Sustainable Land Management Practices Research Articles

The Effects of Climate Change on Streamflow, Nitrogen Loads, and Crop Yields in the Gordes Dam Basin, Turkey

The Mediterranean region is highly vulnerable to climate change. Longer and more intense heatwaves and droughts are expected. The Gordes Dam in Turkey provides drinking water for Izmir city and irrigation water for a wide range of crops grown in the basin. Using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), this study examined the effects of projected climate change (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) on the simulated streamflow, nitrogen loads, and crop yields in the basin for the period of 2031–2060. A hierarchical approach to define the hydrological response units (HRUs) of SWAT and the Fast Automatic Calibration Tool (FACT) were used to reduce computational time and improve model performance. The simulations showed that the average annual discharge into the reservoir is projected to increase by between 0.7 m3/s and 4 m3/s under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios. The steep slopes and changes in precipitation in the study area may lead to higher simulated streamflow. In addition, the rising temperatures predicted in the projections could lead to earlier spring snowmelt. This could also lead to increased streamflow. Projected nitrogen loads increased by between 8.8 and 25.1 t/year. The results for agricultural production were more variable. While the yields of poppy, tobacco, winter barley, and winter wheat will increase to some extent because of climate change, the yields of maize, cucumbers, and potatoes are all predicted to be negatively affected. Non-continuous and limited data on water quality and crop yields lead to uncertainties, so that the accuracy of the model is affected by these limitations and inconsistencies. However, the results of this study provide a basis for developing sustainable water and land management practices at the catchment scale in response to climate change. The changes in water quality and quantity and the ecological balance resulting from changes in land use and management patterns for economic benefit could not be fully demonstrated in this study. To explore the most appropriate management strategies for sustainable crop production, the SWAT model developed in this study should be further used in a multi-criteria land use optimization analysis that considers not only crop yields but also water quantity and quality targets.

Challenges and Opportunities of Livelihood Diversification in Ethiopia: A Review Article

Diversifying sources of income has been recognized as a crucial approach to alleviate poverty, mitigate food insecurity, and enhance the overall well-being of rural residents in Ethiopia. This review outlines the key challenges and opportunities associated with livelihood diversification in the country. The study identifies several primary constraints that hinder livelihood diversification, including inadequate infrastructure development, scarcity of arable land, limited access to credit services, gender disparities, and poor rural-urban linkages. However, it also highlights potential avenues for sustainable livelihoods through diversification, such as the promotion of sustainable land management practices, adoption of climate-resilient agricultural strategies, and the provision of training and capacity building programs. To facilitate successful livelihood diversification, the review emphasizes the urgency of investing in infrastructure development and ensuring access to credit services. Moreover, it underscores the importance of promoting gender equality to mitigate the challenges faced by women in diversifying their livelihoods. Encouraging sustainable land management practices, implementing climate-resilient agricultural strategies, and providing comprehensive training and capacity building programs are identified as critical measures to support diversification efforts in Ethiopia effectively. The review offers evidence-based policy recommendations to inform government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders on effective strategies that can enhance livelihood diversification in the country, while also ensuring inclusivity and sustainability. The significance of livelihood diversification within Ethiopia's development agenda cannot be overstated, and it is imperative for stakeholders to act in addressing the identified challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by diversification. By doing so, they can contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development in the country. However, it is essential to note that further research is necessary to explore the efficacy of livelihood diversification strategies in different contexts and identify additional opportunities and challenges that may arise.

Selected Driver Variables for the Simulation of Land-Use and Land-Cover Change for the Republic of Djibouti: A Study from Semi-Arid Region

