Journal Description
Land
Land
is an international and cross-disciplinary, peer-reviewed, open access journal on land system science, landscape, soil–sediment–water systems, urban study, land–climate interactions, water–energy–land–food (WELF) nexus, biodiversity research and health nexus, land modelling and data processing, ecosystem services, and multifunctionality and sustainability etc., published monthly online by MDPI. The International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE), European Land-use Institute (ELI), Landscape Institute (LI) and Urban Land Institute (ULI) are affiliated with Land, and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, GeoRef, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Environmental Studies) / CiteScore - Q1 (Nature and Landscape Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Study on the Evolution of Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Carbon Emissions and Influencing Factors in China
Land 2024, 13(6), 828; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060828 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Industrialization has increased global carbon emissions, necessitating effective climate change mitigation measures. China, the most populous developing nation, faces the challenge of strategizing emissions to meet national carbon neutrality objectives. However, research on specific regions’ carbon emissions drivers and causal factors is
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Abstract: Industrialization has increased global carbon emissions, necessitating effective climate change mitigation measures. China, the most populous developing nation, faces the challenge of strategizing emissions to meet national carbon neutrality objectives. However, research on specific regions’ carbon emissions drivers and causal factors is limited, particularly across prefectural-level cities. This study estimates the spatial and temporal patterns of carbon emissions across China’s prefectural cities and utilizes both OLS regression and stepwise regression models to analyze the impact of various factors influencing carbon emissions in these cities. Results reveal the following: (1) The country’s overall 20-year carbon emissions continue to grow from 3020.29 Mt in 2001 to 9169.74 Mt in 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 5.71%; the eastern region has seen a gradual deceleration in emissions, whereas the western region continues to experience an increase. Carbon emissions in cities within each subregion consistently rise. (2) Carbon emissions in Chinese prefectural-level cities exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation and clustering (Z > 1.96, p < 0.05), with hot spots primarily in the eastern coastal areas and cold spots in the northwest to southwest regions. (3) Economic and demographic factors significantly increase carbon emissions, while climate and urbanization effects are more complex and variable. Economic growth and population increase are the most significant influencing factors, but regional variances exist in carbon emissions determinants in subregional prefectural cities. These insights provide valuable insights into national emission dynamics at the prefectural level, providing a theoretical basis for enhancing carbon emission strategies across various jurisdictions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land-Based Greenhouse Gas Mitigation for Carbon Neutrality)
Open AccessReview
Composing the Landscape: Analyzing Landscape Architecture as Design Formation
by
Konstantinos Moraitis
Land 2024, 13(6), 827; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060827 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
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The article approaches ‘landscape architecture’, insisting on the term ‘architecture’ as describing landscape formations accepted as structured systems of composed, perceptual elements presenting organizational and aesthetic value. The central idea of this proposal refers to the key concept that design systems do not
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The article approaches ‘landscape architecture’, insisting on the term ‘architecture’ as describing landscape formations accepted as structured systems of composed, perceptual elements presenting organizational and aesthetic value. The central idea of this proposal refers to the key concept that design systems do not copy reality in its full complicated substance; they simply cannot manage to represent and work with the complex totality of the real surrounding world. They rather design abstract formational elements that ‘schematize’ reality and create composing syntactic systems, composing ‘languages’. It was in this context that modern 20th-century garden designers insisted on the comparison of landscape design approaches with architectural abstract building plans or abstract early 20th century-paintings. However, analogous correlations may also be regarded in the opposite orientation. Thus, contemporary architectural projects are often described as ‘landscape formations’ in a period of environmental sensitivity combined with enlarged topological awareness; the latter presents earth bas-relief as a convincing metaphor of topological mathematical transformations in general, associated with computational ‘animate’ design. Nevertheless, the principal aim of the article is firstly to insist on the interchangeable approaches of hard-scape architectural design and green-scape design in terms of analogous abstract and schematized formations. Moreover, the present article intends to propose a possible didactic strategy of landscape design for architects or students in schools of architecture and for attendees already accustomed to building or hard-scape urban design. This design didactic strategy is principally founded on the concept that common abstract ‘schematized’ formations underlie all those practices: landscape design as well as building and urban design.
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Open AccessArticle
A Study on Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Chinese National Park Network Attention
by
Mingxin Chen, Dong Dong, Fengquan Ji, Yu Tai, Nan Li, Runyu Huang and Tieqiao Xiao
Land 2024, 13(6), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060826 (registering DOI) - 8 Jun 2024
Abstract
Due to advancements in information technology and growing eco-tourism demand, National Park Network Attention (NPNA) has emerged as a novel indicator of tourism appeal and ecological value recognition. Utilizing Baidu search index (accessed in 2023) data from 2013 to 2022, this study employs
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Due to advancements in information technology and growing eco-tourism demand, National Park Network Attention (NPNA) has emerged as a novel indicator of tourism appeal and ecological value recognition. Utilizing Baidu search index (accessed in 2023) data from 2013 to 2022, this study employs time series analysis, index analysis, and spatial statistics to measure and differentiate the spatial and temporal aspects of NPNA across 31 provinces, regions, and municipalities in mainland China, while systematically assessing the impact of various factors from both source and destination perspectives. Over the period of 2013 to 2022, NPNA has increased annually, peaking around holidays and during spring and autumn, demonstrating pronounced seasonality and precursor effects, while exhibiting volatility due to external events. Influenced by factors from both source and destination perspectives, the spatial distribution of NPNA displays a trend of being “high in the east and low in the west” and “high in the south and low in the north,” though regional disparities are diminishing. The population size in the source areas remains the dominant factor influencing NPNA, while the concept of national parks is not yet widely recognized. The destination’s tourism resource endowment, media publicity, accessibility, and level of informatization are significant influences. An effective integration of resources and marketing is essential for boosting NPNA. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the spatial layout of national parks, enhancing the tourism service system, innovating communication and promotional strategies, and improving national park governance effectiveness.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Utilization of National Parks’ Natural Resources and Community Livelihood)
Open AccessArticle
Spatial Vulnerability Assessment for Mountain Cities Based on the GA-BP Neural Network: A Case Study in Linzhou, Henan, China
by
Yutong Duan, Miao Yu, Weiyang Sun, Shiyang Zhang and Yunyuan Li
Land 2024, 13(6), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060825 (registering DOI) - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Mountain cities with complex topographies have always been highly vulnerable areas to global environmental change, prone to geological hazards, climate change, and human activities. Exploring and analyzing the vulnerability of coupling systems in mountain cities is highly important for improving regional resilience and
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Mountain cities with complex topographies have always been highly vulnerable areas to global environmental change, prone to geological hazards, climate change, and human activities. Exploring and analyzing the vulnerability of coupling systems in mountain cities is highly important for improving regional resilience and promoting sustainable regional development. Therefore, a comprehensive framework for assessing the spatial vulnerability of mountain cities is proposed. A vulnerability assessment index system is constructed using three functional systems, ecological protection, agricultural production, and urban construction. Subsequently, the BP neural network and the genetic algorithm (GA) are combined to establish a vulnerability assessment model, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) is introduced to analyze the spatial influence of one-dimensional systems on the coupling system. Linzhou, a typical mountain city at the boundary between China’s second- and third-step terrains, was selected as a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework. The results showed that the vulnerability of the ecological protection system was highly aggregated in the east–central region, that of the agricultural production system was high in the west, and that of the urban construction system was low in the central region and high in the northwestern region. The coupling system vulnerability was characterized by multispatial distribution. The complex topography and geomorphology and the resulting natural hazards are the underlying causes of the vulnerability results. The impact of ecological and urban systems on the coupling system vulnerability is more prominent. The proposed framework can serve as a reference for vulnerability assessments of other similar mountain cities with stepped topographies to support the formulation of sustainable development strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Planning, Sustainability and Disaster Risk Reduction)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring Urban Amenity Accessibility within Residential Segregation: Evidence from Seoul’s Apartment Housing
by
Gyoungju Lee, Beomsoo Jeong and Seungwook Go
Land 2024, 13(6), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060824 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Residential segregation refers to the phenomenon where people of different socioeconomic backgrounds live in spatially separated areas. It is essential to ensure equitable access to urban amenities for all residents in pursuit of the normative values in urban planning. To achieve this planning
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Residential segregation refers to the phenomenon where people of different socioeconomic backgrounds live in spatially separated areas. It is essential to ensure equitable access to urban amenities for all residents in pursuit of the normative values in urban planning. To achieve this planning goal, the disparity in accessibility to urban amenities needs to be appropriately diagnosed. Private apartments and public rental apartments are representative types of residences where residential segregation is likely to occur in the context of South Korea, since these two types show considerable differences in education, income, and occupations. The objective of this study is to develop an analysis framework for diagnosing the difference in accessibility to urban amenities between the two residential types, and to empirically demonstrate their utility in the planning process. The most highlighted methodological novelty of the proposed analysis framework is that it includes not only global indicators for diagnosing the overall level of accessibility in the entire study area and assessing its statistical significance but also local indicators that represent local variations in accessibility. The empirical analysis conducted on Seoul revealed that not only were there significant local variations in accessibility between the two segregated residential areas, but the overall differences across the entire area were also pronounced. The proposed framework is useful in supporting decision-making processes for locating new public facilities or identifying regional priorities for guiding the placement of private amenities, with the aim of mitigating differences between segregated residential areas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Micro-Segregation)
Open AccessArticle
An Assessment of Urban Residential Environment Quality Based on Multi-Source Geospatial Data: A Case Study of Beijing, China
by
Shijia Zhang, Yang Xia, Zijuan Li, Xue Li, Yufei Wu, Peiyi Liu and Shouhang Du
Land 2024, 13(6), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060823 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Assessing the urban residential environment quality (REQ) is essential for advancing sustainable urban development and enhancing urban residents’ living standards. Traditional REQ assessments rely on statistical data, prone to delays and lacking holistic insight. This study takes residential blocks as the analysis units
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Assessing the urban residential environment quality (REQ) is essential for advancing sustainable urban development and enhancing urban residents’ living standards. Traditional REQ assessments rely on statistical data, prone to delays and lacking holistic insight. This study takes residential blocks as the analysis units and is conducted within the area of the Sixth Ring Road in Beijing. It synthesizes multi-source geospatial data to devise a comprehensive framework for assessing urban REQ, incorporating facets of environmental health and comfort, housing comfort, transportation convenience, city security, and life convenience. Utilizing the principle of minimal relative informational entropy, this study integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with the entropy method to determine the weight of each evaluative criterion. Subsequently, a linear weighting technique is employed to ascertain the scores for each evaluative criterion, thus facilitating a detailed examination of the REQ. Finally, the research probes into the complex interrelation between the assessed REQ and the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and carbon emissions across varying scales. Findings reveal that (1) the overall REQ within Beijing’s Sixth Ring Road is superior at the center and diminishes towards the periphery. (2) The dispersion of environmental health and comfort and city security metrics is relatively uniform, showing minor variations; however, a marked disparity is observed in the distribution of housing comfort metrics. (3) Regions characterized by higher GDP tend to demonstrate relatively higher levels of the REQ. Conversely, areas boasting higher-quality urban REQ are more inclined to exhibit increased levels of carbon emissions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Livable City: Rational Land Use and Sustainable Urban Space)
Open AccessArticle
Land-Use/Cover Change and Driving Forces in the Pan-Pearl River Basin during the Period 1985–2020
by
Wei Fan, Xiankun Yang, Shirong Cai, Haidong Ou, Tao Zhou and Dakang Wang
Land 2024, 13(6), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060822 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Land use/cover change (LUCC) is a vital aspect representing global change and humans’ impact on Earth’s surface. This study utilized the ESRI Land Cover 2020 and China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD), along with historical imagery from Google Earth, to develop a method for
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Land use/cover change (LUCC) is a vital aspect representing global change and humans’ impact on Earth’s surface. This study utilized the ESRI Land Cover 2020 and China Land Cover Dataset (CLCD), along with historical imagery from Google Earth, to develop a method for the assessment of land use data quality. Based on the assessment, the CLCD was updated to generate an improved Re-CLCD for the Pan-Pearl River Basin (PPRB) from 1985 to 2020, and to analyze LUCC in the PPRB over the past 35 years. The results indicate the following: (1) Among the seven land uses, built-up land experienced the most dramatic change, followed by cropland, forestland, grassland, shrubland, waterbody, and bare land, with notable increases in built-up land and forestland, and rapid decreases in cropland, grassland, and shrubland. (2) The magnitude of land use changed very widely, with the highest change in the Pearl River Delta, followed by small coastal river basins in southern Guangdong and western Guangxi, the Dongjiang River Basin, the Hanjiang River Basin, the Xijiang River Basin, the Beijiang River Basin, and lastly, Hainan Island. (3) The largest increase happened in built-up land, with a total increase of 12,184 km2, mainly due to the occupation of cropland and forestland, corresponding to the highest decrease in cropland, with a net loss of 10,435 km2, which was primarily converted to forestland and built-up land. The study results are valuable in providing a scientific basis for policy overhaul regarding land resources and management to safeguard ecological balance and promote sustainable development in the Pan-Pearl River Basin.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment of Land Use/Cover Change Using Geospatial Technology)
Open AccessArticle
Research on the Impact of the Digital Economy and Technological Innovation on Agricultural Carbon Emissions
by
Jian Li, Xiangchen Sheng, Shuhua Zhang and Yixuan Wang
Land 2024, 13(6), 821; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060821 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
The digital economy, closely linked to agricultural progress, plays a key role in reducing agricultural carbon emissions. By utilizing panel data between 2011 and 2021 from 30 Chinese provincial-level regions, the present work empirically assesses the direct impact and nonlinear spatial spillover effects
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The digital economy, closely linked to agricultural progress, plays a key role in reducing agricultural carbon emissions. By utilizing panel data between 2011 and 2021 from 30 Chinese provincial-level regions, the present work empirically assesses the direct impact and nonlinear spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on agricultural carbon emissions, where methodologies including fixed effects, threshold models, and spatial econometrics are employed. The results were as follows: (1) The digital economy led to remarkable inhibition of agricultural carbon emissions, which was consistent across various robustness checks. (2) The carbon reduction efficiency of the digital economy presented obvious spatial variation, which had a greater negative effect in eastern regions and major grain-producing regions. (3) The digital economy had a nonlinear impact on agricultural carbon emissions, and technological innovation played a threshold effect, showing an “inverted U-shaped” characteristic of increasing first and then decreasing overall. (4) This emission abatement effect also showed a significant spatial spillover aspect, meaning that the digital economy development in one area prominently abates agricultural carbon emissions in adjacent provinces. Our findings might provide a theoretical and empirical foundation for comprehending and addressing agricultural carbon emissions abatement in China from the digital economy perspective.
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Open AccessArticle
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Agricultural Carbon Balance at Township Scale and Carbon Compensation Zoning: A Case Study of Guangshui City, Hubei Province
by
Zhengkun Yang, Xuesong Zhang, Xiurong Hu and Xiaowen Zhou
Land 2024, 13(6), 820; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060820 - 7 Jun 2024
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Optimizing agricultural carbon compensation zoning is crucial for establishing robust mechanisms in agricultural carbon compensation management, with significant implications for achieving national “dual carbon” strategic objectives. This study employs K-means and the three-dimensional magic cube approach to construct a novel evaluation index system
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Optimizing agricultural carbon compensation zoning is crucial for establishing robust mechanisms in agricultural carbon compensation management, with significant implications for achieving national “dual carbon” strategic objectives. This study employs K-means and the three-dimensional magic cube approach to construct a novel evaluation index system for comprehensive carbon compensation zoning. By combining spatial land-use zoning, we delineate carbon compensation zones in Guangshui City, Hubei Province, and analyze the spatiotemporal variations of agricultural carbon balance, proposing optimization strategies. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2021, agricultural carbon emissions and absorption exhibit a trend of increasing followed by decreasing, with spatial patterns of “higher in the northwest, lower in the southeast” and “higher in the southwest, lower in the northeast”; (2) the Gini coefficient of agricultural carbon emissions averages at 0.24, with economic contribution coefficients and ecological carrying coefficients ranging from 0.04–16.1 and 0.39–1.99, respectively, from 2000 to 2021; and (3) in 2021, Guangshui City comprises seven payment zones, four balance zones, and six compensation zones, ultimately forming eight optimized agricultural carbon compensation zones in alignment with regional agricultural carbon balance objectives. This study provides theoretical references for enhancing county-level agricultural carbon comprehensive compensation management mechanisms.
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Open AccessArticle
Investigating the Effects of Mining on Ecosystem Services in Panzhihua City: A Multi-Scenario Analysis
by
Xuanmiao Peng, Xiaoai Dai, Ryan Shi, Yujian Zheng, Xinyue Liu, Yuhe Xiao, Weile Li, Yang Zhang, Jue Wang and Huan Huang
Land 2024, 13(6), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060819 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Ecosystem services are fundamental for the sustainable management of urban environments, particularly in mining cities confronting unique socio-environmental complexities. This study explores the intricate interactions among ecosystem services in a representative mining city, focusing on the impact of mining activities. A novel approach
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Ecosystem services are fundamental for the sustainable management of urban environments, particularly in mining cities confronting unique socio-environmental complexities. This study explores the intricate interactions among ecosystem services in a representative mining city, focusing on the impact of mining activities. A novel approach is employed to introduce a comprehensive framework for scenario-based analysis of ecosystem services. Land use and ecosystem service values for 2050 were predicted under the following three scenarios: natural development, ecological protection, and farmland protection. Through the evaluation of four key ecosystem services, namely water yield, habitat quality, carbon storage, and soil conservation, ecosystem service bundles were identified, and the trade-offs and synergies among these bundles were explored. Moreover, ecosystem service bundles in the mining areas were analyzed compared to the region at large, underscoring how the mining of various mineral types distinctly influenced ecosystem services. The results showed a persistent decline in total ecosystem service values of the whole region during 2000–2020 due to the diminishing forest cover and the enlargement of farmland and impervious surfaces. Mining areas exhibited significant impacts, with the soil erosion bundle predominating. However, the soil erosion bundle significantly reduced in the granite, copper, and nickel mining areas. By 2050, total ecosystem service values are projected to slowly rise, except under the farmland protection scenario. The entire region is expected to be mostly occupied by the ecological vulnerability bundle. But the ecosystem vulnerability bundle of mining areas is projected to decrease, especially under the ecological protection scenario, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts. These changes will enhance the synergies between soil conservation and other ecosystem services.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urbanization and Ecological Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Bridging Gaps towards the 2030 Agenda: A Data-Driven Comparative Analysis of Government and Public Engagement in China towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
by
Hongpeng Fu, Lingbo Fu, Lóránt Dénes Dávid, Qikang Zhong and Kai Zhu
Land 2024, 13(6), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060818 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a pivotal framework to guide government policies and mobilize public engagement for sustainability, although further exploration is still needed to analyze the attention given to the SDGs by these stakeholders using multi-source data. To
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The United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a pivotal framework to guide government policies and mobilize public engagement for sustainability, although further exploration is still needed to analyze the attention given to the SDGs by these stakeholders using multi-source data. To comparatively analyze government and public engagement in the SDGs, based on a case study in China, this study employed a multi-source data and content analysis to assess the perceived importance and performance of the two stakeholders. Then, this study performed an importance–performance analysis (IPA) to assess the SDGs’ priority for further improvement. The results highlight the government’s emphasis on SDG 7, SDG 2, and SDG 9, contrasting with public attention predominantly on SDG 8, SDG 9, and SDG 4. Regarding the performance of the SDGs in China, the greatest achievements have been exhibited for SDG 4 and SDG 1, while SDG 10, SDG 15, and SDG 17 have shown the least progress. Concerning the individual indicators, 12 out of 98 have attained 100% completion, while 19 out of 98 remain below the 50% threshold. According to the IPA results, China should concentrate on SDG 10 and SDG 15 and improve SDGs 6, 7, 14, 16, and 17 as a relatively low priority. The stakeholder analysis indicated that these SDGs are neglected zones by both the public and government. This research innovatively assessed the priorities of SDGs and could strengthen the cooperation between the government and the public to drive the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals more effectively. This study could contribute to guiding policy directions, inform strategies for public engagement, and enhance the comprehension of sustainable development in China. The framework could serve as a valuable reference for stakeholder engagement in the SDGs in other countries.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 2nd Conference on Future Challenges in Sustainable Urban Planning & Territorial Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Human Capital, Life Satisfaction, and the Floating Population’s Urban Settlement Intention in Cities—A Case Study of Six Cities in the Pearl River Delta
by
Qinyi Jiang, Yuanyuan Wang, Xiaomei Ye, Xinger Li, Weimin Pan and Yuqu Wang
Land 2024, 13(6), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060817 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
The urban settlement intention of the floating population and its influencing factors have received widespread attention, but there is less literature on the relationship between human capital, life satisfaction, and the urban settlement intention of the floating population. Employing 2146 questionnaire data from
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The urban settlement intention of the floating population and its influencing factors have received widespread attention, but there is less literature on the relationship between human capital, life satisfaction, and the urban settlement intention of the floating population. Employing 2146 questionnaire data from the Pearl River Delta’s floating population, this study establishes measurement indicators for human capital and life satisfaction, constructs a structural equation model, and examines the influence of human capital on life satisfaction, as well as their collective impact on the floating population’s urban settlement intentions. The findings reveal that human capital influences multiple facets of the floating population’s life satisfaction, which subsequently shapes its desire to settle. Considering individual life satisfaction, the economic well-being and social security contentment of the floating population exert a notable impact on its urban settlement intentions, whereas satisfaction with emotional life and public service facilities appears to have a less pronounced effect. Further investigation into how varying levels of human capital modulate the influence of life satisfaction on urban settlement intentions, alongside the transition from fundamental economic security to psychological needs (about life satisfaction), holds substantial referential value for research on population migration and the development of citizenship policies in China.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mega-City Regions in the Global South)
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Open AccessArticle
The Practice Characteristics of Authorized Heritage Discourse in Tourism: Thematic and Spatial
by
Yang Jin, Bing Hou and Xiang Kong
Land 2024, 13(6), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060816 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Under the influence of tourism and globalization, heritage production presents a new landscape. As a crucial framework for interpreting heritage, Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) has profound significance in discussing its practice characteristics in this context. Taking cities along the Jiangsu–Zhejiang section of the
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Under the influence of tourism and globalization, heritage production presents a new landscape. As a crucial framework for interpreting heritage, Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) has profound significance in discussing its practice characteristics in this context. Taking cities along the Jiangsu–Zhejiang section of the Grand Canal as a case study and drawing upon policy text, this study explores the practice characteristics of AHD in the tourism context. Results indicate that the thematic practices of AHD encompass protection and management, ecological construction, cultural production and inheritance, touristification, infrastructure and services, and marketing and cooperation, forming a clustering pattern with touristification as the central theme. The spatial characteristics manifest as multi-scale practices ranging from global to regional to local, each corresponding to diverse thematic characteristics. This study deepens the understanding of AHD in tourism and advances the research progress of heritage tourism. It also provides practical references for the utilization of urban heritage and the management of heritage tourism.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Co-benefits of Heritage Protection and Urban Planning)
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Open AccessEditorial
Editorial of the Special Issue Digital Soil Mapping, Decision Support Tools and Soil Monitoring Systems in the Mediterranean
by
Giuseppe Lo Papa, Calogero Schillaci, Maria Fantappiè and Giuliano Langella
Land 2024, 13(6), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060815 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
In the digital era, the role of soil surveyors has evolved significantly [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Soil Mapping, Decision Support Tools and Soil Monitoring Systems in the Mediterranean)
Open AccessReview
Biology of Hemiparasitic Rhinanthus Species in the Context of Grassland Biodiversity
by
Gederts Ievinsh
Land 2024, 13(6), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060814 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
The aim of the present review is to compile and analyze information on biology of Rhinanthus species in the context of grassland biodiversity. Root hemiparasites have been relatively less studied in comparison to economically important holoparasitic weed species. Rhinanthus species appear to be
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The aim of the present review is to compile and analyze information on biology of Rhinanthus species in the context of grassland biodiversity. Root hemiparasites have been relatively less studied in comparison to economically important holoparasitic weed species. Rhinanthus species appear to be genetically polymorphic, but also possess high phenotypic plasticity, and ecological factors are important determinants in evolution of specialization to most appropriate hosts. Rhinanthus individuals have a relatively short life span, and flowering is a photoperiod- or host plant-independent phenomenon. Both insect pollination and self-pollination can occur. Seeds do not form a persistent soil seed bank and have physiological dormancy broken by stratification. In general, Rhinanthus species have low host specificity, but there clearly are ‘preferred’ or ‘avoided’ hosts in natural conditions. In controlled conditions, interaction with most grass species result in more prominent parasite growth stimulation in comparison to that of legumes, and, especially, forbs, but there are significant gradations and exceptions. Ecological requirements of Rhinanthus species have been rarely studied, but it can be expected that significant tolerance against mineral nutrient heterogeneity and water shortage can be found. It seems that host plant characteristics are important determinants of the environmental resilience of Rhinanthus. Parasites not only obtain resources (water and minerals) from host plants but also negatively affect their physiological functions. The most intriguing and practically unexplored question is the exchange of chemical signals between the Rhinanthus parasite and the host plant. Extending this idea, it can be predicted that signals will also be exchanged between multiple host plants whose roots are connected through the parasite. It is highly possible that the exchange of small RNAs between plants could influence their environmental tolerance. Host selectivity forms the functional basis of changes in species diversity in grasslands, but the outcome seems to be highly dependent on other conditions, especially, soil edaphic factors. Development of new model systems is necessary to further expand our knowledge about the complex effects of parasitic plants on ecosystems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Grassland Ecosystem Services: Research Advances and Future Directions for Sustainability II)
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Open AccessReview
Matched Relationships and Mechanisms of Water and Land Resources in Karst Mountainous Areas: A Review
by
Xiaofei Pang, Binggeng Xie, Xuemao Zhang, Jing Xie and Jianyong Xiao
Land 2024, 13(6), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060813 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
The matching relationship between water and land resources in the karst mountains is closely related to regional ecological and environmental security, human well-being, and high-quality socio-economic development. Based on a massive literature review, this review systematically summarizes the research overview, development process, and
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The matching relationship between water and land resources in the karst mountains is closely related to regional ecological and environmental security, human well-being, and high-quality socio-economic development. Based on a massive literature review, this review systematically summarizes the research overview, development process, and matching mechanism of karst water and land resources. The results show the following: (1) Since 1990, the number of publications on karst water and land resources has shown a steady upward trend, with the journals covering multiple fields, characterized by multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary features. (2) The matching relationship between water and land resources in karst mountainous areas has experienced three stages: “single element–binary matching–multiple coupling”. It reveals the evolutionary process from focusing on the single internal system of water and land resources to focusing on the mutual matching relationship between water and land resources, and then to the study of multiple coupling between water and land resources system and other external systems. (3) The internal coordinated development of the water and land resources system in karst mountainous areas depends on the joint interactions of natural, economic, and social factors, while the external matching mainly focuses on the mechanism around the three aspects of water and land resources and agricultural production, ecological environment, and economic and social development. Furthermore, the review proposes that future research should explore the matching of water and land resources in karst mountainous areas through theoretical framework construction, model innovation, scale refinement, and mechanism analysis. The expected results will provide a scientific reference for advancing theoretical research on karst water and land resources and optimizing their management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Soil Quality and Management in Karst Ecosystem II)
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Open AccessArticle
Quantification and Simulation of the Ecosystem Service Value of Karst Region in Southwest China
by
Suling He, Jinliang Wang, Jie Li, Jinming Sha, Jinchun Zhou and Yuanmei Jiao
Land 2024, 13(6), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060812 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
Regional ecosystem service value (ESV) is significantly influenced by factors such as land use/cover change (LUCC). In this study, from the perspective of spatio-temporal heterogeneity, we constructed a dynamic and zonal equivalence table of ecosystem service values using the equivalence factor method and
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Regional ecosystem service value (ESV) is significantly influenced by factors such as land use/cover change (LUCC). In this study, from the perspective of spatio-temporal heterogeneity, we constructed a dynamic and zonal equivalence table of ecosystem service values using the equivalence factor method and analyzed the spatio-temporal changes in ecosystem service values of different agricultural plantation regions of the karst mountainous areas of southwestern China (Yunnan Province, YP) in the years from 1990 to 2020. Also, the ESV of YP in 2030 was simulated using the Patch-generating Land Use Simulation (PLUS) model. The results showed the following: (1) land use/land cover (LULC) in YP from 1990 to 2020 was dominated by needle-leaved forestland, broadleaved forestland, grassland, and rainfed cropland. (2) The total ESV in YP fluctuated between CNY 876.74 and 1323.68 B from 1990 to 2020, expanding at a rate of 50.98%. The largest portion of the total ESV comes from climate regulation. The ESV increased from east to west, and the positive spatial correlation of the ESV gradually weakened. (3) The ESV in YP was projected to reach CNY 1320.70 B by 2030, representing a decrease of ~ CNY 2.98 B since 2020. The results showed a decline in the ecological environment’s quality in YP.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)
Open AccessArticle
Recent Trends in Landscape Sustainability Research—A Bibliometric Assessment
by
Xuening Fang and Lingqiang Kong
Land 2024, 13(6), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060811 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
Landscape sustainability (LS) has received widespread attention from both scientists and practitioners in recent decades. However, a systematic review of the recent trends in this field remains scarce. Here, we present a bibliometric analysis of 715 English papers published in SCI journals (i.e.,
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Landscape sustainability (LS) has received widespread attention from both scientists and practitioners in recent decades. However, a systematic review of the recent trends in this field remains scarce. Here, we present a bibliometric analysis of 715 English papers published in SCI journals (i.e., indexed by Web of Science) during 2006–2023, whose titles, abstracts, or keywords contain both landscape-related terms and sustainability-related terms. Specifically, we quantitatively analyzed the LS literature using a variety of bibliometric methods and qualitatively analyzed the full text of highly cited seminal literature to cross-validate the bibliometric findings. We found that: (1) LS has entered the exponential growth phase (2013–present) after experiencing the incubation phase (pre–2006) and emerging phase (2006–2013). (2) Early LS themes focused on landscape change and the relationship between landscape ecology and sustainability science, while recent LS themes have shifted towards more sectoral topics, such as the relationship between ecosystem services and human well-being, climate change, and urbanization. (3) The closely connected network of cross-citations in seminal literature indicates strong communication among scientists in the field of LS. However, the participatory and solution-oriented research streams of LS have not been well integrated into the core research network of LS. Our results suggest that LS has evolved into a rapidly growing discipline with a stable scientific community and core research themes. To become a well-established discipline, LS needs to further enhance its unique scientific core rather than only drawing knowledge from other related fields. Constructing social–ecological-centered, solution-oriented landscape pattern analysis theory and methods for LS should be a top priority.
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(This article belongs to the Section Landscape Ecology)
Open AccessArticle
Spatio-Temporal Correlation and Optimization of Urban Development Characteristics and Carbon Balance in Counties: A Case Study of the Anhui Province, China
by
Yuling Wu, Hongyun Kan and Aili Deng
Land 2024, 13(6), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060810 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
Exploring the carbon balance pattern from the perspective of urban spatial development pattern is an effective way to solve the urban carbon emissions reduction problem, promote high-quality economic development, and synergize the development of the regional “nature–economy” dual system. Taking 105 counties (districts)
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Exploring the carbon balance pattern from the perspective of urban spatial development pattern is an effective way to solve the urban carbon emissions reduction problem, promote high-quality economic development, and synergize the development of the regional “nature–economy” dual system. Taking 105 counties (districts) in Anhui Province as an example, based on the calculation of regional carbon balance and urban development characteristics in 2001, 2010, and 2019, we used the spatio-temporal leap model to analyze urban development characteristics and combined the GWTR model and geodetic probes to explore the spatial and temporal correlation between the carbon balance and urban development characteristics, as well as their influence mechanisms. The results of the study show that: (1) The carbon balance of the 105 counties in Anhui Province shows a general decline in the time axis, with a small recovery, and the spatial sequence decreases and then increases from the north to the south. (2) The urban structure of southeast Anhui Province and central Anhui Province is stable, and the development status is good, but the carbon balance is out of balance, the carbon emissions are much higher than the carbon sinks, and the urban structure of the mountainous areas of west Anhui Province and north Anhui Province is dynamic and coordinated, with the carbon balance in harmony. (3) The spatial development characteristics of the cities in Anhui Province have a negative impact on the carbon balance at the scale-area level and a positive impact at the functional structure level. Among them, the area of urban built-up area and the number of the largest urban patches have strong explanatory power for the carbon balance, and the number of the largest urban patches is the main driver of spatial heterogeneity in the carbon balance. (4) The carbon budget of Anhui Province under the influence of urban spatial development characteristics can be divided into four regions: the economic development–carbon balance lopsided area, the ecological protection–carbon balance surplus area, the urban agglomeration–carbon balance adjustment area, and the potential enhancement–carbon balance equilibrium area. Based on the results, urban development needs to strengthen the construction of urban functional zones, and when formulating low-carbon policies in provinces with uneven development, it is necessary to comprehensively analyze the differences in development between cities and build cities according to local conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Systems and Global Change)
Open AccessArticle
Deciphering Land Use Transitions in Rural China: A Functional Perspective
by
Yanfeng Jiang, Tiantian Wang and Yuli Xu
Land 2024, 13(6), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060809 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
Although research on land use transitions has gradually received widespread attention since its introduction to China at the beginning of the new millennium, the lack of a clear portrayal of the transitional characteristics and pathways of land use at the theoretical level has
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Although research on land use transitions has gradually received widespread attention since its introduction to China at the beginning of the new millennium, the lack of a clear portrayal of the transitional characteristics and pathways of land use at the theoretical level has prevented this research from providing adequate support for the regulation and management of rural land use activities. This study aims to bridge this research gap from a functional perspective, since the transition of land system functions—also known as land use functions—heralds the completion of a regional land use transition. The methods employed included a literature review and theoretical analysis. The results show the following: (1) the relationships between land use morphology, land use multifunctionality, and land use functions transition (LUFT) were identified; (2) the connotation of the multifunctional agriculture transition theory was analyzed, and the applicability and limitations of drawing on the theory for researching the transition of land use functions in rural China elucidated; (3) a method for characterizing LUFT is proposed from the “state” and “quality”; (4) a theoretical framework for the LUFT was constructed and anchored in transition theory; and (5) it was summarized that there are three transitional pathways: weak-strong, strong-weak, and dynamic balance. In conclusion, while theories originating from the West can provide references for Chinese research, the significant difference between their socio-economic backgrounds necessitates reconstructing these theories in the light of the actual situation in rural China. The theoretical construction of land use transitions from a functional perspective can more clearly delineate the process, the trend, and the characteristics of the transitions of rural land use, thus offering valuable insights for the regulation and management of land use.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deciphering Land-System Dynamics in China)
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