Land Management Strategies Research Articles

Macro Invertebrate Diversity in Different Land Use System and Soil Fertility Status in Relation to Macro Invertebrate Distribution in Shashogo District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Invertebrate species are predominant in the food webs and among the ecosystem engineers associated with agriculture. They have a major influence on productivity and therefore play a key role in food security. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the ecological role of soil macro invertebrate diversity for maintenance of soil fertility in Shashogo District, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia. Both field and laboratory work were applied during investigation of the study. Invertebrate’s diversity was identified and Soil samples were collected from different sites and evaluated for soil fertility status. The physico-chemical analysis; organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available K, soil pH, soil texture, sodium etc… was analyzed. The main soil macro invertebrates identified were Termites ( order Isoptera), Beetles (order Coleoptera), Wasps (Hymenoptera), Millipedes (order diplopoid), Centipedes (chilopoda), Ants (Hymenoptera) and Earthworm (order Opisthopora). The average selected chemical properties of the soil were Soil PH (5.60), Total Nitrogen (0.23), and Organic carbon (2.44), Phosphorus (2.63), Calcium (22.73), Potassium (0.376) and Sodium (0.096). There is significant association between soil macro invertebrate groups and selected soil physical and chemical properties. To conserve soil resources, it needs highest attention of policy makers as well as land use planners to concentrate their efforts on land management strategies based on land use system.

Impact Deforestation on Land Surface Temperature: A Case Study Highland Kundasang, Sabah

In recent decades, extensive deforestation in tropical regions has dynamically reshaped forests and land cover. Driven by demands for intensified agriculture, rural settlement expansion, and urban growth, this transformation underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of vegetation and forest cover to comprehend global and local environmental shifts. This study focuses on the intricate interplay between deforestation and its impact on land surface temperature (LST) within Sabah's Kundasang highland. Analyzing years 1990, 2009, and 2021, the study employs Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 satellite data spanning three decades to decipher forest cover dynamics. Utilizing remote sensing techniques, it unveils the evolving relationship between deforestation, forest cover, and LST fluctuations, validated using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) insights from 1990 to 2021. Motivated by the scarcity of research on tropical deforestation's LST impact, the study's core aim is to establish a robust link between forest loss extent and ensuing thermal changes. The findings highlight a tangible influence of reduced vegetation on rising surface temperatures, necessitating a precise understanding of deforested areas and their thermal responses. Revealing a striking scenario, around 76% of Kundasang highland's forest cover transformed into agriculture and urban zones over 27 years. The study further uncovers a clear inverse relationship between LST and forest area in square kilometers, as well as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). These findings provide valuable guidance for forest management, identifying vulnerable areas, while also empowering local governance to shape sustainable land management strategies.

Geospatial modelling of soil phosphorus fractions and sorption indicators from heterogeneous landscapes in Ireland

Soil mapping of phosphorus (P) pools at regional scale can be used to inform policy and land management strategies in agri-environmental systems. However, linking an element that is predominantly managed by fertiliser and organic inputs to regional scale geochemistry can be problematic. This study used a geological survey of the northern half of Ireland at ≤4 km2 resolution to map total P (ICP aqua regia), plant available P (Morgan’ P) and Labile P pools (ICP aqua regia and Mehlich-3 P). Spatial modelling was used to map P interactions with total and available aluminium (Al) (ICP aqua regia and Mehlich-3 Al), as predefined sorption indicators. With the aim to develop agri-environmental mapping approaches to link soil P sorption dynamics to geological controls that can assist with regional, catchment and national-scale modelling for policy development.Plant available P concentration showed no spatial continuity in Kriged variogram output and was regulated by fertiliser inputs which mask any underlying geological processes. Subsequently, making this exploration method redundant in highly managed landscapes. Available Al concentrations determined by Mehlich-3 Al (M3-Al) are however regulated by underlying geology. Moreover, they have a significant negative correlation with bioavailable P indices. Areas of high M3 Al concentrations (≥ 702.5 mg kg−1) are dominant in the study area and show mainly low plant available P values (<5 mg l−1), however, potential labile P pools were indicated. Whereas areas of low Al concentrations (≤ 697 mg kg−1) show moderate to high plant available P concentrations. Which could identify areas where P is likely to be more soluble and at greater risk to loss to water. Therefore, using available Al as a sorption indicator can identify regional areas of high P fixation and low soil P retention in soils. Furthermore, using sorption dynamics in geospatial modelling could benefit targeted management approaches.

An analysis of the dynamics of land surface temperature on land use/ land cover in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

The rapid urbanisation and associated land use changes have profound impacts on the local climate and environmental conditions in urban areas. This study aims to analyse the dynamics of land surface temperature (LST) and its relationship with land use/land cover (LULC) patterns in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. The research utilizes remote sensing data and geospatial techniques from multiple sensors, such as Landsat MSS, ETM + and OLI/TIRS, spanning a period of 38years (1984 – 2022), to processed, analysed and investigate the spatiotemporal variations in LST and their drivers. Statistical analyses, such as correlation and regression models, are employed to quantify the associations between LST and LULC variables. Findings show that urban area increased from 7% in 1984 to 32% in 2022, while bare land decreased from 82% in 1984 to 49% in 2022. Vegetation also increased slightly from 11% in 1984 to 19% in 2022. The LST increased with a mean value of 16°C in 1984, 25°C in 2003, and 30.5°C in 2022. Results still revealed a negative correlation between vegetation health and land surface temperature, indicating that as vegetation health declines, land surface temperature increases due to the lack of cooling effects from transpiration while a positive correlation exist between the built-up index and land surface temperature, signifying that as urban areas expand, land surface temperature rises due to the urban heat island effect. The research emphasises the significance of implementing land use planning and management strategies to address the adverse effects of urban heat and improve the urban microclimate. The findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental practitioners, assisting them in making informed decisions for sustainable urban development and enhancing the residents' quality of life in Kano Metropolis.

Effects of Climate Variability and Human Activities on Vegetation Dynamics across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 1982 to 2020

In recent years, vegetation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) has undergone significant greening. However, the causal factors underpinning this phenomenon, whether attributable to temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, or anthropogenic interventions, remain a subject of extensive scholarly debate. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the evolving vegetation across the QTP. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Data Record Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer Normalized Vegetation Difference Index (NOAA CDR AVHRR NDVI) dataset was employed to elucidate the intricate relationship between climatic variables and human activities driving vegetative transformations. The findings were as follows: The NDVI on the QTP has exhibited a significant greening trend at a rate of 0.0013/a (per year). A minor decline, accounting for only 17.6% of grasslands, was observed, which was primarily concentrated in the northwestern and northern regions. Through residual analysis, climate change was found to be the predominant driver, explaining 70.6% of the vegetation variability across the plateau. Concurrently, noticeable trends in temperature and precipitation increases were observed on the QTP, with the southern region demonstrating improved sensitivity to precipitation alterations. In summary, these results substantiate that a confluence of climatic warming, enhanced moisture availability, and a reduction in livestock population collectively creates an environment conducive to enhanced vegetation vigor on the QTP. This study highlights the significance of acknowledging the dual influence of climate and human agency in shaping vegetative dynamics, which is a critical consideration for informed land management strategies and sustainable development initiatives on this ecologically pivotal plateau.

Agroforestry policy development in England: a question of knowledge transference

Agroecology as a concept for reimagining food systems has grown in popularity and is now used in several food and agriculture policy frameworks around the world. While there is a significant body of research around agroecology, its origins, applications, and as a much-needed transition pathway to sustainable food systems, there is limited understanding on how agroecology may be situated within policy frameworks and how agroecological knowledge may be used to inform decision-making. In England, as the Government’s post-Brexit subsidy scheme – the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMs) – is developed, various sectoral actors are employing different frameworks in attempts to deliver multiple objectives around land use, food, agriculture and biodiversity. This paper reviews 3 influential frameworks (Sustainable Development Goals, Ecosystem Services, FAO’s 10 Principles of Agroecology) and assesses the degree to which they contribute to the development of agroecologically-oriented policy in England. With a specific focus on agroforestry as an exemplar agroecological approach, this paper contributes to the limited policy literature on agroecology. Using thematic and content analysis, nine policy documents pertaining to agroforestry were reviewed, resulting in a ‘degree of embeddedness’ being assigned to each framework. Results showed that all three frameworks had a low degree of embeddedness in policy; in other words, none of the frameworks considered have been coherently integrated into current policy documents. With such urgency to halt environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, climate breakdown and food insecurity, the apparent lack of knowledge transfer within critical policy documents is noteworthy. This paper concludes with a set of broad policy recommendations, applicable at both the EU and national level, alongside a set of recommendations specifically for agroforestry policy development in England.

Representing cropping systems with the MEMS 2.0 ecosystem model.

Abstract Croplands have been the focus of substantial investigation due to their considerable potential for sequestering carbon within the soil matrix. The adoption of process-based models stands as a pivotal approach for elucidating soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and guiding land management strategies. Accurately representing crop growth and agricultural practices in these models is critical for realistic SOC modeling. The MEMS 2.0 model incorporates current understanding of SOM formation and stabilization, measurable pools, and deep SOC dynamic is seen as a highly promising tool to inform management intervention for SOC sequestration. However, it was developed to represent grass vegetation. In this study, we further developed MEMS 2.0 to model annual grain crops and common agricultural practices, such as irrigation, mineral nitrogen fertilization, harvesting and tillage. Using four Ameriflux sites, we demonstrated accurate simulation of crop growth and development. Model performance was strong for simulating aboveground biomass (R 2 range of 0.66 to 0.96) and green leaf area index (GLAI) (0.77 to 0.91 R 2 ) across corn, soybean, and winter wheat. Good agreement with observations was also achieved for net ecosystem CO 2 exchange (NEE) (0.81 to 0.85 R 2 ), evapotranspiration (ET) (0.76 to 0.79 R 2 ), soil temperature (ST) (0.93 R 2 at 4 cm), while discrepancy with the available soil water content (SWC) data remain (0.02 to 0.49 R 2 at four depths to 100 cm). While we will continue model testing and improvement, MEMS 2.0 has now demonstrated its ability to effectively capture the dynamics of agricultural land.

The land planning, use and land protection in the USSR and using this experience in modern Russia

The content of the article presents a retrospective analysis of forecasting and planning land use in the USSR. The paper shows the content of General Schemes for the use of land resources in the country and land management schemes for regions (Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics) and administrative districts developed from 1972 to 1990. The authors discuss the possibility to revive this institution of land management and developing such documents in modern Russia.

Chronosequence of invasion reveals minimal losses of population genomic diversity, niche expansion, and trait divergence in the polyploid, leafy spurge.

Rapid evolution may play an important role in the range expansion of invasive species and modify forecasts of invasion, which are the backbone of land management strategies. However, losses of genetic variation associated with colonization bottlenecks may constrain trait and niche divergence at leading range edges, thereby impacting management decisions that anticipate future range expansion. The spatial and temporal scales over which adaptation contributes to invasion dynamics remain unresolved. We leveraged detailed records of the ~130-year invasion history of the invasive polyploid plant, leafy spurge (Euphorbia virgata), across ~500 km in Minnesota, U.S.A. We examined the consequences of range expansion for population genomic diversity, niche breadth, and the evolution of germination behavior. Using genotyping-by-sequencing, we found some population structure in the range core, where introduction occurred, but panmixia among all other populations. Range expansion was accompanied by only modest losses in sequence diversity, with small, isolated populations at the leading edge harboring similar levels of diversity to those in the range core. The climatic niche expanded during most of the range expansion, and the niche of the range core was largely non-overlapping with the invasion front. Ecological niche models indicated that mean temperature of the warmest quarter was the strongest determinant of habitat suitability and that populations at the leading edge had the lowest habitat suitability. Guided by these findings, we tested for rapid evolution in germination behavior over the time course of range expansion using a common garden experiment and temperature manipulations. Germination behavior diverged from the early to late phases of the invasion, with populations from later phases having higher dormancy at lower temperatures. Our results suggest that trait evolution may have contributed to niche expansion during invasion and that distribution models, which inform future management planning, may underestimate invasion potential without accounting for evolution.

