Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology

Spatial Analysis of Land Cover Change Associated with Urban Expansion in a Residential Area, South Bogor District, Indonesia

2026-07-07T10:24:34+00:00

Background: Land-cover change associated with residential development can alter the spatial structure and ecological function of peri-urban landscapes, particularly where urban expansion proceeds through interim land-cover stages.

Aims: This study aimed to analyse land-cover changes associated with residential development in Kertamaya Village, South Bogor District, Bogor City, Indonesia, between 2020 and 2024, with particular emphasis on identifying transitional phases of land-cover conversion.

Study Design: A spatiotemporal analysis was conducted using multi-temporal high-resolution satellite imagery, visual image interpretation, and GIS-based land-cover mapping.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a residential development area in Kertamaya Village, South Bogor District, Bogor City, Indonesia, using high-resolution satellite imagery acquired from 2020 to 2024.

Methodology: Multi-temporal MAXAR satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 0.34 m was visually interpreted and digitised in ArcGIS Pro 3.3 to produce annual land-cover maps. Image interpretation was based on standard visual interpretation elements, including tone/colour, shape, size, texture, pattern, shadow, site, association, and convergence of evidence. Field verification was conducted to validate the interpreted land-cover classes before final map preparation. Spatial overlay analysis was subsequently performed to identify annual land-cover changes.

Results: Residential land increased from 3.21 ha in 2020 to 6.81 ha in 2024, indicating continuous urban expansion associated with housing development. This increase was accompanied by reductions in shrubs, gardens, and open land due to land conversion. The analysis also revealed transitional land-cover phases in which prepared open land was temporarily occupied by secondary vegetation or dryland agriculture before being converted into residential areas. Meanwhile, bamboo groves remained relatively stable because of their ecological role in slope stabilisation and soil conservation.

Conclusion: Land-cover change in the study area occurred progressively through identifiable transitional stages rather than by direct conversion from natural land to residential areas. These findings provide a better understanding of microscale land-cover trajectories and offer useful spatial information to support environmentally sustainable residential planning in rapidly urbanising areas.

Allelopathic Effects of Four Invasive Weed Leaf-Residues on Germination Dynamics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

2026-07-08T07:36:16+00:00

Weed residues remaining in agricultural fields can influence crop establishment through allelopathic interactions, although the extent of their effects varies among weed species. The present study investigated the impact of leaf residues of four common weeds, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Achyranthes aspera, Phalaris minor, and Chenopodium murale, on the germination dynamics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under pot culture conditions. Powdered leaf residues were incorporated into soil at 1, 2, and 4 g kg⁻¹ soil, with untreated soil serving as the control. Ten seeds were sown per pot, with three replications per treatment, and germination was monitored daily until completion. Germination percentage, germination rate index, mean germination time, mean germination rate, germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, and soil organic carbon were evaluated. The results showed significant species-specific and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of weed residues on wheat germination. Increasing residue concentrations progressively reduced germination percentage and germination-related indices while increasing mean germination time. At the highest residue concentration (4 g kg⁻¹), germination percentage declined from 100% in the control to 80% in soils amended with Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Achyranthes aspera, 70% with Phalaris minor, and 73.3% with Chenopodium murale. In contrast, soil organic carbon increased in residue-amended soils, reaching 1.58–1.76% compared with 0.75% in the control. These findings indicate that weed leaf residues can simultaneously enhance soil organic carbon and adversely affect wheat germination, highlighting the importance of considering weed species in residue management decisions. The study contributes to a better understanding of allelopathic plant–plant interactions and provides useful information for developing sustainable weed management and crop production strategies. Future research should focus on identifying the specific allelochemicals responsible for the observed effects and validating these interactions under field conditions.

Perceived Climate Variability and Adaptation Responses among Smallholder Crop Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

2026-07-08T12:26:12+00:00

Climate variability presents important challenges to smallholder crop production, particularly in areas where farming systems depend largely on seasonal rainfall. This study examined farmers’ perceived patterns of climate variability and the adaptation responses adopted by smallholder crop farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 food-crop farmers from the state’s three agricultural zones. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires supplemented with oral interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, ranking and a Climate Variability Perception Index. Results showed that farmers perceived clear evidence of climate variability, with an overall mean perception score of 3.71. The major perceived indicators were erratic rainfall (mean score: 4.58), increased temperature (4.40), rising incidence of pests and diseases (4.39), unpredictable weather conditions (4.23), occasional flooding (4.08) and shortened rainy seasons (3.71). Farmers disagreed with increased drought occurrence and prolonged drought periods, which recorded mean scores of 1.33 and 2.95, respectively. The main adaptation responses adopted were early planting (37.1%), zero tillage (14.4%), mixed cropping (12.0%), use of hybrid varieties (12.0%), erosion control measures (9.6%) and flood control using channels and gutters (7.2%). The findings indicate that smallholder crop farmers in Imo State recognise changes in climatic conditions and respond mainly through low-cost agronomic practices. The study recommends improved climate information services, stronger extension support and better access to affordable climate-smart agricultural technologies to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity.

Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Perceptions among Employees of Bannerughatta Biological Park, India

2026-07-08T13:23:02+00:00

Environmental awareness among employees is increasingly recognised as an important component of organisational sustainability and environmental stewardship. While zoological institutions play significant roles in biodiversity conservation, environmental education and sustainability outreach, limited research has examined the environmental awareness and sustainability perceptions of zoo employees. This study assessed employees' environmental awareness and sustainability perceptions at Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), India. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted between July and September 2025 using the KoboToolbox platform. From a workforce of 439 employees, 105 individuals were surveyed through simple random sampling, of whom 93 valid responses were included in the analysis. Environmental awareness was evaluated using eleven awareness-based questions covering waste management, environmental governance, sustainability concepts, climate-related terminology and conservation issues. Responses were scored to generate an Environmental Awareness Score (EAS) and categorised into low, moderate and high levels of awareness. Sustainability perception was assessed separately by asking employees about the role of zoos in conservation and sustainability. Most employees (69.9%) exhibited moderate environmental awareness, while 16.1% and 14.0% demonstrated low and high levels of awareness, respectively. Awareness was highest for human-induced environmental problems (92.5%) and waste-management-related issues. In contrast, awareness of carbon footprint (19.4%), India's forest and tree cover (21.5%), and the role of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (30.1%) was comparatively limited. Employees demonstrated highly positive sustainability perceptions, with 92.5% considering the role of zoos in conservation and sustainability to be important or very important. The findings highlight specific awareness gaps and underscore the need for targeted environmental education and capacity-building programmes. This study provides a baseline for employee-focused environmental education and sustainability initiatives within zoological institutions.

Association of Climatic Variability with Milk Production: A Twenty-Year Seasonal Study in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India

2026-07-09T13:44:01+00:00

Climate plays a significant role in the physiological well-being and productivity of dairy animals. The present study assessed the association of climatic variables, namely maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall, with milk production in milch animals maintained at the dairy farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The analysis used twenty years (2006-2025) of seasonal data covering winter, summer, south-west monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Seasonal weather analysis indicated variability in maximum and minimum temperatures during winter and post-monsoon seasons, whereas monsoon temperatures remained relatively stable. Rainfall showed considerable seasonal variability, with coefficients of variation ranging from 27.6 per cent during the south-west monsoon to 144.4 per cent during the post-monsoon season. Correlation analysis indicated generally weak associations between milk production and temperature variables. Summer maximum and minimum temperatures were weakly negatively correlated with milk production (r = -0.029 and r = -0.068, respectively), whereas post-monsoon maximum temperature showed a weak positive association (r = 0.293). Rainfall showed a moderate negative association with milk production in summer (r = -0.493) and a moderate positive association during the south-west monsoon (r = 0.419). The findings suggest that summer stress, rainfall-related management challenges, fodder availability and water resources may contribute to seasonal variation in milk production. The study emphasises season-specific management, including heat-stress mitigation and efficient fodder and water management, to support dairy productivity under variable climatic conditions.

A Comparative Study on Influence of Detergent on Haematology of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

2026-07-11T12:30:50+00:00

Detergents are common aquatic pollutants that may alter water quality and affect the physiology of aquatic organisms. Present study evaluated the effects of Ghari detergent powder on haematological parameters of two different species of Clarias fish under laboratory conditions. Healthy specimens of Clarias batrachus (72 g; 19 cm) and Clarias gariepinus (260 g; 29 cm) were used as experimental animals. After acclimatization for seven days, fish were randomly divided into control and detergent-exposed groups. Control groups were maintained in normal tap water, while treated groups were exposed to Ghari detergent at 20 mg/L for 15 and 30 days. After the exposure period, blood was collected from the caudal vein and analyzed for haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count using standard haematological methods. Detergent exposure altered the haematological profile of both species. In case of RBC and haemoglobin level, a duration- dependent decreasing trend was observed in both the fish. However, C. batrachus showed relatively greater extent of decrease in haemoglobin (50 %) and C. gariepinus showed greater extent of decrease in RBC count (69.42 %) following 30 days of exposure. Both the fish showed a slight increase in the level of WBCs after 15 days of the exposure, indicating stimulation of stress induced immune activity. The level of WBCs was further decreased by 44.71 % and 5.25 % in Desi and Thai Magur, respectively, following 30 days of exposure. The findings indicate that detergent exposure can influence haematological parameters in both fish species under the tested conditions. Among the species under study, C. gariepinus showed better resistance and adaptability against detergent induced alterations.

Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Land Use and Land Cover Change Driven by Rapid Urbanization in and Around Ranchi, India

2026-07-14T13:36:17+00:00

Rapid urbanisation has emerged as one of the principal drivers of land use and land cover (LULC) transformation globally. Ranchi has experienced accelerated population growth, infrastructure expansion, and economic development over the past three decades, requiring a thorough assessment of its changing landscape. The present study investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of LULC change in Ranchi between 1994 and 2024 using multi-temporal Landsat imagery and a supervised maximum likelihood classification approach. Five major LULC classes—agriculture, vegetation, built-up land, barren land, and water bodies—were mapped and validated using a confusion-matrix-based accuracy assessment. The classified maps achieved reliable overall accuracies ranging from 78.0% to 87.6%, with Kappa coefficients between 0.70 and 0.82. The results revealed profound landscape transformation characterised by rapid urban expansion. Built-up land increased by 594.55%, expanding from 29.37 km² in 1994 to 203.99 km² in 2024 and becoming the dominant land-use category. Conversely, vegetation, agriculture, barren land, and water bodies declined by 58.28%, 25.32%, 54.49%, and 67.57%, respectively. The observed transitions indicate increasing anthropogenic pressure on the ecologically sensitive Chotanagpur Plateau, with potential implications for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem-service provision, groundwater recharge, urban hydrology, and local climatic conditions. This study provides a robust geospatial baseline for monitoring long-term urban landscape dynamics and offers valuable information for sustainable land-use planning and evidence-based policy formulation to support resilient urban development.

Potable Water Resource Accessibility and Quality in Island Communities

2026-07-16T10:10:36+00:00

Access to safe water and proactive assessment of water quality are fundamental to public health and sustainable development in rural areas. This study assessed the accessibility, physicochemical and microbial characteristics of potable water resources in the municipality of Sto. Niño, Samar, during calendar year 2025-2026. A descriptive-assessment research design was employed, using a validated survey questionnaire to gather data from local residents, together with water sampling from three source sites and laboratory analyses. The findings revealed that the community was largely composed of middle-aged adults and predominantly female residents, with most households belonging to the low-income bracket and relying on subsistence livelihoods. Water accessibility was generally favourable, as households obtained water from nearby sources at minimal cost. However, many sources remained unprotected, and microbial assessment consistently detected Escherichia coli and total coliforms across all sites, often exceeding safe limits. The significance of this work lies in demonstrating that physical access and acceptable chemical quality alone do not constitute water security. Persistent microbial contamination poses a direct threat to community health, particularly in resource-constrained island municipalities where infrastructure and treatment practices are limited. By documenting these vulnerabilities, the study provides evidence-based guidance for local governments to prioritise mandatory disinfection protocols, strengthen communal infrastructure against seasonal runoff and institutionalise water-safety measures. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on rural water governance by emphasising that sustainable development goals cannot be achieved without integrating microbial safety into water-accessibility frameworks.

Preliminary Assessment of the Effects of the Baspa-II Hydropower Project on the Vertebrate Diversity and Socio-economic Aspects in the Baspa Valley, Western Himalaya, India

2026-07-16T12:25:06+00:00

Hydropower development can support renewable electricity generation, but projects in ecologically sensitive Himalayan valleys may also influence wildlife habitats and local livelihoods. This study assessed vertebrate diversity and socio-economic conditions in villages surrounding the Baspa-II Hydropower Project in Baspa Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Monthly ecological surveys were conducted from June 2025 to February 2026 using direct sightings, indirect signs, line transects, visual encounter surveys and species-specific identification methods. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents from Kuppa, Kamru, Sangla, Chansu and Rakchham. The survey recorded two fish species, one amphibian species, five reptile species, 51 bird species and eight mammalian species. The reservoir and surrounding habitats were used by several aquatic and winter migratory bird species. Local perceptions of project-related change were mixed. Approximately 50% of respondents reported negative socio-economic impacts, while 40% perceived alterations in wildlife habitats. Respondents also described concerns related to agricultural land loss, reduced crop and apple yields, limited direct employment and changes in wildlife sightings, although some acknowledged improvements in infrastructure and employment opportunities. Because the study lacked pre-project baseline data and a comparable control site, the findings do not establish direct causation. Nevertheless, they provide preliminary baseline information and indicate the value of long-term ecological monitoring, transparent community engagement and site-specific mitigation in fragile Himalayan landscapes.

Avian Diversity and Preliminary Conservation Assessment in Hemchandrapur Protected Forest, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India

2026-07-18T04:43:40+00:00

This study documents the avian diversity of Hemchandrapur Protected Forest, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India, based on field surveys conducted from 15 March to 15 June 2025. Birds were recorded using transect-based observations during morning and late-afternoon activity periods, with identification supported by binoculars, photographic documentation, and standard field guides. A total of 72 bird species belonging to 13 orders and 31 families were recorded during the survey period. Passeriformes was the best-represented order, while Ardeidae, Columbidae, and Sturnidae contributed notably to the recorded species richness. The observed assemblage included resident, migratory, and breeding visitors, with abundance categories ranging from very common to rare. Wetland-associated, open-habitat, and forest-edge species were recorded, indicating the importance of habitat heterogeneity within and around the protected forest. The findings provide a preliminary baseline inventory for the study area and highlight its value as a local avifaunal habitat. However, the short duration of sampling limits broader conclusions regarding seasonal variation and long-term population status. Continued monitoring, improved habitat assessment, and periodic surveys are recommended to support conservation planning and to track future changes in bird diversity and abundance.

Conditions Influencing Household Riverine Communities to Relocate: A Case in Calbayog City, Samar

2026-07-18T07:33:46+00:00

River easement enforcement and urban river rehabilitation have become increasingly important strategies for reducing flood risk and promoting sustainable urban development. This study examined the socioeconomic conditions influencing relocation among residents along the Calbayog River in Calbayog City, Samar, Philippines, from the three-metre urban river easement zone. Using a quantitative research design, the study included 220 residents from Barangays Obrero, Payahan, Hamorawon, and Nijaga through total enumeration. Data were collected using a structured, researcher-developed questionnaire translated into Waray-Waray and validated through expert review and pilot testing. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise respondents’ socioeconomic profiles and perceptions of relocation conditions, while chi-square tests examined relationships between profile variables and relocation-related conditions. Results showed that respondents were generally middle-aged, predominantly female, mostly married, largely educated to high-school level or below, and predominantly low-income. The most important relocation conditions were relocation-site suitability and the provision of services, both with an overall mean of 4.22, followed by the provision of facilities, livelihood access, and compensation. Age, sex, civil status, and land-tenure status showed no significant relationship with relocation conditions. Significant relationships were found between monthly income and both livelihood access and relocation-site conditions; educational attainment and livelihood access; livelihood type and both compensation and facility provision; livelihood location and livelihood access; household size and compensation; and length of stay and facility provision. The findings indicate that economic capacity and livelihood-related conditions are central to relocation perceptions among Calbayog riverbank residents.

Assessment of Soil Quality and Drinking Water (Tap Water) Quality in Selected Regions of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India

2026-07-18T11:54:19+00:00

Soil and drinking water quality are central to environmental sustainability, agricultural production and human well-being. This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics of tap water and agricultural soil at nine sampling sites in Palampur, Baijnath and Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Tap-water samples were collected monthly from November 2025 to May 2026, whereas soil samples were collected in November 2025 and May 2026. Water pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness and chloride were determined using APHA-recommended procedures. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also analysed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation were applied. Water pH ranged from 6.35 to 7.38, and most measured water-quality parameters were within the stated permissible limits, although one pH value was slightly below the BIS lower limit of 6.5. Electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids showed a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.999). Soil pH ranged from 5.1 to 6.9, indicating slightly acidic to neutral conditions, while electrical conductivity values indicated non-saline soils. Organic carbon ranged from 0.5% to 1.5%, available nitrogen from 94.08 to 330 kg/ha, available phosphorus from 11.2 to 23 kg/ha and available potassium from 201.6 to 336 kg/ha. The findings demonstrate spatial and seasonal variability and provide baseline information for local soil- and water-management planning.

The Potential of Nano Urea in Decreasing the Use of Traditional Nitrogen Fertilizers in Maize: A Comprehensive Review with Special Focus on Bihar Soils

2026-07-17T07:31:09+00:00

Maize has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cereal crops in South Asia, and nitrogen remains the single most influential input governing its productivity. Conventional urea, despite its dominance in Indian nitrogen management, suffers from nitrogen use efficiency that rarely exceeds 40 per cent, and the unrecovered fraction contributes to ammonia volatilisation, nitrate leaching, nitrous oxide emission and rising input costs. Nano urea, a foliar-applied nanoscale nitrogen formulation developed and commercialised in India, has been promoted as a technology capable of substituting a meaningful share of soil-applied urea while sustaining yield. This review synthesises the peer-reviewed evidence on nano urea use in maize, situates the technology within the wider literature on nanofertilisers and nitrogen management in cereals, and examines its relevance to the alluvial and calcareous soils of Bihar, a state with disproportionately low fertiliser consumption yet comparatively high maize productivity. The synthesis draws on multi-location field trials, mechanistic and molecular studies, energy accounting and a critical body of literature that challenges the scientific basis of some efficacy claims. Evidence indicates that two foliar sprays of nano urea, combined with around three-quarters of the recommended nitrogen dose applied as conventional urea, can sustain maize yield, nitrogen uptake and profitability comparable to a full recommended dose, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the embodied energy associated with nitrogen supply. Independent scrutiny of the underlying plant and soil science, however, raises legitimate questions about the generalisability, dose-response consistency and mechanistic transparency of several claims outside controlled trial conditions. For Bihar, where diara and calcareous soils support the state's maize basket under comparatively low fertiliser input, nano urea appears best positioned as a complementary rather than a substitute technology, integrated within site-specific nutrient management frameworks. The review concludes that further multi-season, multi-agroecology research and independent verification are required before nano urea can be recommended as a wholesale replacement for conventional nitrogen fertilisation in maize-growing regions of eastern India.