Land Consolidation Projects Research Articles

Assessing the effects of soil and water conservation in gully land consolidation using the modified SWAT-Terrace model

To alleviate the competition for cropland between ecological restoration and agricultural production, a Gully Land Consolidation (GLC) project has been widely executed in the Chinese Loess Plateau. This project involves mechanically excavating slopes and filling gullies to expand cropland area. Therefore, in the context of climatic and topographical changes, an assessment of the impact of GLC as a key land use measure of water and sediment in space and time is urgently needed. However, due to scale effects, there is a lack of relevant assessments for the GLC. This study utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and SWAT-Terrace model to analyze the temporal-spatial changes of water and sediment in the Yanhe watershed during 1985–1998 (R1) and 1999–2017 (R2). Additionally, it assessed the effectiveness of GLC in erosion control across different sub-basin clusters. The results showed that (1) at the temporal scale, the runoff and sediment decreased by 30.09 % and 72.73 % respectively, during R2 compared to R1; (2) at the spatial scale, 56 % and 71 % of the sub-basins located in the central and northern parts of the watershed showed a reduction in water and sediment yield, respectively, during R2 compared to R1, while the remaining sub-basins located in the southern part showed an increasing trend in water and sediment yield; and (3) the GLC can reduce 1.17 %-1.93 % of water yield and 0.94 %-1.91 % of sediment yield in the three clusters of sub-basins. The assessment of the soil and water conservation effects of the GLC is beneficial to policymakers in designing effective land management plans and the extension of the project to other regions.

Research on the Evaluation System for Agricultural Land Consolidation and Ecological Restoration Projects Based on Nature-Based Solutions

Research on the Evaluation System for Agricultural Land Consolidation and Ecological Restoration Projects Based on Nature-Based Solutions

The Impact of Ecological Land Consolidation Projects on Soil Carbon Sequestration Capacity

Land consolidation is an important measure to expand the scale of arable land, improve the working environment of farmland, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve the production and living conditions of farmers. However, for a long time, land consolidation has remained at the stage of improving agricultural infrastructure. With the proposal of ecological and environmental protection concepts, ecological land consolidation projects are about to emerge. In the process of promoting this project, soil carbon sequestration capacity is one of the most important measures of ecological and environmental protection. Overview of the definition and connotation of soil organic carbon, and analysis of the impact of ecological land remediation projects on soil carbon sequestration capacity. On this basis, an overview of soil carbon sequestration measures in ecological land consolidation projects is provided, providing theoretical support and technical guidance for strengthening carbon sequestration work and enhancing soil carbon sequestration capacity in ecological land consolidation projects.

Enhancing agricultural land valuation in land consolidation projects through cooperative game theory and genetic algorithm optimization

The purpose of land valuation in land consolidation projects is to determine the relative value between lands of different quality, location and etc. This principle is crucial for ensuring fairness and justice among participants. Efficient land utilization and rural progress are hindered by the fragmentation of agricultural lands, necessitating land consolidation. However, fair valuation of parcels remains a challenge, impeding the success of consolidation efforts. This study delves into the intricate issues related to land consolidation and complex dynamics of decision-making in agricultural land valuation. This study aims to address the challenge of fair valuation in land consolidation projects by introducing a novel methodology that integrates cooperative game theory with metaheuristic algorithms. The goal is to increase the likelihood of stakeholders accepting land consolidation schemes by utilizing the interactive components of the decision-making process. This approach takes into account individual preferences of land owners and utilizes game theory to model competition, interaction, and cooperation among them. Central to this concept are genetic algorithm, which plays a key role in producing diverse solutions taking into account various landowners' priorities. A case study in Fartan village, Esfarayen city, Iran, is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the method. Two scenarios are examined: one combining unanimity fallback bargaining technique with Nash bargaining, and another incorporating fallback bargaining with impasse technique with Nash bargaining. Upon comparative analysis, the second scenario proves to be better in ensuring equity among stakeholders. It encourages landowners to negotiate decisively, using a process that integrates fallback bargaining with impasse and Nash bargaining, taking into account the varying levels of each owner's negotiation power in both steps. This ensures a negotiated outcome that respects the diverse priorities of each landowner. This scenario considers variations in individual negotiating power not only in Nash bargaining step but also in fallback bargaining and ensures a comprehensive and fair decision-making process during land valuation. This research introduces a novel strategy to enhance group decision-making in agricultural land valuation, fostering stakeholders' agreement and facilitating successful land consolidation projects. The proposed method provides a land valuation approach that can receive high degree of farmers' agreement and provides a good base to enter the next stages of the land consolidation.

Soil conservation and water conservation services and trade-offs following the land consolidation project: a case study of Yan’an city, China

The Loess Plateau is an important region for soil and water conservation and ecological construction in China. Exploring the spatio-temporal variations in soil conservation and water conservation services and their relationships in Loess Plateau under the background of land consolidation projects is of great significance for ecological protection and quality development in the Yellow River Basin. Taking Yan’an city as the research area, this paper used the InVEST model to quantitatively evaluated spatio-temporal variation characteristics and trade-off/synergy relationship of the soil conservation and water conservation services from 2010 to 2018. According to the implementation data, the relationship between the gully control and land consolidation (GCLC) project in various counties of Yan’an city and soil conservation and water conservation service was analyzed. The results showed that the total amount of soil conservation services in Yan’an City were 4.07 × 106 t and 3.75 × 106 t in 2010 and 2018 with a decrease of 7.76%, and with low spatial clustering characteristic. The total amount of water conservation services were 2.01 × 1010 mm and 2.03 × 1010 mm in 2010 and 2018 with a increase of 0.56%, and with high spatial clustering characteristic. There is a synergistic relationship between soil conservation and water conservation services in most area of Yan’an city. From 2010 to 2018, the effect of the GCLC projects on soil conservation and water conservation services in Yan’an city is not significant. The GCLC project can effectively alleviate the situation of sharp decline of cultivated land area and insufficient food production capacity.

Assessment of farmland fragmentation and the role of the legal regulations for the prevention of farmland fragmentation in Türki̇ye

This research delves into the urgent issue of farmland fragmentation in Türkiye, highlighting the necessity for farmland consolidation and the crucial role of legal regulation in preventing farmland fragmentation. Despite official data revealing an average farmland size of 7.0 parcels per household in 2016, small-scale farms persist. This issue, a significant obstacle for the agricultural sector, requires immediate attention. Given the uneven land distribution, the study employed mixed methods using primary and secondary data, revealing the need to increase the average farm size. The findings underscore the urgent nature of land fragmentation, exacerbated by population growth and lack of motivation in agricultural employment opportunities. Addressing these issues is not straightforward, as they involve legal complexities. However, the research proposes that land consolidation projects and regulations authorising land transfers based on farm size, revenue, and economic integrity could significantly alleviate arable land fragmentation due to inheritance and sales. The study also highlights the potential positive impact of these new regulations on land tenure, land management, local land markets and land resources sustainability. These findings are pivotal for comprehending the current state of land fragmentation and its implications for the agricultural sector in Türkiye.

Spatial Differentiation and Environmental Controls of Land Consolidation Effectiveness: A Remote Sensing-Based Study in Sichuan, China

The increasing global population is leading to a decline in cropland per person, aggravating food security challenges. The global implementation of land consolidation (LC) has created new farmland and increased productivity. LC is a critical strategy in China for ensuring food security and gaining significant government support. This article investigates the impact of LC on farmland productivity in Sichuan Province in 2020. We utilize time series remote sensing data to analyze LC’s impact on farmland capacity. This study uses Sentinel and Landsat satellite data to calculate CumVI and assesses the LC project’s spatiotemporal evolution. To evaluate LC’s effectiveness, we create indexes for yield level and stability and employ Getis-Ord Gi* to identify spatial differentiation in LC’s impact. GeoDetector and GWR examine the impact of natural factors like elevation, slope, soil organic carbon, and rainfall on the effectiveness of LC. The research results show that: (1) After the implementation of LC, 55.51% of the project areas experienced significant improvements in agricultural productivity; the average increase rate of yield level is 7.74%; and the average increase rate of yield stability is 12.40%. Overall, LC is significant for improving farmland capacity. (2) The effectiveness of LC exhibits spatial differences and correlations in different areas. The main location for high-value agglomeration of yield levels is Nanchong City, while the northern part of Guangyuan City primarily hosts low-value agglomeration areas. (3) Natural conditions influence LC’s effectiveness. In terms of affecting the yield level of LC, the driving factors from high to low are SOC, elevation, slope, and rainfall. In terms of affecting the yield stability of LC, the driving factors, from high to low, are elevation, SOC, slope, and rainfall. LC’s effectiveness is influenced by different natural conditions that have different effects.

