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Agrivoltaics (AV) represents a valuable alternative to solve the conflict between the expansion of renewable energy and land consumption in the course of the energy transition. Although the Austrian Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) and accompanying regulations contain some provisions on the eligibility of AV under the national support scheme for renewable energy, the other areas of law affected by AV have not yet been adapted accordingly. In particular, there is a lack of appropriate zoning types in the spatial planning acts of the Länder that could promote multiple uses of land for AV. This results in an unsatisfactory legal framework that poses numerous legal problems for the implementation of AV in Austria. To ensure the long-term implementation of AV, the Austrian legal framework must therefore be adapted accordingly, especially with regard to the creation of suitable zoning types, which take into account various aspects, such as energy production, domestic agricultural production, landscape integration and social acceptance. In the course of this process, questions of competence between the federal government and the Länder will play a decisive role.

Com o aumento da demanda de produção agropecuária e florestal no Brasil e no mundo, tornou-se necessária a maximização da produção numa mesma área, de forma sustentável, onde o sistema silvipastoril torna-se uma forma de integração de desempenho crescente. Objetivou-se avaliar os atributos físicos de dois sistemas de uso do solo: pastagem pura com Panicum maximum cv. Aruana e um sistema silvipastoril com Peltophorum dubium em linhas e pastagem nas entrelinhas. Foram abertas quatro minitrincheiras (repetições) em cada área (linha, entrelinha e pastagem pura de P. maximum cv. Aruana), subdivididas em quatro profundidades (00-10; 10-20; 20-40 e 40-60 cm), compondo 48 amostras de solo, coletadas com anel volumétrico. As amostras foram analisadas quanto à densidade, macroporosidade, microporosidade e porosidade total. A macroporosidade e a microporosidade variam com a profundidade, inversa e diretamente, respectivamente. A maior densidade do solo se deu na pastagem pura, entretanto sem atingir valores impeditivos ao crescimento radicular. Embora a porosidade total do solo não tenha apresentado diferenças significativas, essa sofre interferência do manejo aplicado sobre a área. O efeito do uso de leguminosa arbórea no sistema silvipastoril já é perceptível, apesar de ainda incipiente. With the increasing demand for agricultural, livestock and forestry production in Brazil and in the World, it has become necessary to maximize production in the same area, in a sustainable way, where the silvopastoral system becomes a form of integration of increasing performance. The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical attributes of two land use systems: pure pasture with Panicum maximum cv. Aruana and a silvipastoril system with Peltophorum dubium in the lines and Aruana grass between the lines. Four mini trenches (repetitions) were opened in each area (line, between lines and pure pasture of Aruana grass), subdivided into 4 depths (00-10, 10-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm), composing 48 soil samples, collected with volumetric ring. The samples were analyzed for density, macroporosity, microporosity and total porosity. Macroporosity and microporosity varied with depth, inversely and directly, respectively. The highest soil density occurred in pure pasture, however, without reaching values that limit root growth. Although the total porosity of the soil did not present statistically significant differences, this one undergoes interference of the applied management over the area. The effect of the use of leguminous wood species in silvopastoral system may already be noticed, although still incipient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reclamation associated with natural gas development has become increasingly important to mitigate land surface disturbance in western North America. Since well pads occur on sites with multiple land use and ownership, the progress and outcomes of these efforts are of interest to multiple stakeholders including industry, practitioners and consultants, regulatory agents, private landowners, and the scientific community. Reclamation success criteria often vary within, and among, government agencies and across land ownership type. Typically, reclamation success of a well pad is judged by comparing vegetation cover from a single transect on the pad to a single transect in an adjacent reference site and data are collected by a large number of technicians with various field monitoring