Sustainable Land Research Articles

Evaluation of farmland production potential in key agricultural production areas on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau under multi-scenario simulation

Predicting changes in future land use and farmland production potential (FPP) within the context of shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) is crucial for devising sustainable land use strategies that balance agricultural production and ecological conservation. Therefore, the Huangshui Basin (HSB) in the northeast Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is taken as the study area, and a LUCC–Plus-FPP (LPF) coupling framework based on the SSP–RCP scenarios is proposed to evaluate future land use patterns and FPP changes. On the basis of the predictions of land use changes from 2020 to 2070, the trade-offs in grain production resulting from bivariate changes in farmland and FPP under future scenarios are analyzed. The results indicate that the model has a high simulation accuracy for land use types, with an overall accuracy of 0.98, a kappa coefficient of 0.97, and a figure of merit value of 0.21. Under the SSP245 and SSP585 scenarios, built-up land increases significantly, by approximately 45.89 %. Farmland and grassland conversions contribute the most to increased built-up land. Farmland area consistently decreases by approximately 5 % across all scenarios. The protection of farmland in the study area is difficult to undertake and thus requires much attention. Moreover, under the SSP126 scenario, the FPP of most districts is greater than that in 2020, and the average FPP of the HSB from 2030 to 2070 is greater than that in 2020. In the SSP585 scenario, by 2070, the average FPP of all districts decreases to different degrees compared with that in 2020. Furthermore, the compensated farmland quantities and average FPPs under all the scenarios are significantly lower than the amount of occupied farmland. The results provide a theoretical foundation and data support for farmland protection decision-making and layout optimization in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

Modelling the drivers of land use and land cover change of the great Amanzule wetland ecosystem to inform the development policy of the southwestern oil-rich region of Ghana

This study focused on the current and future drivers of land-use change and its impact on the Amanzule wetland. It suggests policy implications for reviewing and strengthening existing policies for sustainable land use. This study employed remote sensing and GIS techniques, including participatory rural appraisal techniques. The administration of questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted in the Ellembelle and Jomoro municipalities, where the Amanzule wetland provides economic and social services. The results showed increased land use over the last 32 years driven by various drivers, including food crop production, rubber plantations, oil and gas establishments, and infrastructure development. The study further revealed that these drivers could influence land-use change in 18 years (2018–2036). Urbanisation, cropland, rubber plantations, and shrubland will drive land-use change in the study area between 2036 and 2054. The Amanzule wetland area is expected to decrease from 272.34 ha in 2018 to 210.60 ha by 2036. The wetland area is expected to further decrease from 210.60 ha in 2036 to 174.33 ha by 2054. Other land use classes, such as mangrove and swamp forests, are also expected to decrease within the same period. The study recommends advocating for a wetland policy, enforcing the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act 925 and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act 919 for sustainable development.

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NETWORK OF SETTLEMENTS, AND URBANISATION IN THE SPATIAL PLANS OF SERBIA FROM 1996 TO THE PRESENT

The Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia (SPRS) is a comprehensive planning document that establishes the general trend and concept for the further spatial development of Serbia. Its purpose is to provide a state platform for the spatial organisation of various structures and activities that determine how the territory of the Republic of Serbia is used, in order to ensure socially acceptable, rational/optimal and sustainable land use. From 1996 until today, three spatial plans have been prepared, the central theme of which is urbanisation and the development of a network of settlements, based on the inherited historical context but oriented towards modern planning principles. The paper presents an extract from the draft of the latest SPRS, which is in the adoption phase.

The global cost of international commitments on land restoration

AbstractLand restoration and sustainable land management projects have now been proposed for up to a billion hectares globally, responding to continuous land degradation processes. But, a lack of reliable cost estimates hinders implementation, which results in a high perceived risk of restoration investments. This study addresses this gap, using cost data from 243 restoration projects from multiple sources to estimate the cost ranges for different types of restoration more precisely. The analysis shows median restoration costs vary from 185 $US/ha to 3012 $US/ha depending on the restoration measure, implying current global land restoration commitment cost 0.04%–0.27% of annual global GDP to implement. Since the majority of these commitments are made by developing countries, international cost‐sharing mechanisms, through climate or private finance, are required to move from goal setting to implementation.

Navigating the Ravages of Riverbank Erosion: Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts in the Nalua Union of Bakerganj Upazila

The study delves into the persistent threats posed by climate change-induced phenomena, notably river bank erosion, within the Bengal Delta, focusing specifically on the Nalua Union in Bakerganj Upazila, Barishal District. Utilizing a multifaceted methodology encompassing satellite imagery analysis, field observations, and questionnaire surveys, the research aims to evaluate the potential displacement of residents due to river bank erosion and its attendant socio-economic and environmental repercussions. Nestled at the confluence of the Pandob and Karkhana rivers, the study area contends with recurrent and severe bank erosion, resulting in profound infrastructural and livelihood disruptions. Analysis of satellite imagery spanning 2016 to 2023 underscores the dynamic nature of erosion and accretion processes, with coastal erosion encompassing 2.15 sq. km and accretion covering 1.75 sq. km. Economic ramifications of erosion-induced damages amount to USD 300 million annually, disproportionately affecting agricultural sectors and rural communities. Beyond economic loss, the study investigates the non-economic consequences of river bank erosion, such as social disintegration and environmental damage. Displacement engenders social fragmentation, erodes communal ties, and imperils livelihoods, exacerbating vulnerability among impacted populations. Environmental impacts encompass soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and compromised access to potable water and fisheries resources. This study provides actual evidence for the complex relationship between natural dynamics and human vulnerabilities as a result of river bank erosion. The findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the socio-economic and environmental exigencies precipitated by erosion-induced displacement in the Nalua Union and harmonious vulnerable locales. To develop long-term socioeconomic equilibrium and environmental resilience in coastal locations prone to riverbank erosion, such solutions must incorporate community resilience-building activities, ecosystem-centric approaches, and sustainable land management practices.

Navigating the Ravages of Riverbank Erosion: Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts in the Nalua Union of Bakerganj Upazila

The study delves into the persistent threats posed by climate change-induced phenomena, notably river bank erosion, within the Bengal Delta, focusing specifically on the Nalua Union in Bakerganj Upazila, Barishal District. Utilizing a multifaceted methodology encompassing satellite imagery analysis, field observations, and questionnaire surveys, the research aims to evaluate the potential displacement of residents due to river bank erosion and its attendant socio-economic and environmental repercussions. Nestled at the confluence of the Pandob and Karkhana rivers, the study area contends with recurrent and severe bank erosion, resulting in profound infrastructural and livelihood disruptions. Analysis of satellite imagery spanning 2016 to 2023 underscores the dynamic nature of erosion and accretion processes, with coastal erosion encompassing 2.15 sq. km and accretion covering 1.75 sq. km. Economic ramifications of erosion-induced damages amount to USD 300 million annually, disproportionately affecting agricultural sectors and rural communities. Beyond economic loss, the study investigates the non-economic consequences of river bank erosion, such as social disintegration and environmental damage. Displacement engenders social fragmentation, erodes communal ties, and imperils livelihoods, exacerbating vulnerability among impacted populations. Environmental impacts encompass soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and compromised access to potable water and fisheries resources. This study provides actual evidence for the complex relationship between natural dynamics and human vulnerabilities as a result of river bank erosion. The findings underscore the exigency for comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the socio-economic and environmental exigencies precipitated by erosion-induced displacement in the Nalua Union and harmonious vulnerable locales. To develop long-term socioeconomic equilibrium and environmental resilience in coastal locations prone to riverbank erosion, such solutions must incorporate community resilience-building activities, ecosystem-centric approaches, and sustainable land management practices.

Land use transformation by urban informal settlements and ecosystem impact

The rapid expansion of informal settlements poses significant challenges to urban ecosystems and their services, a pressing issue that this study addresses by examining its impacts in Addis Ababa. This study delves into the impact of informal settlements on ecosystem services in Addis Ababa, comparing them with formal settlements. Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, it employed Landsat imagery, aerial photography, and base maps to track spatiotemporal changes and analyze trends. Through a GIS overlay approach, informal settlements and associated land use changes were identified, while the benefit transfer method assessed ecosystem service values. The findings revealed a significant increase in informal settlements on the city’s outskirts, expanding from 77 ha in 2009 (2% of the total area) to 765.6 ha in 2023 (21% of the total area). Nearly half (48.5%) of these informal settlements were established on previously natural land covers through encroachment. The research highlighted the ongoing conversion of agricultural land, forests, and urban green spaces into informal settlements, particularly on the city’s outskirts, leading to significant encroachment on these areas. This transformation caused an annual loss of $1,665,033.7 in ecosystem services from 2009 to 2023. Significant impacts were identified on food production, climate regulation, and habitat ecosystem services. Overall, the annual loss in ecosystem services due to land use changes amounted to $1,933,320.08. Informal settlements accounted for 86.1% of this total loss, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate their disproportionate effects on ecosystem services. The study underscores the urgency of addressing the impact of informal settlements on ecosystem services through effective urban planning, sustainable land management practices, prevention of encroachment on natural land covers, and promotion of sustainable ecosystem management and utilization.

Role of Conservation Tillage Practices in Sustainable Agricultural Systems

Finding sustainable land management techniques is urgently needed to balance food supply with the growing global population. Nonetheless, the battle to attain food security needs to be waged with consideration for the environment in which life exists and the soil in which crops are cultivated. Conservation agriculture (CA), is the practice of farming in a way that causes the least amount of environmental harm. It is widely supported globally. The primary goal of conservation tillage (CT) is to protect the environment, plant development, and soil health. By minimising soil disturbance, these techniques protect soil structure and stop erosion. CT increases the amount of organic matter in the soil by leaving crop leftovers there, which promotes microbial activity and nutrient cycling. This improves the physico-chemical and biological activity of the soil, which helps to improve soil health and production. Beyond just improving soil health, CT also promotes greater agricultural sustainability and increases resistance to the effects of climate change. Additionally, CT lowers the demand for machinery and fuel, saving farmers money and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT IN PROBLEMATIC BLACK COTTON SOIL BY USING DRY KOTA STONE SLURRY AND FLY ASH-A STATE OF ART OF REVIEW

Black Cotton Soil (BCS) is particularly rapid-expanding and swelling when it meets water. This trait of soil results in extremely low soil strength and other attributes. Soil stabilization by various stabilizers is required to enhance its characteristics. Stabilization is a technique used to improve the soil's structural integrity. Soil stabilization raises the subgrade's load-bearing capacity, allowing it to better support the pavement and foundation. This is accomplished by increasing the soil's shear strength and regulating its shrink-swell qualities. Expansive soils could have their engineering qualities enhanced via several different means. The problematic soils are either excavated and replaced with excellent, higher-quality material, or treated with an additive. This paper demonstrates an analysis for soil improvement in problematic BCS by using dry Kota Stone Slurry (KSS) and Fly Ash (FA). FA is a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants. It consists of fine particles that are carried away with the flue gases during the combustion process. The findings highlight its potential to address soil-related issues, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to sustainable land utilization practices.

Spatial multi-objective optimization towards low-carbon transition in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China

ContextIn the context of urbanization and climate change, optimizing land use patterns is fundamental for sustainable regional development and low-carbon transition. However, achieving sustainable land use patterns that support a low-carbon transition while maintaining economic prosperity remains challenging.ObjectivesOur goals are to develop a model for low-carbon transition and explore strategies for optimizing land use given future land use constraints.MethodsWe propose a multi-objective optimization approach to explore land use transitions towards low carbon by considering emissions reduction, ecological protection, and economic development, taking Yangtze River Economic Belt of China was selected as a case study area for empirical research.ResultsOur research on Yangtze River Economic Belt of China from 2000 to 2020 reveals that the refined land use strategies, aiming at achieving a low-carbon transition by 2035, have the capacity to substantially reduce carbon emissions. Simultaneously, these strategies ensure the preservation of a higher ecosystem service value and enhance economic advantages. Our multi-objective optimized land use patterns reduce the emission growth by nearly 5% compared to the baseline. Meanwhile, our multi-objective optimized land use patterns demonstrate a nearly 7% growth rate in economic benefits and the ecosystem service value also shows slight improvement. Recognizing regional variations in sustainable land use patterns, we recommend customized local guidance towards aligning with these optimal outcomes.ConclusionOur study offers valuable policy insights for regional land use to facilitate a low-carbon transition, which can contribute to navigating the trade-offs between carbon reduction, ecological protection, and economic prosperity.

Shallow soils in dryland ecosystems: Drivers of C accumulation and land management implications

Shallow soils (i.e., Lithic Entisols) cover about 20% of Brazilian drylands. Inherent soil characteristics (i.e., shallow depths) and water scarcity restrict plant growth and carbon (C) inputs in these soils. In such a sensitive ecosystem, sustainable land management options are key to promoting socio-economic development and ensuring food security. Here, we use a dataset of 50 Lithic Entisol profiles distributed within the Brazilian drylands (northeastern region) to: (i) investigate the effects of land-use (cropland, grassland, and native forest), climate (semi-arid and dry sub-humid), and slope classes (0–3%, 3–8%, 8–20% and 20–45%) on soil C accumulation; and (ii) evaluate how understanding multiple drivers C accumulation can support the identification of sustainable land management options. The results suggested that land use does not affect C stock and C/N ratio, nevertheless, they were affected by climate. Under dry sub-humid climate conditions, C stocks were 41.7 Mg ha−1, 44% higher than under semi-arid climate (28.9 Mg ha−1), a result that reflects the effect of higher biomass production in wetter environments. Under slopes of 20–45%, C stocks were 54.3 Mg ha−1, 172% higher than under slopes of 0–3% (19.9 Mg ha−1), because of the higher altitudes and wetter conditions under steeper slopes. Our results showed that areas under lower slopes have lower C stocks and lower aridity index. These drier conditions reduce the productive potential of annual crops and grasslands but enable the cultivation of high-yielding Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) crops, such as Agave spp, which have a high potential for biofuel production. Furthermore, the possibility of reintroducing organic residues from ethanol production can promote an increase in C stocks, contributing to climate change mitigation. Ultimately, our study provides insights from a holistic view of SOC accumulation drivers, supporting land use planning of highly sensitive environments in tropical drylands around the world.

Unveiling Climate–Land Use and Land Cover Interactions on the Kerch Peninsula Using Structural Equation Modeling

This paper examines the effects of climatic factors, specifically temperature and precipitation, on land use and land cover (LULC) on the Kerch Peninsula using structural equation modeling (SEM). The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used as a mediator in the model to accurately assess the impact of climate change on vegetation and subsequent LULC dynamics. The results indicate that temperature exerts a significant negative influence on LULC in the early periods, inducing stress on vegetation and leading to land degradation. However, this influence diminishes over time, possibly due to ecosystem adaptation and the implementation of resilient land management practices. In contrast, the impact of precipitation on LULC, which is initially minimal, increases significantly, highlighting the need for improved water resource management and adaptation measures to mitigate the negative effects of excessive moisture. The NDVI plays a crucial mediating role, reflecting the health and density of vegetation in response to climatic variables. An analysis of lagged effects shows that both precipitation and temperature exert delayed effects on LULC, underscoring the complexity of water dynamics and ecosystem responses to climatic conditions. These results have important practical implications for land resource management and climate adaptation strategies. Understanding the nuanced interactions between climatic factors and LULC can inform the development of resilient agricultural systems, optimized water management practices, and effective land use planning. Future research should focus on refining models to incorporate nonlinear interactions, improving data accuracy, and expanding the geographic scope to generalize findings. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management to develop sustainable land management practices that can withstand the challenges of climate change.

