Land Values Research Articles

Ecological Compensation and Comprehensive Zoning of Cultivated Land Based on Ecosystem Service Value and Extended Three-Dimensional Ecological Footprint Model: A Case Study of Shandong Province

At present, with the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, the contradiction between development and cultivated land protection is exacerbated. Scientifically quantifying ecosystem service value and constructing an ecological compensation mechanism of cultivated land are significant paths for cultivated land protection. This study originates from an extended three-dimensional ecological footprint model, introduces a carbon footprint accounting path, and thoroughly evaluates the sustainable use of farmland ecology. It aimed to accurately calculate the ecosystem service value of farmland, formulate ecological compensation standards, establish an ecological compensation model to measure the total amount of ecological compensation for cultivated land, and delineate the “five-zone map” of ecological compensation for farmland. (1) There is a partial spatial heterotopia phenomenon between ecological consumption and ecological services. (2) In 2022, the ecosystem service value of cultivated land in Shandong Province is high, reaching CNY 78.479 billion. Overall, exported the ecological service value of cultivated land to the outside world. Qingdao, Yantai, and Weihai are farmland ecological compensation zones, with a compensation amount of CNY 71 million. (3) The priority compensation zones are Qingdao and Yantai on the Shandong Peninsula. The priority compensated zones are mainly located in the northern region of Shandong. Exploring ecological compensation for cultivated land ecology at the spatial and temporal scale has important value for ecological protection and security of cultivated land.

Land Value Assessment and Blockchain Land Registry

Land Value Assessment and Blockchain Land Registry

Sustainable Land Use and Value Addition Practices to Combat Land Degradation and Enhance Food Security in Arid and Semi-Arids Regions

Combatting land degradation and desertification is crucial for protecting biodiversity, mitigating climate change impacts, and improving climate adaptation capacity. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Namibia (UNAM) Ogongo campus to explore land use and value addition practices aimed at combating land degradation, building resilience to climate change, and enhancing food security. Data was collected through digital photography and face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. The data was analysed using content analysis and the Chi-Square (X2) test. Findings identified key land use practices, including the cultivation of drought-tolerant crops such as pearl millet and groundnuts, water management practices like rainwater harvesting using earth dams, and modern irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinklers for efficient water use. Soil management practices at the campus focus on enhancing fertility and conservation, with the use of organic matter from cattle and chicken manure to improve soil quality. Rice husk mulching reduces evaporation and maintains soil moisture during dry periods. Adaptive farming techniques, including agroforestry, crop rotation, and intercropping, were also employed to enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and increase resilience to climate change. The campus has installed solar panels to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and reduce carbon emissions. Artificial waterholes in the Game Park provide water for wildlife during dry periods. Additionally, the campus adds value to agricultural products such as groundnuts, beans, rice, and fruits (e.g., guavas, lemons, mangoes) by processing them into flour, juices, dried snacks, omaere, fresh milk, butter, yogurt, and biltong. The findings suggest that campuses like UNAM Ogongo can serve as models for sustainable land management practices in arid and semi-arid regions, blending education, research, and practical implementation.

The Impact of Polluters' Cleanup on Land Values: Evidence From Pollution‐Intensive Industries in China

ABSTRACTThis study utilizes geocoded land transaction data and information on industrial polluting firms to examine the impact of pollution‐intensive firm cleanup on land values in China. Our findings reveal that land parcels with cleanup of at least one heavy polluting enterprise within a 2 km radius experienced a 15.2% increase in land prices compared to those without cleanup. This effect is more pronounced for parcels situated further from the central business district, designated for commercial use, and located in smaller noncapital cities. The emergence of new clean and high‐tech firms, along with population growth post‐cleanup, are identified as primary drivers behind the upward trend in land values. However, within 500 meters of a cleanup site, there can be adverse effects on adjacent land, although overall, cleanup boosts land values.

Assessing the influence of urbanization on the historic city of Paithan, India: a case study focusing on the urban core

ABSTRACT Historic cities around the world have been experiencing continuous threats to their cultural heritage due to the multifaceted pressures of urbanization, with historic cities being increasingly threatened by factors beyond population migration, such as changes in land use, degradation of historic character, urban decay, lack of socio-economic development and challenges to sustainable urbanization, Historic City reestablishment becomes vital, as this would promote sustainable growth. Analysing the impacts and extent of urbanization in historic cities is essential to determine how one might help mitigate it. This study investigates the impact of urbanization on the cultural heritage of the historic city of Paithan, Aiming to answer two key questions: how does urbanization alter the physical and sociocultural fabric of Paithan’s urban historic core, and what factors drive these changes, with the primary objective focussing on assessing the extent of urbanization-led changes and identifying key socio-economic and physical variables influencing this transformation. Four ML models – K-Nearest Neighbour (kNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Logistic Regression, and the Random Forest Method were applied to analyse urbanization data. A set of 11 predictor variables was identified, and the findings reveal the rising land values and changing building use as primary drivers of transformation, leading to a decline in traditional architectural elements. The RFM model emerged as the most accurate model, with an accuracy of 89.3%, providing the most accurate insights into the non-linear relationships between the variables. The study concludes with a call for inclusive growth, balancing sustainable development and modern needs. The ML models chosen for this study use open-source data as well as field surveys. Highlights Research investigates urbanization's impact on cultural heritage in a historic city. Novel study compares machine learning models to assess historic core transformations. Identifies critical factors shaping changes in historic urban fabric and their impact. Analyzes socio-economic and physical variables shaping urbanization patterns. Calls for policies balancing sustainable urban growth and heritage conservation.

Factors influencing market value of agricultural land and fair compensation

The current research focuses on reviewing the relevant factors responsible for developing a farming community in India. A significant segment of the Indian population depends upon agriculture. For the development of the economy, there must be proper formulation and execution of relevant policies. A review of related studies was conducted to find the dominant variables responsible for developing farming communities and providing sustainable livelihood to farmers. The review brings out some significant variables, and the importance of those variables is justified by the network analysis of how the keywords are used in research. The collective approach of reviewing related studies and keyword analysis helped frame a framework for achieving sustainable livelihood amongst agriculturalists. The current study constructs valuable discernment associated with the facets that need to be concentrated on in ripening the farming sector of the Indian economy. Moreover, the current examination requires an empirical investigation of the variables accentuated in the present contemplation based on a review steered.

Fair Taxes, Better Revenue: A Case Study on Spatial Approaches to Land Taxation in Lebak Regency, Indonesia

Land taxation, mainly the Land and Building Tax (LBT), is a critical revenue source for local governments in Indonesia, yet its contribution remains suboptimal due to inefficiencies in assessment and administration. This study focuses on the Lebak Regency to optimize the Sales Value of Taxable Objects (SVTO) assessment, a key determinant of LBT revenue. Using spatial analysis, Land Value Zones (LVZ), and socio-economic data, the research evaluates assessment ratios to identify discrepancies between SVTO and market values. Adjustments to SVTO are proposed based on spatial patterns, such as land use and infrastructure, and the Index of Developing Villages (IDV). Findings reveal significant disparities between assessed and market values, with assessment ratios ranging from 1% to 267%. Simulations indicate potential LBT revenue of IDR 224.7 billion under full compliance, compared to IDR 44.22 billion, the 2024 target. Adjustments based on spatial patterns from land use planning and village development indices enhance equity and accuracy in tax assessments, optimizing local revenues. Despite these improvements, the study’s limitations lie in the lack of community validation for the proposed methodology, which is essential to confirm its practicality and acceptance. Future research should address this gap and explore household-level dynamics, including tax affordability and spending patterns, to enhance policy inclusivity and align taxation systems with local socio-economic realities.