skills. We utilized "SamplePoint" image analysis software and a spatially balanced sampling design, called balanced acceptance sampling, to demonstrate how spatially explicit quantitative data can be used to determine if sites are meeting various reclamation success criteria and used chi‐square tests to show how sites in vegetation percent cover differ from a statistical standpoint. This method collects field data faster than traditional methods. We demonstrate how quantitative and spatially explicit data can be utilized by multiple stakeholders, how it can improve upon current reference site selection, how it can satisfy reclamation monitoring requirements for multiple regulatory agencies, how it may help improve future seed mix selection, and discuss how it may reduce costs for operations responsible for reclamation and how it may reduce observer bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Planning is assessed not only based on its ability to improve the living environment through place making, but also based on its role in facilitating investments in the built environment. This paper approaches the combination of these functions as planning for multiple land use. Contracts, rather than plans, are used to bridge these functions. This concept of multiple land use is used to reflect on the contributions in this special issue on regulation of private sector involvement and property market dynamics in urban development. Questions for further research are raised based on the concepts of legitimacy, effectiveness and efficiency. These questions can also be used to assess current planning practice in which private sector investment and place making are combined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se caracterizó, a través de la composición taxonómica y trófica de la mesofauna edáfica, el estado de conservación de los suelos con diferentes usos. La investigación se realizó durante el período lluvioso del año 2009, en 11 sitios seleccionados bajo cuatro clases generales de uso de la tierra (CGUT): bosques regenerados, pastizales, caña de azúcar y cultivos varios (principalmente papa). Se tomaron tres muestras de suelo en cada réplica de uso de la tierra, a un solo nivel de profundidad (0-10 cm), siguiendo un diseño de muestreo completamente aleatorizado estratificado. Para su extracción se utilizaron los embudos de Berlese-Tullgren, con una fuente de luz y calor, durante siete días. Los mayores valores de composición taxonómica de estos microartrópodos del suelo se encontraron en los bosques, con 16 familias, seguido de los pastizales con nueve familias, cultivos varios y cañaverales con seis familias cada uno. Por otra parte, la mayor representación de los grupos detritívoros apareció en el bosque con cuatro órdenes, 15 familias y 151 individuos, seguido de los cultivos varios con dos órdenes, cinco familias y 62 individuos, y el pastizal con dos órdenes, ocho familias y 37 individuos; mientras que en la caña de azúcar los fungívoros fueron los mejor representados por un orden y 22 ejemplares. La composición taxonómica y trófica de los grupos que integran la mesofauna edáfica, indicó el estado de degradación del suelo en el orden caña de azúcar-cultivos varios, seguidos de pastizal y, por último, bosque.The conservation status of soils with different uses was characterized using the taxonomic and trophic composition of the edaphic mesofauna. The research was conducted during the rainy season of 2009 in 11 sites selected under four general classes of land use (GCLU): regenerated forests, pasturelands, sugarcane plantations and varied crops (mainly potatoes). Three soil samples were taken in each land use replication, at only one depth level (0-10 cm), following a stratified completely randomized sampling design. For the extraction Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used, with a source of light and heat, during seven days. The highest values of taxonomic composition of these soil microarthropods were found in the forests, with 16 families, followed by pasturelands with nine families, varied crops and sugarcane plantations with six families each. On the other hand, the largest representation of detritivorous groups appeared in the forest with four orders, 15 families and 151 individuals, followed by varied crops with two orders, five families and 62 individuals, and pasturelands with two orders, eight families and 37 individuals; while in sugarcane plantations fungivores were the best represented by an order and 22 individuals. The taxonomic and trophic composition of the groups that integrate the edaphic mesofauna indicated the soil degradation status in the order sugarcane plantation-varied crops, followed by pastureland and, finally, forest.

