Land Suitability Research Articles

Modelling the water supply-demand relationship under climate change in the Buffalo River catchment, South Africa

Climate change strains the global water supplies’ capability to meet demands, especially in regions like South Africa, where resources are already scarce. The interconnectedness of water, energy, and food (WEF) exacerbates this challenge, amplifying the impact of climate change on water resource management across these sectors. Thus, in strengthening the long-term resilience and reliability of water resources, a necessity in South Africa, research on climate change and the WEF nexus is needed for water resource planning and development. Employing the WEF nexus approach, we applied the Climate Land-Use Energy and Water Strategies (CLEWS) modelling framework to assess climate change impacts on the water supply-demand relationship, considering the domestic, agriculture (irrigation) and energy generation sectors, and adopting the Buffalo River catchment, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as a case study. A threefold approach was utilized: (1) water supplies and demands and the total unmet demands were quantified; (2) the percentages of water demands covered per sector were derived; and (3) the reliability of the water system to meet each sector’s water demands was computed. The findings projected slight decreases (2%) in the Buffalo River catchment’s total water demands towards the end of the 21st century, mainly due to changes in land suitability for agriculture. While the water system is projected to be reliable for highly populated municipalities (demand coverage index > 70%; reliability index ≥ 20%), it is unreliable for sparsely populated and agriculturally intensive municipalities (demand coverage index ≤ 12%; reliability index = 0%). Such unreliability will strain agricultural production as more than 70% of irrigation water demands come from these municipalities. Nexus-smart water allocation and capacity development plans are recommended to manage these challenges and ensure a just and sustainable water supply-demand relationship in light of climate change.

Land suitability and human adaptation: River Siang from Sangam to Pongging, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Land suitability in mountainous regions profoundly influences human adaptation strategies, particularly in environments shaped by morphometric characteristics. This study focuses on the Siang river valley from Sangam to Pongging, Arunachal Pradesh, India, employing Land Suitability Analysis (LSA) to assess terrain viability for settlement, and orchard cultivation. Key determinants such as topographic features, drainage morphometry, and infrastructural accessibility were analyzed to develop thematic maps delineating optimal zones for different land uses. The research underscores how geomorphic attributes and accessibility influence settlement patterns and orchard suitability, with lower elevations proving favorable for settlements and orchards due to accessible topography and climatic conditions. By integrating spatial analysis techniques and assessing variables like elevation, slope, and proximity to infrastructure by euclidian distance and pareto principle (80/20 rule), this research provides a comprehensive framework for informed land use planning. Strategic planning recommendations emphasize sustainable practices and community engagement to balance development needs with environmental preservation in Arunachal Pradesh's rugged terrain. It advocates for collaborative efforts between stakeholders to optimize land utilization and foster resilient development amidst challenging environmental conditions. This initial attempt aims to raise awareness among land users, planners, research workers, and administrators to ensure proper and effective land management.

Research on collaborative management technology of deep multi-coal seam mining and pre-reclamation in coal-grain composite area

Subterranean coal mining results in the occurrence of surface subsidence, soil degradation, and damage to agricultural lands, which is especially severe in regions with high groundwater levels. The collaborative reclamation scheme combining surface pre-reclamation and underground mining layout optimization can effectively control the problem of damage to farmlands. Hence, it is imperative to study the collaborative management technology. The research area for this study is Jiulishan Mine, located in coal-grain composite areas with a high groundwater table. Initially, a combined UAV and USV measuring system was utilized to acquire spatial data of the proposed reclamation area. Furthermore, we examined the evolution features of the subsidence ponding related to various mining methods using FLAC3D numerical modeling. Ultimately, the ArcGIS spatial analysis module was utilized to model and calculate the reclamation volume and rate for each plan. Our findings indicate that: (1) The extent of damage caused by shallow coal seam mining includes an area of 50.67 hm2 for farmland damaged area (FDA), 31.49 hm2 for seasonal subsidence ponding (SSP), and 23.51 hm2 for perennial subsidence ponding (PSP). Additionally, the boundary subsidence values for each damaged area are 0.8 m, 1.6 m, and 2.8 m, respectively. (2) Through the optimization of deep coal seam mining designs, the spatial configuration of the subsidence basin is successfully altered, creating the necessary condition for the development of a dynamic pre-reclamation plan. (3) The reclamation rate of the optimized pre-reclamation (PR) scheme is significantly higher, ranging from 40 % to 44 %, compared to the reclamation rate of 24 % of the traditional reclamation (TR). The choice of a suitable land reclamation and ecological restoration strategy was determined by optimizing mining plans and considering the characteristics of the subsidence area. This offers empirical evidence and specialized assistance for the ecological rehabilitation of coal-grain composite areas with high groundwater levels.

Investigation of static and dynamic mechanical loads on light-weight PV modules for offshore floating applications

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are significant for the transition towards renewable energy. However, their expansion is constrained by the scarcity of suitable land in proximity to electric grids. To address this issue, floating PV is a promising solution. Ensuring the robustness of floating PV installations remains a major concern, particularly regarding the mechanical load due to strong winds in open water. This study aims to assess the impact of wind on floating PV modules, by considering real wind speed values occurring at the North Sea. To achieve this objective, the influence of PV module configuration, such as inclination, is examined. Moreover, different thicknesses of PV glass are considered to find an optimum between mechanical stability and material consumption. Lastly, a resonance vibration test is performed and compared to simulations to estimate the effects of vibration on PV module stress. The findings indicate that a low inclination installation is preferable, and a glass-glass PV module with a 2.5 mm glass thickness can withstand static and dynamic mechanical loads, although long-term durability requires further investigation. Additionally, it is crucial for the standard Dynamic Mechanical Load (DML) test to include higher pressure values and an extended vibration test at the resonance frequency with the highest measured acceleration, identified after a frequency sweep.

Geospatial and common methods for the assessment of land suitability for wheat production in Iran

Wheat is considered the most important crop in Iran; however, not all of the land in Iran is equally suitable for growing wheat. This study aimed to apply a spatial model for land suitability assessment integrated with geographic information system (GIS) techniques for the wheat crop. Climate and Soil parameters were recognized as factors affecting land suitability for wheat crop in the study area. Three indices were used in assessing land suitability, soil fertility, chemical and physical quality indices. The results of the proposed model (LSI) were compared with the square root and Storie methods. The results showed that most of the units fall within the Moderate suitable class (S2) and the Marginally suitable class (S3) which together represent 88.66% of the total area. About 7.08% of the study area was High suitable and About 2.37% of the study area was unsuitable for wheat crops and those areas correspond to the adverse physical and chemical properties of the soil. The comparison of the results of the three approaches used showed that the present model has a Moderate level of agreement with the square root method (0.516) and showed that the present model has a low level of agreement with the Storie method (0.243). Comparing the results showed that the story model has a high agreement with the square root method (0.884). In the current model, the use of different indicators allows for obtaining results that seem to be more consistent with the current conditions of the region.

An Evaluation of the Land Available for Sustainable Sugarcane Cultivation and Potential for Producing Ethanol and Bioelectricity in Angola

With a predominantly humid tropical climate and a large area for expanding agricultural activities, Angola has in principle favorable conditions for bioenergy production. The focus of this study was to evaluate the availability of suitable land for producing sugarcane. This crop is highly efficient in converting solar energy into biomass for energy purposes in Angola. To this end, this paper outlines a method for data collection, processing, and analysis divided into three sections. The first section uses the GAEZ (Global Agroecological Zones) database and QGIS (Quantum GIS) software (version 3.22.5) to assess land availability for sugarcane cultivation in Angola, classifying the regions’ suitability into four levels. The second section supplements this with data from the FAOSTAT database, systematically excluding areas with restrictions, such as protected zones, land already used for other crops, and regions unsuitable for sugarcane. Finally, the third section employs an agricultural yield model to estimate the potential yield of sugarcane based on climatic parameters and the amount of bioenergy (ethanol and bioelectricity) able to be produced in the available land. Under these criteria, this study identified the existence of 6.3 Mha in lands of good agricultural suitability, with water resources, corresponding to 5% of the Angolan territory, distributed in seven provinces of the country, especially in the provinces of Cuando Cubango and Cunene, where 85% of the very suitable land under irrigation is located. Adopting a model of agricultural productivity, assuming irrigation and adequate agricultural practices, such area could produce approximately 956 million tons of sugarcane annually, which is significantly higher than the current production in this country. This amount of feedstock processed using current technology could potentially produce 81.3 GL of ethanol and 176.9 TWh of electricity with low GHG emissions per year, which is able to mitigate, as a whole, circa 60.3 MtCO2-eq/year by displacing gasoline in light vehicles and diesel and natural gas consumed in power generation.

Analisis Kesesuaian Lahan Permukiman di Kecamatan Pasaman Menggunakan Sistem Informasi Geografi

Settlements are part of the living environment that functions as a residential environment. The conditions of a settlement greatly influence the survival of living creatures in that settlement. Spatial planning for a residential location needs to be based on various considerations to make it more appropriate and efficient, mSo there needs to be efforts to adapt the land, Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze the level of suitability of residential land in Pasaman District using the method matching and spatial analysis, namely geographic information systems. Settlement land suitability analysis for Pasaman District is divided into 3 classes, namely suitability classes S2, S3, and N. For class S2, which is the land suitability class suitable for settlements, has an area of 16,105 Ha (37%), class S3 or suitable marginal with an area of 14,188.21 Ha (32%), and class N or not suitable with an area of 13,807.26 Ha (31%). The dominant inhibiting or limiting factors for land suitability classes in Pasaman District are slopes, river borders, road accessibility and flood vulnerability.

Study On The Suitability Of Industrial Estates In The Northern Region Of Medan City To The Carrying Capacity Of The Environment

Industrial estates in the northern region of Medan City are currently developing close to community settlements, which have the potential to have a negative impact on the environment and public health. These impacts include air and noise pollution, water and soil pollution, declining property values, increased crime problems, and environmental damage. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a study on the suitability of industrial estates to the carrying capacity of the environment. This study aims to assess the suitability of industrial estates with the Carrying Capacity and Carrying Capacity of Ecosystem Services-Based Environment. The method used in this study is quantitative descriptive, which describes environmental characteristics and the phenomenon of industrial estate development. The results of the study show variations in land suitability in the northern region of Medan City. In Medan Belawan District, most of the land (1,566.22 hectares) is not suitable for industrial estates, while in Medan Deli, most of the land (1,358.26 hectares) is very suitable. Medan Labuhan District is dominated by suitable land (2,157.42 hectares), while Medan Marelan has an even distribution between very suitable and suitable land. In coastal reclamation areas, most of the land (262.46 hectares) is not suitable.

Evaluation of Climate Suitability for Maize Production in Poland under Climate Change

Climatic conditions are the main factor influencing the suitability of agricultural land for crop production. Therefore, the evaluation of climate change impact on crop suitability using the best possible methods and data is needed for successful agricultural climate change adaptation. This study presents the application of a multi-criteria evaluation approach to assess climate suitability for maize production in Poland, for a baseline period (BL, 1981–2010) and two future periods 2041–2070 (2050s) and 2071–2100 (2080s) under two RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways) scenarios: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The analyses incorporated expert knowledge using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) into the evaluation of criteria weights. The results showed that maturity and frost stress were the most limiting factors in assessing the climatic suitability of maize cultivation in Poland, with 30% and 11% of Poland classified as marginally suitable or not suitable for maize cultivation, respectively. In the future climate, the area limited by maturity and frost stress factors is projected to decrease, while the area of water stress and heat stress is projected to increase. For 2050 climate projections, water stress limitation areas occupy 7% and 8% of Poland for RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively, while for 2080 projections, the same areas occupy 12% and 32% of the country, respectively. By 2080, heat stress will become a limiting factor for maize cultivation; according to our analysis, 3% of the Polish area under RCP8.5 will be marginally suitable for maize cultivation because of heat stress. The overall analyses showed that most of Poland in the BL climate is in the high suitability class (62%) and 38% is moderately suitable for maize cultivation. This situation will improves until 2050, but will worsen in the 2080s under the RCP8.5 scenario. Under RCP8.5, by the end of the century (2080s), the highly suitable area will decrease to 47% and the moderately suitable area will increase to 53%.

Development of Land Suitability Assessment Applications for Sorghum, Sweet Potato and Sugarcane

Cultivation of food crops should be done on suitable land based on the results of the soil suitability assessment. The Soil Suitability Assessment Framework was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Today, smartphones have become a ubiquitous technology for solving problems in most environments, including: Assessment of soil suitability for food crops, plantations and many others. This white paper aims to address these benefits by transforming the framework into a mobile app. This solution aims to help land users conduct land valuations more effectively and efficiently. A rule-based system (RBS) algorithm is used to build the framework into a set of rules that are interconnected to draw land suitability conclusions. Regulations relate to annual rainfall, land topography, drainage, soil type, pH, flood risk, soil fertility, soil depth, etc. Only three of his food crops, sorghum, sweet potato, and sugarcane, will be evaluated in this study. Agroclimatic data governing crop suitability have evolved into generic and crop-specific criteria. An application that assesses land suitability for three food crops will be available on the Play Store for smartphones. Usability models were surveyed by 35 respondents who used the app. The user-friendliness of the app was evaluated as "very good."

Development of Land Suitability Assessment Applications for Sorghum, Sweet Potato and Sugarcane

Cultivation of food crops should be done on suitable land based on the results of the soil suitability assessment. The Soil Suitability Assessment Framework was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Today, smartphones have become a ubiquitous technology for solving problems in most environments, including: Assessment of soil suitability for food crops, plantations and many others. This white paper aims to address these benefits by transforming the framework into a mobile app. This solution aims to help land users conduct land valuations more effectively and efficiently. A rule-based system (RBS) algorithm is used to build the framework into a set of rules that are interconnected to draw land suitability conclusions. Regulations relate to annual rainfall, land topography, drainage, soil type, pH, flood risk, soil fertility, soil depth, etc. Only three of his food crops, sorghum, sweet potato, and sugarcane, will be evaluated in this study. Agroclimatic data governing crop suitability have evolved into generic and crop-specific criteria. An application that assesses land suitability for three food crops will be available on the Play Store for smartphones. Usability models were surveyed by 35 respondents who used the app. The user-friendliness of the app was evaluated as "very good."

Soil Development and Land Suitability for Cacao on Sandstone and Pumice Breccia in the Semilir Formation in Ponjong District, Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia

The parent material of the Semilir Formation, which consists of breccia pumice and sandstone, was located in the villages of Sawahan and Umbulrejo, Ponjong district, and it influences the genesis and soil types. This study utilized survey and laboratory analysis methods. Two soil profiles were studied: the first profile was located in Sawahan Village with breccia pumice as the parent material, while the second profile was in Umbulrejo Village with sandstone as the parent material. The research results indicated that soils developed from breccia pumice had diagnostic horizons of umbric epipedon and argillic endopedon with an advanced soil development stage. Soils developed from sandstone had diagnostic horizons of umbric epipedon and cambic endopedon with a young soil development stage. This affects the chemical properties of the soil. Soils formed from pumice breccia tend to have base saturation of less than 50% with low exchangeable bases, while soils formed from sandstone have base saturation of >50% with high exchangeable bases. Soils developed from breccia pumice and sandstone have soil classification as Typic Paleudults and Typic Dystrudepts. These soil types are suitable for cocoa plant cultivation; however, they require mechanical conservation through terrace construction and improved drainage by incorporating organic materials or compost into the soil, which can significantly enhance soil porosity, enabling better water retention and drainage.

Soil Development and Land Suitability for Cacao on Sandstone and Pumice Breccia in the Semilir Formation in Ponjong District, Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia

The parent material of the Semilir Formation, which consists of breccia pumice and sandstone, was located in the villages of Sawahan and Umbulrejo, Ponjong district, and it influences the genesis and soil types. This study utilized survey and laboratory analysis methods. Two soil profiles were studied: the first profile was located in Sawahan Village with breccia pumice as the parent material, while the second profile was in Umbulrejo Village with sandstone as the parent material. The research results indicated that soils developed from breccia pumice had diagnostic horizons of umbric epipedon and argillic endopedon with an advanced soil development stage. Soils developed from sandstone had diagnostic horizons of umbric epipedon and cambic endopedon with a young soil development stage. This affects the chemical properties of the soil. Soils formed from pumice breccia tend to have base saturation of less than 50% with low exchangeable bases, while soils formed from sandstone have base saturation of >50% with high exchangeable bases. Soils developed from breccia pumice and sandstone have soil classification as Typic Paleudults and Typic Dystrudepts. These soil types are suitable for cocoa plant cultivation; however, they require mechanical conservation through terrace construction and improved drainage by incorporating organic materials or compost into the soil, which can significantly enhance soil porosity, enabling better water retention and drainage.

Strategy to Develop Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Plantation Based on Land Suitability Class and SWOT analysis

Okra is famous as super food sources that prevent diabetes and reduce cholesterol. To meet the increasing demand for okra, it is necessary to develop plantation for okra cultivation. In this sense, land suitability analysis for okra plantation is needed as base information to develop the plantation development strategies. This study aimed to identify the okra plantation development strategies in Jember Regency. The strategies involved the technology recommendations needed to improve land conditions. Land suitability evaluation parameters were analyzed using ArcGIS software. The results of the analysis were used to determine internal and external factors in the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to determine the technology needed. Results showed that suitable area for okra plantation was divided into class S1 (highly suitable) of 56.85%, and class S2 (moderately suitable) 43.15% of the area. Moreover, based on SWOT analysis the proposed technology strategies for 7 sub districts were in the quadrant II, meaning had weaknesses. Increasing compost as fertilizer was recommended to increase N, K, and P in the soil as well as to increase soil solum. In addition, irrigation and drainage system was proposed to solve problems regarding rainfall. Recommendation to reduce sloping area included terracing development. Keywords: GIS, Land suitability analysis, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), Plantations development strategies, SWOT.

EVALUASI KESESUAIAN LAHAN TANAMAN JAGUNG (Zea Mays L) DI KECAMATAN MALUA KABUPATEN ENREKANG

This study aims to determine the actual and potential land suitability of maize crops and its limiting factors in Malua District. The method used in this research is survey method and descriptive data analysis and determination of land suitability class based on FAO method. The results showed that the actual land suitability of maize crops in Malua District, Enrekang Regency, land units 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12 are marginally suitable (S3) with nutrient availability factor (P2O5). While the potential land suitability is quite suitable (S2) with the limiting actor of rooting media (soil texture).

EVALUASI KESESUIAN LAHAN TANAMAN BAWANG PUTIH (Allium stivum L.) DI KECAMATAN MONCONGLOE KABUPATEN MAROS

The study aims to determine the actual and potential land suitability and limiting factors of garlic in Moncongloe District, Maros Regency. The research was conducted from August to October 2021 in Moncongloe District, Maros Regency, and Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Muslim Indonesia Makassar. The method used in the research was survey method and descriptive data analysis and determination of land suitability class based on FAO method modified by the Ministry of Agriculture. The results showed that the actual land suitability of garlic is not suitable (Nwa.eh) for land units 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as not suitable (Nwa) for land units 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22. While the potential land suitability is quite suitable (S2tc.wa) for all land units in Moncongloe District, Maros Regency. The inhibiting factors are average temperature (tc) and water availability (rainfall).

Urban Landscape Management of Makassar City Based on Waterfront City Concept

Abstract Makassar City is one of the coastal cities in Indonesia with a 32 km long coastline. This extensive coastal stretch harbors numerous potential natural resources. Recognizing the coastal region’s potential, the government has been implementing the Waterfront City concept to develop and manage this area. Since 2003, the Makassar City government has actively undertaken revitalization and reclamation efforts in the coastal zone, aiming to establish various facilities including commercial areas, public parks, residential zones, and tourism infrastructure, all with the aim of achieving the status of a waterfront city. However, these ongoing development and reclamation activities are inevitably transforming the coastal landscape, bringing about both positive and negative changes. On the downside, there are adverse effects such as deteriorating water quality and diminishing mangrove areas. Conversely, there has been an increase in tourist arrivals, showcasing a positive aspect. This study aims to assess the suitability of land in the coastal areas and the visual appeal of Makassar City’s waterfront, providing recommendations for coastal landscape management. Based on the analysis of land suitability and the aesthetics of the coastal area of Makassar City, the urban areas generally possess land suitable for implementing the waterfront city concept, categorized into three zones: tourism, residential, and conservation, to optimize land functionality. Besides the quality of the beautiful coast has a fairly good value with a neat and clean conditions.

Land suitability analysis for blue-green infrastructure implementation in an urban stormwater management system in Surabaya, Indonesia

ABSTRACT In low-lying areas, pluvial, fluvial, and coastal flooding can combine to form complex flood events. In this context, integrated blue-green infrastructure (BGI) has emerged as a viable approach to environmentally friendly stormwater management. This study concentrated on two primary objectives: i) the development of a geospatial technology-based land suitability map for BGI implementation and ii) the identification of optimal BGI nodes and corridors. Surabaya City in the Delta Brantas region of Indonesia was selected as the location for a pilot study. The land suitability analysis considered five criteria (slope, potential drainage density, land use/land cover, soil types, and proximity to roads), and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to assign weights to these criteria before calculating a BGI index using the raster calculator tool in GIS. A BGI index map was then employed to identify potential BGI nodes on public land and priority corridors. The eastern and western regions of Surabaya, which are characterized by agriculture, fishponds, salt ponds, and mangrove forests, were identified as prime candidates for BGI implementation. Areas of public land under the jurisdiction of the city government, such as government offices, police stations, and educational zones, also offered the opportunity for BGI initiatives.

Microbial electrochemical enhanced composting of sludge and kitchen waste: Electricity generation, composting efficiency and health risk assessment for land use

To realize the energy and resource utilization from organic solid waste, a two-phase microbial desalination cell (TPMDC) was constructed using dewatered sludge and kitchen waste as the anode substrate. The performance of electricity generation and composting efficacy was investigated, along with a comprehensive assessment of the potential health risks associated with the land use of the resulting mixed compost products. Experimental outcomes revealed a maximum open-circuit voltage of 0.893 ± 0.005 V and a maximum volumetric power density of 0.797 ± 0.009 W/m³. After 90 days of composting enhanced by microbial electrochemistry, a significant organic matter removal rate of 31.13 ± 0.44 % was obtained, and the anode substrate electric conductivity was reduced by 30.02 ± 0.04 % based on the anode desalination. Simultaneously, there was an increase in the content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as an improvement in the seed germination index. The forms of heavy metals shifted from bioavailable to stable residual states. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during the land use of compost products were less than 1, and the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for heavy metals and PAHs were below the acceptable threshold of 10−4. The occupational population risk of infection from five pathogens was higher than that of the general public, with all risk values ranging from 8.67 × 10−8 to 1, where the highest risk was attributed to occupational exposure to Legionella. These outcomes demonstrated that the mixture of dewatered sludge and kitchen waste was an appropriate anode substrate to enhance TPMDC stability for electricity generation, and its compost products have promising land use suitability and acceptable land use risk, which will provide important guidance for the safe treatment and disposal of organic solid waste.

Land Suitability Analysis Based On Geomorphological Aspects For Settlements In Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi

Land Suitability Analysis Based On Geomorphological Aspects For Settlements In Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi