Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.7
3.9
Journals
Land
Special Issues
Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use...
share announcement

Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity

A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2018) | Viewed by 57527

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fabian Löw

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NGO, 83022 Rosenheim, Germany
Interests: copernicus; disaster management; remote sensing image classification; SDG; Sendai; agriculture; time series analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alexander Prishchepov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (IGN), University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, 1350 København K, Denmark
Interests: understanding the drivers of land-use land-cover change (LULCC); remote sensing of LULCC; sustainable land use
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Florian Schierhorn

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Theodor-Lieser-Str, 2 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
Interests: land use change; crop growth modelling; telecoupling; climate change impact
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Agricultural land is a widespread land-cover type globally, however agricultural land-use pressure on pristine areas will most likely increase in future due to growing food demands. Land remaining idle and suitable for cultivation is becoming a rare commodity. At the same time, agricultural land abandonment is also a widespread land-use change phenomenon.
Often underlying and proximate drivers of agricultural land expansion/abandonment are not clear, particularly due to the interplay of a mixed set of proximate and underlying local and distal drivers, for instance via teleconnections. There is a strong need to advance research to better understand such complex combinations of drivers.

It is also not clear what the impact of agricultural land expansion/abandonment and change in land-use intensity (i.e., multiple annual cropping, intercropping, application of fertilizers, crop rotation techniques, and irrigation) has on ecosystem services and human well-being. There is a further need for interdisciplinary studies within the socio-ecological framework: trade-offs, better understanding land sharing and land sparing options. Last, but not least, there is also a pressing need in advancing theoretical background knowledge of land system science to better understand non-linear, complex causal human–land cover linkages.
This Special Issue on "Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity" is dedicated to bring advances in Land System Science on better understanding the proximate and underlying drivers of land-cover change with regard to agricultural land expansion/abandonment and change of land-use intensity. We highly encourage interdisciplinary studies on agricultural land change which involve different techniques, such as remotely-sensed observations, land-use modeling, sociological and economic studies, as well as linkages with ecology. Works on advancing the theoretical background of Land System Science with the focus on agricultural change are also welcome.

With these issues in mind, we invite you to submit manuscripts about your recent research, as well as review papers, in line with, but not restricted to, the following topics (not limited):
o    Drivers, constraints and trade-offs associated with increase/decrease in land-use intensity, agricultural land abandonment and recultivation
o    Drivers, constraints and trade-offs associated with changes of land-use intensity in grassland ecosystems
o    Understanding the role of distal and proximate drivers and the role of teleconnections with regard to agricultural land change
o    Linkage of agricultural land-use change impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services.
o    Theoretical advancement of Land System Science with the focus on better understanding the drivers of agricultural production and trade-offs.

Dr. Fabian Löw
Prof. Dr. Alexander Prishchepov
Dr. Florian Schierhorn
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 1516 KiB  
Article
Land Use Scenario Modeling Based on Local Knowledge for the Provision of Ecosystem Services in Northern Ghana
by Hongmi Koo, Janina Kleemann and Christine Fürst
Land 2018, 7(2), 59; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land7020059 - 04 May 2018
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6557
Abstract
The understanding of multiple effects by possible future development is essential for adapted land use planning. This study assessed the potential of land use scenarios for the provision of ecosystem services using local knowledge in two districts of northern Ghana. Local knowledge was [...] Read more.
The understanding of multiple effects by possible future development is essential for adapted land use planning. This study assessed the potential of land use scenarios for the provision of ecosystem services using local knowledge in two districts of northern Ghana. Local knowledge was gathered through surveys with extension officers, who are regarded as eligible knowledge holders for agricultural land use. Firstly, ecosystem services that were perceived as important by the stakeholders were identified, namely food, fodder, energy, construction materials, marketable products, water provision, and erosion control. Quantitative indicators were then determined to analyze the capacity of land use types to supply the ecosystem services. Land use scenarios were developed based on their applicability and capacity to mitigate climate change impacts. The perception of stakeholders was applied to evaluate changes in ecosystem services provision by the scenarios. A modeling approach for a spatially explicit simulation was used to assess the potential to provide ecosystem services at a district level. The results reflected the different trade-offs and synergies between ecosystem services of each scenario, depending on the district. Along with the local perception, characteristics of land use patterns also influenced the regional potential of ecosystem services provision. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 418 KiB  
Article
Merging Small Scattered Pastures into Large Pasture-Forest Mosaics Can Improve Profitability in Swedish Suckler-Based Beef Production
by Kristina Holmström, Anna Hessle, Hans Andersson and Karl-Ivar Kumm
Land 2018, 7(2), 58; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land7020058 - 03 May 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7113
Abstract
A scattered structure of small pastures has negative effects on profitability in beef enterprises because small enclosures result in high labor costs per livestock unit. Moreover, larger enterprises distribute the costs across more livestock units and hence achieve lower operating costs. Creating larger [...] Read more.
A scattered structure of small pastures has negative effects on profitability in beef enterprises because small enclosures result in high labor costs per livestock unit. Moreover, larger enterprises distribute the costs across more livestock units and hence achieve lower operating costs. Creating larger coherent pastures makes it easier to increase herd size and yields positive effects due to economies of scale. This study on five Swedish organic cow-calf enterprises examined how profitability is affected by creating larger pastures from small scattered pastures and adjacent forest land. Additional income, additional costs, reduced income and reduced costs were taken into account using a partial budgeting technique. A change to larger coherent pastures was found to be profitable for all enterprises examined. Agri-environmental payments and supports were the most important benefit from creating larger pastures, followed by income increases and cost reductions resulting from economies of scale and improved consolidation. Income reductions due to premature final felling (clearcutting of forest land) and the opportunity cost of forest land did not have a major influence. To conclude, creating large coherent pasture-forest mosaics by merging small scattered enclosures is profitable for Swedish organic cow-calf enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