Se evaluó el efecto de la intensidad de uso de la tierra sobre la riqueza y abundancia de las comunidades de la macrofauna del suelo, en un gradiente desde bosques secundarios y pastizales hasta cultivos varios destinados a la producción de papa y cañaverales. El estudio se realizó al final del período lluvioso del año 2009, en el mes de octubre, en las provincias Artemisa y Mayabeque, donde están localizados los diferentes sistemas de uso de la tierra. La macrofauna edáfica fue recolectada según la metodología propuesta por el TSBF. Se evaluó la riqueza taxonómica, la densidad y la biomasa de la macrofauna del suelo, y en el análisis de los datos se usaron pruebas no paramétricas. Los mayores valores de riqueza, densidad y biomasa de la macrofauna se obtuvieron en los bosques secundarios, y los menores valores en los pastizales, los cultivos varios y los cañaverales. Haplotaxida, Formicidae, Isoptera, Coleoptera y Diplopoda fueron las unidades taxonómicas de la macrofauna, dominantes en densidad y en biomasa, en la mayoría de los usos de la tierra estudiados. Los resultados sobre la riqueza taxonómica, la densidad y la biomasa de la macrofauna del suelo indicaron el nivel de degradación del medio edáfico, debido a la intensidad de uso de la tierra.The study assessed the effect of the intensity of different land uses (secondary forests, pasturelands, fields with varied crop cultivation dedicated to potato production and sugarcane plantations) on the richness and abundance of soil macrofauna communities. The research was conducted in October, at the end of the rainy season, 2009, in the Artemisa and Mayabeque provinces where the different land use systems are located. The soil macrofauna was collected using the methodology proposed by the TSBF program. The taxonomic richness, density and biomass of soil macrofauna were evaluated and the data processing included nonparametric tests. The highest values of richness, density and biomass were obtained in the secondary forests and the lowest values in the pasturelands, varied crop cultivation and sugarcane plantations. Haplotaxida, Formicidae, Isoptera, Coleoptera and Diplopoda were the prevailing taxonomic units of the macrofauna regarding density and biomass in most of the land uses. The results about taxonomic richness, density and biomass of the edaphic macrofauna indicated the degree of soil degradation due to land use intensity.

This paper examines cooperation and competition among landowners, hunters, and other outdoor recreational land-users in Denmark in relation to recreational hunting. The study used an internet-based questionnaire, sent to representative samples of, respectively, the Danish public ( n = 1001), hunters ( n = 1130) and landowners ( n = 1207 ). A series of qualitative interviews with a sample of landowners and hunters determined their approach to conflict management. The findings showed that relatively few negative encounters take place between hunters and other users compared to the frequency of such incidents between other outdoor recreational users. The relatively low levels of conflict may be explained by the more collaborative approach taken by hunters and landowners (who provide hunting opportunities) and the low degree of interdependence between hunters and other recreational users. Information about conflicts and ways of handling them may help predict and address future sites of potential negative interactions between different user groups and hunters, given changes in land management or policy-making. The article proposes a revised analytical framework for analyzing such conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Apennine brown bear ( Ursus arctos marsicanus) survives today in a relict population of about 50 bears in the central Apennines, even though they have been long protected and habitat suitability at the landscape scale does not appear to be a limiting factor for population recovery. Multiple uses within the bear range may increase disturbance and chances of human-caused mortality, including wild boar hunting drives with dogs conducted in the fall and coinciding with hyperphagia in bears. Although wild boar hunting drives represent a very popular recreational activity throughout the central Apennines, this is a very invasive practice and is thought to exert both direct and indirect detrimental effects on bears. In order to foster the progressive abandonment of wild boar hunting drives in the bear range in favor of less impacting hunting methods, we developed a species distribution model (SDM) to identify areas of likely bear presence during hyperphagia. This SDM could represent the basis to develop a hunting zoning system useful to modulate wild boar hunting regimes according to the bear occurrence. Starting from a large dataset of bear occurrences collected from September to November (2005-2010) within the core distribution range of the bear ( n = 5746 GPS- and VHF-telemetry locations on 25 adult and subadult bears, plus other signs of bear presence), we modeled the distribution of bears during hyperphagia and selected candidate models using second order corrected Akaike information criteria (AIC). The final model included 16 environmental, topographic, and anthropogenic variables and was evaluated using the continuous Boyce index (0.91). By intersecting the bear occurrence model with a proxy of wild boar hunting intensity, we identified the areas where the banning of wild boar hunting drives represents a priority, and where less impacting hunting regimes are urgently needed. By discussing how such a model can be used to facilitate consensus toward alternative hunting management scenarios, we believe our approach can be extended to other small populations of bears, and of other species as well, that live in multiple-use landscapes and are in need of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A constrained cellular automaton (CA) framework is used to model both land use and, at the same resolution, densities of population and economic activity. The multi-scale processes determining the location of population, economic activity and land use are captured in a variable grid CA, in which the neighbourhood of each cell includes the entire modelled area. The transition rules generating the spatial dynamics incorporate both the land use and the activities, and because they cover the entire modelled area, they represent interaction effects at all spatial scales; effectively, they are distance decay functions. In general, any particular cell hosts a number of activities (population, employment in various sectors) regardless of its land use, so in effect multiple land uses are modelled as multiple activities, although activity levels are normally highest on cells of the corresponding land use. The model is applied to both the urban-centred Greater Dublin Region and the country of Belgium, which consists of the entire polycentric urban system and its rural matrix. Results for both applications are good, as measured by the errors of both predicted populations and fractal dimensions, and the model outperforms the best existing models by these measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation status of soils with different uses was characterized using the taxonomic and trophic composition of the edaphic mesofauna. The research was conducted during the rainy season of 2009 in 11 sites selected under four general classes of land use (GCLU): regenerated forests, pasturelands, sugarcane plantations and varied crops (mainly potatoes). Three soil samples were taken in each land use replication, at only one depth level (0-10 cm), following a stratified completely randomized sampling design. For the extraction Berlese-Tullgren funnels were used, with a source of light and heat, during seven days. The highest values of taxonomic composition of these soil micro arthropods were found in the forests, with 16 families, followed by pasturelands with nine families, varied crops and sugarcane plantations with six families each. On the other hand, the largest representation of detritivorous groups appeared in the forest with four orders, 15 families and 151 individuals, followed by varied crops with two orders, five families and 62 individuals, and pasturelands with two orders, eight families and 37 individuals; while in sugarcane plantations fungivores were the best represented by an order and 22 individuals. The taxonomic and trophic composition of the groups that integrate the edaphic mesofauna indicated the soil degradation status in the order sugarcane plantation-varied crops, followed by pastureland and, finally, forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to analyze the functional composition of soil macro fauna in different land use types including secondary forest, pastures, fields with varied crop cultivation destined to potato production and sugarcane fields. The land use systems were located in the Artemisa and Mayabeque provinces. In these systems the edaphic macro fauna was collected in October, at the end of the rainy season of 2009, using the TSBF methodology. The data processing included the determination of the density and biomass of the macro fauna functional groups in each land use, and the statistical analysis implicated the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. The soil engineers and/or detritivores communities were observed to be better represented in density in the majority of land uses, and in biomass, the detritivore and/or herbivore functional groups. The proportion between the functional groups of soil macro fauna in the land uses depended on land use intensity, the disturbance level of the edaphic environment and the availability of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assessed the effect of the intensity of different land uses (secondary forests, pasturelands, fields with varied crop cultivation dedicated to potato production and sugarcane plantations) on the richness and abundance of soil macro fauna communities. The research was conducted in October, at the end of the rainy season, 2009, in the Artemisa and Mayabeque provinces where the different land use systems are located. The soil macro fauna was collected using the methodology proposed by the TSBF program. The taxonomic richness, density and biomass of soil macro fauna were evaluated and the data processing included nonparametric tests. The highest values of richness, density and biomass were obtained in the secondary forests and the lowest values in the pasturelands, varied crop cultivation and sugarcane plantations. Haplotaxida, Formicidae, Isoptera, Coleoptera and Diplopoda were the prevailing taxonomic units of the macro fauna regarding density and biomass in most of the land uses. The results about taxonomic richness, density and biomass of the edaphic macro fauna indicated the degree of soil degradation due to land use intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alley cropping is an agroforestry system that offers a promising land use alternative for the temperate zone. On the same field, the sustainable production of food and biomass is possible, while simultaneously, especially in marginal areas, the ecological function of the landscape can be improved. Thus, alley cropping corresponds with the increasing demand for renewable energy resources and for a specific adaptation to the predicted changes of climatic conditions within Central Europe. However, presently, little knowledge