Land Resources Research Articles

Effects of land use change on runoff depth in the Songnen Plain, China.

Climate change and human activities both have a considerable impact on runoff depth, which are important parts of a changing ecosystem. Nevertheless, the main focus of hydrological response research has been on investigating the impact of climate change on the depth of runoff. In contrast, there has been limited emphasis on comprehending the precise mechanisms through which changes in land use, in relation to human activities, influence runoff depth. This paper employs the MIKE SHE/MIKE 11 model to simulate surface runoff in the study area from 1980 to 2020, assesses the effects of climate change and land use change on runoff depth using the runoff reduction method, and quantifies the influence of land use change on runoff depth through a spatio-temporal geographically weighted regression model. This study indicates that during the past 40 years, the average runoff depth in the Songnen Plain was 36.26mm, exhibiting a tendency of 'increasing-decreasing-increasing'. The impact of climate change on surface runoff depth is more substantial than that of land use change. During the impact period 1, the runoff depth diminished by 19.07mm, with climate change contributing to a decrease of 15.89mm (83.31% contribution). In the impact period 2, the runoff depth increased by 7.49mm relative to the baseline period, with climate change leading to an increase of 12.73mm (70.84% contribution). Changes in various land types within the watershed can be used to observe the influence of human activities on runoff depth. More precisely, a 10% rise in the rate of change of construction land, dry land, and unoccupied land results in an increase in runoff depth of 6.21mm, 2.45mm, and 1.14mm, respectively. Conversely, a 10% rise in the rate of alteration of marsh, paddy, and forest land leads to a reduction in the depth of runoff by 9.49mm, 6.46mm, and 3.07mm, respectively. This research can contribute to improving the efficiency of water and land resource utilization and optimizing land resource governance.

Classification and Evaluation of Marginal Land for Potential Cultivation in Northwest China Based on Contiguity and Restrictive Factors

Water, land, and other environmental conditions restrict marginal land (ML) conversion into newly cultivated land. Accurately evaluating ML’s development and utilization potential (DUP) can provide critical support for increasing new cultivated land and ensuring food security. This study focuses on Northwest China, using spatial identification of different types of ML based on remote sensing images, and constructs a county-level DUP evaluation model through contiguous characteristics and restrictive factors to determine new cultivated-land potential, water demand, and liftable grain production. The results show that the DUP of ML in Northwest China is 12.59 million ha, with low-efficiency cultivated land (LCL) and two types of restoration land (TTRL) accounting for 3.29% and 5.95%, and other marginal land (OML) making up 90.76%. The total water demand for ML development and utilization is 69.87 billion cubic meters, which can increase grain production by 62.31 million tons. The coordinated development of water, land, and food promotes an increase in grain production, with water resources being the main restrictive factor. This model effectively evaluates DUP and provides a scientific basis for promoting the rational use of water and land resources. Further research should set up more detailed water resource utilization strategies and scenarios as well as find more development and utilization techniques.

Impact of coastal erosion and landscape changes on place attachment and the sense of belongingness: a case study in Oluvil, Sri Lanka

Oluvil is a coastal village on the east coast of Sri Lanka with significant resources of fisheries and agricultural lands. The coastal community of Oluvil has a strong socio-cultural and economic attachment to its natural landscape. The community relies heavily on fishing and agriculture for their economic activities, with the vast coastal lands and rich marine resources providing the main source of livelihood. The haphazard development of the fishery and commercial harbour in 2008 resulted in coastal erosion and related landscape changes. This highly impacted the sensitive coastal belt in the region, resulting in many environmental and social issues. This paper investigates the social impact associated with the related negative environmental changes. The research revealed a significant negative impact on income, livelihood, resources and property due to severe coastal erosion. These economic impacts and landscape changes negatively influenced the cultural identity, social dynamics, social structure and interactions, resulting in the loss of place attachment and the sense of belongingness.

