Land Management Practices Research Articles

Appetite for forages? The adoption and multidimensional impacts of improved forage grasses in Uganda

IntroductionSmallholder dairy farming has the potential to contribute to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including income and employment generation, food security, nutrition, and health. A key constraint to enhancing dairy productivity is the limited availability of high-quality, nutritious feed. Improved forage grasses (IFGs) are considered a promising lever for sustainable intensification of livestock systems. However, limited evidence exists on the multidimensional impacts of IFGs at the farm household level.MethodsThis study addresses this knowledge gap by applying a mixed-methods approach to assess both the determinants of adoption and the impacts of feeding IFGs on productivity, income, food security, and land management practices. We focus on Uganda, where several IFGs were introduced and disseminated through two livestock development projects. Adoption barriers and impact pathways are analyzed, and inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) is used to address selection bias.ResultsKey barriers to adoption include limited experience with forage cultivation, use of local breeds, non-practice of zero-grazing, and lack of membership in producer organizations. Feeding IFGs to dairy cows significantly increases daily milk yield per cow by 13%, household income by 18%, and the number of food items consumed by 0.9.DiscussionThese findings highlight the potential of IFGs to improve productivity, incomes, and food security in smallholder dairy systems. They offer practical insights for the design and implementation of future dairy development programs aimed at scaling sustainable livestock intensification.

Impacts of introduced sustainable land management (ISLM) practices on crop yield and net farm income of smallholder farmers, Eastern and Southern Ethiopia

Land degradation is a major serious threat to the world’s competence to achieve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. It is most severe in developing countries, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa. To reverse the situation, targeted programs promoting introduced sustainable land management (ISLM) practices have been implemented in eastern and southern Ethiopia. However, there are limited impact assessments on the contributions of adopting ISLM practices on the welfare of farmers. This study investigates the impacts of adopting ISLM practices on crop yield and net farm income in eastern and southern Ethiopia. The data were gathered from 384 randomly selected household heads (190 adopters and 194 non-adopters) using multistage sampling procedures. Descriptive statistics and econometric models were applied to analyze the data. The key ISLM practices adopted in the study area were improved soil bunds, bench terraces, chemical fertilizers, and forage production. The results of the binary logit model revealed that age of household head, education level, livestock size, social group membership, frequency of extension contacts, access to ISLM information, access to credit, land slope, farm-house distance, farmers’ perception of land degradation, and attitude toward ISLM effectiveness significantly affected the probability of adoption of ISLM practices. The propensity score matching (PSM) model showed that ISLM practices adoption has a positive impact on crop yield and net farm income of farmers. On average, it has increased crop yield per hectare and net farm income per year of ISLM practices adopted farmers by 16.8% (418.42 kg) and 19.1% (7604.99 birr), respectively, compared to non-adopter farmers. This study concluded that farmers’ welfare was enhanced by adopted ISLM practices through SLM interventions. Therefore, it is recommended that to increase the adoption of ISLM practices and enhance farmers’ welfare, policymakers and project planners should design SLM interventions based on the identified significant covariates.

Integrated Modeling of Water Table Depth Using Controlled-Source Electromagnetic Sounding (ADMT-200S) and SRTM-Derived Terrain Data: A Case Study of Ile-Ife, Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigated the integrated modeling of water table depth in the Ile-Ife region of Southwestern Nigeria, addressing the critical need for precise groundwater mapping in a rapidly urbanizing environment characterized by water scarcity and reliance on costly private boreholes. The research employed a synergistic approach combining Controlled- Source Electromagnetic Sounding (ADMT-200S) for subsurface resistivity, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data for terrain analysis, and interpolated borehole records. Methodologies included Ordinary Kriging interpolation of 20 borehole depths to generate a continuous water table surface, followed by GIS-based overlay analysis to integrate ADMT- 200S resistivity maps (identifying fracture zones and low-resistivity regions, typically <30 ohm-m, indicative of water presence) with SRTM-derived elevation data. Key findings revealed significant spatial variability in water table depths across the study area. Higher elevations generally corresponded to deeper water tables, as demonstrated by the comparison of modeled depths with SRTM topography. Observed depths ranged from 80m to 100m in high overburden areas, for instance, Ede road (20m overburden, 100m depth) and Olugbodo (15m overburden, 80m depth). The integrated model successfully classified high groundwater potential areas where low resistivity overlapped with shallower interpolated depths. This research provides crucial, localized insights into the complex interplay of surface terrain and subsurface hydrogeology, enhancing the predictive accuracy for borehole siting. The findings underscore the potential for such integrated approaches to inform sustainable land and water management practices in Ile-Ife and similar regions to ensure long-term water security.

