) methods to conduct a comparative analysis of their spatial patterns and influencing factors. The results are as follows: (1) LGEs exhibit spatial clustering in both the YRD and PRD regions. Enterprises in the YRD form a “one-axis-three-core” pattern within a distance of 65 km, while enterprises in the PRD present a “single-axis” pattern within a distance of 30 km, with overall high clustering intensity. (2) The YRD is dominated by traditional manufacturing and supplemented by high-tech services. In contrast, the PRD has a balanced development of high-tech manufacturing and services. Enterprises in different industries are generally characterized by a “multi-point clustering” characteristic, of which the YRD displays a multi-patch distribution and the PRD a point–pole distribution. (3) Factors such as industrial structure, industrial platforms, and logistics levels significantly affect enterprise clustering and exhibit scale effects differences between the two urban clusters. Factors such as industrial platforms, logistics levels, and dependence on foreign trade show positive impacts, while government fiscal expenditure shows a negative impact. Natural geographical location factors exhibit opposite effects in the two regions but are not the primary determinants of enterprise distribution. Each region should leverage its own strengths, improve urban coordination and communication mechanisms within the urban cluster, strengthen the coordination and linkage of the manufacturing industry chain upstream and downstream, and promote high-tech industries, thereby enhancing economic resilience and regional competitiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regional Solutions to Urban-Rural Coordinated Development in the Megacity Regions II)
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19 pages, 2451 KiB  
Article
Proposal for Effective Management of Geoparks as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism in the Conditions of the Slovak Republic
by Mário Molokáč, Enikő Kornecká and Dana Tometzová
Land 2024, 13(7), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071104 - 22 Jul 2024
Viewed by 841
Abstract
Geoparks, as sustainable tourism products, embody a range of values and functions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of tourism on the landscape. The current increasing trend in establishing and supporting geoparks has extended to the territory of the Slovak Republic, which possesses [...] Read more.
Geoparks, as sustainable tourism products, embody a range of values and functions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of tourism on the landscape. The current increasing trend in establishing and supporting geoparks has extended to the territory of the Slovak Republic, which possesses valuable natural potential. However, effectively harnessing this potential requires a clearly defined management structure aligned with the goals and mission of each geopark. The paper presents the operational aspects of geoparks in Slovakia, providing a comprehensive overview of geopark management followed by a subsequent evaluation. Assessing the management approach yields valuable insights into the ongoing development of Slovak geoparks, serving as a stepping stone for their further advancement. These geoparks are in a state of continual evolution, demanding significant support to ensure their efficient functioning. The study establishes clear quality management criteria for optimal staffing. The main objective of the paper is to demonstrate the need for the professionalization of human resources in geopark management. Additionally, the article concludes with a model for a strategic approach to human resources management, covering all its areas. Geoparks, as a modern product of geotourism and territorial management, represent innovative strategies for protecting and conserving geodiversity. They are closely intertwined with knowledge dissemination, education, and fostering a broader appreciation for the Earth’s value. Moreover, they play a vital role in the sustainable development and preservation of territories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geoparks as a Form of Tourism Space Management II)
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17 pages, 2752 KiB  
Article
Cover Crop Effects on Surface Runoff and Subsurface Flow in Rainfed Hillslope Farming and Connections to Water Quality
by Víctor Hugo Durán Zuazo, Belén Cárceles Rodríguez, Simón Cuadros Tavira, Baltasar Gálvez Ruiz and Iván Francisco García-Tejero
Land 2024, 13(7), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071103 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 865
Abstract
Surface runoff and subsurface flow patterns were monitored in hillside runoff plots in almond and olive orchards with soils covered with spontaneous plants over two hydrological years. The experimental runoff plots were located on the south flank of the Sierra Nevada (Lanjarón, SE [...] Read more.
Surface runoff and subsurface flow patterns were monitored in hillside runoff plots in almond and olive orchards with soils covered with spontaneous plants over two hydrological years. The experimental runoff plots were located on the south flank of the Sierra Nevada (Lanjarón, SE Spain) at 580 m a.s.l. with an area of 40 m2 (10 m × 4 m). The surface and subsurface discharge were collected and measured at different soil depths (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cm), and the dissolved nutrient concentrations (NO3–N, NH4–N, PO4–P, and K) were determined. According to the findings, the subsurface flow pathways drained most of the rainfall water compared with surface runoff, which was affected by plant cover. The influence of rainfall intensity (I30) on surface runoff was more meaningful than that on subsurface flow. Throughout the monitoring period, the runoff coefficients at soil depths of 0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cm averaged 0.04, 0.11, 0.14, 0.17, and 0.18, respectively. Subsurface flow was one of the dominant pathways for N and K loss, whereas P loss mainly occurred via surface runoff. Moreover, the concentrations in subsurface flow were higher than the recommended level for standard water quality for NO3–N, NH4–N, and PO4–P. Subsurface flow was the main route of dissolved nutrient delivery, making these nutrients available to the root systems of trees, where nutrient uptake is more likely to occur. Thus, by lessening surface runoff and encouraging surface vegetation coverage to facilitate the recycling of nutrients and buffer the rainfall’s impact on the soil surface, nutrient loss control can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Research Approaches & Practices Towards Sustainable Land Management, Preservation & Restoration (Second Edition))
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21 pages, 9655 KiB  
Article
Spillover Effects of Urban Expansion on Land Green Use Efficiency: An Empirical Study Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data in China
by Zhen Deng, Fan Xiao, Jing Huang, Yizhen Zhang and Fang Zhang
Land 2024, 13(7), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071102 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1579
Abstract
Land is an important carrier of resource elements, and improving land green use efficiency (LGUE) is the key to achieving “smart growth” in cities. This study takes 269 cities in China from 2008 to 2020 as the research object and integrates multisource remote [...] Read more.
