journal article·2025-12-31Open access

Remote sensing diagnosis of ecosystem resilience dynamics in agricultural heritage landscapes

Qing Xiang, Chunjuan Wang, Haiping Zhu, Hui Wu, Mengyan Jia

npj Heritage Science· Volume 13· Issue 1

Abstract

Agricultural heritage landscapes are complex socio-ecological systems increasingly challenged by human pressures and climate change, yet the mechanisms underlying their ecosystem resilience remain unclear. This study combines time-series remote sensing data and analytical algorithms to quantify the dynamics of ecosystem disturbance and recovery within this agricultural heritage landscape. Stepwise regression and generalized additive modeling (GAM) were applied to identify the key environmental drivers of resilience. Results reveal that resilience patterns are highly heterogeneous, with widespread rapid recovery coexisting alongside localized long-term stress. Major disturbance types within the agricultural heritage landscape were identified, and their associated environmental characteristics were characterized. The study further quantifies the influence of landscape configuration, water management, and human activities on ecosystem resilience. This work provides a transferable framework for monitoring and managing agricultural heritage landscapes.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Agricultural Systems and Practices · Land Use and Ecosystem Services · Climate change impacts on agriculture

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