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Clustering or Scattering? The Spatial Distribution of Cropland in a Metropolitan Region, 1960–2010

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Colantoni

    (Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Ilaria Zambon

    (Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Maria Gras

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Forestry Research Centre, I-52100 Arezzo, Italy)

  • Enrico Maria Mosconi

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, Via del Paradiso 47, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Alessandra Stefanoni

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organization, Tuscia University, Via del Paradiso 47, I-01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Luca Salvati

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), Forestry Research Centre, I-52100 Arezzo, Italy)

Abstract

This article presents empirical results of a multivariate analysis run with the aim to identify (apparent and latent) socioeconomic transformations that shape the distribution pattern of cropland in a metropolitan region of southern Europe (Athens, Greece) over a sufficiently long time interval spanning from 1960 to 2010. The study area is representative of monocentric cities expanding in an unregulated fashion and experiencing sequential cycles of economic growth and recession. Percent share of cropland in total municipal area increased moderately over time. A non-linear relationship with the distance from downtown Athens was also observed, indicating that the highest rates of cropland were observed at a distance ranging between 20 and 30 km from the inner city. A multivariate regression was run by decade at each municipality of the study area using 11 predictors with the aim to identify the factors most associated with cropland decline along urban fringes. Distance from downtown Athens, soil and climate quality, population growth rate, and competing land use were the most relevant factors correlated with cropland expansion (or decline) in the study area. Competing land use was particularly important for cropland decline in a first urbanization phase (1960–1980), while population growth rate—and hence an increased human pressure—was positively associated with agricultural areas in a subsequent phase (1990–2010). In these regards, per capita urban land had a non-linear spatial behavior, being correlated negatively with cropland in 1960 and 1970 and positively in 2010, possibly indicating a moderate change from a monocentric model towards a more dispersed metropolitan configuration impacting distribution of agricultural areas. Empirical findings of this study suggest that effective strategies supporting peri-urban agriculture require a comprehensive knowledge of the local socioeconomic context and relevant biophysical conditions—specifically focusing on the dominant soil and climate attributes.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Colantoni & Ilaria Zambon & Maria Gras & Enrico Maria Mosconi & Alessandra Stefanoni & Luca Salvati, 2018. "Clustering or Scattering? The Spatial Distribution of Cropland in a Metropolitan Region, 1960–2010," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2584-:d:159568
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilaria Zambon & Andrea Colantoni & Massimo Cecchini & Enrico Maria Mosconi, 2018. "Rethinking Sustainability within the Viticulture Realities Integrating Economy, Landscape and Energy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Giovanni Sanesi & Giuseppe Colangelo & Raffaele Lafortezza & Enrico Calvo & Clive Davies, 2017. "Urban green infrastructure and urban forests: a case study of the Metropolitan Area of Milan," Landscape Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 42(2), pages 164-175, February.
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    4. Boubaker, Karem & Colantoni, Andrea & Marucci, Alvaro & Longo, Leonardo & Gambella, Filippo & Cividino, Sirio & Gallucci, Francesco & Monarca, Danilo & Cecchini, Massimo, 2016. "Perspective and potential of CO2: A focus on potentials for renewable energy conversion in the Mediterranean basin," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 248-256.
    5. Zambon, Ilaria & Benedetti, Anna & Ferrara, Carlotta & Salvati, Luca, 2018. "Soil Matters? A Multivariate Analysis of Socioeconomic Constraints to Urban Expansion in Mediterranean Europe," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 173-183.
    6. Marco Zitti & Carlotta Ferrara & Luigi Perini & Margherita Carlucci & Luca Salvati, 2015. "Long-Term Urban Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Southern Europe: Implications for Sustainable Land Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-27, March.
    7. Maurizio Carlini & Enrico Maria Mosconi & Sonia Castellucci & Mauro Villarini & Andrea Colantoni, 2017. "An Economical Evaluation of Anaerobic Digestion Plants Fed with Organic Agro-Industrial Waste," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-15, August.
    8. Perrin, Coline & Nougarèdes, Brigitte & Sini, Laura & Branduini, Paola & Salvati, Luca, 2018. "Governance changes in peri-urban farmland protection following decentralisation: A comparison between Montpellier (France) and Rome (Italy)," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 535-546.
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