An overview of monitoring methods for assessing the performance of nature-based solutions against natural hazards

To bring to fruition the capability of nature-based solutions (NBS) in mitigating hydro-meteorological risks (HMRs) and facilitate their widespread uptake require a consolidated knowledge-base related to their monitoring methods, efficiency, functioning and the ecosystem services they provide. We attempt to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing and compiling the existing scientific literature on methods, including ground-based measurements (e.g. gauging stations, wireless sensor network) and remote sensing observations (e.g. from topographic LiDAR, multispectral and radar sensors) that have been used and/or can be relevant to monitor the performance of NBS against five HMRs: floods, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, and storm surges and coastal erosion. These can allow the mapping of the risks and impacts of the specific hydro-meteorological events. We found that the selection and application of monitoring methods mostly rely on the particular NBS being monitored, resource availability (e.g. time, budget, space) and type of HMRs. No standalone method currently exists that can allow monitoring the performance of NBS in its broadest view. However, equipments, tools and technologies developed for other purposes, such as for ground-based measurements and atmospheric observations, can be applied to accurately monitor the performance of NBS to mitigate HMRs. We also focused on the capabilities of passive and active remote sensing, pointing out their associated opportunities and difficulties for NBS monitoring application. We conclude that the advancement in airborne and satellite-based remote sensing technology has signified a leap in the systematic monitoring of NBS performance, as well as provided a robust way for the spatial and temporal comparison of NBS intervention versus its absence. This improved performance measurement can support the evaluation of existing uncertainty and scepticism in selecting NBS over the artificially built concrete structures or grey approaches by addressing the questions of performance precariousness. Remote sensing technical developments, however, take time to shift toward a state of operational readiness for monitoring the progress of NBS in place (e.g. green NBS growth rate, their changes and effectiveness through time). More research is required to develop a holistic approach, which could routinely and continually monitor the performance of NBS over a large scale of intervention. This performance evaluation could increase the ecological and socio-economic benefits of NBS, and also create high levels of their acceptance and confidence by overcoming potential scepticism of NBS implementations

Below the radar: Data, narratives and the politics of irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa

Emerging narratives call for recognising and engaging constructively with small-scale farmers who have a leading role in shaping the current irrigation dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explores whether new irrigation data can usefully inform these narratives. It argues that, for a variety of reasons, official irrigation data in sub-Saharan Africa fail to capture the full extent and diverse nature of irrigation and its rapid distributed growth over the last two decades. The paper investigates recent trends in the use of remote sensing methods to generate irrigation data; it examines the associated expectation that these techniques enable a better understanding of current irrigation developments and small-scale farmers' roles. It reports on a pilot study that uses radar-based imagery and analysis to provide new insights into the extent of rice irrigated agriculture in three regions of Tanzania. We further stress that such mapping exercises remain grounded in a binary logic that separates 'irrigation' from other 'non-irrigated' landscape features. They can stem from, and reinforce, a conventional understanding of irrigation that is still influenced by colonial legacies of engineering design and agricultural modernisation. As farmers' initiatives question this dominant view of irrigation, and in a policy context that is dominated by narratives of water scarcity, this means that new data may improve the visibility of water use by small-scale irrigators but may † Jean-Philippe Venot and Sam Bowers are joint first authors. General comments and other correspondence should be addressed to Jean-Philippe Venot. Correspondence on remote sensing radar analysis should be addressed to Sam Bowers. Water Alternatives-2021 Volume 14 | Issue 2 Venot et al.: The politics of irrigation data in Sub-Saharan Africa 547 also leave them more exposed to restrictions favouring more powerful water users. The paper thus calls for moving away from a narrow debate on irrigation data and monitoring, and towards a holistic discussion of the nature of irrigation development in sub-Saharan Africa. This discussion is necessary to support a constructive engagement with farmer-led irrigation development; it is also challenging in that it involves facing entrenched vested interests and requires changes in development practices

Monitoring, reporting, and verification system for rice production aligned with Paris Agreement transparency guidelines

This critical review takes a novel approach to assessing the existing Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) methodology and tools and provides expert-based recommendations for adjusted MRV standards that adapt current guidelines as a promising way forward to deliver transparency in meeting the Nationally Determined Contributions of Vietnam. Additionally, this is a timely proposition given the necessity to define an MRV framework for NAMAs for the rice sector. We are recommending a multi-pronged approach using several tools that can support and validate each other to achieve a robust mechanism for MRV estimations in the rice sector. Examples from the country will be used as a case study given their government’s strong commitment to mitigation in the rice sector

Utilization of Internet of Things and wireless sensor networks for sustainable smallholder agriculture

