Agricultural Land Research Articles

Impacts of punctual solar trackers on soil biodiversity in agricultural lands

Impacts of punctual solar trackers on soil biodiversity in agricultural lands

Human health risk assessment from potentially toxic elements in the soils of Sudan: A meta-analysis.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils threaten human health through several exposure pathways. However, health risks posed by PTEs in soils in developing countries have not yet been comprehensively investigated. Thus, such countries lack important information that is needed to implement sustainable solutions. In this study, we assessed the human health risks for 10 PTEs, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in Sudan focusing on soils affected by anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, gold mining, tannery, waste dumping, traffic (affecting roadsides), urban/rural agriculture, river, and coastal sediment land uses (LUs). For this purpose, we did a meta-analysis using 3430 PTE concentrations reported from 981 anthropogenically-affected soils in 76 publications between 1996 and 2024. Ingestion was the most common exposure pathway for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PTEs. Hg and Mn were the main non-carcinogenic PTEs leading to adverse health effects in children in industrially-affected soils and coastal sediments, with average hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values >1. Cr and Ni caused the highest carcinogenic risk to children in all anthropogenically-affected soils as indicated by average incremental lifetime cancer risk values (ILCR >1×10-4). Further major cancer risks for children were caused by As in urban agricultural and industrial LUs, Cd in >70% of all LUs, and Pb at industrial and waste dump sites. Adults were under high cancer risks due to Cd in waste dump (ILCR=9.09×10-4) and Cr and Ni (ILCR >1×10-4) in >75% of all LUs. Cd contributed >50% and >70% to ILCR for children and adults along roadsides, respectively. Our findings can guide future research on the links between soil PTEs and human health risks in developing countries. We recommend establishing effective management strategies to reduce risks to human health based on the presence of PTEs in Sudanese soils.

The Critical Success Factors of Waqf Land Development for Sustainable Agriculture

Amidst the food security issue worldwide, developing waqf land for agriculture is essential as it could help in preparing sufficient food supply for the nation. In Malaysia, a considerable amount of waqf land is reported undeveloped, unfortunately contravening to the spirit of waqf in generating sustained benefit. In fact, in Islamic finance, waqf is promoted as a social finance instrument with the potentials in creating value for the society and environment, whilst providing financial returns. As the sole trustee of waqf property in the country, the State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs) should take all reasonable means to develop the property. Hence, this study analyses the critical success factors (CSF) to develop waqf land for agriculture, that are significant in providing meaningful insights for waqf trustees to plan for a productive and sustainable waqf development. Data was collected via Focused Group Discussion (FGD) attended by experts from the academia and industry. Employing a thematic analysis performed through Atlas ti, findings revealed five factors that are agreed capable in sustaining the benefits of waqf, appreciating the donor while assisting waqf trustees in executing trusts.

Dynamic estimation of the soil environmental carrying capacity for Benzo(a)pyrene in an industrial city, China: Insight from both duration and rate of regional emission.

An in-depth investigation of the maximum environmental load is crucial for soil security and pollution prevention. This research focused on soil environmental carrying capacity (SECC) for different risk receptors in a Chinese industrial city. By determining risk threshold for various land use types, we integrated mass balance and iterative models to capture dynamic net input fluxes with spatial heterogeneity. This enabled quantitative characterization of Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) SECC through top-down and bottom-up approaches (corresponding to duration (D) and rate of regional emission, respectively). The thresholds were in the order of agricultural land<residential land<forest<industrial land<park. The top-down analysis showed D increased ∼1.5x with a 5% input flux decline until 2031. The bottom-up analysis suggested industrial emissions decreased by approximately 10% as the pollution control period was extended from 20 to 50 years. Both methods showed that at maximum background values (C0), D was ∼4x and the industrial emission rate was ∼10% higher than at minimum C0. SECC values near industrial areas significantly decreased, even reaching negative values, signifying complete carrying capacity loss. This study provided an approach to the dynamics of SECC under diverse scenarios, aiding informed decision-making for sustainable land management.

Invasion risk of non-native insects to agricultural lands: a screening for Croatia

Invasion risk of non-native insects to agricultural lands: a screening for Croatia

Temporal changes in water quality in Leh Ladakh region: Impact of urbanization

Water is a valuable and limited resource in semi-arid regions like Ladakh. Effective management and conservation of water are crucial to prevent negative consequences on the area's quality of life. Since becoming a Union territory, Leh, a district of Ladakh, has undergone rapid urbanization due to its administrative status, air service facilities, tourism, and increasing population. However, this urbanization and tourism boom have resulted in a higher demand for water and a decline in its quality. Glacial-fed water is the primary source for drinking and agriculture in Ladakh. As Ladakh has become a popular tourist destination, the distribution and quality of water have been negatively affected. Construction of hotels and guest houses on agricultural lands, could further harm Ladakh's fragile ecological environment. Due to the challenging terrain and harsh conditions, there has been limited research on water quality in the region andare confined to the Leh district only. Despite lack of comprehensive information, this review aims to address three important questions: the hydrochemistry of water resources, the impact of urbanization on water quality, and the existing research gap in hydrochemistry in significant areas and water resources. The objective is to establish fundamental data for future research and contribute to a better understanding of water resources in the region.

Designing flash flood control measures for urban areas using the Monte Carlo water flow simulation

In this study, we developed a novel approach for designing flash flood control measures in a contact zone between agricultural land and a built-up area using the hydrological component of the SIMWE model implemented in GRASS GIS as r.sim.water module. The inputs for the Monte Carlo simulation of water flow in this module included a high-resolution digital surface model and land cover data derived from airborne laser scanning data and aerial orthophotographs. The preferential flow feature of the module helped to better represent concentrated flows such as streams. The flash flood control measures were represented by a modified digital surface model and the probabilistic permeability parameter. The proposed flash flood control measures reduced water depths in critical zones by over 50% (10–40 cm), thereby lowering the risk of house basement flooding and enabling the sewerage system to manage locally generated water flow. Time series of high-resolution water depth rasters elucidate the dynamics of the phenomena and efficiency of the flood control measures. The proposed approach has the advantage of providing high spatial resolution coupled with the flexibility of GIS to evaluate various scenarios and flash flood control measures thus improving the urban planning process.

Environmental risk and source analysis of heavy metals in tailings sand and surrounding soils in Huangshaping mining area

ABSTRACT To investigate the ecological risk, the modes of occurrence, and pollution sources of heavy metals in the tailings sand and surrounding soils of Huangshaping mining area, a total of six tailings samples and ten soil samples from surrounding agricultural and forestry lands were collected. The current status and sources of soil heavy metal pollution in the study area are analyzed using a series of ecological risk assessment methods. The ecological risk assessment results show that most of the soils in the study area have reached a moderate or higher level of pollution.. The analysis of the modes of occurrence of heavy metals shows that the content of Cd and Zn in their effective forms is relatively high, accounting for 81% and 69% respectively. Source apportionment results indicate that the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the study area are the combined sources of industry, transportation, and agriculture.

Assessment of agricultural sustainability performance in Dali Prefecture, China using the DPSIR Model

ABSTRACT Urbanization and ecological efforts in China have significantly altered agricultural land use affecting both the quantity and quality of arable land. There has been a rise in the use of energy, fertilizers, pesticides, and plastic films to enhance production. However, these unsustainable farming practices have led to higher greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of agricultural non-point source pollution. The Yunnan Province government aims for sustainable agriculture to enhance product quality and China’s green farming. Yunnan’s proximity to the Yangtze, Lancang, and Yuan Rivers makes agriculture vital for the downstream livelihoods and biodiversity. This study explored factors affecting agriculture in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The study proposed a comprehensive system of 33 indexes to assess agricultural sustainability performance using the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response framework. It employed a composite weight method combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process and Entropy Weight methods. The assessment showed that all counties except Dali City scored a performance index below 0.5. Furthermore, the “Response” indicator was found to be crucial in advancing agricultural sustainability. Conversely, factors leading to unsustainable changes, like “Driver” were less significant. The study reveals that data statistics prioritize indexes related to land resources while experts emphasize indexes linked to socioeconomic status when assessing agricultural sustainability.

Policies for Overcoming the Impact of El Nino on the Agricultural Sector in Sinjai Regency

The agricultural sector of Sinjai Regency shows significant vulnerability to climate change, especially the El Nino phenomenon. It was recorded that hundreds of hectares of agricultural land were damaged. The main objective of this research is to comprehensively identify and analyze the impact of El Niño on agricultural land damage in Sinjai Regency. In addition, this research aims to formulate policy recommendations and concrete actions that can be taken by the government and other stakeholders to reduce the negative impact of El Niño. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data was collected through interviews, documentation and field observations. The use of NVivo 12 Plus analysis tools is also maximized. These findings confirm that El Niño has caused significant damage to agricultural land in Sinjai Regency, with 13 hectares experiencing puso or total crop failure, as well as 244 hectares of light damage, 137 hectares of moderate damage, and 50 hectares of heavy damage. This damage has a direct impact on agricultural productivity and food security, threatening farmer incomes and local food supplies. To deal with this impact, the government has implemented adaptive policies such as mapping affected locations, providing clean water, distributing food aid, and supporting farmer groups. Going forward, the government needs to strengthen weather monitoring systems, develop water management infrastructure, improve training for farmers, and strengthen partnerships between various parties to reduce the impact of El Niño and repair land damage.

The Effects of Global Climate Change on Sea Level Along Turkey's Coasts: The Case of Rize

Global climate change is leading to significant environmental problems worldwide, with changes in sea level being one of the most critical issues. In countries like Turkey, which is surrounded by seas on three sides, the impacts of these changes are felt even more acutely. The rise and fall of sea levels pose significant risks, particularly for populations living in coastal areas and for economic activities in these regions. A substantial portion of the world's population resides in coastal areas that are 10-20 meters above sea level, and economically valuable structures such as agricultural lands, tourism facilities, and ports are also located along these coastlines. This study aims to detect the changes in sea level along the coastal strip of Rize province and to guide infrastructure and settlement planning based on these changes. In this context, data obtained from tide gauge stations established along the coast have been analyzed.

ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВО ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БЕСПИЛОТНЫХ АВИАЦИОННЫХ СИСТЕМ ПРИ ОБРАБОТКЕ ПОЛЕЙ ПЕСТИЦИДАМИ

The article analyzes the advantages of using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for treating agricultural land with chemical plant protection products. The modern market of special equipment offers various solutions, among which ultra-low-volume spraying stands out. It contributes to a more effective action of preparations due to the swirls created by the propellers of the copters and the small size of the drops, ensuring complete coverage of the plant surface. Classic sprayers cannot treat the lower parts of the leaves, while drones, working at a low altitude, create swirls using disc sprayers, which allows for complete treatment of plants. Modern drone models are capable of working in hard-to-reach areas and are more economical compared to traditional methods. They can be equipped with different types of sprayers, adapting to different conditions and requirements. For example, disc sprayers are used to treat large areas, and conical or slot sprayers are used for spot treatment. The use of UAS also has environmental benefits: reduced consumption of chemicals due to more precise application and minimization of environmental impact due to the refusal to use heavy equipment and reduced labor requirements. In addition, the use of UAS allows agricultural producers to quickly respond to changes and adjust the processing process, which increases the overall efficiency of agricultural production. Calculations based on the cost of work and operating efficiency show that when choosing machines for processing fields, agricultural producers should consider the feasibility of purchasing complex and expensive equipment for small areas, since the equipment will be idle for a longer time. Self-propelled sprayers are effective when processing large areas, but become inconvenient for small farms. Thus, the use of unmanned aerial systems is a promising direction that can significantly improve the efficiency and environmental friendliness of agricultural processes.

Research on the Heavy Rainstorm–Flash Flood–Debris Flow Disaster Chain: A Case Study of the “Haihe River ‘23·7’ Regional Flood”

Over the past decades, China has experienced severe compound natural disasters, such as extreme rainfalls, which have led to significant losses. In response to the challenges posed by the lack of a clear investigation process and inadequate comprehensiveness in evaluating the natural disaster chains, this study proposes a comprehensive retrospective simulation strategy for emergency investigation and simulation of heavy rainstorm–flash flood–debris flow chain disasters at the county–town level. The primary aim is to avert potential new chain disasters and alleviate subsequent disasters. This study combines emergency investigation efforts with hydrodynamic models to digitally simulate and analyze compound chain disasters triggered by an extreme rainfall event in the Haihe River regional area, specifically Gaoyakou Valley, Liucun Town, Changping District, Beijing, in July 2023, along with potential new disasters in adjacent regions. The findings indicate that the heavy rainstorm chain disaster on “7.29” resulted from a complex interplay of interrelated natural phenomena, including flash floods, debris flows, urban floodings, and river overflows. Hantai Village has experienced flash flood and debris flow events at different times in this area. Should the rainfall volume experienced in Liucun Town be replicated in the Ming Tombs Town area, approximately 6.2 km2 of land would be inundated, leading to damages to 458 residences and impacting around 240 ha of agricultural land. The anticipated release of floodwater from the reservoir would lead to significant impacts on downstream residents and roads. Our research can improve the efficacy of emergency investigations and assessments, which in turn can help with the management and reduction of disaster risks at the grassroots level.

