Watersheds provide fundamental hydrological ecosystem services for human well-being and the environment, such as water provisioning, hydrological cycle regulation, and erosion control; however, these services face increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressures. This study assessed individual and combined impacts on the hydrological functionality of the Piuray–Ccorimarca watershed (Cusco, Peru) using a calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, analyzing water yield, soil water storage, and sediment transport across 20 scenarios. An ensemble of 10 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models with bias correction was implemented, integrated with land transformation projections contemplating urban expansion associated with airport development and forest recovery through Payment for Ecosystem Services mechanisms. The results reveal climate change as the dominant driver, generating water yield increases and soil water content improvements primarily due to evapotranspiration decoupling that increases the runoff coefficient. In contrast, land use change produces substantially smaller hydrological effects but critically intensifies sediment yield. Spatial vulnerability analysis identified eight persistently critical sub-basins (20.5% of area) where soil water content emerged as the dominant limiting factor. These findings establish a clear management hierarchy prioritizing climate adaptation over land use interventions, with differentiated strategies required for critical zones demanding structural interventions versus non-critical areas amenable to flexible conservation approaches.

This study investigates gender-based disparities in the adoption of erosion control strategies and maize productivity in Malawi. We analyse these dynamics using comprehensive plot-level data collected in 2013, 2016, and 2019. Our results indicate that male plot managers are more likely to adopt erosion control strategies compared to their female counterparts. However, the adoption of erosion control strategies does not significantly increase maize productivity, regardless of the plot manager’s gender, except for plots cultivated in female-headed households and at times of heavy rainfall. This finding opens avenues for future research on the circumstances under which erosion control strategies effectively enhance crop productivity. Results also show that, when controlling for plot, farmer, and household characteristics, plots managed by women are found to be equally productive as those managed by men.

In agriculture, weeds are commonly viewed as nuisances that compete with main crops for resources like air, nutrients, light, and space, potentially reducing plant productivity. However, weeds also play a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to soil fertility through organic matter decomposition, soil erosion prevention, acting as habitats for beneficial insects, and other benefits. Especially for human welfare, for new food and medicine sources. This is in line with the goals of SDGs 2 and 3. This study is concerned with the advantages of weeds in sugarcane fields. Observation conducted in lowland and highland fields. Vegetation analysis using the quadrat method by a 1x1 meter quadrat. There are 3 replications for each sample. Identification of weeds for significant benefits if properly utilized from the literatures. 10 from 13 species in lowland are useful for medicine. They are Ageratum conyzoides, Portulaca oleracea, Digitaria ciliaris, Phyllanthus niruri Linn., Eleusine indica, Trianthema portulacastrum, and Crassocephalum crepidioides. Meanwhile, from the highland can be found Mimosa pudica L., Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, and Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. All of the 11 weeds in highland have potential for medicine. They are Mimosa pudica L., Amaranthus tricolor L., Ipomoea obscura, Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass., Chromolaena odorata, Eleusine indica, Cyperus rotundus, Cayratia trifolia, Modiola caroliniana, Digitaria sanguinalis, Montanoa hibiscifolia Benth. So, majority of weeds in lowland and highland fields are used as medicines. Other utilized as pesticides, soil conservation, biological agencies, livestock feed, fertilizer, ornamental plants, and food. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2: Zero HungerSDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Evolving approaches and data availability for understanding the impact of land-use change on ecosystem services.

Optimizing soil and water conservation at the sub-basin scale: a multi-objective approach balancing ecosystem services, costs, and erosion control

Sustainable soil management: Rhizosphere microbial contributions to erosion control in herbaceous vegetation systems

ABSTRACTClimate change‐induced grassland degradation has exacerbated the spread of toxic plants, yet many potentially toxic species remain overlooked, undermining rangeland management and causing significant economic losses. Quantifying the toxicity and distribution of potential toxic plants under climate change is critical for mitigating biogeographic risks. As a case study, taking Sphaerophysa salsula, a leguminous plant distributed in Asia and the Americas, historically utilized for erosion control but recently associated with livestock poisoning, this research integrated toxicity identification, species distribution modeling (SDM), and risk assessment to evaluate its biogeographic threats in China. Results suggested for the first time that S. salsula can function as a high‐toxicity (chemotype 1) locoweed due to swainsonine (mean content 0.373%), produced by its endophyte Alternaria oxytropis (23.46 pg/ng), which is implicated in locoism‐like syndromes in livestock. The Maximum Entropy model identified temperature annual range (43.22°C), mean temperature of the driest quarter (−6.29°C), and soil pH (8.61) as key distribution drivers. Currently, suitable habitats are concentrated in Northern China (Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia). By the 2070s, these habitats are projected to decline by 6.3%–9%, shifting westward toward pastoral regions. Risk assessments integrating grazing intensity revealed high‐risk zones in Gansu, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia, with future scenarios predicting declining risks in eastern Inner Mongolia but increasing threats in western Tibet. These findings clarify S. salsula's toxic mechanism and biogeographic risks, providing a framework for targeted management of overlooked toxic plants under climate change.

Erosion control performance of natural geotextiles for slope stabilization

Remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) based terrain analysis is essential for characterizing watershed dynamics and aids in sustainable land and water resource management, particularly in hard rock terrain where primary porosity is minimal, and topography and lithology pose challenges for groundwater and erosion control. Despite advancement in geospatial techniques, integrated terrain- hydrological evaluations remain limited for watersheds in hard rock terrain, particularly in Jharkhand because of its diverse physiography and effects of multiple tectonism. This study aims to highlights the potential of geomatic techniques in assessing seven key terrain parameters, lithology, geomorphology, lineaments, soil, slope, drainage, and hydrological indices (NDWI, NDMI, EWI) for sustainable management of Bhera River watershed, Ranchi- Ramgarh districts, Jharkhand. The Bhera watershed, having an area of 269 sq. km, lies within the Chotanagpur Plateau and is characterised by dissected plateaus, undulating hills, and diverse lithology ranging from Precambrian granites and gneisses to Gondwana sediments. The thematic maps were generated using Visual and Digital Image interpretation, using the sources from existing thematic maps, satellite imageries- Landsat 8 and 9 (Date of acquisition- 20th and 22nd November 2023), SRTM (Date of acquisition- 1st November 2023), and survey of India toposheets at 1:50,000 scale. The study reveals geologically complex landscape with dominant pediplains (70% coverage) indicating moderate groundwater potential, moderate structural control, luvisols as the dominant soil type with good nutrient retention, dendritic to sub-dendritic drainage pattern indicating uniform lithology and varied slopes heightening runoff and erosion risks. Hydrological indices highlight sparse water bodies (NDWI: -0.43 to 0.11), moderate vegetation moisture (NDMI: -0.09 to 0.26), and predominantly dry to sparsely vegetated soils (EWI: -0.60 to -0.35). These findings underscore the watershed's vulnerability to erosion and groundwater overexploitation despite adequate rainfall (1100-1400 mm annually), emphasizing the need for integrated RS-GIS approaches for terrain evaluation to guide conservation strategies and sustainable management in similar hard rock regions.

Forest roads are essential in forested regions, supporting forestry operations, timber extraction, afforestation, log transportation to mills, recreation, and wildlife management. Nonetheless, forest roads are a major source of soil erosion and sedimentation in stream waters. They contribute to sedimentation through soil erosion on elements like the running surface, roadside slopes, and side ditches. On these routes, soil erosion primarily occurs due to rainfall-driven runoff and its duration. This study employs a systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), to compile data and examine findings on forest road erosion. The review aligns with the objectives of identifying factors that influence soil erosion on forest roads and skid trails, and developing techniques to control erosion, minimise its impact, and prevent its occurrence. Methods such as planting vegetation on roadside slopes have demonstrated effectiveness in mitigating erosion and reducing its severity and extent. It is advisable for future research to explore various soil erosion control techniques to deepen understanding and improve measures to reduce soil erosion on forest roads

