Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International

Crop Residue Management for Climate-Smart Agriculture: Alternatives to Burning and Pathways to Circularity

Suraj Jadhav — 2026-05-25

Agricultural production generates vast quantities of crop residues annually, the management of which poses one of the most consequential yet under-addressed challenges in contemporary agri-food systems. Open-field burning remains the predominant disposal method in many low- and middle-income agricultural regions, principally across South and Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Eastern Europe and Latin America, where logistical and economic pressures incentivise the rapid clearance of fields between cropping seasons. This review synthesises evidence from peer-reviewed literature and authoritative institutional reports, published primarily between 2000 and 2026, to characterise the scale and consequences of crop residue burning, evaluate the scientific basis for alternative management strategies, and situate residue valorisation within the dual conceptual frameworks of climate-smart agriculture and the circular bioeconomy. The principal findings indicate that open burning releases substantial quantities of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, black carbon, and fine particulate matter, with profound consequences for soil health, air quality, human respiratory health, and global climate stability. A spectrum of technically viable alternatives is examined, including in-situ residue incorporation, biochar production, composting and vermicomposting, anaerobic digestion for biogas, lignocellulosic bioethanol production, thermochemical conversion, and use as animal feed or raw industrial material. Climate-smart soil management, grounded in enhanced organic matter inputs and the stabilisation of soil carbon pools, emerges as a central strategy for simultaneously improving agricultural resilience and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The circular bioeconomy framework provides a coherent architecture for transforming residues from waste streams into value-added products, integrating energy, nutrient, and carbon recovery within cascading use hierarchies. Significant policy, institutional, and knowledge barriers remain, however, particularly in smallholder farming systems. The review concludes by identifying critical research gaps and recommending governance measures to accelerate the transition from burning to sustainable, circular residue management.

Rethinking Cement Production: Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Solutions

Satinder Kaur Khattra — 2026-05-28

The cement industry is a fundamental pillar of modern infrastructure development; however, it is also one of the most environmentally intensive industrial sectors due to its high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources. Cement manufacturing contributes nearly 8–9% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, primarily due to limestone calcination and fossil fuel combustion during clinker production. With increasing urbanization and infrastructure demand, reducing the environmental footprint of cement production has become a major global challenge. This review critically examines the environmental impacts associated with cement manufacturing, including carbon emissions, energy use, air and water pollution, land degradation and resource exploitation. The study further evaluates various sustainable mitigation strategies such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), alternative fuels, waste-derived materials, energy-efficient kiln technologies, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and low-carbon binders. Comparative analysis of previous studies indicates that SCMs and alternative binders can significantly reduce clinker consumption and associated CO₂ emissions, while CCS technologies have the potential to capture up to 90% of process-related carbon emissions. The review also highlights the growing role of circular economy approaches, industrial waste utilization and digital process optimization in sustainable cement production. Despite substantial progress, several challenges remain regarding large-scale implementation, economic feasibility, durability assessment and policy support. Future research should focus on AI-assisted process optimization, advanced low-carbon binders, integrated life-cycle assessment, industrial scalability of carbon-neutral technologies and sustainable utilization of agricultural and industrial wastes. The study emphasizes that achieving a low-carbon and resource-efficient cement industry requires coordinated efforts involving technological innovation, policy intervention and sustainable construction practices.

Influence of Pre-sowing Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Albizia procera: A Review

Pooja Singh — 2026-05-30

Agroforestry is a broad and integrated land-use system that involves the deliberate cultivation and management of woody perennials, including trees, shrubs, and bamboos, in association with herbaceous components such as crops, pastures, and/or livestock. These components are arranged either spatially or temporally within the same land management unit to promote complementary ecological and economic interactions between the arboreal and non-arboreal elements. Through such interactions, agroforestry systems contribute to enhanced resource-use efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable productivity of agricultural landscapes. Albizia procera is an important multipurpose leguminous tree widely used in forestry, agroforestry, afforestation, and ecological restoration programs due to its rapid growth, nitrogen-fixing ability, timber value, and adaptability to degraded lands. However, large-scale propagation of the species is often constrained by poor and irregular seed germination caused primarily by physical dormancy associated with a hard and impermeable seed coat. This review synthesises recent research on the influence of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling development of A. procera. Various physical, thermal, chemical, and hydration-based treatments have been evaluated to overcome dormancy and improve germination performance. Among the treatments, gibberellic acid (GA₃) application at 50 ppm for 12 hours was reported as the most effective, achieving up to 90% germination along with superior germination rate and seedling vigour. Hot water treatment (70–100°C for short durations followed by soaking) also produced high germination percentages ranging from 75–86%, making it a practical and economical option for nursery operations. Mechanical scarification and acid treatments effectively reduced mean germination time by improving seed coat permeability, while organic hydration methods such as cow dung slurry enhanced seedling vigour and growth under sustainable nursery conditions. The review further emphasises the methodological approaches employed in recent studies, the comparative effectiveness of different treatments, their practical implications for forestry and agroforestry systems, and the major gaps that persist in current research. Although considerable progress has been achieved, inconsistencies in treatment protocols, limited field-based validation, and inadequate physiological and molecular investigations continue to represent significant constraints. Future research should therefore prioritise the standardisation of treatment methodologies, the implementation of extensive field trials, and the development of environmentally sustainable and scalable technologies aimed at enhancing seed germination and successful seedling establishment in A. procera.

A Temporal Assessment of the Effects of Land Use on Land Cover in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State

Moses Obenade — 2026-05-27

Land use and vegetation in Ezza South, Nigeria have changed significantly due to population growth, agricultural expansion, urbanization, and deforestation, leading to conversion of forests into farmland and settlements. These changes have caused biodiversity loss and environmental problems such as erosion, flooding, desertification, and reduced ecosystem stability. This study examines the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and vegetation change in Ezza South Local Government Area (LGA), Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between 2000 and 2024 using geospatial techniques. Multi-temporal satellite imagery from the Sentinel-2 (Google Dynamic World dataset) and Landsat archives was analyzed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to generate Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) maps and assess long-term vegetation health through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The results reveal significant landscape transformation characterized by extensive deforestation, rapid agricultural expansion, and increasing urbanization. Forest cover declined sharply, largely converted to farmland, while built-up areas expanded steadily in response to population growth and socio-economic pressures. NDVI trends showed strong seasonal variability but no long-term greening, underscoring the stress on vegetation health and ecological stability. The findings highlight the critical role of anthropogenic drivers such as agriculture, urbanization, and mining in shaping environmental change. This research contributes timely spatial evidence for policymakers, land managers, and environmental agencies, emphasizing the need for sustainable land management, reforestation, and integrated urban planning to mitigate further degradation and ensure ecological resilience in Ezza South.

An Assessment of Local Governance Procedures and Urban Housing Stakeholders’ Actions in Bamenda, Northwest Region of Cameroon

Khan Statson Ndoh — 2026-05-28

Background: Urban housing challenges have intensified due to rapid urbanisation and weak governance systems. This study critically examines local governance procedures and urban housing stakeholders’ actions in Bamenda, Cameroon, within the context of decentralisation policy implementation.

Aim: The research assesses the effectiveness of various stakeholders’ actions in achieving sustainable urban housing standards and evaluates differences in their approaches.

Study Design: A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bamenda, the largest city and regional headquarters of the Northwest Region of Cameroon, from June 2023 to August 2024.

Methodology: Relevant data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources made use of surveys of 520 respondents, key informant interviews and spatial analysis. Secondary data sources included municipal records, government policy documents, NGO reports and academic publications related to the subject matter.

Results: Findings reveal that the Bamenda City Council emerges as the most dominant stakeholder (41.73%), with combined stakeholder approaches showing the highest success rates of 34.91%. The evolution of stakeholder actions from 2010-2024 demonstrates a shift from material prescription strategies (70.83% pre-2010) to enforcement-based approaches, with strict supervision increasing to 42.45% between 2016 and 2020. Major barriers include insufficient funding, lack of political will, and poor coordination.

Conclusion: The study concludes that enhanced stakeholders’ coordination, increased funding mechanisms and strengthening of community participation could improve urban housing outcomes in the context of decentralisation.

Machine Learning–enabled Characterization of Normal Water Quality Behavior and Anomaly Detection in Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring Systems

Azeez Adamolekun — 2026-05-29

Groundwater and surface water systems are monitored using physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), and residual chlorine to ensure environmental safety and public health. However, natural temporal variability limits the effectiveness of fixed threshold-based anomaly detection. This study proposes a data-driven framework for defining normal water quality behavior and detecting anomalies using machine learning. Historical sensor data were preprocessed to establish empirical normal ranges based on the 5th and 95th percentiles. Observations outside these bounds were labeled as abnormal, while those within were considered normal, enabling supervised classification. Two interpretable models, Logistic Regression and Random Forest, were implemented and evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and ROC and precision–recall curves. Random Forest demonstrated superior performance with Precision = 0.93, Recall = 0.88, and F1-score = 0.90, outperforming Logistic Regression (Precision = 0.86, Recall = 0.74, F1-score = 0.79). The results demonstrate improved sensitivity, reduced false alarms, and stronger reliability for environmental contamination monitoring. Visualization tools, including normal range bands, correlation analysis, feature importance, temporal probability trends, and confusion matrices, enhanced interpretability. The framework enables early detection of contamination events and sensor anomalies, supporting reliable, real-time water quality monitoring and informed environmental decision-making.

Environmental Impacts of Oil Thefts on Landuse/Landcover in the Niger Delta Region: A Case Study of Ahoada-East, Rivers State, Nigeria

Moses Obenade — 2026-05-30

Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy, centered in the Niger Delta and dominated by extensive crude oil exploration and production activities, faces severe environmental and economic challenges due to oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and the growing menace of artisanal crude oil refining. This study examines the impacts of oil thefts and artisanal refining on land use land cover in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-South region, Nigeria from year 2002 and 2022 covering a twenty years’ period using geospatial techniques. The results indicate that agricultural land declined markedly from 61.60 km² in 2002 to 29.40 km² in 2022, representing a substantial reduction with significant agricultural and environmental implications. Bare soil, which was absent (0 km²) in 2002, expanded to over 10.3 km² by 2022, reflecting the extent of land degradation associated with oil theft and artisanal refining activities in the area. Similarly, degraded land increased from 0 km² in 2002 to 5.15 km² in 2022. Dense wetland vegetation decreased from 286.27 km² in 2002 to 219 km² in 2022, corresponding to a 16.59% decline over the twenty-year period. In contrast, settlement areas expanded considerably from approximately 52.82 km² in 2002 to over 138 km² in 2022, largely attributable to population growth. Water bodies also exhibited a slight reduction, decreasing from 5.56 km² to 4.2 km² over the same period, representing a 1.37% change. The results offer valuable insights consistent with similar studies in the region which point to increasing devastation of the ecosystems leading to the extinction of several species of plants, fishes, and animals. Agriculture and food security in the region are being threatened by the continuous pollution of the environment if stakeholders do not urgently take proactive and remedial measures.

Environmental Sanitation Practices and Water-related Health Risks in Mamfe Central Sub-Division, South West Region of Cameroon

Maruh Oben Enoagbonso — 2026-05-30

Environmental sanitation and water quality remain critical determinants of public health, particularly in rapidly urbanising towns across sub-Saharan Africa. In Mamfe Central sub-division, inadequate waste management systems, deteriorating drainage infrastructure and limited sanitation coverage have heightened population vulnerability to water-related health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of environmental sanitation practices in mitigating water quality deterioration, with emphasis on waste management systems, sanitation access, hygiene behaviours, water-health linkages and institutional support mechanisms. This study was guided by the use of a mixed research design consisting of qualitative and quantitative designs, the duration spans from 2019- 2024. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 218 households across multiple quarters of the sub-division. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression modelling were employed for data analysis. Findings indicate that burning (35.2%) and open dumping (31.9%) are the dominant waste disposal methods, while municipal waste collection services reach only 11% of households. Additionally, 72.4% of drainage infrastructure is classified as poor to very poor. Water quality test results are largely positive, with 57.2% of respondents rating their water as poor to very poor in terms of physio-chemical and biological analysis. Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive relationship between environmental sanitation and water quality (r = 0.876, P < 0.001), with sanitation conditions explaining 76.7% of the variation in water quality (R² = 0.767). These results confirm that inadequate environmental sanitation is a primary driver of water quality deterioration in the study area. The study recommends the expansion of municipal waste collection services, rehabilitation of drainage systems, strengthened enforcement of sanitation regulations, and the promotion of community-based sanitation initiatives.

Multi-Criteria Optimization of Sanitation Systems for the Transition to a Circular Urban Metabolism in Peri-Urban Ecosystems in Mexico

Fajardo-Montiel Aida Lucia — 2026-05-30

Effluent discharges released without adequate treatment and containing pollutant loads exceeding the maximum permissible limits contribute significantly to the degradation of receiving ecosystems, including rivers and streams. Simultaneously, such contamination reduces the potential for the indirect reuse of water resources, thereby exacerbating water stress within the affected region. The migration towards a circular urban metabolism merits the modernization of the infrastructure for wastewater treatment, essentially in peri-urban ecosystems that receive mixed organic loads and hydraulic variability. This research proposes a multi-criteria optimization in the design of a Wastewater Treatment System (WTS) in the town of Etzatlán, belonging to the Valles de Jalisco Region, Mexico. Methodologically, a retrospective-prospective demographic modelling (horizon 2020-2045) and a direct in situ flow measurement were used to define the hydraulic regime. The results revealed an atypical hourly coefficient of variation (k₂ = 2.19) and organic load with high concentration (Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) of 652.3 mg/l, with fats and oils that exceed the regulations) related to agro-industrial pig discharges. Through a qualitative-quantitative decision matrix, five technological alternatives were evaluated, determining that the configuration of an Imhoff Tank coupled to Biological Filters provides greater operational resilience. The system absorbs toxic shocks through physical phase separation, minimizes the carbon footprint and offers a 43% saving in operating costs, compared to conventional activated sludge systems. It is concluded that the modular design facilitates the closure of the hydrological cycle through the revaluation of nutrients for agricultural fertigation, strengthening the water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) nexus. The research demonstrates that the transition from conventional sanitation systems to resilient, decentralised approaches aligned with circular economy principles represents a technically feasible and environmentally sustainable alternative for peri-urban municipalities in western Mexico exhibiting similar hydraulic and socio-environmental characteristics.

Effect of NPK Conjunction with City Waste Compost on Yield & Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Harsh Kumar — 2026-06-01

Green gram productivity and soil health can be improved through integrated nutrient management using balanced NPK fertilisers along with city waste compost, which together enhance growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and long-term soil fertility while reducing the drawbacks of sole chemical fertiliser use. A field experiment was undertaken during the Zaid seasons of 2023 and 2024 at the research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, to assess the influence of combined NPK fertilisation and city waste compost (CWC) on the growth and yield of green gram (*Vigna radiata* L.). The study was arranged in a factorial randomised block design comprising sixteen treatment combinations, involving four levels of NPK (0, 50, 75 and 100%) and four levels of CWC (0, 3, 6 and 9 t ha⁻¹), each replicated three times. The experimental soil was sandy loam in texture, slightly acidic to neutral in reaction, and characterised by low organic carbon and available nitrogen, with medium levels of available phosphorus and potassium. The results revealed that application of 100% NPK along with city waste compost @ 9 t ha^-1 (T16) recorded the highest seed yield (18.71 and 21.82 q ha^-1), stover yield (23.29 and 24.62 q ha^-1), gross return (₹154339.46 and ₹179464.48 ha^-1), and net return (₹92568.26 and ₹117693.27 ha^-1) during 2023 and 2024, respectively. The pooled data also confirmed the superiority of T16 with maximum seed yield (20.22 q ha^-1), stover yield (23.96 q ha^-1), gross return (₹166901.97 ha^-1), and net return (₹105130.77 ha^-1). However, the highest pooled B: C ratio (2.27) was recorded under treatment T13 (100% NPK + city waste compost 0 t ha^-1). The improvement in yield and economics due to integrated nutrient management may be attributed to balanced nutrient supply, improved soil fertility, enhanced nutrient uptake, and better crop growth resulting from the combined application of inorganic fertilisers and organic compost. The study concluded that the conjoint use of 100% NPK with city waste compost @ 9 t ha^-1 proved most effective for maximising productivity and economic returns of green gram under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions. The findings also highlight the importance of city waste compost as a sustainable organic amendment for improving soil health and green gram productivity under the Agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj.