scholarly journals No evidence of increased fire risk due to agricultural land abandonment in Sardinia (Italy)

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1333-1336 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Ricotta ◽  
D. Guglietta ◽  
A. Migliozzi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Land Abandonment ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Short Paper ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Fire Ignition

Abstract. Different land cover types are related to different levels of fire hazard through their vegetation structure and fuel load composition. Therefore, understanding the relationships between landscape changes and fire behavior is of crucial importance for developing adequate fire fighting and fire prevention strategies for a changing world. In the last decades the abandonment of agricultural lands and pastoral activities has been the major driver of landscape transformations in Mediterranean Europe. As agricultural land abandonment typically promotes an increase in plant biomass (fuel load), a number of authors argue that vegetation succession in abandoned fields and pastures is expected to increase fire hazard. In this short paper, based on 28 493 fires in Sardinia (Italy) in the period 2001–2010, we show that there is no evidence of increased probability of fire ignition in abandoned rural areas. To the contrary, in Sardinia the decreased human impact associated with agricultural land abandonment leads to a statistically significant decrease of fire ignition probability.

scholarly journals Estimating Fuel Loads and Structural Characteristics of Shrub Communities by Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (22) ◽  
pp. 3704
Author(s):  
Cecilia Alonso-Rego ◽  
Stéfano Arellano-Pérez ◽  
Carlos Cabo ◽  
Celestino Ordoñez ◽  
Juan Gabriel Álvarez-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
Terrestrial Laser Scanning ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Fuel Loads ◽  
Litter Depth ◽  
Species Specific

Forest fuel loads and structural characteristics strongly affect fire behavior, regulating the rate of spread, fireline intensity, and flame length. Accurate fuel characterization, including disaggregation of the fuel load by size classes, is therefore essential to obtain reliable predictions from fire behavior simulators and to support decision-making in fuel management and fire hazard prediction. A total of 55 sample plots of four of the main non-tree covered shrub communities in NW Spain were non-destructively sampled to estimate litter depth and shrub cover and height for species. Fuel loads were estimated from species-specific equations. Moreover, a single terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) scan was collected in each sample plot and features related to the vertical and horizontal distribution of the cloud points were calculated. Two alternative approaches for estimating size-disaggregated fuel loads and live/dead fractions from TLS data were compared: (i) a two-steps indirect estimation approach (IE) based on fitting three equations to estimate shrub height and cover and litter depth from TLS data and then use those estimates as inputs of the existing species-specific fuel load equations by size fractions based on these three variables; and (ii) a direct estimation approach (DE), consisting of fitting seven equations, one for each fuel fraction, to relate the fuel load estimates to TLS data. Overall, the direct approach produced more balanced goodness-of-fit statistics for the seven fractions considered jointly, suggesting that it performed better than the indirect approach, with equations explaining more than 80% of the observed variability for all species and fractions, except the litter loads.

Models for predicting fire ignition probability in graminoids from boreo–temperate moorland ecosystems

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor M. Santana ◽  
Rob H. Marrs
Keyword(s):  
Late Summer ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Fuel Load ◽  
Probability Models ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Seasonal Differences ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Critical Moisture ◽  
Fuel Moisture Content ◽  
Fire Ignition

An increase in both the frequency and severity of wildfires in boreo–temperate ecosystems is predicted. Therefore, to develop efficient fire rating systems, the relationship between the fuel moisture content (FMC) of vegetation and ignition thresholds needs to be determined. We developed fire ignition probability models for three graminoid species collected in central England, but common in boreo–temperate ecosystems (Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and Molinia caerulea). Specifically, we assessed through laboratory experiments (1) seasonal differences between early spring and late summer in fuel traits such as height, fuel load, fuel bulk density and dead fuel load proportion, and (2) the role of these fuel traits, environmental conditions and dead FMC in determining the probability of ignition. There were seasonal differences in fuel traits among species, with an increase in dead fuel load proportion after winter. The dead FMC was the only variable determining initial sustained ignitions. However, the seasonal differences in dead fuel were not sufficient to affect the FMC threshold at which graminoids start to ignite. Graminoids begin to ignite at high levels of dead FMC, and there are differences between species (from 36.1% to 48.1%). This work assists in improving fire ignition predictions in graminoid-dominated ecosystems by providing warnings based on critical moisture thresholds.

scholarly journals Intensity and Driving Forces of Land Abandonment in Eastern Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech Zgłobicki ◽  
Kamil Karczmarczuk ◽  
Bogusława Baran-Zgłobicka
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Environmental Changes ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Land Abandonment ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Study Objective

Agricultural land is an important natural resource and forms the basis for food production. Global and local socio-economic and environmental changes are often the driving forces of changes in land cover and land use. Land abandonment in rural areas is one of the processes observed in Europe today and usually leads to increased afforestation. The intensity of this process in Central Europe is linked to the political and economic changes that took place at the end of the 20th century. The study objective was to identify the natural and socio-economic factors of this process in Lublin Province—a major region of agricultural production in Poland. From 1990 to 2018, over 130,000 ha were excluded from agricultural use, which represents 7% of the arable land in 1990. Land abandonment showed considerable spatial differences when comparing different counties: its magnitude ranged from 4% to 13% of the county area. At the same time, due to the specific type of land use in the province (small farm holdings divided into several fields), the intensity of land abandonment was underestimated when based on overview data (CORINE). It was observed that the intensity of this process was correlated with the natural conditions (topography, soils) for agricultural production and the socio-economic characteristics (area of arable land, forest cover changes, farm size) of the counties as well as the absorption of Common Agricultural Policy funds.

scholarly journals AEGIS: a wildfire prevention and management information system

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 643-661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kostas Kalabokidis ◽  
Alan Ager ◽  
Mark Finney ◽  
Nikos Athanasis ◽  
Palaiologos Palaiologou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Fire Behavior ◽  
End Users ◽  
Burned Area ◽  
Fire Control ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Ignition Point ◽  
Weather Information ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Burn Probability

Abstract. We describe a Web-GIS wildfire prevention and management platform (AEGIS) developed as an integrated and easy-to-use decision support tool to manage wildland fire hazards in Greece (http://aegis.aegean.gr). The AEGIS platform assists with early fire warning, fire planning, fire control and coordination of firefighting forces by providing online access to information that is essential for wildfire management. The system uses a number of spatial and non-spatial data sources to support key system functionalities. Land use/land cover maps were produced by combining field inventory data with high-resolution multispectral satellite images (RapidEye). These data support wildfire simulation tools that allow the users to examine potential fire behavior and hazard with the Minimum Travel Time fire spread algorithm. End-users provide a minimum number of inputs such as fire duration, ignition point and weather information to conduct a fire simulation. AEGIS offers three types of simulations, i.e., single-fire propagation, point-scale calculation of potential fire behavior, and burn probability analysis, similar to the FlamMap fire behavior modeling software. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were utilized for wildfire ignition risk assessment based on various parameters, training methods, activation functions, pre-processing methods and network structures. The combination of ANNs and expected burned area maps are used to generate integrated output map of fire hazard prediction. The system also incorporates weather information obtained from remote automatic weather stations and weather forecast maps. The system and associated computation algorithms leverage parallel processing techniques (i.e., High Performance Computing and Cloud Computing) that ensure computational power required for real-time application. All AEGIS functionalities are accessible to authorized end-users through a web-based graphical user interface. An innovative smartphone application, AEGIS App, also provides mobile access to the web-based version of the system.

scholarly journals Modeling fire ignition probability and frequency using Hurdle models: a cross-regional study in Southern Europe

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina D’Este ◽  
Antonio Ganga ◽  
Mario Elia ◽  
Raffaella Lovreglio ◽  
Vincenzo Giannico ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Basin ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Fire Occurrence ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Hurdle Models ◽  
Mediterranean Landscapes ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Fire Ignition ◽  
The Mediterranean Basin

Abstract Background Wildfires play a key role in shaping Mediterranean landscapes and ecosystems and in impacting species dynamics. Numerous studies have investigated the wildfire occurrences and the influence of their drivers in many countries of the Mediterranean Basin. However, in this regard, no studies have attempted to compare different Mediterranean regions, which may appear similar under many aspects. In response to this gap, climatic, topographic, anthropic, and landscape drivers were analyzed and compared to assess the patterns of fire ignition points in terms of fire occurrence and frequency in Catalonia (Spain), Sardinia, and Apulia (Italy). Therefore, the objectives of the study were to (1) assess fire ignition occurrence in terms of probability and frequency, (2) compare the main drivers affecting fire occurrence, and (3) produce fire probability and frequency maps for each region. Results In pursuit of the above, the probability of fire ignition occurrence and frequency was mapped using Negative Binomial Hurdle models, while the models’ performances were evaluated using several metrics (AUC, prediction accuracy, RMSE, and the Pearson correlation coefficient). The results showed an inverse correlation between distance from infrastructures (i.e., urban roads and areas) and the occurrence of fires in all three study regions. This relationship became more significant when the frequency of fire ignition points was assessed. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between fire occurrence and landscape drivers according to region. The land cover classes more significantly affected were forest, agriculture, and grassland for Catalonia, Sardinia, and Apulia, respectively. Conclusions Compared to the climatic, topographic, and landscape drivers, anthropic activity significantly influences fire ignition and frequency in all three regions. When the distance from urban roads and areas decreases, the probability of fire ignition occurrence and frequency increases. Consequently, it is essential to implement long- to medium-term intervention plans to reduce the proximity between potential ignition points and fuels. In this perspective, the present study provides an applicable decision-making tool to improve wildfire prevention strategies at the European level in an area like the Mediterranean Basin where a profuse number of wildfires take place.

scholarly journals A Proposed Land Exchange Algorithm for Eliminating the External Plot Patchwork

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Żanna Stręk ◽  
Przemysław Leń ◽  
Justyna Wójcik-Leń ◽  
Paweł Postek ◽  
Monika Mika ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Exchange Algorithm ◽  
The World ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Structure Improvement ◽  
Land Exchange

In many countries of the world, rural areas are characterized by a defective spatial structure of agricultural land. The most frequent defects are large fragmentation and distribution of farmland. The fragmentation of land has been an issue widely described by many authors throughout the world. The problem of the distribution of land owned by individual farmers is slightly different, since due to the complexity of the problem this issue was not widely explored in Poland (plot patchwork) or in other countries of Europe and the world. Land fragmentation and distribution of plots in rural areas has a negative effect on the profitability and efficiency of agricultural production. Land consolidation and exchange is an operation facilitating spatial structure improvement. The authors attempted to develop a universal land exchange algorithm for eliminating the external plot patchwork. As it turns out, so far no land exchange algorithm has been developed. Specific analyses were carried out in Puchaczów commune, county of Łęczna, Lublin voivodeship in the eastern part of Poland, covering an area of 6907.80 ha, split into 15,211 plots. The chequerboard arrays method was used. The publication presents the algorithm and its practical application using a test sample. A result of the studies is a proposal concerning the exchange of land between landowners in the villages of the commune of Puchaczów. Using the algorithm, the area of individual lands in the commune, after the exchange, will increase by 172.09 ha, which is 2.5% for the area of individual lands, and 1.9% for the commune.

Intergroup Inequality in Wealth Ownership in Rural India: Caste, Tribe and Religion

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-132
Author(s):  
Nitin Tagade ◽  
Sukhadeo Thorat
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Wealth Inequality ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Rural India ◽  
Unequal Distribution ◽  
Majority Population ◽  
Intergroup Inequality ◽  
The Impact

In India, the rural economy still remains crucially important in the economic wellbeing of the majority population. The low income and high poverty in rural areas are closely associated with unequal distribution of income-earning assets, particularly agricultural land and non-land capital assets. In this article, therefore, we try to understand the intergroup inequality in wealth ownership across caste, ethnic and religious groups in rural India based on the 2013 data from the All India Debt and Investment survey carried out by National Sample Survey Office. The results indicate high interpersonal wealth inequality so also the intergroup wealth inequality at the aggregate level and by type of assets in rural India. The impact of caste on the ownership of wealth clearly indicates high ownership among Hindu high caste and Hindu other backward caste at the cost of low wealth share or ownership of the SC/ST indicating the existence of graded inequality.

scholarly journals Historical patterns of wildfire ignition sources in California ecosystems

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon E. Keeley ◽  
Alexandra D. Syphard
Keyword(s):  
Fire Hazard ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Federal Agencies ◽  
The State ◽  
United States Forest Service ◽  
The Past ◽  
Design Fire ◽  
Fire Ignition ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Marked Drop

State and federal agencies have reported fire causes since the early 1900s, explicitly for the purpose of helping land managers design fire-prevention programs. We document fire-ignition patterns in five homogenous climate divisions in California over the past 98 years on state Cal Fire protected lands and 107 years on federal United States Forest Service lands. Throughout the state, fire frequency increased steadily until a peak c. 1980, followed by a marked drop to 2016. There was not a tight link between frequency of ignition sources and area burned by those sources and the relationships have changed over time. Natural lightning-ignited fires were consistently fewer from north to south and from high to low elevation. Throughout most of the state, human-caused fires dominated the record and were positively correlated with population density for the first two-thirds of the record, but this relationship reversed in recent decades. We propose a mechanistic multi-variate model of factors driving fire frequency, where the importance of different factors has changed over time. Although ignition sources have declined markedly in recent decades, one notable exception is powerline ignitions. One important avenue for future fire-hazard reduction will be consideration of solutions to reduce this source of dangerous fires.

scholarly journals Exercise of Land Rights by Rural Residents

2019 ◽  
pp. 193-200
Author(s):  
О. V. Popova
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Far East ◽  
Land Rights ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
The Far East ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Right ◽  
Far Eastern

The pre-emptive right to purchase and sell agricultural land by the authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the maximum size of agricultural land plots, the allocation of shares among rural residents and some other features of agricultural legislation are restrictions on the realization of the right of rural residents to own land. The lack of adequate infrastructure in rural areas, especially in the Far East that fall under the Far Eastern Hectare project, is also seen as an obstacle for rural residents to exercise their right to land.

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