Accessibility Matters, but for Inner Suburbs Too: Unpacking the Impact of Accessibility Levels on Land Value and Transportation Management in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Accessibility Matters, but for Inner Suburbs Too: Unpacking the Impact of Accessibility Levels on Land Value and Transportation Management in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Lesson for Vietnam to Learn from Asian Countries’ Financial Instruments for Railway Projects

The development of Vietnam's railway infrastructure faces challenges in securing adequate funding and attracting private sector investment, which necessitates innovative financial strategies. This study aims to propose a comprehensive financial framework tailored to address these challenges. The research employs a comparative analysis method, examining financial instruments used in railway projects across several Asian countries, including Laos, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. The findings reveal two key insights: (1) integrating railway infrastructure development with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Land Value Capture (LVC) mechanisms significantly boosts government revenues through property development aligned with TOD and LVC principles; (2) diversifying revenue sources—such as fare revenues, property development, and government subsidies—is crucial for ensuring the financial sustainability of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) railway projects and reducing associated risks, thereby encouraging private sector involvement. The proposed framework provides actionable strategies for Vietnam's specific context, offering implications for policymakers to enhance the viability of railway infrastructure projects through innovative financial models.

The impact of residents’ socio-economic changes on the morphological transformation of housing estates. Case study: the Bon Accueil housing estate in Guelma, Algeria

The transformations taking place in suburban housing developments are marked by rapid and obviousevolution, both in the urban landscape and in architecture. Therefore, it is essential to understand and evaluate these changes in order to determine their influence on these housing complexes. The purpose of this research aims to explore the connections between morphological and socio-economic changes in the Bon Accueil housing estate, which is located in the heart of Guelma city in northeastern Algeria. To achieve this, a comprehensive sociological field study was conducted using a survey. The collected data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. On-site alterations to the built environment were categorized into four types: demolition and reconstruction, home extension, minor alterations and embellishments, and fence changes. According to the statistical analysis, these modifications are associated with socio-economic developments. Each form of transformation in the built environment corresponds to a number of socio-economic indicators, including family structure, the number of families per dwelling, the occupation of the household head, inheritance, the type of housing occupation, increases in land and property values, and social rules. The results indicate that adapting the living environment to family projects results in continual evolution: as the family solves new difficulties and meets new needs, the building expands and becomes more complex, reflecting a dynamic lifestyle.

Conceptual Design of a Flood-Adjusted Land Value Index (FALVI) Methodology for Urban Areas: A Study Case at Bandung City, Indonesia

Addressing these water management challenges requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Floods and other water-related challenges in urban areas can have an impact on land values. However, the lack of studies has developed a comprehensive index methodology related to examining floods and land value relationships for urban areas. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive index methodology related to examining floods and land value relationships for urban areas that is called a Flood-Adjusted Land Value Index (FALVI) Methodology. This paper illustrates the importance of the proposed FALVI methodology to determine the relationship between flood events and land value. Important variables within three main aspects—environmental, socio, and historical flood variables—would be elaborated and measured by GIS-based analysis. It provides a more accurate and thorough assessment of property values by taking flood risk variables into account throughout the valuation process. This methodology is also regarded as an essential methodology for examining floods and land value links in metropolitan areas. FALVI can help guide government strategies on flood management, land use planning, and catastrophe risk reduction. By identifying high-risk locations, governments can prioritize flood mitigation measures and enact restrictions that prevent development in susceptible areas. Urban areas in certain watershed systems can be kept viable for the long term by carefully reviewing this methodology and implementing suitable land management strategies.

Calibration of Discrete Element Simulation Parameters and Model Construction for the Interaction Between Coastal Saline Alkali Soil and Soil-Engaging Components

There are approximately 36.7 million hectares of saline alkali land available in China. To enhance the comprehensive utilization value of coastal saline alkali land and boost crop yields in such areas, it is essential to conduct research on optimizing the operational performance of high-performance soil contact components in light of the soil characteristics of coastal saline alkali land. Discrete element simulation can be employed to investigate the operational mechanisms of various key components. Nevertheless, at present, there is a dearth of discrete element models for the key physical parameters and soil structure of coastal saline alkali land soil. In this article, typical coastal saline alkali field soil was sampled, and the physical properties of the saline alkali soil, including salt content, moisture content, particle size distribution, and particle size, as well as intrinsic parameters such as soil compaction, density, Poisson’s ratio, and shear modulus, were measured. The Hertz Mindlin with Bonding contact model was employed. Physical experiments on soil accumulation angles at different depths were carried out using the cylindrical lifting method. Subsequently, by means of the discrete element method and the BBD experimental design method, a response surface model was established, and an optimization analysis was performed on the optimal parameters for the soil–soil collision recovery coefficient, static friction coefficient, and dynamic friction coefficient at each depth. Test benches for measuring the collision recovery coefficient, static friction coefficient, and rolling friction coefficient of saline alkali soil at -65Mn were set up, calculation formulas for each parameter were derived, and the contact parameters between soil at different depths and 65Mn were obtained. The results of the sliding friction angle test on different depths of saline alkali soil at -65Mn were further verified using the discrete element method, with a maximum error of 3.11%, which falls within the allowable range. This suggests that the calibration results of the discrete element simulation parameters for the interaction between soil and contact components are reliable, providing data and model support for future research on enhancing the operational performance of high-performance contact components.

The multifaceted aspects of agricultural landscape value and agricultural landscape valuation exhibit diversity

The agricultural landscape is a synthesis of human culture and natural environment. This cultural landscape possesses a distinct identity and holds significant importance. Both urbanization and agricultural operations have an impact on the values and environment of agricultural landscapes. Numerous global organizations have implemented policies that protect and address environmental issues in agricultural areas. However, Thailand still emphasizes on economical values. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the worth of different agricultural landscapes and apply this assessment to the agricultural landscape of Thailand. By thoroughly examining relevant organizations' documents, research papers, publications, and policies, the agricultural landscape has been established to have multiple dimensions, including both natural and cultural elements. Agriculture processes that contribute to the distinctive landscape of agricultural Landscape have varied degrees of value across multiple aspects, such as (1) The value of cultural elements that can be physically perceived for their historical values, antiquity, and uniqueness; (2) Agriculture and traditional natural values, including local flora, water sources, tree clusters, and landforms; (3) The wisdom-based approach that enhances the value of agricultural land by promoting the development of natural and semi-natural agricultural landscapes that align with the original ecology; and (4) The aesthetic value and beauty of the place that make it an attractive destination for recreational, agricultural, and cultural tourism. The purpose of agricultural landscape assessment is to safeguard their inherent qualities, restore depreciated value, and plan for development. Finally, the evaluation consists of four primary indicators. This assessment utilizes a quantitative evaluation to assess the land cover as well as a qualitative evaluation to assess intangible dimensions such as aesthetics and attractiveness.

Hambatan Adaptasi Mata Pencarian Kelompok Rentan Dalam Relokasi Masyarakat Pesisir KEK Mandalika

Vulnerable groups at the margins of development are often the most affected in the development process. The development of the Mandalika area as a new tourism center exposes vulnerable groups to situations that require them to be able to adapt to the development of tourism economic activities in the region. This study aims to examine the obstacles to livelihood adaptation of vulnerable groups in relocation due to the development of the Mandalika Tourism Area. This research is case study research with a qualitative approach. Theoretically, in one spectrum, this research uses a political economy perspective as an alternative in understanding the dynamics of vulnerable groups of coastal communities who are relocated due to the infiltration of ongoing tourism development in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone. This research found a number of obstacles in the process of adapting the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, namely related to the protracted relocation process, the economic value in land and settlement compensation is small, relocation is oriented towards resettlement rather than socio-economic recovery of the community and the characteristics of jobs available in the area have not favored the needs of vulnerable groups. This research sees that there are differences in the pace of economic development and social development where state intervention in supporting regional operations is still concentrated on infrastructure development in stimulating business activities for the needs of the tourism economy. Meanwhile, social development, especially interventions to support economic recovery and adapt the livelihoods of vulnerable groups, has not yet become the main discourse in supporting the economic transformation of local communities.

A Study of the Effects of Wetland Degradation on Soil-Microbial-Extracellular Enzyme Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus and Their Ecological Stoichiometry

Due to the unique geographic location of A’er Xiang, there is a natural landscape where sandy land and lake-marsh wetlands coexist. However, the wetland degradation caused by the disturbance of anthropogenic activities has led to the change in land use. In this study, the spatial-temporal substitution method was used to select five sample plots: the original wetland converted to forest land for reuse area of five years and ten years; the original wetland converted to cropland for reuse area of five years and ten years; and the native wetland. It aims to investigate the variations in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and their stoichiometric characteristics of soil-microorganisms-extracellular enzymes before and after reuse, and to analyze potential interactions among these elements. The results indicated that following wetlands degradation, changes in land use for five years did not significantly affect the content of soil organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), or total phosphorus (TP). However, after ten years, both TOC and TN, except for TP, decreased significantly. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) contents in cropland were consistently higher than those in WL, showing a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with longer conversion periods. In contrast, forest land values were lower than in WL and increased as the conversion period lengthened. The microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) content was ranked across the five sample sites as follows: 10 CL > 5 CL > 5 FL > 10 FL > WL. β-1,4-glucosidase (BG) activity was significantly increased after conversion to forest land and significantly decreased after conversion to cropland. β-1,4-N-glucosidase (NAG) and L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activities were ranked as follows among the five sites: 5 FL > WL > 5 CL > 10 FL > 10 CL. Phosphatase (PHOS) activity showed no significant changes post-conversion, though it was consistently lower compared to WL.

Does Green Finance Enhance the Ecological Value Level of Cultivated Land? Evidence from Mainland China

The ecological value of cultivated land contributes to a harmonious agricultural environment. Green finance support is essential to promoting the ecological value of cultivated land. Nevertheless, research specifically centered on cultivated land as a primary focus remains limited in exploring the relationship between ecological value and green finance, ignoring the fact that green finance can bolster ecological functions and drive sustainable practices. To address this gap, an objective indicator of the cultivated land ecological value level was introduced, and its variations at both the provincial and national levels from 2003 to 2022 were investigated. Results indicate that the cultivated land ecological value level increased over time, with higher values clustering spatially in southern regions. Subsequently, specific spatial correlations between the cultivated land ecological value level and green finance support were revealed using a spatial Durbin model. The results show that green finance support enhanced the cultivated land ecological value level, with its spatial lag term being particularly pronounced. These correlations were evident in eastern regions but were insignificant in western regions. Furthermore, a detailed range of spatial indirect spillover effects was estimated, demonstrating that the spatial effects on other provinces were positive when the geographic distance between them was close. In summary, these conclusions offer practical recommendations for the eco-friendly management of cultivated land, including strategies for vertical collaboration between central and local administrations and horizontal adaptation by governments in the east, central, and west regions based on local conditions.

Integrating Temporal Dimensions in Circularity of the Built Environment Analysis of Two Flemish Industrial Parks

This manuscript explores how incorporating temporal dimensions into built environment research can promote a more circular society, adding societal improvements to efficiency-driven measures closing waste or material cycles. The current circularity approaches in industrial environments mainly focus on short-term innovations reducing resource extraction and waste, overlooking long-term circularity potentials of natural resource management such as living soils as a basis for all life. This study addresses this gap by investigating, analyzing, and drawing interplays between regenerative soil cycles and business development cycles in two Flemish industry parks, Kortrijk-Noord and Haasrode. Using diachronic mapping, a qualitative design and action research tool, the study aims to generate a space–time composite of soil and business cycles, integrating archival research, interviews, and policy document reviews. This method visually captures interplays between geology, land valuation, and economic development, demonstrating that integrating soil and business cycles can suggest new pathways for site-specific circular practices on Flemish industry parks, which can inform site-specific project frameworks for circular built environments. As such, the research advocates a paradigm shift in industry park (re)development, from product and material innovation within a ‘time is money’ framework to an integrated ‘time is life’ approach, where time’s historical and social dimensions are part of circular landscape development.

What Kind of Institutional Configuration Incentivizes Farmers’ Behavior in Ecological Value Co-Creation of Cultivated Land?

Innovating institutional incentives and promoting multiple-subject interaction and cooperation to create ecological value of cultivated land are practical requirements for the sustainable protection of cultivated land and high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas. We performed a survey questionnaire of 862 farmers in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area and used the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to explore the institutional configuration effect of farmers’ behavior in the ecological value co-creation of cultivated land (FBEVCCL). The institutional configuration characteristics of the ecological value co-creation of cultivated land was analyzed, and we propose institutional optimization suggestions for the ecological value co-creation of cultivated land. The research results demonstrated the following: (1) A single institutional element does not constitute a necessary condition for the FBEVCCL, and it is necessary to analyze the institutional configuration effect. (2) Four institutional configurations lead to high-level FBEVCCL. Both formal and informal configurations have important impacts on the FBEVCCL, but the guidance, subsidies, and constraints of formal institutions are often the core driving factors, complemented by the shaping of farmers’ values to jointly enhance the FBEVCCL. The formal institutions of publicity and guidance, rewards and subsidies, and disciplinary constraints can to some extent replace each other. (3) The three institutional configurations lead to low-level FBEVCCL, and the lack of informal and formal institutions for incentives and punishments is the main reason for low-level FBEVCCL. In the future, we should further standardize the reward and punishment mechanism, enhance farmers’ green production skills, and sustainably enhance the behavior of farmers in the ecological value co-creation of cultivated land.

Distribution of microplastics in the soils of a petrochemical industrial region in China: Ecological and Human Health Risks.

Although microplastic pollution is a global concern, information on the distribution of microplastics in petroleum and petrochemical urban soils is limited. In this study, we investigated the occurrence, ecological risk, and human exposure risk of microplastics in different land-use types of soil in Daqing Administrative region, a prominent petroleum and petrochemical industrial base in China. Stereoscopic microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) were used to study the chemical composition and distribution characteristics of microplastics. We found that the abundance of microplastics in Daqing soil ranged from 714 to 11,122 items/kg, with the highest value in educational land and the lowest in parks and green land. The dominant particle size of microplastics was < 1mm (65.7%), and the shape was mainly fiber (55.1%), with white (28.9%) and black (25.6%) as the predominant colors. The most common polymer types were rayon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Using the potential ecological risk index (RI) and polymeric risk index (H), we found that all land-use types, except woodland (Level I), were classified into Level V of ecological risk, with the highest risk in industrial land (RI = 14,959.85, H = 588.31). The daily exposure of infants to microplastics was much higher than that of adults. These findings provide valuable data for the pollution and potential risk assessment of microplastics in urban and rural environments, suggesting the importance of taking action to minimize its harmful effects on ecological and human health. In order to control the pollution caused by microplastics, we suggest that people should reduce the unnecessary use of single-use plastic items, such as water bottles, plastic shopping bags, straws, etc. In addition, the government needs to strengthen rubbish collection to prevent plastic waste from leaking into the environment during the period from the rubbish bins to the landfills, and to build recycling systems to increase the recycling rate.

Agro-extractivism and shifting smallholder dynamics: evidence from Kashmir, India

ABSTRACT Research on agrarian extractivism has rapidly expanded, encompassing diverse empirical investigations and conceptual frameworks. This paper centers its examination on agrarian commercialization in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, analyzing the intricacies of this theoretical framework. We explore agrarian extractivism through an empirical lens, investigating its relation to smallholder farming development and the role of the state within Kashmir's unique conflict setting, which influences both agricultural practices and the livelihoods of farmers. We argue that the rise of agricultural commercialization, driven by export-oriented apple monoculture and resource-intensive practices, presents a set of multifaceted challenges. Our empirical model uses a regression with an endogenous treatment effect to evaluate the impact of state-promoted extension services on smallholder farm incomes. Our findings reveal that while agro-extractivism increases land use and value extraction, it does not lead to substantial income growth for smallholders. Instead, it contributes to their marginalization and displacement in the region. Furthermore, we argue that the state strategically promotes agrarian extractivism to consolidate power and sovereignty while seeking to maintain legitimacy. Thus, creating an effective agrarian transition necessitates addressing the participation and rights of smallholder farmers rather than merely facilitating the extractivist tendencies of the dominant neoliberal agricultural development models.