exists regarding the effects of alley cropping on the environment. In this study a literature survey was undertaken to provide an overview of the different ecological benefits arising from alley cropping systems within temperate Europe. Abiotic factors (nutrient cycle, microclimate), biotic factors (biodiversity) and the effects on the carbon cycle are discussed in detail. Summarising, the results showed that alley cropping may be an ecologically advantageous land use system for sustainable food and biomass production in comparison with conventional agricultural practices. As a very flexible, but low-input system, alley cropping can supply biomass resources in a sustainable way and at the same time provide ecological benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the basin of La Vieja river, Colombia, the earthworm communities were sampled from the plot to the landscape 2 level, in order to describe and predict the conditions of the agroecosystems in six windows of 1 km , with 16 sampling points and 96 monoliths located at 200 m from each other; the method of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Program was used in 51 farms and 24 land uses. In order to analyze the influence of the human activity the differences in abundance and number of species were evaluated at landscape level, through the correspondence analysis (CA) with the interaction of variables to find indicator species and groups of species that characterized the land uses. Thirty one earthworm species were found, belonging to four families and 12 genera, from them, 15 were native, 9 exotic and 7 unknown. The species belong to the following ecological categories: epigeal (21) and endogeal (10) and most of them (14) inhabit the 0-20 cm soil layers with an average vertical distribution at 7,5 cm of depth. The abundance values of the earthworms permitted the separation of land uses into conserved and degraded with earthworm species indicators of change. It is concluded that earthworms are stable bioindicators for monitoring human pressure due to the effect of introduction of land uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the basin of La Vieja river, Colombia, the earthworm communities were sampled from the plot to the landscape level, in order to describe and predict the conditions of the agroecosystems in six windows of 1 km2, with 16 sampling points and 96 mono liais located at 200 m from each other; the method of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Program was used in 51 farms and 24 land uses. In order to analyze the influence of the human activity the differences in abundance and number of species were evaluated at landscape level, through the correspondence analysis (CA) with the interaction of variables to find indicator species and groups of species that characterized the land uses. Thirty one earthworm species were found, belonging to four families and 12 genera, from them, 15 were native, 9 exotic and 7 unknown. The species belong to the following ecological categories: epigeal (21) andendogeal (10) and most of them (14) inhabit the 0-20 cm soil layers with an average vertical distribution at 7,5 cm of depth. The abundance values of the earthworms permitted the separation of land uses into conserved and degraded with earthworm species indicators of change. It is concluded that earthworms are stable bioindicators for monitoring human pressure due to the effect of introduction of land uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the temperate zone, agroforestry systems come increasingly into focus as they offer an approach for the production of fuelwood, thus matching the increasing demand for a self-supply with bioenergy in rural decentralized areas. Because of the large area potential of marginal land, research activities aimed at a reliable estimation of the minimum productivity of fast–growing tree species under most unfavourable site conditions. Two agroforestry systems were established on reclaimed mine sites in NE-Germany (Lusatia) and Central Germany (Helmstedt). The yield potential and the sustainability of yields were studied for different clones of poplar (Populus spp.), willow (Salix viminalis L.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), considering different rotation periods (3-, 6-, and 9-year-rotation) and approaches of soil amelioration (mineral fertiliser, compost). On both sites the highest yields of woody biomass were found for R. pseudoacacia L. regardless of rotation period and amelioration measures. On loamy substrates in the Helmstedt mining district, all tree species and clones responded positively to soil amelioration measures. In the agroforestry system in Lusatia, special emphasis was given to the interaction between trees (R. pseudoacacia) and crops (Medicago sativa L.). Considering the land equivalent ratio (LER), R. pseudoacacia hedgerows have practically no negative influence on yields of M. sativa. Hence, with regard to an increasing demand for woody biomass, alley cropping with R. pseudoacacia and crops such as M. sativa may provide a promising alternative for future land use in the temperate zone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sustainable development of floodplains (SDF) project is an EU-funded, trans-national co-operation between Germany and The Netherlands that deals with flood prevention and nature development along the river Rhine. The SDF project deals with issues in the catchment area of the river Rhine to ensure sustainable development of its floodplains. The issues addressed in this project are trans-national by nature, because sustainable flood management strategies require interregional and trans-national co-operation throughout the river basin. SDF consists of intensive trans-national co-operation involving eight partners in The Netherlands and Germany, which will increase the mutual respect and understanding, by developing measures with trans-national impacts, common issues and in trans-national teams. SDF encompasses 12 pilot projects with an operational focus. SDF partners share knowledge on project management, technical solutions and public participation processes. SDF is co-financed by the European INTERREG IIIb programme which contributes to accelerated implementation of various plans on flood prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Willow in short-rotation coppice (SRC) for energy may be an attractive habitat for many breeding bird species. In this study, we systematically explore the possible relations between design and management of willow SRC and the occurrence of individual species and ecological groups of breeding birds. Methods were literature review and expert consultation. For government steering strategies to enhance bird-friendly design and management of willow SRC, two approaches are evaluated in the framework of agency theory: rewarding behaviour versus rewarding actual results. The analysis indicates considerable opportunities to increase willow SRC potentials, with limited productivity reduction, especially for breeding birds of shrubs and hedges. Exemplary design and management packages were developed, with corresponding breeding bird species and appropriate policy strategy. Notwithstanding the uncertainties and qualitative nature of the results, the analysis offers starting points for managers willing to pay attention to breeding birds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction of energy crops in multiple land use may be an opportunity to increase the overall land-use efficiency, improve energy crop competitiveness and enhance its introduction in regions with intensive land-use, such as Northwest Europe. In this study, we evaluated the opportunities for energy crops in multiple land-use on three criteria: combinations should be biophysically feasible, they should have a positive effect on energy crop financial competitiveness, and their potential area should be significant. We studied four land-use combination options for willow short-rotation coppice in The Netherlands: with groundwater quality protection, drinking water production, conservation of traditional willow coppice flora and fauna, and use as an ecological corridor.Biophysically, almost all combination options studied are feasible, although some have sub-optimal willow yields. Two out of four of these options had a significant positive effect on energy crop competitiveness, but calculations contain major uncertainties. The potential area of these two may be significant to the Dutch renewable energy targets. The results imply that multiple land-use improves opportunities for energy crops in The Netherlands, but it will not be a panacea for large-scale introduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Netherlands is densely populated and highly urbanised. Growth management and spatial planning have a long-standing tradition. This article reveals driving forces and new trends in planning. The intricacies of the planning system are interpreted in an institutional and political framework. Decision making by consensus is the dominant planning style in The Netherlands.Notwithstanding, a strict adherence to the compact cities policy and a restrictive building policy for open areas, the western southern and central parts of the country are developing into an urban field. Fear for suburban sprawl and fragmentation of land is a stimulus for the development of new concepts for efficient land use. Multiple land use is an eye-opener for Dutch planners at the start of the new era. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The multiple land use of agricultural areas is a building block for increased land use efficiency. Unlike monoculture, integrated crop–livestock systems optimally improve ecosystem services, making it an important field of research and application for adapting land use and food systems that have sustainability deficits. The integration of sheep in viticulture production is described as a promising example of an integrated crop–livestock system. While some studies of the integration of sheep into vineyards are already available for other parts of the world, there is still no research on its implementation in Central European viticulture systems. In order to fill this gap of knowledge, we conducted standardized interviews with 34 winegrowers who already graze sheep in their vineyards. The method allowed a wider overview of the implementation of the integrated crop-livestock system than would have been possible with other approaches. Furthermore, the authors kept sheep in their own vineyard for three years to evaluate the statements of the survey participants. The period during which sheep graze in vineyards is quite heterogeneous in Central Europe. Some farms use sheep only during vine dormancy; others also let sheep graze during a certain period in summer. There are also viticulture training systems where grazing is almost continuously possible. In Central Europe, summer grazing normally requires operational adjustments such as lifting the wires of the training system and branches of the vine; otherwise, the vines could be damaged. This option seems to be tailored to the training system in use. Some interviewees mentioned that sheep not only use the accompanying vegetation as fodder and therefore control the undervine growth, but in some cases, they were also able to replace other work processes, such as defoliating the grape zone or cleaning undesired vine shoots near the ground. However, a high additional workload due to livestock keeping was also mentioned by some survey participants. Some of the interviewees cooperate with shepherds, which could help to solve this challenge. Finally, we summarize possible opportunities and risks of this integrated crop–livestock system. Integrating sheep in vineyards seems to be quite feasible in the period of vine dormancy, whereas more information and considerably more effort is needed to integrate sheep during the vegetation period. Further research is needed to answer open questions especially for the necessary adaptions of the common vine training system or the implementation of alternative systems more suitable to combine with livestock keeping. Some practitioners found opportunities to merchandize the use of sheep in wine sales. This potentially unique selling point could be a solution for a broader consideration of sheep in vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of forest reserves for the benefit of other resources and other land uses in areas where timber harvesting is taking place constitutes a significant withdrawal of wood fiber annually in Ontario. This article reports on a case study carried out on a representative forest area in northern Ontario where the primary land use is timber extraction. The results projected to the whole province show that the direct cost to the provincial economy of removing these forest lands from timber production is of the order of $2.5 million annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En la cuenca del río La Vieja, Colombia se muestrearon las comunidades de lombrices de tierra desde el nivel de la parcela hasta el paisaje, con el fin de describir y predecir las condiciones de los agroecosistemas en seis ventanas de 1 km², con 16 puntos de muestreo y 96 monolitos ubicados a 200 m de distancia; se utilizó el método del Programa Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) en 51 fincas y 24 usos de la tierra. Para analizar la influencia de la actividad humana se evaluó las diferencias en abundancia y número de especies a nivel del paisaje, a través del análisis de correspondencia (AC) con la interacción de variables para encontrar especies indicadoras y grupos de especies que caracterizaron los usos del terreno. Se encontraron 31 especies de lombrices de tierra situadas en cuatro familias y 12 géneros, de las cuales 15 son nativas, 9 exóticas y 7 desconocidas. Las especies pertenecen a las categorías ecológicas epígeas (21) y endógeas (10), la mayoría de ellas (14) habitan las capas de 0-20 cm, con una distribución promedio vertical a 7,5 cm de profundidad. Los valores de abundancia de lombrices permitieron separar usos de la tierra conservados versus degradados con especies de lombrices indicadoras de cambio. Se encontró diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) en la relación usos de la tierra y abundancia y número de especies. Se concluye que las lombrices de tierra son bioindicadores estables para monitorear la presión humana por el efecto de la introducción de usos del terreno.In the basin of La Vieja river, Colombia, the earthworm communities were sampled from the plot to the landscape level, in order to describe and predict the conditions of the agroecosystems in six windows of 1 km , with 16 sampling points and 96 monoliths located at 200 m from each other; the method of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF) Program was used in 51 farms and 24 land uses. In order to analyze the influence of the human activity the differences in abundance and number of species were evaluated at landscape level, through the correspondence analysis (CA) with the interaction of variables to find indicator species and groups of species that characterized the land uses. Thirty one earthworm species were found, belonging to four families and 12 genera, from them, 15 were native, 9 exotic and 7 unknown. The species belong to the following ecological categories: epigeal (21) and endogeal (10) and most of them (14) inhabit the 0-20 cm soil layers with an average vertical distribution at 7,5 cm of depth. The abundance values of the earthworms permitted the separation of land uses into conserved and degraded with earthworm species indicators of change. It is concluded that earthworms are stable bioindicators for monitoring human pressure due to the effect of introduction of land uses.

• There have been many calls for a national land use policy in the federation of Australia but none enacted. • The closest was multiple and sequential land use as part of a national strategy for sustainable development. • The national government has given it little support despite having the means to do so. • Some possible reasons are discussed. The closest the Australian Government has come to a national land use policy was for multiple and sequential use that was proposed in 1992 as one pathway to sustainable development of land in Australia over space and time. Under this national strategy governments in Australia's federalist system would undertake several actions but it was never resourced. In 2013 the Multiple Land Use Framework (MLUF) was developed but still has little promotion by governments and has not noticeably reduced disputes on land use developments. Trial programs that support multiple uses, especially nature conservation, on privately operated land have been moderately successful but limited in scope. Sequential land use, largely applicable to post-mining recovery, appears limited so far, but may succeed in facilitating alternative land uses as the mining industry moves to life-of-mine planning. Some possible reasons for this lack of government response are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]