Evaluation of Aydın Koçarlı Plain Land Consolidation Project in Terms of Some Engineering Services

This study, which presents a general evaluation of the land consolidation project carried out in 14 settlements in the Koçarlı district of Aydın province, the 'Aydın Koçarlı Plain 1st Part Land Consolidation Project', completed by the Aydın Provincial Directorate of Agriculture in 2016, was examined. For this purpose, the consolidation rate, parcel reduction index, deduction rate, and changes in parcel size and parcel number values of the consolidation project carried out in Orhaniye, Madrandere, Çakırbeyli, Boydere, Cincin, Çakmar, Halilbeyli, Koçarlı, Büyükdere, Şahinciler, Sobuca, Dedeköy, Tekeli, and Güdüşlü neighborhoods were investigated. In the project area, the average deduction rate was 7%, the consolidation rate was 31%, and the parcel reduction index was 1.46. As an overall evaluation of agricultural enterprises, the average parcel size increased from 1.76 ha to 2.57 ha, while the number of parcels decreased from 0.93 to 0.64. Land consolidation projects have a high potential to increase agricultural productivity and promote sustainable farming practices. Therefore, the results obtained from the study can contribute to the planning and implementation of similar projects.

Farmers' preferences for sustainable farmland construction — Insights from a discrete choice experiment in China

Sustainable farmland construction (SFC) is a priority development strategy used to address the integrated goals of “efficiency output, resource conservation, and environmental friendliness” in agricultural systems. Introducing farmer participation to optimize SFC institutions can improve farmland construction efficiency and address limited construction funding. This study analyzed farmer preferences for participating in SFC through a discrete choice experiment survey of farmers in the project area. This study also evaluated farmers' willingness to pay for different SFC schemes. The findings indicate that farmers prefer constructing mechanized production roads (MPR), leveling farmland and transforming the contiguous farmland (LF and CF), integrated irrigation and fertilizer facilities (IIFF), and moderate improvement in ecological protection facilities. On the basis of the heterogeneity of the farmer preferences, they can be classified as benefits-driven and ecology-driven. In addition, factors such as age, educational level, risk proneness, land transfer, and cultivated land quality can influence the classification of farmer preferences. Farmers' willingness to pay for MPR, LF and CF, ED, IIFF, and moderate improvement in ecological facilities has reached 50–80 % of construction costs, essentially bridging the investment gap under the SF standards set by the central government. Based on the aforementioned, SFC schemes should be designed to consider farmers' needs and regional development requirements. Allocating SF construction costs according to farmers' willingness to pay for various facilities, formulating diverse investment ratios, and forming a coherent government-farmer cooperation mode are recommended. This study introduces policy tools to establish a farmers' participation mechanism in farmland construction, offering valuable insights into institutional reforms in land consolidation projects across other developing countries.

Urban Land Consolidation Policy in the Context of Creating a Good Environment According to Spatial Planning in Indonesia

The research aims to understand how urban land consolidation can solve these problems and improve environmental quality and maintenance of natural resources by involving active community participation. The research method is qualitative, with documentation techniques as one of the data collection methods, by viewing and analyzing documents created by the subject himself or other people about the topic. Data analysis, which consists of three main activities, namely data presentation, data reduction, and conclusion drawing/verification, is a series of activities inseparable from one another. This research shows that the primary substance in land consolidation is that community participation is necessary to donate part of their land, which will then be used to construct public and social facilities. Therefore, it is essential to socialize land consolidation with land rights holders or participants so that they understand the process and mechanism for implementing the land consolidation project correctly. With this understanding, urban land consolidation can be a problem solver and solution for creating a suitable living environment according to spatial planning and making land available for public and social purposes.

TIC-driven sustainable land use mode in the Loess Plateau: A case study of gully land consolidation project in Yan'an City, China

The Loess Plateau is one of the most severely eroded areas in the world. The complexity of the multiple challenges facing the Loess Plateau entails the support of scientific and systematic innovations in land use. Based on technological innovation cluster (TIC) theory, this paper develops a self-circulation structure model for the TIC to analyze the hierarchical structure of the land-use innovations in the Loess Plateau. Then, employing the self-circulation structure model and taking the “Gully Land Consolidation Project” (GLCP) as a case study, this paper proposes one TIC-driven sustainable land use mode (TSLUM). A TIC has been developed among innovations in the TSLUM. The structure of TSLUM consists of three types of innovations: basic, related, and infrastructure innovations. Basic innovations are generally radical innovations that breed related, and infrastructure innovations. Diffusion-based and reversal-based mechanisms govern the evolution of the TSLUM. These two clustering mechanisms integrate with each other and jointly promote the development of the TSLUM in a self-circulation way. Furthermore, the TSLUM exhibits multiple functions, such as optimizing gully-slope interaction mechanism, providing continuous driving forces, consolidating the achievements of the “Grain for Green Project”, bolstering rural livelihoods, and fostering some feasible ways for food security. The results obtained will be useful for advancing sustainable land use and regional sustainable development in the Loess Plateau via TICs effectively and systematically.

