Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology

Spatial Analysis of Land Cover Change Associated with Urban Expansion in a Residential Area, South Bogor District, Indonesia

Iga Anggita Putra — 2026-07-07

Background: Land-cover change associated with residential development can alter the spatial structure and ecological function of peri-urban landscapes, particularly where urban expansion proceeds through interim land-cover stages.

Aims: This study aimed to analyse land-cover changes associated with residential development in Kertamaya Village, South Bogor District, Bogor City, Indonesia, between 2020 and 2024, with particular emphasis on identifying transitional phases of land-cover conversion.

Study Design: A spatiotemporal analysis was conducted using multi-temporal high-resolution satellite imagery, visual image interpretation, and GIS-based land-cover mapping.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a residential development area in Kertamaya Village, South Bogor District, Bogor City, Indonesia, using high-resolution satellite imagery acquired from 2020 to 2024.

Methodology: Multi-temporal MAXAR satellite imagery with a spatial resolution of 0.34 m was visually interpreted and digitised in ArcGIS Pro 3.3 to produce annual land-cover maps. Image interpretation was based on standard visual interpretation elements, including tone/colour, shape, size, texture, pattern, shadow, site, association, and convergence of evidence. Field verification was conducted to validate the interpreted land-cover classes before final map preparation. Spatial overlay analysis was subsequently performed to identify annual land-cover changes.

Results: Residential land increased from 3.21 ha in 2020 to 6.81 ha in 2024, indicating continuous urban expansion associated with housing development. This increase was accompanied by reductions in shrubs, gardens, and open land due to land conversion. The analysis also revealed transitional land-cover phases in which prepared open land was temporarily occupied by secondary vegetation or dryland agriculture before being converted into residential areas. Meanwhile, bamboo groves remained relatively stable because of their ecological role in slope stabilisation and soil conservation.

Conclusion: Land-cover change in the study area occurred progressively through identifiable transitional stages rather than by direct conversion from natural land to residential areas. These findings provide a better understanding of microscale land-cover trajectories and offer useful spatial information to support environmentally sustainable residential planning in rapidly urbanising areas.

Allelopathic Effects of Four Invasive Weed Leaf-Residues on Germination Dynamics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

Shachi Agrawal — 2026-07-08

Weed residues remaining in agricultural fields can influence crop establishment through allelopathic interactions, although the extent of their effects varies among weed species. The present study investigated the impact of leaf residues of four common weeds, Mesosphaerum suaveolens, Achyranthes aspera, Phalaris minor, and Chenopodium murale, on the germination dynamics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under pot culture conditions. Powdered leaf residues were incorporated into soil at 1, 2, and 4 g kg⁻¹ soil, with untreated soil serving as the control. Ten seeds were sown per pot, with three replications per treatment, and germination was monitored daily until completion. Germination percentage, germination rate index, mean germination time, mean germination rate, germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, and soil organic carbon were evaluated. The results showed significant species-specific and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects of weed residues on wheat germination. Increasing residue concentrations progressively reduced germination percentage and germination-related indices while increasing mean germination time. At the highest residue concentration (4 g kg⁻¹), germination percentage declined from 100% in the control to 80% in soils amended with Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Achyranthes aspera, 70% with Phalaris minor, and 73.3% with Chenopodium murale. In contrast, soil organic carbon increased in residue-amended soils, reaching 1.58–1.76% compared with 0.75% in the control. These findings indicate that weed leaf residues can simultaneously enhance soil organic carbon and adversely affect wheat germination, highlighting the importance of considering weed species in residue management decisions. The study contributes to a better understanding of allelopathic plant–plant interactions and provides useful information for developing sustainable weed management and crop production strategies. Future research should focus on identifying the specific allelochemicals responsible for the observed effects and validating these interactions under field conditions.

Perceived Climate Variability and Adaptation Responses among Smallholder Crop Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

K. H. Anyiam — 2026-07-08

Climate variability presents important challenges to smallholder crop production, particularly in areas where farming systems depend largely on seasonal rainfall. This study examined farmers’ perceived patterns of climate variability and the adaptation responses adopted by smallholder crop farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 food-crop farmers from the state’s three agricultural zones. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires supplemented with oral interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, ranking and a Climate Variability Perception Index. Results showed that farmers perceived clear evidence of climate variability, with an overall mean perception score of 3.71. The major perceived indicators were erratic rainfall (mean score: 4.58), increased temperature (4.40), rising incidence of pests and diseases (4.39), unpredictable weather conditions (4.23), occasional flooding (4.08) and shortened rainy seasons (3.71). Farmers disagreed with increased drought occurrence and prolonged drought periods, which recorded mean scores of 1.33 and 2.95, respectively. The main adaptation responses adopted were early planting (37.1%), zero tillage (14.4%), mixed cropping (12.0%), use of hybrid varieties (12.0%), erosion control measures (9.6%) and flood control using channels and gutters (7.2%). The findings indicate that smallholder crop farmers in Imo State recognise changes in climatic conditions and respond mainly through low-cost agronomic practices. The study recommends improved climate information services, stronger extension support and better access to affordable climate-smart agricultural technologies to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity.

Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Perceptions among Employees of Bannerughatta Biological Park, India

N. D. Hitesh — 2026-07-08

Environmental awareness among employees is increasingly recognised as an important component of organisational sustainability and environmental stewardship. While zoological institutions play significant roles in biodiversity conservation, environmental education and sustainability outreach, limited research has examined the environmental awareness and sustainability perceptions of zoo employees. This study assessed employees' environmental awareness and sustainability perceptions at Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP), India. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted between July and September 2025 using the KoboToolbox platform. From a workforce of 439 employees, 105 individuals were surveyed through simple random sampling, of whom 93 valid responses were included in the analysis. Environmental awareness was evaluated using eleven awareness-based questions covering waste management, environmental governance, sustainability concepts, climate-related terminology and conservation issues. Responses were scored to generate an Environmental Awareness Score (EAS) and categorised into low, moderate and high levels of awareness. Sustainability perception was assessed separately by asking employees about the role of zoos in conservation and sustainability. Most employees (69.9%) exhibited moderate environmental awareness, while 16.1% and 14.0% demonstrated low and high levels of awareness, respectively. Awareness was highest for human-induced environmental problems (92.5%) and waste-management-related issues. In contrast, awareness of carbon footprint (19.4%), India's forest and tree cover (21.5%), and the role of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (30.1%) was comparatively limited. Employees demonstrated highly positive sustainability perceptions, with 92.5% considering the role of zoos in conservation and sustainability to be important or very important. The findings highlight specific awareness gaps and underscore the need for targeted environmental education and capacity-building programmes. This study provides a baseline for employee-focused environmental education and sustainability initiatives within zoological institutions.

Association of Climatic Variability with Milk Production: A Twenty-Year Seasonal Study in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India

Neeshu Kharwar — 2026-07-09

Climate plays a significant role in the physiological well-being and productivity of dairy animals. The present study assessed the association of climatic variables, namely maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall, with milk production in milch animals maintained at the dairy farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The analysis used twenty years (2006-2025) of seasonal data covering winter, summer, south-west monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Seasonal weather analysis indicated variability in maximum and minimum temperatures during winter and post-monsoon seasons, whereas monsoon temperatures remained relatively stable. Rainfall showed considerable seasonal variability, with coefficients of variation ranging from 27.6 per cent during the south-west monsoon to 144.4 per cent during the post-monsoon season. Correlation analysis indicated generally weak associations between milk production and temperature variables. Summer maximum and minimum temperatures were weakly negatively correlated with milk production (r = -0.029 and r = -0.068, respectively), whereas post-monsoon maximum temperature showed a weak positive association (r = 0.293). Rainfall showed a moderate negative association with milk production in summer (r = -0.493) and a moderate positive association during the south-west monsoon (r = 0.419). The findings suggest that summer stress, rainfall-related management challenges, fodder availability and water resources may contribute to seasonal variation in milk production. The study emphasises season-specific management, including heat-stress mitigation and efficient fodder and water management, to support dairy productivity under variable climatic conditions.

A Comparative Study on Influence of Detergent on Haematology of Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Ramita Kumari — 2026-07-11

Detergents are common aquatic pollutants that may alter water quality and affect the physiology of aquatic organisms. Present study evaluated the effects of Ghari detergent powder on haematological parameters of two different species of Clarias fish under laboratory conditions. Healthy specimens of Clarias batrachus (72 g; 19 cm) and Clarias gariepinus (260 g; 29 cm) were used as experimental animals. After acclimatization for seven days, fish were randomly divided into control and detergent-exposed groups. Control groups were maintained in normal tap water, while treated groups were exposed to Ghari detergent at 20 mg/L for 15 and 30 days. After the exposure period, blood was collected from the caudal vein and analyzed for haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count using standard haematological methods. Detergent exposure altered the haematological profile of both species. In case of RBC and haemoglobin level, a duration- dependent decreasing trend was observed in both the fish. However, C. batrachus showed relatively greater extent of decrease in haemoglobin (50 %) and C. gariepinus showed greater extent of decrease in RBC count (69.42 %) following 30 days of exposure. Both the fish showed a slight increase in the level of WBCs after 15 days of the exposure, indicating stimulation of stress induced immune activity. The level of WBCs was further decreased by 44.71 % and 5.25 % in Desi and Thai Magur, respectively, following 30 days of exposure. The findings indicate that detergent exposure can influence haematological parameters in both fish species under the tested conditions. Among the species under study, C. gariepinus showed better resistance and adaptability against detergent induced alterations.