Dynamics of Coastal Land Use Change and Prospects for Sustainable Marine Ecotourism in Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Penida has rich marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves, which are residents' main source of income through fisheries, seaweed cultivation, and tourism. Land use change in Jungut Batu Village, Nusa Lembongan, has implications for the environment and economy in the coastal area of Nusa Penida. This study uses secondary data and Google Earth software to analyze changes in the area. From 2009 to 2020, significant changes occurred from seaweed cultivation to tourism land and back to seaweed cultivation during the pandemic. This analysis reflects the evolving economic dynamics and environmental impacts. The transformation from cultivated land to a marine ecotourism destination demonstrates an evolution in approaches to sustainable land use. However, the negative impacts of mass tourism highlight the need for a shift towards environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism. Collaboration between communities, tourism actors, government, and continued research is key in developing an effective and sustainable ecotourism model for Nusa Penida.

Assessment of Soil Carbon Stock Potential in Different Soil Layers of Grassland Ecosystems

Mostly soil carbon stock research is done in areas with natural vegetation, ignoring university campuses. This study assesses soil carbon stocks in different soil layers of grassland ecosystems within the Bharathiar University campus in Tamil Nadu, India. Soil samples were collected from grasslands in four sections (namely, East section, West section, North section, and South section) of the campus and analyzed for carbon content across depths of 0-10cm, 10-20cm, and 20-30cm. Results indicate soil carbon stocks in grassland ecosystems ranging from 1.36% to 2.26%, with notable variations observed among campus sections and soil layers. One-way ANOVA revealed that there is a significant variation in soil carbon stock values among the four sections in the 20-30cm layer (F(3,16)=3.865, p<0.05), but not for the 0-10cm layer (F(3,16)=1.454, p>0.05) and the 10-20cm layer (F(3,16)=3.011, p>0.05). Pearson’s Correlation analysis revealed that the soil carbon stock had no significant relationships with soil pH, Conductivity, and total dissolved solids at all four sections of the university campus, except for a positive correlation between soil carbon stock and total dissolved solids at the East section (r=0.563, p<0.05), and between soil carbon stock and soil pH at the South section (r=0.550, p<0.05). These findings underscore the complexity of soil carbon dynamics in grassland ecosystems of university campuses and emphasize the potential for localized assessments to inform sustainable land management strategies. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing carbon sequestration efforts at the university campus, useful for global climate change mitigation. Integrating such localized findings into broader environmental policies can optimize carbon management strategies across similar ecosystems globally.

Integrating Traditional and Modern Survey Methods: A Comparative Study of East African Practices

As East Africa experiences rapid urbanization and development, the integration of traditional and modern survey methods emerges as a crucial strategy for enhancing land surveying practices. This review article explores the complementary strengths of traditional methods, rooted in local knowledge and cultural practices, and modern technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone-based surveys. The study examines the importance of integrating these approaches to improve data accuracy, cultural relevance, and community acceptance. Through comparative analysis and case studies from Kenya and Tanzania, the article highlights the benefits and challenges of combining these methodologies. The review is based on an extensive examination of existing literature and field studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Addressing technological, financial, regulatory, and social barriers is essential for realizing the potential of this integrated approach, which can significantly enhance urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable land management in East Africa. Keywords: Traditional Survey Methods, Modern Survey Technologies, GIS Integration, Drone Surveys, Land Management

Digital mapping of soil quality and salt-affected soil indicators for sustainable agriculture in the Nile Delta region