Post Harvest Management Techniques of Few Selected Crops in Assam, India

Reducing agricultural loss or waste is the ultimate goal of post-harvest management techniques. Post-harvest management has become crucial in the present environment of growing population and declining agricultural land and other resources. Ensuring food security in a manner that is safe for both humans and the environment is currently the world's top priority. The FAO estimates that in order to feed the nine billion people on the planet by 2050, food production would need to rise by seventy percent. Therefore, a deep comprehension of the roles played by agro-ecosystems is necessary. A vast number of agricultural products has been produced in recent years, yet there has been a lack of advancement and uptake of post-harvest technologies, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Agricultural crops have 16–36% post-harvest losses each year due to microbiological, physiological, and mechanical losses. Because most products are highly perishable, they require much more care and strategies to ensure that value addition and processing are encouraged. The value chain for processing has become essential to enhancing national food security and promoting food safety. The value chain in agriculture crops post-harvest management includes pre-harvest variables, harvesting, market preparation (pre-cooling, sorting, grading, packaging, and on-farm storage), transportation, storage, value addition/processing, and by-product waste management. The chapter focuses mostly on few selected fruit, vegetable, and cereal crops while discussing current advancements in post-harvest technology and food crop value addition.

A bottom-up nationwide analysis of sectoral land use reveals spatial heterogeneity across the United States

The high degree of urbanization and economic development in the United States has intensified competition for land resources, leading to land use conflicts and environmental challenges. Addressing these issues first requires an exploration of high-resolution, sector-specific land use patterns. However, existing land classification studies rarely provide spatially explicit data on urban land use across all sectors at a national level. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing land use areas across various economic sectors in the United States, particularly focusing on urban impervious surfaces. Using a bottom-up approach, we created a full-sector land use inventory, integrating Points of Interest (POI) data, road networks, building characteristics, and geographic information processing techniques. Our primary innovation lies in the development of a spatially explicit database that details sector-specific land use areas nationwide. On this robust foundation, we further explored the heterogeneity of sectoral land use eco-efficiency (SLUEE) among different sectors and states, providing supplementary insights into spatial disparities in urban land use. Our findings reveal significant spatial heterogeneity, with service sectors dominating land use and exhibiting higher SLUEE compared to goods-producing industries. Key sectors such as Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (441064.58 ha), and Administrative and Support Services (420148.34 ha) are prominent across states according to land use area, reflecting the country's service-oriented economy. Additionally, regional disparities in SLUEE are evident, with jurisdictions like Washington D.C., New York, and California demonstrating more efficient land use. Compared with traditional land use evaluations, our model effectively offers higher spatial resolution, down to the census block level, to sectoral land use evaluation. Building on this robust database, our SLUEE analysis has uncovered notable heterogeneity between sectors and states, offering new insights into cross-sectoral and inter-state land use dynamics that can inform and promote sustainable urban planning.

Assessment of Land Suitability in Perennial Crops using FAHP and GIS in Central Vietnam

Background: Perennial crops including rubber and Thanh Tra grapefruit are highly effective land use that has occupied a large area (nearly 11,000 ha) in Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam. Analyzing land suitability in agricultural production is one of the important tools for determining the effective use of land resources and sustainable development. This study aims to evaluate the land suitability of perennial crops in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam. Methods: The study was conducted in different communes in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam from 2022 to 2023 by collecting secondary and primary data together with soil samples from 45 profiles for analysis and finally application of the fuzzy multi-criteria analysis process (FAHP) tool and geographic information system method (GIS) to evaluate the land suitability. Result: The results indicated that economic criteria played the most important role with weights from 0.068 to 0.343, followed by the social criteria (weights from 0.014 to 0.147) and the environmental criteria (weights from 0.011 to 0.051). With land suitability evaluation, the very high suitability area of rubber and Thanh Tra grapefruit (S1) was 3,144.14 ha and 3,742.29 ha respectively. The FAHP and GIS integrated method is a useful method to assess land suitability for land use of perennial crops based on appropriate assessment of FAO land use requirements.

Suitable site analysis for microalgae biofuel production as a source of renewable energy

The global demand for renewable energy sources has been increasing. Microalgae is considered one of the best energy sources among renewable options, as it efficiently produces biofuel on a large scale. Pakistan has advantageous conditions for cultivating microalgae as a biofuel source, including abundant sunlight, favorable climate conditions, ample land and water resources. This research aims to identify suitable sites in Karachi for microalgae cultivation using geographic information systems. The potential sites were classified into four categories: highly suitable, moderately suitable, less suitable, and unfavorable. The study shows that Karachi provides an environment conducive to large-scale microalgae cultivation, which could help to alleviate energy shortages. Moreover, identifying viable cultivation locations can attract domestic and international interest, leading to future developments in the field.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA THROUGH INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE LAND RESOURCE USE IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The evaluation of the agricultural land in the Republic of Moldova represents the main factor in the sustainable rural space development and it emphasizes economic criteria for the efficiency of land resources. The hedonic price in the sales-purchase transactions of parcels in agricultural land may be the scientific innovation and originality of the geographically weighted regression methodology with the spatial approach in the used econometric model. The price of agricultural land used parcels in Maiovca village, Ocnița district were evaluated by using the data from transactions registered in 2022 and the results of the geographically weighted regression stands up the suitable conclusions of the licensed assessors in the field. The autocorrelation coefficient value evaluated by SAR is ρ = 0.072 according to Cobb Douglas model confirms the high quality of the regression techniques carried out and the used spatial methodology can be implemented in cadastral practice for the taxation in the agrarian sector. The geographically weighted regression utility proposed in this methodology has advantage in research area because of the similar evaluation techniques carried out in the countries of the European Union that are adjacent to the Republic of Moldova.

Green Energy and Land Resources: COP27 Perspective of BRICS Economic Growth and Land Production

ABSTRACTIn contemporary times, managing land resources and green energy from the COP27 perspective is a burning issue, attracting the attention of policymakers and scholars to attaining sustainable economic growth. In emerging economies, the adoption of both green energy and land resources is rapidly increasing to encourage economic productivity. In this regard, the current research explores the impact of oil resource fluctuations on the economic growth of the BRICS economies. In addition, this research contemplates the role of technological innovation, energy efficiency, and gross capital formation during 1990–2021. Using several econometric approaches, the results indicate the variables' stationarity and the cointegration between variables. Since most of the study variables follow a nonnormal distribution, this work employs a novel moments quantile regression. The estimation outcomes revealed that oil resource fluctuations, energy efficiency, technological innovation, and gross capital formation are substantial economic performance and growth drivers. The robustness of the empirical model is also tested via parametric (robust least squares) and nonparametric (quantile regression) approaches. Bidirectional causality estimates are reported between these variables except for the oil resource fluctuations that unidirectionally cause economic performance. Based on these estimates, this research recommends the sustainable management of oil resources and further investment in energy efficiency and technological innovation to attain sustainable economic performance.

Spatial and Temporal Change Analysis of Urban Built-Up Area via Nighttime Lighting Data—A Case Study with Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces

As urbanization accelerates, characteristics of urban spatial expansion play a significant role in the future utilization of land resources, the protection of the ecological environment, and the coordinated development of population and land. In this study, Yunnan and Guizhou provinces were selected as the study area, and the 2013–2021 National Polar-Orbiting Partnership’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS) nighttime light (NTL) data were utilized for spatial and temporal change analysis of urban built-up areas. Firstly, the built-up areas in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces were extracted through ENUI (Enhanced Nighttime Lighting Urban Index) indices, and then the urban expansion speed and urban center of gravity migration were constructed and used to explore and analyze the spatial and temporal change and expansion characteristics of built-up areas in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. The results showed the following. (1) Due to the complementarity between data types, such as NTL, EVI, NDBI, and NDWI, ENUI has better performance in expressing urban characteristics. (2) Influenced by national and local policies, such as “One Belt, One Road”, transportation infrastructure construction, geographic location, the historical background, and other factors, the urban expansion rate of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces in general showed a continuous advancement from 2013 to 2021, and there were three years in which the expansion rate was positive. (3) The center of gravity migration distance of most cities in Guizhou Province shows a trend of increasing and then decreasing, while the center of gravity migration distance in Yunnan Province shows a trend of continuous decrease in general. From the perspective of migration direction, Guizhou Province has the largest number of migrations to the northeast, while Yunnan Province has the largest number of migrations to the southeast. (4) Influenced by policy, economy, population, geography, and other factors, urban compactness in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces continued to grow from 2013 to 2021. The results of this study can help us better understand urbanization in western China, reveal the urban expansion patterns and spatial characteristics of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, and provide valuable references for development planning and policymaking in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.

GIS‐based surface irrigation potential assessment of Gololcha River Watershed, Awash Basin, Ethiopia

AbstractThe Gololcha River Watershed is lacking comprehensive assessment of land suitability for surface irrigation, available water potential, and prioritized irrigable areas. This study aims to evaluate the potential of land and water resources for surface irrigation in the Gololcha River Watershed. The study employed a multi‐criteria analysis approach using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and ArcGIS to assess land suitability, considering factors like slope, land use/cover, soil characteristics, and proximity to water sources. The observed mean monthly water flow potential for each sub‐watershed was statistically evaluated, and the area ratio approach was used to transfer discharges from gauged sites to the site of interest. Irrigation water requirements for three major crops in the study area were calculated using the CROPWAT8.0 model. The findings revealed an average water availability for irrigation of 2.70 m3/s/month, 1.10 m3/s/month, and 1.03 m3/s/month for the Kurkura, Midagdu, and Wefi sub‐watersheds, respectively, with a total annual river flow of 161 m3/s. Based on the suitability analysis, 2508 ha (7.27%) of the watershed area was classified as highly suitable for surface irrigation, 16,420 ha (47.565%) as moderately suitable, 1502 ha (4.35%) as marginally suitable, and 14,029 ha (40.71%) as unsuitable. The overall surface irrigation potential, aligned with available water, was estimated at 4872.58 ha. However, due to water limitations, only 14.15% of the total suitable land can be irrigated using existing flows. The study highlights the significant potential for expanding surface irrigation in the Gololcha River Watershed, particularly during the rainy seasons when substantial water flows are available. The findings provide valuable insights for developing sustainable irrigation strategies, enhancing agricultural productivity, and contributing to food security in the region.

Use of water bodies for fish farming: land and legal aspects

The article examines the features of using water bodies for fish farming from a land and legal perspective. Based on an analysis of current Ukrainian legislation, the author concludes that fish farming and aquaculture are synonymous terms. It is emphasized that for proper legal regulation of the use of water bodies for fish farming, the connection of these bodies to the land plots on which they are located must be considered. It is argued that the legal regulation of the use of water bodies for fish farming stems from the specific nature of these objects and their connection with other resources. The article thoroughly substantiates that regulating the use of land or water resources separately cannot be effective, as any economic activity related to one of these objects inevitably impacts the other. An analysis of the legal provisions in the Land Code of Ukraine, the Water Code of Ukraine, and the Law of Ukraine «On Aquaculture» regarding the regulation of fish farming on water fund land plots with water bodies is provided. The author notes that the norms concerning the use of water bodies for fish farming are reflected not only in land and water legislation but also in agricultural legislation. Specifically, according to Article 1 of the Law of Ukraine «On Aquaculture», fish farming is defined as a type of agricultural activity, and agricultural activities are regulated by agricultural law norms. The author argues that in the process of legal regulation of relations related to fish farming, it is necessary to consider not only land and water law but also the norms of agricultural law, which encompass a broader range of legal relations connected with agricultural activities. This makes legal regulation more comprehensive and balanced, taking into account all aspects of land use under water bodies for fish farming. The practical application of such a comprehensive approach ensures effective use of natural resources and helps avoid legal conflicts.

Analysis of the structure of Russian acreage within the framework of the concept of sustainable agriculture

The purpose of scientific work is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of changes in the structure of acreage and the land use system on ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural industry in Russia. The results obtained demonstrate that, despite the implementation of a number of legislative initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and environmental orientation of agriculture, a number of unresolved problems remain in the Russian Federation that hinder the transition to a model of sustainable agricultural production. Inefficient use of land resources is a problem faced by many agricultural regions in Russia. Irrational structuring of land, unbalanced distribution of agricultural land, low efficiency of use of modern technologies and resources lead to the loss of land potential. This has a negative impact on the yield and quality of agricultural products. There may be insufficient attention to the environmental aspects of land management: conserving biodiversity, maintaining natural ecosystems, minimizing the ecological footprint of agricultural activities and applying methods that promote soil regeneration. The comprehensive improvement of land management mechanisms in the Russian Federation, taking into account the concept of sustainable agriculture, involves the development and implementation of policies aimed at stimulating sustainable agricultural practices, supporting innovative methods and technologies, as well as training and advising agricultural producers on sustainable agriculture. This approach will significantly improve land use efficiency and ensure the sustainable development of Russia's agricultural sector.

Enhancing production efficiency through optimizing plant density in maize-soybean strip intercropping.