Agriculture is the economy’s backbone for most developing countries. Most of these countries suffer from insufficient agricultural production. The availability of real-time, reliable and farm-specific information may significantly contribute to more sufficient and sustained production. Typically, such information is usually fragmented and often does fit one-on-one with the farm or farm plot. Automated, precise and affordable data collection and dissemination tools are vital to bring such information to these levels. The tools must address details of spatial and temporal variability. The Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are useful technology in this respect. This paper investigates the usability of IoT and WSN for smallholder agriculture applications. An in-depth qualitative and quantitative analysis of relevant work over the past decade was conducted. We explore the type and purpose of agricultural parameters, study and describe available resources, needed skills and technological requirements that allow sustained deployment of IoT and WSN technology. Our findings reveal significant gaps in utilization of the technology in the context of smallholder farm practices caused by social, economic, infrastructural and technological barriers. We also identify a significant future opportunity to design and implement affordable and reliable data acquisition tools and frameworks, with a possible integration of citizen science

Assessing Impacts of Winter-hay Feeding on Soil and Forage Nutrient Dynamics in a Rotationally-Grazed Pasture System in Arkansas

More than 38 % of United States’ rural land area was used for grazing (i.e., pastureland or rangeland) ruminant animals in 2017, constituting the largest private land use group. The expansive nature of these lands means that grazing and pasture management decisions have potential to impact water quality as well as profit margins. As a result, beef producers are under increased pressure from economic and environmental standpoints to limit application of nutrients beyond those required to grow the forage needed for animal consumption. At the same time, a large amount of nutrients is recycled back to pasture systems directly from hay fed to cattle. This study evaluated the effects of winter-feeding hay management on soil fertility and forage productivity on a privately-owned beef farm in northwestern Arkansas. In this study, the two common hay feeding practices, using a haybale ring feeder (RF) and unrolling bales (UF), were evaluated over a 2-yr period from November 2015 to November 2017, and compared to an unamended control area. Nutrient analysis of hay fed during the study revealed feeding bales at a rate of 40 bales per hectare (14.8 MG ha-1 yr-1), contained fertilizer equivalent nutrient amounts greater than is recommended for mixed warm season forage crops. After two years of feeding hay, there was in increase in soil K concentration (P \u3c 0.05) in both UF and RF areas, whereas the unamended control was unchanged. There were also differences in soil physical properties between the hay feeding treatments after two years of hay feeding. Mean soil bulk density was less (P \u3c 0.1) for the UF and the control areas after, while the RF areas were unchanged after 2 years. In addition, total mean water infiltration for the UF was greater (P \u3c 0.1) than the RF, while the control area did not differ from either. Also, mean annual forage production was 19% greater (P \u3c 0.1). for the UF relative to the control treatments, whereas for the RF, there was no difference. A second objective of the study was to compare the relationship between remotely sensed spectral derivatives (i.e., vegetation indices) and forage biophysical variables. Imagery from multiple sensors at varied spatial resolution revealed strong positive correlation (P \u3c 0.001) among satellite, UAV, and a handheld crop sensor. Forage biophysical variables, DFY, as well as percent forage N and P, had moderate to strong correspondence which occurred when imagery derivatives were aggregated by season. The finding demonstrates how multiple sources of imagery may be useful in building informative and actionable biophysical models about forage conditions using remotely sensed imagery derivatives from a variety of available sources that may prove to be a useful and efficient tool. Further research focused on assessment of plant phenologic variability during all stages of the growing season is needed in multi-species forage stands. Quantifying and crediting nutrient contributions to underlying soil from winter fed hay, allows farmers to apply less fertilizer to achieve economic optimum yields of subsequent forage crops. The reduction of the fertilizer inputs may result in greater profits for producers, as well as decrease the risk of nutrient runoff into surface waters

Implementation of Sensors and Artificial Intelligence for Environmental Hazards Assessment in Urban, Agriculture and Forestry Systems

The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), together with robotics, sensors, sensor networks, Internet of Things (IoT), and machine/deep learning modeling, has reached the forefront of research activities, moving towards the goal of increasing the efficiency in a multitude of applications and purposes related to environmental sciences. The development and deployment of AI tools requires specific considerations, approaches, and methodologies for their effective and accurate applications. This Special Issue focused on the applications of AI to environmental systems related to hazard assessment in urban, agriculture, and forestry areas

Irrigation Systems and Practices in Challenging Environments

The book Irrigation Systems and Practices in Challenging Environments is divided into two interesting sections, with the first section titled Agricultural Water Productivity in Stressed Environments, which consists of nine chapters technically crafted by experts in their own right in their fields of expertise. Topics range from effects of irrigation on the physiology of plants, deficit irrigation practices and the genetic manipulation, to creating drought tolerant variety and a host of interesting topics to cater for the those interested in the plant water soil atmosphere relationships and agronomic practices relevant in many challenging environments, more so with the onslaught of global warming, climate change and the accompanying agro-meteorological impacts. The second section, with eight chapters, deals with systems of irrigation practices around the world, covering different climate zones apart from showing casing practices for sustainable irrigation practices and more efficient ways of conveying irrigation waters - the life blood of agriculture, undoubtedly the most important sector in the world