2868 KiB  
Article
Simulating Stakeholder-Based Land-Use Change Scenarios and Their Implication on Above-Ground Carbon and Environmental Management in Northern Thailand
by Melvin Lippe, Thomas Hilger, Sureeporn Sudchalee, Naruthep Wechpibal, Attachai Jintrawet and Georg Cadisch
Land 2017, 6(4), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land6040085 - 03 Dec 2017
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5503
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine whether the coupling of a land-use change (LUC) model with a carbon-stock accounting approach and participatory procedures can be beneficial in a data-limited environment to derive implications for environmental management. Stakeholder-based LUC scenarios referring to [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to examine whether the coupling of a land-use change (LUC) model with a carbon-stock accounting approach and participatory procedures can be beneficial in a data-limited environment to derive implications for environmental management. Stakeholder-based LUC scenarios referring to different storylines of agricultural intensification and reforestation were simulated to explore their impact on above-ground carbon (AGC) for a period of twenty years (2009–2029). The watershed of Mae Sa Mai, Northern Thailand was used as a case study for this purpose. Coupled model simulations revealed that AGC stocks could be increased by up to 1.7 Gg C through expansion of forests or orchard areas. A loss of up to 0.4 Gg C would occur if vegetable production continue to expand at the expense of orchard and fallow areas. The coupled model approach was useful due to its moderate data demands, enabling the comparison of land-use types differing in AGC build-up rates and rotation times. The scenario analysis depicted clear differences in the occurrence of LUC hotspots, highlighting the importance of assessing the impact of potential future LUC pathways at the landscape level. The use of LUC scenarios based on local stakeholder scenarios offer a higher credibility for climate mitigation strategies but also underline the need to co-design policy frameworks that acknowledge the heterogeneity of stakeholder needs and environmental management frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

2168 KiB  
Article
Agricultural Land Use Change after NAFTA in Central West Mexico
by Quetzalcóatl Orozco-Ramírez, Marta Astier and Sara Barrasa
Land 2017, 6(4), 66; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land6040066 - 05 Oct 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 9977
Abstract
It has been suggested that agricultural land use change and modernization in agricultural production techniques are related to the loss of crop diversity. Two processes contribute to this loss; first is the replacement of landraces by modern varieties, and second is the abandonment [...] Read more.
It has been suggested that agricultural land use change and modernization in agricultural production techniques are related to the loss of crop diversity. Two processes contribute to this loss; first is the replacement of landraces by modern varieties, and second is the abandonment of traditional crops in favor of cash crops. We studied the expression of these processes in a region that is both an agro-biodiversity and cultural center and one of the most significant fruit exporters of Mexico. We analyzed agricultural change based on the transformation of cropping areas and the primary crops’ locations in Michoacán state. We examined the crop-harvested area statistics from 1950 to 2015, and identified 23 crops as the most important in terms of harvested area and monetary value. After NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), harvested area for nine crops changed significantly: seven crops increased, and two decreased. Positive trends were observed for commercial fruits oriented to export markets, and negative trends were observed for traditional crops. These crops, such as beans and maize, are important for food security. Additionally, we analyzed how these land-use and agricultural changes overlap in zones of maize planted-area change. Using a maize-race collection database, we identified three native maize races that could be at risk due to the abandonment of maize in favor of commercial crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

3857 KiB  
Article
From Producers to Consumers: The Challenges and Opportunities of Agricultural Development in Iraqi Kurdistan
by Lina Eklund, Abdulhakim Abdi and Mine Islar
Land 2017, 6(2), 44; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land6020044 - 22 Jun 2017
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10437
Abstract
Agriculture and rural life in the Middle East have gone through several changes in the past few decades. The region is characterized by high population growth, urbanization, and water scarcity, which poses a challenge to maintaining food security and production. This paper investigates [...] Read more.
Agriculture and rural life in the Middle East have gone through several changes in the past few decades. The region is characterized by high population growth, urbanization, and water scarcity, which poses a challenge to maintaining food security and production. This paper investigates agricultural and rural challenges in the Duhok governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan from biophysical, political, and socio-economic perspectives. Satellite data is used to study land use and productivity, while a review of government policies and interview data show the perspectives of the government and the local population. Our results reveal that these perspectives are not necessarily in line with each other, nor do they correspond well with the biophysical possibilities. While the government has been trying to increase agricultural productivity, satellite data show that yields have been declining since 2000. Furthermore, a lack of services in rural areas is driving people to cities to seek better opportunities, which means that the local population’s incentive to increase agricultural activity is low. Governmental plans suggest land extensification to increase production and self-sufficiency, but the land use classification shows little available land. Instead, we recommend supporting small-scale traditional agriculture development as a more sustainable and feasible alternative. Additionally, more resources need to be focused on improving rural infrastructure and services to increase access to education and health care as a means of gaining support from the local population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

7034 KiB  
Article
Historical Land Use Dynamics in the Highly Degraded Landscape of the Calhoun Critical Zone Observatory
by Michael R. Coughlan, Donald R. Nelson, Michael Lonneman and Ashley E. Block
Land 2017, 6(2), 32; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land6020032 - 02 May 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6859
Abstract
Processes of land degradation and regeneration display fine scale heterogeneity often intimately linked with land use. Yet, examinations of the relationships between land use and land degradation often lack the resolution necessary to understand how local institutions differentially modulate feedback between individual farmers [...] Read more.
Processes of land degradation and regeneration display fine scale heterogeneity often intimately linked with land use. Yet, examinations of the relationships between land use and land degradation often lack the resolution necessary to understand how local institutions differentially modulate feedback between individual farmers and the spatially heterogeneous effects of land use on soils. In this paper, we examine an historical example of a transition from agriculture to forest dominated land use (c. 1933–1941) in a highly degraded landscape on the Piedmont of South Carolina. Our landscape-scale approach examines land use and tenure at the level that individuals enact management decisions. We used logistic regression techniques to examine associations between land use, land tenure, topography, and market cost-distance. Our findings suggest that farmer responses to changing market and policy conditions were influenced by topographic characteristics associated with productivity and long-term viability of agricultural land use. Further, although local environmental feedbacks help to explain spatial patterning of land use, property regime and land tenure arrangements also significantly constrained the ability of farmers to adapt to changing socioeconomic and environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

965 KiB  
Review
Drivers of Households’ Land-Use Decisions: A Critical Review of Micro-Level Studies in Tropical Regions
by Elisabeth Hettig, Jann Lay and Kacana Sipangule
Land 2016, 5(4), 32; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/land5040032 - 13 Oct 2016
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 9062
Abstract
This paper reviews 91 recent empirical and theoretical studies that analyzed land-use change at the farm-household level. The review builds on a conceptual framework of land-use change drivers and conducts a meta-analysis. Results show that the conversion of forests into cultivated land or [...] Read more.
This paper reviews 91 recent empirical and theoretical studies that analyzed land-use change at the farm-household level. The review builds on a conceptual framework of land-use change drivers and conducts a meta-analysis. Results show that the conversion of forests into cultivated land or grassland, mainly used for agriculture or ranching, are most frequently analyzed. Only a small number of studies consider the transition of wetlands for agriculture and few cases deal with the conversion from agriculture into protected zones. Moreover, interactions between drivers add to the complexity of land-use change processes. These interrelationships are conditioned by institutions and policies. In particular, the market-oriented reforms adopted by many developing countries in the 1980s and 1990s seem to have had an important role in altering land use, while impacts of more recent policies need to be better explored. Many studies rely on small samples and face problems of internal validity. Despite these weaknesses, the literature points at micro-level economic growth, for example in income and capital endowments, as a strong catalyst of human induced land-use change. However, the review suggests that—across the different studies and cases—there is considerable heterogeneity in the relationship between these factors and land-use change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Patterns, Drivers and Consequences of Agricultural Land Use Change and Land-Use Intensity)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop