Water security in the agriculture and cattle grazing activities: A systematic review

<p>Water security poses one of the biggest challenges of the century. It is a versatile problem, going beyond the traditional concepts of hydrology and water quality. It is difficult to give a single definition, since water security signifies a "safe operating subspace" within a multi-dimensional space that maps physical resource availability, water quality, demand, infrastructure and economic choices. The main idea of water security, as addressed in the present study, is the need to balance human and environmental water needs.</p><p>In arid and semi-arid areas, including Greece, intensification of agriculture accompanied with poor management is a common phenomenon. These attempts to meet economic and productive objectives, combined with the physical characteristics of these areas, has led to quantitative and qualitative water degradation, questioning the sustainability of water resources. In Greece, the Ministry of Environment Management Plans found that only 1 or 2 cases in the country are in “a good status”. This study aims to propose a way towards integrated and sustainable management, through hydro-economic tools: water balance, profits from agricultural activities, water value, and water quality. Water security is examined based on these terms in several Greek rural watersheds.</p><p>The methodology consists of the estimation of water availability, water demand, and thus water balance in surface and groundwater resources. The profits from the agricultural activities are estimated from a straightforward economic model, based on the gross profits and production costs. Water quality is based on measurements on concentrations of fertilizers, chemical parameters and pesticides, and its improvement is examined through the quantitative replenishment due to several strategies exploiting dilution processes in surface and groundwater. The analysis used data from the period 2005-2015, and a set of management scenarios were examined, suggesting technical measures (e.g. reducing losses, improving irrigation methods) and crop replacement scenarios, taking into account factors affecting these decisions, and also the Ministry’s recommendations. The water value was calculated using the “change of the net-income” method. All the above factors’ results indicate the degradation of the examined areas.</p><p>More specifically, the watersheds of Lake Karla, Almyros, Koronia, and Loudia were selected as the most representative cases. These watersheds seem to have limited water availability, intensified agriculture, poor water quality and management issues. The Lake Karla watershed is characterized from overexploited surface and groundwater resources, Loudia and Koronia watersheds face the same issues plus a strong qualitative degradation, Almyros watershed main issue is the salinization of its coastal aquifer. In conclusion, the first steps that are introduced in this study can be a starting point for more integrated water security management, helping local water managers understand and address the above issues.</p><p>Overall, it is a novel attempt to integrate all the above parameters in one framework, for a ten-year horizon, and comparing rural Greek case studies. Non-comparable factors also exist among different case studies, which are discussed, however the evidences support the finding of the general degradation and unsustainable management in the country.</p><p><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> Water Security, agricultural watersheds, Greece, Water Resources Management, Hydro-economic modeling, water quality, scenario analysis.</p>

Tropical forests have undergone extensive transformation because of increasing tourism development, in addition to historic clearing for agricultural and cattle grazing activities. Altogether, these activities have had an important effect on bird diversity, reducing the habitat available to many species. In this study, the role of tropical forest remnants located between different land use types was evaluated for species diversity, composition, and distribution of the bird community at Akumal region in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Point counts were used to quantify the avifauna by habitat, and Shannon´s and Simpson´s diversity index were used to determine bird diversity. Additionally, bird species were classified according to seasonality and trophic guild by type of habitat. A total of 160 species and 50 families was recorded, of which 100 species were permanent residents, 47 winter visitors and 11 transients. Mature tropical forest and tropical forest remnants had higher species richness than those of modified environments. This study supports the importance of tropical forest remnants as shelters for bird species in landscapes with tourism developments, and the relevance of these remnants to maintaining high bird diversity. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 799-813. Epub 2018 June 01.

This study is centered on the concept of visual based upon two central factors, aesthetics and the observers capacity of perception of the landscape. The landscape in southern Chile has been transformed over the past centuries, and particularly in recent decades. This transformation is a product of forestry, agriculture and cattle grazing activities; this study attempts to evaluate the landscape quality in a north-south transect of 587 km, along Chile's 5 South highway extending from Cabrero to Puerto Montt. Landscape Units (Unidades de Paisaje, UP) were established, quantified and evaluated by a mixed method with direct valuation of the representative subjectivity and subsequent indirect analysis, with analysis of components. A total of 1,702 Landscape Units (UP) were analyzed, concluding that the most frequent macro-units are: Visual Obstruction, Native Vegetation, Agriculture Cultivation, and Artificial Plantations. The general average was 11.57 VP (SD = 5.01), considered acceptable in the Fines scale. The macro-units of highest value were: Native Vegetation and Agriculture Cultivation, and those with lowest value were: Visual Obstruction and Artificial Plantations. Information was compiled about the frequency of the macro-units per sector and the evaluation of 42 sub-units of landscape value, 22 Landscape Units (UP) and four macro-units. This paper discusses the different valuations, the historical evolution of landscapes in southern Chile, and alternative propositions of mitigation in Landscape Units of low evaluation. This evaluation may be compared with future evaluations in order to quantify losses (or gains) of landscape, its destructive agents and mitigating measures.

Dormant grasses are usually deficient in nutrients needed to meet cattle requirements. Research results indicate that grazing activities are sensitive to some environmental variables and vegetative (sward) characteristics; however, minimal information is available on the influence of supplementation regimens on cattle grazing activities. Supplementation studies reviewed had forage N levels that ranged from .9 to 1.2% and forage intakes that ranged from 12.3 to 31.0 g of OM/kg of BW. Protein supplementation affected (P < .05) time spent grazing: unsupplemented (NS) cattle grazed approximately 1.5 h/d more than did supplemented (S) cattle. Type of supplemental protein and time of daily feeding did not affect (P > .10) this response. Different types and timing of starch-based supplements produced variable results; however, increasing the level of supplemental starch decreased (P < .05) daily grazing time. Protein supplementation increased (P < .05) harvesting efficiency (HE; grams of forage intake.kilogram of BW-1.minute spent grazing-1); however, high-starch supplements either did not alter (P > .10) or decreased (P < .05) HE compared with NS. Progressive defoliation can influence grazing behavior in both sheep and cattle grazing actively growing forage; however, evaluation of vegetative characteristics of dormant forage and the corresponding effect on grazing behavior are not known. The effects of various grazing management strategies on cattle behavior are inconclusive and deserve additional attention. Methods and (or) management practices that modify behaviors to control feed intake, improve efficiency, or reduce stress could be major contributions to the livestock industry.

Stock have been grazed on the Bogong High Plains during the summer months every year for more than a century. Several severe droughts between the 1880s and 1920s resulted in abnormally large numbers of stock being depastured there in addition to the usual numbers, which contributed both to the degradation of the vegetation cover and an increase in erosion. In the 1940s, controls were placed on the number of stock permitted to graze the Bogong High Plains, and since that time total numbers 07 grazing stock have declined from 9000 cattle to just over 3000 cattle today. In this paper, historical hydrological data from the Bogong High Plains are examined to see if cattle grazing activities may be related to trends in the run-off of several streams in the subalpine and alpine zone. Long-term declining trends in both cattle grazing numbers and run-off variables were identified as statistically significant in one of the four catchments examined - albeit in the catchment with the longest run-off record. There was some evidence that the monthly run-off from three small catchments subject to differential grazing pressures supported a correlation between high grazing densities and large run-off volumes during the summer months, but this result was not substantiated by modelling daily storm hydrographs for those same months. All the hydrological data examined post-dates the period of major environmental degradation, which may have contributed to the moderate results obtained. The fact that run-off volumes declined between the 1940s and the 1980s suggests that there has been an improvement in the environmental conditions of the Bogong High Plains since grazing controls were introduced, but it is not certain whether full recovery has taken place, or ever will.

Corticosterone Metabolite Concentrations in Greater Sage-Grouse Are Positively Associated With the Presence of Cattle Grazing

The exploding demand for palm oil in the world market makes oil palm expansion in several tropical countries increasingly increasing, especially in Indonesia. The phenomenon of land conversion that occurred in Wajo Regency was caused by the entry of plantation companies which resulted in the shifting of livelihood systems and livelihood strategies. Changing agricultural land into an oil palm plantation area with a partnership system has an impact on the limited community in managing and accessing their land. Farming activities for both rice and other commodities such as cashew and others as well as cattle grazing activities cannot be done on agricultural lands that have been partnered for oil palm plantations. This condition triggered shocks to the farmer's household livelihood system. So that in the process the community carries out various adaptation of livelihood strategies. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the livelihood strategy of the community in meeting household needs before and after the conversion of agricultural land to oil palm plantations. This study uses snowball sampling and in-depth interviews conducted in the village of Taddangpalie, Penrang District. The results showed that the livelihood strategies of farmer households before conversion which had the largest percentage were survival strategies (53%), consolidation (30%), accumulative (17%) with the agricultural basis. After land conversion occurs there is a decrease in the survival strategy phase which is to be (48%) because some households switch the consolidation phase by (40%), and the accumulative phase still remains at the percentage, with the dominant basis being agriculture and non-agriculture. Vulnerability in the form of shock, trend, and equality is overcome by two types of strategies namely survival strategies and consolidation strategies by adopting human capital, social capital, natural capital, and financial capital.

The development of oil palm plantations has pushed for massive land-use change in Indonesia. As is the case in Penrang District, Wajo Regency. There is approximately 1,700 ha of agricultural land converted to oil palm plantations of 18,000 ha of land to be developed. The transformation of agricultural land into a palm oil plantation area with a partnership system has an impact on the limitations of the community in managing and accessing land owned by it. Farming activities for both rice and other commodities such as cashew and others and cattle grazing activities cannot be done on agricultural areas that have been planted for oil palm plantation. This condition triggers a shock to the livelihood system of farm households. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the vulnerability process and how communities conduct livelihood strategies to restore economic conditions and household livelihoods. This study used snowball sampling and in-depth interviews in two villages namely Temmabarang Village and Taddangpalie Village, Penrang District. The results of the research indicate that some farmers’ households are vulnerable due to land conversion in the form of work accidents when they become oil palm laborers (shock), decreasing activities to access, process and take yield after conversion of land, and vulnerability due to loss of livelihoods in certain seasons (seasonality). Vulnerability in the form of shock, trend, and seasonality is overcome by two types of strategies, namely survival strategy and consolidation strategy by relying on human capital, social capital, natural capital, and financial capital.

The Paraopeba River Basin, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has been severely impacted by extreme climatic events and the 2019 Vale S.A. dam failures in Brumadinho. This study underscores the importance of integrating multi-criteria decision analysis with a conceptual model to diagnose water security in the region based on socio-environmental indicators. Employing the DPSIR methodology, socio-environmental indicators are proposed and analyzed to assess water security and to support the planning and management of water resources in the Paraopeba River Basin (BHRP). The approach combines the TOPSIS multi-criteria analysis model with the entropy weight method to rank municipalities according to their levels of water security. The analysis identified critical challenges, including population growth, industrialization, and agricultural expansion, which exacerbate water contamination. Brumadinho and Betim emerged as the most vulnerable municipalities, exhibiting high rates of waterborne diseases and inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure. Intense industrial and agricultural activities have further heightened environmental risks, as exemplified by the dam failures. The study underscores socio-environmental pressures and highlights the importance of integrated approaches. The findings emphasize the need for robust public policies, sustainable agricultural practices, participatory management, infrastructure improvements, and climate change adaptation to ensure water security and improve quality of life.

The aridity, population growth, agriculture and industrial activities threaten the water resources in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In UAE, groundwater quantity is reduced and its quality is also deteriorated due to the scanty of rainfall and over pumping for different uses. The deficit of groundwater is met by desalinated water and reused of treated wastewater. Agricultural activities have negative impacts on water resources and this causes reduction of groundwater quality as the agriculture the main land use in the UAE and it accounts for more than 70% of groundwater use. The treated wastewater is an alternative source for agricultural activities. To improve the current water situation, a national water resources strategy has been prepared and imple-mented to assist in achieve this target and maintain the country’s water security. This paper intends to give an overview of water resources in the UAE with emphasis on challenges facing the management of these resources.

Large areas of tropical moist forests have been converted to cattle pastures, generating complex landscapes where different habitats are represented by small patches with an uneven spatial distribution. Here, we describe how bird communities respond to the different elements present in a livestock landscape that was originally dominated by tropical moist forest. We surveyed six habitats: open pastures, pastures with shrubs, early‐ and middle‐secondary forests, mature forest, and pastures invaded by bracken ferns (Pteridium aquilinum). Bird diversity was high in secondary and mature forests, and low in fern‐invaded sites and open pastures. Fern‐dominated sites had the lowest bird species richness, and trophic guild diversity of all habitats. Habitat structure affected both bird species richness and densities in similar ways. Tree species richness was the habitat attribute that had a bigger positive effect on bird species richness. Bird community structure varied among sampled habitats, separating habitats in two major groups (forests and pastures). Our data indicate that bracken fern‐invaded pastures were the worst habitat condition for avian communities. To increase bird diversity, we recommend to eliminate or manage bracken fern and to increase shrub and tree cover in open pastures to provide food resources and shelter for birds. Finally, we encourage the maintenance of secondary and mature forest remnants as a strategy to conserve resident birds within a landscape dominated by livestock activities.

Introduction: The Amazon region has been undergoing a rapid transformation in land use, characterized by the replacement of native vegetation with urbanized areas, monocultures, and agricultural activities. This process has led to serious socio-environmental consequences, such as increased soil erosion, soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. In this context, this study aims to analyze the dynamics of land use and land cover in the municipality of Paragominas (PA) and its interaction with the Capim River Basin, highlighting the socioeconomic implications of these interactions based on the Nexus Theory. The theoretical framework incorporates concepts of landscape ecology, territorial occupation, soil ecology, and the interdependence between water, land, and food security. The methodology adopted was a systematic literature review, including the selection of scientific articles from national and international databases, complemented by bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer software. The results indicate the replacement of Amazonian forest by pastures, soybean crops, mining areas, and human settlements, within a scenario marked by unregulated expansion and lack of environmental governance. The discussion reveals that such changes stem from public policies favoring agribusiness, population migration, and the absence of territorial planning. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated watershed management as a tool to mitigate impacts and promote sustainable development. The originality of the research lies in the application of Nexus Theory to understand ecological and social interactions in a critical area of the Deforestation Arc. Objective: This study aims to analyze the dynamics of land use and land cover in the municipality of Paragominas (PA) and its interactions with the Capim River Basin, considering the socioeconomic impacts based on the Nexus Theory. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the Nexus approach, which integrates the dimensions of water, land, and food security, associated with concepts from landscape ecology, Amazonian urbanization, and space production. Method: This is a bibliographic research with a qualitative and exploratory approach. A total of 100 scientific articles were analyzed from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, complemented by bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer software. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate a significant expansion of agriculture and mining over native vegetation areas, resulting in environmental degradation, changes in water resources, and challenges to local food security. The discussion highlights the lack of territorial planning policies and the influence of climate change. Research Implications: The study provides theoretical and practical insights for environmental planning and integrated watershed management in the Amazon. Originality/Value: The originality lies in the application of the Nexus Theory in a critical region of the Deforestation Arc, offering a systemic perspective on the interactions between society, nature, and public policies.

Water security is at stake today. While climate changes influence water availability, urbanization and agricultural activities have led to increasing water demand as well as pollution, limiting safe water use. We conducted a global assessment of future clean-water scarcity for 2050s by adding the water pollution aspect to the classical water quantity-induced scarcity assessments. This was done for >10,000 sub-basins focusing on nitrogen pollution in rivers by integrating land-system, hydrological and water quality models. We found that water pollution aggravates water scarcity in >2000 sub-basins worldwide. The number of sub-basins with water scarcity triples due to future nitrogen pollution worldwide. In 2010, 984 sub-basins are classified as water scarce when considering only quantity-induced scarcity, while 2517 sub-basins are affected by quantity & quality-induced scarcity. This number even increases to 3061 sub-basins in the worst case scenario in 2050. This aggravation means an extra 40 million km2 of basin area and 3 billion more people that may potentially face water scarcity in 2050. Our results stress the urgent need to address water quality in future water management policies for the Sustainable Development Goals.

Population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change pose urgent water challenges in cities. In this study, the sustainability of integrated water resources management in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) was evaluated using the City Blueprint approach. The City Blueprint is a set of 24 dedicated indicators divided over 8 categories (i.e., water security, water quality, drinking water, sanitation, infrastructure, climate robustness, biodiversity and attractiveness, and governance including public participation). The analysis showed that the rapid increase of water use for urban, industrial, and agricultural activities in HCMC has resulted in depletion of groundwater and severe pollution of both groundwater and surface water. Surface water quality, groundwater quality, biodiversity, and the sanitation of domestic and industrial wastewater are matters that need serious improvement. Current and future water supply in HCMC is at risk. HCMC can cope with it, but the 7 governance gaps as described by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are major obstacles for HCMC. Rainwater harvesting, pollution reduction, as well as wastewater reuse are among the practical options. Wastewater reuse could lower the water stress index to 10%. The window to do this is narrow and rapidly closing as a result of the unprecedented urbanization and economic growth of this region.

Geochemical fractionation and bioavailability of heavy metals in the middle gangetic plain: Assessing ecological risks in water and sediment systems.