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We are pleased to announce that Prof. dr hab. Jan Rodzik (Department of Hydrology and Climatology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University) has co-authored a new article published in Scientific Reports – a renowned journal from the Nature publishing group. The publication presents a comprehensive assessment of the sustainable use potential of loess gullies located at the rural–urban interface in Lublin.
Rodzik J., Żuraw B., Sowińska-Świerkosz B., Kuna J., Sosnowska M., Podsiedlik M., 2025. Multi-criteria evaluation for the sustainable use of loess gullies in rural–urban borderline. Scientific Reports 15, 10801.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-94597-8
The research focused on the densely urbanised western part of Lublin, where unique landforms – dry valleys and gullies of both natural and anthropogenic origin – are found. The authors analysed land cover changes since the 19th century, the impact of urbanisation on slope evolution, and the ecological value of vegetation colonising the Lipniak gully. An interdisciplinary approach was adopted, including GIS analyses, soil studies, and the valorisation of plant communities.
The findings revealed that anthropogenic processes – including historical road and agricultural use – played a key role in the formation and transformation of gullies. Particular attention was paid to protected plant species (e.g., the hard shield-fern Polystichum aculeatum) and spatial planning proposals that integrate recreational functions with nature conservation. The article presents a model approach to the revitalisation of such landforms based on the nature-based solutions (NBS) concept, in line with the principles of sustainable development.
Publication list of Institute staff
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