Land Use Efficiency Research Articles

Agricultural land use in Vietnam in the context of urbanization: status and policy implications

Abstract This article generalizes the urbanization process and its impact on agricultural land use in Vietnam. The high rate of urbanization has led to a great demand for purchasing agricultural products, especially high-quality ones, and as a result, this affects agricultural development. On one hand, it offers new chances to expand the domestic market and to encourage exports. On the other hand, the conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural land under accelerated urbanization leads to a large area of arable land being abandoned or polluted, consequently affecting food security and sustainable development. Therefore, to meet the people’s food needs in the context of urbanization, it is necessary to have proper solutions to improve the efficiency of agricultural land use, such as: implementing land laws aimed at developing agricultural production in the direction of large-scale, concentrated commodities; executing land-use planning, performing agricultural production planning towards specialized cultivation with a stable term to ensure profitable investment; boosting the restructuring of the agricultural sector; developing collective and cooperative economics in agriculture; having policies to support, forecast, and search for markets for consumption and the processing of agricultural products; creating a transparent land-use rights market.

Economic efficiency of using internal land management on the basis of agroindustrial enterprises

The relevance of this study lies in the specific context of the country, where the state plays a crucial role in the development and management of the agricultural sector. With the increasing development of agroindustrial complexes and the need for efficient use of agricultural land, the state has a primary responsibility to ensure optimal utilization of these resources. The purpose of the study is to investigate and compare models of intrafarm land use on the basis of agroindustrial complexes both in the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan and in the United States as well as in countries of Asia and the European Union. In the furtherance of this goal, the following methods were used: literature review, SWOT analysis, data analysis, case studies and comparative analysis to examine the land use management (LUM) system in Kazakhstan. Specifically, to identify indicators of the economic efficiency of intrafarm land management, the criterion of national economic efficiency was used by comparing costs and benefits in the adoption of various decisions. The study analysed the operation of the land management mechanism in Kazakhstan and proposed innovative solutions on the basis of successful examples from other countries. The manuscript's contribution to the academic dialogue on sustainable land use can provide valuable information and insights for policymakers and scholars interested in improving land management practices.

МАТЕМАТИЧНЕ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ВПЛИВУ ОПРОМІНЕННЯ НА ПРОДУКТИВНІСТЬ ПРОЦЕСУ ВИРОЩУВАННЯ РОСЛИННОЇ ПРОДУКЦІЇ В ГІДРОПОННІЙ УСТАНОВЦІ

The actual problems of agriculture not only in Ukraine but also in other countries are to increase crop yields, increase nutritional value, quality and reduce production costs, reduce the required production area, the cost of agricultural machinery, etc. In this regard, hydroponic plants look quite promising, as they provide round-the-clock cultivation of a wide range of crops with minimal space, capital and operating costs, and a halved harvest period. The widespread introduction of hydroponic equipment and technology in Ukraine will allow for the fullest realization of the concept of small enterprises, which in this case can be created with little or no start-up capital. In addition, the use of hydroponics will allow existing enterprises of various profiles and small farms to receive additional income or valuable plant material. Hydroponics is a promising area of modern agriculture that ensures long-term cultivation of the main types of vegetables and greenery in small areas with minimal water and fertilizer consumption. This technology allows you to get a fairly large harvest of fresh vegetables within large cities, including office and residential premises. The main trends in improving this technology are expanding the range of crops grown, their yields, more efficient use of land, soil, nutrients, minerals, water, energy, and reducing the cost of finished products.. The article is devoted to the development and study of a mathematical model of the influence of irradiation on the productivity and quality of hydroponically grown products. In particular, dependencies were obtained to determine the influence of irradiation parameters on the development of lettuce, the use of which allows predicting the size and weight of the plant, forming the basis for optimizing the operating parameters of the hydroponic plant.

