Sustainable Agricultural Land Use Research Articles

Comparing Current and Future Land Suitability for Growing Rainfed Corn (Zea mays) in Georgia, USA.

Land suitability (LS) classifications are essential for efficient and sustainable agricultural land use. With climate change, future LS classifications are necessary to ensure that crop growth remains sustainable and prevents land degradation. This study develops a current LS classification for rainfed corn (Zea mays) growth in the state of Georgia, USA, which is validated using historical census data on yield, acres planted, and corn crop lost. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between yield, acres planted, and crop loss percentage across LS classes for many years. Soil factors (Ph and soil texture) showed significant differences in fewer years compared to climate and topography factors, as soil factors can be altered by management practices such as liming and irrigation. Future LS classes determined by climate factors indicated a shift to the northwest of 150-300 km by the year 2100 based on the RCP4.5 or RCP8.5 emissions scenarios. The northwards shift in more suitable land due to rising maximum temperatures is expected to limit rainfed corn growth in Georgia in the future. As urban areas become more suitable for corn growth, farmers may need to plant crops earlier, irrigate, or switch to different crops. These results have important implications for agricultural planning and policy in the state of Georgia.

Exploring the position of farmers within the European green transition: transformation for whom?

Food systems have been framed as a “wicked problem” due to the complex socio-ecological impacts they foster, ranging from contributing nearly a quarter of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to a myriad of social impacts (e.g., health, food safety, and food security). In the European green transition for food systems, multiple actors are involved. However, farmers play a unique and critical role as agricultural land managers and navigators of social, political, and environmental factors. Using cover cropping and intercropping as examples, we illustrate the complexities arising when decision-making and governance at multiple levels lead to tradeoffs and unexpected consequences at the farm scale. Amid complexity, we propose a conceptual model to address the question: how is an agricultural green transition best fostered? We find that changes are incremental, transformative or both depending on the level of analysis. Additionally, incoherence in agronomic recommendations across academic disciplines and policy agendas creates challenges at the farm scale that trickle up and can thwart sustainable agricultural land use. Although transdisciplinarity and knowledge production with farmers through co-creation are essential for food system transformation and can be part of the solution, it is crucial to examine the nature of change processes and to consider how knowledge and innovation are adopted. By balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches and distributing burden from the farm scale to governance and food systems, a more transformative green transition for European food systems with coherence across multiple agroecological objectives could be achieved.

The use of living labs to advance agro-ecological theory in the transition towards sustainable land use: A tale of two polders

Agricultural ecosystems worldwide are on life support. A key challenge is the translation of global sustainability goals to local contexts, particularly those related to sustainable land use, climate and biodiversity at the landscape scale. Living labs, place-based, focal areas as pilots of change, have the potential to be instrumental in driving the development of local solutions. When used to their full potential, they can both enable the advancement of agro-ecological theory and aid the transition to sustainable agricultural land use. In this viewpoint paper we present two conceptual advancements culminating in their high potential: (1) a methodological approach with replicated modes of transition and reference sites, while proposed agricultural modes are co-created through stakeholder encounters, (2) a framework that enables long-term monitoring of the relation between ecosystem functioning (expressed as leakiness) and biodiversity (expressed as ecological interaction networks), taking into account the full scale of ecological interactions within the agro-ecosystem. We illustrate how these conceptual advances can be implemented in a living lab in the Netherlands. Here, we discuss how these advances can generate impact and accelerate the transition to planetary-scale sustainability in agricultural ecosystems.

Past and future land use change dynamics: assessing the impact of urban development on agricultural land in the Pantura Jabar region, Indonesia.

The conversion of large-scale agricultural land into urban areas poses a significant challenge to achieving national and global food security targets, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal number 2, which aims to eradicate hunger. Indonesia has experienced a significant decline in rice field areas, with a reduction of approximately 650 thousand hectares within a year (2017-2018), the largest being in Java. Hence, this study aims to examine the impact of urban expansion on agricultural land in the north coast region of West Java Province from 2013 to 2020 and develop a predictive model for 2030 to support sustainable land use planning. The primary methods employed were random forest (RF) analysis using Google Earth Engine, intensity analysis, multilayer perceptron-neural network (MLP-NN), Markov chains-cellular automata (Markov-CA), and stakeholder interviews. The model also evaluated the influence of "distance to tollgates" as a previously unexplored driving factor in existing land use modeling studies. Landsat image classification results using the RF algorithm showed 87-88% accuracy. Cropland has historically been and is projected to remain the primary target for the expansion of built-up areas. Spatial planning irregularities were found in the growth of these areas that adversely affected farmers' socioeconomic and environmental conditions. Evaluation of land use models using MLP-NN and Markov-CA demonstrated an accuracy rate of 86.29-86.23%. The distance to tollgates factor significantly impacts the models, albeit less than population density. The 2030 intervention scenario, which implements a firm policy for sustainable agricultural land use, offers the potential to maintain the predicted cropland loss compared to business as usual.

Recreational agroecosystem service value evidenced by mobile phone data: implications for incentive enhancement in terraced paddy land

Summary Farmland abandonment contributes to agroecosystem degradation and food crises. Sustainable farmland use requires a well-designed agri-environmental policy to provide farmers with incentives, including agroecosystem services apart from food production. One of these is recreation. Here, we focus on a Japanese terraced paddy land. We assessed seasonal changes in the value of recreational ecosystem services by integrating mobile phone big data of on-site visitors, collected between 2018 and 2020, into a valuation method. The application of mobile data enables the precise and consistent analysis of non-market agroecosystem services. The recreational value of the paddy land varied with season but overall was high. Sustainable farmland use provides social benefits, and we support the validity of agri-environmental policies that relate to economic incentives for agroecosystem conservation. However, the results show that the incentives provided by the public/government may be insufficient in comparison to this recreational value. Our findings provide information regarding the appropriate amount of economic support required to achieve sustainable agricultural land use in this setting.

Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Acacia decurrens Plantation Forests Using PlanetScope Images and Environmental Variables in the Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia

Small-scale Acacia decurrens plantation forests, established by farmers on degraded lands, have become increasingly prevalent in the Northwestern Highlands of Ethiopia. This trend has been particularly notable in Fagita Lekoma District over the past few decades. Such plantations play a significant role in addressing concerns related to sustainable agricultural land use, mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation, and meeting the livelihood and energy requirements of a growing population. However, the spatial distribution of Acacia decurrens and the essential remote sensing and environmental variables that determine its distribution are not well understood. This study aimed to model the spatial distribution of Acacia decurrens plantation forests using PlanetScope data and environmental variables combined with a species distribution model (SDM). Employing 557 presence/absence points, noncollinear variables were identified and utilized as input for six SDM algorithms, with a 70:30 split between training and test data, and 10-fold bootstrap replication. The model performance was evaluated using the receiver operation characteristic curve (AUC) and true skill statics (TSS). The ensemble model, which combined results from six individual algorithms, was implemented to predict the spatial distribution of Acacia decurrens. The highest accuracy with the values of 0.93 (AUC) and 0.82 (TSS) was observed using random forest (RF), followed by SVM with values of 0.89 (AUC) and 0.71 (TSS), and BRT with values of 0.89 (AUC) and 0.7 (TSS). According to the ensemble model result, Acacia decurrens plantation forests cover 22.44% of the district, with the spatial distribution decreasing towards lower elevation areas in the northeastern and western parts of the district. The major determinant variables for identifying the species were vegetation indices, specifically CVI, ARVI, and GI, with AUC metric values of 39.3%, 16%, and 7.1%, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that the combination of high-resolution remote sensing-derived vegetation indices and environmental variables using SDM could play a vital role in identifying Acacia decurrens plantations, offering valuable insights for land use planning and management strategies. Moreover, comprehending the spatial distribution’s extent is crucial baseline information for assessing its environmental implications at a local scale.

Balanced use of agricultural land affected by war in Ukraine as a prerequisite for sustainable development

The issue of ensuring the sustainable development of humanity is recognized as one of the most urgent problems facing society today. The article is devoted to the generalization of the features of the development of sustainable land use and the definition of the main problems of the sustainable use of agricultural land in Ukraine during the period of European integration, reforms of local self-government in the country, martial law and post-war recovery. The work highlights the main principles and goals of sustainable land use, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. According to the authors, the practical implementation of the concept of sustainable land use requires determining the priorities of the use of agricultural land, and above all, ecological land. It was noted that the state of land resources in Ukraine was characterized as tense, due to the irrational use of the country's land resource potential, excessive plowing and land degradation. The authors note that organic agriculture has been developing in Ukraine in recent decades, but as a result of full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2022, the issue of organic production in Ukraine took a back seat. The most acute environmental problems are the development of degradation processes on the arable lands of Ukraine, which causes the mining of territories, the formation of craters from shelling, and landslides. Proposed priority areas of development of sustainable land use in Ukraine, which will allow transition to a model of sustainable development

Implementation of the concept for forming sustainable development of agricultural land of the region

The problems of sustainable development of agricultural regions cover a number of unresolved issues in the field of land legislation; urban planning and environmental management, determining their purpose in planning the development of territories, preserving the natural re-source potential of agricultural lands. Forming sustainable agricultural land use and prospects for the development of the agro-industrial complex as the basis for ensuring food security of the Russian Federation. In the article, based on the materials of the Tyumen region, scientific approaches, methods and methods of implementing the concept for the formation of integrated sustainable development of the region, agricultural lands and agricultural land use are proposed. The article provides a geoinformation analysis of the distribution of the total area of unused arable land by municipal districts of the Tyumen region using cartodiagrams. The cartographic material shows the reasons for the non-use of arable land in the Tyumen region.

Ecologization of the agricultural landscape as the basis for the effective development of agricultural production (based on the materials of the Tyumen region)

The article presents research covering the solution of the problem of preserving the natural resource potential of soils, their biological diversity in conditions of soil acidity in the steppe zone of the Tyumen region. A comprehensive assessment of the condition and use of agricultural land for agricultural land use on a landscape-ecological basis (landscape-ecological optimization of agricultural land) is proposed as a toolkit. This approach covers the principles of greening land use, rational nature management, scientifically based farming systems, responding to the strategic direction of efficient agricultural production, the formation of sustainable agricultural land use and the protection of agricultural lands of the agro-industrial complex of the region.

Управление устойчивостью аграрного землепользования на локальном уровне с использованием ГИС-технологий и специального картографического материала

The purpose of the study: analysis of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai and its assessment. Research methods: The main scientific method of this study was system analysis, which was used to study the agricultural landscape management system. Methods of analysis and synthesis were used to identify structural units of land management, structuring the land information system (LIS) and special cartographic material, as well as studying the structure of agricultural landscapes. We also used the cartographic method in the design of unique map diagrams and information analysis in modeling agricultural land use. Research results. Based on the results of a long-term assessment of the sustainability of three agricultural land uses located in different natural and climatic zones, the conditions and factors that form the basis of the agricultural land use management system using GIS technologies were established. We found out that in order to manage the sustainability of agricultural landscapes, the mandatory information layers included in the data bank of a geographic information system (land information system) must include the following special cartographic materials: maps (scale 1:10000 or 1:25000) – landscape, soil, slope steepness, erosion, types of areas, tracts, lands, as well as the geomorphological profile of the surface. By processing materials with an information system, it is possible to implement at least 10 models for managing the sustainability of agricultural land use, which involve varying the structure of lands, lands, crop rotations, a set of crops, farming systems, a list of agro-, phyto-, reclamation techniques and measures aimed at achieving ecological and economic balance and, as a consequence, the efficiency of use of land resources. Conclusions. 1. Based on long-term spatio-temporal studies of agricultural landscapes of agricultural enterprises, a mandatory set of special cartographic materials of the geographic information system data bank has been determined, aimed at managing the sustainability of agricultural land use. 2. Using unique cartographic materials as an example, the possibility of modeling management scenarios in different natural conditions, characterized by different stability and efficiency, is shown. Modeling of agricultural land use makes it possible to determine capital investments and economic costs (economic and agronomic sustainability) when implementing the selected model, created on the basis of an analysis of the limiting factors of the territory. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in managing the sustainability of agricultural land use at the level of a municipal district and agricultural organization.

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status Using Soil Nutrient Index (SNI) With Special Reference to pH, SOC, Ec, N, P, K and S of Jabalpur Block in Jabalpur District, M.P, India

Soil nutrients are the key factors that influence crop productivity and plant growth. The present study gives information about the soil nutrient status of Jabalpur Block in Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh. 30 soil samples were collected from the field at a depth of 0-15 cm. Soil samples were collected using grid sampling techniques and the location of soil sampling sites was determined using GPS. Soil samples were further analysed to determine the soil nutrient index (SNI) using the soil chemical properties such as pH, OC, EC, and soil macronutrients i.e. N, P, K and Sulphur (S), etc. The nutrients are further categorized as low, medium, and high as per the soil nutrient index (NI). The spatial variation of soil nutrient parameters was represented by using the interpolation method in the ArcGIS environment. Based on the fertility measurement, the pH of the Jabalpur block ranges from 7.1 to 7.9, which is indicative of Neutral to alkaline nature, and organic carbon content ranges from 0.7 % to 1.78 %, indicating that the amount of SOC is medium to high along with available N ranging from (90kg/ha to 320kg/ha), available P with (20.16kg/ha to 47.04kg/ha) and available K of (29.12 kg/ha to 118kg/ha). The fertility status of Jabalpur block in this study is primarily constrained by soil pH, as well as N, P, K and S. Therefore, to enrich the soil fertility status of Jabalpur block, proper nutrient management practices, application of different organic manures, suitable cropping pattern and sustainable use of agricultural land are very essential.

QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOILS FG "FLORA A.A." TULCHINSKY DISTRICT

Soil degradation in Ukraine was caused by the sectoral approach to the use of land resources, the imperfection of the state policy on land protection. In the conditions of European integration processes, the problem of forming agricultural land use in accordance with the strategy of sustainable development of Ukraine is of significant interest for research. One of the factors ensuring the formation of sustainable agricultural land use is agrochemical certification. Today, the issues of protection and rational use of soils, proper assessment of soil quality and monitoring of soil changes are of particular importance in the agricultural sector of Ukraine. Systematic observation and control of the main indicators of fertility is one of the priority tasks for the further formation of scientifically based decisions regarding the reproduction and increase of soil fertility. Based on the agrochemical survey of arable lands of FG "Flora", the results of the soil condition are presented, which make it possible to carry out measures to stabilize the agrochemical properties of soils. Farm soils are characterized as moderately rich in humus. It was established that the content of humus is 2,61%. The content of mobile phosphorus in the arable layer of the soil on average on the farm is 78 mg/kg of soil, which according to the regulations refers to its average content. To improve the balance of phosphorus and create soils with a high content of this element, in addition to mineral fertilizers, organic matter in the form of siderates and plant residues of agricultural crops should be widely used, with mandatory liming. The supply of exchangeable potassium is at a high level, its content is 137 mg/kg of soil. Soil acidity is pH 5,7. According to the standards, the ecological condition of the soil is close to neutral. To optimize the agrochemical parameters of the soil, it is advisable to optimize crop rotation by increasing the sowing of legumes, to introduce siderate sowing, to introduce standard doses and ratios of nutrients of mineral fertilizers; carry out systematic soil liming.

Microbial biostimulant counteracts negative effects of herbicides on oilseed rape growth

Use of herbicides in agriculture aids enormously the weed control. However, these products may also negatively affect both ecosystem and human health. As such the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a herbicide containing the active substances clopyralid and picloram on the growth of oilseed rape cv. ‘Visby’ and to investigate the possibilities of using biologically active, environmentally friendly microbial biostimulants to accelerate plant growth and eliminate the adverse effects of herbicides. Biometrical parameters (aboveground plant height, dry plant weight) as well as biochemical markers (hydrogen peroxide production, total polyphenols concentration, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation level, photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and their ratio, carotenoids) were measured. The study showed that the herbicide containing clopyralid + picloram at doses recommended by the manufacturer showed a negative effect on oilseed rape growth. Microbial biostimulant “NaturGel” used prior to herbicide alleviated the damage of herbicide, moreover increased growth and development processes of tested plants, through serving as an activator of the non-enzymatic defence system. Thus, microbial biostimulant “NaturGel” is used to solve the problems of reducing herbicide use and increasing oilseed rape yields. Partially replacing herbicides with the microbial biostimulant “NaturGel”, strengthens crop vitality, increases competitiveness with weeds, improves yield quality, and the sustainability of agricultural land use. This knowledge can be used to provide practical guidance for farmers to reduce the use of herbicides in agro-ecosystems and make a step-by-step transition towards organic farming, while it may also serve as information on side-effects of commonly used herbicides at recommended doses.

The Use of the System Sys Land Evaluation System in the Evaluation of Gypsum Lands for the Cultivation of Peanut Arachis Hypogaea Irrigated in the Al-Tarrah Region, West of Anbar Province

Land assessment is one of the most important tools for integrated management of sustainable agricultural land use and land use planning. to achieve this, field visits were carried out and, depending on the factors of elevation above sea level and the prevailing land use type, 8 soil troughs and drill holes were dug in the study area with a depth of 120 cm The number of which is (48) so that it is representative of the studied region. The samples were taken in a systematic way, to perform physical and chemical analyzes such as tissue (%rum, %silt, % clay, % organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and others). The results of soil analysis showed the difference in the influence of physical and chemical determinants, and the biggest determinant of peanut cultivation was the amount of gypsum and pH values as an average determinant. The final total estimate of the climate factor is not a determinant of the growth of the field pistachio crop in the study area. The study found that the types of suitability ranged from N1 to N2.

Spatial-temporal evolution of agricultural land utilization benefits and tradeoffs/synergies in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region

As urbanization and industrialization accelerate, the imbalance in agricultural land use between economic development, social security, and ecological protection becomes increasingly apparent. To achieve sustainable utilization of agricultural land, it is essential to promote the coordinated development of economic, social, and ecological benefits. To this end, this paper constructs an evaluation index system for agricultural land utilization benefits (ALUBs) based on three dimensions of economy, society, and ecology and adopts the Mechanical Equilibrium Model to analyze the spatial–temporal evolution of ALUBs and their tradeoffs/synergies in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region at the county scale from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate that: (1) economic, social, and comprehensive benefits increased significantly, while the ecological benefit remained relatively stable; (2) the overall coordination degree of ALUBs increased continuously, albeit with evident spatial differences; (3) with the rapid growth of social benefit, the deviation types shifted from economic and ecological benefit dominant areas to social benefit dominant areas. Corresponding suggestions for sustainable agricultural land use are also proposed based on the characteristics of ecologically fragile areas, core urbanization areas, and major grain-producing areas, respectively. This paper can serve as a useful reference for the sustainable utilization and management of agricultural land.

Extending the interpretation of Natura 2000 habitat types beyond their definition can bias their conservation status assessment: An example with species-rich Nardus grasslands (6230*)

In this study, taking as an example the species-rich Nardus stricta grasslands (habitat 6230*) within the Natura 2000 network of the Lombardy region (northern Italy, central southern Alps), we evaluated i) whether the spatial distribution of the habitat 6230* corresponded to essential features for its identification, and ii) whether a broad habitat interpretation could affect its regional conservation status assessment.We analysed the spatial distribution of habitat 6230* regarding the elevation, geological substrate, forest treeline, land use types and other habitat types. Using the regional database of habitat relevés, we calculated the threshold values of conservation status for a range of indicators of structure, functions and future prospects. To this end, we used a subset of relevés of the subalpine sub-type of habitat 6230*, as it corresponds to plant communities where habitat interpretation can easily be extended beyond its definition.The mapped distribution of habitat 6230* did not entirely match the essential features required for its identification. Some polygons were located at the ecological extremes of habitat 6230*, on carbonate substrates and in the alpine belt. In those conditions, the habitat showed an Unfavourable-bad (U2) conservation status, decreasing species richness and typical species dominance and frequency. Our findings highlighted that plant communities representing ecological extremes of the habitat type 6230* should no longer be referred to the same habitat type.The proposed indicators can help identify habitat sub-types more conducive to successful restoration measures, thereby ensuring favourable conservation status. In turn, this guarantees sustainable agricultural land use, which simultaneously promotes biodiversity and high-quality food products. Furthermore, the procedure could be extended to other habitat types for early identification of priority monitoring areas, especially when their interpretation has gone beyond their definition, with little consideration given to the consequences on the regional conservation status assessments.

Ecological and economic assessment of sustainable spatial land management in the context of global climate change: economic and mathematical modeling

This article emphasises that the degree of anthropogenic (ecodestructive) impact on the state of agricultural production is the main criterion for assessing the development of sustainable spatial land management under certain ecological and economic constraints. The aim of the study is to model the ecological and economic assessment of the transformation of the territorial-spatial management of agricultural land at different levels of management, taking into account the impact of anthropogenic (ecodestructive) factors to ensure sustainable land use in the context of global climate change. Thus, the methodology of territorial-spatial analysis of the efficiency of transformation of modern agricultural land use and use of land and resource potential is aimed at determining its holistic assessment as a systemic and complex phenomenon. An economic-mathematical model for calculating the optimal structure of sown areas by placing crops between production structures of different levels of management, taking into account their susceptibility to the action of a particular ecodestructive (anthropogenic) factor, is proposed. The allocation of agricultural production based on the presented model implies redistribution of production of certain types of products, taking into account minimisation of economic losses from anthropogenic (ecodestructive) factors, in particular, industrial air pollution. The paper considers the possibilities of quantifying the economic consequences of climate change in the system of agricultural land use. It is proved that the assessment of economic losses from climate change in the system of sustainable agricultural land use requires the development of a system of cost standards that correspond to the input climate parameters. This article presents natural indicators and regional adjustment coefficients of agricultural production in case of an increase in the average annual air temperature by one degree, with differentiation by regions of Ukraine. An algorithm for economic assessment of the impact of changes in the thermal regime of the atmosphere on the efficiency of the crop production industry is presented. The proposed modelling of the territorialspatial improvement of agricultural land use efficiency is a methodological approach to assessing the environmental consequences of transforming the efficiency of management in agriculture in terms of reducing and preventing economic losses from anthropogenic (ecodestructive) factors in the context of global climate change. So, the practical implementation of the presented methodological approach to the economic assessment of the impact of global climate change on agriculture will allow to substantiate recommendations for the formation of a system of actions that would allow to avoid or at least reduce the negative climate impact.

Анализ устойчивости агроландшафтов в лесостепной зоне Красноярского края и мероприятия по их охране

The purpose of the study. On the basis of an assessment of the conditions and factors affecting the agro landscapes of an agricultural organization, design a set of protective measures aimed at increasing their sustainability. Research methods. The methodological basis was the systematic approach and its variety in the study of landscapes – landscape analysis. The methodological base should include the works of domestic and foreign scientists aimed at solving the problem of conservation of land resources and their protection. Statistical processing of analytical materials was carried out using dispersion and cluster analyses. The cartographic method and methods of GIS technologies were also used in the analysis of areas and modeling of processes. Research results. An agro-ecological assessment of the territory of agricultural land use, with an area of more than 16 thousand hectares, located in the forest-steppe of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, was made. It has been established that the territory is typical and the results obtained can be used in the analysis of sustainability and the development of measures for the protection of agricultural land uses operating in similar natural and climatic conditions in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Landscape areas are defined on the map-scheme, conditions and factors influencing the stability of agrolandscapes are described. It has been established that the main limiting factor influencing the stability of the territory is deflation, which manifests itself differently within landscape areas. A scientifically based complex of protective agro-, phyto-, forest reclamation measures has been developed, corresponding to the allocated land categories in the landscape-agro-ecological zoning scheme, aimed at increasing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural land use. Conclusion. 1. An assessment of the sustainability of landscape areas (agrolandscapes) of an agricultural organization has been made. 2. Unique schematic map of landscape areas, steepness of slopes, erosion hazard of the territory, landscape-erosion zoning, and studied agricultural land use were compiled, the ecological state of the territory was determined. 3. A complex of agro-, phyto-, forest reclamation measures is presented, differentiated according to landscape areas for deflation-hazardous land categories in the landscape-agro-ecological zoning scheme, aimed at their protection and increasing the sustainability of the agricultural land use area. 4. The results of scientific research can be applied by agricultural producers, research institutions, regional and municipal authorities in the organization, planning, monitoring, evaluation and management of land resources in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Оценка геоэкологических факторов и условий, влияющих на устойчивость аграрного землепользования в лесостепной зоне Алтайского Края

The purpose of the study: analysis of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the sustainability of agricultural land use in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai and its assessment. Research methods: System analysis (landscape analysis) was used in the study of geoecological factors and conditions affecting the landscapes of the study area. The methodological basis of the study was the work of Russian and foreign scientists who at different times studied the problems of climate, soil formation, sustainable development and food security. Monographic, statistical, cartographic methods, methods of GIS technologies and modeling were used in the analysis of areas and land types of the object under study. Research results. The author's approach presented in the paper allows at the local level (land use of an agricultural organization or municipal district) to assess the impact of geoecological factors and conditions on the sustainability of an agricultural territory. On the example of a typical territory for the agrarian regions of the south of Western Siberia and Northern Kazakhstan with an area of about 3000 km2, located in the forest-steppe zone of the Altai Krai, an assessment was made of physiographic, climatic, geomorphological, soil conditions, natural and anthropogenic factors. 11 assessment indicators were identified, which clearly showed the limiting impacts on agricultural landscapes, manifested in the territory in the form of erosion processes that reduce the efficiency of agricultural production. The established regularities of the influence of geoecological conditions and factors make it possible to differentiate the development of a complex of agro-, phytoforestry and reclamation measures aimed at achieving the ecological and economic balance of the territory and, as a result, increase the stability of agrolandscapes at the local level. Conclusions. 1. An algorithm for assessing geoecological conditions and factors at the local level of organization of agricultural land use has been determined to analyze its sustainability. 2. The assessment of the agrarian territory revealed the limiting impacts on the relief, geological structure of the area, soil condition, microclimate of the natural environment, structure, quality of land and other conditions and factors. Limiting impacts on agricultural land use are expressed in the manifestation of erosion processes, high land intensity and low environmental sustainability of the territory, which affects the efficiency of land use. 3. The results of scientific research can be used in the management of land resources at the level of a municipal district and an agricultural organization.

Classification of agricultural land consolidation types based on soil security to improve limiting factors adapted to local soil conditions

AbstractAgricultural land consolidation (ALC) is an effective tool to ensure national food security. The current ALC is a government‐led systematic behavior with regional characteristics, most ALC types are classified according to difficulty without considering the safety of soil systems, resulting in randomness in the site selection of projects. Given the soil complexity, ensuring soil security (SS) is a prerequisite for efficiently completing ALC. ALC that gives full play to the soil's functional advantages is an effective means of securing SS. The main goal of this study is to establish a new set of technical processes for classifying the types of ALC from the perspective of SS, including the agricultural SS evaluation system and the identification method of land‐improvable limiting factors. We used a generalized mean model to evaluate and analyze SS in multiple dimensions and identified 11 combinations of limiting factors in Wen County through the k‐means clustering method. The combination of the limiting factor clustering area with the SS spatial distribution patterns guided five ALC types. When compared using the spatial pattern comparison method, the new ALC guideline avoids the singularity of ALC types, selects the field patch as the evaluation and decision‐making unit, and improves the accuracy of land management measures. The results indicate that incorporating SS into ALC policy planning and decision‐making can provide complex and multifaceted knowledge of factors affecting SS, and potential solutions to make agricultural soils safer, enabling higher quality and sustainability of agricultural land use.