Abstract. The Ain Leuh watershed occupies a strategic hydrogeographic position that favors surface water circulation and accumulation. Considering the persistent water stress affecting Morocco, a detailed characterization of this watershed is essential to support sustainable water resource management and to mitigate geohazards such as flooding and soil erosion. This study aims to characterize the Ain Leuh watershed using morphometric analysis based on the FABDEM (Forest and Buildings removed Copernicus DEM). Covering an area of 143.58 km², the watershed is geomorphologically young, well-drained, and characterized by significant surface runoff. Surface and linear morphometric include drainage density (2.96 km/km²), stream frequency (7.41 km⁻²), drainage texture (13.45 km⁻¹), elongation ratio (0.40), circularity ratio (0.29), and form factor (0.10). The values reflect a long, narrow basin with high runoff potential and limited infiltration capacity. Hypsometric contour mapping at 200-meter intervals highlighted a dominant NE–SW alignment, indicative of the region’s terraced geomorphology. Elevation data pointed to higher altitudes in the southeastern part of the basin and lower elevations in the northwest, while slope analysis indicated that low to moderate gradients are more dominant. These results were complemented by the relief parameters: the relief ratio (Rh), dissection index (Dis), and roughness number (Rn). The relief ratio (0.03) underscores the predominance of broad, low-relief areas such as floodplains and wide valleys. The dissection index (0.58) confirms considerable valley incision, implying a heightened risk of both fluvial and slope-driven erosion, while the roughness number (3.43) combines indicators of steep terrain and dense drainage to describe a rugged watershed with a significant susceptibility to surface water dynamics and erosion. The morphometric analysis identifies the Ain Leuh watershed as a young, elongated basin with efficient drainage, high surface runoff, and moderate to steep slopes. While its flood potential appears limited due to its geomorphological structure, the basin exhibits significant vulnerability to erosion. These findings provide valuable insights for regional water management strategies and underscore the need for erosion control measures to enhance the watershed’s resilience.

This research examines how agribusiness entrepreneurship can support income growth and sustainability in smallholder farmers in the Nyagatare District in Rwanda. A mixed-methods study design was used to collect data using structured questionnaires on 262 farmers and supplemented by a qualitative approach of key informants. Descriptive outcomes indicated moderate-high involvement in the entrepreneurial activities, especially in using better seeds, record keeping, and diversification of the enterprise, but little value addition had been done. Crop rotation, mulching, erosion control, reduced use of chemicals, irrigation, and post-harvest technologies were implemented on a widespread adoption, whereas there were moderate adoptions of irrigation and post-harvest technologies. Regression showed that Agribusiness entrepreneurship positively impacts both income development (b = 0.482, p < 0.001) and sustainability outcomes (b = 0.361, p < 0.01). The education level and farm size were also positively influencing variables, but not gender, age, or household size. The results are consistent with the previous research, indicating that entrepreneurship is one of the ways to get better involved in the market, use technologies, and be environmentally resilient. All in all, the research finds that agribusiness entrepreneurship should be encouraged to improve the livelihoods in rural areas, make them more sustainable, and increase the economic resilience of smallholder farmers in Rwanda. It suggests increased training, better access to finance, as well as investing in value-addition and market infrastructure in order to make the most out of entrepreneurial effects.

Cover crops are often incorporated between cash crop seasons to improve or maintain soil health. Although their effects on certain soil properties (e.g., erosion control) are well described, their potential to steer soil microbial composition and function remains poorly understood. Most studies use direct soil sampling to investigate this relationship, but long-dormant microorganisms and legacy DNA can mask treatment effects, leading to signals that may not reflect active contributors to key functions such as biogeochemical cycling and decomposition. In this study, we deployed microbial traps (i.e., sterile soil enclosed in permeable mesh) to contrast active recolonization with direct soil sampling across 11 cover crop treatments applied after fall cash crop harvests in the northeast United States. Bulk and recolonized soil were collected for 16S rRNA gene and internal transcribed spacer region amplicon sequencing before (i) winter and (ii) spring planting. We hypothesized that different cover crop mixtures would stimulate distinct pools of microbial colonizers, with stronger between-treatment effects in recolonized soil compared with bulk. Our results showed that crop treatments significantly influenced microbial composition of active colonizers; however, effect sizes were similar in both bulk and recolonized (explaining 12 to 18% of community variance). The presence or absence of plant cover was the strongest driver of compositional differences in both soil compartments, suggesting microbial traps and bulk soil can capture similar signals despite containing ecologically distinct microbiome subsets. Future work coupling community assembly in situ with functionally informative methods may further resolve whether active colonizers overlap with root-associated taxa and can lead to management-relevant outcomes. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

The abandoned bauxite mine (ABM) soil is a major global environmental issue. ABM soil is nutrient-deficient and abundant with several contaminants, hefty metals (HMs). Therefore, restoring ABM soil with suitable plants is of utmost concern in terms of both economic and environmental benefits. Jatropha curcas (JC) and Chrysopogon zizanioides (CZ) are effective in phyto‑stabilization of contaminated and mining‑affected soils, offering significant benefits such as climate resilience, energy production, erosion control, and prevention of leaching. The present study investigates the effects of JC and CZ grown in ABM soil. JC and CZ were examined for overall growth performance, biochemical response, antioxidant compounds, metal tolerance of HMs and enhancement of overall soil quality after cultivation. The study was carried out for 120days using ABM soil amended with different ratios of garden soil (GS). The treatments taken were T0 (100% GS) as control, T1 (75% GS + 25% ABM soil), T2 (50% GS + 50% ABM soil), T3 (25% GS + 75% ABM soil) and T4 (100% ABM soil), completely randomized design with 4 replications adopted. There was a highest shoot length (45.5cm) in JC, young and mature leaves (4.25 and 15), and basal diameter (13.11mm) in T2. In CZ. The highest shoot length was in T1 (109.63cm), and the number of tillers increased steadily, reaching 3.75 (T1). The above- and below-ground biomass of JC and CZ increased the most in T2 (6.44% and 16.95%) and T1 (5.08% and 11.94%), respectively, compared to the control. JC and CZ accessions exhibited more or less a significant increase (p < 0.05) in defence mechanisms, including proline, malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities when exposed to different amendments of ABM soil. After cultivation of JC and CZ, overall soil nutrients improved, and HMs concentrations decreased across treatments. In JC, Al, Fe and Mn showed strong negative correlations with carbohydrate and protein contents (p < 0.01; p < 0.05). Additionally, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were negatively correlated with CAT (p < 0.05). In CZ, Al, Fe, Cr and Ni exhibited significant negative correlations with total chlorophyll, carotenoids, carbohydrates and proteins (p < 0.01).

ABSTRACT Northern China represents a critical region for soil wind erosion research due to its high susceptibility and ecological vulnerability. This study employs a parameter‐optimized RWEQ model, incorporating freeze–thaw dynamics and refined land‐use coefficients along with data from 171 meteorological stations, to comprehensively analyze the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of soil wind erosion across approximately 5.4 million square kilometers in northern China from 1980 to 2023. The results show that the average annual wind erosion rate in northern China decreased from 4864.48 t·km −2 ·a −1 in 1980 to 3117.32 t·km −2 ·a −1 in 2023, representing a total reduction of 36.0%. Moderate and severe erosion gradually transitioned to slight and mild levels, indicating an overall improving trend. Temporally, the evolution exhibited four distinct phases: a rapid decline (1980–1990), with a total erosion reduction of 25.5% and an average annual reduction of 674.23 million tons; a decelerated decline (1990–2010), during which erosion further decreased by 32.5% relative to 1990 levels, with an average annual reduction of 319.68 million tons; a stagnation phase (2010–2020), characterized by a minimal reduction of only 4.8% compared to 2010, with an average annual reduction of 6.385 million tons; and a significant rebound (2020–2023), marked by a 27.9% increase in total erosion and an average annual increase of 1230.34 million tons. Spatially, erosion intensity markedly decreased in the Northeast Plain and North China Plain, while high‐risk areas persisted in western regions such as the Tarim Basin and Inner Mongolia Plateau, underscoring the substantial contribution of western deserts to wind erosion. Factor detection identified potential evapotranspiration ( q = 0.55–0.65) and soil sand content ( q &gt; 0.3) as the primary driving factors, with NDVI and silt content also exhibiting substantial explanatory power ( q &gt; 0.25). The interaction between vegetation and climatic factors, such as NDVI and precipitation, shifted from nonlinear enhancement to bilinear enhancement, reflecting a progressive saturation of vegetation's inhibitory effect on erosion as canopy cover increased. After 2010, the saturation of vegetation‐related erosion control, coupled with intensified anthropogenic pressure, contributed to the stagnation and subsequent rebound in regional erosion levels. This study emphasizes the urgency of implementing differentiated vegetation restoration and soil improvement techniques in key regions, providing a scientific basis for optimizing wind erosion prevention and ecological restoration strategies in arid and semi‐arid areas.

Due to the ecosystem services they provide, forest resources are essential for the development of human society. The protection of forests is inevitable because of their importance in ensuring sustainability. This study seeks to examine community perception on forest protection by integrating it with remote sensing data and investigates socio-economic and environmental implications of protection to the surrounding communities. This study used a case study design and was guided by Elinor Ostrom's socio-ecological theory. The study used a sample of 301 respondents for quantitative data and 12 respondents for qualitative data, making a total of 313 respondents. Respondents were selected from two wards of Kazimzumbwi and Kisarawe using simple random and purposeful sampling techniques. Various tools were used to collect the information, including the use of semi-structured questionnaires, key informants’ interviews, satellite images that were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) archives, and reviews of literature. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the statistical Package of Social Sciences 12 while quantitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The satellite data was analysed using the random forest (RF) algorithm and mapped in ArcGIS 10 software to examine the forest cover changes in Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve from 1994 to 2024. The results showed that the majority of respondents were aware of forest protection, which was identified using several local knowledge indicators that indicated an increase in trees. Such an indicator was proved by a satellite image that shows the increase in bushland and open woodland and the decrease in the area occupied by grassland in the area. In a similar vein, respondents acknowledged the existence of social, economic, and environmental impacts in the area that were mainly reflected by economic hardship and a decrease in farmland. The increase in energy prices, control of soil erosion, climate regulation, improvement in biodiversity, fear and insecurity, rise in crime, lack of compensation, and enhancement of social services were all noted as significant issues. The study recommends the need to strengthen the governance system by engaging local communities in decision-making and establishing sustainable livelihood support to the community surrounded by the protected forest. It also recommends for implementing continuous environmental education provision among the key stakeholders to ensure sustainable commitment to the protection.

Mangrove ecosystems, distributed across tropical and subtropical coastlines, are globally recognized for their exceptional biodiversity and multifunctional ecological roles. They sustain coastal fisheries by serving as breeding and nursery habitats, support diverse terrestrial and aquatic fauna, enhance shoreline stability through wave attenuation and erosion control, and improve water quality via nutrient recycling and pollutant filtration. Mangroves are also among the most efficient blue carbon sinks, contributing significantly to climate-change mitigation. From a socio-economic perspective, they provide timber and non-timber resources, support artisanal fisheries, enable ecotourism-based livelihoods, and hold high potential for carbon-credit revenue and bioprospecting. The review synthesizes evidence from 135 studies published between 1990 and 2024, retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and institutional repositories, based on their relevance to mangrove ecology, ecosystem services, and community-level economic benefits. Only peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and case studies with clear methodological descriptions were included. The synthesis reveals that the ecological and economic functions of mangroves are strongly interdependent, with degradation of habitat quality directly reducing fisheries productivity, carbon storage efficiency, and livelihood security. The review highlights the urgent need for integrated management approaches, including hydrological restoration, community-based conservation, and policy-supported payment-for-ecosystem-services mechanisms, to enhance ecosystem resilience under accelerating anthropogenic and climate pressures.

Soil erosion has become an increasingly serious environmental problem. A comprehensive understanding of high-risk areas and key drivers of soil erosion at different spatial scales is critical for developing effective soil erosion control strategies and optimizing land resource use. As a key factor influencing soil erosion， the impact of landscape patterns on soil erosion at different spatial scales has not been quantitatively analyzed. Using the Beijiang River Basin as a case study， this study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of landscape patterns and soil erosion from 2000 to 2020. We used Geodetector and spatiotemporal geographic weighted regression to reveal the driving mechanisms of soil erosion at different spatial scales. The results indicate that： ① Soil erosion increased significantly in the northwest of the Beijiang River Basin， with the area of moderate， severe， and extremely severe erosion accounting for 40% between 2000 and 2020， mainly influenced by elevation and precipitation. In contrast， the erosion risk in the northern and central regions decreased， mainly due to vegetation restoration and soil and water conservation measures. ② Over the past 20 years， landscape fragmentation in the Beijiang River Basin has increased by 12%， with the highest fragmentation occurring in the northeastern and southern parts of the basin， which is expected to exacerbate erosion risks in the future. ③ The interaction effect of landscape fragmentation and vegetation cover on soil erosion was the most significant at the basin and county scales， and the interaction effect coefficient were 0.634 and 0.768， respectively， indicating that vegetation cover could help mitigate the erosion risk caused by fragmentation. ④ The driving factors of soil erosion showed significant spatial heterogeneity at different spatial scales， and the effects of terrain， landscape pattern， and vegetation coverage on erosion gradually increased with the thinning of scales. Specifically， at the watershed scale， the interaction intensity of landscape fragmentation and vegetation cover on soil erosion were 0.634 and 0.515， respectively， while at the township scale， the interaction between surface temperature and vegetation cover was the most significant， with an interaction effect coefficient of 0.516. Especially in the area of human activity density， the synergistic effect of climate factors and vegetation intensified the soil erosion risk. The research results revealed the high-risk areas and important driving factors of soil erosion at different scales in Beijiang River Basin， which can provide scientific basis for regional soil and water conservation and landscape optimization management at different scales.

Soil erosion not only leads to soil loss but also redistributes soil organic carbon (SOC) and releases carbon dioxide (CO2) that contributes significantly to regional carbon emissions. Great efforts have been made to prevent soil erosion in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) in China in the past decades. Only few studies have paid attention to carbon emissions from soil loss. This study integrates the China Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) with a transport-limited sediment delivery (TLSD) model to quantify sediment redistribution and associated carbon emissions across five depositional processes (slope, reservoir, plain, river channel, and regional output) in the YRB. The CSLE-TLSD model calibrated to a significantly improved Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.5690, compared to 0.5628 for the CSLE model. Results reveal that 28.50 ± 4.43% of eroded SOC was decomposed during transport, releasing 2.48 ± 0.11 × 108 t CO2 in the YRB from 1990 to 2020. Striking spatial disparities emerged in different regions: the upper reaches exhibited a SOC decomposition ratio of 49.66 ± 4.40%, in sharp contrast to 22.96 ± 10.35% in the middle reaches. The five provinces with the highest carbon emission rate from 1990 to 2020 were Shanxi (15.45 t CO2/km2), Shaanxi (14.23 t CO2/km2), Shandong (13.10 t CO2/km2), Qinghai (11.98 t CO2/km2), and Gansu (11.25 t CO2/km2). These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating erosion-driven carbon flux dynamics into terrestrial carbon accounting frameworks, particularly in basins undergoing intensive anthropogenic modification.

Assessing the environmental sustainability of the billion trees afforestation project through life cycle assessment.