Land is an important carrier of resource elements, and improving land green use efficiency (LGUE) is the key to achieving “smart growth” in cities. This study takes 269 cities in China from 2008 to 2020 as the research object and integrates multisource remote sensing data, GIS spatial analysis, and spatial econometric models to explore the evolutionary characteristics of LGUE and the spatiotemporal effects of urban expansion on LGUE. The results show that (1) urban LGUE increases over time and has certain gradient distribution and spatial dependence characteristics; (2) urban expansion has a significant inverted U-shaped relationship with LGUE, indicating that maintaining reasonable urban expansion is the key to improving LGUE, but excessive urban expansion has a strong negative spatial effect on LGUE. In terms of spillover effect, for every 1% increase in the square term of urban expansion, the LGUE of the local city decreases by 0.0673%, but the neighboring city increases by 0.2283%; and (3) urban expansion has significant spatiotemporal heterogeneous effects on LGUE, and spatial development boundaries must be reasonably determined to achieve “smart growth”. Currently, some cities in China are expanding rapidly, and we hope to provide key support for promoting the “smart growth” of cities and improving LGUE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)
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20 pages, 14593 KiB  
Article
Research on the Spatiotemporal Coupling Characteristics between Urban Population and Land in China Based on the Improved Coupling Model of Polar Coordinates
by Yihao Chen, Shuai Zhang, Qingqing Ye, Weiqiang Chen, Yingchao Li, Enxiang Cai, Xuesong Kong, Long Guo and Jiwei Li
Land 2024, 13(7), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071101 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 817
Abstract
Scientific quantitative measurement of the coupling relationship between urban population (UP) and urban land (UL) is conducive to promoting intensive land use, coordinated human–land development, and new urbanization development. This research proposed an improved coupling model of polar coordinates to study the spatiotemporal [...] Read more.
Scientific quantitative measurement of the coupling relationship between urban population (UP) and urban land (UL) is conducive to promoting intensive land use, coordinated human–land development, and new urbanization development. This research proposed an improved coupling model of polar coordinates to study the spatiotemporal coupling characteristics between UP and UL at the prefecture-level city scale in China from 2010 to 2020. The study results include the following: (1) The growth rate of UL in China’s prefecture-level cities was higher than that of UP. The per capita urban land (PUL) was always within the ideal range, and the dynamic human–land coupling state remained reasonable. (2) The UP, UL, and dynamic human–land coupling rationality in China showed characteristics that were high in the east and low in the west. The PUL showed characteristics that were high in the northwest and low in the southeast. (3) This study divided China’s prefecture-level cities into four regions according to the coupling characteristics and formulated regionally differentiated optimization strategies. In summary, this study carried out a more scientific and reasonable quantitative measurement of the coupling relationship between UP and UL in China, resulting in a more reliable and targeted formulation of optimization strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Socio-Economic and Political Issues)
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25 pages, 3399 KiB  
Article
Bibliometric Analysis of Insularity in the European Union
by Maurici Ruiz-Pérez, Joana Maria Seguí-Pons and Margalida Salom-Sastre
Land 2024, 13(7), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071100 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 779
Abstract
The conceptualization of insularity in the context of islands has been widely studied and debated, encompassing both geographical and identity aspects. The academic discussion on the definition of insularity and isolation in the context of islands remains a current topic, along with the [...] Read more.
The conceptualization of insularity in the context of islands has been widely studied and debated, encompassing both geographical and identity aspects. The academic discussion on the definition of insularity and isolation in the context of islands remains a current topic, along with the economic, social, legal and environmental challenges faced by insular regions. This study aims to deepen the conceptual framework of insularity and structure its issues from various scientific perspectives through quantitative bibliometric analysis. Key focus areas and research gaps have been identified, including the need for enhanced economic policies, better marine resource management, more comprehensive urban development research and improved data on social and political issues. The conclusions emphasize the importance of prioritizing intervention areas and specific policies to address the unique challenges faced by insular regions in terms of sustainable development. Full article
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20 pages, 13555 KiB  
Article
The Structural and Functional Development of an Urban Network System from the Perspective of Flow Space: A Case Study of Nanjing
by Lizhen Shen, Xiaorui Lv, Shuyu Zhang, Peipei Chen, Pu Cheng and Shenyu Liu
Land 2024, 13(7), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071099 - 21 Jul 2024
Viewed by 744
Abstract
Globalization and informatization have exerted far-reaching impacts on the spatial connection and development of urban systems. This study, concerning the network of an urban system based on the space of flows, supplements the insufficiency on the micro-level in macro-urban network research. Taking Nanjing [...] Read more.
Globalization and informatization have exerted far-reaching impacts on the spatial connection and development of urban systems. This study, concerning the network of an urban system based on the space of flows, supplements the insufficiency on the micro-level in macro-urban network research. Taking Nanjing as an example, this study explores the characteristics of the network of the urban system from the perspective of people flow, refining the granularity of the analysis to the township- and street-level spatial units using mobile phone data. The findings are as follows: (1) There is a multicenter layered network pattern, with the main urban area being the core of the network, while Dongshan Street and Moling Street, as secondary centers, form a joint development pattern with the main urban area. (2) The spatial differentiation is significant. The spatial heterogeneity of “centralization in the central region, delayering in the north, and hierarchization in the south” is obvious. The net people inflow nodes are mainly concentrated in the main urban area and its surroundings, while the net outflow nodes are mostly located on the edge of the city. Moreover, the nodes to the south of Yangtze River are advantageous in urban resource control. (3) The phenomenon of “double shadow circle” appears in the ring of the main city and the ring of the municipal area. Moreover, the northern district experiences a serious outflow of population. (4) The effect of policy intervention is beginning to show. Improved levels of development of street and township units such as Jiangbei New District show the positive influence of national strategy on regional development. Full article
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15 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
Biomass of Shoots and Roots of Multicomponent Grasslands and Their Impact on Soil Carbon Accumulation in Arenosol Rich in Stones
by Liudmila Tripolskaja, Monika Toleikiene, Aida Skersiene and Agne Versuliene
Land 2024, 13(7), 1098; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071098 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 924
Abstract
To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this [...] Read more.
To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this experiment, we studied the distribution of multi-component perennial grass roots in the Arenosol profile and their impact on SOC sequestration in temperate climate zones. Our research aimed to identify differences in root biomass at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm and to assess their correlation with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soil. The roots, shoots, and soil samples of fertilized and unfertilized grasslands were collected at the flowering stage and after the final grass harvest two years in a row. Our findings revealed that, in sandy loam Arenosol rich in stones, 12.4–15.9 Mg ha−1 of root biomass was accumulated at 0–50 cm of soil depth. The application of NPK fertilizers did not significantly affect grass root biomass, but significantly affected shoot biomass. Most roots (84–88%) were concentrated in the 0–15 cm layer. On average, 5.10–6.62 Mg ha−1 of organic carbon (OC) was stored in the roots of perennial grasses within 0–50 cm of soil depth. We found that the SOC content in the 0–50 cm soil layer correlated more strongly (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) with C accumulated in the roots of the corresponding layer than with shoot biomass (r = 0.41, p = 0.04). However, a significant correlation was found between DOC and shoot biomass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and between DOC and the biomass of residues (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), explaining the significant increase in DOC in the 30–50 cm soil layer and indicating the leaching of mobile soil organic matter (SOM) substances from the above-ground biomass using fertilizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grassland Ecosystem Services: Research Advances and Future Directions for Sustainability II)
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16 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Behavioral Conflicts in Urban Greenway Recreation: A Case Study of the “Three Rivers and One Mountain” Greenway in Xi’an, China
by Xiaolu Yang, Jingyi Zhang, Yueyang Yu and Xiu-Juan Qiao
Land 2024, 13(7), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071097 - 20 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 771
Abstract
The current greenway systems in China are relatively homogenous, whereas recreational groups and their needs are highly diverse. This discrepancy has resulted in increasingly severe behavioral conflicts during greenway recreation. However, scholarly research on behavioral conflicts in greenway recreational activities is lacking. Recreationists’ [...] Read more.
The current greenway systems in China are relatively homogenous, whereas recreational groups and their needs are highly diverse. This discrepancy has resulted in increasingly severe behavioral conflicts during greenway recreation. However, scholarly research on behavioral conflicts in greenway recreational activities is lacking. Recreationists’ perceptions of conflict negatively impact their evaluation of the recreational experience, thereby limiting the ecological and recreational benefits of greenways. Therefore, it is crucial to categorize these conflicts, understand their formation mechanisms, and identify influencing factors, so as to put forward targeted management strategies for greenway construction. This study selected urban segments of greenways along the Wei and Feng rivers in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. Field observation, semi-structured interviews, and NVivo 12 three-level coding were used to investigate and analyze the main types of behavioral conflicts perceived by various recreational groups on urban greenways and the factors influencing these perceptions. The results indicate that the primary types of behavioral conflicts are danger perception, space occupancy, environmental damage, and noise disturbance. Younger groups, highly educated individuals, local residents, and those with exercise as their primary recreational purpose are more likely to perceive conflicts. In addition, recreationists also focus on the completeness of greenway infrastructure, the richness of green landscapes, and the adequacy of behavior management. These findings can help greenway managers and planners understand the perception of recreational conflicts, enabling the formulation of targeted design strategies and management measures to mitigate these conflicts in urban greenway recreation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Greenspace Planning, Design and Management)
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18 pages, 11990 KiB  
Review
Spatial–Temporal Variations in Soil Organic Carbon and Driving Factors in Guangdong, China (2009–2023)
by Mi Tian, Chao Wu, Xin Zhu, Qinghai Hu, Xueqiu Wang, Binbin Sun, Jian Zhou, Wei Wang, Qinghua Chi, Hanliang Liu, Yuheng Liu, Jiwu Yang and Xurong Li
Land 2024, 13(7), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071096 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 679
Abstract
Spatial–temporal variation in soil organic carbon is an important factor for national targets to mitigate climate change and land degradation impacts. In this research, we took Guangdong Province of China as the study area, evaluated the spatial–temporal distributions of soil organic carbon using [...] Read more.
Spatial–temporal variation in soil organic carbon is an important factor for national targets to mitigate climate change and land degradation impacts. In this research, we took Guangdong Province of China as the study area, evaluated the spatial–temporal distributions of soil organic carbon using data from three China Geochemical Baseline projects (conducted in 2009, 2016, and 2023, respectively), and quantified the main driving factors of spatial–temporal variations in soil organic carbon using the random forest algorithm, further predicting the density and inventories of soil organic carbon. The results demonstrate that the mean value of SOC in Guangdong in 2009 was 0.81%; in 2016 it was 1.13%; and in 2023 it was 1.02%. The inventories of soil organic carbon (0–30 cm) in Guangdong Province were 0.61 Pg in 2009, 0.74 Pg in 2016, and 0.62 Pg in 2023. Soil in Guangdong acted as a carbon sink from 2009 to 2023 as a whole, and the most important driving force behind spatial–temporal variations in soil organic carbon was temperature, followed by precipitation and vegetation cover. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land, Soil and Water)
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23 pages, 10481 KiB  
Article
Spatial-Temporal Coupling Coordination Relationship between Urban Green Infrastructure Construction and Economic Development in China
by Weiwei Wang, Yanping Wen, Wanxu Chen and Yiran Qu
Land 2024, 13(7), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071095 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 772
Abstract
Urban green infrastructure construction and economic growth are necessary ways and important supports to promote sustainable development. Exploring their coupling coordination relationship is important for achieving high-quality economic development. This study uses the entropy method, coupling coordination degree, kernel density estimation, the Dagum [...] Read more.
Urban green infrastructure construction and economic growth are necessary ways and important supports to promote sustainable development. Exploring their coupling coordination relationship is important for achieving high-quality economic development. This study uses the entropy method, coupling coordination degree, kernel density estimation, the Dagum Gini coefficient, and spatial autocorrelation to explore the spatial-temporal pattern characteristics and coupling coordination relationship between green infrastructure construction and economic development for 273 cities in Chinese mainland in 2010–2020. The results show that the level of China’s green infrastructure construction and economic development gradually increased during 2010–2020. There were significant regional differences in space, exhibiting a decreasing spatial pattern from east to west. The coupling coordination degree was constantly improving. The overall Gini coefficient shows an upward trend. Among the four regions, eastern China has the greatest intraregional variation. The uneven level of coupled coordination is mainly from interregional variation. There was a significant positive spatial autocorrelation relationship, and cities that had a higher degree of coupling coordination tended to agglomeration development. Meanwhile, it also had certain spatial heterogeneity. China’s entire level of coupling coordination degree still has much room for improvement. The study is of great significance in reducing disparities between regions and strengthening regional spatial coordination development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Managing Urban Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services)
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15 pages, 603 KiB  
Article
Community Life Circle, Neighbourly Interaction, and Social Cohesion: Does Community Space Use Foster Stronger Communities?
by Min Jiang, Jiaqi Hu and Xiaofeng Gao
Land 2024, 13(7), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071094 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1052
Abstract
Neighbourhood social cohesion has emerged as a prominent concern in urban governance worldwide. As the primary domain of residents’ daily activities, the community life circle contributes to neighbourly interaction and social cohesion. This study investigates the role of space use within the community [...] Read more.
Neighbourhood social cohesion has emerged as a prominent concern in urban governance worldwide. As the primary domain of residents’ daily activities, the community life circle contributes to neighbourly interaction and social cohesion. This study investigates the role of space use within the community life circle in promoting social cohesion in Chongqing, China. Through an in-depth activity diary survey and structural equation model analysis, we empirically examine the interplay between community space use, neighbourly interaction, and social cohesion. Our findings suggest that the 15 min community life circle plays a crucial role in residents’ daily lives, particularly among senior residents. However, the contribution of community space use to social cohesion is fully mediated by neighbourly interaction. Furthermore, not all patterns of community space use contribute to social cohesion equally; space use engaged with diverse companions on workdays significantly enhances neighbourly interaction and social cohesion. The study enriches the existing literature by deepening our understanding of the role of the community life circle in fostering socially cohesive and sustainable neighbourhoods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Planning and Designing Livable and Sustainable Regions: Integrating Urban and Regional Perspectives)
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23 pages, 1727 KiB  
Perspective
COVID-19 Pandemic and Sustainable Urban Transformation: Perspectives on City-Level Actions and a Framework for the Future
by Mia Callenberg, Aloke Barnwal and Mohamed Imam Bakarr
Land 2024, 13(7), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071093 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 972
Abstract
Cities were at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the concentration of affected populations and economic activities that needed to be revived to support global recovery. While cities offer strong economic and social benefits due to density, proximity, and global connectivity, [...] Read more.
Cities were at the center of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the concentration of affected populations and economic activities that needed to be revived to support global recovery. While cities offer strong economic and social benefits due to density, proximity, and global connectivity, the pandemic had a tremendous impact on their vital functions. It resulted in lost lives and livelihoods and deepened economic and social divides. Furthermore, the pandemic exacerbated many existing environmental challenges in cities. This presented an opportunity to tackle these interlinked challenges in an integrated manner. Evidence suggests that many city leaders integrated environmental sustainability as an important element to complement their emergency responses. Drawing from experiences in cities around the world, particularly those participating in the Sustainable Cities Program supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this paper describes how integrated solutions were applied to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Consistent with a Healthy Planet Healthy People concept, a framework is proposed for sustainable urban transformation and to build cities that are resilient to shocks and stresses. With global environmental benefits at the core, the framework highlights the importance of integration, inclusion, and innovation as key approaches in steering the future green growth and prosperity of cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urban Planning, Design, and Management)
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19 pages, 11979 KiB  
Article
Spatial Identification and Evaluation of Land Use Multifunctions and Their Interrelationships Improve Territorial Space Zoning Management in Harbin, China
by Yafang Zhao, Jiafu Liu, Jie Zhang, Xiaonan Zhang, Hongbo Li, Fengjie Gao and Yucheng Zhan
Land 2024, 13(7), 1092; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071092 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 845
Abstract
Quantitative assessment and trade-off/synergy analysis of land use multifunctions can effectively identify regional conflicts and dominant functions, providing decision support for promoting sustainable socio-economic and land use development. However, current research in this field still faces challenges due to coarse scale of studies [...] Read more.
Quantitative assessment and trade-off/synergy analysis of land use multifunctions can effectively identify regional conflicts and dominant functions, providing decision support for promoting sustainable socio-economic and land use development. However, current research in this field still faces challenges due to coarse scale of studies and limited availability of accurate data. Taking Harbin City as a research case, this research employed an improved mutation level method, Pearson correlation analysis, and a multi-scale geographically weighted regression model to comprehensively investigate the profiling of land use multifunctions and their trade-off /synergy relationships. The comparative advantage theory was adopted to identify dominant functional zones using the NRCA index at a grid scale, in order to achieve a territorial spatial functional zoning delineation. The results showed that there were intricate trade-off/synergy relationships among production–living–ecology functions. Moreover, the types and intensity of trade-off/synergy evolved continuously with socio-economic development and regional resource endowment disparities. Due to its exceptional resource endowment, the agricultural dominated, urban dominated, and ecological dominated functional areas accounted for a significant proportion of 29%, 7%, and 26%, respectively. However, owing to the intricate trade-offs/synergies inherent in land use multifunctions, only a mere 2% (agricultural), 1% (urban), and 1% (ecological) of the area were identified as Optimization Guidance Zones. Conversely, Remediation Improvement Zones constituted the largest share at 63% of the total area, with agricultural, urban, and ecological Remediation Improvement Zones accounting for approximately 33%, 12%, and 18%, respectively. Based on the results of the type and intensity of trade-off/synergy among production–living–ecological functions, as well as the dominant zones and the integrated territorial spatial functional zoning delineation, this article provided targeted recommendations for the sustainable development of the region. These recommendations took into account both resource endowment and socio-economic development characteristics specific to the study area. The study aims to contribute to related research gaps, while providing valuable insights for other regional studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agriculture, Forestry, Land Allocation and Environmental Sustainability)
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21 pages, 5376 KiB  
Article
Assessing Perceived Landscape Change from Opportunistic Spatiotemporal Occurrence Data
by Alexander Dunkel and Dirk Burghardt
Land 2024, 13(7), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071091 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 862
Abstract
The exponential growth of user-contributed data provides a comprehensive basis for assessing collective perceptions of landscape change. A variety of possible public data sources exist, such as geospatial data from social media or volunteered geographic information (VGI). Key challenges with such “opportunistic” data [...] Read more.
The exponential growth of user-contributed data provides a comprehensive basis for assessing collective perceptions of landscape change. A variety of possible public data sources exist, such as geospatial data from social media or volunteered geographic information (VGI). Key challenges with such “opportunistic” data sampling are variability in platform popularity and bias due to changing user groups and contribution rules. In this study, we use five case studies to demonstrate how intra- and inter-dataset comparisons can help to assess the temporality of landscape scenic resources, such as identifying seasonal characteristics for a given area or testing hypotheses about shifting popularity trends observed in the field. By focusing on the consistency and reproducibility of temporal patterns for selected scenic resources and comparisons across different dimensions of data, we aim to contribute to the development of systematic methods for disentangling the perceived impact of events and trends from other technological and social phenomena included in the data. The proposed techniques may help to draw attention to overlooked or underestimated patterns of landscape change, fill in missing data between periodic surveys, or corroborate and support field observations. Despite limitations, the results provide a comprehensive basis for developing indicators with a high degree of timeliness for monitoring perceived landscape change over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Multisensory Landscapes: 2023 Visual Resource Stewardship Conference)
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21 pages, 20753 KiB  
Article
Coupling Coordination Relationship and Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity between Functional Diversification and Settlement Evolution in Traditional Mountain Areas (2000–2020): A Case Study of Fengjie County, China
by Wenxin Zhao, Yangbing Li, Qingrong Wang and Jing’an Shao
Land 2024, 13(7), 1090; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071090 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 760
Abstract
Since the socio-economic reform in 1978, rural China has undergone drastic spatial restructuring, and the trend of multifunctional development and dynamic evolution of settlements in the countryside have become increasingly obvious. Functions and settlements are the important parts of rural areas. Rural multifunction [...] Read more.
Since the socio-economic reform in 1978, rural China has undergone drastic spatial restructuring, and the trend of multifunctional development and dynamic evolution of settlements in the countryside have become increasingly obvious. Functions and settlements are the important parts of rural areas. Rural multifunction is a new perspective to explore the diversified development paths of the countryside, and rural settlements provide basic support for rural multifunction. Clarifying the complex coupling coordination relationship between rural functional diversification (RFD) and rural settlement evolution (RSE), and identifying the spatial heterogeneity of their interactions is the key to promoting the rural revitalization strategy. This study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in rural functions and rural settlements at the township level, alongside assessing various forms and the extent of coupled development. Therein, we consider the advantages of different coupling types of townships and propose four development paths for rural settlements to improve the adaptability of rural functions and settlements. The results show that: (1) The functions and settlements in the study area are characterized by significant spatial and temporal dynamics, indicating that the traditional mountainous countryside is in a process of rapid development and change. (2) The coupling coordination degree of RFD and RSE increases yearly, generally transitioning from the moderate imbalance to the basic coordination stage, and the coordinated townships have obvious spatial agglomeration. (3) Based on the elasticity coefficient model, this paper summarizes four coupling models of RFD and RSE to guide the optimization of rural settlement development paths. This research provides scientific guidance for developing countries in the spatial planning of rural territories and the optimization of rural settlements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of Globalization on Rural Areas: Changes in Land Use and Functions, Deagrarianization, Tertiarization, Urbanization, and Mobility)
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21 pages, 7858 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Coupling Coordination and Sustainable Development of Water–Energy–Land–Food System on a 40-Year Scale: A Case Study of Hebei, China
by Huanyu Chang, Bing Zhang, Jingyan Han, Yong Zhao, Yongqiang Cao, Jiaqi Yao and Linrui Shi
Land 2024, 13(7), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071089 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 712
Abstract
Driven by economic expansion, urbanization, and population growth, the world is witnessing an escalating demand for water, energy, land, and food, posing substantial threats to the sustainable development of societies and economies. Given the intricate interdependencies inherent within the water–energy–land–food (WELF) system, it [...] Read more.
Driven by economic expansion, urbanization, and population growth, the world is witnessing an escalating demand for water, energy, land, and food, posing substantial threats to the sustainable development of societies and economies. Given the intricate interdependencies inherent within the water–energy–land–food (WELF) system, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive assessments of the coupling coordination and sustainable development of the WELF system over long time scales and diverse characteristic dimensions. This study selects Hebei province, China, as the research region, constructing a comprehensive indicator system spanning from 1980 to 2020 using three dimensions: reliability (Rel), robustness (Rob), and equilibrium (Equ). The degree of coupling coordination (DCC) and sustainable development index (SDI) were developed using the comprehensive evaluation index and coupling coordination degree model. Additionally, the obstacle degree model and gray relational degree model were employed to assess the indicators that hinder or promote the SDI. The results indicate that: (1) The DCC (range of 0–1, bigger the better) of the WELF system increased from 0.65 to 0.75 between 1980 and 1998, then fluctuated between 0.75 and 0.69, stabilizing at a moderate level of coordinated development after 2015. (2) For the WELF system in Hebei, as Rel increased, Rob decreased, and Equ increased; similarly, as Rob increased, Equ also increased. (3) The SDI (range of 0–1, bigger the better) rose from 0.45 in 1980, initially increased, then decreased, and eventually stabilized. After 2014, it experienced rapid growth, reaching 0.54 by 2020, indicating an improvement in sustainable development capability. (4) Indicators related to the Equ dimension and the land subsystem were more critical limiting factors for SDI development, while indicators related to the Rel dimension and the food subsystem were more significant contributors to SDI development. These findings offer a scientific foundation and practical insights for Hebei and comparable regions, aiding in the resolution of resource conflicts, optimization of resource allocation, and enhancement of regional sustainable development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water, Energy, Land and Food (WELF) Nexus)
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18 pages, 5578 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Rainstorm Waterlogging Disaster Risk in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas Based on Land Use Scenario Simulation: A Case Study of Jiangqiao Town in Shanghai, China
by Hui Xu, Junlong Gao, Xinchun Yu, Qianqian Qin, Shiqiang Du and Jiahong Wen
Land 2024, 13(7), 1088; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071088 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 778
Abstract
The impact of flooding on cities is becoming increasingly significant in the context of climate change and rapid urbanization. Based on the analysis of the land use changes and rainstorm waterlogging inundation scenarios of Jiangqiao Town from 1980 to 2020, a scenario analysis [...] Read more.
The impact of flooding on cities is becoming increasingly significant in the context of climate change and rapid urbanization. Based on the analysis of the land use changes and rainstorm waterlogging inundation scenarios of Jiangqiao Town from 1980 to 2020, a scenario analysis was conducted to simulate and assess the rainstorm waterlogging disaster risk in 2040 under three land use scenarios (a natural development scenario, Scenario ND; an economic growth scenario, Scenario EG; and an ecological development priority scenario, Scenario EP) and three rainstorm scenarios with return periods of 10, 50, and 100 years. The following results were found: (1) Land use change is a significant factor in the risk of urban rainstorm waterlogging disaster caused by surface runoff and inundation depth change. In particular, the resultant increase in impermeable surfaces such as residential land and industrial land and the decrease in farmland during urbanization would lead to an increase in urban rainstorm waterlogging disaster risk. (2) Under three rainstorm scenarios, the future land use exposure elements and losses are consistent in terms of spatial distribution; from 10-year to 100-year return periods, they manifest as an expansion from the south to the surroundings, especially to the central region of the study area. The locations at risk are mainly distributed in the central and southern regions of Jiangqiao Town. (3) The economic losses are different in different land use scenarios and rainstorm scenarios. In the context of rainstorm scenarios with return periods of 10, 50, and 100 years, the total losses in land use scenario ND are CNY 560 million, CNY 890 million, and CNY 1.07 billion; those in land use scenario EG are CNY 630 million, CNY 980 million, and CNY 1.19 billion; and those in land use scenario EP are CNY 480 million, CNY 750 million, and CNY 910 million. The total losses of land use EP are the lowest by comparison. So, the influence of land use change on the rainstorm waterlogging disaster risk shows obvious differences among different rainstorm scenarios. This study has important reference value for decision making on land use management and flood disaster risk management in rapidly urbanizing areas. Full article
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20 pages, 5469 KiB  
Article
Harmonized Pan-European Time Series for Monitoring Soil Sealing
by Christophe Sannier, Eva Ivits, Gergely Maucha, Joachim Maes and Lewis Dijkstra
Land 2024, 13(7), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071087 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 848
Abstract
The European Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) has been producing datasets on imperviousness every 3 years since 2006. However, for 2018, the input for the production of the imperviousness dataset was switched from mixed inputs to the Sentinel constellation. While this led to [...] Read more.
The European Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) has been producing datasets on imperviousness every 3 years since 2006. However, for 2018, the input for the production of the imperviousness dataset was switched from mixed inputs to the Sentinel constellation. While this led to an improvement in the spatial detail from 20 m to 10 m, this also resulted in a break in the time series as the 2018 update was not comparable to the previous reference years. In addition, the European CLMS has been producing a new dataset from 2018 onward entitled CLC+ Backbone, which also includes a sealed area thematic class. When comparing both datasets with sampled reference data, it appears that the imperviousness dataset substantially underestimates sealed areas at the European level. However, the CLC+ dataset is only available from 2018 and currently does not include any change layer. To address these issues, a harmonized continental soil sealing combined dataset for Europe was produced for the entire observation period. This new dataset has been validated to be the best current dataset for monitoring soil sealing as a direct input for European policies with an estimated total sealed area of 175,664 km2 over Europe and an increase in sealed areas of 1297 km2 or 0.7% between 2015 and 2018, which is comparable to previous time periods. Finally, recommendations for future updates and the validation of imperviousness degree geospatial products are given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applying Earth Observation Data for Urban Land-Use Change Mapping)
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23 pages, 21809 KiB  
Article
Neglected and Peripheral Spaces: Challenges of Socioeconomic Marginalization in a South Carpathian Area
by Alexandru Dragan, Remus Crețan and Mihaela Ancuța Lungu
Land 2024, 13(7), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071086 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1201
Abstract
There has been a debate recently on how the population in traditional mining areas of Central and Eastern Europe faces precarity and marginalization. A spatial approach was employed in a Romanian context using available statistical data on a south Carpathian area (i.e., Gorj [...] Read more.
There has been a debate recently on how the population in traditional mining areas of Central and Eastern Europe faces precarity and marginalization. A spatial approach was employed in a Romanian context using available statistical data on a south Carpathian area (i.e., Gorj County). We also conducted surveys and in-depth interviews with residents in one of the rural communities of Gorj. Our findings highlight that a large number of rural localities in this county are technically, economically, and socially underdeveloped. Many inhabitants face a lack of financial resources and employment opportunities, which has led to the emigration of young people to larger Romanian cities or to other countries. We conclude that in order to avoid a much deeper social and spatial marginalization of local inhabitants, an integrated strategy is needed to target economic and social development, investment in infrastructure and public services, the promotion of employment and training opportunities, and to better integrate local culture and traditions into tourism. Full article
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14 pages, 482 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Local Government Perceptions of Disaster Risks on Land Resilience Planning Implementation
by Soyoung Kim, Simon A. Andrew, Edgar Ramirez de la Cruz, Woo-Je Kim and Richard Clark Feiock
Land 2024, 13(7), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071085 - 19 Jul 2024
Viewed by 849
Abstract
Local government managers play a critical role in sustainability and climate adaptation planning, and in relation to land-use policy, but little is known about how managers’ hazard risk concerns influence the implementation of resilience policy or how this relationship may vary across different [...] Read more.
Local government managers play a critical role in sustainability and climate adaptation planning, and in relation to land-use policy, but little is known about how managers’ hazard risk concerns influence the implementation of resilience policy or how this relationship may vary across different landscapes and types of hazards. Linking managers’ disaster concerns to their planning choices is particularly relevant to resilience planning for adaptation to climate change, since greenhouse gas emissions are global but the harms produced by climate change are local. Moreover, climate adaptation planning encompasses risks from multiple hazards. For a sample of cities in the state of Florida, USA, we report the findings of empirical analysis of the relationships between local government managers’ hazard-specific climate-related disaster concerns and their resilience-planning priorities for four types of hazards: river flooding, sea-level rise, storm surge and hurricane/tornado winds. Drawing on data from a survey of local disaster managers and policy data on the implementation of adaptation-planning actions, the link between managers’ concerns and plan implementation is identified and compared across communities and across types of hazards. The pooled logit regression results reveal that the differences observed among these hazards persist even after controlling for objective risks and relevant community characteristics. We discuss the nature of the differences across four hazards and explore the implications of the findings for the literature on land use and climate adaptation and for the education of local government managers. Full article
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20 pages, 4552 KiB  
Article
Land Governance and Fragmentation Patterns of Agricultural Land Use in Southern Romania during 1990–2020
by Diana Dogaru, Alexandru-Ionut Petrisor, Claudiu-Valeriu Angearu, Laura Lupu and Dan Bălteanu
Land 2024, 13(7), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071084 - 18 Jul 2024
Viewed by 887
Abstract
In Romania, excessive fragmentation of croplands remains persistent in areas of significant agricultural potential as a consequence of combined factors involving both land governance and farms’ characteristics. This paper examines the fragmentation of agricultural land use in the Romanian Plain, focusing on the [...] Read more.
In Romania, excessive fragmentation of croplands remains persistent in areas of significant agricultural potential as a consequence of combined factors involving both land governance and farms’ characteristics. This paper examines the fragmentation of agricultural land use in the Romanian Plain, focusing on the impact of land policies implemented in Romania during the past three decades. The analysis relies on a survey of local policies that helps to distinguish three phases that marked the evolution of the fragmentation of agricultural land during 1990–2020. Additionally, metrics derived from remote sensing time series further assist in capturing the fragmentation levels during the identified phases and the spatial differences for the analyzed period. The fragmentation levels appear strikingly contrasting between the western part of the Romanian Plain and the Danube alluvial areas; this has been attributed as being the joint result of various land governance components which both enabled and constrained proper utilization of agricultural land, and concurrent factors related to economic and sociodemographic changes. We find excessive fragmentation emerged in plain field areas, triggered by the high overall rates of institutional change. The findings underscore the importance of jointly considering the fragmentation phenomenon in its evolution, intensity and spatial differences for effective land use policy formulation, emphasizing the need for proactive governance to support the efficient use of agricultural resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Change from Non-urban to Urban Areas: Problems, Challenges and Opportunities II)
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22 pages, 9464 KiB  
Article
Land Use Carbon Emission Estimation and Simulation of Carbon-Neutral Scenarios Based on System Dynamics in Coastal City: A Case Study of Nantong, China
by Qingyun Xu and Kongqing Li
Land 2024, 13(7), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071083 - 18 Jul 2024
Viewed by 788
Abstract
Land use directly affects the carbon emissions and carbon stock of the ecosystem, and indirectly affects the carbon emissions from anthropogenic activities, which occur more frequently in coastal regions. Taking Nantong City as an example, detailed carbon emission projects were classified and calculated [...] Read more.
Land use directly affects the carbon emissions and carbon stock of the ecosystem, and indirectly affects the carbon emissions from anthropogenic activities, which occur more frequently in coastal regions. Taking Nantong City as an example, detailed carbon emission projects were classified and calculated for different land use types by combining land use images of five typical years. Based on the complex relationship between land use carbon emissions and socio-economic factors, the system dynamics model (SD) was used to simulate the land use carbon emissions from 2005 to 2060, and to construct carbon-neutral policy scenarios. Compared with inlands, carbon emissions from land use in Nantong are more pronounced than inland areas, and unique land use types, such as shallows, play an important role as carbon sinks. Total land use carbon emissions show an upward trend from 2005 to 2020 and carbon emissions from construction land dominate. Under the natural development condition, the total net carbon emissions of Nantong are about 4,298,250 tons in 2060, failing to achieve carbon neutrality. The scenario with all four policies adjusted (LO, IO, TP, and PC) has the best emission reductions, peaking at 10,949,010 tons of net carbon emissions in 2029 and reducing them to 1,370,202 tons in 2060, which is the scenario closest to the carbon-neutral target. Overall, this study provides a meaningful conclusion for the study of land use carbon emission characteristics and low-carbon pathways in coastal cities, which can guide the formation of government policies. Full article
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