Urban Heat Island phenomenon and the role of urban green spaces in regulating thermal comfort in Bogor City, Indonesia

This study examined the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in Bogor City, Indonesia, over a ten-year period from 2013 to 2023. Rapid urbanization has led to extensive changes in land cover, primarily the conversion of vegetated areas into built-up zones. This research integrated remote sensing analysis using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS imagery with field-based measurements of the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) to assess spatial patterns of Land Surface Temperature (LST), vegetation cover (NDVI), and built-up area expansion (NDBI). The results indicated a notable increase in UHI intensity, as reflected in the expansion of high LST zones (29-32 °C) and a reduction in cooler zones (23-26 °C). Built-up areas increased most significantly in Tanah Sareal (11.98%) and West Bogor (8.49%), while vegetation cover declined sharply, especially in North and Central Bogor. Regression analysis showed a strong negative correlation between NDVI and LST (R² = 0.59) and a positive correlation between NDBI and LST (R² = 0.60), confirming the thermal buffering role of vegetation and the heat-amplifying effect of built surfaces. THI measurements indicate widespread thermal discomfort (THI >27 °C) in densely populated urban areas. However, Central Bogor maintains lower LST and THI values, indicating better thermal comfort. These findings highlight the crucial role of urban green infrastructure in mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects, underscoring the importance of adopting nature-based solutions, such as expanding green spaces and implementing sustainable land management practices, to enhance urban climate resilience.

Crushing energy-based indicators of dry soil aggregate stability from contrastive land management practices in a semi-arid agroecosystem

Crushing energy-based indicators of dry soil aggregate stability from contrastive land management practices in a semi-arid agroecosystem

Evaluating restoration success: long-term impact of sustainable land management practices in Ethiopia using synthetic control with matrix completion method

Abstract Efforts to combat land degradation globally have led to the widespread promotion of sustainable land management practices (SLMPs) aimed at reducing surface runoff and erosion. Despite their extensive implementation, long-term evaluations of these practices are limited, especially in data-scarce regions. In our study, we assess the long-term impact of large-scale SLMPs in Ethiopia using remotely sensed data from the past 24 years on 122 watersheds. Using a synthetic control method that does not require an explicit control group, we find statistically significant positive effects of SLMPs in both wet and dry seasons. These benefits persist at least eight years beyond the intervention period. Our findings highlight the need for multi-season impact assessments. Focusing only on the wet season may overlook key outcomes in dryland regions, underestimating the effectiveness of large-scale, multi-year projects.
We further find that effects were most positive in drought-prone agricultural highlands, and that some administrative zones appear more effective than others at implementation. Efficient and affordable monitoring of sustainable agricultural water and land management and watershed conservation is crucial for understanding which interventions are effective and can provide opportunities for alternative financing mechanisms.

Trade-offs between agricultural production and ecosystem services under different land management scenarios in the Loess Plateau of China

Land management practices play a crucial role in balancing agricultural production and ecosystem services. This study evaluated the trade-offs between provisioning ecosystem services (crop yields) and other key ecosystem services including regulating services (water yield, soil conservation, carbon sequestration) and supporting services (biodiversity) under three land management scenarios in the Loess Plateau of China. An integrated assessment framework combining biophysical models, economic valuation, and trade-off analysis was applied. The results showed significant trade-offs between provisioning ecosystem services (agricultural production) and regulating and supporting ecosystem services (water yield, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity). The ecological restoration scenario maximized regulating and supporting services but reduced agricultural output by 15%, while the sustainable intensification scenario increased agricultural production by 15% with moderate ecosystem service provision. The business-as-usual scenario showed intermediate performance for both. Trade-offs were driven by land use intensity, landscape configuration, biogeochemical cycles, and hydrological processes. We propose strategies including sustainable intensification practices, landscape multifunctionality enhancement, ecosystem-based adaptation, participatory land-use planning, and improved monitoring systems. These findings highlight the need for integrated approaches that balance food production and environmental sustainability, providing insights for land management policies aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Groundwater management strategy to reduce the impact of land degradation in tropical karst areas

