Agricultural Land Research Articles

Open Data for Transparency of Government Tenders: A State Analysis in Croatian Agriculture Land Lease

State-owned agricultural land is an asset that the state must manage in a responsible and transparent manner. Agricultural land is extremely important for farmers as it enables them to carry out agricultural activities. Due to its importance to farmers, it is often the subject of debate as stakeholders are often dissatisfied with the allocation and management of state-owned agricultural land. Qualitative research of the process of state agricultural land lease and the associated legislation in the Republic of Croatia enabled the analysis of the existing business model, with the results pointing to shortcomings in the Initial and Evaluation phases of the process. A steady rise in the number of tenders published in 2015–2022 was recorded. Local administrative units in the Continental region scored higher than those in the Adriatic region (both cities and municipalities) in terms of transparency. Unfortunately, the response rate from the local authorities was below 50% across both region and unit, further indicating low transparency. Based on the findings, a proposal of changes in the tendering process was made utilizing a digital platform as an environment for all stakeholders, which provides functionalities essential for the transparent implementation of tenders for the agricultural land lease in Croatia.

Biological Nitrification Inhibition by Australian Tussock Grass and Its Impact on the Rhizosphere Ammonia-Oxidizing Microbiome

Certain plant species have developed the ability to express biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), suppressing the activity of nitrifying microbes and thereby reducing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. This study assessed the BNI capacity and the rhizosphere ammonia-oxidizing microbiome of two grass species: the endemic Australian Barley Mitchell grass (Astrebla pectinata) and the introduced koronivia grass (Urochloa humidicola), using soils from both agricultural land and native vegetation. In agricultural soil, koronivia grass exhibited significantly higher BNI capacity compared with Barley Mitchell grass. However, in native soil, this trend was reversed, with Barley Mitchell grass demonstrating a significantly greater BNI capacity than koronivia grass (52% vs. 38%). Koronivia grass significantly altered the composition of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria community in its rhizosphere, leading to a decrease in the Shannon index and bacteria number. Conversely, Barley Mitchell grass reduced the Shannon index (1.2 vs. 1.7) and population size (3.28 × 107 vs. 7.43 × 107 gene copy number g−1 dry soil) of the ammonia-oxidizing archaea community in its rhizosphere to a greater extent. These findings suggest that Australian Barley Mitchell grass may have evolved mechanisms to suppress soil archaeal nitrifiers, thereby enhancing its BNI capacity and adapting to Australia’s nutrient-poor soils.

Research on the Effectiveness of China's Rural Land Ownership Policy

The confirmation of rural land rights and the "separation of three rights" have opened the prelude to the deepening reform of China's agricultural land system, and are of great significance to the implementation of rural revitalization and agricultural security strategy in the new era. Based on existing literature studies, this paper summarizes and analyzes the effect of land ownership confirmation on farmers' income, land circulation, scale management, urbanization, rural governance and other aspects of China's rural land ownership confirmation. The research shows that land ownership confirmation can improve farmers' income, promote land circulation and scale management to a certain extent, but the effect is limited. The impact on urbanization and rural governance is still unclear.

Value networks, consolidation, and risks of an agricultural territory

Objective: Producer and marketer value networks in an agricultural land in Veracruz, Mexico were identified and characterized, to determine its consolidation level (primary, emergent, potential, or combined), as well as to detect risks and to establish an improvement proposal. Design/Methodology/Approach: An area of the Altas Montañas Veracruz, Mexico was used for the experiment. Surveys were conducted with producers (n=131) and marketers (n=42) of agricultural produce. Socioeconomic, environmental, technical, commercial, and chain link variables were analyzed to detect risks, opportunities, and revaluations. The study was carried out with the RStudio v. 4.3.3 software. Results: Six producer value networks and three marketer value networks were identified. Socioeconomic, environmental, commercial, and technological risks were detected. However, public health risks were different depending on the application of raw manure. Chayote and avocado have displaced other crops. The revaluation proposals for emergent and potential producer and marketer networks were focused on technical support (i.e., commercialization and generational change).

Analisis Potensi Kawasan Pengembangan Lahan Pertanian Tanaman Padi Sawah di Kabupaten Tanah Datar

This study aims to determine 1) the level of suitability of wet-rice land on food agricultural land in Tanah Datar Regency, 2) existing land cover in Tanah Datar Regency and 3) potential wet-rice land development areas in Tanah Datar Regency. The method used is a descriptive approach with quantitative research. Data was processed using fuzzy logic, supervised classification, and spatial data analysis. The results of this study show 1) Tanah Datar Regency has 3 levels of land suitability with an index value of 0-0.59 which is classified at the level of unsuitable to less suitable for rice paddy agricultural crops, with an area of 7,583.9 Ha with a percentage of 5.5%. The second category of land suitability with an index value of 0.6-0.79 is classified as moderately suitable to suitable, with an area of 98,955.7 Ha with a percentage of 71.8%. The third category of land suitability with an index value of 0.8-1.0 which is classified as moderately - highly suitable for wetland agricultural crops, with an area of 31,267.7 Ha with a percentage of 22.7% of the total area of the study site. 2) Analysis of existing land cover using Landsat 8 satellite images in 2023 in Tanah Datar District shows that the structure of land cover in 2023 is as follows: dense vegetation cover covering 93,385.5 Ha with a percentage of 67.9%, followed by agricultural land covering 35,630.6 Ha with a percentage of 25.8%, settlements covering 1,828.3 Ha with a percentage of 1.4%, open land covering 137.6 Ha with a percentage of 0.09%, and waters.

A new strategy based on multi-source remote sensing data for improving the accuracy of land use/cover change classification.

Land Use/Cover Change (LUCC) plays a crucial role in sustainable land management and regional planning. However, contemporary feature extraction approaches often prove inefficient at capturing critical data features, thereby complicating land cover categorization. In this research, we introduce a new feature extraction algorithm alongside a Segmented and Stratified Principal Component Analysis (SS-PCA) dimensionality reduction method based on correlation grouping. These methods are applied to UAV LiDAR and UAV HSI data collected from land use types (e.g., residential areas, agricultural lands) and specific species (e.g., tree species) in urban, agricultural, and natural environments to reflect the diversity of the study area and to demonstrate the ability of our methods to be applied in different classification scenarios. We utilize LiDAR and HSI data to extract 157 features, including intensity, height, Normalized Digital Surface Model (nDSM), spectral, texture, and index features, to identify the optimal feature subset. Subsequently, the best feature subset is inputted into a random forest classifier to classify the features. Our findings demonstrate that the SS-PCA method successfully enhances downscaled feature bands, reduces hyperspectral data noise, and improves classification accuracy (Overall Accuracy = 91.17%). Additionally, the CFW method effectively screens appropriate features, thereby increasing classification accuracy for LiDAR (Overall Accuracy = 78.10%), HIS (Overall Accuracy = 89.87%), and LiDAR + HIS (Overall Accuracy = 97.17%) data across various areas. Moreover, the integration of LiDAR and HSI data holds promise for significantly improving ground fine classification accuracy while mitigating issues such as the 'salt and pepper noise'. Furthermore, among individual features, the LiDAR intensity feature emerges as critical for enhancing classification accuracy, while among single-class features, the HSI feature proves most influential in improving classification accuracy.

The LTAR Integrated Common Experiment at Southern Plains.

The Southern Plains (SP) is one of 18 Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network sites that combine strategic research projects with common measurements across multiple agroecosystems. Projects at the SP site focus on the use of indicator measurements to aid in assessment of land and nutrient management's impact on soil health, water quality, carbon and water balances, and forage biomass-quality in diversified, adaptive crop-livestock systems designed to overcome shifts in natural resources and climate. The prevailing treatment is tilled winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that is grazed, hayed, harvested for grain, or grazed and harvested for grain. The alternative treatment is year-round annual cover crop forage mixes for cattle (Bos taurus) production planted in fall and spring under conservation tillage management. The area is subject to variable weather and climatic shifts that reduce the potential to diversify forage crops and limit grazing in southern tall grass prairies and small grain systems. Incorporation of fertilized, rain-fed, annual cool and warm season mixtures of cover crops could fill forage gaps. The presence of year-round ground cover reduces sediment and nutrient loading to surface waters while enhancing soil health and water holding capacity. Tools to aid agricultural producers and land and water resource managers have been developed and implemented to determine how climate, topography, and varying conservation management practices alter hydrological structures, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and soil resources.

Temporal and spatial patterns of riparian vegetation in the Colastiné Basin (Argentina) and riparian ecological quality estimation as tools for water management

ABSTRACT Information on the riverbanks can improve our ability to monitor water quality and generate adequate management strategies. This research seeks insights into the riverbanks of eight Colastiné River Basin (Argentina) streams, which have been influenced by intensive agricultural land use for decades. We aim to (a) describe the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of riparian vegetation, (b) assess their current riparian quality through riverbank quality indices, and (c) estimate whether the riparian quality is linked to the water quality. Results of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed an increasing trend in the vegetation cover with seasonal periodicities during the last 22 years in only 2 streams. Overall, 41% of plant species registered were exotic although native species dominated in most streams. The overall riverbank quality, based on the mean values of four riverbank quality indexes, was regular-to-bad. The overall water quality of the streams was low and significantly correlated to the Riparian Quality Index, suggesting a link between both compartments. More studies are needed to determine the main variables that establish this connection. Further effort is also needed to generate appropriate indices for this region, as no current ones are still developed.

Soil-Dwelling Arthropods’ Response to Land Abandonment Is Taxon-Specific in a Mediterranean Olive Grove Agroecosystem

Agricultural land abandonment is an increasing concern in the EU, especially in Mediterranean regions where traditional perennial crops like olive groves are left unmanaged. This study focuses on the impact of land abandonment on soil-dwelling arthropods in olive groves in Monte Pisano, Tuscany, examining ants, spiders, myriapods, and carabids. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, the potential olive fruit fly predator community was analyzed over two sampling periods repeated over two years to assess the effects of both abandonment and its proximity to managed fields. Ants were significantly more abundant in managed fields next to abandoned ones, though there were no differences between managed and abandoned fields. Spider abundance did not respond to abandonment nor proximity. Myriapods were more abundant in abandoned fields during the first sampling period, but the proximity of an abandoned field had no effect. Carabids were more abundant in managed fields, especially those adjacent to other managed fields. These results indicate that arthropod responses to abandonment are taxon-specific, highlighting that a mosaic of managed and abandoned fields can both enhance and reduce olive fruit fly predator abundance. Conservation strategies should integrate varying management intensities to optimize biodiversity in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Future research should investigate long-term effects and specific predator responses to abandonment.

Evolving road networks and urban landscape transformation in the Himalayan foothills, India.

The amalgamation of Himalayan and Indo-Burmese biodiversity has made the state of Manipur, India, a unique ecosystem. In addition, the region is a strategic place for the country to establish an economic corridor to Southeast Asia. In recent times, the region has witnessed tremendous infrastructural/road development. Subsequently, forest fragmentation related to urbanization and road expansion has emerged in the Himalayan foothills. The development of roads brought rapid changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and thus subsequent environmental degradation. The current study attempts to understand how the development of road networks has impacted the natural cover in Manipur, India. A spatio-temporal analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the development of road networks and LULC changes using the Landsat satellite images over a decade (2012-2022). The results showed significant changes in the area coverage of LULC categories such as agricultural land, built-up areas, forest, and water bodies with the increase in road density. To have a holistic view, the study area was segregated into three functional zones based on their urban land use pattern, i.e., urban center, peri-urban, and urban peripheral fringes. Urban sprawl in the urban center has led to the rapid conversion of forested lands into built-up areas and agricultural lands in the peri-urban and urban peripheral fringes, respectively. The decline of forest areas to urbanization in peri-urban and urban peripheral fringes calls for conservation and restoration initiatives. The study also emphasizes how different stakeholders can be involved and empowered to strengthen public-private partnerships for conservation and restoration in such sensitive ecosystems. Urban planners and developers should be critical in making informed decisions through understanding ecological concerns in tandem with infrastructural development.

The functions and factors governing fungal communities and diversity in agricultural waters: insights into the ecosystem services aquatic mycobiota provide

IntroductionFungi are essential to the aquatic food web, nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem regulation. Fungal community structures in water can be influenced by adjacent terrestrial environments, which drive and control some ecosystem services they provide. However, the roles of freshwater fungal communities remain underexplored compared to bacterial communities in this context.MethodsWe assessed the impact of anthropological and environmental factors on freshwater mycobiota in an agriculturally dominated water basin in eastern Ontario, Canada. We undertook bi-weekly surface water sampling from 2016 to 2021 and conducted fungal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) metabarcoding on the samples, complemented by ancillary data, including water physicochemical properties, upstream land use, hydrology, and weather conditions.ResultsOur study yielded 6,571 OTUs from 503 water samples, spanning 15 fungal phyla, dominated by Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Chytridiomycota. Agricultural land use was associated with decreased mycobiota alpha diversity and distinct fungal communities were observed at agricultural drainage ditch and mixed-land use sites compared to a forested site that had minimal anthropogenic activities in catchment. Notably, river discharge emerged as a predominant influencer of both community diversity and composition, likely amplified by precipitation-induced erosion and drainage from adjacent terrestrial environments.DiscussionWater physicochemical properties, including stream fungicide levels, explained a small proportion of the variation in mycobiota communities, underscoring the significance of unmeasured factors, alongside stochastic community assembly processes. Nevertheless, stream mycobiota demonstrated functional resilience for critical ecological processes under different environmental conditions. Altogether, these results highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing the freshwater mycobiota, which is essential for elevated understanding of the ecosystem services these fungi provide.

Impacts of Participatory Forest Management on Land Use/Land Cover of Adaba-Dodola Forest in South Eastern Ethiopia and its Implication to REDD+ Implementation.

Despite various interventions to protect forests, many developing countries, including Ethiopia, continue to face substantial forest conservation challenges, particularly where local communities heavily rely on forests for their livelihoods. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the government of Ethiopia introduced Participatory Forest Management (PFM) and devolved forest management responsibilities to enhance forest conservation. Therefore, this assessment examines the impacts of PFM on forest cover based on an analysis of the Land Use/Land Cover Change (LULCC) over the last 23 years in Adaba-Dodola, and its implications for REDD+ implementation. The study involved determining the LULCC of the Adaba-Dodola forest after the introduction of PFM from 2000 to 2023. Landsat images of 2000, 2012, and 2023 were analyzed to detect LULCC. The study result showed that the Adaba-Dodola forest cover increased by 1.83% since the PFM was introduced. The decreased agricultural land by 0.87% was the main factor attributed to the increase in shrub cover, while shrubland attributed to the rise in forest cover. Net areas of about 148 ha/year of shrublands were converted into forest land owing to significant forest regeneration, while shrublands had a net gain of 110.5 ha/year from agriculture and grasslands between 2000 and 2023. The increase in forest cover is attributed to the effectiveness of PFM in halting deforestation and promoting forest conservation. Thus, the PFM approach is a tool for preserving forest ecosystems and mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation and forest degradation, therefore would be used as an umbrella for implementing REDD+.

A decolonial approach to ecological distribution conflicts and the Maya Train in Mexico

A neoliberal development model, frequently at odds with the values of the local Mayan biocultural heritage, has historically prompted the conversion of forests and small-scale agricultural land, mainly in the Yucatan Peninsula. This study analyzes ethnographic data collected in two localities in the peninsula that will be impacted by the Maya Train. Preliminary results based mainly on conducted interviews revealed perceptions regarding daily interactions with the local habitat, the effects of public policy initiatives in the communities, and resistance strategies in response to perceived threats surrounding the project. Through a decolonial lens, the study contributes to understanding how social movements impact policies in the face of the environmental and social pacts of neoliberal development projects, while advancing towards a more ontologically diverse political representation.

Addressing Urban Sprawl: is Densification the Solution? A Case Study of Sétif, Algeria

Objectives: The rapid and uncontrolled urban growth in Sétif, northeastern Algeria, has resulted in horizontal densification, continual expansion, and the conversion of agricultural land into urban areas. This transformation highlights the need for effective territorial strategies to manage urban growth sustainably. The primary objective of this study is to promote urban densification through concepts like "inward urbanisation" and "building the city within the city," aiming to optimise land use and counter the negative impacts of urban sprawl. Methods: To address the challenges of urban sprawl and its environmental impacts, the study employs a morphological approach. A Geographic Information System (GIS) is utilised in conjunction with data from the General Census of Population and Housing (RGPH) to analyse spatiotemporal changes in Sétif. This methodological approach enables a detailed examination of the city's morphological and demographic evolution, providing insights into patterns of urban expansion and densification. Results: The findings reveal various strategies for urban development in Sétif, focusing on alternatives to traditional urban density and sprawl. The study identifies and suggests the implementation of new, dense, and hybrid urban forms that align with sustainable development goals. These urban forms are designed to enhance the city’s livability while respecting societal needs and environmental considerations. The strategies proposed address the necessity for adaptable urban designs that support a more compact, resource-efficient city model. Conclusion: This research underscores the importance of rethinking urban planning strategies to manage rapid urbanisation in Sétif. The proposed strategies are essential for transforming Sétif into a dense, sustainable, and appealing urban environment. The study advocates for a shift from expansive urban growth to a densification model that promotes sustainability and aligns with the evolving expectations of the city’s residents.

Economic Impact of Land Use Change on Rice Paddy Farmers in Palembang City Indonesia

Agricultural land conversion has the potential to have complex economic impacts on communities and related sectors. This change can alter income patterns and cause a decrease in welfare for farmers and business actors related to agriculture. This study aims to analyze the economic impact of land conversion on rice farmers in lebak rice fields in Palembang City. The research location was purposively chosen, by taking a sample of 250 respondents who were divided into two, namely farmers who changed land use and those who did not change land use. Economic impact analysis is looking at farmers' income before and after land conversion in the last 5 years interval, 2019-2023. The results showed that there was a difference in farmers' rice farming income before and after land conversion obtaining a tcount value of -5,450, significant at the 0.01 confidence level (0.000 <0.01). The economic impact of land conversion on rice farmers is in the form of a decrease in rice farming income.

The practice of protecting agricultural land in Jiangsu Province of China

The safeguarding of agricultural land is rooted in national land surveys and remote sensing data, which are enhanced by contemporary information technology. This framework facilitates the monitoring and regulation of unauthorized alterations in cultivated land usage. This paper aims to analyze land policies at the national, provincial, and local levels, investigate the cultivated land protection strategies implemented within the research region, where the policies have gained societal acceptance, and propose recommendations and countermeasures to enhance the development and utilization of land resources. The central issue of this study is to identify the challenges in achieving a balance between human activities and natural ecosystems. To address this issue, the research employs a combination of literature review, semi-structured interviews, text analysis, and content analysis, emphasizing the integration of empirical fieldwork and theoretical frameworks. Key areas of focus include: (a) the current state of the farmland protection system, (b) the legal foundations for local enforcement, (c) the systematic mechanisms for implementing arable land protection, and (d) the coordinated oversight system involving both the Party and government. Notably, the practice of cultivated land protection faces several challenges, primarily stemming from two factors. Firstly, there exists a disconnect between the economic interests of certain illegal land users and the objectives of land management, which hinders effective enforcement. Secondly, environmental repercussions arise from misinterpretations of land policy or non-compliant land development practices aimed at profit, which contradict the goals of ecological sustainability. The study examines two approaches to address the issue: the distribution and effective use of land resources, and the capacity for monitoring and early warning systems. Findings indicate that Dongtai City in Jiangsu Province has rigorously implemented all national land management policies, while also preserving the adaptability of local townships in practical applications, thereby ensuring the consistency of both the quality and quantity of arable land.

Organic matter accumulation encouraged K-strategy bacteria increase and metabolism variation in karst vegetation restoration

Vegetation restoration plays a critical role in terrestrial carbon sink increase, especially in subtropic Southwest China which has been the hotspot of vegetation restoration areas in recent decades. However, the variations in microbial community diversity resulting from this intervention remain unclear, and further research is needed to elucidate the complex interactions between microorganisms and soil nutrient elements. Soil samples were collected from three vegetation restoration stages in a karst rocky desertification (KRD) valley of Southwest China, which were named dry cropland (CL), 3–8 years grassland (WL), and afforestation land that recovered more than 20 years (AL), to investigate the soil nutrient and bacterial diversity variation during vegetation restoration course. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents are significantly higher in the afforestation land soil compared to the cropland and grassland soils, while the available nutrient contents decrease during the vegetation restoration course. The soil dominant bacteria genus shifts from R-strategy bacteria in cropland to K-strategy bacteria in afforestation land, and the relative abundances of R-strategy genera remain similar in the grassland and cropland soil. The dual-relative bacteria network evaluates from simple correlation net to very complex ones during the vegetation restoration, of which the core influenced factor alters from available nutrients to organic matter. The results of this study suggest that it will take a relatively longer period for the soil nutrient conditions and bacterial community to recover fully, although vegetation restoration could reduce the impacts of agricultural activities. This study refers to the ecological preservation and restoration strategies under the global climate change background, elucidating the nutrient metabolism variation induced by the accordance variation of organic matter accumulation and soil bacterial life strategy during the ecosystem restoration course.

Women's dietary diversity is associated with homestead production and market access: A cross-sectional study in rural Rwanda.

Dietary diversity has been widely used as a proxy indicator for micronutrient adequacy. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Rwanda, women are at high risk of inadequate micronutrient intake resulting from poorly diversified diets. This study was conducted to examine the factors associated with women's dietary diversity, with emphasis on homestead production diversity and market access in the Northern Province of Rwanda. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 606 women aged 18-49 years. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between various factors and women's dietary diversity. Results show that 84% of the sample households raised at least one livestock species. Seventy-one percent of the households had no agricultural land. Eighty percent of those without land had a homestead garden on which they grew food crops, mainly vegetables and fruit trees. The average crop species was 2.3. On average, women consumed 3 out of 9 food groups. The homestead production diversity score was positively associated with women's dietary diversity score (β = 0.16, p < 0.001). Women's dietary diversity score was negatively associated with distance from the household to the nearest market (β = -0.08, p = 0.027) and household food insecurity (β = -0.06, p < 0.001). Maternal education (p < 0.001), household wealth index (p < 0.05), and ownership of more than 2.5 acres compared to being without land (p < 0.05) were associated with women's dietary diversity score. The dietary diversity of women could be enhanced through interventions that promote the diversity of livestock and crop species produced through homestead production. Potential interventions to explore may include integrated farming systems that combine small livestock and crop production utilising improved livestock breeds and high-quality seeds and planting materials of high-yielding varieties of fruits and vegetables, along with rainwater harvesting to facilitate small-scale irrigation. The impact of such interventions on women's dietary diversity can be further reinforced by parallel programmes aimed at improving women's education and the socioeconomic status of households.

Modern-Day Green Strategies for the Removal of Chromium from Wastewater

Chromium is an essential element in various industrial processes, including stainless steel production, electroplating, metal finishing, leather tanning, photography, and textile manufacturing. However, it is also a well-documented contaminant of aquatic systems and agricultural land, posing significant economic and health challenges. The hexavalent form of chromium [Cr(VI)] is particularly toxic and carcinogenic, linked to severe health issues such as cancer, kidney disorders, liver failure, and environmental biomagnification. Due to the high risks associated with chromium contamination in potable water, researchers have focused on developing effective removal strategies. Among these strategies, biosorption has emerged as a promising, cost-effective, and energy-efficient method for eliminating toxic metals, especially chromium. This process utilizes agricultural waste, plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, and other biomass as adsorbents, demonstrating substantial potential for the remediation of heavy metals from contaminated environments at minimal cost. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of various strategies, materials, and mechanisms involved in the bioremediation of chromium, along with their commercial viability. It also highlights the advantages of biosorption over traditional chemical and physical methods, offering a thorough understanding of its applications and effectiveness.

Multimodel-based quantitative source apportionment and risk assessment of soil heavy metals: A reliable method to achieve regional pollution traceability and management

To strengthen the control of pollution sources and promote soil pollution management of agricultural land, this study constructed a comprehensive source apportionment framework, which significantly improved the reliability of potential source analysis compared with the traditional single model. The spatial distribution pattern of agricultural soil heavy metals (SHMs) content in Lintong, a typical river valley city in China, was determined and the degree of contamination was evaluated. A scientific source apportionment methodological framework was constructed through correlation analysis methods together with multiple source apportionment receptor models. Finally, the Monte Carlo simulation method was used to derive the results of the human health risk assessment (HHRA). The results revealed the following: (1) Agricultural soils were moderately and mildly polluted, accounting for 28.8 % and 71.2 % of the total number of sampling points, respectively. (2) The overall correlation of heavy metals (HMs) was strong according to the coupling analysis of the SHMs, in which a strong correlation (0.8–1) was reached among Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Zn, indicating that these HMs were most likely homologous or composite. (3) Multimodel analysis of the SHMs sources revealed that the first and second principal components were agricultural (41.36 %) and industrial (19.69 %) sources, respectively, and the remaining principal components were road traffic, natural factors, and atmospheric deposition or surface runoff, respectively. (4) The average comprehensive noncarcinogenic health risk indices for adults and children were 4.2259E-02 and 1.4194E-01, respectively, which were within the slight risk range, indicating that the risk caused by SHMs to the human body can be almost negligible. This study adopted a mixed method to reveal the risk of SHMs pollution and its sources, which provides some reference and technical support for traceability analysis, zoning control, and health risk studies of regional pollutants and is helpful for formulating scientific management measures and targeting control policies.