Changes in landscape structure and ecosystem services since 1850 analyzed using landscape metrics in two German municipalities

Land use has fundamentally altered landscape structure and ecosystem service provision over the last century in central Europe and worldwide. In this study, we analyzed long-term changes in landscape structures and ecosystem services in two case study areas in Germany in 1850 and 2018. First, we reconstructed land use changes using historical and current serial cadastral maps, historical documents, and digital aerial photographs. Second, we analyzed landscape structure by calculating select landscape metrics for several land-use types in both case study areas and time steps. Land use analysis for the first case study in the intensively used agricultural area of Jesewitz (Saxony) showed a significantly decreased percentage of grassland from 9.2% (in 1850) to 3.9% (in 2018) and an increase in built-up areas from 1.2% to 3.8%. For the second study area, located in the mountainous region of Ilsenburg, Harz (Saxony-Anhalt), the analysis revealed a stable forest area of 78% at both time steps. Grasslands dominated the non-forest areas and showed a significant decrease in area from 53.2% (in 1850) to 19.6% (in 2018). The settlement area increased markedly from 1.8% to 16.4%. Business and industrial areas also increased significantly from 0.9% to 10.0%. The present study shows that the risk of soil degradation caused by erosion has increased significantly since 1850. Furthermore, the risk of biodiversity loss has increased significantly owing to habitat degradation and devastation of vegetation structures. Moreover, the results showed that changes in landscape structure adversely affected the availability and quality of ecosystem services.

Automated summary

Land use changes have significantly altered landscape structure and ecosystem service provision in central Europe and worldwide. This study analyzed long-term changes in landscape structure and ecosystem services in two case study areas in Germany from 1850 to 2018. The results showed a significant increase in the risk of soil degradation and biodiversity loss due to land use changes, as well as adverse effects on the availability and quality of ecosystem services.