The study aimed to determine the level of pollution sensitivity associated with fertilization activities in agricultural land in two karst spring catchment areas (Beton and Guntur). The aquifer characteristics of these two springs differ; the Beton Spring has a more developed allogenic channel development, whereas the Guntur Spring has a less developed autogenic system. In this study, the COCKPIT-PLUS and Master Recession Curve (MRC) techniques are combined to define land use zoning and the degree of aquifer sensitivity to pollution. Field sampling and stakeholder interviews were also conducted to assess land management practices and pollutant concentrations in the springs. The results show that due to the influence of more intensive and varied land use, Beton Spring has a higher sensitivity to pollution, as evidenced by higher concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and Escherichia coli. In contrast, lower pollution levels in Guntur Spring occur due to the narrower recharge zone area supported by a more consistent planting pattern. Various strategies, including vegetative restoration, drainage planning, land use regulation, and communicative education, were formulated using the DPSIR framework. Strategies are critical in areas with high sensitivity, such as the Beton and Jomblangan recharge zones, which also highlight the necessity of land use restrictions based on upstream-downstream interactions. This study emphasized the importance of adapting the protection plan for karst aquifer recharge zones in response to land use intensity and degradation. It proposes an evidence-based integrated management model that focuses on decreasing the effects of land degradation in tropical karst aquifer systems.

The impact of soil and water conservation measures on base flow modification in the Northeastern highland of Ethiopia

The Ethiopian highlands are one of the most degraded regions in the world. Soil erosion is a major issue in most of the watersheds located in northern and Northeastern Ethiopia highlands due to its topographic complexity, insufficient land cover, inappropriate land uses, poor land management techniques, and high rainfall variability which is the major limiting factor for agricultural production. The common challenges for agricultural production in the highlands of Ethiopia are moisture deficits and water availability. The moisture deficit is the biggest limiting and the greatest challenging factor for sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia. Irrigation is one of the solutions to reduce moisture deficit problems in Ethiopian highlands. Irrigation from dry period flow (base flow) for agricultural development offers several advantages when compared with surface water harvesting. However, recurrent drought associated with land degradation has a significant influence on water availability in the dry periods resulting in the drying up of the stream base flow. Limited base flow makes the highland farmers travel long distances in search of water for different purposes. Different interventions were implemented in most parts of the highlands including the Northeastern highlands of Ethiopia to combat the water deficit problems and enhance dry period flows. Soil conservation measures are the most common techniques recommended for converting excess rainwater(runoff) into soil moisture and groundwater reserve to achieve sustained base flow in the dry season. Despite the huge amount of implemented soil and water conservation structures on the highlands, the hydrological responses to land management practices are not yet quantified and are not well-documented. As hydrologic responses depend on land use/cover, watershed morphology, the scale of the watershed, watershed treatment, and rainfall pattern, a site-specific study is important to be conducted in the Northeastern highlands of Ethiopia. This research was conducted to evaluate hydrologic responses to soil and water conservation measures on two paired micro-watersheds. The result of the statistical analysis indicates that higher base flow was recorded in the treated micro-watershed. Hence, watershed treatment contributed to improving groundwater recharge and sustaining base flow in the dry season. Thus, implemented soil and water conservation measures positively affected the dry season base pattern and negatively influenced wet season base flow. It can, therefore, be concluded that watershed treatment is a good strategy to convert rainfall to groundwater reserves and sustain dry season flow for further use in times of water shortage.

The role of sustainable land management practices on enhancing ecosystem services in the highlands of Ethiopia

The role of sustainable land management practices on enhancing ecosystem services in the highlands of Ethiopia

Optimizing Soil Drainage Strategies for Waterlogging Mitigation in Vertisol: Temporal Interventions for Lentil Production in Eastern Amhara Highlands, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia’s central highlands, lentils are the second most important pulse crop, but their productivity is constrained by waterlogging and a lack of clear recommendations on optimal planting times. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various soil drainage techniques for lentil sowing, determine the optimal planting time for vertisols, and develop environmentally sustainable management strategies for lentil cultivation. Field experiments were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 cropping seasons in the eastern Ethiopian highlands, specifically in the Legehida and Wereilu districts of the Amhara region. The study tested three planting times (July, August, and September) and two land management practices (sowing with drainage on raised beds and sowing on flat beds) arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results showed highly significant differences in both locations. In Legehida, early planting on raised beds increased yield by 1004.78% and biomass by 642.13% compared to late planting. Yields were 1184.67% higher with raised beds than with flat beds or traditional farmer practices, which also showed a 541.86% increase in biomass. Similarly, in Wereilu, early planting on raised beds resulted in a highly significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) over farmer practices. Therefore, in vertisol areas prone to waterlogging, early sowing of lentils on 120 cm wide raised beds after drainage is an effective strategy to enhance yield and biomass production.

Soil spectral libraries and their role in soil analysis

Soil Spectral Libraries (SSLs) play a crucial role for advancing soil testing by integrating soil spectroscopic tools. This article aimed to examines the development, utilizations and implications of the SSLs in soil science studies. The SSLs offer rapid and cost-effective quantitative estimation of different soil properties such as soil pH, salinity, nutrients, texture, organic carbon and others which is essential for environmental monitoring and precision agriculture. Furthermore, this article highlights the potentialities of the visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) soil spectroscopy for creating robust prediction models and demonstrating the necessity for large, variable reference datasets of the soil samples and their corresponding spectral reflectance data to enhance the applied prediction models’ accuracy. Additionally, Open Soil Spectral Library (OSSL) aims to provide an access to the soil data and engaging the external communities in the soil data collection. There are many advantages of using the SSLs, but there are some challenges especially in predicting certain soil properties accurately; and the factors related to the used prediction models and soil types. There is a necessity for creating the SSLs in India due to its importance in achieving better soil monitoring, planning and management. The prospects for SSLs are promising whereas the applicability of the machine learning models for better estimation of soil properties can be enhanced globally through collaborative efforts and increased accessibility for stakeholders in developing regions. A key limitation of this study is that the accuracy of SSLs in predicting certain soil properties can be affected by the variability in soil types and the choice of prediction models, which may limit the generalizability of the results across diverse Indian soils. Thus, this review article comprehensive overview underscores the transformative potential of SSLs in soil analysis and their critical role in sustainable land management practices.

Evaluating theimpactof land use and land cover change on soil moisture variability usingGIS and remote sensing technology in southwestern Ethiopia.

Soil moisture dynamics are critical for agriculture, water resources, and climate resilience in Ethiopia, influencing crop yields, water availability, and ecosystem health. Assessing soil moisture variability in relation to land use and cover(LULC) changes is essential for effective ecosystem conservation and climate change adaptation, ensuring sustainable development and resilience to environmental challenges. This study examines the impact of LULC changes on soil moisture variability in Southwestern Ethiopia over 30years (1994-2024). Utilizing Landsat Thematic Mapper (1994), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (2004), and Operational Land Imager/Thermal Infrared Sensor (2024) data, LULC changes were analyzed using supervised classification approach with the Maximum Likelihood Algorithm. The classification process was conducted using ERDAS Imagine 2015 software. In addition, vegetation health and soil moisture dynamics were assessed through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). Results reveal a significant increase in cultivated land from 3595.2 km2 (42.0%) to 6183.3 km2 (72.2%), with a corresponding decrease in forest cover from 3119.2 km2 (36.4%) to 2030.4 km2 (23.7%).This significant shift indicates intensive agricultural expansion at the expense of forest cover, highlighting increased land conversion pressures. NDVI values dropped from 0.71 in 1994 to 0.52 in 2024, this decline in NDVI values signifies a substantial reduction in vegetation cover and density over the 30-year period. The NDMI results indicated a decrease in peak moisture levels and average soil moisture, emphasizing a growing trend of intensified dryness. This soil moisture decline is attributed to factors such as reduced precipitation, increased evaporation, and changes in LULC. The conversion of forest land to cultivation led to a significant decrease in NDMI values, reflecting a reduction in soil moisture due to the loss of forest cover and increased evapotranspiration from agricultural activities. A strong correlation (R2 = 0.98) between NDVI and NDMI highlights that higher vegetation cover is associated with higher soil moisture. Therefore, the study highlights the profound impact of land use and land cover changes on soil moisture, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable land management practices. These practices are critical to combat environmental degradation, improve soil moisture retention, and bolster ecosystem resilience, ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Effects of urban driven land use/land cover change on forest reserves in Zambia: a geospatial approach

ABSTRACT In sub-Saharan Africa, forest resources near urban areas are affected by the demand for land; however, information on the long-term changes is still lacking. This study examined two forest reserves, Mwekera and Luano, near Kitwe and Chingola mining towns in Zambia, respectively. Using Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery, we assessed forest cover changes from 1990 to 2020. A pixel-based classification approach was used, and the results were refined with an object-based approach. The findings revealed a significant decline in forest cover, with Mwekera Forest Reserve losing 62.5% and Luano Forest Reserve losing 57.5% of their forest area over the 30 years. The annual deforestation rate was approximately 2.08% for Mwekera Forest Reserve and 1.92% for Luano Forest Reserve. Overall accuracy across the study period showed an overall accuracy improvement over time: 83.35% (1990) to 91.44% (2020) for Mwekera Forest Reserve and 90.52% (1990) to 90.13% (2020) for Luano Forest Reserve, with Kappa Coefficients improvement from 76.22% to 89.73%. Apart from urban settlements, agricultural expansion driven by adjacent urban communities was one of the major factors. This study provides critical insights into forest conservation and the need for sustainable land management practices near urban centers.

Assessment of Erosion Vulnerability for Ala River Watershed in Akure South, Akure North, Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria

Understanding and reducing erosion vulnerability in the Ala River watershed is paramount for sustainable land use management and environmental conservation. Hence, the objective of this research is to develop erosion vulnerability map for Ala River watershed in Akure South, Akure North, Idanre and Owo Local Government Areas of Ondo State using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Data obtained show that Rainfall and Runoff Factor values range from 827 to 897 mm/year. The watershed has a uniform erodibility factor of 0.05. The slope gradient (%) map of Ala River watershed indicates that most of the watershed is covered with a slope gradient (%) value of (0 - 2.31). The entire watershed has slope length factor (L) value of (0 - 18.3). Results indicate that areas with scarce vegetation, steep slopes, and high rainfall intensity exhibit higher erosion risks, while regions with dense vegetation and flat slopes are less vulnerable. Erosion rates were extremely high in the upper parts of the watershed with the built-up areas in Akure Metropolis, and in the lower tip of the watershed with high areas of bare land and water bodies. The mid areas of the watershed with mostly dense vegetation had low erosion rates. These finding indicate the need for improved land management and conservation practices in high-risk areas to mitigate soil loss and environmental degradation.

English

The rise in atmospheric CO2 due to global temperature rise necessitates a targeted strategy to reduce CO2 concentration. The current study aimed to understand how C sequestration occurs in soils from various agro-ecosystems by using MBC and key soil physicochemical properties. Soil samples from various land types in the Pothwar Plateau, Punjab, Pakistan, were collected at two depths —0–15 cm and 15–30 cm. Physicochemical parameters analyzed included electrical conductivity, pH, TOC, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, soil moisture, bulk density, and MBC. Results indicated significant variations in MBC across agro-ecosystems, with forest soils exhibiting the highest values (181.6 µg/g in summer and 176.18 µg/g in winter), followed by shrub land (143.57 µg/g), agricultural land (137.83 µg/g) and grassland (96.07 µg/g). Seasonal differences were observed, with MBC levels higher in summer compared to winter. C sequestration was more pronounced in the upper soil layer (0–15 cm) than in the subsurface (15–30 cm). Forest ecosystems significantly contribute to C sequestration, a crucial aspect of climate change mitigation, and are recommended for large-scale reforestation and sustainable land management practices.

The impacts of watershed management practices on crop yield potential in Yezat Watershed, North West, Ethiopia.

Land management practices have been implemented in various regions of Ethiopia since the 1980s to address land degradation, enhance land productivity, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of watershed management on crop yield potential in the Yezat watershed. Crop yield data were collected from 45 fixed plots using quadrant measurements (5 × 5m) and from 346 households through a questionnaire survey within the watershed area. One-way ANOVA was employed to assess the mean variances of crop yield and yield attributes across different treatment groups. Additionally, a post hoc analysis was conducted to determine statistically significant differences in crop yields among the various treatments. A paired-samples t-test was also applied to compare teff crop yields before and after watershed management interventions. The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant difference in plant height across physical, bio-physical, and control farmlands (P ≤ 0.05). The tallest teff plants were found in areas with bio-physical watershed management interventions, followed by those with physical treatments, while the shortest plants were observed in untreated areas of the watershed. Similarly, the longest spike length (47.4cm) was recorded in farmlands with bio-physical treatments, followed by those with physical treatments (44.4cm). In contrast, the shortest spike length (30.3cm) was observed in untreated farmlands. This difference is likely due to soil erosion, reduced soil moisture, and high bulk density in the untreated areas. Furthermore, the number of productive tillers in a 25-m2 area (from the upper, middle, and lower watershed), aboveground biomass yield, straw yield, and crop yields were significantly influenced by watershed management interventions (both bio-physical and physical types) (P ≤ 0.05). These improvements are likely linked to soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques, which enhance soil moisture availability by increasing infiltration and preventing the loss of vital soil nutrients through erosion. However, the number of tillers did not show a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between treated and untreated areas of the study. Overall, the results suggest that watershed management positively impacts crop yield and yield attributes, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving agricultural productivity.

Effects of land use patterns on soil physical and thermal properties in basement complex and sedimentary areas of Ogun State, Nigeria

Understanding the soil thermal properties (STPs) are essential for managing soil thermal regions under different land uses patterns. Therefore, this study focused on measuring field STPs and the physical properties of soils across different land use patterns (football pitch (FP), abattoir site (AS), dumpsite (DS), and cement brick making (BM) in basement complex (Odeda) and cretaceous sedimentary formation (Sagamu) in Ogun State, Nigeria. Thermal properties were measured in situ using KD2 Pro Thermal Properties Analyzer while soil physical parameters were determined using standard laboratory techniques. The results revealed that the highest mean thermal conductivity(λs) values observed in the basement and sedimentary formations were 1.53 and 1.98 W/mK, recorded in DS and FP, respectively. In terms of specific heat capacity (CS), the maximum and minimum mean values of 3.93 and 1.49 MJ/mK were recorded in DS and BM within the basement complex lithology. Additionally, the highest and lowest thermal admittance ( μs) values of 3.36 and 1.71 mm2/s, along with soil moisture contents (MC) of 51.08% and 26.28%, were observed in FP and BM, respectively, within the basement complex area. However, the sedimentary area exhibited the opposite trend. The mean thermal resistivity (TR) values for FP, AS and BM in the sedimentary formation, as well as for DS in the basement complex, were within the recommended threshold (90 °C cm/W) for safe telecommunication signals and positioning of oil and gas conduits. The regression models revealed that the double-log model outperformed both the pair linear and semi-log models for predicting λs at the two geological formations, achieving an R2 value of 100% and significant F-values. The results revealed that nearly all the soil thermal characteristics were, significantly influenced by lithology and land management practices. The findings of this study will assist land users to make best choice of appropriate land management practices for sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of LULC in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (2016–2024): Insights from Landsat and MODIS Geospatial Data

Aims: This study explores the dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) and their thermal impacts within the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) from 2016 to 2024, utilizing data from Landsat 8 and MODIS. LULC maps generated through Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification indicate an increase in barren and transitional surfaces, accompanied by a decline in forested, developed, and aquatic zones. Methodology: Biophysical indices, including NDVI, NDBI, and NDWI, were analyzed to assess vegetation levels, impervious surfaces, and the presence of water. The NDVI remained stable due to greening initiatives in peri-urban areas, while the NDBI exhibited an increase corresponding to the growth of impervious surfaces. Results: Spectral analysis revealed a rise in NDWI values, indicating an intensification of water presence in fewer water bodies. MODIS-derived Land Surface Temperature (LST) maps reveal a regional thermal increase, particularly in areas characterized by high Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) and low Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) values. Correlation analyses indicate strong relationships: a positive correlation between NDBI and LST, and a negative correlation between NDVI/NDWI and LST. This highlights the influence of surface materials and land cover on urban warming. The study validates remote sensing as an effective tool for environmental monitoring and underscores the importance of urban land transitions in exacerbating climatic stress. The findings provide spatial evidence to support sustainable land management practices and enhance urban climate resilience.

An assessment of forest degradation in the Sonitpur East Forest division, Assam, India using object-based image analysis

ABSTRACT Forest ecosystems in Assam are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities, leading to significant forest degradation despite being granted protection by legislation. This study examined the extent of forest degradation in the Sonitpur East Forest division which includes the Behali Wildlife Sanctuary, Biswanath, Gohpur, Naduar and Singlijan Reserved Forests using object-based image analysis over 30 years (1990–2020). These analyses employed multi-resolution segmentation, spectral difference segmentation and a support vector machine classifier using Landsat imagery. The results revealed a significant decline in dense forest cover across the study area, except for Singlijan Reserved Forest. The most pronounced forest loss was observed in Biswanath Reserved Forest, followed by Gohpur and Naduar Reserved Forests and Behali Wildlife Sanctuary. Simultaneously, agricultural land and open forest areas expanded, with agricultural land in Gohpur Reserved Forest increasing by 60.28% at the expense of dense forest and barren land. These results underscore the crucial need for targeted conservation policies and sustainable land management practices to mitigate forest degradation. The application of remote sensing and object-based image analysis methodology offers a reliable framework for continuous forest monitoring supported by data-driven decision-making, facilitating effective conservation planning in northeastern India and other forested regions experiencing significant degradation.