Abstract. This study aims to integrate driver variables with a land use change model (LCM) to explore their impact on the natural environment within the context of land-use changes in the Republic of Djibouti, considering possible Business-as-usual scenarios. Secondary data from 1990 and 2012 on land use land cover (LULC) were analyzed, with a 2022 map generated by adopting the same method of secondary data used (random forest classification in Google Earth Engine (GEE)) for validation. Eight key driver variables were utilized to model plausible future land cover (2035) for Djibouti. Statistical outputs and change maps from the LCM were compared to gauge historical change estimates and simulated scenarios. Analysis from 1990 to 2022 highlights significant land use and cover changes spurred by urbanization, environmental factors, and economic development. Barren land and bushland dominated, while built-up areas and water bodies expanded notably. Urbanization, agriculture, and climate change contributed to vegetation degradation, with declines in mangroves and increases in built-up areas. Water bodies also expanded during this period. Projections from the 2035 LULC map anticipate further urban expansion, underscoring the need for sustainable land management practices. In conclusion, comprehensive land-use planning, interdisciplinary approaches, and stakeholder engagement are deemed critical for addressing Djibouti's socio-economic and environmental challenges and steering towards a sustainable future. These simulated results offer valuable insights for regional governments to frame strategic policies and assess management actions for resource utilization amidst urbanization and population growth trends.

Changes in soil microbial diversity under present land degradation scenario

Soil biological characteristics are drastically altered by land degradation. Degradation may reduce the number of microorganisms in the soil. Multiple activities and services provided by grassland ecosystems are impacted by land use change because of the resulting shifts in plant community composition and soil characteristics. A large body of research has examined the geographical and temporal dynamics of bacterial community structure and bacterial responses to human management in grassland ecosystems. As one of the most consequential environmental shifts occurring today, land use modification can affect microbial communities through modifying soil environmental parameters, nutritional conditions, and biological interactions. Whereas, soil microbes play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, disease suppression, and overall soil health. Land degradation practices, such as deforestation, overgrazing, intensive agriculture, and improper land management, can disrupt the balance and diversity of soil microbial communities, leading to negative consequences for ecosystem functioning. To mitigate the negative effects of land degradation on soil microbial communities, sustainable land management practices should be adopted. These practices include soil conservation, reforestation, crop rotation, reduced tillage, organic farming methods, and proper nutrient management. By promoting soil health and restoring ecosystem processes, these approaches can help rebuild and maintain diverse and functional soil microbial communities.The purpose of this review is twofold: (1) to assess the diversity and composition of soil microorganisms in response to distinct land-use scenarios; and (2) to compare the relative importance of environmental factors driving these variations

Habitat quality on the edge of anthropogenic pressures: predicting the impact of land use changes in the Brazilian Upper Paraguay River Basin

Landscape changes driven by anthropogenic activities often have negative impacts on ecosystems, jeopardizing the provision of vital services that sustain biotic elements and wildlife. Predicting the effects of such transformations is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate ecological damage. This study explores the interaction of land use changes and habitat quality estimates in the Upper Paraguay River Basin in Brazil, using the InVEST Habitat Quality model to estimate spatiotemporal landscape trends and evaluate the potential impact of land use policies for the future. Under a business-as-usual scenario by 2050, potential land use changes are simulated for shaping habitat quality, habitat degradation, and habitat rarity estimates as landscape proxies for biodiversity conservation. Results show an extensive expansion of pastures through deforestation, leading to progressive habitat degradation with a significant decay in the predicted and observed habitat quality. The habitat quality index estimates show a spatial decrease from 0.78 to 0.57 for the 1989-2050 period. The same trend is observed in protected areas for the period 2019-2050, with an increase of anthropogenic land use and a decrease of the habitat quality from 0.80 to 0.57 in conservation units, and from 0.75 to 0.53 in indigenous lands. For improved conservation outcomes, this work introduces new insights for shaping environmental actions that can be flagged as sustainable land management practices and ecological perspectives towards spatial pressures at different scales. Therefore, government institutions responsible for the protection of conservation units and indigenous communities can be informed about potential land use impacts on their territories. The findings suggest that incorporating additional scenario trends and climate-related variables could be a valuable direction for future studies to extend further the modelling approaches explored in this work.

Impacts of Sustainable Land Management Intervention on the Soil Condition and Landscape Greenness: Evidence from Jimma Arjo District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Soil degradation has been a major environmental and agricultural challenge in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. Recently, several governmental and nongovernmental organizations have made efforts to reduce the problem and improve the productivity of land through sustainable land management (SLM) practices. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of sustainable land management practices on soil condition and landscape greenness in the Jimma Arjo District, Southwestern Ethiopia. The impact of SLM practices on soil condition was examined by collecting twenty-eight (28) composite and core (28) soil samples from treated (14) and nontreated (14) lands. Landsat satellite images of 2012 and 2022 were used to detect changes in landscape greenness using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). ArcGIS® 10.3, ERDAS® 2014, and Microsoft Excel software packages were used for analysis. The significance test was performed using a one-way ANOVA. The result showed a significant difference in soil physiochemical properties (soil texture, soil pH, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorous and calcium) between treated and nontreated lands (P<0.01). However, the landscape greenness result shows that the lowest NDVI value in the SLM-treated kebele during 2012 was −0.15 but increased to 0.09 in 2022. Similarly, the highest value was found to be 0.41 in 2012 and the value rose to 0.53 in 2022. It is concluded that sustainable land management practices implemented in the area have resulted in an important positive effect on improving the soil condition and landscape greenness. Hence, strengthening and scaling up SLM practices and continuous maintenance are advisable for better results in land productivity and livelihood improvement.

MORPHOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRY CHARACTERISTIC OF RAYA WATERSHED

The study of watershed morphology and land use patterns significantly affects hydrological processes and runoff coefficients, highlighting the quantitative nature of watershed characteristics. The Raya Watershed in West Kalimantan influences local communities and aims to enhance understanding of its physical attributes and hydrological dynamics through detailed analysis of topography, soil composition, land use, and river networks. Findings inform watershed management and conservation strategies. The analysis of the Raya Watershed, spanning 29,982.96 hectares (87.34% of total area) with elevations below 100 meters, reveals flat terrain vulnerable to flooding, particularly in low-lying or sea-level regions, exacerbated by limited natural drainage. Lower elevations support crucial wetland and floodplain ecosystems. Hydrological disruptions from land use changes and climate fluctuations can harm biodiversity and water quality. Effective land use planning is vital to address flood risk and environmental concerns, mitigating impacts like property damage and population displacement. Soil-type mapping informs conservation efforts, ensuring ecosystem resilience. Sustainable land management practices, guided by watershed characteristics like drain density and stream frequency, are essential to mitigate biodiversity loss and ecological imbalances.

Impact of Deforestation on Regional Climate Patterns in Japan

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze impact of deforestation on regional climate patterns.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: Research on the impact of deforestation in Japan reveals significant alterations in regional climate patterns. Deforested areas experience changes in precipitation, often leading to decreased rainfall and potential drought conditions. Additionally, deforestation contributes to higher temperatures, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and altering local weather dynamics. Modifications in atmospheric circulation patterns further compound these effects, potentially increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of land surface-atmosphere interaction, bio geophysical feedback hypothesis & theory of atmospheric circulation changes may be used to anchor future studies on impact of deforestation on regional climate patterns. Implement sustainable land management practices and reforestation initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation on regional climate patterns. Enact and enforce policies that promote sustainable forestry practices, including forest protection, sustainable logging, and forest restoration measures.

Contemporary Agricultural Land Management Practices under Climate Change and Population Increase Scenarios: Insights from Tanzania’s Southern Highlands

This study investigated the impact of population growth and climate change on land management practices. The study was conducted in Mbinga district located in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed. Research data were collected using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, physical observation, focus group discussions and literature review. A total of 267 household heads were selected for this study. Also, the study used climate data from Tanzania Meteorological Authority, temperature and rainfall data over the past 40 years were collected (1981-2021). The findings revealed that, the area has experienced increased population and climate change incidences. The trend line for both minimum and maximum temperatures indicate a substantial increased trends at (P= 0.0018, R2=0.0005; P=0.0176, R2=0.02359) respectively. Contrariwise, the area has experienced decrease in rainfall totals at (P= 0.4385, R2=0.0008). It was revealed that, various traditional methods of land management practices including the use of animal manures, mulching, fallowing and the use of crop residues were affected by population increase and climate change. Farmers adopted new agricultural practices including the use of industrial fertilizers and reducing the size of contour terraces as the coping strategies for agricultural production against environmental deterioration caused by population increase and climate change.  However, the sustainability of such practices is uncertain due to continued population increase and climate change scenarios. Therefore, the study recommends for introduction of sustainable land management practices that would instigate for sustainable food production for the changing population.

Implications of AI in land management

This study sought to find out implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in land management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers significant benefits for land development and decision-making, ethical concerns regarding data privacy, bias, and social impact necessitate frameworks to ensure its responsible application. The increasing use of AI models in land management raises ethical concerns about data ownership, privacy, algorithmic bias, environmental impact, and social displacement. Traditional research ethics frameworks may not be sufficient for AI-driven land management practices.  This paper examines critical issues arising from data governance, algorithmic transparency, and environmental and social impact assessment. It proposes frameworks that consider established research ethics principles and advocate for community engagement.  The paper highlights the potential for AI to contribute to sustainable and equitable land management. However, it also identifies potential negative consequences such as job losses, unequal access to technology, and exacerbation of existing social divides.  The paper emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, communities, and developers to construct ethical frameworks that ensure AI contributes to sustainable land management practices.  These frameworks should address data governance, algorithmic transparency, environmental and social impact assessments, and community engagement.

Sustainable Land Management in Mali

This study uses logistic and Poisson regression models to examine the factors influencing the adoption of sustainable land management (SLM) practices in Mali using two rounds of the nationally representative survey Enquête Agricole de Conjoncture Intégrée aux Conditions de Vie des Ménages. The SLMs considered include the application of organic fertilizers, the application of inorganic fertilizers, the use of improved seeds, and the practice of intercropping. On average the application of organic fertilizers (39.2%), and inorganic fertilizers (28.7%) are the most frequent SLM practices among Malian farmers, and between 2014 and 2017, we observe a decline in the practice of intercropping. The regression results show that farmers’ adoption of different SLMs is significantly associated with biophysical factors (average temperature, climate type, plot size, plot shape, and location), demographic factors (age, gender, education, household size), and socioeconomic factors (number of cultivated plots, livelihood diversification, type of crop grown, market access, credit access, economic shocks, and social capital). Our findings suggest that policymakers and agricultural development agencies in Mali need to adopt a multidimensional policy framework to unlock the untapped potential of SLM practices in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Assessing the impact of Land use changes on ecosystem services in the Alledighe rangeland, Ethiopia

Understanding the ecological, social, and economic values of protected areas, as well as assessing the services they provide to both humans and the environment is crucial for informing conservation policies and sustainable land management practices. Using the benefits transfer method, changes in ecosystem service values (ESVs) resulting from spatiotemporal land use dynamics were evaluated in the Alledighe Wildlife Reserve (AWR) spanning from 1998 to 2016. Five distinct habitat types, namely grassland, bushland, woodland, riverine forest, and highland forest, were identified across the landscape. The ESVs were estimated using regional and global ESV values. A decline in the extent of grassland, woodland, and riverine forests by 9.9%, 2.4%, and 1.5%, respectively, was observed while bushland and highland forests increased by 10.6% and 3.3%, respectively. The AWR experienced a loss of roughly 145 km2 of grassland habitat. Based on regional and global ESVs, total ESVs in the study area decreased by 28.18% from approximately US$ 180 million to approximately US$ 129 million, and by 40.85% from approximately US$ 496 million to approximately US$ 293 million. As per individual ESV assessment, the total ESV decreased by 41% from around US$ 374.5 million to US$ 264.8 million. Provisioning service declined by 41.6% from US$ 100 million to US$ 70.6 million. Regulating service declined by 42.5% from US$ 242.4 million to US$ 170 million. Supporting service declined by 67% from US$ 5.3 million to US$ 3.2 million, and cultural service decreased by 27.8% from US$ 26.7 million to US$ 20.8 million. The larger ESV change was contributed by the expansion of forestland and bushland across previously grassland-dominated areas. The results of this study could render the value of the rangeland more visible in the decision-making process, as well as provide valuable input for future planning and management interventions of the AWR's pristine rangeland, thereby enhancing ecosystem services and the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.

