Comprehensive Sustainability Indicator for Land Resource-Carrying Capacity in a Farming-Pastoral Region

Abstract

The Northeast Farming-pastoral ecotone (NFPE) in China is crucial for farming and pastoralism. However, sustainable development of land resources faces several challenges from human activities and environmental degradation. Thus, assessing land resource-carrying capacity (LRCC) is crucial for effective land-use planning and management. This study proposes a comprehensive indicator system to evaluate LRCC in the NFPE. We integrate remote sensing, model simulation, and statistical data, employing Geographic Information System analysis and statistical techniques to assess spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of LRCC. Findings indicate increasing LRCC with spatial-temporal heterogeneity. The northern region exhibits relatively high and growing LRCC, while some eastern regions have low LRCC but a high growth trend. The southern region displays both low LRCC and growth. Balancing regional development and ecological protection requires considering spatial heterogeneity of LRCC in land-use planning and management decisions, facilitating differentiated land-use strategies for sustainable development.