Comprehensive assessment of land degradation in the arid and semiarid area based on the optimal land degradation index model

Paying attention to land degradation in drylands is of international significance because it plays a crucial role in global food production. This study developed the optimal land degradation index (OLDI) model for arid and semiarid areas. The model utilized a system that assessed soil condition, climate response, human disturbance, and vegetation growth. It was based on a constrained optimization algorithm. Based on the analysis of the distribution pattern of the OLDI in the Hexi Corridor, this study aims to explore the spatial and temporal characteristics of land degradation and the variations in land sensitivity to degradation across different seasons through trend analysis. Furthermore, the main variables that control the environment and are responsible for land degradation or improvement were revealed through the analysis of driving factors. It was found that the oasis areas in the southern part of the Hexi Corridor experienced land improvement due to the combined influence of human activities and climate change, while the northern region underwent continuous land degradation. However, overall, the majority of the study area's land remained stable. The reduction in precipitation and the increase in wind speed were identified as the primary driving forces behind land degradation. Different vegetation types exhibited distinct responses to environmental control factors, and these responses varied significantly with the changing seasons. Based on the regional variations in land degradation and the observed sensitivity characteristics during different seasons, this study proposes a land management strategy that combines natural recovery with artificial restoration to achieve effective prevention, control, and management of land degradation. This study provided an effective tool for monitoring land degradation in arid and semiarid areas, which is of significant importance for land resource management and the sustainable development of the green economy, not only in the northwest region of China but also in arid and semiarid areas worldwide.

Genetic variation in Loudetia simplex supports the presence of ancient grasslands in Madagascar

Societal Impact StatementRecognizing Loudetia‐dominated grasslands were widespread prior to human colonization highlights that open ecosystems were and continue to be an important component of Madagascar's biodiversity. A better understanding of the plant species that form grassland ecosystems is necessary for effective land management strategies that support livelihoods, but substantial financial and logistical barriers exist to implementing conservation genetic studies using contemporary genomic tools. Some challenges for population genetic analyses of non‐model polyploids lacking reference genomes can be ameliorated by developing computational resources that leverage a cost‐effective data generation strategy that requires no prior genetic knowledge of the target species. This may benefit conservation programs with small operating budgets while reducing uncertainty compared to status quo microsatellite assays.Summary The extent of Madagascar's grasslands prior to human colonization is unresolved. We used population genetic analyses of a broadly dominant C4 fire‐adapted grass, Loudetia simplex, as a proxy for estimating grassland change through time. We carefully examined the utility of target‐enrichment data for population genetics to make recommendations for conservation genetics. We explored the potential of estimating individual ploidy levels from target‐enrichment data and how assumptions about ploidy could affect analyses. We developed a novel bioinformatic pipeline to estimate ploidy and genotypes from target‐enrichment data. We estimated standard population genetic summary statistics in addition to species trees and population structure. Extended Bayesian skyline plots provided estimates of population size through time for empirical and simulated data. All Malagasy L. simplex individuals sampled in this study formed a clade and possibly indicated an ancestral Central Highland distribution of 800 m in altitude and above. Demographic models suggested grassland expansions occurred prior to the Last Interglacial Period and supported extensive grasslands prior to human colonization. Though there are limitations to target‐enrichment data for population genetic studies, we find that analyses of population structure are reliable. Genetic variation in L. simplex supports widespread grasslands in Madagascar prior to the more recent periods of notable paleoclimatic change. However, the methods explored here could not differentiate between paleoclimatic change near the Last Glacial Maximum and anthropogenic effects. Target‐enrichment data can be a valuable tool for analyses of population structure in the absence a reference genome.

Using modern portfolio theory to enhance ecosystem service delivery: A case study from China

：Land management strategies often prioritize agricultural supply services at the expense of other ecosystem services. To achieve a high and steady supply of multiple ecosystem services, it is essential to optimize land management practices in areas suitable for agriculture. However, many studies on land management tend to focus on their benefits to ecosystem service delivery without adequately considering the potential risks to other services that might be involved. Here we use modern portfolio theory to quantitatively measure benefits and risks from land management strategies to enhance ecosystem services. We create seven land management scenarios that balance different kinds of ecosystem services in different ways in the agricultural production area of Maoming, Guangdong Province, China. The method yielded optimal portfolios of land management patterns that enhanced ecosystem services while reducing risk as much as possible. This includes a scenario delivering a 22% increase in agricultural production service, while simultaneously increasing the provision of nature-related ecosystem services by 2%. However, no optimization scenario was perfect, and there was always a trade-off between gaining certain ecosystem service benefits and creating a risk of losing others. Our portfolio theory approach reveals that it is essential to consider both the benefits and risks of land management strategies.

Spatial Variations and Distribution Patterns of Soil Salinity at the Canal Scale in the Hetao Irrigation District

Soil salinization is a major factor impacting global crop yields. To explore the spatial distribution and influencing factors of soil water and salt in typical canals of the Hetao irrigation district, regional soil information was monitored at fixed locations. In this study, classical statistics, geostatistics, and spatial autocorrelation methods were used to conduct quantitative analyses of soil salt content, water content, soil particle size distribution, and groundwater depth. The variation coefficient of the soil salt content in the 20–40 and 40–60 cm soil layers was between 10% and 100%, which corresponds to a medium degree of variation; the other soil layers had strong degrees of variation. The soil moisture content in each layer varied moderately. The gold coefficients of soil salt content and water content were less than 0.25, and the Z value was greater than 0, showing a strong spatial correlation and certain spatial agglomeration characteristics, which were mainly affected by structural factors in the study area. The distribution patterns of soil water and salt were affected by soil particle size. Sand content decreased with increasing depth, soil salt was negatively correlated with sand content, and soil water was positively correlated with sand content. Soil salinity was significantly affected by groundwater depth and increased with decreasing groundwater depth, following an exponential relationship. When the groundwater depth exceeded 1.7 m, the soil salt content exhibited small changes with groundwater depth. The results of this study could play a guiding role in terms of understanding the degree of soil salinization surrounding canals in the Hetao irrigation area and adjusting land management strategies over time.

Moss patch size as a factor profoundly influencing soil nutrient characteristics and multifunctionality of temperate desert in Central Asia

Soil nutrients in desert ecosystems are influenced by various factors, and the presence of moss crust cover plays a significant role in determining the nutritional content of the surface soil. Moss crusts are distributed as patches within desert ecosystems, creating micro-ecosystems. However, the distribution pattern of soil nutrients under moss crust cover and the impact of patch size on soil nutrient content remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the patch size of mosses in field sites within the Gurbantünggüt Desert and investigated the content of total carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), organic carbon (OC), ammonium (NH4+-N), nitrate (NO3–-N), and available phosphorus (AP) in both surface soil and sub surface soil. We employed linear and structural equation models to examine the regulatory effect of moss crust patch size on soil nutrient content. Our findings revealed that the C and N contents were significantly higher in the surface soil compared to the sub surface soil, while the AP content was significantly higher in the sub surface soil than in the surface soil. Additionally, a significant negative correlation was observed between the N content and patch area of the topsoil in 83% of the sample sites. Climate, soil properties, and moss patch size collectively influenced the multifunctionality of both surface soil and sub surface soil. Climatic factors exerted a greater impact on the surface soil, while soil properties and moss patch size had a stronger influence on the sub surface soil. These findings emphasize the variability in nutrient characteristics between the surface and sub surface soils of biocrusts, highlighting the influence of crust patch size on the nutrient characteristics and functions of desert soils. These insights have practical implications for land management and conservation strategies in arid regions, providing valuable knowledge for sustainable resource utilization and environmental preservation.

Integrated Modeling of Land Degradation Dynamics and Insights on the Possible Future Management Alternatives in the Gidabo River Basin, Ethiopian Rift Valley

Land degradation is a pivotal environmental concern, bearing substantial impacts in the Gidabo river basin (GRB) in Ethiopia, prompting a critical need for effective mitigation strategies. In this study, we aimed to assess the dynamics of land degradation pathways in the context of change in climate and land use. The identification of potential erosion hotspots and the appraisal of management strategies was also carried out. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Good Practice Guidance (GPG) framework was employed. The results revealed a compelling synergy between land use dynamics and climate changes, asserting joint and individual prevalence in influencing surface runoff and sediment yield. The past simulation revealed 4–5.9% and 24–43% increments in mean annual runoff and sediment yield, respectively. While the near (2021–2040) and mid (2041–2060) future scenarios displayed varying trends under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Furthermore, sub-basins prone to soil erosion risk were identified, thereby enabling targeted conservation efforts. The assessment of trends in land degradation neutrality (LDN) unveiled the expansion of land degradation trajectories (by 26%) from 1985–2003 to 2003–2021. This might be attributed to the dynamic interplay between climate and land use land cover (LULC) change, with croplands and bare land emerging as high-risk degraded areas. Addressing these concerns, soil/stone bund, terracing, contour farming, and reforestation practice can significantly reduce the annual sediment yield in the future. The integration of soil erosion indicators with LDN sub-indicators can provide a more comprehensive approach that can lead to more effective land management and restoration strategies to achieve the LDN goal. The findings of this study could contribute crucial insights and substantial implications for policymakers, land managers, and conservationists. Moreover, future efforts should be directed to expand investigations into diverse land degradation pathways and mitigation measures.

Spatio-temporal change analysis and prediction of land use and land cover changes using CA-ANN model.

The spatial and temporal representation of land use and land cover (LULC) changes helps to understand the interactions between natural habitats and other areas and to plan for sustainability. Research on the models used to determine the spatio-temporal change of LULC and simulation of possible future scenarios provides a perspective for future planning and development strategies. Landsat 5 TM for 1990, Landsat 7 ETM + for 2006, and Landsat 8 OLI for 2022 satellite imageries were used to estimate spatial and temporal variations of transition potentials and future LULC simulation. Independent variables (DEM, slope, and distances to roads and buildings) and the cellular automata-artificial neural network (CA-ANN) model integrated in the MOLUSCE plugin of QGIS were used. The CA-ANN model was used to predict the LULC maps for 2038 and 2054, and the results suggest that artificial surfaces will continue to increase. The Düzce City center's artificial surfaces grew by 100% between 1990 and 2022, from 16.04 to 33.10 km2, and are projected to be 41.13 km2 and 50.32 km2 in 2038 and 2054, respectively. Artificial surfaces, which covered 20% of the study area in 1990, are estimated to cover 64.07% in 2054. If this trend continues, most of the 1st-class agricultural lands may be lost. The study's results can assist local governments in their land management strategies and aid them in planning for the future. The results suggest that policies are necessary to control the expansion of artificial surfaces, ensuring a balanced distribution of land use.

A co-design framework for natural resource policy making: Insights from tree health and fisheries in the United Kingdom

Environmental and land use policy literature asserts the need for more holistic, participatory and co-designed forms of governance for the sustainable management of natural resources. Co-design is also increasingly recognised by government as a useful approach but is often applied with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this paper is to assess recent examples of policy co-design across three UK case studies focused on tree/woodland management and fisheries. The first set out to co-design criteria for ‘low impact’ fishing with fisheries stakeholders to inform new fisheries policy and management strategies. The second co-designed new policy options with tree/woodland stakeholders to replace existing tree health grants, as part of the UK government’s broader Environment Land Management scheme. The third aimed to scope, with stakeholders, the potential for a new social survey of fishers. Despite the different contexts, all projects sought to apply principles of co-design by engaging with stakeholders during the early stages of policy development. A comparative assessment between the three case studies allows us to identify challenges for co-design and to provide recommendations for successfully applying co-design principles through stakeholder-researcher-policy maker partnerships. Challenges include building trust between stakeholders and policymakers, overcoming traditional modes of evidence-based policy making, accessing hard-to-reach groups, getting discussions to move beyond the general to the specific, and recognising that co-design takes time and is resource-intensive. A new co-design framework is presented, setting out five stages for incorporating the principles of co-design in natural resource policy making: scoping, co-design, testing, implementing and evaluation.

Mapping opportunities for the use of land management strategies to address fire risk in Europe

Many parts of Europe face increasing challenges managing wildfires. Although wildfire is an integral part of certain ecosystems, fires in many places are becoming larger and more intense, driven largely by climate change, land abandonment, and changes in fuel management with important socioeconomic, environmental, and ecosystem services consequences for Europe. In order to envision a comprehensive fire risk mitigation strategy for Europe, a spatial assessment of opportunities to manage fuels at the landscape-scale is needed. Our study explored the suitability of three land management strategies (LMS)—herbivory, mechanical fuel removal, and prescribed burn—which can create more heterogenous fuelscapes, thereby reducing an element of fire risk. We created suitability maps for each of the LMS using adoption factors identified in a systematic literature review (n = 123). We compared these maps with areas of historical fire occurrence as a proxy for fire risk to prioritize key areas for intervention. We found that over a quarter of Europe was suitable for multiple LMS within areas of greater fire risk, creating opportunities for concurrent and synergistic use of the strategies. Options were more limited in areas of southern Europe, where prescribed burn was found to be uniquely viable amongst the LMS evaluated. Opportunities were also restricted in some areas of high fire risk in northern Europe, where herbivory was found to be the only suitable LMS. Our findings take a wide-view of fuel management to target landscape-scale decision making focused on reducing fire risk. However, many other factors must be taken into account to successfully manage fuels at local scales, including the socio-cultural appropriateness of the LMS, the viability of incentive schemes, and possible trade-offs with other management goals, such as carbon storage and biodiversity.

Bioenergy crop Miscanthus x giganteus acts as an ecosystem engineer to increase bacterial diversity and soil organic matter on marginal land

Cultivation of the bioenergy and bioproduct crop Miscanthus x giganteus (Miscanthus) on marginal lands (including those that are anthropogenically damaged) is attractive due to the robust growth of Miscanthus, leading to high yields even under stressful environmental conditions. Miscanthus growth and production may also build soil carbon, which is favorable for land restoration and climate change mitigation. Gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms facilitating soil carbon accumulation under Miscanthus persist, particularly regarding the role of the soil microbiome in facilitating these processes, and how land use histories (e.g. past disturbances) and management strategies (e.g., fertilizer additions) affect these mechanisms. To address these knowledge gaps, we measured plant performance, soil properties, and microbial parameters over the first three years of Miscanthus establishment across a gradient of land disturbance intensity and different fertilization strategies (none, organic, conventional). We determined that plant performance (e.g., aboveground biomass yield) increased over time during establishment under all disturbance intensities but remained lower overall at the most intensely disturbed site. Across all sites, bacterial diversity and microbial carbon use efficiency increased over time and were positively correlated with soil organic matter. We also observed increases in the relative abundance of key plant growth promoting microbes (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi and bacterial N-fixers). There was no effect of nutrient addition on plant yield, soil carbon concentrations, or microbial carbon use efficiency. All told, our results suggest that Miscanthus consistently increases microbial diversity and carbon use efficiency, facilitating soil organic matter accumulation across sites despite varying land use histories and soil properties. In this way Miscanthus acts as an ecosystem engineer, improving soil biological and chemical properties such that highly disturbed soils come to resemble less disturbed systems over time.

Are landholders willing to collaborate under ELMs? Promoting collaborative conservation on a landscape scale in the UK

It is now widely acknowledged that one of the ways to protect biodiversity in the UK is through a landscape scale management approach towards conservation. Achieving this will require future agri-environmental schemes to foster better opportunities for landscape scale collaboration amongst landholders – a limitation of previous agri-environmental schemes. With the UK's new Environmental Land Management schemes reflecting a stronger emphasis on collaborative management at a landscape scale, the extent to which landowners are willing to collaborate must be better understood. This will enable the potential for a collaborative Nature Recovery Network - set out in the UK's 25 Year Environmental Plan – to be fully realised.Findings from our case study in Bonhurst Farm, UK suggest that while the scenario with the highest connectivity was the preferred choice amongst participants, several barriers stand in the way of implementing it; not least the uncertainty of how it might impact the operation of their farm business. Additionally, concerns around funding, and the lack of clarity and flexibility, of future scheme could potentially hinder uptake. This is in spite of respondents’ strong inclination towards environmental conservation and increasing landscape connectivity. To address these barriers, future policies must not only involve landholders earlier in the development process of these schemes but also consider how their involvement contributes to the formulation of these schemes. Moreover, our findings also indicate that facilitators and advisors serves as key driver to the success of collaborations, with their ability to organise and implement collaborative schemes, along with their expertise knowledge, being seen as invaluable.