Unlocking the potential of soil potassium: Geostatistical approaches for understanding spatial variations in Northwestern Himalayas

This study delves into the heterogeneity of total soil potassium (TSK) in the Northwestern Himalayas (NWH) region by employing standard and geostatistical methods on surface soils (0–20 cm) randomly collected from various land use systems. This research aims to unveil the spatial dynamics of TSK in the challenging context of the NWH region, by unravelling connections between TSK levels, land use practices, and soil properties. The findings of this study are instrumental for sustainable agriculture and ecological resilience in the region. The results of this work reveal that soil TSK levels in different land use types were significantly different in the order: horticulture (13.76 g/kg) > agricultural (11.25 g/kg) > forest (7.38 g/kg) > fallow (4.72 g/kg), which is clearly associated with different K application rates. The stepwise multiple regression analysis provides a significant correlation between TSK levels and soil organic matter, clay, and other fine-grained particles. Spatially, the nugget ratios of TSK exhibit an apparent decrease correlated to land use types, in the order: agriculture > horticulture > forest > mixed. Among the Gaussian, exponential, linear, and spherical geostatistical models considered, the linear model yields the best fit. The isotropy models of TSK optimization vary based on land use type. The role of land use types is very important for modelling and predicting the TSK status at the scientific and industrial scale, ensuring the relevance and applicability of such insights for global scientific audiences and policymakers. This work provides a novel contribution to soil science, with direct implications for sustainable land management practices in fragile agroecological regions beyond geographical boundaries.

Comprehensive Analysis of Land Use and Cover Dynamics in Djibouti Using Machine Learning Technique: A Multi-Temporal Assessment from 1990 to 2023

Understanding land use and land cover (LULC) dynamics in semi-arid regions is vital for unraveling complex environmental processes and resource management. This study delves into the intricate interplay of land patterns and resource dynamics, offering indispensable insights into the environmental repercussions of these changes. The study aims to quantify land use categories in Djibouti's semi-desert region using remote sensing. It analyzes temporal changes and evaluates Random Forest (RF) algorithms for land use classification. Through meticulous quantification and comprehensive temporal analysis, the research contributes significantly to remote sensing and environmental science by enhancing understanding of land use dynamics and informing sustainable land management practices. Leveraging machine learning supervised classification on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform using Landsat data spanning four time periods (1990, 2002, 2012, and 2023), alongside spectral indices and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, our study achieves unprecedented insights. Our findings reveal a significant landscape transformation, delineating seven major land cover classes: mangroves, bushes, farmland, built-up areas, water bodies, barren land, and salt plains. With overall accuracy ranging from 89% to 95%, our assessments demonstrate significant changes in land use types over the studied period. Notably, mangroves, bushes, farmland, and salt areas witnessed declines, while built-up areas, water bodies, and barren lands expanded. This research underscores the pivotal role of remote sensing in monitoring long-term land use changes and their ecological impacts. By harnessing technological advancements, our study empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions for sustainable resource management and environmental conservation in semi-arid landscapes.

Management Strategies of Tropical Savanna Ecosystem for Multiple Benefits of Community Livelihoods in Semiarid Region of Indonesia

Tropical savannas are complex landscapes composed of mainly grasses and a matrix of proportions of discontinuous tree cover. They play an essential role in providing multiple ecosystem services including biodiversity, carbon storage, and socio-economic and cultural values. However, knowledge of sustainable land management practices is still the main challenge, especially to incorporate conservation practices and well-planned fire management. Indonesia is a tropical country with a relatively large area of savannas in the eastern part of the country, in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, with the largest savannas lying in the east of Sumba Island. This study explored the level of knowledge, behaviours, and actions in managing savannas in the east of Sumba Island. The study involved key informant interviews and household surveys among the local population in four villages of Kanatang and Kota Waingapu districts. The communities generally utilized the savanna ecosystems for crop cultivation, plantation farming, and livestock production. This utilization poses a great challenge to explore proper strategies for managing the savanna landscapes sustainably and for conservation. The demands on the land are due to land clearing for farming and livestock, low awareness of conservation practices, and regular drought. Learning from this research, management strategies to sustain savanna ecosystems should focus on: 1) improving knowledge and behaviour on sustainable farming and grazing practices, 2) establishing proper fire management systems to sustain the savanna ecosystem functions and services, 3) designing policies or regulations for managing savanna ecosystems, 4) enhancing networks and coordination for collective community actions.