Sensitivity of Multi-Criteria Analysis Methods in Rural Land Consolidation Project Ranking

Decisions around distributing available funds among potential land consolidation projects require a thorough analysis in order to maximize the effects of land consolidation. In order to avoid choosing the wrong land consolidation projects, different methods can be used. Generally, there are two possible groups of methods: one based on a qualitative approach (DELPHI; SWOT) and one based on a quantitative approach (AHP, VIKOR, SAW, TOPSIS, etc.). In this research, the focus was on the sensitivity of the resulting rankings affected by varying the input data in multi-criteria analysis methods, with an emphasis on the variation in the weight and the choice of criteria. This research was motivated by the subjective character of the choice of criteria and their weighting before applying the multi-criteria analysis methods. Four methods were included (AHP, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and SAW) for the multi-criteria analysis, with three ways of defining weights (consistent, modified, or quasi-consistent and freely determined without taking consistency into account), in order to determine the influence of the different methods on the final ranking. The weights were defined only by an acceptable interval of values. The sensitivity of the methods was investigated using the differences in the obtained rankings between each method. A case study is provided on real data, and the results are discussed. The results showed a relatively small variance and possible equal rankings of projects by means of statistical analyses. This finding opens up the possibility of the valuation of projects instead of simple rankings.

Intensive land restoration projects alter mechanisms underpinning spatiotemporal soil moisture variability at a catchment scale: A case study in China

Soil moisture (SM) is a critical factor for material circulation and energy exchange in Earth’s critical zone, but it is spatially and temporally variable. This study aimed to provide new insight into spatiotemporal SM variability and its associative controls in areas where land restoration projects have been implemented. Specifically, we compared environmental controls on spatiotemporal SM variability in deep soil layers (0–500 cm) of two paired catchments, one of which was treated by the Gully Land Consolidation (GLC) project and the other which was not, where the slopes of both catchments had initially been impacted by the Grain for Green (GFG) program. For this purpose, we used the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) to decompose spatial and temporal SM anomalies. Two dominant spatial and temporal EOF anomalies (EOF1 and EOF2) were obtained from six soil layers in both catchments, with an explained variance of 86%–97% and 32%–53%, respectively. These spatial anomalies that derived from spatial structures exhibited similar characteristics and controls in both catchments, while underlying temporal SM dynamic mechanisms differed. Temporal dynamics of the treated catchment were lower in the gully area (a relative flat region), while the opposite was true for the gully area (at a lower elevation) in the untreated catchment. The GLC and GFG programs both altered catchment scale temporal SM dynamic forcings. Results obtained from this study are helpful for understanding spatiotemporal SM variability with associated the hydrological processes in areas where the intensive land restoration projects have been implemented at a catchment scale.

A New Method for Assessing Land Consolidation Urgency, including Market Value

Public funding for land consolidation projects is an instrument in the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union (CAP). The execution of systematic land consolidation programmes focused on optimising the spatial structure of agricultural areas presents the possibility of improving agricultural production conditions and maximising the efficiency of agriculture at the local, regional, national, and international levels. However, due to limited access to financial resources, it is necessary to delimit priority areas for land consolidation. A contemporary practice based on an assessment of the social support percentage of potential land consolidation projects in individual villages does not represent a real necessity for action. This problem leads to the ineffective utilisation of financial resources and reduces the efficiency of the implemented programmes. We propose a new algorithm for assessing the real needs for land consolidation based on a detailed multi-faceted analysis of the spatial structure of agricultural areas. The research method involved factors describing the spatial structure defectiveness of farms, as well as those determining land quality in relation to investment profitability. Another factor verifying the potential economic rationale of land consolidation is transaction prices, which mostly reflect the agricultural value of the land. The analysis showed that land consolidation in areas with defective spatial structures and relatively high market value should be a priority. The study enabled the extraction of five of the 58 analysed villages, characterised by above-average demand for land consolidation and above-average land prices. This approach will contribute to profit maximisation by increasing the productivity of areas with the highest agricultural suitability.

Ditch control and land reclamation promote vegetation recovery in Loess Plateau.

This study aimed to assess the impact of land consolidation projects and climate change on changes in vegetation in the Loess Plateau during 2012-2021. The study also explored the impacts of human activities and climate change on the ecological quality of the Loess Plateau during this period. The spatial and temporal normalized difference combined meteorological monitoring data, project data, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data that was used to create the vegetation index dataset spanning from 2012-2021. The study discussed and assessed the effectiveness of the project, revealing the following results: 1) A significant increase was observed in the vegetation index of the Loess Plateau region from 2012 to 2021, with an upward trend of 0.0024 per year (P < 0.05). 2) Contributions to changes in vegetation attributed to climatic factors and the anthropogenic factors of the ditch construction project were 82.74 and 17.62%, respectively, with climatic factors dominating and the degree of response of the ditch construction project increasing annually. 3) In the Loess Plateau, climatic variables dominated changes in vegetation. However, land consolidation projects in vegetation factors played a key role in changes in vegetation, and the degree of influence was gradually increasing.

Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau, China

Spatiotemporal variations in ecosystem services and their trade-offs and synergies against the background of the gully control and land consolidation project on the Loess Plateau, China

Research on Quality Evaluation Methods of Land Development and Consolidation Projects

Research on Quality Evaluation Methods of Land Development and Consolidation Projects

INCREASE IN THE MARKET VALUE OF LAND AS AN EFFECT OF LAND CONSOLIDATION PROJECTS

Aim: The economic effect of an increase in the market value of land is a factor usually neglected in the assessment of land consolidation projects. However, it should be expected after procedures aimed at reorgan­izing the spatial structure of land plots. To fill the research gap in this area, a study was carried out to identify potential changes in land values as a result of completed land consolidation projects. Methods: Data from nine land consolidation projects carried out in Poland between 2007 and 2013 was used in addition to the results of an artificial neural network model developed within the framework of statistical analyses of agri­cultural real estate markets for municipalities where land consolidation projects were carried out. Results: Taking into account the increase in the market value of land as a result of consolidation, the balance of costs and benefits of planned or implemented projects significantly improved. The increase ranged from 1.2% to as much as 28.4%. Conclusions: The effect of increased land values would be a serious argument in assessing the profitability of implementing land consolidation projects. The increase in land value as an economic and social effect of land consolidation increases the probability of revitalizing local property markets and contributes to the wealth and creditworthiness of landowners. Exposing this effect can increase public interest and support for the implementation of consolidation projects, which is a very important step on the way to village renewal and activation.

Plot Size and Shape in Field Crops Cultivation in Türkiye

The size and shape of the agricultural parcel are important factors in improving the agricultural structure. These factors positively affect farmers, especially in matters such as the use of agricultural tools and machines in field crop cultivation, time saving and good soil cultivation. In this context, the size and aspect ratio of the existing parcels are directly linked to the income to be obtained from the unit area. Land consolidation projects are ongoing in approximately 30% of the total agricultural area in Türkiye. In addition, the state's efforts to give agricultural land to landless farmers continue in Türkiye. Considering our current agricultural production capacity, planning the new parcels to be created during these studies will significantly contribute to our field crop production. For this purpose, the average parcel size was determined by analysing the land distribution norm values of 4321 settlement units within the scope of the Agricultural Reform Law No. 3083 on Land Arrangement in Irrigation Areas, published in 1984, and the size of 1868 sufficient income lands within the scope of the Soil Conservation and Land Use Law No. 5403, published in 2014. As a result of this study, it was concluded that, on average, an agricultural parcel of 64 decares in irrigated lands and 157 decares in dry agricultural lands is the most suitable size for growing field crops. Likewise, it was concluded that the parcels were rectangular in shape and the aspect ratio was close to 1:2.

Effects of large-scale land consolidation projects on ecological environment quality: A case study of a land creation project in Yan'an, China

Large land consolidation projects modify the structures and functions of regional ecosystems through the reshaping of the territorial spatial pattern, thereby affecting the ecological environmental quality (EEQ). To investigate the effects of large-scale land consolidation projects on EEQ, this study takes the major land consolidation project of “bulldoze mountains to create land” (BMCL) in Yan'an City as a research object and evaluates the change of EEQ based on Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). The consolidated area and the control area were set up to comparatively analyze the EEQ change processes and spatial distribution characteristics of these two areas in the full life cycle of BMCL. According to the results, the mean RSEI of the consolidated area was 0.128 lower than that of the control area, and the EEQ of the consolidated area was always lower than that of the control area. BMCL had a strong negative impact on the EEQ grade of the consolidated area, especially in the early stage. However, the positive effect of BMCL on EEQ gradually emerged in the late stage of the large land consolidation project. The overall EEQ grade of the consolidated area has also improved. The results of the stepwise regression analysis indicated that the wetness component and the normalized differential vegetation index played key roles in improving the EEQ of the BMCL. Overall, the local BMCL strongly affected the EEQ of the consolidated area but would not cause the EEQ of the whole region to experience any dramatic, abrupt change in the short term. This study provided references for the evaluation and analysis of the ecological effects of land consolidation at the regional scale, offering a feasible way to evaluate the spatio-temporal change of EEQ in BMCL.