Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline

Abstract The paper explores the issue of sustainable use of urban gullies under the pressure of suburbanization. The objective of this study was to provide guidelines for land restoration in relation to the Polish case study by analyzing (1) land cover changes, (2) their impact on the geomorphic evo...

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Main Authors: Jan Rodzik, Beata Żuraw, Barbara Sowińska-świerkosz, Jakub Kuna, Małgorzata Sosnowska, Marek Podsiedlik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94597-8
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author Jan Rodzik
Beata Żuraw
Barbara Sowińska-świerkosz
Jakub Kuna
Małgorzata Sosnowska
Marek Podsiedlik
author_facet Jan Rodzik
Beata Żuraw
Barbara Sowińska-świerkosz
Jakub Kuna
Małgorzata Sosnowska
Marek Podsiedlik
author_sort Jan Rodzik
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The paper explores the issue of sustainable use of urban gullies under the pressure of suburbanization. The objective of this study was to provide guidelines for land restoration in relation to the Polish case study by analyzing (1) land cover changes, (2) their impact on the geomorphic evolution of gullies and (3) valuable plant associations. To this end, GIS technologies, identification of soil and sediments and valorization of plant associations were adopted to capture the total set of impacts. The findings revealed that land cover change indicators combined with geomorphological and plant aspects are useful for assessing the state of gully development and, on this basis, for providing revitalization recommendations. Long-lasting anthropogenic modifications were the main driving factors of gully development and exhibited significant interrelationships among all the indicators. This study revealed the need for strengthening the recreational use of gullies through multifunctional use by different citizen groups and for simultaneous protection of gullies in terms of geological and ecological aspects. This direction of action enables gully development and use in accordance with the sustainable development concept, which focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all without harming the environment.
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issn 2045-2322
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spelling doaj-art-bf6ceef232cc4fbc93850e049b51a1052025-08-20T02:10:23ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-03-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-94597-8Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderlineJan Rodzik0Beata Żuraw1Barbara Sowińska-świerkosz2Jakub Kuna3Małgorzata Sosnowska4Marek Podsiedlik5Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in LublinDepartment of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences in LublinDepartment of Hydrobiology and Protection of Ecosystems, University of Life Sciences in LublinInstitute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in LublinDepartment of Grassland and Landscape Planning, University of Life Sciences in LublinIndependent researcherAbstract The paper explores the issue of sustainable use of urban gullies under the pressure of suburbanization. The objective of this study was to provide guidelines for land restoration in relation to the Polish case study by analyzing (1) land cover changes, (2) their impact on the geomorphic evolution of gullies and (3) valuable plant associations. To this end, GIS technologies, identification of soil and sediments and valorization of plant associations were adopted to capture the total set of impacts. The findings revealed that land cover change indicators combined with geomorphological and plant aspects are useful for assessing the state of gully development and, on this basis, for providing revitalization recommendations. Long-lasting anthropogenic modifications were the main driving factors of gully development and exhibited significant interrelationships among all the indicators. This study revealed the need for strengthening the recreational use of gullies through multifunctional use by different citizen groups and for simultaneous protection of gullies in terms of geological and ecological aspects. This direction of action enables gully development and use in accordance with the sustainable development concept, which focuses on equal economic growth that generates wealth for all without harming the environment.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94597-8GullyDegradationManagementRevitalizationLoess reliefGIS
spellingShingle Jan Rodzik
Beata Żuraw
Barbara Sowińska-świerkosz
Jakub Kuna
Małgorzata Sosnowska
Marek Podsiedlik
Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
Scientific Reports
Gully
Degradation
Management
Revitalization
Loess relief
GIS
title Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
title_full Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
title_fullStr Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
title_full_unstemmed Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
title_short Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline
title_sort multi criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural urban borderline
topic Gully
Degradation
Management
Revitalization
Loess relief
GIS
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94597-8
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AT beatazuraw multicriteriaevaluationforthesustainableuseofloessgulliesinruralurbanborderline
AT barbarasowinskaswierkosz multicriteriaevaluationforthesustainableuseofloessgulliesinruralurbanborderline
AT jakubkuna multicriteriaevaluationforthesustainableuseofloessgulliesinruralurbanborderline
AT małgorzatasosnowska multicriteriaevaluationforthesustainableuseofloessgulliesinruralurbanborderline
AT marekpodsiedlik multicriteriaevaluationforthesustainableuseofloessgulliesinruralurbanborderline