Impact of watershed management practices on vegetation, land use changes, and soil erosion in River Basins of the Atlas, Morocco

Soil erosion, a land degradation process triggered by natural and anthropogenic factors, seriously impacts landscapes and water resources. The influence of vegetation cover and land use changes on intensity of soil erosion of two catchments in mountainous regions of Morocco is evident, as it alters hydrologic response and sediment dynamics. This research aims to analyze the interactions among plants, soil, geology, meteorology, and orography, assessing soil erosion responses using the process-oriented IntErO model - Erosion Potential Method to determine erosion rates. The obtained results indicate that the Tiguert river basin experiences higher soil losses (Ggod = 5184.47 m³/god) and soil losses per square kilometre (Ggod/km² = 508.28 m³/km² god) compared to the Wanmroud catchment (Ggod = 2555.66 m³/god, Ggod/km² = 381.44 m³/km² god), confirming the theory that areas with denser and more effective vegetation cover experience lower soil erosion rates. Furthermore, the Wanmroud basin exhibits a more regular shape and lower watershed development coefficient, implying lower human impact. This study has shown the relationships between land use changes, vegetation cover, and soil erosion dynamics, offering valuable insights for sustainable land management practices in mountainous regions of Morocco.

Reconciling the soil stewardship paradox: Knowledge without care, care without knowledge

Soil stewardship has emerged as a guiding principle shaping the conservation practices adopted by agricultural stakeholders on their lands. Some scholars have advocated a holistic perspective on stewardship, contending that it relies on both “care” and “knowledge”. Our study sought to investigate the degree to which agricultural stakeholders' knowledge of soil science shapes their sense of responsibility and care toward the soil. There is limited prior research that empirically explores the correlation between individuals' soil science knowledge and their degree of soil care. This underscores the originality and innovation of our research. We designed scales to measure individuals' soil knowledge and their sense of soil care. Our sample comprised 150 agricultural stakeholders from geographically distinct regions of Chile (the south, center, and north), enhancing the generalizability of our findings. Our analysis revealed a direct relationship (r = 0.78, p < 0.001) between the theoretical and practical dimensions of soil science knowledge. However, we also observed an intriguing inverse relationship between theoretical soil science knowledge and the degree of soil care (−0.16, p < 0.05), as well as between practical soil science knowledge and the level of soil care (−0.24, p < 0.01). In essence, greater knowledge of soil science did not correlate with a greater sense of soil care, contrary to the expectations set by existing literature. In our study, agronomists, who mostly come from urban areas and currently residing in such environments, showed extensive soil science knowledge but relatively lower levels of soil care. In contrast, participants without professional degrees or with non-agricultural degrees, who predominantly hailed from rural backgrounds and currently reside in rural areas, exhibited greater levels of soil care despite having lower levels of soil science knowledge. These observations shed light on the soil stewardship paradox observed in our study, showing a disparity between knowledge without a corresponding sense of care and care without a corresponding level of knowledge. This study emphasizes the importance of adopting a more holistic and nuanced perspective in soil conservation research, acknowledging the intricate relationship between knowledge and care, as we seek to promote sustainable land management practices.

Biochar application for sustainable soil erosion control: a review of current research and future perspectives

Soil erosion is a pressing environmental issue with significant agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability implications. In recent years, biochar, a carbon-rich product of biomass pyrolysis, has emerged as a promising soil amendment tool for erosion control due to its ability to improve soil quality and stability. This review paper aims to comprehensively analyze the effectiveness of biochar role in mitigation of soil erosion and sustainable land management practices. By examining a wide range of research studies, this paper elucidates the impact of biochar on key soil erosion parameters as it directly affects the soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. The paper discusses how biochar interacts with soil particles and aggregates to enhance their stability and resistance to erosive forces. It also assesses the influence of biochar properties, such as feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature, and application rate, on its erosion control efficacy. Furthermore, this review explores the role of biochar in promoting plant growth and root development, thereby reinforcing the vegetation cover and further reducing erosion susceptibility. Finally, an outline of potential challenges and opportunities for the widespread adoption of biochar-based erosion control strategies in different agricultural and environmental contexts is presented. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the multifacet role of biochar in sustainable soil management and offers recommendations for future research directions on direct and indirect application on soil erosion control.

Analysis of land use/ land cover changes and landscape fragmentation in the Baro-Akobo Basin, Southwestern Ethiopia

This study investigated the relationship between land use/land cover (LULC) changes and forested landscape fragmentation in the southwestern region of Ethiopia. Satellite images from 1986, 2002 and 2019 were collected and analyzed using standard procedures in ERDAS 2015 software. Fragstat 4.2.1 software was utilized to assess landscape fragmentation by examining a raster datasets derived from the classified LULC map over the research period. The study identified seven LULC classes in the study area. Findings revealed a substantial reduction in shrubland by 46.3%, dense forest by 23.75%, open forest by 17.3%, and wetland by 32.63%, while cropland increased by 38.06%, agroforestry by 20.29%, and settlements by 163.8% during the study period. These changes varied across different agroecological zones and slope gradients. Landscape metrics results indicated an increase in the number of patches and patch density for all LULC classes, demonstrating significant fragmentation of the landscape. The largest patch index, mean patch areas, and the percentage of landscape occupied by open forest, dense forest, shrubland, and wetland declined as a result of conversion to cropland, agroforestry, and settlement. Conversely, the largest patch index, the mean patch area and the percentage of the landscape occupied by agroforestry, cropland and settlement increased, indicating their increasing dominance in the landscape over the study periods. The findings highlighted the potential deleterious impacts of ongoing land use change and fragmentation on the environment, ecosystem function and local livelihoods. Therefore, it is crucial to implement appropriate conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices to mitigate the rapid change and fragmentation of land use and its negative impacts on sub-watershed ecosystems.

Nexus between climate change, agricultural output, fertilizer use, agriculture soil emissions: Novel implications in the context of environmental management

In evaluating the influence of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on climate change, the effectiveness of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) is intricately tied to their atmospheric turnover rates, which play a crucial role in their heat-trapping capacity. Understanding the dynamics of how these gases cycle through the atmosphere is essential for assessing their respective contributions to the greenhouse effect and, consequently, their impact on global warming and climate change. The prime objective of this research is to examine the role of climatic change, agriculture output, and fertilizer use on the agriculture soil's greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, the present study has focused on the temperature of land, fertilizer consumption, crop and livestock production, and energy used in agriculture soils on the pollution level of agricultural soils. The study further delineates the intricate interdependencies between climate change factors and GHG emissions using novel econometric methodologies, specifically the PMG-ARDL, SC-ARDL, and Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality frameworks. In doing so, we use a large panel dataset spanning 1990 to 2020. The estimations show that climate change, as measured by variations in terrestrial temperature, has a discernible and positive impact on GHG emissions over the short and long term. Energy consumption and livestock production positively correlate with GHG emissions, with the former having a more pronounced effect. The implications of fertilizer usage and overall crop yield become noticeably significant in the long term. It emphasizes the importance of using a diachronic perspective when assessing GHG emissions in the agricultural sector. It is also worth noting that agricultural land use appears to negatively impact GHG emissions, emphasizing the importance of implementing sustainable land management practices to mitigate adverse environmental consequences. The study also explores the causality between climate change, agricultural practices, and GHG emissions, revealing a bidirectional association between climatic change and soil emissions. Additionally, unidirectional causation is observed from fertilizer consumption and crop production to emissions, underscoring the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce emissions. The findings offer valuable insights for governments and researchers to create sustainability-related strategies for dealing with climate change issues, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture.