Land Use Practices Research Articles

Impact of Environmental Factors of Stream Ecosystems on Aquatic Invertebrate Communities

Understanding the responses of stream ecosystems to environmental disturbances is essential for maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the associations between benthic macroinvertebrate communities and environmental factors using machine learning approaches to identify key stressors potentially influencing stream ecosystem health. Various machine learning models were evaluated, with random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM) identified as the optimal models for predicting tolerant species (TS) and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) species densities. SHAP analysis revealed that watershed variables, such as elevation, flow velocity, and slope, significantly influenced EPT and TS populations. EPT population density increased with elevation and flow velocity but decreased significantly with higher levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total nitrogen (TN), and agricultural land-use proportions, with negative effects becoming evident beyond threshold levels. Conversely, TS population density showed a positive response to elevated BOD, TN, and agricultural land-use proportions, stabilizing at the threshold levels of BOD and TN, but continuing to increase with greater agricultural land use. Through machine learning, this study provides critical insights into how environmental variables are associated with the distribution of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. By identifying threshold levels of key stressors, this approach offers actionable guidance for managing agricultural runoff, enhancing riparian buffers, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. These findings contribute to the development of integrated watershed management strategies that promote the long-term sustainability of stream ecosystems.

Estimating Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential in Portuguese Agricultural Soils Through Land-Management and Land-Use Changes

Soil carbon sequestration (SCS) is a nature-based, low-cost climate mitigation strategy that also contributes to the climate adaptation of agricultural systems. Some land-use and land-management practices potentially lead to an enhancement of the soil organic carbon (SOC) sink, such as no-till, the use of cover crops, leaving residues on fields, improving the variety of legume species in grasslands and reducing grazing intensity. However, uncertainties remain both in estimating and measuring the impact of the application of certain practices, as these vary with the soil, climate and historic land use. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) guidelines are commonly used to estimate SOC and SOC sequestration potentials at different tiers. Here, the IPCC’s tier 1 methodology was applied to estimate (1) the sequestration potential of nine mitigation practices and (2) the emission or sequestration potential of four current land-change trends for n = 7092 unique agricultural sites in mainland Portugal. The conversion of irrigated crops to improved grasslands resulted in the highest average unit sequestration (1.05 tC ha−1 yr−1), while cropland conversion to poor degraded pasture (abandonment) resulted in the highest unit SOC loss (−0.08 tC ha−1 yr−1). The abandonment of cropland results in a national SOC loss of up to 0.09 MtC yr−1, while the improvement of poor degraded pastures has the highest national sequestration potential, equal to 0.6 MtC yr−1 (2.2 MtCO2eq yr−1), about 4% of Portugal’s emissions in 2021, if applied in all managed areas. The results enable a comparison between different practices and land uses; however, to enhance accuracy, a higher tier methodology tailored to the Portuguese context should be developed.

Phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. across diverse rangelands in northeastern Ethiopia

IntroductionProsopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. substantially threatens dry rangelands due to its invasive attributes, exacerbated by climate change, land-use practices, and anthropogenic activities. Despite the urgent need to understand its ecological impacts, comprehensive studies examining the relationship between its functional traits and reproductive fitness across diverse habitats and land-use scenarios are lacking. This study investigated the functional traits and fitness of Prosopis juliflora in the Afar region of Ethiopia, focusing on three land-use types: dry-season grazing lands, wet-season grazing lands, and wildlife reserves.MethodsPlant samples were collected from 192 plots to assess their adaptive potential and genetic variation, alongside relevant physiographic and climatic data. This approach aims to elucidate the contributions of these factors to the observed variation and plasticity of Prosopis juliflora across three rangeland types differing in land use intensity. Generalized linear mixed models and co-occurrence networks were employed to analyze the complex interaction.ResultsOur findings revealed significant variation in fruiting onset and duration, with wet-season grazing lands demonstrating a shorter duration compared to dry-season grazing lands and wildlife reserves. Genetic variation was significant for total seed mass and number, indicating robust adaptability. The relative growth rate was higher in wildlife reserves compared to dry-season grazing lands, highlighting adaptive advantages in nutrient-rich environments. Additionally, climatic and physiographic analysis identified soil type as a critical factor influencing trait performance.ConclusionsThis study underscores the urgent need for targeted management strategies to mitigate the ecological impacts of Prosopis juliflora, emphasizing the critical role of soil nutrients in reproductive fitness. Our findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of invasive species in dry ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

Integrating insect dynamics in agricultural ecosystems: the role of predators, prey, and sustainable practices in enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience

Abstract Insects play a pivotal role in food webs, influencing ecosystem stability through their interactions as herbivores, predators, and prey. This review explores the impact of agricultural practices on insect dynamics, focusing on how no-till farming, mulching, crop residues, and diverse farming systems like intercropping and crop rotation can shape predator-prey interactions. No-till systems, by reducing soil disturbance, enhance the survival of natural enemies such as ants, spiders, and beetles, indirectly regulating pest populations. Practices like mulching and maintaining crop residues hinder pests’ ability to locate host plants, boosting the abundance of natural predators. Additionally, crop rotation and intercropping create varied habitats, supporting a higher diversity of predators and improving biological pest control. These integrated approaches not only reduce reliance on chemical pesticides but also foster ecological balance and enhance agricultural sustainability. The review highlights the importance of sustainable land-use practices in preserving insect biodiversity and improving ecosystem resilience. Keywords: Biodiversity, food web and predator-prey interactions.

Microbial diversity of soils under different land use and chemical conditions

Soil microbial communities are crucial to ecosystem functionality, influencing soil fertility and health. Microbial diversity in soil is impacted by various land-use practices and environmental conditions, but the effects on both prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates the influence of different land-use types and soil chemical properties on the composition and diversity of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Soil samples were collected from seven distinct locations in South Korea, representing various land uses, including paddy fields, upland fields, forest areas, hydrocarbon- and heavy-metal-contaminated sites, greenhouse soils, and reclaimed tidal soils. Alpha diversity, assessed using Chao1 and Shannon indices, and beta diversity, evaluated through Bray-Curtis dissimilarity and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), were used to characterize microbial diversity. Soil chemical properties were analyzed, and their relationships with microbial community structure were examined. Results revealed significant variations in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversities across different land uses. Soils under conventional agricultural management (paddy and upland fields) showed higher microbial diversity compared to soils with high salinity, contamination, or low suitability for agriculture. Prokaryotic communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with variations in abundance linked to soil condition and quality. Eukaryotic communities predominantly consisted of Opisthokonta, SAR (Stramenopiles, Alveolates and Rhizaria), and Amoebozoa, with distinct abundance patterns across different soils. In conclusion, land-use practices and soil chemical properties significantly influence microbial diversity and community composition. Soils subjected to less stress, e.g., agricultural soils, exhibited higher microbial diversity, while stressed soils, e.g., contaminated and saline soils, showed reduced diversity. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the interplay between land management and microbial ecology for optimizing soil fertility and health.

Abundance, diversity and distribution of Macrophytes in lotic wetlands: A case study on Sironga and Kapkatet Wetlands, Kenya

Wetland macrophytes provide important ecological and social-economic values. However, the recent increase in anthropogenic influences has compromised the ecological integrity of most lotic wetlands, which has ultimately threatened their structure and functioning, causing degradation and loss of macrophytes. This study was aimed at assessing the biodiversity, distribution and abundance of macrophytes in Sironga and Kapkatet wetlands with respect to various anthropogenic activities. Sampling was conducted for a period of six months, covering both dry and wet seasons from February – July 2019. Macrophytes were identified using identification keys and diversity indices such as the Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s, and Species evenness were used to determine macrophyte diversities. The numbers of different macrophytes species was enumerated from five randomly sampled line transects along the water ways and another fifteen also randomly distributed on the wetlands on a monthly basis. There were three main lifeforms of aquatic macrophytes found in both Sironga and Kapaktet wetlands namely, emerged, submerged and floating, which were dominated by Centella asciatica and Cyperus sp. and the floating macrophytes, Potamogeton schwenfurthii dominated Kapaktet wetland. The study found that macrophyte distribution, abundance and biodiversity were highly affected by predominant economic activities resulting to wetland conversion, nutrient influxes and unsustainable exploitation of macrophytes. We recommend a further study focusing on effects of sedimentation resulting from unsustainable agricultural practices on water quality and macrophytes diversity, distribution and abundance, the effects of changing land-use practices and how different environmental agencies can be involved in the advocacy, conservation and management of the riverine wetlands.

Contested ecological transitions in agri-food: emerging territorial systems in times of crisis and insecurity

The paper will assess the extent to which sustainable transitions are occurring with reference to Europe in the 2020’s. Here, re-assessing the relationships between science, policy and politics is critical given the ‘polycrises’ which are impacting upon our food systems. Do these interlinked crises and disruptions suggest opportunities for sustainable and more territorial transitions in agri-food to gain traction and scale out? This is a possibility, but we have to critically assess the revised power configurations that are emerging in a more variegated and diverse agri-food policy and political landscape. Established theories of sustainable transitions need adjusting to take account of a changing science-policy-political landscape, and one which will have to integrate (rather than fragment) the new drivers of net- zero, necessary health and diet shifts, food poverty and security concerns, as well as sustainable and regenerative farming and land-use practices. This gives more opportunity, it will be argued, for integrated territorial management which encourages multi-stakeholder policies and politics. The routes to this are, based upon our recent empirical evidence far from linear; rather they are often inert rather than capable, competing rather than collaborative. As such we need to devise political and policy frameworks at devolved regional and territorial levels. The paper will explore examples of how and where this might be taking place, and what lessons can be learned for re-theorising agrarian transitions.

Designing Resilient Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Climate-Compatible Urban Development in Keta, Ghana

Purpose: Coastal cities worldwide are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Keta, a historic city in southeastern Ghana, is facing severe challenges from coastal erosion, flooding, and rising tides. This article explores resilient urban planning and architectural solutions designed to mitigate these risks. Methodology: By utilizing Keta as a case study, it investigates innovative policies, architectural designs, and sustainable infrastructure that can enhance climate resilience. Findings: The study stresses the necessity for a shift from reactive measures to proactive, long-term solutions that integrate resilience into urban development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Recommendations are provided for strengthening policy frameworks, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and promoting renewable energy integration to ensure the long-term sustainability of vulnerable coastal cities like Keta. Ultimately, this research makes available understandings into policy reform that supports national economic stability, promotes climate-compatible urbanization, and offers a model for resilience that may be adopted internationally to address similar climate challenges in coastal regions.

Management of the Yeh Luwi Estuary Area as a Disaster Mitigation Strategy for Climate Change

Abstract The Yeh Luwi Estuary in Tibubeneng, Bali, faces escalating environmental threats exacerbated by climate change. Rising sea levels intensified precipitation patterns, and increased erosion and abrasion risks pose significant challenges to this critical ecological and socio-economic area. Climate-induced impacts endanger local cultural sites like Perancak Temple and vital infrastructure such as Berawa Beach. Addressing these challenges requires urgent implementation of comprehensive climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Sustainable land-use practices, including preserving natural buffers and integrating cultural and ecological tourism development, are essential to enhancing coastal resilience. Effective management strategies, informed by SWOT analysis and climate data from sources like NASA POWER, are crucial for mitigating flood and erosion risks and safeguarding the estuarine ecosystem and community livelihoods. Collaborative efforts involving stakeholders and leveraging local cultural strengths are pivotal in building resilience and ensuring the sustainable future of the Yeh Luwi Estuary amidst ongoing climate change impacts.

Seasonal shifts and land-use impact: unveiling the gut microbiomes of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and common voles (Microtus arvalis).

Gut microbial diversity influences the health and vitality of the host, yet it is itself affected by internal and external factors, including land-use. The impact of land-use practices on wild rodents' gut microbiomes remains understudied, despite their abundance and potential as reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens. We examined the bacterial and fungal gut microbiomes of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) and common voles (Microtus arvalis) across grassland and forest habitats with varying land-use intensities and types. We collected rodents seasonally and used 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing for microbe identification. We found significant differences in alpha and beta diversities between the species, with M. arvalis exhibiting higher diversity. Seasonality emerged as a prominent factor influencing microbial diversity, with significant variations between sampling months. While land-use affects the gut microbiome, its impact is subordinate to seasonal variations. Differential abundance analysis underscores the dynamic nature of microbial composition, with seasonal changes playing a predominant role. Overall, our findings highlight the significant influence of seasonality on gut microbiome diversity and composition in wild rodents, reflecting dietary shifts associated with seasonal changes. Understanding the interplay between environmental factors and microbial communities in wild rodents enahnces our knowledge of ecosystem health and resilience, warranting further investigation.

Elevation Determines Fungal Diversity, and Land Use Governs Community Composition: A Dual Perspective from Gaoligong Mountains.

Soil fungi are closely tied to their surrounding environment. While numerous studies have reported the effects of land-use practices or elevations on soil fungi, our understanding of how their community structure and diversity vary with elevation across different land-use practices remains limited. In the present study, by collecting soil samples from four different land uses in the Gaoligong Mountain area, namely shrublands (SLs), coffee plantations (CPs), cornfields (CFs), and citrus orchards (COs), and combining them with the changes in altitude gradients (low: 900 m, medium: 1200 m, high: 1500 m), high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the composition and diversity of soil fungal communities based on the collected soil samples. The results showed that the interaction between land-use types and elevation significantly influenced the structure and diversity of fungal communities, although their relative importance in shaping fungal diversity or community structure varied. Specifically, elevation posed a stronger effect on fungal community alpha-diversity and functional guilds, whereas land-use types had a greater influence over fungal community composition. Our study reveals the individual and combined effects of land-use practices and elevation on the structure and diversity of soil fungal communities in the Gaoligong Mountain region, enhancing our understanding of the distribution patterns and driving mechanisms of soil fungal communities in this biodiversity-rich region.

Groundwater recharge in basement aquifers in subhumid drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

Characterising groundwater recharge is fundamental for sustainable groundwater management. This study focuses on assessing recharge in drylands using four experimental plots under different land-use practices in crystalline basement aquifers in three southern African countries (Chitedze in Malawi, Kabeleka and Liempe in Zambia, and Domboshawa in Zimbabwe). Several methods, including water-table fluctuation (WTF), chloride mass balance (CMB), water stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) and dissolved gases, were used to quantify annual recharge rates, recharge sources and groundwater residence times. This informed the development of a conceptual model of groundwater recharge in unpumped basement aquifers. Using WTF, across all sites/years, the range of annual median recharge was found to be in the range of 2.8–14.1% rainfall. Recharge was observed for most years across all sites and was controlled by hydrogeological settings, rainfall totals and antecedent conditions, i.e. the groundwater level at the end of the preceding dry season. Based on groundwater level observations and water stable isotope analysis, for sites where there has been extensive use of conservation agriculture (in time and space), there is some evidence of earlier and greater recharge compared to conventional agriculture at paired sites. Additionally, there is evidence of high lateral connectivity in shallow, permeable layers and high local connectivity in the aquifers which facilitate discharge to surface drainage. This leads to a lower proportion of modern recharge at these unpumped sites (typically <10%) compared to other studies using comparable methods in pumped boreholes, which highlights the importance of groundwater capture due to pumping.

Effect of Synthetic Fertilizer on Diazotrophic Bacteria in Secondary Forest and Oil Palm Soils in Central Kalimantan

Soil microorganisms, especially diazotrophic bacteria, are vital for ecosystem sustainability, significantly contributing to nitrogen cycling and biodiversity conservation. Understanding the impact of different land-use practices on soil microorganisms, especially synthetic fertilizer addition, is essential for sustainable agriculture. This study compares soil properties, bacterial densities, and responses to fertilization in secondary forest soils and adjacent oil palm plantation soils located in PT Kerry Sawit Indonesia, Central Kalimantan. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using both secondary forest and oil palm plantation soils to evaluate the impacts of different synthetic fertilizers on nitrogen-fixing bacteria and soybean agronomic performance. Total soil bacteria and diazotrophic bacteria, essential for nitrogen fixation, were analyzed through microbiological assays and qPCR focusing on the nifH gene. Our findings show that oil palm plantation soils had higher levels of nitrogen, phosphate, and nitrate, while secondary forest soils had a higher abundance of diazotrophic bacteria. Furthermore, excessive nitrogen fertilization was found to reduce microbial density, negatively impacting plant sustainability, highlighting the importance of customized fertilizer management. The study highlights the intricate connections between land-use practices and microbial populations, providing valuable insights for balancing agricultural productivity with ecological sustainability.

Evaluation of stormwater runoff pollutant distributions combined with land-use information in a regional karst aquifer in Texas, USA.

Fast urbanization can result in significant stormwater runoff pollution due to changes in land use. A 3-year study on the distribution and temporal variations of urban water pollutants in stormwater runoff was conducted, with a specific focus on the influence of land-use patterns in the recharge zone of a regional karst aquifer in Texas (Edwards Aquifer). The presence and concentration of various water pollutants including total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and phosphate), total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC), oil and grease (O&G), and eight heavy metals (Fe, Mg, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd) were measured in stormwater samples collected from three bioswales. Results show that average TSS in site S1 (598.87mg/L) and S2 (628.69mg/L), COD in site S1 (103.97mg/L), phosphate in sites S1 (1.44mg/L) and S3 (0.65mg/L), and O&G (ranging from 50.63 to 84.32mg/L) in all three sites surpassed the national average (NSQD). While residential areas were identified as the main sources of nutrients, roads and parking lots were associated with heavy metals. Temporal variations indicated the effect of antecedent dry days on the concentrations of TSS and phosphate. Growing seasons as well as pet feces were associated with elevated nitrate concentrations in residential areas. Organic carbon was found overall higher during warmer months, while heavy metals during cooler months. The study also identified specific land-use practices that can be enhanced to mitigate stormwater pollution, such as the implementation of permeable pavements, rain gardens, and stricter waste disposal regulations. The results of this study offer valuable insights for enhancing stormwater management strategies to better mitigate stormwater pollution in urban regions.

32 years of changes in river paths and coastal landscape in Bangladesh, Bengal Basin

This study examines the geomorphological changes and environmental impacts on the coastline and the evolution of major river systems in Bangladesh over the past 32 years using remote sensing and GIS analyses. The central coastal area, characterized by fine sediments, has experienced significant land erosion due to the dynamics of the Meghna Estuary and its depositional patterns. In contrast, the southwestern Sundarbans Forest coast has remained relatively stable, aided by mangrove root stabilization despite anthropogenic threats. Channel migration analysis revealed the Brahmaputra River’s persistent braided configuration, while its tributaries, Teesta and Dharla, increased meandering nature due to reduced water availability and human interventions. The Ganges-Padma system displayed a shift towards a more sinuous channel pattern driven by reduced water discharge due to the Farakka Barrage construction in the upstream and a minor decrease in precipitation. The Upper Meghna River maintained moderate sinuosity with stable anastomosed patterns, whereas the lower Meghna River’s convergence with the Jamuna and Padma Rivers increased its susceptibility to erosion. These findings highlight the interplay of natural processes and human activities in shaping the coastal and fluvial landscapes of Bangladesh and the Bengal Basin, emphasizing the need for sustainable land-use practices and adaptive management strategies to mitigate future risks associated with sea-level rise and river course changes.

Assessment of coastal flood risk scenarios on infrastructure in the Keta municipality in Ghana using a GIS approach

Coastal flooding and erosion, caused by climate change-induced sea level rise, pose significant threats to low-lying coastal areas worldwide. The African continent, including Ghana, has experienced severe impacts from these hazards, affecting the socio-economic development of coastal communities. This research focuses on the Keta municipality in Ghana. The Keta municipality is highly vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion due to its low elevation and the construction of the Akosombo hydroelectric dam. This research aims to predict the impact of coastal flooding on infrastructure in the Keta municipality using different flood scenarios. It also fills the existing knowledge gap in understanding how future flood risk can impact on critical infrastructure and consequently on other vital socio-economic sectors in the coastal community of Keta. The study utilizes a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based approach, combining various datasets, including topographic data, administrative shapefiles, field survey points, and infrastructure data. Two flood scenarios were considered to assess areas at risk: a 2.5-m sea level flood scenario representing potential climate change events and a worst-case 5-m sea level flood scenario. The findings reveal that 3.3 km2 (9 %) of coastal land area, 3.9 km of roads, and 69 structures are at risk under a 2.5m sea level rise scenario, increasing to 7.1 km2 (19.4 %), 13.6 km of roads, and 667 structures under a 5m scenario. The study highlights the urgency of addressing these risks to protect coastal communities' socio-economic development and livelihoods. Recommendations include implementing appropriate coastal management strategies, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By understanding and addressing the future impact of coastal flooding, decision-makers can mitigate climate change's adverse effects on coastal areas and ensure the region's long-term sustainability.

Law on Ensuring the Legitimate Interests of the People in the Land Sector

Recently, shortcomings in legal policies and practices, together with lax land management, have led to many land conflicts, causing complex political and social hotspots. Among the causes of this situation are unreasonable compensation prices for site clearance; unclear land boundaries, lack of legal basis, lack of land management records; and overlaps and conflicts between customs and practices of land use with laws and administrative regulations in land management in ethnic minority areas. The purpose of this study is to clarify the limitations in land laws such as land use limits, land use terms; regulations on land recovery and compensation when recovering land, restrictions on land prices; regulations on resettlement for people whose land is recovered; land use planning; from these shortcomings, propose solutions to improve land laws to protect the legitimate interests of the people.

Assessing the Sustainability Impact of Land-Use Changes and Carbon Emission Intensity in the Loess Plateau

Regional socioeconomic development is intricately tied to reasonable land-use resources. Although many studies have analyzed land-use carbon emissions, there is a lack of analysis of the concept of intensity. Studying the land-use carbon emission intensity (LUCEI) is crucial for shaping effective land management strategies that support the integrated sustainable development of society, the economy, and the environment. This study examines land-use changes on the Loess Plateau (LP) from 2000 to 2020. The coefficient method, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and optimal parameters-based geographical detector model are used to identify and analyze the spatial clustering patterns and influencing factors affecting LUCEI, which provides more in-depth insights for the study of LUCEI. The results indicate: (1) Urban and Grassland areas showed the most significant growth, with Urban areas expanding by 10,845.21 km2 and Grasslands by 7848.91 km2, respectively. This Urban expansion was mainly caused by the conversion of Grassland and Cropland, while Grassland expansion was primarily attributed to the decline in Barren. (2) The average LUCEI on the LP climbed from 0.38 in 2000 to 0.73 in 2020, indicating a 190.70% growth rate. (3) The spatial pattern of LUCEI remained stable but unevenly distributed, with extensive High-High and Low-Low clusters. (4) Socioeconomic factors had a greater explanatory power for LUCEI in the LP than natural factors. The LUCEI is not driven by a single factor, but by the combined influence of multiple factors. The interaction between nighttime light and population density explained the spatial distribution of LUCEI most strongly, with a q-value of 0.928. The findings underscore the critical role of socioeconomic development in shaping carbon emission dynamics on the LP. By linking LUCEI growth to land-use changes, this study offers concrete scientific guidance for policymakers seeking to balance socioeconomic growth with sustainable land-use practices. Based on these results, we recommend developing appropriate urban development plans that optimize land-use structures, enhance regional carbon sequestration capacities, and fully implement green transition requirements.

Farmers’ Willingness to Accept Afforestation in Farming Land and Its Influencing Factors in Fragile Landscapes Based on the Contingent Valuation Method

Afforestation (AF) in farmland has been widely used as an alternative and sustainable land-use practice to address socioeconomic and environmental challenges. The aim of this study is to estimate farmers’ willingness to accept (WTA) compensation and land, both of which are equally significant for policymakers to ensure the effective implementation of AF and achieve desired outcomes. This topic has not been sufficiently explored in previous research. This study focused on areas characterized by insecure farming conditions, backward economies, and fragile landscapes, where farmers are generally unfamiliar with AF or compensation for ecosystem services under payment for ecosystem services programs. It assessed their attitudes towards the WTA AF, compensation, and land as an alternative practice, which remains under-researched. This is crucial for designing effective AF programs in the future to improve livelihood and enhance the quantity and quality of the environment. This study used the contingent valuation method to estimate the minimum WTA compensation and maximum land for the forgone loss and alternative land-use practices. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Hupsekot municipality, Nepal, with 232 farmer households. The ordinal logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors of WTA compensation and land. The result showed that farmers’ average WTA compensation was NPR 1268.67 (USD 9.76)/Kattha/year, with 2.64 Kattha land available for AF. The factors, including socioeconomic characters and attitudes toward the environmental situation and forests, significantly influenced WTA values and provided potential target factors to achieve maximum AF land within a lower budget.

Global Ecosystem Nitrogen Cycling Reciprocates Between Land-Use Conversion and Its Reversal.

Anthropogenic land-use practices influence ecosystem functions and the environment. Yet, the effect of global land-use change on ecosystem nitrogen (N) cycling remains unquantified despite that ecosystem N cycling plays a critical role in maintaining food security. Here, we analysed 2430 paired observations globally to show that converting natural to managed ecosystems increases ratios of autotrophic nitrification to ammonium immobilisation and nitrate to ammonium, but decreases soil immobilisation of mineral N, causing increased N losses via leaching and gaseous N emissions, such as nitrous oxide (e.g., via denitrification), resulting in a leaky N cycle. Changing land use from intensively managed to one that resembles natural ecosystems reversed N losses by 108% on average, resulting in a more conservative N cycle. Structural equation modelling revealed that changes in soil organic carbon, pH and carbon to N ratio were more important than changes in soil moisture content and temperature in predicting ecosystem N retention capacities following land-use conversion and its reversion. The hotspots of leaky N cycles were mostly in equatorial and tropical regions, as well as in Western Europe, the United States and China. Our results suggest that whether an ecosystem exhibits a conservative N cycle after land-use reversion depends on management practices.