The study addresses the challenge of sustainable land management, which is crucial for agricultural production and soil quality (SQ), in the face of land degradation that negatively impacts crop production and SQ. The goal of the current work is to assess SQ using digital soil mapping (DSM) in Kafr El-Sheikh province, Egypt, to develop a framework employing two methods for soil quality index (SQI) assessment: the total data set (SQI-TDS) and a selected minimum data set (SQI-MDS) to choose indicators, along with a weighted additive SQI (SQIw), and a Random Forest (RF) model to predict and map the SQI, as well as the salt-affected soil indicators (EC, pH, and ESP). This framework uses remote sensing data: time series of Sentinel-1 (S-1) and Sentinel-2 (S-2) greenest pixel composite. Additionally, we incorporated environmental covariates derived from S-1 and S-2 imagery to understand their influence on SQ, which in turn informs land management practices, land degradation assessment, and crop productivity. The findings reveal a clear negative impact of salinity and alkalinity on SQ. We demonstrate the importance of Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) and Sequential Feature Selection (SFS) techniques for improving the performance of the RF model used for prediction. Notably, the greenest pixel composite imagery proved promising for SQI assessment using DSM beneath vegetation cover, crop mapping, and land-use dynamics. The precise SQI obtained is essential for decision-makers to detect land degradation, develop sustainable agricultural management strategies, and assess their appropriateness for developing plans and strategies to increase agricultural productivity.

Nourishment beyond grains: unveiling the multifaceted contributions of millets to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

United Nations General Assembly declared that 2023 will be celebrated as the International Year of Millets. Millets are a group of coarse grains from the Poaceae family that offer numerous benefits that align with various United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This review explores diverse contributions of millet cultivation, consumption, and value addition with UN SDGs. The millets help in combating hunger by providing economical sources of essential nutrients and diversifying diets, improving health through mitigating malnutrition and diet-related diseases. Millet's lower water demand and resilience to climatic stress help in sustainable water management. Millets reduce the risks associated with monoculture farming and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Similarly, millet plants need few chemical fertilizers, and the ecological damage associated with these plants is minimized. Millets can prevent soil degradation and conserve biodiversity. They can adapt to diverse cropping systems and support sustainable land practices. Millet cultivation reduces inequalities by empowering smallholder farmers and maintaining economic balance. The cultivation and trading of millets promote partnerships among governments, NGOs, and businesses for sustainable development. The ability of millet to contribute to poverty reduction, hunger alleviation, health improvement, environmental sustainability, and economic development makes millet a sustainable choice for a better world.

Integrated machine learning and geospatial analysis enhanced gully erosion susceptibility modeling in the Erer watershed in Eastern Ethiopia

Land degradation from gully erosion poses a significant threat to the Erer watershed in Eastern Ethiopia, particularly due to agricultural activities and resource exploitation. Identifying erosion-prone areas and underlying factors using advanced machine learning algorithms (MLAs) and geospatial analysis is crucial for addressing this problem and prioritizing adaptive and mitigating strategies. However, previous studies have not leveraged machine learning (ML) and GIS-based approaches to generate susceptibility maps identifying these areas and conditioning factors, hindering sustainable watershed management solutions. This study aimed to predict gully erosion susceptibility (GES) and identify underlying areas and factors in the Erer watershed. Four ML models, namely, XGBoost, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN), were integrated with geospatial analysis using 22 geoenvironmental predictors and 1,200 inventory points (70% used for training and 30% for testing). Model performance and robustness were validated through the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, kappa coefficient, F1 score, and logarithmic loss. The relative slope position is most influential, with 100% importance in SVM and RF and 95% importance in XGBoost, while annual rainfall (AR) dominated ANN (100% importance). Notably, XGBoost demonstrated robustness and superior prediction/mapping, achieving an AUC of 0.97, 91% accuracy, 92% precision, and 81% kappa while maintaining a low logloss (0.0394). However, SVM excelled in classifying gully resistant/susceptible areas (97% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and 91% F1 score). The ANN model predicted the most areas with very high gully susceptibility (13.74%), followed by the SVM (11.69%), XGBoost (10.65%), and RF (7.85%) models, while XGBoost identified the most areas with very low susceptibility (70.19%). The ensemble technique was employed to further enhance GES modeling, and it outperformed the individual models, achieving an AUC of 0.99, 93.5% accuracy, 92.5% precision, 97.5% sensitivity, 95.4% specificity, 85.8% kappa, and 94.9% F1 score. This technique also classified the GES of the watershed as 36.48% very low, 26.51% low, 16.24% moderate, 11.55% high, and 9.22% very high. Furthermore, district-level analyses revealed the most susceptible areas, including the Babile, Fedis, Harar, and Meyumuluke districts, with high GES areas of 32.4%, 21.3%, 14.3%, and 13.6%, respectively. This study offers robust and flexible ML models with comprehensive validation metrics to enhance GES modeling and identify gully prone areas and factors, thereby supporting decision-making for sustainable watershed conservation and land degradation prevention.

