Landscape Histories and the Search for Early Settlements along Louisiana's Bayous

This research was conducted in the upstream of Grompol watershed. This study aims to identify: 1) the changes of agricultural land carrying capacity, and 2) the shift of agricultural land use. Primary data of the research were obtained from field observation to know land use in Grompol watershed, while the secondary data were obtained from various stakeholders that were in accordance with the required data. The result of data analysis and data interpretation, it can be known that: 1) the agricultural land carrying capacity in Grompol watershed is in deficit state. In 2003, Karang is the only village that is surplus, while in 2007 and 2014 both Karang and Tohkuning experienced a deficit; 2) the shift of agricultural land use in the upstream of Grompol watershed sampled by Karang and Tohkuning village in 2000, 2007, and 2015 shows that the paddy fields and unirrigated field turned into settlements. During the last sixteen years, the agricultural land in the upstream of Grompol watershed has decreased about 15.68 ha.

This study investigates the impact of past and present landscape structure on the current genetic structure of the bush-cricket Metrioptera roeseli (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) in a rural landscape in Germany. Assuming that land-use types, such as grassland, arable land and forest, as well as linear structures, mainly roads, differentially affect the connectivity of the bush-cricket's habitat and therefore migration and gene flow, we correlated landscape parameters between sampling locations as derived from GIS-maps with genetic similarities between individual bush-crickets as estimated by RAPD-PCR. Fifty bush-crickets were sampled with distances between sampling locations varying between 15 m and 2 km. Corresponding landscape configurations were recorded in 8 years between 1945 and 1998. Landscape configuration 50 years ago appeared to have influenced the present genetic structure of the bush-cricket (R 2 = 0.18). Crossing roads and land use other than grassland along the transect between sampling locations tended to decrease genetic similarity, whereas grassland and parallel roads tended to increase genetic similarity between bush-crickets. Following shifts in land use during 1953–1973 the correlation between landscape and present genetic structure decreased gradually. Our study suggests that it needs time for the landscape to build a visible effect on the genetic structure of the bush-cricket population, and that this effect cannot be detected if the landscape changes faster than the genetic structure responds to it.

Common narratives of 'decline' in Jordan and Syria during the Islamic periods are based on diminishing evidence of construction and maintenance of monumental architecture, and often consider man-made degradation of the environment, such as soil erosion due to mismanage­ment, as a key factor of reduced productivity. This contribution tackles the question of historic landscape change with a case study of the site of Abila in northern Jordan, and reviews the literature on the matter. Sediments in the Wadi Queilbeh near Abila suggest that two periods of rapid and significant deposition took place during the 6th and 14th-15th century AD, which were connected with extreme rainfalls induced by global climate variations. After the 6th century, a trend to general drier conditions is discernible. Other periods are characterized by absence of sedimentation, and soil distribution in the vicinity suggests stable and fertile conditions where water availability determines the agricultural potential. Changes of settlement and environment can be explained with reduced rainfalls during the Islamic periods that led to a shift of land use from market-orient agriculture towards subsistence farming. This reduced surpluses and thus less monumental buildings were built. The practice of a mixed economy with an increasing share of pastoralism was connected with natural reforestation of some areas, and seasonal use of many areas may have led to incorrect perceptions of 'empty' lands by European travelers. Tribes settled when they could realize the benefits of agriculture. Climate fluctuations most likely represent the underlying drivers of environmental and economic changes in northern Jordan during the Islamic periods.

Impact of progressive and retrogressive land use changes on ecosystem multifunctionality: Implications for land restoration in the Indian Eastern Himalayan region

This research paper examines the land economic development strategies in South Delhi, focusing on their impact on the socio-economic and spatial dynamics of the region. South Delhi, a diverse and economically vibrant district within the National Capital Region of India, presents a unique case study to explore how tailored land use policies and economic planning can foster sustainable growth. Using a mixed-method approach, this study integrates qualitative analysis of policy documents, stakeholder interviews, and quantitative assessment of economic indicators to analyze land use changes, economic transformations, and policy effectiveness from 2011 to 2021. The analysis spans both macro and micro levels, investigating transformations in key areas like Mehrauli, Lado Sarai, and Aya Nagar. Findings highlight significant shifts in land use from agricultural to residential and commercial purposes, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and policy reforms. While certain strategies have effectively promoted economic growth, challenges such as environmental degradation, congestion, uneven policy enforcement, and socio- economic disparities persist. The study underscores the need for sustainable land use planning, improved infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive governance frameworks to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability The research offers comprehensive insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to optimize land economic development strategies in South Delhi, with implications for similar urban contexts globally. The study advocates for a holistic approach that integrates sustainable development, community engagement, and resilient policy frameworks to create livable and prosperous urban environments. Index Terms— Land Economic Development Strategies,South Delhi, Socio-Economic Dynamics ,Spatial Dynamics, Land Use Policies ,Economic Planning ,Sustainable Growth ,Mixed-Method Approach, Policy Documents, Stakeholder Interviews, Economic Indicators, Land Use Changes, Urbanization, Infrastructure Development ,Policy Reforms Environmental Degradation, Socio- Economic Disparities ,Sustainable Land Use Planning, Stakeholder Collaboration, Adaptive Governance, Urban Environments.

Review: <i>Saving Spaces: Historic Land Conservation in the United States</i>, by John H. Sprinkle Jr.

Water scarcity and availability represent two critical and interconnected facets of the challenges posed to agriculture by climate change. Among the components most affected by these changes are land use and landscape dynamics. The construction and intelligent management of the retention basins, reservoirs, drainage systems or water-saving soil management can mitigate water shortages during drought periods by enhancing storage and flow regulation.This study uses the Wflow_sbm hydrological model, a distributed-parameter framework, to investigate how climatic condition and landscape factors influence water dynamics in a 60-ha experimental catchment in Lower Austria. By integrating comprehensive datasets from 2007 to 2024 and emphasizing key soil and land use characteristics, we aim to simulate the water balance across this historical change in land use, soil management, and crop rotation.Previous investigations in this catchment lead us to assume that shifts in land use and agricultural practices will substantially impact runoff, infiltration, and evapotranspiration patterns. Furthermore, evolving rainfall regimes and rising temperatures driven by climate change are expected to increase challenges related to water availability. By analyzing these factors, the model scenario investigation seeks to highlight historical land use and structural changes and their effects on the water balance. This includes examining how past agricultural practices, and the landscape, and drainage systems have influenced runoff patterns, and evapotranspiration rates. Additionally, the study seeks to correlate these changes with historical climate data to identify long-term trends and thresholds in water availability.This model application provides valuable insights into effective water resource management strategies amidst environmental changes. Future work will focus on quantifying the agrohydrological potential of further water-saving practices and extending the analysis to explore the broader ecological and community-level of land use and climate transformations.Keywords: Wflow_sbm, hydrological modeling, land use change, climate change, water resources, experimental catchment

Land use change and intensification in agricultural landscapes of the Andean highlands have resulted in widespread soil degradation and a loss in soil-based ecosystem services and biodiversity. This trend threatens the sustainability of farming communities in the Andes, with important implications for food security and biodiversity conservation throughout the region. Based on these challenges, we sought to understand the impact of current and future land use practices on soil fertility and biodiversity, so as to inform landscape planning and management decisions for sustainable agroecosystem management. We worked with local communities to identify and map dominant land uses in an agricultural landscape surrounding Quilcas, Peru. These land uses existed within two elevations zones (low-medium, 3200-3800m, and high elevation, 3800-4300m). They included three types of low-medium elevation forests (eucalyptus, alder, and mixed/native species), five pasture management types (permanent pasture, temporal pasture [in fallow stage], degraded pasture, high-altitude permanent pasture, and high-altitude temporal pasture [in fallow stage]) and six cropping systems (forage crops, maize/beans, and potato under four types of management). Soil fertility was evaluated in surface soils (0-20cm) with soil physicochemical parameters (e.g., pH, soil organic matter, available nutrients, texture), while soil biological properties were assessed using the abundance and diversity of soil macrofauna and ground cover vegetation. Our results indicated clear impacts of land use on soil fertility and biological communities. Altitude demonstrated thestrongest effect on soil physicochemical properties, but management systems within the low-mid elevation zone also showed important differences in soil biological communities. In general, the less-disturbed forest and pasture systems supported more diverse soil communities than the more intensively managed croplands. Degraded soils demonstrated the lowest overall soil fertility and abundance of soil macrofauna, but this may be reversible via the planting of alder forests. Our findings also indicated significant covariation between soil physicochemical parameters, soil macrofauna, and ground vegetation. This suggests that management for any one of these soil properties may yield unintended cascading effects throughout the soil subsystem. In summary, our findings suggest that shifts in land use across the landscape are likely to have important impacts on soil functioning and biodiversity.

Land cover and use are critical for climate change, water quality and use, biodiversity and soil conservation as well as important drivers of rural economic activity and the evolution of rural communities. The Land Use in Rural New Zealand (LURNZ) model is a simulation model that predicts overall shifts in land use at a national scale and then allocates those changes spatially. We create a new dataset that allows us to consider fine scale land cover and use on private rural land and land characteristics associated with those land covers and uses. Second, we produce some summary statistics on the land cover transitions that were observed from 1996 to 2002. We find some evidence that supports our simple model of the relationship between land use changes and observable land quality, and the use of Land Use Capability and slope in rules to simulate the location of changes in land use and cover and also identify some directions for future work.

Land cover and use are critical for climate change, water quality and use, biodiversity and soil conservation as well as important drivers of rural economic activity and the evolution of rural communities. The Land Use in Rural New Zealand (LURNZ) model is a simulation model that predicts overall shifts in land use at a national scale and then allocates those changes spatially. We create a new dataset that allows us to consider fine scale land cover and use on private rural land and land characteristics associated with those land covers and uses. Second, we produce some summary statistics on the land cover transitions that were observed from 1996 to 2002. We find some evidence that supports our simple model of the relationship between land use changes and observable land quality, and the use of Land Use Capability and slope in rules to simulate the location of changes in land use and cover and also identify some directions for future work.

Islands represent distinctive geographical landscapes where cultural heritage, history, and ecological systems converge, offering critical insights into human–environment interactions. This study investigates how visual storytelling through digital tools such as the Historical Environment Map Viewer, Environment Digimap, Google Maps and Google Street View, and ArcGIS Field Maps can be employed to capture, interpret, and communicate islands’ landscape changes. By integrating historical environmental mapping, landscape change mapping, street map views, and field observations, this study creates a layered visual narrative that reveals shifts in land use, settlement patterns, and ecological features over time. Rathlin Island represents a distinctive island landscape, and this study uses visual storytelling as a tool to foster a broader public understanding of environmental conservation and engagement with the island’s ecologial challenges. The study demonstrates that multi-perspective, interdisciplinary methods provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of landscape change, while also offering a comprehensive vision of sustainable future landscape on small islands.

The land use mosaic that characterises our urban environments is complex and subject to regular and on-going change and transition. Land use change takes place as cities seek to meet ever evolving population, economic, social, and environmental objectives. However, our empirical capacity to map, measure and monitor the geographical shifts in land use at a fine spatial granularity and how these aggregate across the urban environment remain very limited. In this paper, we draw on parcel level land use data for a large metropolitan region in Australia for a 19-year period and employ sequence analysis to delineate the location and timing of shifts in land use. Results reveal both similarities between jurisdictional regions alongside the unique land use transitions that go some way to highlight context specific mechanisms. This study demonstrates the utility of our empirical approach in its capacity to inform regional development strategies through revealing the type, timing and location of land use change in relation to land use policy and planning goals.

Ethiopia has undergone a substantial shift in land use and land cover (LULC), which is home to the majority of the human and animal population. Land degradation has occurred in the Ethiopian highlands as a result of modifications in LULC caused by poor farming methods, high livestock population, and human pressures. Most researchers identified the many LULC drivers and their impact on floristic composition. All of these manifestations have the potential to have major consequences for land users and individuals whose livelihoods rely on the products of a healthy environment. This change in LULC type, combined with poor land management practices in Ethiopia, puts land in jeopardy of erosion, resulting in accelerated soil degradation. All LULC variables, such as the spread of various agricultural activities, the production of fuelwood and charcoal, cutting trees for construction resources, settlements, and revenue growth, are associated with population increase and resettlement. In Ethiopia, the lack of a relevant forest policy implementation on the ground is recognized as a cause pushing deforestation and other landscape changes. This review paper aimed to compile the effects of land use land cover changes on Ethiopian vegetation.

Urban–rural integration, which aims to balance economic growth with sustainable land use, is becoming an increasingly critical strategy for regional development. This study provides crucial insights into the relationship between land use changes and ecosystem service values (ESVs) in rapidly urbanizing areas by analyzing the urban–rural integration process in Henan Province, a typical agricultural province in China. This research investigated the relationship between land use transformation and ESVs in Henan Province, China, from 1990 to 2020. Utilizing land use data and employing the equivalent factor method and elasticity model, we analyzed shifts in land use and their impacts on ecosystem services across 17 prefecture-level cities. Results indicated a gradual improvement in the urban–rural integration development index of Henan Province, particularly after 2000, but with notable disparities among cities. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, consistently demonstrated high urban–rural integration development index (URII) values, influencing the integration efforts of neighboring cities. Conversely, peripheral cities exhibited lower integration indices. Notable shifts in land use patterns characterized by diverse transfer dynamics distinctively influenced ESVs across regions. Urban sprawl initially exerted substantial impacts on ecosystem services and stabilized over time. Suburbanization impacts peaked in the early and middle stages, while agricultural intensification initially affected ecosystem services, but their effects diminished with increased efficiency. Ecological restoration efforts consistently enhanced ESVs. The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interactions between land use transitions and ecosystem services in the context of urban–rural integration.

Surface Coal Mining activities have significant effects on vegetation and land use/land cover (LULC), resulting in environmental degradation and changes in ecosystem services. In this study, geospatial methods, incorporating spatial autocorrelation tools like Moran's I, were adopted to identify and assess notable spatial patterns of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and LULC alterations in areas impacted by mining for the years 1997 and 2022 in the Damodar River basin, India. Spatial autocorrelation assessments were performed in ArcGIS to identify patterns of clustering and dispersion in NDVI and LULC changes to get an idea about the emerging hot spot and cold spot patterns influenced by surface coal mining in the Damodar River basin, India. The methodology involves calculating Global Moran&amp;#8217;s I to analyze overall spatial trends and the Mann Kendall Trend test to analyse the temporal trend. Following this, Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) are employed to identify regions undergoing notable vegetation decline or shifts in land use. The spatial weights matrix, an essential element for these evaluations, is configured to reflect spatial relationships, such as contiguity or distance-based interactions.Initial findings reveal significant clusters of NDVI decline in active mining areas, aligning with widespread deforestation and land cover transformations from natural green cover to mining infrastructure, the mining area shows an increase of 6.89 per cent of the total geographical area of the basin. Hotspot analysis indicates crucial locations that necessitate prompt environmental intervention. The whole basin exhibits a statistically significant temporal trend of high-value aggregation of NDVI. This research underscores the effectiveness of spatial autocorrelation tools in tracking and managing the ecological consequences of mining operations. The results offer valuable information for policymakers and environmental managers to focus restoration efforts and adopt sustainable land use strategies.