Due to limited arable land resources, intercropping has emerged as an efficient and sustainable production method for increasing total grain yield per unit land area. Maize-soybean strip intercropping (MSSI) technology is being widely promoted and applied across China. However, the combination of optimal density for achieving higher production efficiency of both soybean and maize remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in yield, economic benefits, land, and nitrogen (N) efficiency in MSSI systems under different densities. Five maize/soybean density combinations (67,500/97,500 plants ha-1, D1; 67,500/120,000 plants ha-1, D2; 67,500/142,500 plants ha-1, D3; 60,000/142,500 plants ha-1, D4; 52,500/142,500 plants ha-1, D5) were set under the same N input in the field experiment. The results demonstrated that optimizing the density in the intercropping system could enhance production efficiency. Increasing the density of soybean and maize significantly increased the total grain yield (D3 > D2 > D1 > D4 > D5). The D3 treatment, exhibiting the best comprehensive performance, also promoted increases in leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, and N absorption and utilization. Path analysis indicated that density had the most substantial impact on maize yield, while grain number had the greatest influence on soybean yield, with contribution rates of 49.7% and 61.0%, respectively. These results provide valuable insights into optimal field density for summer planting in MSSI, facilitating its wider adoption.

Visualising trade-related virtual urban land transfers in China

ABSTRACT As a type of environmental footprint, the concept of virtual land captures the indirect land use embedded in our consumption and trade activities. Utilising the environmentally-extended multi-regional input–output model (EEMRIO) and Kaleidoscope diagram, we visualise for the first time the interprovincial flow of virtual urban land in China. It unveils the intricate urban network connections and the telecoupled interactions between human activities and land use amidst China's rapid urbanisation phase. The results indicate that the eastern region of China emerges as the primary net beneficiary of virtual urban land, whereas the western region stands as the principal net contributor. The local urban land in 65% of the provinces suffices for their own consumption demands. However, provinces like Zhejiang, Henan, and Jiangsu rely heavily on inter-provincial urban land to fulfil their consumption requirements. Inter-regional trade plays a pivotal role in facilitating the flow of land resources, significantly easing the strain between human demands and land availability in the developed coastal provinces of eastern China. Yet, it imposes additional ecological pressure on the more ecologically vulnerable areas in the west. The insights from this research are poised to offer valuable guidance for the Chinese government in harmonising urban development strategies, industrial distribution and the allocation of construction land on a national scale.

Assessment of surface irrigation potential and crop water demand in Daramalo Wereda, southern Ethiopia

AbstractAssessing available water and land resources as well as their potential for surface irrigation use is vital for sustainable agricultural development and planning. Agricultural irrigation also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and reducing poverty in Ethiopia. However, it is dominated by rain‐fed agriculture, with rainfall distribution and intensity vary spatially and temporally. Enhancing agricultural water management and irrigation has the potential to increase agricultural productivity. The objective of the study was to evaluate surface water potential and the irrigation water demand of Zage River sub‐watershed, which were estimated using hydrological model of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and CROPWAT8.0 software, respectively. Slope, soil type, drainage densities, land use/cover, and river proximity were the factors utilized to determine irrigation land suitability. A weighted overlay was completed, with 17.32% of irrigable lands found to be highly suitable, 41.29% moderately suitable, 37.61% marginally suitable, and 3.78% not suitable. The SWAT model result gave very good model performance indicator values of NE = 0.773 and R2 = 0.872 for calibration and NE = 0.771 & R2 = 0.945 for validation. The SWAT model result showed a total of 33.248 million m3 of surface runoff generated annually. Compared with irrigation water demand of 21.068 million m3, this suggests the watershed has high surface water potential for surface irrigation for selected crop types of the watershed. The findings of this research are relevant to improving local water management policies and practices and enable stakeholders to make decisions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable agricultural practices and help ensure the food security of local farmers.

Incitis-food: Food security and environmental justice in African city regions

Incitis-food: Food security and environmental justice in African city regions Dr Buchenrieder, Dr Benjamin from the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, and Dr Radišić and MS.c. Trivunić, from Foodscale Hub, introduce the INCiTiS-FOOD project for improved food and nutrition security in African urban and peri-urban areas. With 20% of the population, ca. 282 million individuals, undernourished in Africa, the continent is facing a food and nutrition crisis of unprecedented proportions. This crisis intensifies further considering climate change as well as the state (i.e. quantity and quality) of arable land, soil, and water resources. There is an urgent need to provide nutritious and healthy food for the continent’s growing population while also taking into account the rapid urbanisation rate of 45%. So the question remains – what can be done to improve FNS in Africa’s growing city regions while reducing the food-system-related environmental footprint?

Scenario analysis of waste tires from China's vehicles future

As a byproduct of vehicles, tires are utilized in large quantities with the widespread promotion of vehicles. Long-term accumulation of non-degradable waste tires occupies land resources and poses severe environmental threats. Projecting future waste tire volumes provides a scientific basis for preventing excessive accumulation, enables proactive planning of recycling strategies, reduces environmental pollution and promotes waste tire recycling. Using a bottom-up Road Transport Waste Tire Stock model, this study projects vehicle stocks and corresponding annual increases in waste tires from 2002 to 2050. The study reveals that China's vehicle and waste tire stock follows an S-curve growth. Vehicle ownership is projected to increase from 276 million in 2020 to 490–583 million by 2050. Between 2002 and 2030, waste tire generation from vehicles is expected to rise from 4.79 million tons to 18.13–18.57 million tons. By 2050, growth will slow, but the total output will still reach 18.90–19.85 million tons, with cargo trucks contributing 68%. By 2050, Shandong is the leading province in waste tire production, generating 1.82 million tons annually, accounting for 9.1%. Hainan will see the highest growth rate by 2030, with a 40% increase from 2020 levels. The study, based on current policies, presents three recommendations: improving waste tire tracking and recycling systems, implementing region-specific management strategies, and promoting the resource recovery of raw materials from cargo trucks waste tires. These measures aim to enhance waste tire management and foster rubber resource recycling.

Unveiling the role of city commercial banks in influencing land financialization: Evidence from China

Local financial development is crucial for advancing regional financial supply side structural reform, enabling local governments to leverage financial instruments to effectively mobilize land resources and foster competitive growth. The introduction of numerous financial products linked to land-related rights and interests has resulted in a pronounced transmission and interconnection of fiscal and financial risks across regions. This study examines the impact of local financial development on land financialization in China using panel data from prefecture-level cities and detailed information on land mortgages. The findings indicate that the establishment of city commercial banks (CCBs) contributes to the progress of land financialization by incentivizing local government financing vehicles to participate in land mortgage financing, increasing the transfer of debt risks to the financial sector. Notably, the impact of CCBs on land financialization is more pronounced in regions with urban agglomeration, high GDP manipulation, inadequate local financial regulation, and robust implicit government guarantees. Further analysis reveals that CCB establishment has negative spillover effects on land financialization in neighboring areas, while expansion strategies such as establishing intercity branches, engaging in cross-regional mergers, and relaxing regulations have mitigated the rise of land financialization at the regional level. This study provides policy recommendations that focus on reducing local governments’ reliance on land financing and enhancing the prevention and management of financial risks.

The LTAR Grazing Land Common Experiment at Platte River High Plains Aquifer.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) consists presently of 18 sites within the contiguous United States that are managed by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and its partners. The LTAR network focuses on developing national strategies for more efficient, resilient, and profitable agricultural production systems, improved environmental quality, and enhanced rural prosperity. The Platte River High Plains Aquifer (PRHPA) LTAR site is managed jointly by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and USDA-ARS and is one of the LTAR sites that conduct research on both integrated cropping and grazing systems. The PRHPA region encompasses multiple land resource areas and diverse agricultural production systems. The PRHPA sites, predominantly located in eastern Nebraska, are designated as an integrated system focused specifically on the region's dominant production practices of row crop (corn and soybean), managed pastures, and beef cattle production. Here, we focus on C3 cool-season smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pasture grazing systems under prevailing and alternative management practices for the region. The sites evaluate continuous and rotational grazing with and without pasture fertilization (prevailing practices). In an additional treatment, cattle are supplemented with dry distillers grains plus solubles, while manure supplies fertilization (alternative practice). Main measurements at the site evaluate plant and animal productivity, forage quality, greenhouse gas fluxes, and soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. This paper describes the regional characteristics of the PRHPA site, ongoing LTAR research related to pasture and livestock production, stakeholder engagement, and future research plans.