Land Use Units Research Articles

Integrated management of heterogeneous landscape—Mediterranean Israel as a study case

Natural and semi-natural landscapes usually serve varied land uses, including grazing, forestry, recreation, and nature or biodiversity protection. In most cases areas with differing land uses are managed by different agencies, with differing perspectives, goals, and operating methodologies. In his teaching, Imanuel Noy-Meir emphasized the ecological basis of the management of principal land-use practices (forests, rangelands, nature reserves) in Mediterranean Israel, and advocated ecological thinking to achieve better management and to minimize inter-agency conflicts. We propose a broader framework for integrated management of multiple uses by adoption of a landscape perspective that cuts across administrative lines. The reasoning for taking such an approach is based on the newly developing understanding of the impact of dynamic processes that occur spontaneously on a large scale in Mediterranean Israel. Landscape-scale interactions—oak woodland succession and pine colonization—may interfere or even conflict with some management goals set by the agencies involved. Attempts to mitigate these interactions may be very costly or ineffective. We propose coordinated management, planning, and implementation, based on common ecological criteria. We base this paper on observations and on perceptions gained from analyzing landscape dynamics of the predominant ecosystems in Mediterranean Israel: dense oak woodland and planted pine forests. The small size of Israel and the consequently small size of different land-use units, as well as their close proximity to each other, call for coordination of the organizational perspectives that relate at present independently to the various units. The new perspective should be broader, regional, landscape-oriented, and should take into consideration ecological processes that integrate neighboring units. As a first step, all agencies involved should accept the pine-oak interaction and dynamics as part of the local succession and should adapt their management schemes accordingly.

Development of FLEMOcs – a new model for the estimation of flood losses in the commercial sector

The estimation of flood damage is an important component for risk-oriented flood design, risk mapping, financial appraisals and comparative risk analyses. However, research on flood-loss modelling, especially in the commercial sector, has not gained much attention so far. Therefore, extensive data about flood losses were collected for affected companies via telephone surveys after the floods of 2002, 2005 and 2006 in Germany. Potential loss determining factors were analysed. The new Flood Loss Estimation MOdel for the commercial sector (FLEMOcs) was developed on the basis of 642 loss cases. Losses are estimated depending on water depth, sector and company size as well as precaution and contamination. The model can be applied to the micro-scale, i.e. to single production sites as well as to the meso-scale, i.e. land-use units, thus enabling its countrywide application. Citation Kreibich, H., Seifert, I., Merz, B. & Thieken, A. H. (2010) Development of FLEMOcs – a new model for the estimation of flood losses in the commercial sector. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(8), 1302–1314.

PEMETAAN BAHAYA LONGSORAN BERDASARKAN KLASIFIKASI STATISTIK PEUBAH TUNGGAL MENGGUNAKAN SIG: STUDI KASUS DAERAH CIAWI-PUNCAK-PACET, JAWA-BARAT

Regarding environmental degradation in Puncak and its surrounding area due to the rapid landuse changes during 1981-1994, some mitigation schemes for soil erosion have been implemented but landslides. Data on landslide and its causative factors (landuse, soil, geology, slope, climate, and terrain mapping unit) and their relationships in the area are still not available. The objective of this research is to develop the method and procedures to map landslide hazards by using GIS (Geographical Information System) univariate-statistical analysis applied to the area as a case study. For this purpose, three methods to classify and to map landslide hazards were evaluated. They were respectively developed by considering: (a) unweighted density total number of the landslide, Method#1, (b) density total number, weighting value, and age of landslide, Method#2, and (c) density total number, weighting value, age, and activity level of the landslide, Method#3. The density number is counted by overlying· each of the landslide maps and each of the causative factors maps used, and from this step, the weighting value is derived. The resulting density number of landslide given as a cumulative percentage and the corresponding weighting value were then plotted on an X-Y graph. From the graph, the level of landslide hazard is classified by applying: (1) standard classification procedure as the default statistical analysis given by the software used, and (2) natural classification procedure as it based on the nature of the curve slope of the cummulative graphic. The result given by the three methods were varied but in general, they gave landslide hazard maps with a similar pattern in which the very high and very low hazard levels in the study area increased during the period of 1981-1994. Of the three methods, applying the natural classification gave a better result than that of the standard classification procedure. Method#2 and Method#3 were better than Method#1 in predicting the future landslide occurrence. Apparently, Method#3 should show the best result but the effect of conversion from raster to vector data in GIS significantly reduced the quality of the resulting map.

Beyond Forest Cover: Land Use and Biodiversity in Rubber Trail Forests of the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve

Among the strategies to promote sustainable tropical forest development around the world, the Federal Extractive Reserve System of Brazil is widely cited as an exemplary model. It is designed to protect rubber tapper communities, their forests, and their livelihoods while preventing deforestation and conserving biodiversity. In response to changing markets and policies, rubber tappers in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve have recently diversified production to include market agriculture and cattle production, precipitating deforestation in the reserve, with the implication of increased ecological degradation compared to the extraction of nontimber forest products (NTFPs). Our remote sensing and forest inventory analyses yield different insights about the environmental consequences of distinct land-use mixes in two extractive communities, one of which emphasizes cattle and the other, NTFPs. Remote sensing results show a predictably greater impact on forest cover in the cattle-oriented community. This preliminary study is based on nested household- and community-level forest inventory and biodiversity analyses in two communities. Surprisingly, we found higher tree biodiversity in the rubber trail forests of the cattle-oriented community, and significantly lower tree species richness, tree density, total basal area, and number of trees of commercial size in the same land-use unit in the NTFP-focused community. Land-use surveys indicate lower levels of game consumption and hunting in the cattle-oriented community, and strong support for the development of sustainable timber extraction in both communities. The distinct type and degree of forest impact in the two communities exposes the problem of single-impact assessment as the sole means of performance and categorical land-use prohibitions as an effective mode of regulation in conservation areas.

Assessment of runoff response to landscape changes in the San Pedro subbasin (Nayarit, Mexico) using remote sensing data and GIS

Results on runoff estimates as a response to land-use and land-cover changes are presented. We used remote sensing and GIS techniques with rainfall time-series data, spatial ancillary information, and the curve-number method (NRCS-CN) to assess the runoff response in the San Pedro subbasin. Thematic maps with eight land-cover classes derived from satellite imagery classification (1973, 1990, and 2000) and hydrologic soil-group maps were used as the input for the runoff calculation. About 20% to 25% of the subbasin landscape has changed since 1973, mainly as consequence of the growth of agriculture. Forest is the main cover, although further analyses indicate that forest is degrading from good to poor conditions when evaluated as a function of the spectral response. Soils with low infiltration rates, classified as the hydrological soil-group “C”, were dominant in the area (52%). The overlaying of all the hydrological soil groups with the land-use map produced a total of 43 hydro-group and land-use categories for which runoff was calculated using the curve-number method. Estimates of total runoff volumes (26 × 106 m3) were similar for the three dates analyzed in spite of landscape changes, but there were temporal variations among the hydro-group and land-use categories as a consequence. Changes are causing the rise of covers with high runoff potential and the increase of runoff depth is expected, but it can be reversed by different management of subbasin hydro-groups and land-use units.

Adaptations of a Yucatec Maya Multiple-Use Ecological Management Strategy to Ecotourism

Over the last 40 years, the Yucatan Peninsula has experienced the implementation and promotion of development programs that have economically and ecologically shaped this region of Mexico. Nowadays, tourist development has become the principal catalyst of social, economic, and ecological changes in the region. All these programs, which are based on a specialization rationale, have historically clashed with traditional Yucatec Maya management of natural resources. Using participant observation, informal and semi-structured interviews, and life-history interviews, we carried out an assessment of a Yucatec Maya natural resources management system implemented by three indigenous communities located within a natural protected area. The assessment, intended as an examination of the land-use practices and productive strategies currently implemented by households, was framed within an ecological-economic approach to ecosystems appropriation. To examine the influence of tourism on the multiple-use strategy, we contrasted productive activities among households engaged primarily in ecotourism with those more oriented toward traditional agriculture. Results show that households from these communities allocated an annual average of 586 work days to implement a total of 15 activities in five different land-use units, and that those figures vary significantly in accordance with households' productive strategy (agriculture oriented or service oriented). As the region is quickly becoming an important tourist destination and ecotourism is replacing many traditional activities, we discuss the need for a balance between traditional and alternative economic activities that will allow Yucatec Maya communities to diversify their economic options without compromising existing local management practices.

Use of high spatial resolution satellite imagery to characterize landscapes at risk for bluetongue

The recent and rapid spread in the Mediterranean Basin of bluetongue, a viral disease of ruminants transmitted by some species of Culicoides (biting midges), highlights the necessity of determining the conditions of its emergence. This study uses high spatial resolution satellite imagery and methods from landscape ecology science to identify environmental parameters related to bluetongue occurrence in Corsica, a French Mediterranean island where the disease occurred for the first time in 2000. A set of environmental variables recorded in the neighborhood of 80 sheep farms were related to case occurrence through a logistic regression model computed within three subsequent buffer distances of 0.5, 1 and 2 km. The results reveal the role of landscape metrics, particularly those characterizing land-use units such as prairies and woodlands, as well as farm type, latitude and sunshine to explain the presence of bluetongue. Internal and external validation both indicate that the best results are obtained with the 1 km buffer size model (area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve = 0.9 for internal validation and 0.81 for external validation). The results show that high spatial resolution remote sensing (i.e. 10 m pixels) and landscape ecology approaches contribute to improving the understanding of bluetongue epidemiology.

Identification of ecological indicators for monitoring ecosystem health in the trans-boundary W Regional park: A pilot study

The sustainable management of the W Regional park and its peripheral areas is based on a trade-off between conservation and the generation of economic income for local populations. This work is a pilot study for the identification of ecological indicators to monitor ecosystem health in Sudanian Savannah ecosystems. Ecological indicators are needed to warrant the efficiency of the protection measures, particularly in the mosaic landscapes of the peripheral areas. Two insect families (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae (Cetoniinae) and Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) were trapped along transects crossing landuse units submitted to various human pressures (none, hunting, traditional and intensive crops, grazing) in two countries (Burkina Faso and Bénin). Plant species richness was found to be correlated with the abundance of four fruit-feeding insect species and with the fruit-feeding butterflies species richness, but not with the Cetoniinae species richness. The abundance of Nymphalidae species generally dropped with human activities, but that of Cetoniinae species followed the intermediate disturbance theory. The likely impact of the various management practises on the general ecosystem health is discussed, as is the potential value of fruit-feeding insects as bioindicators and the points that still need to be clarified.

MULTIPLE USES OF SMALL-SCALE VALLEY BOTTOM LAND: CASE STUDY OF THE MATENGO IN SOUTHERN TANZANIA

Many recent studies have examined wetlands as a food supply resource in sub-Saharan Africa. Although a number of studies have investigated the use of large-scale wetlands such as swamps and floodplains, little is known about the use of small-scale val - ley bottom lands. The Matengo, who are Bantu speakers living in mountainous southern Tanzania, have developed intensive use of ntambo, the principal unit of land tenure and use. Ntambo land use is based on an indigenous farming system called ngolo as well as coffee cul- tivation. At the same time, small valley bottom lands (kijungu) have also been used. In recent years, people have begun to pay greater attention to diversifying kijungu land use against the backdrop of economic liberalisation, climate change, and population pressure.Cultivating the kijungu provides the Matengo not only with food during times of scarcity but also with petty cash called 'hela ya haraka' for daily use throughout the year. As their use is diversified and expanded, kijungu may be vital for sustaining the Matengo's livelihood and will become increasingly important in enforcing relationships between other subsistence activities.

Changes in Collembola richness and diversity along a gradient of land-use intensity: A pan European study

