Land Management Research Articles

Spatial and temporal analysis of soil erosion and sediment yield in the shafe watershed, main ethiopian rift region: integrating RUSLE model, GIS, and remote sensing techniques

Soil erosion in Ethiopia, caused by poor land use planning, excessive cultivation, and excessive grazing, is an important environmental issue affecting the country's economy. This study was conducted in the Shafe watershed in the Gamo zone of south Ethiopia. The main objective of this research is a spatio-temporal assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield. The goal of the present study has been achieved by using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and the application of remote sensing and GIS techniques. The model input parameters include rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, land cover and management, and support practice elements. The annual rates of soil erosion and the resulting sediment yield were calculated for the last three decades (2003, 2013, and 2023). The average erosion rates for the respective years (2003, 2013, and 2023) were 18.87, 19.79, and 10.78 t/ha/yr. The higher soil erosion rate was generally observed along stream channels, steeper topographies, and barren land. The mean soil erosion rate showed a slightly increasing trend between 2003 and 2013 but declined between 2013 and 2023, possibly due to the land use land cover (LULC) dynamics each year. Soil erosion per hectare per year was categorized into four severity levels: low (0–20 t/ha/yr), high (20–100 t/ha/yr), very severe (100–500 t/ha/yr), and extremely severe (> 500 t/ha/yr). The sediment delivery ratio value reveals that 21% of eroded soil materials are transported to a stream network, while 79% are trapped and redeposited within the watershed. Sediment yield values range from 30.92 to 38.51 t/ha/yr. It is found that from the total yearly soil erosion of 245,844.41 tons, 244,389.65 tons, and 140,348.86 tons of eroded soil in the years 2003, 2013, and 2023, over 11,334.30 tons, 11,455.29 tons, and 9,438.61 tons of sediment have been delivered to the mainstream channel and estimated at the watershed outlet, respectively. The study provides insight for local communities and concerned bodies to move quickly and put conservation measures in place in areas highly vulnerable to erosion. Afforestation, reforestation, soil conservation, stream bank stabilization, and terracing on steep fields are options available to address the worst locations that result in higher soil losses. This study contributes to the advancement of sustainable land use practices in Ethiopia, aligning with the SDGs of combating land degradation (SDG 15) and promoting sustainable agriculture (SDG 2). The findings provide insights into effective soil conservation strategies that can mitigate the adverse impacts of soil erosion and sediment yield on local ecosystems and communities.

Multi-scenario simulation of carbon stock and landscape ecological risk changes in Jinpu new area and analysis of spatial conflict relationships

Sustainability of carbon sink capacity is an essential player in the health of the city, and landscape ecological risk can reveal present status of land management. This paper analyzes the distribution of spatial conflict areas between high carbon stock and landscape ecological risk under the current scenarios and future three different development scenarios in 2025 and 2027. The results showed that: (1) from 2019 to 2023, the higher carbon stock areas and the ecological higher-risk areas generally expand; (2) from 2025 to 2027, under different development scenarios, higher carbon stock and higher-risk areas showed different changes, according to the distribution of spatial conflicts between the two, the significant common zones of conflict were distributed in the central, southern, and southeastern parts of the study area, while in the northern and eastern parts of the study area, the spatial conflict distribution of the natural development and cropland protection scenarios is significantly lower than the urban development scenarios, so future land use development patterns can be optimized by combining the respective characteristics of natural development and cropland protection scenarios. Therefore, this study can provide a basis for the future economic development of study area and the green and healthy development of Jinpu New Area.

Integrating Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Advanced Drought Modeling to Assess Desertification Dynamics in Semi-Arid Andhra Pradesh, India: A Framework for Sustainable Land Management

Integrating Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing and Advanced Drought Modeling to Assess Desertification Dynamics in Semi-Arid Andhra Pradesh, India: A Framework for Sustainable Land Management

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.

Burning for Balance: A One Health Guided Look at Indigenous-Led Fire Management and Cultural Burning as a Solution to Forest Fires

Forest fires, an increasingly frequent and severe global issue, are exacerbated by factors such as climate change, poor land management, deforestation, and rising temperatures. As a wicked problem, these fires are a complex challenge with no definitive solution, significantly affecting humans, non-human animals, and the environment. Considering periods such as the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, for example, the far-reaching consequences of wildfires, including ecosystem destruction, biodiversity loss, and severe health impacts on both humans and non-human animals become evident. While various fire management strategies have been implemented, certain attempts to address the issue are particularly effective. Notably, Firesticks is an Indigenous-led organization promoting cultural burning as a sustainable fire mitigation approach. By applying the One Health framework, this article emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, public health strategies, and sustainable fire prevention efforts that integrate scientific research with traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge. Addressing the complexity of forest fires requires adaptive, multifaceted solutions that balance environmental conservation, human and non-human animal safety, and long-term ecosystem 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

Assessment of land use and slope influence on soil organic carbon stocks and soil properties in Southern Ethiopia

Understanding the impact of land use on soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS) and soil properties is crucial for effective soil management and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of land use and slope on SOCS and soil properties in Southern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from the upper, middle, and lower slopes, with a total of 54 composite samples representing different land uses. The result revealed that total nitrogen, potassium, and organic carbon in land use and slope position were significantly affected. The highest soil organic carbon stocks, total nitrogen, and organic carbon values were observed in the enset-based land-use system, which also recorded. In lower slope showed the lowest levels of organic carbon (3.27%), total nitrogen (0.28%), available phosphorus (3.58 ppm), and SOCS (73.38 mg ha−1). The results indicated that different land-use systems influence the soil’s physicochemical properties and the variation of slope varies in forestry and enset land use system results of the soil properties studied. Based on these studies forestry and enset land system tremendous potential raise soil fertility capacity and diminish loss of soil nutrient and more conservation minded. Therefore, we concluded that using different plant residual materials and mixed farming methods, such as agroforestry, promotes the sustainable maintenance of soil physicochemical properties for both the present and the future. This underscores the need for integrated land management to boost carbon storage, enhance soil fertility, and combat climate change.

Influence of land management on soil organic matter pools, plant traits and enzymatic activity in mountain grasslands.

Influence of land management on soil organic matter pools, plant traits and enzymatic activity in mountain grasslands.

Exploring land cover dynamics: open mining activities footprint in Central Bangka District, Indonesia

Land cover changes resulting from mining activities in Central Bangka District have often led to environmental degradation, significant challenges for local communities, and disruptions to spatial utilization. This study aims to identify land cover change patterns within the tin mining business license (IUP) area from 2014 to 2022 and evaluate their impacts on ecosystems and land use. The study employed the Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) method for satellite image analysis to detect land cover changes. The results indicated that mining land expanded by 2,117.29 ha between 2018 and 2022, primarily due to the conversion of secondary and natural vegetation. Meanwhile, secondary vegetation declined significantly, with 4,187.46 ha reduction from 2014 to 2022, highlighting the extensive exploitation of land for mining activities. Additionally, an increase in water bodies was observed due to the formation of water-filled mine voids, locally known as "kolong". The classification accuracy assessment demonstrated high reliability, with Kappa coefficients of 93.7% in 2014, 92.73% in 2018, and 94.5% in 2022, confirming the effectiveness of the MLC method in detecting land cover changes. The findings of this study provide critical insights for post-mining land management, emphasizing the need for enhanced reclamation and revegetation strategies. A more comprehensive understanding of land change dynamics is expected to support sustainable spatial planning and inform environmental impact mitigation policies in Central Bangka District.

AGROFORESTRY TO IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH

Conversion of forests into agricultural land is one of the environmental problems currently being faced, leading to various environmental challenges including the decline in soil health. One effort to improve land management and slow down land degradation is to plant various types of trees and intercrops through an agroforestry system. Agroforestry is considered a viable strategy to gradually create a conducive microclimate for soil biota that can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The biomass of microorganisms as quantified – Microbial Biomass Nitrogen (MBN) and Microbial Biomass Carbon (MBC) – has been proposed as sensitive indicator of soil change. This research aimed to understand how MBN responds to agroforestation of Imperata grasslands in Solok Regency, West Sumatra (Indonesia). Fields of eight land use types (in three replications each) were sampled in the Juli-August 2024 period. Plot characteristics such as canopy cover were measured, to compare with MBN and MBC for soil at a depth of 0-10 cm. The results showed statistically significant differences in MBN and MBC in various land uses, that match differences in canopy cover and age of agroforestry systems. A 1% increase in canopy cover could increase soil MBN levels with 0.94 mg kg-1 (R2 = 0.90). The C:N ratio for microbial biomass varied in the 2-6 range, with the lowest values for intensively cropped land, and the highest for existing or recently converted Imperata grasslands.

Spatial variability and driving factors of soil pH in the desert grasslands of northern Xinjiang.

Spatial variability and driving factors of soil pH in the desert grasslands of northern Xinjiang.

Mapping previously undetected trees reveals overlooked changes in pan-tropical tree cover

Detecting tree cover is crucial for sustainable land management and climate mitigation. Here we develop an automatic detection algorithm using high-resolution satellite data (<5 m) to map pan-tropical tree cover (2015–2022), enabling identification and change analysis for previously undetected tree cover (PUTC). Our findings reveal that neglecting PUTC represents 17.31 ± 1.78% of the total pan-tropical tree cover. Tree cover net decreased by 61.05 ± 2.36 Mha in both forested areas (63.93%) and non-forested areas (36.07%) between 2015 and 2022. Intense changes in tree cover are primarily observed in regions with PUTC, where the World Cover dataset with a resolution of 10 m often fails to accurately detect tree cover. We also conduct a sensitivity analysis to quantify the contributions f climate factors and anthropogenic impacts (including human activities and land use cover change) to tree cover dynamics. Our findings indicate that 43.98% of tree cover gain is linked to increased precipitation, while 56.03% of tree cover loss is associated with anthropogenic impacts. These findings highlight the need to include undetected tree cover in strategies combating degradation, climate change, and promoting sustainability. Fine-scale mapping can improve biogeochemical cycles modeling and vegetation-climate interactions, improving global change understanding.

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.

Reconciling scale using the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Framework to improve management of woody encroachment in grasslands.

Reconciling scale using the Resist-Accept-Direct (RAD) Framework to improve management of woody encroachment in grasslands.

The impact of biochar application on sponge function, water erosion, and vegetation cover in a Mediterranean vineyard soil.

The impact of biochar application on sponge function, water erosion, and vegetation cover in a Mediterranean vineyard soil.

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

Impact of Open Cast Coal Mining on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Bhadravati Mine Area in Central India Based on Three-Decadal Land Use Land Cover Assessment.

The valuation of ecosystem services over ecologically disturbed landscapes provides an objective metric to understand the level of disturbances in an economic domain. The present study investigates the impact of open-cast coal mining on land use and land cover (LULC) and ecosystem service valuation (ESV) in the Bhadravati area from 1993 to 2023. Results showed that mining activities expanded dramatically, increasing from 21.49 km2 (8%) in 1993 to 56.43 km2 (21%) in 2023, driven by economic and industrial growth. Built-up areas have similarly expanded from 18.84 km2 (7%) to 45.68 km2 (17%), due to rapid urbanisation. This expansion contributed to a decline in agricultural lands, which shrank from 204.20 km2 (76%) to 96.74 km2 (36%), leading to a 52.66% decrease in the ESV of agriculture from $1.88 million to $0.89 million. On the other side, vegetation cover tripled from 16.12 km2 (6%) to 61.80 km2 (23%), due to successful reforestation and land management efforts of the mining company. This increase in vegetation contributed to a 283.58% rise in its ESV, from $3.23 million in 1993 to $12.40 million in 2023. This study underscores the critical need for mainstreaming the idea of ESV in industrial activities to objectively quantify the economic value of sustainable practices, using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Further, scenarios were created for improving the ESV for proper post-mine implementation.

A global assemblage of regional prescribed burn records — GlobalRx

Prescribed burning (RxB) is a land management tool used widely for reducing wildfire hazard, restoring biodiversity, and managing natural resources. However, RxB can only be carried out safely and effectively under certain seasonal or weather conditions. Under climate change, shifts in the frequency and timing of these weather conditions are expected but analyses of climate change impacts have been restricted to select few regions partly due to a paucity of RxB records at global scale. Here, we introduce GlobalRx, a dataset including 204,517 RxB records from 1979–2023, covering 16 countries and 209 terrestrial ecoregions. For each record, we add a comprehensive suite of meteorological variables that are regularly used in RxB prescriptions by fire management agencies, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. We also characterise the environmental setting of each RxB, such as land cover and protected area status. GlobalRx enables the bioclimatic range of conditions suitable for RxB to be defined regionally, thus unlocking new potential to study shifting opportunities for RxB planning and implementation under future climate.

Analysis of Agroforestry Types and Their Contribution to Sustainable Agriculture in the Community Forest (HKm) Kibuk, Pagaralam City, South Sumatra

Agroforestry is a land management approach that combines agricultural crops with woody plants to improve land production and community well-being. This study seeks to examine the typology of agroforestry and its contribution in promoting sustainable agriculture within the Community Forest (HKm) Kibuk, located in Pagar Alam City, South Sumatra. The research methodology employed is a mixed methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data were collected using field observations, interviews with 23 members of the forest farmer group, and an analysis of land cover alterations from 2016 to 2020. The research findings indicate the implementation of six agroforestry types in HKm Kibuk, predominantly featuring coffee trees (Arabica and Robusta) with protective species like as avocado and acacia, in addition to understorey crops like horticultural vegetables. Complex agroforestry systems incorporating diverse shade tree species possess greater potential for enhancing ecosystem resilience and augmenting carbon sequestration capabilities than simplistic agroforestry models. The primary problems encountered are the farmers' lack technical expertise and restricted market access. Consequently, it is essential to adopt measures that augment farmers' capabilities via training, legislative incentives, and the fortification of financing schemes to ensure the sustainability of implemented agroforestry systems.

Decadal Trends in Forest and Agricultural Land Dynamics: A Remote Sensing-Based Study of Valmiki Tiger Reserve of Bihar, India and its Eco-Sensitive Zone

The present study analyzes four decades (1975–2015) of land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) and its surrounding eco-sensitive zone, located within the Terai Arc Landscape of India. Using multi-temporal remote sensing data and GIS techniques, the study reveals dynamic shifts in forest cover, agricultural expansion, shrubland growth, wetland resurgence, and barren land reduction. While forest cover exhibited a marginal increase due to early conservation efforts, the last decade (2005–2015) witnessed a negative growth trend, indicating rising anthropogenic pressure. Agricultural land expanded steadily, driven by population growth and land reclamation, while barren land showed a sharp decline as it was converted into cultivable and shrub-covered areas. Wetlands and water bodies demonstrated positive growth in the final decade, reflecting either ecological restoration or improved classification. These findings underscore the importance of continuous LULC monitoring to guide conservation planning, especially in protected areas where human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation remain pressing concerns. The study emphasizes the need for integrated land management strategies to ensure sustainable coexistence between biodiversity conservation and human development.