Natural Forest Areas Research Articles

Phosphorus lability in a Ferralsol as affected by land-use change in the Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT Low availability of phosphorus (P) is a constraint to agricultural development in tropical soils, owing to the high fixation of P in the soil matrix. Land-use change can modify soil P dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of land-use change on P fractions in a Ferralsol under different systems of use and management. Inorganic (Pi) and organic soil P (Po) fractions were assessed by sequential fractionation using H2O, NaHCO3, NaOH, hot concentrated HCl and H2SO4-H2O2 as extractants. The systems in the study were as follows: pasture (PAST), no-tillage system (NT), organic cultivation (ORG) with 2, 6, 8 and 10 years of organic management, and conventional continuous cropping tillage (CT). A native Cerrado forest (F) area was used as reference. In general, Po forms predominated over Pi, with exception of the CT soil, where Pi represented 41% of the total P. On average, conversion of F into the CT system reduced levels of Po in the soil by up to 72%. The soil P resilience index showed that P inputs in the CT and NT systems were insufficient at recovering P availability after the land-use change. On the other hand, the most recent ORG systems demonstrated the greatest efficiency at restoring the equilibrium of the soil P state. The hypothesis that less intensive agricultural systems increase the soil labile P pool, enhancing available P levels, was confirmed. Agricultural systems that used organic inputs and reduced soil disturbance were found to be more efficient at recovering and maintaining soil P availability.

Soil Physical Properties, Root Distribution, and “Ponkan” Tangerine Yield Across Different Rootstocks in a Deep Tillage Ultisol

Deep soil tillage and proper rootstock selection mitigate the root development limitations in Ultisol’s Bt horizon, enhancing the citrus yield potential. This study evaluates the root spatial distribution of three Ponkan tangerine rootstocks in Ultisol under deep tillage alongside the physical-hydric attributes and plant measurements. The experimental area underwent furrow creation, subsoiling, and hole opening for planting. The treatments included three rootstocks: “Cravo Santa Cruz” (CSC), “Sunki Tropical” (ST), and “Citrandarin Índio” (CI). Under the Ultisol preparation, these rootstocks were compared to a native forest area (FA). Three years post-initial tillage, soil samples were collected at depths of 0–0.05, 0.35–0.40, and 0.45–0.50 m from the pre-established positions. The evaluation encompassed soil dispersive clay, available water, crop water use, plant measurement, and crop yield. The root evaluation utilized the crop profile method and 2D images, with subsequent surface mapping of the root variables, number (NR), and diameter (RD) analyzed via kriging geostatistical analysis. The Ultisol showed significant changes in its physical-hydric attributes regarding structural change and more excellent clay dispersion, with a considerable contribution to the micropore volume. Deep tillage effectively improved the root spatial distribution, especially concerning the number and diameter of roots, and enhanced the water use, reflected in the vegetative growth and yield, with the rootstock CSC standing out.

Seed dispersal by bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) and mutualistic networks in a landscape dominated by cocoa in the Brazilian amazon

Bats play essential roles in neotropical ecosystems, performing crucial ecological functions such as insect pest control, pollination of plants with significant economic, social, and ecological value, and seed dispersal, including that of pioneer plant species. These animals are directly linked to human well-being, and declines in their populations can even have adverse effects, such as increasing the need for pesticides in regions where natural insect control is reduced. The seed dispersal conducted by bats is fundamental for maintaining neotropical biodiversity, as it supports habitat regeneration and the propagation of various plant species. Moreover, the role of these dispersers is enhanced due to their ability to inhabit a variety of environments, from natural forests to anthropized areas. However, the conversion of natural forests into agricultural production areas, as well as urbanization, has affected the structure of mutualistic networks between bats and plants. In this context, the objective of this study was to identify the pattern of seed dispersal by bats of the Phyllostomidae family in an anthropized landscape of the Brazilian Amazon. Data collection was conducted in different areas of natural forest, cocoa cultivation, and urban areas in the municipalities of the States of Pará. Regarding the results, the most representative subfamilies of bats were Carollinae (72.15 %) and Stenodermatinae (21.8 %). The botanical families Piperaceae (35.52 %) and Solanaceae (19.71 %) were the ones most preferred by the bats. Regarding species richness, the general bat-plant interaction network included 15 botanical families and 26 species of bats. The general interaction network was nested (WNODF= 29.8), with low Specialization (H2=0.27), Connectance (0.17), and Modularity corresponding to M=0.21. Thus, we highlight the importance of these species for the restoration of degraded environments. Therefore, through the execution of projects that demonstrate the importance of chiropterochory in the restoration of degraded ecosystems in the Amazon, it will be possible to create measures and subsidies focused on the conservation of bat and plant species that play a role in maintaining the planet's biodiversity.

Physical attributes of the soil in an area under Forage Palm management in the Agreste of Alagoas

The objective was to evaluate soil density (Ds) and penetration resistance (RP) in an experimental area with forage palm management. The study was conducted in an experimental area belonging to the Federal University of Alagoas - Arapiraca Campus. To determine the Ds, undeformed samples were collected at three points within the plot, each point with three different depths (0-10; 10-20 and 20-30 cm). To determine the PR, the impact penetrometer was used at depths of 0-60 cm. For comparison purposes, samples were collected in a native forest area. The data were submitted to analysis through the statistical program R and Tukey test at 1 and 5% probability. Ds ranged from 1.59 to 1.63 g cm-3, not differing significantly. The lowest densities were obtained in the surface layer, influenced by the contribution of organic matter and greater presence of roots. In all depths evaluated, the Ds values were lower for the native forest area. In relation to PR, the values gradually increased up to the first 20 cm of depth for most treatments, reflecting the influence that the non-soil revolution causes in the most superficial layers. Therefore, Ds did not differ significantly. The 0-10 cm layer showed the lowest Ds values. The native forest showed the lowest Ds values at all depths when compared to the managed area. PR gradually increased to the first 20 cm of depth for most of the treatments analyzed.

Diversity of Bird Species in Training and Model Forest of Faculty of Forestry Science, National University of Laos A case study of Napo Village, Sangthong District, Vientiane Capital

This research are the objectives to study the diversity of bird species in 3 different forest areas: forest plantation area, agricultural land and natural forest area. Which the tools used in the study are the interviews with people who found types of bird species in the area and direct survey belong point transects or point count with take note and then analyzed by formula frequency ratio and dominant ratio. From the interview, there are 53 species of birds, 43 genus and 9 orders in the study area as forest plantation area of 30 species, 24 genus, 6 orders, agricultural land area of 31 species, 24 genus, 9 orders, and nature forest area of 12 species, 10 genus, 3 orders. From the actual survey in 3 areas it was found that there are 49 bird species, 37 genus and 11 orders. Species were not found in the survey but found in the interview of 17 species, 16 genus, 7 orders, and species found outside of the interview of 15 species, 14 genus, 6 orders. In that there are 2 species in the prohibited category of poultry or his list 1, namely: the Nokkotpeut (Centropus sinensis), and the KaiKuaNin (Lophura diardi), but from the actual survey it was found only by the NokkotPeut (Centropus sinensis), As for the KaiKuaNin (Lophura diardi) is not found, Status by Threatened Species List of IUCN and aquatic and wildlife list of Laos: 7 species and 1 species on the list (1) of 2008 aquatic and wildlife.

Developing an integrative management plan for urban and peri-urban forests: A case study of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Many cities worldwide have adopted management strategies for urban forests, typically focusing on forest parks, street trees and park trees. However, planning that concentrates on natural urban forest areas remains scarce. This study introduces an advanced planning framework for the integrative management of natural urban forests and applies it to Ljubljana's urban forests (2151 ha). The framework consists of an initiation phase and a six-step planning procedure. Through a comprehensive process lasting 20 months, with strong stakeholder involvement and political support, we developed a strategic plan for Ljubljana’s entire urban forest area and an operational plan for a specific block within this area. The approach employs the integrative management of forest stands within or near the city, incorporating harmonised activities in silviculture, recreation, protection, harvesting and communication. This planning method aims to bridge the gap between traditional forest management planning and urban green infrastructure planning.

Fluvial waters toxicology related to its land use and land cover

Due to uncontrolled population growth and intensified anthropic activities, numerous environmental impacts occur in water bodies, such as the toxicity of their waters. This study aimed to evaluate the water toxicity of the Antas River through ecotoxicological bioassays using neonates of the microcrustacean Daphnia magna, and to relate it to land use and land cover in areas near the river. Fourteen sampling points were selected along the entire assessed stretch of the river, and water samples were collected and subjected to acute toxicity analyses using neonates. Land use and land cover mapping of the Antas River Watershed was generated, and an analysis was conducted within approximately a 400-meter radius from each sampling point. The occupation rates for each evaluated area were quantified and subsequently correlated with the obtained toxicity data. The results revealed a high significance level (99%) indicating that land use and land cover in the vicinity of water bodies directly influence water toxicity, impacting it in urban areas or preserving it in native forest areas, depending on the land use, as assessed through acute assays using neonates of the microcrustacean Daphnia magna.

Analysis Of Plant Diversity Agroforestry In The Mount Lawu Natural Forest Area

The natural forest area of Mount Lawu, with various plant compositions, can be landscaped by humans to produce diverse landscape characters in the natural forest area. The solution for implementing the Agroforestry system is very appropriate because land management with this system is to overcome problems arising from changes in land use and soil and water conservation. The research aims to analyze plant diversity in agroforestry practices with services in natural landscape water conservation and develop strategies in agroforestry services. This research was carried out on the natural forest of Mount Lawu, using the fast AgroBiodiversity Appraisal method. The research results show that the composition of the vegetation structure at the research location varies greatly with a high agroforestry diversity index. The practice of agroforestry in the natural forest of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 1600 above sea level with the highest important index value is dominated by the plant species Arenga pinnata, pine merkusi, and paraserientes falcataria. In the slope area of 2200 meters above sea level, the plant species are dominated by Acacia decurrens, while at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level, the plant species are dominated by Fuchsia magellanica, Anaphalis javanica, Casuarina junghuniana.

Multi-scale geographically weighted regression estimation of carbon storage on coniferous forests considering residual distribution using remote sensing data

The Above-Ground Carbon (AGC) is an important indicator reflecting the carbon sink function of forest ecosystems. The area of coniferous forests in China accounts for about 50 % of the national forest area. Accurately estimating the AGC of coniferous forests plays an important role in evaluating forest carbon sink function. This study takes coniferous forests in Chun’an, Zhejiang Province as an example, using Landsat 8 OLI as the remote sensing data source, and innovatively proposes a multi-scale Geographically Weighted Regression model (MGWR) combined with Co-Kriging (COK), namely MGWR-COK and Ordinary Kriging (OK), namely MGWR-OK, for AGC estimation. This method first processes Landsat8 OLI remote sensing data, extracts and screens variables, and then constructs an MGWR model with AGC survey samples to estimate AGC and calculate residuals; Afterwards, two models, COK and OK, were used to spatially estimate the residuals; Finally, the AGC estimation results are overlaid with the residual estimation results to obtain the spatial distribution of AGC in coniferous forests. The study indicates that: (1) The selected remote sensing feature variables such as Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Entropy (B3_ent_1 and B2_ent_2), Correlation (B4_corr and B5_corr_2) of texture information, B754 with band combination and elevation have a significant impact on AGC estimation. (2) The AGC accuracy R2 estimated by MGWR-OK and MGWR-COK are 0.837 and 0.857, respectively, which are 6 % and 8 % higher than the MGWR model, and the root mean square error is also reduced by 10 % and 12 %, respectively. This indicates that the combination of MGWR and Kriging interpolation can effectively reduce its spatial estimation error. (3) The range of AGC values estimated by the MGWR-COK model is 0.189–62.591 Mg ∙ hm−2, with a mean of 28.795 Mg ∙ hm−2. The spatial distribution shows a characteristic of high in the southeast and low in the northwest, which is consistent with the actual situation in the study area.

The food-water-climate nexus of green infrastructure: Examining ecosystem services trade-offs of peri-urban agriculture

Emission reduction, heat mitigation, and improved access to water and food provision are increasingly critical challenges for urban areas in the context of global climate change adaptation and mitigation. The revival of local agricultural production is often lauded as a potential nature-based solution. However, an expansion of peri-urban agriculture (peri-UA) may entail significant ecosystem trade-offs. This study explores the impacts on the food-water-climate nexus of different scenarios of peri-urban agricultural expansion in a semi-arid, Mediterranean climate, addressing local food provision, freshwater use, local temperature regulation, global climate change mitigation, and the trade-offs thereof. We estimate food provision and irrigation water requirements based on a georeferenced urban metabolism approach along with atmospheric and biosphere models to examine four land-use scenarios in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona.Our study reveals that a 31 % (+17.27 km2) and 115 % (+64.25 km2) increase in the current peri-UA in the AMB, results in an increase in local food production of 24 % (+16,503 tons year−1) and 86 % (+58,940 tons year−1), and irrigation water requirements by 10.0 % (+3.2 hm3) and 43.5 % (+14.1 hm3), respectively. The expansion of irrigated peri-UA potentially reduces near-surface temperatures by 0.7 °C, albeit temperature reductions in the densest urban areas are minimal. Since the additional peri-UA is achieved by replacing natural non-forested and forest areas, the simulations predict reductions in the net ecosystem productivity of up to 18.5 % and total carbon stocks by 3.3 %. This integrated approach combining urban metabolism and atmospheric modelling to determine the trade-offs appears to be a promising tool for informing land-use decision-making in the context of urban climate adaptation and mitigation.

Importance of Macroscopic Environmental Analysis for spring preservation used for human consumption

The lack and deterioration of the quality of water resources have made governments take educational measures and required society to rethink habits concerning the preservation and conservation of water quality. Thus, the present study aims to present the importance of spring preservation for water quality conservation as well as to develop a macroscopic environmental analysis of springs located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Twenty springs were observed in two different periods of the year (May and November 2019), which had different economic activities: native forest – public domain; soybean, tobacco, and pig farming – private domain, in their surroundings. The study adopted five replications (different municipalities), and a macroscopic environmental analysis was carried out in each spring to classify them according to the extent of preservation. It was observed that most of the springs show “Good” and “Very good” preservation. However, it can be concluded that the economic activities developed in the surroundings do not interfere with spring preservation, and the methodology adopted is not recommended for the macroscopic environmental analysis in areas of native forest due to the characteristics considered.

Contamination risk by heavy metals and enzymatic stoichiometry in agricultural soils under intense use of pesticides.

Soil contamination by heavy metals (HM) from pesticides poses a serious environmental threat, affecting sustainability and agricultural productivity. Soil enzymes are essential for biochemical reactions such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling and are vital for maintaining soil health. However, the effects of HM on soil enzyme activity are not yet well understood. This study examined the impact of HM contamination on enzymatic stoichiometry in regions with intensive pesticide use. We selected flower cultivation areas with 5years (CA1) and 10years (CA2) of pesticide exposure and a native forest area (NFA) as a reference during the dry and rainy seasons. We measured Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn levels and employed ecological risk indices to assess contamination levels. We also analyzed enzyme activities (arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, urease) and enzymatic stoichiometry. CA2 exhibited the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Mn in both periods, while Zn was highest in both CA1 and CA2. CA2 had higher values for all indices, indicating significant contamination. Compared with NFA, arylsulfatase activity was lower in cultivated areas during both periods, suggesting decreased soil quality. We found negative correlations between Cu, Mn, Zn, and arylsulfatase, as well as a reduction in urease with Cd; these elements also increased microbial C limitation. Our findings show that continuous pesticide input increases HM levels and that enzyme activity and stoichiometry are effective bioindicator of soil contamination. This study underscores the urgent need for guidelines to protect soils from prolonged HM buildup.

IMPACT OF FOREST CONVERSION TO PASTURE ON SOIL ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY IN THE NORTHERN AMAZON

The conversion of forests to pastures in the Amazon results in deforestation and the loss of environmental services. This practice affects biogeochemical cycles and impairs soil enzyme activity, which is essential for maintaining soil quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of converting part of the Amazon forest into pastures, focusing on soil enzyme activity. The study was conducted at Fazenda Canto Verde, Roraima, comparing native forest areas and pastures of Brachiaria brizantha and Brachiaria humidicola, established on Haplic acrisol, without fertilization or tillage, under a management regime of 30 days of grazing and 60 days of rest. Sampling involved 12 mini trenches per hectare at two depths, with analysis of enzyme activity post-incubation. Higher activity of carbon cycle enzymes (Cellulase, Invertase, β-Glucosidase) was observed in the forest compared to pastures, especially with B. humidicola. Nitrogen cycle enzymes (Urease, BAA-Protease) were more active in the forest, while B. humidicola showed the highest Casein-Protease activity. In the phosphorus and sulfur cycles, the forest led in Phosphomonoesterase and Phosphodiesterase, while B. humidicola excelled in Arylsulfatase. This study demonstrates that replacing forest with pastures significantly alters soil functionality, impacting biogeochemical cycles and their ecological functions.

Use of environmental indicators to assess the state of forest ecosystems

The purpose of the study was to comprehensively analyse the effectiveness of environmental indicators in determining the state of forest ecosystems and their ability to reflect changes in the ecological balance. During the study, the influence of anthropogenic factors on biomass, soil acidity, and species diversity of forest ecosystems in the Sumy Oblast of Ukraine was evaluated. Field studies were conducted to determine the soil acidity, the biomass of plants and animals in anthropogenic and natural forest areas, followed by statistical analysis of the data. The degree of degradation of forest areas as a result of human activity was determined and the environmental consequences of these changes for natural systems were evaluated. The results showed that anthropogenically modified areas have reduced biomass (100 t/ha) and species diversity (20 plant species), increased soil acidity (pH 6.5-7) and high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates, compared to mixed forests, where biomass reaches 200 t/ha, species diversity – 50 species of flora, and soil acidity varies from moderately acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6). These data confirmed the negative impact of human activity on ecosystems, in particular on biomass and soil acidity. It was established that environmental indicators allow forming a comprehensive picture of the state of ecosystems, which is necessary for making informed management decisions aimed at preserving and restoring ecosystems, and at effective management of natural resources. The results obtained demonstrated serious environmental problems as a result of anthropogenic impact on forest ecosystems. A decrease in biomass and species diversity, and an increase in soil acidity in anthropogenic zones indicate the need for urgent implementation of measures for the conservation and restoration of natural forests. The study will be useful in the context of long-term monitoring of ecosystems, which would allow a more detailed investigation of the dynamics of their changes

Soil fauna changing in after‐pine harvesting's areas along a temporal gradient of Atlantic Forest regeneration

AbstractMonoculture of pine alters the soil fauna community structure, but forest farms, mixed with natural areas, are restoring the original vegetation to protect, the diversity and ecosystem functions. In restoration initiatives it is necessary to consider the soil fauna. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate how the process of restoration of the soil community occurs over time in areas after pine harvesting. Areas in natural regeneration with 4 and 10 years, pine plantations adjacent to these areas (representing previous use), and areas of natural forest (reference) were evaluated, it was evaluated three areas per treatment, with six sampling points spaced 30 m apart, totalling 18 sampling points for each treatment (n = 18). Soil mesofauna and macrofauna were collected through soil monoliths and pitfall traps. The comparison of the statistical analysis was to check for changes in the soil fauna over time (4 and 10 years) compared with that observed in secondary forest areas. The study showed that, along the natural regeneration time (4 and 10 years), it was observed increments in the diversity and evenness of the soil community and a reduction in the dominance of groups like Formicidae and increases in the community structure complexity with the resurgence of micropredators/regulators (Collembola and Acari), litter transformers (Oligochaeta, Diplopoda, Blattodea, Coleoptera (Larva), Diptera (Larva) and Coleoptera) and predators (Pseudoscorpiones, Opiliones, Symphyla and Coleoptera) after 10 years of natural regeneration, the areas have already recovered groups with important ecosystem functions, but are not yet at the level of abundance, functional diversity and community structure of native forest areas. The 4‐ and 10‐year regeneration areas present major number of soil fauna groups of native forest (20 groups in regeneration areas and 17 in the native forest areas). Even so, the forest showed a major complexity of soil fauna community structure, evidenced by the diversity. This study contributes to the understanding of natural regeneration for soil fauna along a temporal gradient and these findings can guide the conservation of regional soil fauna diversity.

Water quality and surroundings for systemic management of springs in rural areas

Springs enable the passage of groundwater to flow to the ground surface, forming and sustaining watercourses. Despite the importance of these ecosystems, their functionality and the availability of water in terms of quantity and quality in rural areas have been threatened. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water quality of springs under different care and preservation scenarios in rural areas and assess the need to combine water potability analysis with biological indicators and the effects of the interaction between aquatic and terrestrial environments on the characteristics of surroundings to generate a systemic and robust representation of the impact of human actions on these threatened environments. The study was developed considering the Ijuí River Basin, in the northwestern state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It involved the evaluation of springs in a native forest area protected by drainage and a preserved vegetation; in a reforested area with concrete protection and surrounding vegetation; and in a livestock area with no vegetation fragments in the surroundings and with an outcrop protected by concrete pipes. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses are essential for determining the potability of spring water. However, these are specific assessments that do not reflect historical environmental conditions. The use of bioindicators enables these analyses and, together with the determination of surroundings' characteristics, allows for evaluating the degree of preservation to ensure spring quality, providing perspectives that combine care and sustainable use.

Water purification – an essential service from forest ecosystems, and farming practices in the Pong River Basin, Northeast Thailand

Deforestation often results in biodiversity depletion, land degradation, and loss of forest ecosystem services such as water purification. This research examined the relationship between natural forest areas in the Pong River Basin (PRB), northeast Thailand, and water quality in the Pong River system, one of the country's most polluted rivers. Water parameters were measured in 15 tributaries where samples were collected 500 m upstream from the outlets, and 2–5 m from the streambanks during summer, rainy, and winter seasons in 2021. Land use and land cover (LULC) were classified by a supervised classification method in QGIS using LANDSAT8 satellite imagery and USGS SRTM data. Vegetative surveys were conducted near the sampling locations which included species richness and density. Water characteristics at all the sites were under Thailand's Water Quality Standard, except a level of biological oxygen demand (avg. BOD = 3.52 mg/L). The upper PRB, covered with more forested areas with higher tree densities along streambanks (∼43 % of the basin, 619 trees/ha), revealed better water quality including a higher concentration of dissolved oxygen (avg. DO = 7.57 mg/L) and a lower level of fecal coliform bacteria (avg. FCB = 642 MPN/100 mL). In contrast, the lower PRB having larger areas of farmlands and smaller forests (∼63 % and 23 %, respectively) yielded higher concentrations of FCB (avg. = 1,353 MPN/100 mL) and phosphates (avg. PO43- = 0.34 mg/L). Positive correlations were found between the amount of forestlands (% of the sub-basin) with DO and nitrate concentrations (r = 0.468 and 0.409, p-value < 0.05, respectively), while agricultural areas were correlated with FCB (r = 0.414, p-value < 0.05). Amounts of forests determine water purity, while farmlands denoting dirtiness. These findings show that water purification is an essential forest ecosystem service, critical for stream health.

The Impact of Social Forestry on Communities and Forest Areas Salimbutan Lubuk Alung

Indonesia is one of the countries that has the largest area of ​​natural forest in the world and is often referred to as one of the world's lungs which contributes oxygen for the survival of living things. Even though forests have many benefits, if the benefits from forests are not managed properly and correctly, they can have negative impacts and can lead to disasters and conflicts, apart from that, there is a fairly high level of deforestation and poverty is still often found in communities in and around forests. made various parties including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry try to encourage community empowerment programs. One of these community empowerment programs is Social Forestry. This type of research uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive design in the form of a case study. The population used in this research is the area and managers of LPHN Salimbutan Lubuk Alung, Padang Pariaman Regency. The samples from this research are all areas managed by LPHN Lintasutan Lubuk Alung. The instruments used in this research were observations and questionnaires. The results of this research show that in 2017 the level of deforestation at the Salimbutan LPHN increased by 9.7 Ha, then in 2018 it decreased by 2.6 Ha, in 2019 by 0.8 Ha, in 2020 by 1.4 Ha, in 2021 with a total of 0.8 Ha, and then in 2022 it will increase again with a total of 4.7 Ha. Meanwhile, community income before the training and assistance was still relatively low with a percentage of 11.16%. The data after training and assistance was carried out in the Salimbutan LPHN area, community income increased by 28.08% in 2022 and 57.38% in 2023

Effect of land use on soil macrofauna in Southern Ghana

ABSTRACT The study explored the impact of land use changes on soil biodiversity, focussing on soil invertebrates in a converted natural forest. Using parallel transects 1 km in length positioned 200 m apart across cocoa, coffee, and cashew farms and natural forest areas, we sampled soil invertebrates with pitfall traps. The findings reveal a significant decline in soil invertebrate populations in cocoa, coffee, and cashew farmlands compared to natural forest. The number of soil invertebrates recorded in the wet season was generally less than the number found in the dry season. Mean soil invertebrate count in the natural forest was approximately double that of the count in cashew farms. Soil invertebrate density was highest in the dry season in the natural forest and lowest in the cashew farms. The study contributes a holistic understanding of the intricate relationships between land use changes and soil biodiversity, emphasizing the urgency of adopting conservation measures and policy interventions to safeguard the rich diversity of soil ecosystems for future generations.

Consequences of Land Use Changes on Native Forest and Agricultural Areas in Central-Southern Chile during the Last Fifty Years

Chile’s central-south region has experienced significant land use changes in the past fifty years, affecting native forests, agriculture, and urbanization. This article examines these changes and assesses their impact on native forest cover and agricultural land. Agricultural data for Chile (1980–2020) were obtained from public Chilean institutions (INE and ODEPA). Data on land use changes in central and south Chile (1975–2018), analysed from satellite images, were obtained from indexed papers. Urban area expansion in Chile between 1993 and 2020 was examined using publicly available data from MINVIU, Chile. Additionally, photovoltaic park data was sourced from SEA, Chile. Field crop coverage, primarily in central and southern Chile, decreased from 1,080,000 ha in 1980 to 667,000 ha in 2020, with notable decreases observed in cereal and legume crops. Conversely, the coverage of export-oriented orchards and vineyards increased from 194,947 ha to 492,587 ha. Forest plantations expanded significantly, ranging from 18% per decade in northern central Chile to 246% in the Maule and Biobío regions. This was accompanied by a 12.7–27.0% reduction per 10 years in native forest. Urban areas have experienced significant growth of 91% in the last 27 years, concentrated in the Mediterranean climate region. Solar photovoltaic parks have begun to increasingly replace thorn scrub (Espinal) and agricultural land, mirroring transformations seen in other Mediterranean nations like Spain and Portugal.