Monitoring and Visualizing the Impact of the Lapindo Mudflow Disaster Using Earth Engine Apps Platform based on Cloud Computing

The Lapindo mudflow disaster at the PT Lapindo Brantas drilling site in Ronokenongo Village, Porong District, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java caused the loss of agricultural and residential areas. The research aimed to detect the areas that are affected by Lapindo mudflow 2006-2022 using Landsat 7 ETM and Landsat 8 OLI-TIRS imageries, as well as visualize their impact using the cloud computing-based Google Earth Engine/GEE platform. Spatiotemporal data analysis was performed on the GEE platform using random forest machine learning as algorithm for supervised land use classification, while visualization was carried out through Earth Engine Apps. The results showed an increase in the mudflow-affected area from 2006 (204.57 ha) to 2012 (542.32 ha) with northeast direction, whereas the increase was insignificant at the following years. Within the detection period, agricultural land was the most affected area, followed by residential areas and bare land. The area ordering was similar during all detected years. The increasing size of the affected area can potentially have both direct and indirect impacts on the surrounding area. Therefore, special action is needed for the surrounding area, such as relocating settlements to safer areas against the Lapindo mudflow disaster.

Past and Future Climate‐Driven Changes of Agricultural Land in Central Europe

AbstractEurope is expected to experience major climatic shifts during the 21st century but the impact on agricultural productivity from such changes is uncertain. Here, we combine proxy, instrumental, and model data to assess interannual to multi‐centennial changes in central European agroclimate over the past 2,000 years and projections into the near future. Whereas early 21st century conditions are rare but not fully unprecedented, more than half of the area that was considered highly productive throughout the Common Era in central Europe currently falls outside of that definition. This trend will likely continue as even the most conservative climate projections push central Europe outside the range of past natural variability of changes to agroclimatic zones. Reconstructed extremes prior to the instrumental record align well with contemporary documentary records of societal upheaval. Forecasted changes to the main agroclimatic drivers require substantial adaptation in land use and agricultural management strategies of considerable costs.

An Analysis on the Influence of Market Access and International Trade on the Philippine Agricultural Sector: A Heckscher-Ohlin Approach

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate the applicability of the Heckscher-Ohlin Theory by examining the impact of market access, international trade, labor force participation rate, and agricultural land area on the Philippine agricultural sector. Methodology: A quantitative research method was used in this study, which employs the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis, along with several diagnostic tests. The study adopts a time-series approach, using data from the Philippines spanning the period 1991 to 2021 at the national level. Findings: Results show that improved market access and international trade significantly drive agricultural growth in the Philippines by offering farmers better opportunities and expanding access to larger global markets, thereby boosting productivity and economic development. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate and land area for agriculture show positive but statistically insignificant relationships with the sector. Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that policymakers prioritize securing stable import channels for essential agricultural inputs to enhance the competitiveness of the Philippine agricultural sector. By focusing on trade agreements that reduce tariffs on key imports such as fertilizers, machinery, and seeds, policymakers can help reduce production costs for local producers, making them more competitive in the global market. This approach not only supports export growth but also contributes to long-term economic development by fostering a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector.

Simplifying complexity: the novel degradation index for urban stream landscapes-case of Tekirdag.

This study aims to examine the degradation process of urban stream landscapes in Tekirdağ by utilizing a newly developed degradation index (DI) that effectively defines degradation. The DI considers the vital factors that affect urban stream landscapes, making it possible to determine the level of degradation and resulting environmental quality. This index aims to provide valuable insight into the degradation of urban stream landscapes with a minimal amount of independent variables and training samples. The key enhancements of the DI include its clear computation of degradation value, ease of replication, and overall objectivity. The results indicate that the most substantial change has been observed on impermeable surfaces between 2000 and 2020, resulting in a 5.18% increase in impervious surfaces. Furthermore, there has been a decrease by 4.67% in agricultural lands, highlighting a pronounced shift towards impervious surfaces. The total percentage of areas categorized as high and very high degradation categories increased by 1.54% over the study period. Additionally, the area classified as high degradation expanded from 135.91 to 375.42 hectares between 2000 and 2020. Notably, there was no land classified as very high degradation in 2000, whereas in 2020, it reached 38.15 hectares. The DI has been proven to provide better representational information on how human activity affects ecosystems compared to both the Human Influence Index and the Human Footprint Index which has been used for this purpose. As a valuable tool for urban planning strategies, the DI can provide decision-makers with a more precise depiction of degradation, aiding in the preservation of sustainable urban stream landscapes, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas.

The Effect of Organic and Conventional Farming on Land Quality and Farmer Profits in Batur Village, Getasan District, Semarang Regency

The Green Revolution transformed traditional farming systems into conventional farming systems that use chemical fertilizer and pesticides and led to a decline in soil quality. The decline in soil quality can be overcome by implementing organic farming which is beneficial for maintaining and improving soil quality, product quality, and farmer welfare. In Batur Village, Getasan District, Semarang Regency, there are 35 farmer groups and 5 of them are organic farmer groups with a land area of ± 34.4 ha. This study aims to determine the effect of organic and conventional farming on land quality and farm profits in Batur Village, Getasan Subdistrict, Semarang Regency, which is expected to be used as a promotion of organic farming practices. The research method used was the composite method for soil sampling and interviews to determine farm profits. The results were analysed using independent sample T-test. The results of the analysis showed that soil properties were not significantly different, but the values of C-organic, N-total, permeability, field capacity, pH, soil consistency, and total soil microbial count of organic farming were higher than those of conventional farming, while the values of salinity and porosity were higher in conventional farming and the production costs of organic farming were lower.

Investigating land cover changes and their impact on land surface temperature in Tay Ninh province, Vietnam.

Land surface temperature (LST) serves as a crucial indicator for evaluating the effects of different environmental factors on the ecosystem, including alterations in land use, climate variations, and emissions of greenhouse gases. This comprehensive study used remote sensing data to analyze changes and effects of land use/land cover (LULC) on LST in Tay Ninh province, Vietnam, from 1988-2023. Landsat satellite images in 1988, 2004, and 2023 were preprocessed and supervised classification on ArcGIS 10.8 software. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), and LST in the study area were determined using the Landsat image data. The classification results showed a decrease in the area of agricultural land, barren land, and forest classes by 8.30%, 8.82%, and 15.93%, respectively, from 1988 to 2023. Conversely, the area of built-up and waterbodies classes indicated an increase of 33.00% and 0.06%, respectively, during the same period. In terms of LST, the study area exhibited temperature ranges of approximately 19.75°C-35.28°C, 26.26°C-46.33°C, and 21.05°C-40.60°C in 1988, 2004, and 2023, respectively. Contribution Index (CI) and multiple regression analysis evaluated the relationship between land cover, LST, NDVI, and NDBI. The regression analysis preliminary showed a negative correlation between NDVI and LST, while a positive correlation was observed between NDBI and LST. The CI of built-up areas has increased from 0.01 in 1988 to 0.77 in 2023, which shows that this coating has contributed to rising temperatures in the study area. Meanwhile, the forest and water body classes have consistently negative CI throughout the period 1988-2023, which has contributed to the decrease in temperature. This comprehensive study provides policymakers with valuable information regarding LULC and LST, instilling confidence in developing effective policies for land resource management.

Impact of climatic elements on the political and social development of Ilam city: a logistics perspective

Climate factors in different climate change scenarios can influence social and political development in an area. This study explores the role of climatic factors in shaping the political and social landscape of Ilam, a city experiencing rapid urbanization due to population growth, increased demand for housing and commercial space, and the need for urban services. Through a descriptive-analytical approach and field data collection, the research surveyed 58 urban managers, researchers, and specialists in Ilam, using the SWOT technique to analyze the city's climatic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the context of political and social development. The results indicate that climate parameters play a significant role in Ilam's development, with the city's ability to align urban land development with soil temperature as a key strength. However, challenges exist in the technical sector, while opportunities lie in human resources and the integration of clean technologies. Environmental concerns, such as the degradation of agricultural land due to urban expansion, pose a threat to Ilam's development. The study confirms the impact of temperature and precipitation on Ilam's political and social development, emphasizing the interconnectedness between climate factors and the city's political and social dynamics. This research provides valuable insights into the complexities of urban development in Ilam, highlighting the importance of addressing the relationship between climate and political and social factors in this context.