Summary Changes in Collembola richness and diversity along a land-use intensity gradient were studied in eight European countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Hungary, UK, Ireland and Finland). In each country a set of six 1 km2 land-use units (LUUs) were selected forming a gradient ranging from natural forest to agricultural dominated landscapes, passing through mixed-use ones. In addition to data on Collembola, detailed information regarding landscape diversity and structure was collected for each LUU. A total of 47,774 individuals were identified from 281 species. Collembola reacted not only to changes in the diversity of the landscape, but also to the composition of that diversity and the area occupied by each land-use type at each LUU. Although species richness patterns were not concordant among the different countries, the total number of species per LUU (landscape richness) was generally higher in natural forests and mixed-used landscapes, and lower in agricultural dominated landscapes. Moreover, high richness and diversity of Collembola at each LUU were associated with a diverse landscape structure, both in terms of number of patches and patch richness. Despite this comparable species richness between mixed-use landscapes and those dominated by natural forests, average species richness on forested areas (local richness) decreased along the gradient, showing that forest patches on mixed-use landscapes support a lower richness than in landscapes dominated by forest. This aspect is important when addressing the role of native forests in structuring biodiversity in disturbed and fragmented landscapes. Although a diverse landscape can support a high biodiversity, the results suggest that intensive fragmentation should be avoided with the risk of collapsing local species richness with the consequent result for regional biodiversity.

既成市街地における画地統合のモデル化と要因分析

In the field of urban planning, building lots are an important subject area for consideration since the individual lot forms the fundamental basic unit of land use. Lots consolidation should be promoted from the viewpoint of environmental planning and disaster prevention planning, specifically in the established city area in which subdivision of standard lots has been often observed. In this paper, we construct a stochastic model which describes the possibility and the probability that lots will be consolidated and form larger spatial unit. The unknown parameters of the model are estimated using the GIS data compiled by a local government ward in Tokyo. It is shown that the probability of lots consolidation is mainly dependent on the relationships with neighboring lots and location, as well as the properties of lots themselves. The spatial distribution of the probability of lots consolidation is shown using the estimated model.

Effects of land-use on Collembola diversity patterns in a Mediterranean landscape

Summary Collembola communities were sampled along a gradient of soil-use intensification in a typical Mediterranen landscape dominated by cork-oak. This gradient ranged from a land-use unit (LUU1) dominated by closed oak forest with minimum intervention to an unit entirely composed of a monoculture crop submitted to frequent anthropogenic disturbances (LUU6), passing through LUUs with managed woodland (LLU2) or dominated by open cork-oak areas and pastures (LUU3 and LUU5). The Collembola community in the overall area was dominated by a few abundant species, mainly Isotomidae, present in almost all units. Abundance, diversity and species richness decreased along the gradient, with the agricultural site presenting an impoverished community. Diversity descriptors were positively and significantly correlated with habitat diversity, measured on the basis of the proportion of the different soil-use types present at each land-use unit. Multivariate analysis revealed changes in Collembola community composition between the LUUs, with LUU6 detaching from the rest. LUU1 and LUU2, despite the less diverse community of the latter, formed a separate group from the remaining two units (LUU3 and LUU5). Species composition in all these units was mainly determined by soil-use types present at each LUU (open cork-oak land and pastures vs. closed cork-oak areas), the proportion of the different soil-use types and the different management practices adopted for each soil use. Overall analysis revealed that Collembola reacted to changes in the landscape structure, with community composition giving a more robust response than diversity indices.

Land-use induced spatial heterogeneity of soil hydraulic properties on the Loess Plateau in China

On the Loess Plateau in China, soil erosion amounts to between 10 000 and 25 000 tons/km 2/year. In 1998, the EROCHINA project was started, with the major objective of developing alternative land-use and soil and water conservation strategies for the Loess Plateau, using the LISEM soil erosion model. In order to provide the model with accurate input on soil hydraulic properties of the catchment, this study tried to quantify these properties for major land-use units and to examine the effects of the statistically identified in-field heterogeneity on model outcome. The study area (Danangou catchment) is located in the middle part of the Loess Plateau in the northern part of Shaanxi Province. The catchment is about 3.5 km 2 in size. To determine the hydraulic properties of the soil, a sampling scheme was implemented to measure unsaturated conductivity and water retention characteristics. The saturated conductivity measurements were performed on land-use clusters, based on treatment and plant and soil differences. A 100×100 m sampling grid was set out on 12 fields, with 1×1 m grid squares. On each field, 10 sampling spots were randomly selected, using Simple Random Sampling. The sensitivity of the LISEM model to the measured heterogeneity of saturated conductivity was analysed by using the geometric mean and standard deviation (S.D.) of the K s-optimized of the various land-use units to calculate discharge and soil loss during a single rain event. This proved that, using the standard deviation of the saturated conductivity, which was 30–50%, the calculated discharge and total sediment losses varied by a factor 2. Using the standard deviation had a minor effect on the calculated sediment concentration. As regards the on-site effects, the use of the geometric mean of K s minus the S.D. resulted in an increase in the level of erosion, while the use of geometric mean of K s plus the S.D. value resulted in a significant decrease in erosion level relative to that obtained using the geometric mean of K s itself. Using randomly selected sampling spots and a calibration procedure as was done in the present study make detailed information on K s available, which can be used to compare alternative land-use options for their effectiveness in reducing discharge and sediment losses.

Collembolan communities as bioindicators of land use intensification

Springtail communities (Hexapoda: Collembola) were sampled in the Morvan Nature Regional Park (Burgundy, France) in six land use units (LUUs) 1 km 2 each, which had been selected in order to cover a range of increasing intensity of land use. Human influence increased from LUU 1 (old deciduous forest) to LUU 6 (agricultural land mainly devoted to cereal crops), passing by planted coniferous forests (LUU 2) and variegated landscapes made of cereal crops, pastures, hay meadows, conifer plantations and small relict deciduous groves in varying proportion (LUUs 3–5). Sixteen core samples were taken inside each LUU, at intersections of a regular grid. Species composition, species richness and total abundance of collembolan communities varied according to land use and landscape properties. Land use types affected these communities through changes in the degree of opening of woody landscape (woodland opposed to grassland) and changes in humus forms (measured by the Humus Index). A decrease in species richness and total abundance was observed from old deciduous forests to cereal crops. Although the regional species richness was not affected by the intensification gradient (40–50 species were recorded in every LUU), a marked decrease in local biodiversity was observed when the variety of land use types increased. In variegated landscapes the observed collapse in local species richness was not due to a different distribution of land use types, since it affected mainly woodland areas. Results indicated the detrimental influence of the rapid afforestation of previous agricultural land, which did not afford time for the development of better adapted soil animal communities.

Mapping of trace metals in urban soils

Spatial distribution maps depicting the concentrations of antimony, lead, tin, copper and zinc, and the presence of land-use units were generated for Muhlburg, a district of the City of Karlsruhe, Germany. The influence of the spatial land-use structure on the distributions of the element concentrations is statistically evaluated and discussed. The variography for Muhlburg shows an average range of 200-400 m for the spatial correlations of Sb, Pb, Sn and Zn. The variograms of Pb and Zn are characterised by hole effects at 300 m distances, i.e. the result of repeated stronger spatial correlations for certain distances between the sample sites. Most probably, this is an effect of the typical urban structure of streets, buildings, green spaces, and industry. Kriging method was used for the interpolation of Sb, Pb, Sn and Zn concentrations. Only Cu does not show a spatial correlation. In this case, the interpolation was carried out with a smoothed triangulation routine. Pollution plumes of point sources such as lead works, a bell foundry and a coal-fired thermal power station superimpose the more diffuse pollution from traffic, household heating processes, waste material disposal, etc. The trace element concentrations in soils of housing areas increase with the age of the developed area. Industrial areas show the highest level of pollution, followed by housing areas developed before 1920, traffic areas, allotments, housing areas developed between 1920 and 1980, parks and sports areas, cemetery and housing areas developed after 1980.

Landslide hazard zonation mapping using remote sensing and GIS techniques

The aim of this study is to utilise the remotely sensed data and GIS techniques for slope instability assessment and prediction in the chosen study area, Cameron Highlands. Slope instability can be considered as one of the most actual issues affecting this area, lately. With the availability of different types, multi temporal and various scales of remotely sensed data, several parameter maps can be generated, emphasizing the mass movements distribution map. The mass movements distribution map is prepared where each of its polygon is assigned with a special unique code. Other parameter maps either generated or extracted from the existing ancillary data are geological map, landuse map, terrain mapping units map, slope map, aspect map and classified distance map. GIS, on the other hand, can assist in terms of speeding up processing and moreover in the hazard zonation and prediction assessment. The result of slope instability study by using the Information Value Method has given the indication of the most relevant causative factors influencing the mass movements occurrences in this study area. The construction of the roads at steep slopes can be considered as the most important causative factor, as is borne out by its high information value especially for the main and secondary roads. Another factor which has high value is landuse besides the slope steepness and distance from fifth, sixth and higher order river, even though classified slope and distances are of lesser influence to the mass movements occurrences. Summation of causative factor maps in that method has resulted in the delineation of the mass movement hazard zonation. Hence with the classified information from the infrastructure and landuse units, the risk to the area can be assessed. The very high risk area covers 164,600 m2, mostly emphasizing several main road slopes and part of the market gardening area in Bertam Valley and some sloping areas in Tanah Rata and surroundings.

A simulation model of wind-driven dispersal of Helicoverpa moths

A simulation model is described that simulates the dispersal of Helicoverpa spp. moths over a heterogeneous landscape. The model divides the region under consideration into a scalable grid of square cells, each of which may contain one or more landuse units. Moth flight between cells and their component landuse units is largely governed by wind speed and direction. Flight is simulated for each cell in turn, once each day. For each cell, the flight paths of emigrating moths are distributed into sectors radiating from the cell centre and flanking the wind direction. The proportion of moths allocated into each sector is based on an assumed normal distribution, where the arc of each sector represents one standard deviation from the mean wind direction. The angle of the flight sectors on either side of the wind direction is inversely proportional to wind speed. If wind conditions are calm, the flight sectors encompass a full 360° arc and are allocated equivalent numbers of moths. The moths within each flight sector are moved out from the cell centre on a front which forms the arc of the sector. As the arc intersects with cells on the underlying grid, a proportion of moths land in each cell. The proportion of moths alighting is determined on the basis of the overall attractiveness of the habitats within each cell, and the proportion of the cell that is intersected by the flight sector. Alighting moths are distributed into the landuse units in target cells according to the relative attractiveness of each landuse, and its relative area within the cell. Wind velocities may vary between cells or time steps.

Capability of TM data for evaluation of soil and land resources in the Malwa Plateau (Chambal and Mahi catchment) in Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract Owing 10 the advent of the Thematic Mapper with higher resolution, it has now become much easier to map various natural resources efficiently and accurately in a shorter period of time. In the work described in this paper an attempt has been made to prepare various soil and land resources maps by visual interpretation of a false colour composite from the Thematic Mapper at the average scale of 1:250 000 in conjunction with field checks covering an area of 340000 ha in the Malwa Plateau. The soil map was prepared in association with subgroup level and a total of nine soil mapping untits were established. Four physiographic units, seven land-use units and three waste-land mapping units were found to occur in the area during preparation of the respective map.

Landscape planning methodology based on geoecological land evaluation

This paper discusses new idea and technique of landscape-planning based on a concept of geoecological land evaluation to be measured by the degree of conservation of the natual environment and landscape. It will conclude by proposing a procedure for conservation-oriented landscape planning by way of: 1. the classification and mapping of biophysical land units and ecological landuse units, which are combined with one another through the intermediate factor of actual vegetation, and 2. the evaluation of land potential quality and landuse suitability shown by a matrix of both units. Results of land evaluation by this method will offer the best orientation for decisions on landuse for each land unit in the area or for the optimal location of each category of landuse unit, both of which would solidify as an important base for determining the landscape plan.

Preliminary Evaluation of SEASAT-A SAR Data for Land-Use Mapping

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery from the unmanned Earth satellite, SEASAT-A, was examined in order to test its applicability for land-use mapping. The imagery used covers part of northern East Anglia and is from Revolution 762, acquired on 19 August 1978. A preliminary interpretation was carried out and six tone/texture radar mapping units were identified. Field-checking was then completed in each of three areas. A final classification of land-use units, which could be identified on this SEASAT-A SAR imagery, was then constructed. Mature, closed-canopy woodland and certain crop groupings can be consistently recognized on the imagery; but several other land-use categories have signatures with equal amounts of white speckle that cannot always be differentiated by eye. In such circumstances, maps and aerial photographs, as well as field-work, were used to confirm the interpretation and land-use classification so that mapping could be extended into areas where such information is not available. There is scope for both enhancement ofthe quality ofthe available imagery and for extending the study into areas of more variable terrain and land use.