The Impact of Digital Finance on the Green Utilization Efficiency of Urban Land: Evidence from 281 Cities in China

In the era of digital economy, digital finance, as an innovative financial model, plays an important role in driving urban industrial transformation and development, technological innovation, industrial upgrading and sustainable utilization of energy, and has a significant impact on sustainable urban development. At present, in the process of building a new pattern of Chinese-style modernization in China, it is of great significance to improve the green use efficiency of urban land through digital finance and realize the sustainable use of land resources and the sustainable development of the city. The current study employed 281 Chinese cities from 2010 to 2020 as research samples to investigate the effects of technological financing on the productivity of city land green usage. Based on the ideas of responsible growth and efficient urban development, an assessment index system was developed. Comprehensive empirical tests, such as the Super-SBM model, fixed effect model, and mediation effect model, were implemented in the research. The study’s findings indicate that: (1) Throughout the research period, the benchmark model’s regression outcomes demonstrate that digital banking impacts urban land’s green development efficiency, with positive moderating effects offered by environmental legislation; the optimization of industrial structure has not yet played a positive regulating effect. (2) Urban area green usage performance is more clearly impacted by the extent of use and the degree of digitization, according to the regression results of digital financing heterogeneity. The positive effect of online financial services on a city’s green use efficiency occurs mainly in eastern cities and southern cities, given the results of urban development level difference. In light of resource endowment unpredictability, “non-resource cities” stand to gain more from global finance’s encouragement of resource-efficient urban land use than do “resource cities”. The results of the mechanism test indicate that there is a strong mediating influence from digital finance, city land environmental use productivity, and green technological breakthroughs. In consideration of these results, the following measures are suggested in this paper: (1) Persist in advocating for the transformation of traditional finance into online financing. (2) Intensify the impact of significant variables on the environmentally friendly use of urban areas. (3) Encourage technology creativity and execution through the application of technological economics.

Mitigation Measures Could Aggravate Unbalanced Nitrogen and Phosphorus Emissions from Land-Use Activities.

Socioeconomic factors and mitigation potentials are essential drivers of the dynamics of nutrient emissions, yet these drivers are rarely examined at broad spatiotemporal scales. Here, we combine material flow analysis and geospatial analysis to examine the past and future changes of nitrogen and phosphorus emissions in China. Results show that anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus emissions increased by 17% and 32% during 2000-2019, respectively. Meanwhile, many regions witnessed decreasing nitrogen emissions but rising phosphorus discharged to waterbody, leading to a 20% decrease in the nitrogen/phosphorus ratio. In addition to many prominent factors like fertilizer use, the increasing impervious land area around cities is a notable factor driving the emissions, indicating the urgency to limit building expansion, especially in North China Plain and other less-developed regions. Improving land-use efficiency and consuming behaviors could reduce nitrogen and phosphorus emissions by 65-77% in 2030, but the nitrogen/phosphorus ratio will increase unintendedly due to larger reduction potentials for phosphorus, which may deteriorate the aquatic ecosystem. We highlight that nitrogen and phosphorus emissions should be reduced with coordinated but differentiated measures by prioritizing nitrogen reduction through cropland and food-system management.

Seismic performance of a frame‐supported shear wall over‐track building through shaking table test

SummaryThis research deals with a frame‐supported shear wall for urban over‐track building of vehicle depot in Chisha, Guangzhou, China, which is characterized by its remarkable height of 160.8 m. Technical issues are commonly encountered in these kinds of buildings due to discontinuous vertical structural rigidity, large podium, and structural transition. These challenges significantly impact the engineering process, especially when the rigidity difference between transfer story exceeding the threefold, as well as the building height exceeds limit as in code. In this paper, a shaking table test was developed based on a 1:10 scaled model of the structure. Using similarity theory, the dynamic similarity relationship was established for the design of the model. Subsequently, the experimental model was constructed with the configuration of critical parameters such as mass design, sensor placement, and seismic test conditions. This was followed by in‐depth analysis, recording component failures and investigating key aspects such as dynamic characteristics, that is, acceleration and displacement responses and shear force distribution under different earthquake intensities. A theoretical seismic response of the prototype structure was derived from the test results. The shaking table tests confirmed that the structure met the stringent seismic design requirements as prescribed in the Chinese standards, with no damage under minor earthquakes, repairability under moderate earthquakes, and collapse prevention under rare earthquakes. The results of the study provide valuable insights along with improvement measures for the design and development of similar urban over‐track buildings, potentially contributing to more efficient land use in urban China.

INDUSTRIAL TERRITORIES IN DNIPRO CITY: TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY INTO RECREATIONAL ASSETS

In the modern world, with increasing urbanization, efficient land use becomes critically important for the sustainable development of cities. The reorganization of outdated industrial territories emerges as a key direction in this process, requiring a combination of various approaches to preserve industrial function, reprofile enterprises, and adapt production to new conditions. This study is built upon a broad methodological foundation, encompassing both general scientific and specialized methods within the fields of architecture, urban planning, and urban studies. Specifically, methods such as literary, statistical, and cartographic analyses, synthesis, and generalization are employed for data collection and processing. Specialized methods, including experimental design, mental mapping, and phenomenological analysis, are also utilized to achieve the research objectives. A cluster approach was employed in developing the concept of spatial development for recreation on former industrial territories. Taking into account various factors such as economic opportunities, sociocultural factors, urban planning considerations, ecological and infrastructural requirements, as well as legal aspects, is crucial for the successful reorganization of industrial territories for recreational purposes. Achieving a balance among these factors enables the creation of resilient, functional, and culturally rich spaces that contribute to improving the quality of life for residents and the development of cities. The research encompasses a strategy for planning the reorganization of industrial territories for recreational use, which involves the identification and analysis of territorial potential and condition, planning functional transformations, architectural transformation, sustainability and ecological considerations, public participation, infrastructure transformations, economic resilience, multimodality, and adaptability. The cluster approach involves the formation of flexible entities enriched with innovative, dynamic spaces encompassing various functional zones, while preserving industrial heritage and creating green, environmentally sustainable spaces that align with the needs of modern society. Community engagement and project flexibility are key elements in creating inclusive and sustainable ecological spaces that enhance the quality of life and attract new visitors. The article analyzes the urban planning situation in the city of Dnipro, identifying shortcomings in the formation of industrial zones. The study emphasizes the need to develop strategies to address issues related to the placement of production zones in the city, which lead to limitations in territorial development and the fragmentation of the urban fabric. Based on this, a concept of a recreational cluster for industrial tourism within the industrial hub "Fabrichny" is developed, envisioning the transformation of industrial territory into recreational facilities. An analysis of the site revealed valuable architectural objects that could become the main attractors of the recreational cluster. These objects served as the basis for the development of a conceptual project for the considered area.

Potential for positive biodiversity outcomes under diet-driven land use change in Great Britain.

A shift toward human diets that include more fruit and vegetables, and less meat is a potential pathway to improve public health and reduce food system-related greenhouse gas emissions. Associated changes in land use could include conversion of grazing land into horticulture, which makes more efficient use of land per unit of dietary energy and frees-up land for other uses. Here we use Great Britain as a case study to estimate potential impacts on biodiversity from converting grazing land to a mixture of horticulture and natural land covers by fitting species distribution models for over 800 species, including pollinating insects and species of conservation priority. Across several land use scenarios that consider the current ratio of domestic fruit and vegetable production to imports, our statistical models suggest a potential for gains to biodiversity, including a tendency for more species to gain habitable area than to lose habitable area. Moreover, the models suggest that climate change impacts on biodiversity could be mitigated to a degree by land use changes associated with dietary shifts. Our analysis demonstrates that options exist for changing agricultural land uses in a way that can generate win-win-win outcomes for biodiversity, adaptation to climate change and public health.

Effect of Cultivation Methods on Structural Elements and Grain Yield of Winter Wheat

The main part of human food is wheat, and the main task facing agriculture is to obtain high-quality grain from a single field in the current conditions. Yield varies depending on the variety, soil and climatic conditions and the cultivation used. Taking these into account, our research studied the structural elements and yield of winter wheat against the background of predecessors, soil cultivation and nutritional conditions in dry rainfed conditions, and the 3-year average result is also given in the article. For the first time in the region, optimal nutritional conditions and soil cultivation were studied by minimizing soil cultivation based on its predecessor and replacing some mineral fertilizers with organic fertilizers in order to obtain both high and quality grain products through efficient use of land. The studies were conducted in a 3-factor (2×3×3) field experiment in a short-rotation cropping turnover (peas, wheat, wheat) located in the Jalilabad Regional Experimental Station in the dry rainfed conditions of South Mugan. The object of research is the fertile 95 durum wheat varieties. Structural analysis of the yields was carried out on samples of sheaves taken from 1 m2(4×0.83×2×0.15 m) in two rows of 83 cm in 4 different replicate locations. After the shave samples were taken, the yield of the grain was determined according to the cultivation options by harvesting directly in each field with a combine. From the 3-year average results of the study for 2019-2021, it was found that the structural indicators of the variety and grain yield were dynamic depending on the cultivation option. However, the highest results were obtained after the pea predecessor against the background of N60P60+10 tons of manure applied with a heavy disc harrow at a depth of 10-12 cm in the twice disc option.

A Simulation of the Spatial Expansion Process of Shrinking Cities Based on the Concept of Smart Shrinkage: A Case Study of the City of Baishan

The coexistence of urban expansion and shrinkage in China has become increasingly apparent; therefore, the current strategic model of growth-oriented urban planning as the top-level design needs to be adjusted. This paper focuses on the city of Baishan, which is a typical shrinking city in China, and explores the feasibility of implementing the concept of smart shrinkage planning in shrinking cities in China by constructing a coupled PLUS-SD model. The results demonstrate the following conclusions: (1) The overall simulation of the coupled PLUS-SD model is superior to that of the PLUS model. In Baishan, the areas with the most changes in construction land will be located at the edges of the landforms by 2030. (2) Using the traditional planning scenario would only exacerbate the rate of construction land expansion in Baishan, deepening the incongruity between the city’s population and construction land. (3) The smart shrinkage scenario will require strict control of the scale of construction land and optimization of the structure of the urban construction land, which would push the city in the direction of healthy and sustainable development. (4) The concept of smart shrinkage planning is a scientific and feasible plan for realizing the efficient and sustainable use of construction land in shrinking cities.

Evaluation of food and fodder based cropping systems for sustaining productivity, resource use efficiency and profitability in western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2015–16 to 2018–19 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh to assess the potential yield (PY), sustainability and resource use efficiency (RUE) of 7 cropping systems (CS), viz. maize + blackgram–pea–sorghum; cluster beanwheat-teosinte; stylo-berseem-maize + cowpea; clitoria-mustard–greengram; rice–chickpea–okra; rice–wheat and sugarcane–wheat system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Among the different cropping systems, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was found to be most superior in terms of wheat equivalent yield (WEY) (19.77 t/ha/year) and sustainable yield index (SYI=0.894). The highest land use efficiency (LUE) was recorded with cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–teosinte (Zea spp.) cropping system (95.16%) with 347 days of ground cover. Production efficiency was registered maximum with maize (Zea mays L.) + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]–pea (Pisum sativum L.)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] system (66.91 kg/ha/ day), followed by rice–chickpea–okra system (62.25 kg/ha/day). Nevertheless, the highest net return (` 300.8×103 / year) was realized with rice–chickpea–okra system. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) content was highest (1.34%) under stylo-berseem- maize + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system in comparison to other cropping systems. Thus, it can be concluded that rice–chickpea–okra system proved more productive, remunerative (` 824/ha/day) and sustainable cropping system than the existing sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)–wheat/ rice–wheat cropping system in the western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Peanut-based intercropping systems altered soil bacterial communities, potential functions, and crop yield.

Intercropping is an efficient land use and sustainable agricultural practice widely adopted worldwide. However, how intercropping influences the structure and function of soil bacterial communities is not fully understood. Here, the effects of five cropping systems (sole sorghum, sole millet, sole peanut, sorghum/peanut intercropping, and millet/peanut intercropping) on soil bacterial community structure and function were investigated using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. The results showed that integrating peanut into intercropping systems increased soil available nitrogen (AN) and total nitrogen (TN) content. The alpha diversity index, including Shannon and Chao1 indices, did not differ between the five cropping systems. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) illustrated a distinct separation in soil microbial communities among five cropping systems. Bacterial phyla, including Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi, were dominant across all cropping systems. Sorghum/peanut intercropping enhanced the relative abundance of phyla Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexi compared to the corresponding monocultures. Millet/peanut intercropping increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Nitrospirota. The redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that bacterial community structures were primarily shaped by soil organic carbon (SOC). The land equivalent ratio (LER) values for the two intercropping systems were all greater than one. Partial least squares path modeling analysis (PLS-PM) showed that soil bacterial community had a direct effect on yield and indirectly affected yield by altering soil properties. Our findings demonstrated that different intercropping systems formed different bacterial community structures despite sharing the same climate, reflecting changes in soil ecosystems caused by interspecific interactions. These results will provide a theoretical basis for understanding the microbial communities of peanut-based intercropping and guide agricultural practice.

COMPARISON STUDY OF INSTALLATION COSTS OF CONCRETE CULVERT TO MODULAR WELLS FROM POLYPROPYLENE PANEL

Pontianak City has a low ground elevation and a reasonably high groundwater level. The distribution of clean water from regional companies tends to be less than optimal, and there is high rainwater runoff, causing the channel discharge to increase along with the growth of land converted into residential and business areas. Therefore, houses often use fresh water storage, both raw and rainwater, to meet clean water needs. One type that is often used is concrete culverts. However, concrete culverts have gaps in the joints that have the potential to contaminate storage water. The development of modular wells can be an option that is superior in various aspects to concrete culverts. The results showed that installing polypropylene modular wells costs less than concrete culvert wells. In addition, the use of modular wells also has advantages in terms of ease of installation and maintenance, as well as efficiency in land use. Endurance strength Modular wells can carry a load of up to 24 tons/m2. Thus, the results of this study are expected to provide alternative methods of storing clean water in Pontianak City that are more effective and efficient in terms of cost and quality by considering technical and environmental factors.

AgriPV Systems: Potential Opportunities for Aotearoa–New Zealand

The efficient and effective use of land that agriPV, or agrivoltaic, systems offer is especially appealing for Aotearoa-New Zealand, since more than a third of its land area serves agricultural purposes. However, several factors might constrain the implementation of agriPV systems, and different values and preferences need consideration from a community acceptance perspective. As a first step, a high-level investigation into the potential suitability of agriPV systems in Aotearoa–New Zealand was undertaken. The different factors that influence performance of agriPV systems were considered. Then a GIS analysis was undertaken using the analytical hierarchy process – a multicriteria decision-making technique. The spatial data analysis provided insight to identify the regions in Aotearoa–New Zealand best suited to agriPV systems. Overall, it is estimated that 80 percent of the farmland in the country is either good or fairly suitable for agriPV developments with a number of regions identified as potential areas for further investigations.

Shading Effect of Transparent Photovoltaic Panels on Crops Underneath Agrivoltaic Systems

Agrivoltaic systems combine soil-grown crops with photovoltaic (PV) panels erected several meters above the ground. Combining solar panels and food crops on the same land can maximize land utilization. Under the PV panels, however, microclimate factors like solar radiation, air temperature, humidity, and soil temperature change. An agrivoltaic system must optimize sunlight sharing between solar panels and crops to maximize food energy production. It has been challenging to improve and analyze the performance of agrivoltaic systems due to the lack of a defined crop-specific parameter. In this work, we present a practical option to partially replace bifacial modules with semi-transparent ones, providing comparable levels of crop protection and greater climate change resilience while generating green energy and increasing land-use efficiency. The agrivoltaic system must be tailored to satisfy the needs of crops. For this purpose, a simulation model was conducted, which examined the impact of module transparency and cell layout based on light availability.

Morphology changes and the expansion of major port cities in the Philippines from 1990 to 2020

Research concerning urban expansion has been conducted worldwide in the context of global urbanization, yet comprehensive and systematic research on urban growth and morphological changes in Asia is lacking. In this study, the land use, population, and economic development of nine major port cities in the Philippines from 1990 to 2020 were analyzed. The urban land density inverse S function was used to conduct an in-depth analysis of changes in urban spatial morphology. The urban growth patterns were studied by landscape expansion indexes were studied. The results showed that the land area of nine port cities increased by 246.7 km2. Infill expansion in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod accounted for >60 % of the newly added urban land and has led to a more compact urban form; edge and outlying expansion in General Santos, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo accounted for >80 % and has led to dynamic changes involving compactness and dispersion. Urban boundaries and terrain limit the development of slow and medium-speed expansion cities; the combination with surrounding cities into megacities can be considered in the future. In contrast, rapidly expanding cities need to improve their compactness and efficiency of urban land use.

Possibilities of using the results of soil rating in agricultural technologies of the Republic of Adygea

Soil rating is a comparative characteristic of the quality of arable land and other areas, assessed in points. It is carried out on the basis of special soil surveys, taking into account the supply of nutrients and other factors that determine the level of natural fertility. Soil rating is a necessary starting point for the economic assessment of land, determining the standard price and creating a land cadastre. The article presents the results of a comprehensive study aimed at determining the qualitative characteristics of the soil cover of the Republic of Adygea. As a result of determining the quality score, it is possible to predict how much agricultural land will be harvested in the future, as well as to determine the sowing plan for this area for the year. Determining the soil quality score is also important when resolving issues such as regulation of land relations, timely adoption of measures to improve land plots that are unsatisfactory in terms of indicators. Establishing a quality score allows for high-quality implementation of agrotechnical, hydraulic and chemical measures in those areas that are considered the worst as a result of determining soil quality. The groups of soils established during rating, which are quantitatively characterized by certain natural characteristics, form the information basis for the economic assessment of land, the data of which are important for the rational use of selected agricultural production groups, taking into account their natural characteristics. Based on the conducted research, recommendations are offered for using the obtained assessment results for the cultivation of various agricultural crops. The importance of using the results of soil assessment to improve the efficiency of land use, improve agricultural production and ensure sustainable development of the region has been emphasized.

Effect of deforestation on soil organic carbon fate and pool, a case study in Mazandaran, Iran

Deforestation and agricultural operations greatly impact soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. In order to decrease carbon dioxide emissions, prevent threats to ecosystem stability, and apply efficient land use planning for sustainable soil management, it is essential to have a deep understanding of variations in soil organic carbon pools and their fractions. Soil samples were collected from six land uses of the undisturbed forest, pasture, orchard, and agricultural lands (cultivated with Oat, Maize, and three-carbon plants including wheat and soybean, which are indicated by the plant names of Oat, Maize + C3, and Maize + C3 (R) (R = rotationally)) with three replications at 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm depths. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of land use on SOC, active carbon (AC), passive carbon (PC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content and pools, its fractions, carbon management index (CMI), soil respiration (SR), soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), invertase (INV), and cellulase (CEL) enzymes activities in Dasht-e Naz region of northern Iran. Results illustrated that the different forms of organic carbon and enzyme activities were sensitive to land use change. The highest values of SOC (167.197, 39.179, 33.211 Mg ha−1), AC (24.596, 1.955, 1.637 Mg ha−1), and PC (142.6, 37.224, 31.575 Mg ha−1) pools were observed in the pasture land at all three depths. the highest value of DOC was seen in the pasture land at 0–30 and 60–100 depths and in the orchard at 30–60 cm depth. The values of SR (1.001 mg CO2 g dry soil−1 week−1), MBC (1367.7 µg organic carbon g soil−1), and CEL enzyme activity (648.04 µg glucose g dry soil−1 24 h−1) in the undisturbed forest were significantly greater relative to other land uses in 0–30 cm depth, along with significantly higher INV enzyme activity in the pasture and the orchard lands. The largest amount of SOC in 2–4.75 and 0.053–0.25 mm aggregates in all depths was related to the pasture and Maize + C3 land use, respectively. The concept of physical protection confirms the importance of aggregation in the stabilization processes of soil organic carbon, as a physical shield against microorganism attacks. The results of CMI demonstrated that the carbon storage capacity decreased due to the agricultural and orchard lands establishment in the region. Also, the change of land use towards pasture land increased the amount of organic carbon, preventing soil degradation.

THE FUTURE OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN THE U.S. URBAN LANDSCAPE: A REVIEW: ANALYZING IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAFFIC, URBAN PLANNING, AND THE ENVIRONMENT

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on urban landscapes, focusing on traffic management, urban planning, and environmental sustainability in the United States. The main objectives were to explore the evolution of AV technology, assess its current state and innovations, and understand its implications for urban environments. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis, the study analyzed data from peer-reviewed academic journals, industry reports, and government publications, focusing on literature published from 2007 to 2023. Key findings indicate that AVs have the potential to significantly alter urban traffic dynamics, reducing congestion and enhancing road safety. In urban planning, AVs necessitate a reevaluation of infrastructure, potentially leading to more efficient land use and reduced parking needs. Environmentally, AVs offer the promise of reduced emissions and improved air quality, especially when integrated with electric vehicle technology. However, these benefits are contingent upon overcoming technological challenges, ensuring public safety, and developing effective regulatory frameworks. The study envisions a future urban landscape where AVs contribute to more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable environments. It recommends comprehensive policy and industry strategies for the successful integration of AVs, emphasizing the need for standardized safety regulations, incentivizing AV adoption, and ensuring equitable access. Concluding insights suggest that while AVs hold significant potential for reshaping urban mobility, their successful integration requires addressing technological, policy, and societal challenges. Future research should focus on the long-term impacts of AVs on urban landscapes, exploring ethical and legal implications, and their role in broader sustainability goals.
 Keywords: Autonomous Vehicles, Urban Planning, Traffic Management, Environmental Sustainability.

The decoupling relationship between land use efficiency and carbon emissions in China: An analysis using the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework

The Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework provides a comprehensive approach to studying the decoupling of land use efficiency (LUE) and carbon emissions (CEs), thereby supporting the transition towards low-carbon land use from a holistic social-ecological perspective. In this study, we utilized the SES framework to examine the decoupling patterns of LUE and CEs across different land use categories (agricultural, industrial, commercial, and ecological land) in 285 Chinese cities from 2007 to 2019. We found that: (1) The decoupling relationships between LUE and CEs varied across different land categories, influenced by input/output values as well as social, economic, and regulatory factors. (2) During the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011–2015), significant decoupling between agricultural, industrial, commercial, and ecological LUEs and CEs was observed in 170 (59%), 119 (42%), 117 (41%), and 139 (49%) cities, respectively. (3) From a long-term perspective (2010–2019), all types of LUE and CEs that were initially absent in geographic agglomeration showed improvement and achieved decoupling. (4) The initial set of low-carbon pilot cities that aimed to reduce CEs showed the most success, but this advantage faded with time. Our research delves into the interactions of actors with land resources and their implications for CEs within the SES framework. Through exploring the decoupling of LUE and CEs, we provide valuable insights for actors to make strategic adjustments, enhancing societal resilience and promoting harmonious development between humans and nature in the social-ecological system.