The Contribution of Conservation Agriculture on Environmental Protection in Rwanda

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the contribution of Conservation agriculture on Environmental protection in Rwanda: case of Kayonza District. Materials and Methods: The study reviewed different studies related to Conservation agriculture and Environmental protection and used qualitative and quantitative approaches. The Data were collected using a questionnaire and face-to-face interview on Sample composed by 404 Respondents from Kayonza district. The data collected and analyzed by using Distributive statistics. Findings: The study indicated that CA techniques are contributing in environmental protection and there is a relationship between adopting Conservation Agriculture (CA) techniques and environmental protection. The decrease in organic matter content and high soil erosion are affecting soil fertility and health and one of the main causes of global warming is also intensive chemical fertilization of agricultural crops. In contrast, CA techniques combine minimum soil disturbance, mulching, water holding capacity, reduce soil compaction, reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility and application of organic fertilizers and re use of crop residues, Study have shown that farmers who adopt CA experience the improvement and there improve. The study underscores the importance of adopting CA techniques to reduce the cost and protect environment. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: By adopting CA practices, farmers can contribute to the protection of natural resources, conservation of biodiversity, and mitigation of climate change while maintaining agricultural productivity by promoting sustainable land management practices that conserve soil, water, and biodiversity, mitigate climate change impacts, and reduce environmental degradation associated with conventional agricultural practices. But not all small holder farmers involved in implementing all CA techniques due to different factors, NGOs and Government can collaborate to develop subsidies, grants, and funding programs specifically aimed to promote conservation agriculture. By adopting CA techniques, agriculture in the next decade will have to sustainably produce more food from less land through more efficient use of natural resources and with minimal impact on the environment in order to meet growing population demands.

Integrating supply and benefits of ecosystem services into ecological security pattern: A spatial flow perspective

Ecological security pattern (ESP) is an effective way to alleviate the conflict between social development and ecological conservation. Previous studies on ESP mostly identified ecological sources derived from local supply and demand of diverse ecosystem services (ESs), overlooking the spatial flow of ESs and thus limiting its significance in both local and regional scales. This study proposed a framework integrating ESs supply and benefit from a spatial flow perspective for ecological sources identification. After modifying resistance surface by nighttime light data and extracting ecological corridors by MCR model, the ESP was finally constructed and optimized for sustainable land use management in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) in 2020. The findings indicated that ecological sources were predominantly concentrated in the southwestern forestland and central Taihu Lake region, accounting for 18.47 % of the total area in the YRD. Totally 1035 ecological corridors were extracted, including 45 main corridors with a distance of 4284.47 km, overall exhibiting a “one vertical and three horizontals” shape distribution. Finally, an ESP of “four areas and four lines” was constructed after optimization, and targeted suggestions were proposed for regional sustainability. This study introduced spatial flow perspective and ESs benefit into ESP construction, which provides a scientific basis for sustainable land use management in a regional integration perspective.