Specific environmental characteristics can encourage active leisure travel and increase physical activity. However, existing environment-travel studies tend to ignore the differences in environmental characteristics associated with route choice and travel distance, of which the latter could be more important for health benefits, since longer trips are associated with increased exercise. Additionally, the most recent studies focus on leisure walking and leisure cycling, and activities such as hiking, climbing, and running are examined less frequently. This study, therefore, compares the similarities and differences of the environmental factors associated with route selection and travel distance through non-parametric tests and Cox proportional hazard models. The results show that two intersecting sets of environmental elements relate to both the route chosen and the distance traveled. Land use diversity and varied topography are appealing for both leisure trips and trip length. In addition, the differences in environmental characteristics among specific leisure travels may be attributed to variations in physical activity requirements, preferences for landscape viewing, and/or sensitivity to crowding. Therefore, conclusions drawn without considering the different types of leisure travel could be skewed. Whether particular surroundings may effectively increase physical activity remains uncertain. A more holistic perspective could be beneficial when studying the connection between the environment, active travel, and health.

Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. syn. B. rapa), a widely cultivated leafy vegetable, faces significant challenges in annual production due to high-temperature stress, which adversely affects plant weight and quality. The need for an effective solution to mitigate these impacts is imperative for sustainable horticulture. This study explored the effects of a novel biofertilizer, natural soil biotin (NSB), on Chinese cabbage under high-temperature conditions. NSB, rich in organic matter-degrading enzymes, was applied to assess its impact on crop yield, growth, nutrient use efficiency, product quality, and safety. The study also examined the soil microbial community response to NSB application, particularly the changes in the rhizosphere soil’s fungal population. The application of NSB led to an increase in the abundance of Oleomycetes, which was associated with a decrease in the diversity and abundance of harmful fungi in the rhizosphere soil. This microbial shift promoted the growth of Chinese cabbage, enhancing both plant weight and quality by fostering a more favorable growth environment. Furthermore, NSB was found to reduce lipid peroxidation in Chinese cabbage leaves under high-temperature stress (40°C/30°C, 16 h/8 h, 24 h) by boosting antioxidant enzyme activity and osmoregulatory substance content. The findings suggest that the NSB application offers a promising approach to environmentally friendly cultivation of Chinese cabbage during high-temperature seasons. It contributes to improving the crop’s adaptation to climate change and soil degradation, supporting the development of sustainable agricultural practices. The integration of NSB into agricultural practices presents a viable strategy for enhancing the resilience of Chinese cabbage to high-temperature stress, thereby potentially increasing yield and improving the quality of the produce, which is crucial for the advancement of sustainable horticulture.

Fertilization significantly influences soil quality and its sustainable use in urban garden maintenance. The widespread application of inorganic fertilizers has raised ecological concerns due to their potential environmental impacts. Organic fertilizers, while beneficial, often have slow effects and are costly. Biofertilizers, with their eco-friendly nature and low carbon footprint, are gaining attention for their multifaceted role in supporting plant growth. Despite the focus on fruit trees, vegetables, and medicinal plants, ornamental plants have been understudied. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel microbial fertilizer, ‘natural soil biotin’, on Rhododendron plants, specifically the Azalea hybrid ‘Carnation’. The study employed a comparative approach to assess the impact of different fertilization strategies on soil properties, microbial diversity, enzyme activity, plant morphology, and physiological parameters. The application of ‘natural soil biotin’ was compared with the use of inorganic and organic fertilizers. The combined application of ‘natural soil biotin’ was found to effectively enhance soil properties and mitigate the impact of other fertilizers on soil pH. It also improved the relative abundance of beneficial microbial groups such as Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, the mixed application significantly increased the activities of urease and sucrase in Rhododendron plants, which promoted their growth, development, and stress resistance. The results indicate that the mixed application of ‘natural soil biotin’ with inorganic and organic fertilizers not only improved the soil quality but also enhanced the efficiency of fertilizer utilization. This approach led to increased economic and environmental benefits in Rhododendron cultivation. The findings contribute to the foundation for soil improvement and ecological restoration, suggesting that ‘natural soil biotin’ could be a promising alternative or supplement to traditional fertilization methods in sustainable landscape architecture.