Pasture Areas Research Articles

Toxicological Risk Assessment and Source Identification of Groundwater Pollution: A Case of Sheep Herd Damage in a Pastoral Area

Improper emissions from industrial activities pose toxicological risks to groundwater safety. Based on an environmental forensic identification case involving livestock (sheep) damage caused by groundwater pollution in a pastoral area, we comprehensively evaluated groundwater quality risks, toxicological risks, and pollution sources using multivariate statistical methods, the Nemerow index method, and a non-carcinogenic health risk model. The potential specific pollutants in the region mainly included calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, ammonia nitrogen, total dissolved solids, and nitrate. An evaluation of the groundwater health risk factors showed that fluoride, nitrate, and manganese pose higher health risks (HQ > 1), as fluoride > nitrate > manganese. This suggests that these three pollutants were the primary causes of livestock damage. Identification of pollution sources using multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the main pollutants in the groundwater originate from two rare earth enterprises in the surrounding industrial park, followed by the emissions from animal husbandry. This study provides guidelines into comprehensive regional toxicological risk assessment and source tracing, offering an identification method for similar forensic environmental damage cases.

Modeling water quality in the brazilian semiarid region using remote sensing: support for water management.

Water management in semi-arid regions faces challenges due to water scarcity and the need for continuous quality monitoring. This study evaluates the use of remote sensing to analyze a reservoir's water quality status in Brazil's semi-arid region to support its management. Data from the Landsat-8 (Operational Land Imager) and Sentinel-2 (MultiSpectral Instrument) satellites were used to correlate spectral bands with water quality parameters such as Chlorophyll-a and Total Phosphorus. Using the Stepwise method, multiple regression models were developed to predict these parameters. Landsat-8 achieved determination coefficients (R2) of 0.81 for Chl-a and 0.72 for TP, outperforming Sentinel-2. Spectral analysis indicated that the higher signal-to-noise ratio of Landsat-8 in visible and near-infrared wavelengths contributed to the quality of the predictive models. Additionally, the assessment of land use along the reservoir margins revealed that the reduction of pasture areas is associated with the stability of TP levels. The trophic classification of the reservoir remained in an ultra-oligotrophic state during the analyzed period; however, seasonal episodes of TP increase exceeding established environmental limits were observed. These results highlight the need for continuous monitoring integrated with land use data. Expanding the collected database and adopting advanced methodologies, such as machine learning and hyperspectral remote sensing, is recommended to improve estimation accuracy. This study provides evidence supporting water management policies and environmental conservation in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

Soybean, a Commodity without Borders: Socio-Environmental Impacts in Protected Areas and Indigenous Communities in Mato Grosso do Sul/Brazil

The occupation of the cone-south region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul is not exclusively territorial, it is successively temporal and depends on public and private social actors, who build, elaborate, and provide conditions for the existence of the dynamics that are established there. The economic spatial expansion, especially for agricultural and cattle raising activities, attracts capital to change land use, intensifying the pressure on more vulnerable areas, such as conservation units and indigenous lands. The main change in land use and cover observed in the last 30 years was the loss of native vegetation inside conservation units (-29%) and indigenous lands (-34%) and the conversion of pasture areas, which had a reduction of 76% and 38%, to plant soy, which increased 536% and 98% inside indigenous lands and conservation units, respectively. Thus, it is clear that delimiting a conservation area or circumscribing traditional populations in a small area without resources prevents them from reproducing their way of life and, paradoxically, induces them to develop predatory practices against the environment or to lease their lands to large landowners, as the only means of guaranteeing their subsistence and not falling into poverty. This study highlights the urgent need to rethink territorial policies to ensure sustainable and socially just land use models.

The impact of grassland ecological compensation policy on overgrazing behavior of herdsmen with non-pastoral employment: evidence from Inner Mongolia, China

IntroductionThe Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP) not only improves the grassland ecosystem, but also encourages more and more full-time herdsmen to take up non-pastoral employment. This raises an important question: does non-pastoral employment have a differential impact on overgrazing among herdsmen, and how does it affect the effectiveness of policy implementation? Addressing this question will provide a scientific foundation for the sustainable development of grassland pastoral areas.MethodsUtilizing data from 542 herdsmen in the pastoral areas of Inner Mongolia, this paper employs a double difference model to analyze the impact of the GECP on the overgrazing behavior of herdsmen with non-pastoral employment.ResultsThe research findings indicate that: (1) The GECP exacerbates overgrazing behavior among full-time pastoral herdsmen (PH1 herdsmen) and those with non-pastoral employment at low levels (PH2 herdsmen), while it mitigates such behavior among herdsmen with non-pastoral employment at high levels (PH3 herdsmen); (2) Non-pastoral employment significantly enhances the inhibitory effects of the GECP on herdsmen’s overgrazing behavior; (3) The influence of grassland rent-in and barn feeding on herdsmen’s overgrazing behavior varies according to the levels of non-pastoral employment among herdsmen.DiscussionTherefore, this paper suggests that the government should continue to optimize the policy, along with differentiated subsidy methods and content. It also advocates for guiding herdsmen towards non-pastoral employment to achieve sustainable development of both ecological and economic aspects in pastoral areas.

In vitro and in vivo screening of commonly used acaricides against Ixodid ticks in South Omo pastoral areas, South-Western Ethiopia

The study aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo antitick efficacy of commonly used acaricides in order to suggest efficient acaricides to livestock owners was conducted in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. According to Drummond's method, the Adult Immersion Test (AIT) was applied to assess oviposition inhibition of engorged female ticks. Also, in vivo efficacy field trial of Deltamethrin 1% pour-on, Amitraz 12.5%, and Ivermectin 1% injection was conducted on a goat kept under a pastoral production system in the study area. A total of 528 fully engorged female R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus ticks were tested through the adult immersion test (AIT). A statistically significant (p<0.05) mean percent oviposition control was achieved by two in vitro tested acaricides. Amitraz induced 67.30±7.33 (min= 58.07%; max=74.02%) mean percent oviposition control while, Deltamethrin achieved 100±00 (min=100%; max=100%) on ticks from bovine. Similar results were obtained on ticks from caprine using Amitraz and Deltamethrin, and mean percent oviposition control was 82.90±2.7 (min=79.04%; max=85.01%) and 100±00 (min=100%; max=100%), respectively. A 61.45% and 73.15% oviposition control of R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus from bovine, and 81.77% and 84.03% oviposition control of R. decoloratus and R. pulchellus from caprine, respectively, were observed in in vitro studies. However, Deltamethrin was able to completely prevent oviposition in both bovine and caprine tick species. At the recommended field concentration, Amitraz, Ivermectin, and Deltamethrin, achieved 97.22%, 85.29%, and 99.03% effectiveness, respectively, in eliminating adult ticks from infested goats. We suggest both Amitraz and Deltamethrin were effective against Ixodid ticks infesting ruminants in the research area when used in the recommended dosages; however, more confirmatory in vivo field data is required. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 15(1): 1-10, June 2025

Analysis of Changes in Supply and Demand of Ecosystem Services in the Sanjiangyuan Region and the Main Driving Factors from 2000 to 2020

Research on the supply–demand relationships of ecosystem services (ESs) in alpine pastoral regions remains relatively scarce, yet it is crucial for regional ecological management and sustainable development. This study focuses on the Sanjiangyuan Region, a typical alpine pastoral area and significant ecological barrier, to quantitatively assess the supply–demand dynamics of key ESs and their spatial heterogeneity from 2000 to 2020. It further aims to elucidate the underlying driving mechanisms, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing regional ecological management. Four key ES indicators were selected: water yield (WY), grass yield (GY), soil conservation (SC), and habitat quality (HQ). ES supply and demand were quantified using an integrated approach incorporating the InVEST model, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and spatial analysis techniques. Building on this, the spatial patterns and temporal evolution characteristics of ES supply–demand relationships were analyzed. Subsequently, the Geographic Detector Model (GDM) and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model were employed to identify key drivers influencing changes in the comprehensive ES supply–demand ratio. The results revealed the following: (1) Spatial Patterns: Overall ES supply capacity exhibited a spatial differentiation characterized by “higher values in the southeast and lower values in the northwest.” Areas of high ES demand were primarily concentrated in the densely populated eastern region. WY, SC, and HQ generally exhibited a surplus state, whereas GY showed supply falling short of demand in the densely populated eastern areas. (2) Temporal Dynamics: Between 2000 and 2020, the supply–demand ratios of WY and SC displayed a fluctuating downward trend. The HQ ratio remained relatively stable, while the GY ratio showed a significant and continuous upward trend, indicating positive outcomes from regional grass–livestock balance policies. (3) Driving Mechanisms: Climate and natural factors were the dominant drivers of changes in the ES supply–demand ratio. Analysis using the Geographical Detector’s q-statistic identified fractional vegetation cover (FVC, q = 0.72), annual precipitation (PR, q = 0.63), and human disturbance intensity (HD, q = 0.38) as the top three most influential factors. This study systematically reveals the spatial heterogeneity characteristics, dynamic evolution patterns, and core driving mechanisms of ES supply and demand in an alpine pastoral region, addressing a significant research gap. The findings not only provide a reference for ES supply–demand assessment in similar regions regarding indicator selection and methodology but also offer direct scientific support for precisely identifying priority areas for ecological conservation and restoration, optimizing grass–livestock balance management, and enhancing ecosystem sustainability within the Sanjiangyuan Region.

Scaling the Landscape: Revealing Land Use and Cover Change Patterns in the Colombian Andes

Formulating hypotheses about the drivers of land use and cover change (LULCC) involves identifying patterns within the dynamics of the territory. Conventional basin-level analyses often mask localized patterns driven by social issues such as governance and community dynamics. This study examines the variations in LULCC patterns over 35 years (1985– 2019) by employing hierarchical intensity analysis of change across different spatial extents of the Grande and Chico River basins in the Colombian Andes. To better capture the influence of governance dynamics, the basin was delineated into two subzones with distinct governance characteristics: Zone A, where community-led conservation efforts and protected areas coexist, and Zone B, characterized by limited community participation and less active governance. Results reveal that the intensity of change accelerated significantly after 2010. During this period, forest and paramo ecosystems in the entire basin showed stationary losses, while pasture and non-vegetated areas exhibited systematic gains. Notably, Zone A demonstrated systematic pasture expansion. In contrast, pasture change in Zone B remained statistically dormant. Transition analysis indicated that cropland was the primary source of pasture gains. Qualitative insights from 3 semi-structured interviews corroborated that governance structures, local institutions, and the growing economic appeal of dairy farming are key drivers of LULCC, particularly in Zone A. These findings emphasize the need to integrate multi-scale quantitative assessments with local governance contexts to inform more effective land-use planning and conservation policy.

Beyond default estimates: developing system-specific Tier 2 enteric methane emission factors for rangeland cattle in Kenya

Livestock production in Kenya is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane (CH4) from enteric fermentation. The objective of the study was to estimate enteric methane (CH4) emission factors (EFs, kg CH4/head/year) for rangeland cattle in Kenya. The study utilized the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 method, incorporating animal characteristics, performance data, and diet digestibility. Data were obtained from 1,486 cattle across three locations in Kenya’s pastoral areas: Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy (815 cattle), Olkirimatian Community Ranch (347 cattle), and Shompole Community Ranch (324 cattle) all located in southern Kenya. Animal activity data were collected for four seasons during 1 year at Kapiti, and one dry and one wet season in Olkirimatian and Shompole. The EFs were estimated for wet and dry seasons, allowing the calculation of mean annual EFs. The EFs were calculated for the different cattle categories: adult females and males (≥3 years), young males and females (1–3 years) and calves (<1 year). The results revealed significant differences in herd composition, live weight (LW), weight gains, milk yield, and digestible energy (DE) of pasture among the locations, all of which influence CH4 emissions. LW varied among the three locations due to differences in breed between sites and varied substantially compared to Tier 1 assumptions, and DE differed significantly across sites (54.5%–66.4%), despite the Tier 1 approach assuming a fixed DE value for pasture (58%). There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the herd level EF of all cattle categories: Kapiti (64 ± 0.9 kg CH4/head/year), followed by Olkirimatian (52 ± 1.2 kg CH4/head/year) and Shompole (42 ± 1.0 kg CH4/head/year). A comparison of the estimated herd level Tier 2 EFs with computed herd level Tier 1 values revealed that Kapiti exhibited 18% higher mean Tier 2 EFs, while it was lower by 7% and 28% in Olkirimatian and Shompole, respectively. These findings highlight the need for system-specific national EFs that better capture the diversity of production systems and breed differences. Policymakers and researchers should revise IPCC default values to incorporate breed-specific factors within systems.

Pastoralist decisions to participate in livestock marketing systems during drought seasons: evidence from kenyan arid and semi-arid regions

Pastoralist households in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) rely heavily on livestock trade for livelihoods and income. Between 2021 and 2023, the region experienced its worst drought in four decades, marked by six consecutive failed rainy seasons. This study investigates the factors influencing pastoralists’ choice of livestock market channels during this period, focusing on the effects of drought, conflict, and livestock production systems. It also examines how different sources of livestock market information shape trading decisions. Data were collected from 1,053 households using a multistage sampling approach. Analytical methods included Multivariate Probit (MVP) regression and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. Findings reveal that informal networks, especially neighbours and family, were the most influential sources of market information. In contrast, formal channels such as mobile phone calls and radio had limited impact. Households affected by drought were more likely to sell steers through butcher outlets, reflecting urgent liquidity needs. Conflict significantly reduced participation in local markets, highlighting how insecurity limits access. Across all livestock types, namely steers, heifers, bulls, cows, sheep, and goats, pastoralists engaged in multi-channel marketing strategies shaped by herd size, household demographics, and external shocks. These results underscore the need to strengthen both traditional and digital market information systems that provide timely, localized livestock market intelligence. Supporting livestock marketing cooperatives and Common Interest Groups (CIGs) is also vital to improving coordination and bargaining power. Such interventions are essential for enhancing resilience, market participation, and economic inclusion in Kenya’s drought-prone pastoralist areas.

Seroprevalence of small ruminant brucellosis in selected districts of Borana zone, southern Ethiopia

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of considerable economic and public health significance worldwide. No information available about brucellosis status in the Gomole and Elewaye districts, Borana pastoral area, southern Ethiopia. Hence, aim this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and the associated risk factors in the study districts. A cross-sectional study design was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants and to assess the associated risk factors. The study animals were managed under extensive pastoral production system. Small ruminants above 6 months of age were included in the study. Approximately 10 mL of aseptic blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, and sera were extracted and stored at −20°C until the laboratory tests were conducted. All sera samples were screened using the rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). Those sera positive in RBPT were subjected to indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for confirmation. From 648 sera samples (i.e., 264 sheep and 384 goats), 40 (6.2%) were seropositive in iELISA, and the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats was 3.4% and 8.1%, respectively. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was significantly higher in goats (odds ratio [OR], 2.15; p < 0.05) than in sheep, animals aged ≥ 5 years (OR, 11.23; p < 0.05), in good body condition (OR, 2.92; p < 0.05) and in larger flock sizes, ≥40 animals, (OR, 9.52; p < 0.05). The recorded seroprevalence was higher, and control measures, such as testing and culling of seropositive animals, could reduce the problem.

Behaviour of Brown Bears Under Fluctuating Resource Availability

ABSTRACTMast seeding, the variable and intermittent production of seeds, has cascading effects on ecosystem functioning. This study explores its influence on the brown bear populations in the Italian Alps, focusing on beechnuts (Fagus sylvatica L.), the primary food source for bears in the region. Using historical data and field sampling, we estimated and mapped the annual seed biomass from 2007 to 2021 for the province of Trento. The energy content of beechnuts was assessed through high heating values, providing the caloric resources available. Data on beechnuts production, records of damages and GPS data from 16 Eurasian brown bears were integrated to perform a temporal and spatial analysis at home range and at landscape level. Standardised damages to beehives and livestock decreased during mast years, suggesting that bears met their trophic needs through natural food sources. In fact, bears used more agricultural areas and less beech forest during years of beech crop failure. At landscape level, agriculture and pasture areas close to beech forests and distant from cities showed a higher risk of damage, providing a tool to anticipate management actions. This work provides insights on the ecological dynamics and conservation implications of brown bears in the study area by mapping the spatial and temporal aspects of mast seeding and bear‐related damages.

CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF PASTURE DEVELOPMENT ZHAMBYL REGION

The changing balance between livestock and pasture resources will have a negative impact on the condition and productivity of pastures, the yield of livestock products, their quality and, as a result, on the incomes and standard of living of rural residents. Pasturelands transferred to private ownership or long-term lease are usually used irrationally. The main reason for this phenomenon is the lack of a scientifically sound organization of the pasture area, which should ensure consideration of the typology of pastures, the possibility of their rational use, taking into account the change of grazing areas, watering and optimal load, regulation of the timing of the beginning and end of grazing, compliance with the maximum level of completeness of use of grass. The socio-economic conditions of the transition period limited the possibility of moving farm animals using seasonal pastures, which created prerequisites for the concentration of livestock around settlements and watering holes close to them. There is an excessive load on the aul pastures, which is accompanied by the development of pasture degradation processes. An analysis of the development of pastoral livestock in Kazakhstan over the past 100 years convincingly shows that the unsystematic use of pastures restrains the growth of livestock, while mobile (nomadic, herding) provides positive dynamics of all indicators of the development of sheep, horse breeding, and beef cattle breeding. This study was funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (BR 24992885: "Scientific and Practical Justification of the Sustainable Development of Domestic Animal Husbandry Based on Groundwater Irrigation of Pasture Areas").

Biophysical and Economic Assessment of Carbon Dynamics in the Itajaí-Açu Valley Basin in Southern Brazil.

The aim of this study is to conduct a biophysical and economic assessment of carbon stocks associated with changes in land use and cover (LULC) in the Itajaí-Açu Valley Basin (IVB). The IVB is immersed in the Atlantic rainforest, considered one of the most diverse, as well as one of the most threatened forests on the planet. The Valley is also home to important urban and industrial centres located along the riverbanks. Since its colonisation in the second half of the 19th century, the region has constantly suffered from natural disasters, such as floods and landslides. With the expected escalation in extreme weather events in the near future due to climate change, these natural disasters may increase in intensity and frequency. Maps of LULC and the InVEST program were used to quantify and value the carbon stock and sequestration for three periods. The results show that between 2000 and 2020, there was an increase in forestry (354.64%), mosaic (57.43%) and pasture (43.08%) areas in the IVB, while a decrease was observed for Natural Forest (-4.38%), non-forest natural formation (-69.56%) and agriculture (-68.69%). The carbon stock values were 259,328,452 Mg C in 2000, 265,079,768 Mg C in 2010 and 262,577,960 Mg C in 2020. The carbon sequestration in the period 2000-2010 represented an economic benefit of US$138 million. Conversely, between 2010 and 2020, there was net carbon emissions equivalent to US$60 million. Over the entire period analysed, there was a gain of US$78 million in ecosystem services related to carbon stocks. Targeted policies, such as Payment for Ecosystem Services programs, market-based incentives for carbon credits, and public investments in forest conservation and restoration, can bring economic, social, and ecological benefits, ensuring the continued provision of ecosystem services in the region.

The Development of Modernization Indicators in Pastoral Areas: A Case Study in Inner Mongolia

This study employs a multi-indicator comprehensive entropy weight method to construct an indicator system comprising production systems, management systems, output efficiency, and social development indicators. It estimates the level of pastoral modernization in 33 pastoral banners and 21 semi-pastoral banners in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2000 to 2021. The results indicate that the level of pastoral modernization in Inner Mongolia can be classified into three phases based on growth rates: growth phase, decline phase, and relative stability, with an overall upward trend. The ranking of first-level indicator scores is as follows: social development, management systems, output efficiency, and production systems. Utilizing the Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis (ESDA) method, the study analyzes regional disparities and employs an obstacle analysis to diagnose the main barriers to pastoral modernization development. The findings show that the level of modernization in semi-pastoral banners is generally higher than that in pure pastoral banners. Additionally, the level of pastoral modernization in the eastern region of Inner Mongolia is higher than in the western region. Key obstacles to pastoral modernization include the low proportion of pastoral value added to agricultural value added, total grain output, total industrial output above designated size, and total social electricity consumption. Although the level of pastoral modernization in Inner Mongolia is gradually improving, different regions and stages face distinct primary obstacles.

An understanding of the motivations that influence the beef cattle production systems adopted by farmers in central Mozambique

The analysis of factors that affect livestock production, from the farmers’ perspective, is essential for improving efficiency in animal production. The objectives of this study were to analyse: i) the historical and current motivations for beef cattle production and ii) the situation of communal pasture areas. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were held with one hundred and one farmers in the districts of Angónia, Changara and Manica, in Mozambique. The results show that in Angónia and Changara districts, the primary motivation for starting beef cattle production was to keep cattle as a saving asset, whereas the primary motivation of Manica’s farmers was to use cattle as draught animal power to expand crop production. These motivations remain the same over the years of the farmers’ experience. Grazing areas have decreased over the years, mainly due to their occupation for crop production, and this perception was associated with the studied district (p = 0.004). The studied districts, particularly Angónia and Manica, have similar characteristics, suggesting that similar intervention models may be designed. The results raise the question of how to increase the productivity of beef cattle systems, primarily motivated by savings and animal traction while maintaining their characteristics, which are essential for the socio-economic conditions of the farmers. Overall, the study suggests that motivations for beef cattle production and the establishment of grazing areas should be considered when developing strategies and policies to improve these systems.

Feasibility of Organic Fertilization for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Compared to Mineral Fertilization

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different nitrogen sources (urea, compost, and digestate) on N2O and CH4 emissions and the forage production of Piatã grass in tropical pastures, with the aim of identifying the fertilization practices that can balance productivity with environmental mitigation. The experiment included 10 forage cuts over a period of 14 months, from January 2017 to February 2018. The CH4 and N2O emissions were monitored using closed chambers and analyzed by gas chromatography. The forage production was assessed by weighing and drying the material. The emission intensity was calculated based on the global warming potential of the gases. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and compared by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Fertilizer application increased the N2O emissions, with the highest flux (79.56 mg N-N2O/m2/day) observed for the digestate treatment (p < 0.01). The N2O consumption was the most significant for the control treatment (−5.90 mg N-N2O/m2/day) in July. The CH4 oxidation was prevalent across all the treatments, with the highest oxidation for the urea treatment (−49.80 µg C-CH4/m2/day) two days after fertilization. The dry matter production (DMP) was the highest with urea during the summer (16.9 t/ha; p < 0.01). The emission intensity values were 243.41 kg CO2eq/t DM for urea, 103.44 kg CO2eq/t DM for digestate, and 27.35 kg CO2eq/t DM for compost (p < 0.01). The compost application stimulated CH4 oxidation. In conclusion, compost can be considered an important alternative for fertilizing pasture areas, both from a productive and environmental perspective.

Spatial Pattern and Driving Mechanisms of Settlements in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China: A Case Study of Eastern Inner Mongolia

Rural settlements in agro-pastoral ecotones reflect the complex interplay between natural constraints and human land use, particularly in ecologically sensitive and climatically transitional regions. This study investigated the agro-pastoral ecotone of eastern Inner Mongolia, a representative region characterized by environmental heterogeneity and competing land use functions. Landscape pattern indices, ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were employed to analyze settlement morphology and its environmental determinants. The results reveal a distinct east–west spatial gradient: settlements are larger and more concentrated in low-elevation plains with favorable hydrothermal conditions, whereas those in mountainous and pastoral areas are smaller, sparser, and more fragmented. OLS regression revealed a strong positive correlation between arable land and settlement density (r > 0.8), whereas elevation and slope were significantly negatively correlated. GWR results further highlight spatial non-stationarity in the influence of key environmental factors. Average annual temperature generally shows a positive influence on settlement density, particularly in the central and eastern agricultural areas. In contrast, forest cover is predominantly negative, especially in the Greater Khingan Mountains. Proximity to water resources consistently enhances settlement density, although the magnitude of this effect varies across regions. Based on spatial characteristics and land use structure, rural settlements were categorized into four types: alpine pastoral, agro-pastoral transitional, river valley agricultural, and forest ecological. This study provides empirical evidence that natural factors (topography, climate, and hydrology) and land use variables (farmland, pasture, and woodland) collectively shape rural settlement patterns in transitional landscapes. The findings offer methodological and practical insights for targeted land management and sustainable rural development in agro-pastoral regions under ecological and socioeconomic pressures.

Modelagem Dinâmica Espacial das Áreas de Cultivo de Soja no Município de Paragominas-PA

The study area, located in the southeastern region of the state of Pará, corresponds to the municipality of Paragominas, the economy of which is based on agribussiness. This study aimed to generate spatial simulations of land use and land cover change in this municipality for the period from 2014 to 2020, ultimately aiming to simulate future landscape changes projected for 2030. For the landscape dynamics analysis, annual land use and land cover maps provided by MapBiomas and TerraClass were utilized. The modeling stage was conducted using the Dinamica EGO platform through the weights of evidence method. Transition classes with meaningful transformations within the study period were considered, with a focus on changes primarily related to the soybean planting cycle. Thus, classes such as forest formation, pasture, and other agricultural crops were emphasized, where patterns of succession between different land covers were observed. A satisfactory fuzzy similarity index value was obtained for the simulated 2020 map, and the land use and land cover modeling demonstrated that soybean cultivation primarily expands over pasture areas, other crops, and secondary vegetation, with lesser expansion into primary vegetation areas. The stationary projection for 2030 consolidates these trends, highlighting the need for more effective environmental policies and management actions to ensure the preservation of primary and secondary forests.

Spatiotemporal Land Cover Change and Future Hydrological Impacts Under Climate Scenarios in the Amazonian Andes: A Case Study of the Utcubamba River Basin

Understanding how land use and climate change jointly affect water availability is essential for sustainable planning in tropical Andean–Amazonian basins. This study focuses on the Utcubamba River Basin in northeastern Peru, a data-scarce and socioecologically strategic watershed where land transformation and climate variability converge. A multi-temporal land use/land cover (LULC) analysis (1990–2024) was conducted, coupled with hydrological modeling using the SWAT model under historical and future climate scenarios (SSP2–4.5 and SSP5–8.5), including the spatial overlay of the LULC change concentration with key hydrological indicators. LULC classifications revealed forest loss and the expansion of pasture, agriculture, and shrubland areas, particularly in the upper basin. Hydrological projections showed significant changes in water flow, including reductions in minimum monthly flows by up to 73.9% and increases in peak flows by 14.8% under the SSP5–8.5 scenario. The water balance is expected to shift, with increased percolation and reduced lateral flow, suggesting decreased storage capacity. By identifying critical sub-basins where land degradation and water insecurity converge, the study supports adaptive strategies for land restoration, aquifer recharge planning, and ecosystem conservation. Despite limited hydrological infrastructure, the SWAT model effectively simulated water dynamics, aiding climate resilience and water security efforts in the Amazonian Andes.

Apennine Natural Pasture Areas: Soil, Plant, and Livestock Interactions and Ecosystem Characterization

Grasslands and livestock are essential to support the diversity of soils, plants, and animals. This study analyzes changes that occurred from 2019 to 2022 in two protected pasture areas of the Italian Apennines, designated as UNESCO (area 1) and NATURA2000 (area 2). In each area, three sampling sites were identified and georeferenced, and the soil was studied. Forage quality and productivity were assessed from botanical and chemical perspectives using biomass samples. Adult bovine unit and grazing index were calculated. Soils, classified as Phaeozems in area 1 and Fluvisols in area 2, exhibit a weak structure with an increased risk of compaction and erosion. The height of forage species and vegetal diversity increased during the study, and variations in botanical and chemical composition were observed. Forage productivity averaged 2760 (±1380 SEM) kg DM/ha in area 1 and 3740 (±1160) kg DM/ha in area 2. Animal population declined by 11.4% in area 1 and by 1.14% in area 2, along with a decrease in the number of livestock farms. From a multidisciplinary perspective, improving management would enhance the ecosystem services of pasture areas, including promoting the role of soil as a carbon sink. The results present means of resilience to enhance cultural and naturalistic values of sites in inner Mediterranean ecosystems.